Skin Care

Facial Skin Condition Treatments

Adult Acne
Broken Capillaries
Dark Circles
Deep Wrinkles
Dry Skin
Fine Lines
Hyperpigmentation
Open Pores
Puffy Eyes
Rosacea
Sagging Skin

Body Skin Condition Treatments

Aging Hands
Breast Firming
Cellulite
Hands
Keratosis Pilaris
Lips
Scalp Acne
Stretch Marks

Skin Care Ingredients

Clinical Procedures and Topics

Four Fundamentals
Absurd Skin Care
Aging Skin
Antioxidants
Botox
Enzyme Exfoliation
Free Radical Damage
French Skin Care
Glycolic Acid
Idebenone
Irrational Fears
Klein Becker
Oxidative Stress
Paula Begoun
Perricone
Restylane
Skin Structure
Stem Cells
Healthy Skin Barrier Function
Smoking
Sun Protection
Topical Vitamin C/Firming
Choices and Needs
Strivectin
Additional clinical skincare topics.

Heart disease and cancer are two examples of conditions where essential fatty acids are recommended.

Omega-3 fats found in fish and flaxeed oils, absent from many weight loss diets, prevent the formation of useful and diversely beneficial prostaglandin hormones (also known as PG-3).

Supplementation with essential oils containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-3 fats have been shown to benefit the management of:

• arthritis
• many inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea
• eczema
• psoriasis
• fibrocystic breast disease
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - a very contentious diagnosis
• Menopausal symptoms
• Pre-menstrual symptoms

Essential Fatty Acids Soften, Smooth, Hydrate and Firm Skin

There is a scientific reason behind the ability of essential fatty acids to improve many aspects of skin texture and assist in the management of skin conditions.

The reason is related to the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones within epidermal cells.

Developing skin cells require many elements in order to develop without problems, and live as long as possible.

Slowing the rate at which skin cells age is fundamental to an effective anti-aging skin care treatment.

This is why effective skin care products contain a perfect blend of biologically relevant materials (amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes), and exclude those ingredients which are not skin-native.

Developing skin cells extract essential fatty acids from the bloodstream. If they are present in inadequate concentrations they will be taken up by organs other than the skin, and the essential fatty acids remaining in circulation will be inadequate for the cells' needs.

Epidermal Skin Cells Convert Essential Fatty Acids

A variety of different fats are used by healthy skin. The epidermal skin cells convert essential fatty acids to prostaglandins.

Prostaglandin series 2 hormones will render the skin dry, rough and/or scaly.

Prostaglandin seres 1 and series 3 hormones will render the skin soft, smooth and moist, generally supporting many of its functions.

Most Diets Produce Excess Series 2 Prostaglandin Hormones

Diets high in saturated fats produce hormones that result in dry, rough, uneven skin texture.

Many weight-loss diets remove all fats from the equation.

A complete anti-aging skin treatment will utilize low-glycemic index foods and actually favor fats high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and the omega-3 fats.

Perfect skin texture and condition has been made an impossibility, courtesy of most modern, Western dietary traditions.

Effective Supplementation of Essential Fatty Acids for the Improvement of Skin Texture and Condition

A marked improvement in the condition of the skin will take around three months after the implementation of suitable essential fatty acid supplements.

The rate of skin improvement is determined by the rate at which the epidermis replaces itself in entirety. Depending on your age, this takes anywhere from 45 to 75 days.

Given the time taken to achieve improvement, it is recommended to purchase essential fatty acid supplies three months in advance and to only use the purest and most active essential fatty acid supplements.

Differences Between Essential Fatty Acid Supplements Used in Skin Care and Treatment

To achieve genuinely young-looking skin, characterized by bounce and turgidity, only the most potent and pure supplements will be effective, especially in the treatment of more mature skin.

The inter-cellular matrix cannot be adequately rebuilt with weak supplements.

It is important to note the following:

• the diet must already be rich in fish, green leafy vegetables and unsaturated oils in order for the skin to substantially benefit from essential fatty acid supplementation;
• evening primrose oil is the only suitable supplement source of essential fatty acids, because borage and blackcurrant oils have been shown to have adverse effects;
• the best source of evening primrose is the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand -- the unpolluted air and mineral rich soils produce the most potent seeds;
• cold-pressed evening primrose oil destroys much of the needed ingredients;
• internal supplementation must be augmented by topical care to get the most out of the physical improvement in skin quality, in particular Cells-Life Serum (for high natural glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate content, as well as other elements which make up the skin's inter-cellular matrix) , Hydra-Ger Mask, Synchro and the Skin Immunity Treatment should be used.
• breast milk is a rich source of essential fatty acids -- the quality of baby's skin speaks for itself.

Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation Notes for Aging Skin and Skin Conditions such as Rosacea

• Reduce arachidonic acid buildup to reduce synthesis of series 2 prostaglandins (PG-2).
  • Reduce or restrict intake of high-fat meat and high-fat dairy products. Substitute olive oil in place of sunflower oil, safflower oil and especially blended vegetable oils.
  • Reduce or restrict alcohol consumption.
  • Reduce or restrict sugar intake.
  • Reduce or restrict hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fat intake.
  • Follow the dietary recommendations which form part of the anti-aging skin treatment.
• Supplement with a suitable essential fatty acid supplement of 1,200mg.
• Takes the 1,200mg 2-3 times a day.
• Results take at least 3 months to become evident.
• Consume a good natural (food) source of fish oil 1-2 times a day.
• Combine the essential fatty acid supplement with those nutrients which are co-factors in prostaglandin synthesis.
  • Vitamin C - 1000mg over several doses, as it is rapidly denatured once consumed.
  • Vitamin E - 400iu (natural form)
  • Betacarotene - 10,000iu
  • Selenium - 100mcg
  • Zinc - 15mg
  • Vitamin A - 2,500iu

Other nutrients also play a role, but these are the main ones relevant to this skin treatment topic.

Check with a physician before implementing any dietary changes to ensure they are suited to your individual situation.

• natural aging
• high cholesterol levels
• obesity
• viral infections and their aftermath
• stress
• diabetes
• smoking
• alcohol consumption
• refined sugar consumption
• hydrogenated fat consumption
• uv exposure

Prostaglandin series 2, otherwise known as PG-2 are formed from unsaturated fats (known scientifically as arachidonic acid).

Unsaturated fats are richly concentrated in high-fat meats and dairy products.

An over-consumption of linoleic acid (also an unsaturated fat and present in high concentrations in corn oil, sunflower seed oil, blended vegetable oils and safflower oil) will further encourage the conversion of prostaglandin series 2 into arachidonic acid, further increasing the body's serum concentrations of this harmful hormone-like substance.

A typical North-American diet is rich in unsaturated fats and linoleic acid, and thus the typical American presents with high levels of prostaglandin series 2 hormones derived from systemic arachidonic acid.

Effects of High Levels of Prostaglandin Series 2 on Skin Texture

High levels of series 2 prostaglandins are found in the epidermal cells of people with substantial intakes of unsaturated fats and linoleic acid.

The excess synthesis of these substances within the epidermal cells gives rise to:

• a skin texture which is rougher, drier, less firm and typically thinner than would be the case if a diet where series 2 prostaglandins are minimized were to be followed;
• a general deterioration in the overall condition of the skin, and a worsening of skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.
• a higher incidence of skin inflammation, and faster skin aging;
• a higher incidence of skin cancers

Effects of Prostaglandin Series 2 on Skin Cells

The process whereby arachidonic acids, provided by saturated fats and linoleic acid, are converted into series 2 prostaglandins causes an acceleration of the rate at which skin cells divide, producing:

• accelerated skin aging;
• a higher incidence of skin cancers, particularly aggressive skin cancers

Effects of Essential Fatty Acids on Skin Cells Affected by Prostaglandin Series 2

Omega-3 and omega-6 fats, derived from evening primrose supplements and fish oils, slow the rate of skin cell division, lessening the rate of skin aging and skin cancers, by enhancing the production of series 3 prostaglandins.

Series 3 prostaglandins will slow the rate of skin cell mutations and overall skin inflammation even under exposure to ultraviolet light.

Pertinent Skin Facts on Prostaglandins in Summary

• suitable essential fatty acid supplements will enhance skin texture, dermal hydration, firmness and overall condition;
• suitable essential fatty acid supplements will prevent or lessen the impact of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, as well as some others, including eczema and psoriasis;
• suitable essential fatty acid supplements slow the rate of skin aging;
• suitable essential fatty acid supplements guard against the development of skin cancers, however of course are no substitute for sunscreens.

