Posts Tagged by treatment
Fighting the Visible Signs of Aging
| May 11, 2012 | Filled under Articles |
YOUR SKIN
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is significantly affected by the aging process. Estrogen receptors have been detected on the cellular components of the skin and lower levels of estrogen influence the skin-cell metabolims.
Changes in the skin collagen leads to diminished elasticity and skin strength. There is a distinct reduction of collagen production after menopause. Changes in vascularity are found following menopause. Dermal blood flow decreases significantly in postmenopausal women.
Repair functions in skin are regulated by a group of chemicals called ‘cytokines’. Included in these are epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and angiogenesis factor. AF stimulates the rebuilding of the microvascular system within the skin. TGF and ECGF stimulate rapid cell proliferation for the replacement of dead or damaged cells.
Excessive exposure to UV rays causes oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers in this skin. This, in turn causes ‘crosslinking’. Cross-linking causes the collagen in the skin to become tangled and stiffen. This results in sagging and loss of skin elasticity, and allow facial expressions to put deep lines and wrinkles in the skin.
Some of this UV damage can be prevented by the use of sunscreens and sunblocks. Some of this damage can be reversed by the use of ‘peels’ – where the outer layer of the skin is removed by the use of mild acidic formulas, which removes the damaged layers and stimulates the production of a stronger, thicker layer of skin.
Free radicals are molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions within the body. These free radicals damage cellular DNA and cause mutations of the skin cells. Free radical damage can be prevented by the use of anti-oxidants, both internally and topically. Antioxidants attract and bind these free radical molecules, rendering them harmless.
Premature skin aging can be avoided by preventing excess exposure to sunlight and pollutants, as well as providing with skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Provide your skin with the building blocks it needs by maintaining adequate consumption of the following nutrients:
NUTRITION FOR AGING SKIN
ZINC: Zinc is required for collagen production and elastin synthesis, as well as DNA repair. Zinc is required for DNA duplication, which is required for cell division. Zinc is required for the production of certain proteins that remove damaged or mutated tissue as well as for superoxide dismutase, a power antioxidant.
COPPER: Copper helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helps to thicken the dermis, increases vascularity and oxygenation and works to stimulate superoxide dismutase.
SULFUR: Sulfur is a component of the protein Keratin found in nails, hair and skin. Sulfur is essential for the production of collagen and it is required for the production of the connective tissues.
Vitamin A: The vitamin necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Ascorbyl palmitate applied on the skin decreased the level of formation of free radicals*.
Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties. Photoprotective properties of topically applied vitamin C have also been demonstrated, indicating its use in the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Topical applications of 5% vitamin C cream is an effective treatment, clinically shown to improve photodamaged skin.**
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been shown to reverse skin damage, increase wound healing. Vitamin D is produced in the body in response to sunlight, and has been shown to have a beneficial affect on skin repair and hair growth. Vitamin D rarely requires supplementation, and 15 minutes of daily low-sun exposure should stimulate adequate production of this hormone-like vitamin.***
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a power antioxidant. Experiments show that that it may protect against the degredation of collagen, and prevent skin damage by environmental insult and aging.***
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone): Internal and topical application of CoQ10 has a beneficial effect of preventing photoaging. CoQ10 penetrates into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation. Reduction in wrinkle depth following CoQ10 application has also been shown in clinical trials. CoQ10 prevents oxidative DNA damage and suppresses the degredation of collagen.****
References:
*Skin protection against ultraviolet induced free radicals with ascorbyl palmitate in microemulsions. Jurkovic P, Sentjurc M, Gasperlin M, Kristl J, Pecar S. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
**Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, Lapiere C, Nusgens B, Richard A, Schmitt D, Rougier A, Zahouani H. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Saint Jacques, University of Franche-Comte, Besancon, France.
***Vitamin D enhances mitogenesis mediated by keratinocyte growth factor receptor in keratinocytes. Gamady A, Koren R, Ron D, Liberman UA, Ravid A. The Basil and Gerald Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
***Age-dependent increase of collagenase expression can be reduced by alpha-tocopherol via protein kinase C inhibition. Ricciarelli R, Maroni P, Ozer N, Zingg JM, Azzi A.Institut fur Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitat Bern, Switzerland.
****Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stab F, Steckel F.Paul Gerson Unna Research Center, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
Firming Skin Tips – Without Surgery
| February 8, 2012 | Filled under Skincare |
Rarely, will the skin stay firm as we age; it tends to sag. However, being good to your skin and body can help slow down this process. Here are some skin firming tips you can use.
- Drink fennel tea. Fennel tea has always been connected to living a long life.
The Fennel seed has many medicinal benefits. Fennel seeds contains many antioxidants, and also aids in weight loss. It has appetite-suppressant properties. Fennel tea can be bought in health food stores. In addition to weight loss, its benefits include B and C vitamins, as well as potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Fennel seeds come from fennel, a perennial plant grown originally in Southern Europe. It is sometimes called sweet fennel and the fruit is popularly known as fennel seed. Technically, “fennel seeds” are not seeds at all but the dried fruit of the plant.
Wear sun protection for your skin. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses when being exposed to a lot of sun.
- Stay away from starvation diets. These diets rob your body and skin of necessary nutrients. Your body needs nutrients and if you don’t feed it properly, you will be damaging your skin. Remember, the skin is the largest organ of your body.
- Replace healthy eating with quick weight loss diets. This way your lifestyle will play a major role in the care of your skin.
- Lose weight gradually instead of extremely fast. The more gradual the weight loss, the more time your skin has to adjust to your new size.
- Facial exercises will help to tone your skin and postpone the loss of elasticity
- Schedule weekly or monthly facials for a toned and healthier appearance. You can also do your own facial with a good skin care product such as, micro dermabrasion.
- Be cautious with face lifts and make sure you thoroughly investigate the procedure and outcome. Many times they don’t look natural.
Eat a good balanced appetite, avoid smoking, watch your alcohol intake, and get adequate amounts of sleep. These habits will go a long way in nurturing your skin and keeping it looking youthful.
Use over the counter skin care products containing vitamin A or retinol, as it will help your skin look firmer especially when used at night.
Laser and light treatments are non invasive skin firming techniques. The price is more affordable than a traditional face lift. You will need to speak to your dermatologist about this procedure.
Hyaluronan Acid Benefits
| November 8, 2011 | Filled under Skincare |
Hyaluronan is a common ingredient in skin-care products. Use of Hyaluronan Acid in cosmetics is a relatively new use of this substance, but it has been approved by the FDA since 2003 and is becoming increasingly popular.
What is Hyaluronan Acid?
Hyaluronic acid was made ‘famous’ by an ABC News report in which Connie Chung visited a Japanese village by the name of Yuzurihara. She found that the people there were living longer, looked younger, and were more flexible and active than their US counterparts. These Japanese villagers, in their 80s and 90s, have smooth wrinkle-less skin, a full head of hair and there was apparently no need for them to ware glasses.
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Other Uses for Hyaluronic Acid
- Linked to tissue hydration and dehydration, lubrication, and other aspects of cellular function, along with other vitamins and nutrients in the body.
- Creates a cushion effect between joints of the body and provides more elasticity in the skin, and a softer feel. Other scientists also believe that it raises the while blood cell count, helping to ward off infection.
- Hyaluronic Acid has a half life in the body, in cartilage of two to three weeks, but only one day in the skin. When synthesis in the body declines people experience discomfort of the joints, wrinkles and many people report more frequent illness, leading many to believe that a constant supply of Hyaluronic Acid is beneficial.
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- Hyaluronic Acid was described as the goo muscle until the late 1970′s, and was simply believed to be a carbohydrate polymer until that time. It was later discovered that it is one of the main lubricating components of synovial fluid in the body, abundant in extra cellular matrices, and that it contributes to the hydrodynamics of tissue, cell proliferation and movement.
- Naturally found in many body tissues, Hyaluronan Acid is often used in medical applications such as eye surgery – corneal transplants, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and retinal detachment repair.
- It is also used to treat osteoarthritis in areas such as the knee. In addition to lubrication and cushioning of joints it has an analgesic effect, and positive effects of cartilage. In cancer treatment it is used as a tumor marker; particularly in breast cancer and prostate cancer.
