Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Skin Aging: Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Factors

It’s inevitable that as we age, our bodies including the appearance of our skin, changes. What’s important to know is that skin aging is influenced by two main factors: those that are intrinsic and those that are extrinsic.

Intrinsic factors are determined by our genetic make-up. For the most part, these factors cannot be altered. Intrinsic factors may influence things such as the color of our skin, our skin type (normal, oily, combination), or our pore size.

Intrinsic aging causes a decrease in collagen and elastin production (they give skin its strength and elasticity), a decrease in skin cell turnover (shedding of dead cells), and a loss of fat beneath skin. These changes will appear as fine wrinkles, thin skin, hollowed cheeks and eye sockets, and sagging dry skin that may itch. Intrinsic changes start as early as our 20s, but are generally not that noticeable until we reach our late 30s or early 40s.

Extrinsic factors are caused by outside influences such as the environment and our lifestyle. These include unprotected sun exposure, pollution as well as what we eat or drink and whether or not we choose to smoke.  Extrinsic aging resembles the natural aging (instrinsic) of skin, but the changes tend to appear much earlier in life. For example, damage caused by the sun adds up. Your body will not forget your tans and sunburns, even those experienced as a child. Smoking and pollution contribute to skin aging by producing oxygen free radicals that cause premature wrinkles.

How to Minimize the Impact of External and Intrinsic Aging Factors

Though the easy option would be to say that there is little we can do to influence the appearance of our skin, nothing could be further from the truth. Start with a good skin care regimen early on:

1. Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen such as Anthelios every day when you can’t avoid the sun
2. Incorporate antioxidants such as UltimaSkin Alpha Lipoic Acid Serum or Active C XL to help boost collagen production and fight against free radical damage.
3. Incorporate a retinol based product such as Green Cream to help shed dead skin cells and increase cell turnover.

Taking  responsibility for your skin early on will help to ensure that your skin looks as youthful and healthy as it possibly can no matter your age.

Estrogen for Healthy Skin?

It’s well known that the hormone estrogen is essential to a woman’s wellbeing. In addition to helping to maintain cardiovascular and bone health, estrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Estrogen receptors are located throughout the body, including the face, where it helps to maintain skin’s thickness and ability to retain moisture.

As women age, the production of estrogen declines. Women who have been prescribed estrogen to help them cope with the symptoms of perimenopause may notice that the condition of their skin also improves, especially if it is dry or thin. In recent years, through results of studies like the Women’s Health Initiative, we’ve learned that despite estrogen’s benefits, there are also some downsides associated with its use.

What Is Estrogen Therapy?

Estrogen is a hormone available by prescription only. The main reason a woman might be prescribed estrogen is to help relieve symptoms associated with perimenopause. In addition, estrogen might be prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy. By raising estrogen levels in a woman’s body, the severity of perimenopausal symptoms can be reduced in some women. The body’s natural decline in estrogen production can lead to thinning skin; supplementing with estrogen can help. However, because of the side effects associated with estrogen, it is not a viable solution. 

Side Effects And Risks Associated with Estrogen

When the use of estrogen was first advocated for helping to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we didn’t have much information about the potential for side effects. Now that we’ve gained experience with using estrogen clinically, there is considerable evidence demonstrating its long term implications. Among them are a notable increase in the risk of developing breast cancer and heart disease. Other health risks include higher susceptibility to blood clots and strokes.

Besides the long term health risks, estrogen is not well tolerated by many women. Nausea, headaches and water retention are amongst some of the side effects experienced. And other women have reported breast soreness, bloating and mood swings.

Is Estrogen a Good Solution?

For some women, estrogen can ease the transition to menopause. However, it isn’t necessarily the only answer - studies have shown that diet, exercise, stress management as well as the use of the hormone progesterone, may also help to alleviate symptoms. The decision to supplement with hormones should not be made lightly and is one that a woman should make in conjunction with a qualified health care professional. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for estrogen therapy, particularly if you have a family history of breast cancer. Given the potential for side effects and long term health implications it would be irresponsible to suggest using estrogen for cosmetic purposes.

Thinning skin is associated with aging. Implementing a preventative strategy in maintaining the health of your skin can help to reduce some of the symptoms that occur with age. The daily use of a well formulated sunscreen such as Anthelios with a minimum of SPF 30 daily can help to protect collagen breakdown associated with sun exposure. As well, a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants plus vitamins and minerals to build a strong foundation for great skin.

The Link Between Stress And Aging Skin

We already know about the impact of stress on our wellbeing. But stress can also have a significant effect on the appearance and health of your skin. Dermatologists have known for years that the level of stress experienced by a person can lead to a host of skin conditions. These can include episodic rashes, acne flare ups, or atopic eczema. Stress can have longer-lasting impacts, as well. Over time, perpetual stress can cause your skin to age prematurely.

