Category Archives: Skincare

Wrinkles and skin care

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Collagen is the main structural component in the skin. As we age, the collagen production in the skin is reduced. A wrinkle, very simply, is caused by the reduction of collagen. There are various things you can do to reduce wrinkles.

A. Antioxidants and Herbs
Limit the amount of oxidative damage caused by environmental pollutions and the sun’s ultraviolet rays on our skin; buy and apply a skin care cosmetic with antioxidants. Look out for the following ingredients and apply them with good water-based moisturizer to nourish the skin from the outside in and to prevent oxidative damage.

  • Alpha Lupaline
  • Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
  • Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Mosqueta)
  • Squalane
  • Retinoids/Retinol (Vitamin A derivatives)
  • Dipalmitoyl hydroproline
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Ginseng
  • Vitamin C (to prevent oxidative damage)
  • Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
  • Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA)

    • These products suspected to restore structure and volume to the skin:

  • Pentapeptides
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Retinol
  • Green tea extract
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C

    • Note that while studies are available on the effects of these, most of the results (except for Retinol?) are not conclusive ie. accepted peer reviewed studies.

    B. Detoxification to Enhance Skin Cell Health
    Excessive toxins will accumulate in our body, some of which are deposited on the skin in the form of pigments, fats, and other pathologies. It is important to rid the body of toxins built up through the years to have healthier looking skin.

    Some natural herbs and nutritional factors specific for detoxification include:

  • Silymarin. A special extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is known as silymarin. These compounds protect the liver from damage and enhance the detoxification process.
  • Herbal Teas. Accumulation of unwanted food particles in our digestive system is a major source of toxins. Promote colon cleansing through loosening the bowl movement through the use of teas, powders, extracts, or enemas.
  • Digestive Enzymes. Healthy digestion means that undigested food will not be turned into toxins, which eventually will find its way in part into the skin. Taking the proper amount of digestive enzymes to promote faster than normal digestion and reduced transit time in the gastro-intestinal tract will prevent stasis of toxins.

    • C. Invasive Procedures
    If you don’t mind doing something more drastic and costly, there are procedures you can do.

  • Chemical Peel.
    There are a variety of natural or synthetic agents such as alpha-hydroxy fruit acids that can be used for chemical peels. This involves applying these agents to “peel” off skin. This can be a “lunch time” treatment to a hospital procedure.
  • Laser Resurfacing. In laser resurfacing, sometimes called “laser peel,” a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer.
  • Botox.
    When BoTox is injected into a muscle, it causes temporary (months) paralysis of that muscle. This reduces the hyperactive facial muscle around the eyes and lower forehead may give a person an angry, tired, or displeased appearance.

    • 4. Fillers.
    Interstitial filling of collagen, silicon, or hyaluronic acid by injection into the skin. Expensive and have unknown long term effects.

    D. Lifestyle changes
    The easiest and cheapest way might be to effect some lifestyle adjustments.

  • Drinking ample amounts of water (at least 10 to 12 glasses of pure filtered water a day). The body is composed of 70% water. Well hydrated skin is healthy and young looking.
  • Staying out of the sun and heat (taking only warm showers and staying away from prolonged sauna exposure), and using sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun.
  • Following an anti-aging diet rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables that are full of natural antioxidants.

    • What goes into a high end shampoo like Keratase Bain Volumactive?

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    Its key (proprietary) ingredient is Ampli-Ciment Complex. According to the manufacturer,

    • Ampli-Ciment Complex: Restores the hair’s inner substance.
    • Contouring Polymers: Remodel the fiber’s shape from roots to ends giving hair more body and suppleness

    Full ingredients list:

    Ingredient Function
    Aqua/water
    Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) Foaming (controversial)
    Disodium cocoamphodiacetate Surfactant
    Sodium chloride
    Glycol distearate Emulsion stabilizer, Opacifying agent,Skin conditioning agent – emollient, Skin conditioning agent – occulsive, Surfactant – emulsifying agent,
    Viscosity increasing agent
    Sodium laureth-8 sulfate Surfactant – Cleansing Agent (contamination concerns; eye, skin, lung irritant)
    Cocamide MIPA Emulsifying, Emulsion stabilizing, Surfactant, Foam boosting, Viscosity controlling
    Hexylene glycol Solvent and decreases viscosity
    Magnesium laureth-8 sulfate Surfactant – Cleansing Agent (contamination concerns)
    Sodium oleth sulfate Surfactant – Cleansing Agent; EMULSIFYING; FOAMING
    Hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride Antistatic Agent; Hair Conditioning Agent
    Polyquaternium-30 Antistatic Agent; Film Former; Hair Fixative; FILM FORMING
    Sodium methylparaben Preservative- antibiotic and anti-fungal properties (Concerns – estrogenic, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive))
    Carbomer Thicken and smoothen cosmetics
    DMDM hydantoin Preservative – prevents or retards microbial growth (releases formaldehyde, allergy, skin toxicant)
    Magnesium oleth sulfate Surfactant – Cleansing Agent
    Isopropanolamine Emulsifier, controls pH
    2-oleamido-1, 3-octadecanediol Skin conditioning agent
    Parfum/fragrance Scent (irritation concerns)

    The most controversial ingredients are SLS, methylparaben and DMDM hydantoin. See also ingredients to avoid in cosmetics.