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3 Effortless Ways to Relieve Your Sleeping Disorder
| October 26, 2011 | Filled under Articles |
If you are one of the millions of people suffering from insomnia, then you should consider taking actions that will make it less of a problem. While many try prescription remedies, they really don’t always work. They also can have a big effect on your health insurance costs.
It is estimated that Americans spend $4.5 billion each year on sleep medications. Some of this cost can be avoided, if alternative methods are used. In this article, we look at them.
There are many causes of insomnia, hormonal worrying and hormonal changes being the biggest culprits. While all of the methods below help in many cases, yours may be more intense or chronic. If so, you should consult with your personal physician for other treatment options. However, if your insomnia is mild or situational, you can first try these remedies.
1. Relax your mind – Sounds easier than it is, but it’s one of the best ways to fall asleep. You should release the day’s worries before turning in for the night. Sometimes watching a lighthearted movie or TV program, can go a long way to put you in a calm mood. Do this in the hours before bedtime.
In all actuality, the term sleep on it is not a good way to begin restful night’s sleep. In fact, any problems to solve should be put off until the next day. It many sound counter-intuitive, but your best chance of reaching an important decision is when you’re well rested and have taken good care of yourself. For the insomniac, before bedtime activities should be focused on winding down for the evening.
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2. Concentrate on your health – Exercising is a great way to put your body in a relaxing mood. Just make sure your workouts are not too close to bedtime; as you will be too hyper to fall asleep. On the other hand, for those who exercise on a regular basis, their bodies may start to wind down soon after the work out is complete.
Also, eating well is critical to your overall health, which includes the quality of sleep you get. The healthier you are, the better you’ll sleep. An active and nutritious lifestyle goes right to the heart of healthy sleep.
3. Discover enjoyable techniques – There are several techniques intended to help people relax plus improve sleep.
-Listen to audio and meditation products. They can help you drift off into a deep and restful sleep.
-Try Yoga. Yoga teaches you breathing, meditation and stretching techniques that help with relaxation.
-Drink a decaffeinated herbal tea before bed. Certain teas have relaxing properties such as, Chamomiles flowers, Australian Lemon Myrtle, Spearmint, Linden flowers and Lavender flowers teas.
Finally, there are many organizations that study sleep disorders and give sleep therapy advice such as, the National Sleep Foundation.org
Natural Remedies in Acne Treatment
| June 5, 2011 | Filled under Articles |
In recent times, it has been proven that the number of people who have acne has increased drastically. The reasons for his have not been proven and as result, there is not official pronouncement on the reasons for this. However, we can make some assumptions that are susceptible to corrections. The reason there is a rampant case of acne today can be largely attributed to our diets and possibly the environment. In the past, reported incidents of acne treatments weren’t exactly common. However, things have changed today. There is no clear account of the number of people suffering from acne. But the sale of medicines for acne is on the increase and this suggests that there is an increase in the number of people having acne. Acne which is mainly caused as a result of the clogging of the skin pores by the oil generated by the sebaceous gland in the skin. He clogging of the skin pores are s a result of certain bacteria. It is for this reason that most acne treatments are never effective. They concentrate more on eliminating the symptoms and not the root cause. So, instead of focusing on how to eliminate the bacteria, these solutions work for scar removal and pimple drying. Because most of these ointments and treatment methods hardly work, attention has shifted from over-the-counter-prescriptions and doctor recommended diagnosis to alternative therapy and medicine.These alternative therapies like Acnezine which can be found at www.acnezine.com have been consistently proven to work and produce the desired results. While most of them do not over hype their products like others do, it is said that they can easily get rid of any acne given a 30-day trial period. If this seems too far, then you can go on dealing with the same issues every time. But these products offer one of the most important solutions and cure to acne which is the elimination of the root cause instead of just symptom treatment. In conjunction with using natural remedies like Acnezine, it is always best to also change your diet from one of junk meals and foods to that which is filled with all forms of fruits. The plentier the fruits, the better. So, change the diet. Avoid all forms of foods oil rich foods like hotdogs, sandwich, cheese and anything related to cheese and a host of other forms of junk.
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