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 regimen—initially, 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 Peel™and 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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