Rosacea affects over 14 million people in North America alone and millions more around the world. It is a common, though widely misunderstood skin condition that manifests as redness in the facial, neck, and chest area. It’s non-gender specific, but has been known to affect women as much as three time more frequently than men. That said, men often experience symptoms that are more severe, though this may be due to their habit of not visiting doctors until the condition progresses. The condition tends to affect individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 and many women find that the condition worsens after menopause.

Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize that they have the skin disorder. And a significant portion of those who do often have no idea regarding the treatments that are available. Today, I’ll describe the symptoms of rosacea along with potential causes for the condition. And while there is no known cure, I’ll explain the most effective ways to manage it.

Causes And Symptoms

It’s important to note that doctors and dermatologists lack scientific evidence of the root causes for rosacea. Most dialogue is based upon observation and reactions to potential triggering events. For example, we know that the condition manifests as flushing and dilation of the blood vessels. This has led many doctors to speculate that the disorder is associated with a problem in the vascular system. Others have reasoned that a patient’s nervous system may be at the root because symptoms are often triggered by stress. Other theories even include the contribution of a tiny mite called Demodex folliculorum. In the end, we don’t know.

Rosacea manifests itself differently for each person. That said, there are 4 main signs, including flushing (often the earliest sign), persistent redness, red bumps, and visible blood vessels. There are a number of ancillary symptoms which can include a burning sensation, thickening or scaling of the affected skin, swelling, and even irritated eyes that can become bloodshot. Some individuals experience acne-like blemishes.

How To Treat Rosacea

Even though a cure for rosacea hasn’t yet been discovered, the symptoms can be managed. Doctors and dermatologists have found that topical solutions and laser therapy can help control them. Following are 3 topical formulations that have proven successful in providing relief while helping to treat the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with the disorder:

Rosacure Face Cream - This solution combines powerful antioxidants with gentle moisturizers that reduce redness. Results should become evident within 2 or 3 weeks of application.
Rosaliac Cream - This formulation includes Vitamin B3 to encourage your skin’s defenses against the environmental triggers that provoke outbreaks and visible blood vessels.
Rosaliac UV SPF 15 - A potent mixture that blends Vitamins B3 and C to nurture your skin while protecting it from both UVA and UVB rays.

Because there is no known cure for rosacea, you should combine effective topical solutions with a lifestyle that helps to keep the symptoms in remission. While the products above can help defend against environmental triggers, stress and other personal triggers may still provoke an outbreak.

Moisturizers play an important role in helping your skin retain moisture, allowing it to look healthy and feel smooth. But, many people misunderstand how moisturizers work and mistakenly think they’re useful in all situations. Today, I’ll describe a few things about moisturizers that may surprise you. In doing so, you’ll be able to choose the right formulations to protect and care for your skin.

Moisturizers May Be Inappropriate

A lot of people believe that moisturizers are appropriate for everyone. Continuous advertising and claims made by cosmetics manufacturers contribute to spreading this misconception. In truth, emollients are not appropriate for certain skin types. People who have naturally oily skin should avoid heavy cream or lotion-based moisturizers. Even though they can replenish dry skin with lipids while sealing in moisture, they can do more harm than good on oily skin. If applied generously, they can clog pores, leading to blackheads and other conditions. In short, if your skin is naturally oily, you may not need to use a moisturizer.

Moisture Can Dry Your Skin

While it sounds like a contradiction, it is possible for your skin to be exposed to too much moisture. This can happen through recurring long showers and baths, ultimately causing your skin to become dry by breaking down the skin’s intracellular matrix. This protective covering helps to keep skin cells healthy.

A delicate balance must be maintained between the changing humidity and varying levels of evaporation of the water within the stratum corneum. Excessive soaking and moisture can interrupt this balance, causing your skin to become dry. This same effect can occur when using moisturizers excessively.

Beneficial Ingredients May Be Ineffective

A lot of cosmetics manufacturers promote their products by noting the inclusion of certain ingredients (shea butter, fatty acids, cholesterol, water-binding agents, etc.) that are known to have a moisturizing effect on the skin. However, the efficacy of these products depends upon the concentrations in which these ingredients are included. That is, there has to be enough used to make any difference.

