Protect Your Skin For Health and Beauty

By Misty Wray, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Protect Your Skin For Health and Beauty

The first step in any program for treating sun-damaged skin is to stop ongoing damage. It makes little sense to improve the quality of the skin and then subject it to further damage from chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Prevention, correction and maintenance are the key principles in protecting the skin from aging prematurely.
We need protection against both UVA and UVB in addition to providing protection from the insult of oxygen-free radicals. Sunscreen can be broken down into two types physical blocks and chemical blocks. Physical blocks, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, lie on top of the skin surface and are not absorbed. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the epidermis. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA), and avobenzone (Parsol 1789), are all chemical sunscreens. PABA will not protect against UVA rays and has a high rate of contact allergy. At this time, it appears that Parsol 1789 is the best chemical UVA blocking agent available in this country.
When you purchase sunscreen remember the SPF indicates the sun protective factor and refers to only the UVB protection and not UVA.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is imperative in the treatment of sun-damaged skin. I recommend SkinCeuticals sunblock products because it contains two patented technologies that give a transparent appearance and makes it potentially less irritating. In addition, SkinCeuticals contains L-ascorbic acid, the only form of vitamin C the body can use and can get into the skin, which neutralizes oxygen-free radicals before they can damage the skin.
After protecting the skin and providing a regular maintenance program you will notice a remarkable improvement in appearance with time. If you give up after six months then you may not notice a benefit. If you dont have enough time and want a faster result, then there are some non-surgical options to help make you look and feel better.
Botox prevents wrinkle formation by decreasing muscle contraction. It is not intended for all types of wrinkles or in all areas of the face. Some people are discouraged because they feel that they will have to continue getting Botox regularly for the desired effect. It is true that Botox is not permanent and eventually you will regain muscle contraction but I have found that with the continued use of Botox, in combination with a regular skin maintenance program, the need for frequent injections is diminished.
What about those deep furrows or places that Botox cant reach? Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the human body, and used as dermal filler. It is currently approved in the United States for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane Fine Lines has many more gel particles per milliliter and is used for fine superficial wrinkles. The product is designed to last 6-9 months. Restylane works by the hyaluronic acid binding water and creating volume.
Ophthalmologists have extensive experience dealing with the aging skin around the eyes. Ophthalmologists understand the anatomy of the eye in detail and know what is best for the health and maintenance of your eyes.