Foods for Healthy Skin

Nutrition plays an important role in a person's health but also in the look of the skin. Eating a good diet will give the skin a healthy appearance. Below are some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet to keep your skin looking great.

Salmon

Salmon (and other fatty fish such as mackerel) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in the cell membranes of the skin cells. These membranes keep harmful substances out of the skin and regulate movement of nutrients into the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation which can harm the skin.

Berries and Citrus Fruits

Berries such as blueberries and raspberries and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are outstanding sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that form in response to sun exposure, pollution, smoking, chemicals, and anything that gets on the skin from the environment or the diet. Free radicals lead to skin damage and premature aging. Antioxidants will provide a healthy glow to the skin.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are great sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that works with vitamin C to protect the skin from damage. Vitamin E also helps the skin retain moisture, allowing for healthy function. Many of these nuts are also rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids described above.

Green, Red, and Orange Vegetables

Green, red, and orange vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are tremendous sources of vitamin A and beta-cerotene (which is converted by the body into vitamin A). Retinoids such as retin-A are vitamin A derivatives applied topically to the skin which both accelerate the skin cell growth cycle and stimulate collagen production. These lead to removal of dead skin on the surface and improvement in fins lines, wrinkles, and laxity. Retinoids have been used for year for their anti-aging properties and natural sources of vitamin A such as these vegetables will help with these anti-aging effects.

Water

It is important to maintain an appropriate level of hydration for adequate function of the skin. The skin is composed of approximately 70 % water and has many important functions including sensation, temperature regulation, preventing water loss, and protecting the skin from insults such as infection. Drinking at least eight cups of water will provide and appropriate amount of hydration to the skin to perform these functions. Water will also bring nutrients into the skin and remove toxins from it.

Make sure these foods are in your diet to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.

Benefits of a Skin Care Regimen to Photofacials

With all the new devices and procedures available now, many people expect a single procedure to reverse the effects of decades of sun damage. For the most part, it is not that easy. Those that get the best results are those who combine a good skin care regimen with office-based procedures. In the case of a photofacial, the goals are to improve discolorations such as browns and reds and for overall rejuvenation. People that use brightening agents or anti-redness products for several weeks prior to treatment get improved results. This is because the products remove a significant amount of the discoloration prior to the procedure so that when the procedure is performed the remaining discoloration is better removed. The patient shown here was on a good regimen for several weeks prior to a series of three photofacial treatments for redness. Using exfoliants and retinoids removes the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, allowing the light from the laser to penetrate deeper into the skin. Retinoids will also stimulate collagen synthesis, improving fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity even before the photofacial. Be sure to talk to your doctor about a skin care regimen that is appropriate for you prior to undergoing a photofacial.

A E Skin Acne Max Solution

The A E Skin Acne Max Solution is an outstanding product for those who suffer from acne. It contains five powerful ingredients, all of which help to improve the skin. Salicylic acid exfoliates the dead skin cells of the surface that lead to clogged pores; the amount of salicylic acid is 50 % higher than those available over-the-counter or in products such as Proactiv. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria in the pimples. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, reduces the redness that can be seen in acne-prone skin. Azelaic acid has some antibiotic properties and decreases discoloration that can be seen after blemishes. Finally hydrocortisone is a steroid that decreases inflammation and irritation caused by the acne and some of the other ingredients. After washing and drying the face completely in the morning, five to ten drops of the product are dropped in the palm of the hand and applied to the face. The solution is alcohol based so it must be applied immediately after dropping it into the palms. A burning sensation is often felt with the first use, but the skin gradually adjusts. The 60 mL size lasts approximately four months.

Botox Aftercare Instructions

Botox is a great product for improvement of certain lines and wrinkles on the face. Aftercare for the treatment is fairly straightforward. Avoid heat, alcohol, and exercise for 24 hours after the procedure. Heat refers to going out in the sun or hot environments indoors such as a hot bath or sauna.  Also avoid hot or spicy foods or drinks such as soup, coffee, and tea. These can bring blood to the skin and lead to movement of the Botox. Finally, do not lie down for four hours after the treatment to prevent movement of the product. Movement of Botox can lead to side effects such as eyelid drooping or blurred vision, depending on where it is injected. These instructions are the same for similar neuromodulators now available such as Dysport and Xeomin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive Botox injections.

Neocutis Biocream

The Neocutis Biocream is an outstanding product that can be added to any skin care regimen. It contains Processed Skin cell Proteins, or PSP, a blend of growth factors and other proteins designed to improve the appearance of aging skin. This is similar to the Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum. The differences are that the Neocutis Biocream does not have the undesireable scent of the TNS Essential Serum and the price point for the Biocream is more reasonable ($ 99 versus $ 260). The amount of growth factors the skin produces decreases with age and the Biocream replenishes these growth factors to promote healthy skin. It is used for anti-aging because it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, it improves skin texture and tone, it provides an increased radiance, and it enhances skin firmness. It is also used after procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments because it helps promote skin recovery and restoration. Twice daily use has been shown to improve wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. The Neocutis Biocream is now available at A E Skin.