Your Skin Still Needs Sun Protection

Moisturizers alone cannot effectively protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. They’re useful (on most skin types) for replenishing necessary lipids and fatty acids while helping your skin retain moisture. But, you should also need a well formulated sunscreen that offers wide-range protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

If your skin is very dry, the following formulations will prove valuable:

Lipikar Baume Body Balm - a non-greasy formula that include a high shea butter content (20%) to soothe dry and irritated skin.

Iso Urea Body Milk - a moisturizing formula with 5% urea and shea butter that provides comfort while smoothing the rough feeling of intensely dry skin.

Finally, don’t neglect to add a sunscreen to your regular routine for protecting your skin. The sun can still cause damage even if you’re using moisturizers. Anthelios sunscreens offer considerable protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

A lot of attention has been drawn to grape seed extract over the past few years. Grapes are a known source of antioxidants and when consumed, have shown the ability to inhibit the progress of free radicals. Because the oxidation process caused by free radicals can lead to wrinkles, the properties of grapes are thought to be an effective solution for reducing them. As a result, cosmetics manufacturers have quickly added grape seed extract to several of their anti-wrinkle products. Today, I’ll describe what we know for certain about grape seed extract along with its potential as an anti-wrinkle formulation.

UV Rays, Free Radicals, And Wrinkles

First, a quick review of how wrinkles occur. There are a number of factors that lead to wrinkles and fine lines, including hormone production levels, UV exposure, and free radicals. When a person is exposed to excessive UV rays, pollution, and other elements, the oxidation of free radicals may accelerate, resulting in the collagen fibers breaking down. Over time, this can lead to the development of wrinkles.

Consumption Versus Topical Formulation

When consumed, grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, which are known to prevent free radical damage. The theory behind grape seed extract is that by including it within skin care products, consumers can benefit from the antioxidant properties of grapes. As a result, the damaging effect that free radicals have on the skin is inhibited, preventing wrinkles and fine lines.

The question is whether applying a topical formulation that includes the extract is as effective in delivering the antioxidants as consuming grapes. To date, there are very few documented studies based upon rigorous clinical testing. The studies which have been conducted either lack a large sample size, or don’t offer a clear comparison of results before and after the application of the topical solution. This is not to suggest that including grape seed extract in cosmetic products doesn’t work. It only suggests that there is a need for more rigorous testing.

Proven Efficacy Versus Potential

Even though the use of grape seed extract in topical formulations has not been proven as a preventative measure against wrinkles, it has potential. We know that grapes provide useful antioxidants such as proanthocyanidin that are potent antioxidants. Studies have shown some benefit in reducing tumors and healing wounds in mice. However, whether this translates to benefiting wrinkles in human skin is unclear.  Though we know that grape seed extract will afford antioxidant activity in skin care products, we’ve yet to see reliable data regarding its efficacy in skin care products.

In the meantime, the following formulations do have a proven track record of success for helping to prevent and diminish the appearance of wrinkles:

Redermic XL - Madecassoside, Vitamin C and UVA/UVB sun protection to help increase collagen production and protect against sun damage.

UltimaSkin Anti-Aging Face Care Set - A 3-solution package that includes a moisturizer for dry skin, along with eye and face serums that contain Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C, potent antioxidants.

Active C XL - 5% concentration of Vitamin C along with UVA and UVB blocking protection to encourage the production of healthy new collagen fibers and protect against sun damage that leads to wrinkles.

We spend a lot of time protecting our skin from the sun’s UV rays during the warmer months. However, our skin is just as susceptible to damage during the winter months. In fact, people of all ages suffer from dry skin during the winter because the humidity is typically much lower. When skin becomes dry, it looks dull and feels rough to the touch. Existing fine lines may become more pronounced while wrinkles can begin looking slightly fractured.

Dry skin is preventable. And with winter looming, it’s important that you take preventative measures to ensure that your skin can retain sufficient moisture. Today, I’ll explain how you can protect your skin from drying out during the coming winter months.

Using Sunscreens During The Winter

The epidermis protects the underlying layers of skin. It is made up from several layers; the top layer is called the stratum corneum and contains natural oils that help the body retain water. When the stratum corneum retains enough water, the skin is smooth and supple. However, when this uppermost layer of skin loses water, it becomes dry, and if left unchecked, can crack and even bleed.

