Facial aging is a complex process that
involves all anatomic layers of the face. This includes atrophy
or loss of volume of the bony skeleton, subcutaneous fat and
thinning of the facial skin itself. As aging progresses, the
dermal elements are affected including the collagen, elastin
and proteoglycan. Rejuvenation requires treatment of all aspects
of this aging process.
SKINCEUTICALS ®
Skinceuticals Primacy Serum 20 ® is
the centerpiece of a comprehensive skin care product line
designed to combat the visible signs of aging. Its main active
ingredient, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), acts in two ways
to rejuvenate skin appearance:
- As a powerful antioxidant, it blocks
and neutralizes the effects of damaging free radical molecules
that disrupt and damage cellular processes.
- As an active promoter of collagen protein
synthesis, it enhances the natural restorative biological
process that occurs continuously within the structure of
healthy skin.
Applied
topically to the skin's surface, Serum 20 delivers from
twenty to forty times the active concentration of vitamin C
achievable through oral doses. Vitamin C is a biological
agent well known to safely and effectively promote the
deposition of collagen within the skin. |
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Primacy C&E ® provides additional antioxidant
protection with the incorporation of a biologically available
form of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). This results in a "super
antioxidant treatment", affording skin cells greater resistance
to photodamage. The extra emollient properties of Primacy
C&E provide an optimal moisturizing effect, which is especially
suitable for patients with drier skin types. With regular
use as directed, noticeable benefits may be realized in as
little as three to six weeks. This typically results in a
more youthful definition of facial contours and discernible
improvement in skin firmness, along
with a visible reduction
in fine skin lines. Applied to the skin immediately after
Serum 20 or C&E, Hydrating B-5 Gel ® complements and enhances
the former's restorative effects. This product's main active
ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which promotes improved smoothness
and visual appearance of treated skin. Hydrating B-5 Gel also
features a light moisturizing effect, which further promotes
a smoother skin texture. It is appropriate for use on all
skin types. Skinceuticals products are easily incorporated
into your daily skin care regimen to help your skin look and
feel more youthful.
MICROPEEL ®
BioMedic's MicroPeel process is an effective
skin rejuvenation program for both women and men. Combining
in-office treatments with an easy-to-follow home care regimen,
it is effective in smoothing aging skin, reversing the effects
of sun overexposure and minimizing uneven pigmentation. Patients
without specific skin appearance concerns can also benefit
from BioMedic's program by actively maintaining the health
and youthful appearance of their skin.
The basic MicroPeel process is the foundation
for in-office treatments and consists of a straightforward
three-step cleansing and restorative process. The first step
involves physical or enzymatic removal of dead epidermal cells
in the top layer of skin. Next, clogged pores are cleared
by the application of a gentle alpha hydroxy acid solution.
Patients receiving repeated treatments with alpha hydroxy
typically witness significant improvements in aesthetic appearance
and skin thickness--which is normally reduced with age. The
last step of the MicroPeel process involves topical application
of frozen carbon dioxide slush to further remove obstructive
debris, blackheads and sun-damaged skin cells. This cryogenic
therapy is anti-inflammatory, tightening skin and reducing
the prominence of pores. MicroPeel Plus is an adjuvant treatment
featuring a more aggressive approach to skin renewal. By means
of a patented Microsponge technology, salicylic acid is uniformly
delivered to the skin's surface, loosening the bond between
superficial damaged cells and the underlying skin. As these
cells are removed, healthy new cells are exposed, improving
skin texture and appearance. Additionally, the process of
removing damaged cells stimulates cellular renewal processes
within the skin, facilitating the reduction of fine lines
and uneven pigmentation. Acne patients derive special benefits
from MicroPeel Plus due to its superior exfoliating effects.
MicroPeel and MicroPeel Plus procedures
generally are performed in a series of six treatments spaced
at two- to four-week intervals. Maintenance treatments are
then scheduled approximately every two months. The beneficial
effects of these procedures are augmented by a simple home
treatment regimen using skin care products selected specifically
for each individual's skin type and condition. These products
may be purchased in a convenient and economical home treatment
kit good for several months of use. BioMedic's approach to
skin care, simply put, focuses on stimulating the body's own
natural restorative processes to improve and maintain healthy,
youthful skin. Over time, this therapy can help correct or
limit the effects of sun exposure, environmental stresses,
and the aging process, which compound over time if left untreated.
When employed in conjunction with aesthetic surgical procedures,
BioMedic products and procedures help patients achieve their
very best, naturally youthful appearance.
OBAGI
® SKINCARE
Obagi skincare effectively addresses the
two major causes of skin damage: the natural aging process
and environmental stressors such as sun and smoking. The products
help to correct the damage that has been sustained over time
and stimulate the skin to withstand future stress. Since this
line is truly pharmaceutical, not cosmeceutical,
Obagi has the strength to accomplish these objectives.
Obagi incorporates an aggressive skincare
plan that requires some patience in terms of acclimation to
the products. It is similar to starting a new workout regimeninitially,
muscles are sore but gradually adjust and improve in appearance
and stamina. Results are measured in progress over time. Likewise,
each skin cycle (complete cellular turnover) takes approximately
6-8 weeks. During this time, it is normal to experience some
dryness, flakiness and moderate irritation. It is important
to stick with the program to reach your goal. Every cycle
leads to enhanced correction of old problems and stimulation
of new, more youthful skin. Our patients find it easier to
stick with the program through this initial period if they
can keep this goal in mind.
The skincare product that currently has
the most scientific data supporting its effectiveness is Retin-A
(tretinoin). Retin-A actively works on all elements of the
skin including collagen, elastin, circulation, and the pigment
cells (melanocytes.) It also helps to correct radiation induced
damage to the DNA. The Obagi product Clear enhances
action on the epidermis while Blender goes one step
deeper to stimulate the underlying dermis. Most over-the-counter
skin products are easy to use because their medicinal effects
are minimal. The more medicinally active a compound, the more
irritating it can be. However, it is important to persist
through this start-up phase as your skin will adjust to these
compounds and the long-term results have the potential to
be dramatic.
We also encourage you to optimize these
products with intermittent (every 3 4 week) skin treatments
such as the Microdelivery Peeland Micropeel. These
Biomedic treatment techniques have been shown to stimulate
cell turnover, increase collagen deposition and enhance penetration
of the Obagi products. For truly stubborn problems, a deeper
acid peel such as the Obagi Blue Peel can be utilized
for additional skin tightening and correction of altered pigmentation.
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