Miracle in a Jar?
November 23, 2010
In their quest to erase wrinkles, consumers have long been cautioned against investing their hopes (and skin) in cream formulations that deliver less than they promise. Yet, if there is any anti-wrinkle treatment that can be remotely described as a “miracle in a jar,” it may be the prescription medication tretinoin (known as Retin-A, Renova, Atralin, Avita, and Altinac). First used as a treatment for acne, topical tretinoin works by irritating the skin and encouraging rapid skin-cell turnover. By a similar mechanism, this derivative of vitamin A has also proven itself effective in reducing wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough skin caused by sun damage. Improvements are usually seen within three to four weeks of use.
P.S. Because the use of topical tretinoin increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, its use must be accompanied by the application of sun block/sunscreen.
Sunscreen is Not Only for Summer
November 15, 2010
Sunscreen is not something that you should store away for the winter along with sandals and T-shirts. Just because the heat of summer is gone does not mean that the sun’s rays no longer pose a potential danger to your skin. While it is true that the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays responsible for sunburns and skin cancer are not as intense during the winter months, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which contribute to skin cancer and skin aging, remain constant. To add to the potential danger posed by UV rays during the colder months, snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling expose skin to reflection of the sun’s rays off the snow. Make sunscreen application a part of your winter routine.
P.S. Use lip balms with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) all year round.
The Villages Office