There are a number of environmental factors that can influence how quickly the stratum corneum loses moisture. One of these factors is excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays. While some may consider it counterintuitive, you should be using an effective sunscreen during the winter that offers broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. The sun is damaging to your skin throughout the entire year. Anthelios sunscreens are formulated to provide the highest level of protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Moisturize To Retain Water

Because dry skin is so prevalent during the winter, consider using emollients that help your skin retain water while replenishing valuable lipids and essential fatty acids. As humidity decreases, your skin has a difficult time maintaining its smooth and supple appearance. These 2 moisturizers contain ingredients that will help keep your skin in good condition in the harsh winter environment:
Lipikar Lipid Replenishing Cream - Formulated with Shea Butter, this emollient can help repair dehydrated skin while providing lipids and fatty acids to aid in water retention.
IsoUrea Body Milk - When your skin is dry, it can look unsightly and feel uncomfortable. This moisturizer restores comfort and helps rehydrate your skin. 

Exfoliate to Shed Dry Skin Cells

Though it seems counter-intuitive, exfoliating not only gets rid of dry, rough skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface, but can also help to increase penetration of moisturizers. Consider products like:
Lac-Hydrin - Formulated with Lactic Acid, Lac-Hydrin is indicated for dry skin conditions and can help soothe itchiness that often accompanies dry skin.
MaMa Lotion - a 20% alpha hydroxy acid concentration, this multi-purpose product is ideal for all skin types.

Preparing For The Cold Months

Plan to use a combination of well formulated sunscreens and emollients to prevent your skin from drying out. While an effective sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, moisturizers can replenish dry skin with essential lipids while helping it retain water. Exfoliants can help your skin absorb moisturizers more effectively. Taking these steps can help ensure that your skin looks smooth and healthy during the winter months.

There are many skin care products that contain vitamin K. Product manufacturers claim that it can provide a number of benefits including reducing the severity of dark circles underneath the eyes, helping eliminate spider veins, and eliminating bruising that results from laser treatments. Topical vitamin K is not considered a drug, so  advertisers don’t have to provide evidence that their claims are valid.

There have been studies performed to test the efficacy of vitamin K, but evidence is not substantial.

Getting Rid Of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can occur as a result of many influences (contrary to popular belief, fatigue is not the most common cause). These influences can include sun damage, heredity, an hormonal imbalance, deterioration in the dermis, allergies and atopic eczema. A study that was published in 2004 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggested that vitamin K could be beneficial in helping reduce the appearance of dark circles. In that study, a topical gel that included a 2% concentration of vitamin K was used by nearly 60 people to treat their dark circles. After 8 weeks, nearly half of the test subjects reported some level of improvement.

The gel used in the study also included other ingredients (such as antioxidants and vitamins E and C) which could have had an effect either on their own or in conjunction with vitamin K. Since vitamin K was not isolated, evidence of its efficacy can be considered inconclusive. That said, the number of participants who noted improvement suggests that vitamin K may have helped.

Post Laser Treatment

Pulsed dye laser treatment is often used to eliminate warts, spider veins, and other vascular lesions. These laser treatments can result in bruising that is caused when blood vessels hemorrhage. In 1999, a group of doctors at the University of Miami School of Medicine conducted a double-blind study that tested whether vitamin K could be applied as a topical cream to reduce bruising. The results from that study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, suggested that post-laser treatment bruising was significantly reduced as a result of applying the topical cream.

Realistic Expectations

In the end, evidence that supports the efficacy of vitamin K as a topical treatment for dark circles and post-laser treatment bruising is available, just not in substantial amount. Evidence does exist and more rigorous testing would be beneficial in determining whether or not vitamin K does truly deliver. If you do suffer from dark circles, then you may wish to consider an eye cream like Neostrata Dark Circle Serum which contains vitamin K and retinol as reported in clinical trials.