Physiological Impacts Of Stress

Understanding how stress can age your skin requires an overview of what happens within your body when stress occurs. When you experience stress, your body responds by producing two hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – to help you cope with the stressful situation. Often known as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone, adrenaline helps you to deal with immediate danger. Once the perceived threat is over, adrenaline levels return to normal.

Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, also helps your body cope with stress. Cortisol levels increase to help you over a stressful patch and then return to normal levels. However, if you are under stress for long periods of time, cortisol levels remain high. Cortisol is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system amongst other physiologic processes. But if allowed to continue at high levels, cortisol has a negative impact. 

The Production Of Cortisol

If stress keeps your cortisol levels high, your immune system may go into overdrive. The impact on your physical appearance and wellness is significant:

• Your skin can thin,
• Your bones may become weaker
• Your muscles and connective tissue can break down.
• You may retain fluid and bruise more easily
• You may be more prone to depression
• Hormone imbalance may result between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone

Cortisol is an essential hormone, but balance is critical. When excessive amounts are produced and sustained during stressful periods, thinning skin that looks prematurely aged is one of the side effects.

Relieve Stress And Slow The Aging Process

Because stress is a natural part of life today, it’s hard to completely avoid it. In fact, a little bit of stress keeps life interesting for most of us. The problem occurs when stress takes over your life. Aim to manage stress by incorporating the following practices to ensure your body and skin benefit:

1. Exercise – Studies have shown that exercise not only reduces stress, but it also encourages blood flow to your skin
2. Eat well - A healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality protein and healthy fats will provide you with the fuel to cope with stressful situations. To provide insurance for those days when you can’t, consider a well formulated multi-vitamin/mineral supplement like Daily Essentials.
3. Eat regularly – Keeping your blood sugar levels steady by eating more smaller meals throughout the day has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels
4. Get enough sleep – Aim for 8 hours; studies show that most of us need it.

Stress is a part of life today, but taking steps to manage it will help you look and feel better.

Why Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S Are Effective

Why Tinosorb M And Tinosorb S Are Effective

Historically, sunscreens have been used to prevent sunburns. These sunscreens were formulated primarily to protect the skin from UVB rays which cause burns. We’re aware now, that UVA rays, in addition to UVB rays are problematic. UVA rays can cause cellular damage under the dermis. This damage can lead to wrinkles, skin sagging, age spots and some types of skin cancers.

Sunscreens formulated with Tinosorb provide substantial broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Available as Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S, these ingredients work to absorb, scatter and reflect the sun’s UV rays. Below, you’ll learn why sunscreens that contain these 2 active ingredients are so effective in protecting your skin from the sun.

Tinosorb S Is Photostable

Tinosorb S (also called Bemotrizinol) is an oil soluble ingredient that is capable of absorbing UVA and UVB rays, resulting in broad UV spectrum protection for the skin. One of the benefits of Tinosorb S is that it is a photostable compound. When combined with other sunscreen ingredients, it helps to avert molecule degradation caused by the photons present in the sun’s UV rays. This photostability enhances the sunscreen’s effectiveness in protecting the skin.

Tinosorb M Provides Stabilization

Tinosorb M (also called Bisoctrizole) is a water soluble ingredient that is added to sunscreens to provide additional UV absorption. Like Tinosorb S, this ingredient can absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It also stabilizes other sunscreen compounds that absorb UV rays. This organic ingredient uses a unique blend of particulates to offer 3 powerful actions. By absorbing, reflecting and scattering the sun’s UV rays, Tinosorb M provides high-level broad spectrum coverage of UVA and UVB rays. It is also naturally stable and not susceptible to significant photodegradation (degradation upon exposure to sunlight).

Complementary UV Absorption And Reflection

When used together, Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M provide coverage across a wide spectrum of UV radiation. Sunscreens that include both active ingredients can protect the skin by acting as a filtering agent for UVA and UVB rays. The ability of Tinosorb S to absorb UV rays while preventing the photodegradation of other ingredients complements the triple-action qualities of Tinosorb M (absorbing, scattering and reflecting UVA and UVB rays).

Effective Tinosorb Sunscreens

The high efficiency and complementary qualities of Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M provide concentrated protection from broadband UV radiation. For those who have ultra-sensitive skin that is sun-intolerant, the following Tinosorb sunscreens should be considered:

• Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50+ Lait for Face and Body - contains both Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M. Can be used on pale skin and provides maximum protection from the sun’s intense UV rays. It’s especially useful in extreme conditions such as the mountains or tropics.
• Bioderma Photoderm Max Fluide SPF 50+ for Face - a lighter textured formulation than the lait which contains both Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M. It’s formulated to be used on skin that is particularly sensitive to sun exposure.
• Avene Creme SPF 50+ - with Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S to deliver high UVA and UVB protection for sensitive dry to very dry skin types.

Tinosorb sunscreens will shield skin that is naturally intolerant to the sun’s intensity (including pale and freckled skin). If your skin is sensitive, try the sunscreens recommended above for maximum protection.