Northwest Eye Facial Rejuvenation
Nicholas J. Schmitt, MD
Obagi®
What are the Signs of Aging Skin?
The skin is the single largest organ in our bodies. On average, our skin measures fifteen to twenty one thousandths of an inch thick, spreads approximately twenty square feet and weighs eight to ten pounds. Healthy skin is firm, smooth, evenly pigmented and well hydrated. Signs of skin aging may include some or all of the following: smile lines, lines under the lower eyelids, bags and hanging skin around the eyelids, fine wrinkles on the cheeks, dry or blotchy skin, roughness, laxity, redundancy, discoloration, abnormal pigments, abnormal blood vessels, benign, precancerous and cancerous lesions, deep lines around the nose, mouth, frown lines, superficial lines above the upper lip and below the lower lip, fullness under the jaw, fatty pouches alongside the mouth, frank jowling, and redundant skin under the neck.
The skin is the single largest organ in our bodies. On average, our skin measures fifteen to twenty one thousandths of an inch thick, spreads approximately twenty square feet and weighs eight to ten pounds. Healthy skin is firm, smooth, evenly pigmented and well hydrated. Signs of skin aging may include some or all of the following: smile lines, lines under the lower eyelids, bags and hanging skin around the eyelids, fine wrinkles on the cheeks, dry or blotchy skin, roughness, laxity, redundancy, discoloration, abnormal pigments, abnormal blood vessels, benign, precancerous and cancerous lesions, deep lines around the nose, mouth, frown lines, superficial lines above the upper lip and below the lower lip, fullness under the jaw, fatty pouches alongside the mouth, frank jowling, and redundant skin under the neck.
What are the Signs of Aging Skin?
The skin is the single largest organ in our bodies. On average, our skin measures fifteen to twenty one thousandths of an inch thick, spreads approximately twenty square feet and weighs eight to ten pounds. Healthy skin is firm, smooth, evenly pigmented and well hydrated. Signs of skin aging may include some or all of the following: smile lines, lines under the lower eyelids, bags and hanging skin around the eyelids, fine wrinkles on the cheeks, dry or blotchy skin, roughness, laxity, redundancy, discoloration, abnormal pigments, abnormal blood vessels, benign, precancerous and cancerous lesions, deep lines around the nose, mouth, frown lines, superficial lines above the upper lip and below the lower lip, fullness under the jaw, fatty pouches alongside the mouth, frank jowling, and redundant skin under the neck.
Why does our skin age?
The primary factors affecting aging are both intrinsic (genetics/biology) and extrinsic (environmental).
Inherent aging of the skin is driven by hormonal changes and genetics.
Extrinsic photo aging is caused primarily from exposure to the sun, and is called photo-aging. Other sources of environmental damages are cigarette smoking, alcoholism and excessive use of alcohol. Secondary factors that have an impact on skin aging may include gravity, sleep lines, and changes related to repetitive movement.
It is believed that extrinsic aging is the primary cause of the change in appearance of our skin as we age.
Inherent aging of the skin is driven by hormonal changes and genetics.
Extrinsic photo aging is caused primarily from exposure to the sun, and is called photo-aging. Other sources of environmental damages are cigarette smoking, alcoholism and excessive use of alcohol. Secondary factors that have an impact on skin aging may include gravity, sleep lines, and changes related to repetitive movement.
It is believed that extrinsic aging is the primary cause of the change in appearance of our skin as we age.
Can skin aging be prevented or even reversed?
Indeed aging of the skin can be slowed or reversed through a proper skin care regime that combines prevention with agents that can reverse some of the signs of skin aging. Thus, skin care is a two pronged process: 1) to protect and prevent damage 2) to repair and improve skin health and function.
What is an anti-aging skin care regimen?
Skin care regimens start with a mild cleanser. Most bar soap are too strong for the skin. Washing with warm water and a gentle cleanser removes dirt and oil from the skin and prepares it for other products. A broad spectrum sunscreen is the single most important component of your skin regimen since it helps protect the skin from photo damage. An appropriate sunscreen should include either a physical blocker of UV radiation like zinc or titanium dioxide or a chemical blocker such as avobenzone (parasol). An SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or greater is optimal. In addition to sunscreen, topical antioxidants like vitamin C and copper peptide help scavenge free radicals in the superficial skin and prevent damage. These products also seem to have effects in improving cellular function as well.
Can damage to the skin from the sun be reversed?
To repair damage three types of products are the mainstay in skin rejuvenation:
1) exfoliation via alpha hydroxyl acids
2) pigment suppression via hydroquinone and
3) retinoids improve the function of fibroblast, the cell that makes collagen, and important matrix component of the skin.
1) exfoliation via alpha hydroxyl acids
2) pigment suppression via hydroquinone and
3) retinoids improve the function of fibroblast, the cell that makes collagen, and important matrix component of the skin.
What is Obagi® Nu Derm, and how can it help me?
Each product in the Obagi® line is specifically designed to work together to provide you with the best results. When used as a system, the ingredients work to effectively balance the pH level of your skin and penetrate into the layers of your skin for superior results. Your skincare professional will guide you in using the system based on their assessment of your needs.
Your eye and facial plastic surgeon can help you determine which skin care regimen is best for you.
Your eye and facial plastic surgeon can help you determine which skin care regimen is best for you.