In addition, rely upon tried and test skin care products to improve the appearance of your skin while slowing down the signs of aging…

Green Cream - A high potency retinol that stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin, and diminishes wrinkles, resulting in a smoother look.
Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ - A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic spray that can be used on all skin types to provide broad spectrum protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Hydraphase UV SPF 30 - A moisturizer plus complete SPF 30 sunscreen which will protect skin and simplify your skin care routine.�

Stretch marks affect millions of people and if you have them, you’re not alone. Not surprisingly, individuals with stretch marks are often desperate to be rid of them. If you’re one of the sufferers, then the cosmetics industry is happy to offer a number of products that claim to help. Unfortunately, many of the products that are heavily advertised as being able to eliminate stretch marks are ineffective. Their efficacy is based upon a process that is inconsistent with how the skin works. In order to treat stretch marks properly, it is important to understand why they appear in the first place. Let’s look at how stretch marks occur and effective ways to treat them.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

While many people think that stretch marks are only experienced by women - and primarily those who are pregnant - men can get them, too. They manifest when the skin is overstretched during the course of several months or years. This overstretching can happen as a result of pregnancy, obesity, or even during bodybuilding. When the skin is stretched, the collagen and elastin (which give skin its strength and elasticity) underneath the dermis are disturbed, causing noticeable scars. If a person’s skin is able to heal quickly, the scars will be less noticeable. By contrast, stretch marks are usually more visible on skin that heals less efficiently.

Stretch Mark Treatments

There are a few effective methods for treating stretch marks. Despite what many believe, there are no studies that show that vitamin E is helpful. Because stretch marks are scarred tissue underneath the dermis, applying vitamin E oil won’t reduce their severity. Studies have shown, however, that another vitamin, vitamin A holds promise. Vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin and retinol work by encouraging the production of collagen under the dermis. While tretinoin is available only by prescription, retinol is available in over the counter preparations such as Green Cream. While both are effective options, some individuals may find tretinoin highly irritating and if this is the case, retinol may be a better option. In both case, start slowly, gradually building up dosage and concentration. Do not use Vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or nursing.

Other studies have shown high potency Vitamin C serums and creams to be effective as well.  

Other treatments that have been shown to have a positive effect on stretch marks include dermabrasion and laser surgery. Chemical peels such as trichloroacetic acid can help tighten the skin while stimulating collagen production, reducing the visibility of the scarred tissue. Laser treatment has been known to stimulate pigmentation which can also help improve the appearance of the scarred area. Check with your dermatologist as treatment options are not suitable for all skin types.

A lot of cosmetics manufacturers lure unwary consumers to buy “solutions” that promise to either prevent or eliminate stretch marks. They are often advertised as moisturizing creams that penetrate deep into the skin to rebuild the scarred tissue. Unfortunately, most of these products cannot do what they claim. Remember, stretch marks occur due to the disruption of collagen and elastin under the dermis. Moisturizers typically don’t encourage the production of either collagen or elastin.

If you are dealing with unsightly stretch marks, try a topical agent that includes a retinoid as an active ingredient. You may also want to add a product containing Vitamin C. While there is no magic bullet that can completely eliminate the scarred tissue, these two ingredients have some science to back up their use.

Chemical peels are useful for getting rid of damaged skin and improving the appearance and texture of the face, arms, neck, and other areas of the body. They can be applied to encourage the regeneration of new, healthier skin cells. As a result, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be diminished and age spots, mild scarring and acne can be reduced. Depending upon the severity of these conditions, chemical peels can be applied as light, medium, or deep peels. The deeper the peel, the more noticeable the results. Today, I’ll describe the types of peels that are commonly used. I’ll also explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of using them.

Types Of Chemical Peels

There are 4 main peels that are used today: alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, phenol, and tricholoracetic acids (TCA). Typically, the decision of which peel to use is based upon the peel’s depth and the desired results. Alpha hydroxy acids, the most popular solution, are often used for light and medium peels. If the solution’s concentration is above 30%, it is generally applied by a doctor. Beta hydroxy acids are often used for deeper peels, and are uniquely capable of reducing the inflammation that deep peels occasionally cause.

Trichloroacetic acids, like alpha hydroxy acids, are also used for light to medium peels. Though they have been used effectively for many years, their effect on severe wrinkles is limited. Finally, phenol is applied for deep peels. There are common side effects that are associated with using phenol peels, making them less popular than alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Benefits And Drawbacks

Chemical peels dissolve the top layers of skin. When there are signs of premature aging, sun damage, or a host of other unsightly skin conditions, these peels are often the most effective way to resolve the issue. They can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of mild scarring. Peels are also useful for improving the look of skin that has sustained severe sun damage.

