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An effective anti-aging skincare regimen should incorporate Vitamin A derivatives, commonly known as retinol and retinoids. These ingredients are hands-down the gold standard when it comes to preventing and reversing the signs of maturing skin. Vitamin A derivatives work by increasing skin turnover and stimulating collagen production, thereby creating a firmer, smoother and more even-toned complexion.
Many people are afraid to start a retinoid for fear of irritation. Although it’s true that retinoids can cause redness and flaking, if you start off slow, you can minimize side effects. Start by applying a retinoid every third night, and after a few weeks, ramp up to every other night or every night as tolerated. Another method for an easy transition is to start with an over-the-counter preparation containing retinol. Retinol is a gentler version and a perfect gateway. The skin becomes accustomed to retinol and then better suited to graduate to a prescription-strength retinoid.
Other tips for using Vitamin A derivatives: apply at night because retinoids are inactivated by sunlight. A little will go a long way; often a small dollop will do. And don’t forget to wear your sunscreen, which leads us to the letter B….
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must on the checklist of good skin health. The words “broad-spectrum” indicate that there is coverage against the damaging effects of both UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the “Aging” rays that can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass. UVB rays are the “Burning” rays that are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.
Many people are under the impression that they only need to apply sunscreen for a day at the beach or during their tennis or golf game. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! An effective skin care regimen includes daily sunscreen, in order to protect against ambient sun during every day activities such as driving in the car, running in and out of stores during errands, walking our pets, and more.
There are many elegant facial sunscreen products available today. Many are combined with moisturizers for extra hydration, some have a tint to provide all-over coverage, and others are combined with antioxidants, which leads us to letter C….
Vitamin C, and other antioxidants such as resveratrol, coenzyme Q-10, coffee berry extract, green tea flavonoids, and vitamin E, are key in the battle against fine lines and wrinkles. These precious molecules soak up free radicals before they can cause DNA damage and chew up collagen. Free radicals are caused not only by the sun, but also by other environmental insults such as pollution and cigarette smoke. In addition to scavenging free radicals, antioxidants can help calm irritation, which may help those who are rosacea and acne prone.
Classically, antioxidants are applied as the first step in the morning, before your sunscreen. Many antioxidants, however, are being incorporated into nighttime preparations as well, a tribute to the powerful effect these molecules have on nourishing and preserving youthful skin.
There you have it, a primer on healthy skin care! Vitamin A derivates, backed by decades of science, combined with Broad-spectrum sunscreen and Vitamin C antioxidants, are a winning combination for beautiful skin. Simply remember your ABCs, and then go spend your time on more important tasks on the shopping list- like shoes. Sandals, flats, pumps, boots……what’s a girl to do?!
Brilliant
Dermatology & Aesthetics
5162 Linton Boulevard
Suite 203
Delray Beach, FL 33484
P: (561) 877-DERM (3376)
F: (877) 992-1153
www.brilliantdermatology.com
