Anti aging articles
Using Topical Retinoids:
If you already have sun-damaged skin there are
some alternatives for you. A very popular and effective treatment
is the use of topical retinoids. Are topical retinoids recommended
for everyone? The answer is - no. Most people can and probably should
use some form of topical retinoid as their benefits in improving
skin photo-aging as well as reversing some of the abnormal skin
growths are well documented. Patients with very sensitive skin may
have difficulties using topical retinoids. If you have rosacea,
(Signs include facial redness, small blood vessels and occasional
inflammatory papules), you may not be able to use topical retinoids
at all.
For you, other products such as ones with topical
vitamin C may be of benefit. Topical vitamin C as also an agent
used in the fight against excessive skin ageing.
How Retinoids Work:
Retinoids are chemical molecules that are derivatives
of vitamin A. There are both oral and topical formulations, and
are used to treat conditions such as psoriasis or acne. They work
by binding to specific receptors which then interact with DNA. This
process generates new molecules which in turn results in skin improvements.
The most common topical skin retinoids are tretinoin, tazarotene
and adapalene. With the first two being most commonly used to treat
photo-aging.
Applying Topical Retinoids:
With topical retinoids, most people experience
a mild degree of skin irritation that recedes with ongoing use.
Generally speaking, people with more sensitive skin have a higher
chance of developing irritation and, as such, should use the product
less often (e.g. start with twice a week application at night) and
increase the frequency of use as tolerated. There is no need to
endure significant irritations, as this is not needed for the product
to exert its beneficial affects.
Short and Long-Term Retinoids
Effects:
Many studies have been performed and their validity
confirmed. There are both short as well as long term benefits of
topical tretinoin.
Short-term effects (less then six months
of use) include:
- Visual improvement of degree of wrinkling
- Improvement in skin glow
- Improvement of the smoothness of the skin
- The more damaged the skin is prior to the treatment, the more
impressive the results, but the treatment can be and should be
started before the skin is significantly damaged.
Long-term results of tretinoin use
(greater than six months) include improvement in fine lines and
skin texture, normalization of pigmentary abnormalities, reversal
of some of the early skin cancer changes as well as improving the
firmness of the skin. These improvements are maintained even though
the frequency of applications is decreased from once a day to three
times a week.
Prevention, it's still your best answer but at
least topical retinoids are a source of hope for many people who
are suffering from premature skin ageing.
About the author:
Mariusz J. A. Sapijaszko, MD FRCPC is the Director
of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute located in Edmonton,
Alberta. He is also the Clinical Assistant Professor at the Division
of Dermatology, University of Alberta, in Edmonton. His areas of
expertise include cosmetic and laser surgery. Learn more on his
www.youthfulimage.com.
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