Light to medium peels can get rid of dull-looking skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to rise to the surface. This can give the face and body a healthier, smoother appearance. What’s more, alpha hydroxy acids can often stimulate the production of collagen, gradually improving the integrity of the dermis.

That being said, there are potential drawbacks to using peels. The deeper the peel, the more likely it is that it will irritate the skin. They can cause redness and even mild swelling. Deep peels that are used to treat severely damaged skin may actually lighten the skin’s tone. And, darker skin tones are at risk of experiencing hyperpigmentation (areas of darkened skin).

Working With Your Dermatologist

Lighter peels can be just as effective as deeper peels, but patients will require regular treatments in order to maintain the results. Used occasionally, peels can play an important role in the exfoliation of dead or damaged skin. If you think that a peel might be right for you, ensure that the person performing your peel is well qualified. If you have a medium to dark skin tone, a peel might not be your best option.

Work with your dermatologist to determine the best type of peel for your skin, given its condition and what you would like to achieve. Also, because chemical peels strip away damaged skin, you should limit your exposure to the sun. Use well formulated sunscreens to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Dry skin can feel uncomfortable, often itching and flaking. Millions of people cope with excessive dryness, which can be exacerbated by harsh cleansers, low humidity, UV exposure and even some medications. When skin is dry, a damaged skin barrier is usually involved. This results in the inability of skin to retain moisture and prevent its loss. Today, 4 tips to help you care for your dry skin.

Tip #1: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Many people either neglect to use moisturizers on their skin or they choose formulations that are not suitable for them. Using the right moisturizer can help your skin retain water and prevent the depletion of the material between your skin cells. Plus, many moisturizers include ingredients such as antioxidants that can help slow the aging of your skin.

The key to using moisturizers (besides choosing the right formulation) is to apply them generously and frequently. Look for products like La Roche Posay Iso Urea. Urea is a natural moistuirizing factor (NMF) that is often depleted in dry skin conditions. It works by increasing the moisture retaining capacity of skin. The addition of lipids such as ceramides, triglycerides and other emollients helps to replenish the body’s own lipids in the stratum corneum or top skin layer. They help to stabilize the barrier function of the skin, leading to increased skin moisture.

Tip #2: Exfoliate Regularly

Often, dry skin has a tendency to build up on the skin’s surface. This lack of cell turnover can eventually cause your skin to look flaky and feel itchy. Exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid (as in Lac-Hydrin) can help to bolster your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Ideally, use an exfoliant daily if your skin suffers from dryness.  

Tip #3: Avoid Harsh Soaps And Scrubbing

Despite claims on the packaging, many soaps can be extremely harsh on your skin. By stripping away your natural lipids, they can exacerbate existing dryness. A lot of people mistakenly think that the harder they scrub, the more dry skin they can remove. However, harsh soaps and skin cleansing products may contain drying ingredients. In addition, spending a lot of time in water (long baths and showers) can also dry skin futher.
Look for cleansers that are formulated to be gentle on your skin. Don’t scrub skin vigorously and avoid soaking in the tub for long periods.

Tip #4: Apply Sunscreen

One of the harshest influences on your skin is sun exposure. If you’re exposed to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays without protecting your skin, those UV rays can damage and dry your skin. The more damaged your skin becomes, the less capable it is of retaining moisture. You should be applying a well formulated sunscreen daily, year round as the sun’s UV rays are prevalent even in the winter.

Eliminating Dryness

Dry skin is a common condition and millions of people deal with the symptoms. Minimize sun exposure and long baths and showers. Proactively use moisturizers, exfoliants, gentle cleansers, and effective sunscreens. A well functioning lipid barrier can help your skin to retain moisture more effectively. Improving your skin and eliminating excesssive dryness are within your control.

One of the latest skin care trends to take the cosmetics industry by storm is mineral makeup. The concept is that, by applying a special “all natural” makeup, you can look great while improving your skin. Allegedly, mineral makeup is free of chemicals and instead, uses natural minerals to nourish your skin. As you may imagine, there is a fair amount of hype in the claims. Like many beauty and skin care products, brilliant marketing has a way of directing attention away from obvious flaws. 

Separating Advertising From Truth 

First, mineral makeup does use natural minerals as primary ingredients. These include titanium dioxide, mica, and zinc oxide. What manufacturers do not proactively mention is that these same minerals have been used as main ingredients in makeup foundations for many years. While mineral makeup does actually use them, the fact that they do is not noteworthy.  

Second, cosmetics companies have either directly communicated, or allowed others to do so in their stead, that mineral makeup does not use chemicals of any kind. In fact, that is not accurate. Technically, every ingredient used in a cosmetics product is a chemical, regardless of whether it is considered natural or not. What’s more, some ingredients that are used in most mineral makeup products, such as bismuth oxychloride, are decidedly unnatural. Bismuth oxychloride is a chemical compound that results from mixing lead, copper, chloride, and bismuth.

 A Closer Look At Active Ingredients 

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are often used in sunscreens to offer protection from UVA and UVB rays. Their inclusion in mineral makeup (which cosmetics companies are happy to point out) can be beneficial. However, the role they play in offering protection against sun damage depends upon the concentrations in which they’re used. A sprinkling will not do - you need to check the listing of ingredients to make sure they are included as active ingredients. If they are not, they won’t provide significant protection against UV rays.

Mineral Makeup Is Not A Skin Care Solution 

There is a noticeable lack of unbiased data that proves the efficacy of mineral makeup as a skin care solution. While useful as a foundation for those who suffer from rosacea (because it covers blemishes without using fragrances or preservatives), unless formulated in concentrations required to afford sun protection, there is little evidence that it will provide sufficient protection from sun damage.

If you enjoy the results of applying mineral makeup, and many women do, then continue using it. But, don’t consider it a replacement for a well formulated broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen like to reduce signs of premature aging caused by sun damage.

Despite what beauty product manufacturers claim, mineral makeup isn’t a magic solution. Let the buyer beware!

The formation of fine lines and wrinkles is part of the skin’s natural aging process. The older we become, the more pronounced these lines and wrinkles are. This is due to the breakdown of collagen fibers and the loss of elastin as we grow older. However, the problem can be worsened by sun damage, smoking and other external influences. Dermal fillers are used to augment the tissue by injecting one of a number of possible filling agents and thereby reducing the visible signs of aging. Below, I’ll describe the types of dermal fillers commonly used and factors to consider should you decide to use them.

Types Of Dermal Fillers

There are several types of dermal fillers, but most are categorized within two different classes: temporary or permanent. Most permanent filling agents are silicone-based. While silicone has not been FDA-approved as a dermal filler, it has the advantage of not requiring continuing treatments over time.

Temporary dermal fillers include collagen, hyaluronic acid, fat and other agents. Collagen fibers are strands of natural proteins that intertwine to support the texture and shape of the skin. Collagen injections are a common dermal filling agent that can be applied quickly with minimal recovery time. But, they often last as little as three months.

Restylane and Hylaform are hyaluronic acid-based filling agents that last from six to twelve months. Both have been approved as dermal fillers by the FDA. Restylane is a natural filler that comes from streptococcus bacteria while Hylaform is animal-based.

Fat is another common dermal filling agent. Through a process known as lipotransfer, fat can be taken from one part of the body and injected into wrinkles and other areas. As a dermal filler, fat has been known to last from a few months up to three years.

Things To Consider

While most individuals tend to be satisfied with the results achieved from dermal filling, it’s important to remember that aside from silicone, most dermal fillers will require continuing treatment. Also, there is the potential for side effects. Dermal fillers can result in allergic reactions, initial bruising and even bacterial infection (though the likelihood of each is relatively small). Finally, the effectiveness of a dermal filler to improve the appearance of your skin is based upon how skilled the dermatologist is in applying the filler. Different skin types have varying reactions to filling agents and your dermatologist should be adept at identifying them.

Slowing The Aging Process

While dermal fillers can improve the texture of your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you should also be doing everything you can to help protect your skin from damage. The daily use of a photostable, well formulated UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen should not be underestimated. Sun damage can accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen fibers under the dermis as well as contributing to age spots and rough skin texture. Consider the Anthelios line of sunscreens. Formulated with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL plus other effective sun filtering agents, it delivers protection against UV rays that can hasten the aging process.

Though the aging of our skin is a normal process of growing older, using a sunscreen daily, year round can help to slow its pace.