Although high potency and pure essential fatty acid supplements are of great assistance, their effect is curtailed when not supported by an appropriate anti-aging skin care regimen.

Please review the section on essential fatty acid supplementation and skin care for full information on this topic.

2. Soft tissue fillers and botox.

3. Chemical peels.

4. Dermabrasion and micro-dermabrasion.

5. Lasers ("IPL").

6. Surgical excision.

7. Liposuction.

8. Neck and jowl treatments.

Topical Skin Care Products

These are described in detail; the skin treatment for aging skin, skin lifting treatment, facial muscle firming treatment and Langerhans cells skin immunity treatment are of particular relevance to facial rejuvenation.

Botox and Facial Fillers

These are used in furrows and hollows of the face. The substances used include bovine collagen, polymers and autologous fat.

Facial fillers are effective at contouring local areas around the lips and mouth and are also suited to correcting depressions, such as those created by deeper scars.

Lines and wrinkles resulting from normal facial expressions may be "immobilized" with injections of botulinum toxin (commonly known as "Botox").

Botox is most often used in treating forehead lines, furrows and crow's feet (tight lines in the corners of the eyes). The quality of results vary.

The facial muscle firming treatment may be used to more naturally smooth and relax wrinkled areas around the eyes and mouth, and may also be used preventatively.

Chemical Peels

Strong chemical peels can cause severe skin reactions and undesirable permanent changes to skin color and texture.

They are rarely used these days in advanced practice, having been replaced by more predictable and safer methods, such as laser, proteolytic enzymes and skin treatments such as Immuno and Mito Special.

Chemical peels have been used to re-surface the skin and assist in removing wrinkles, discoloration marks such as age spots, scarring and improve skin texture.

Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin. This leads to faster the creation of new skin, which more often than not is more perfect in texture.

The aggressiveness of these skin peels often produce side effects which negate the improvements gained.

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a process of mechanical exfoliation similar to sanding.

Originally, dermabrasion was quite an aggressive skin re-surfacing procedure, and utilized a wire brush which resulted in some bleeding.

Only small areas were able to be treated at a time.

Modern microdermabrasion units vary greatly in quality and effectiveness.

The vast majority of microdermabrasion procedures carried out today are performed by beauticians with basic training, are very gentle and not especially effective.

More impressive and therapeutic results are obtained through the use of proteolytic enzymes and other biologically active peeling agents, such as Immuno.

These are gentler but better suited to regular exfoliation and generally have no usage contraindications.

Modern microdermabrasion units use a stream of sandy glass crystals, passed just over the skin's surface, to remove the top layer of dead skin cells.

They have been touted as highly technical and sophisticated instruments, but their mode of action and their method of use are very basic.

Multiple treatments a few weeks apart are required to obtain good skin exfoliation.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can be employed to help improve broken capillaries (blood vessels), pre-cancerous skin growths, some scars, skin discolorations and wrinkles.

Laser skin resurfacing is not a substitute for a face lift, but may be employed in combination with the Facial Muscle Firming Treatment and Skin Lifting Treatment.

Laser has been combined with chemical peels, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and face/neck liposuction.

IPL - Intense Pulsed Light (Laser)

This form of laser uses a broad spectrum light devoid of harmful wavelengths. IPL Laser is a suitable treatment for:

• vascular lesions
• large dry pore size
• pigmentation
• chronic redness

As IPL only addresses single symptoms, it cannot be regarded as a holistic treatment.

Surgical Skin Excisions

Moles, scars and various benign skin growths which often enlarge over time may be removed by excision.

Face and Neck Liposuction

Where excess face and neck fats are causing distentions resulting in sagging jowls or a double chin, the fat may be removed to improve the contours of the face and neck.

Gernetic GER-Lift helps to curtail the effects of sagging skin and excess fats, may be used in the treatment of sagging jowls or a double chin.

In more severe cases, Adipo/Gasta may be used in association with Somito under supervision.

These two skin treatments are normally reserved for body use, but will be of great benefit to some patients.

Facial Jowls and Neck Jowl Treatments

These problems are typically addressed by a combination of modalities depending on how advanced the skin and tissue deterioration has become.

Treatments of facial and neck jowls may combine the treatment effects of facial liposuction, Skin Lifting Treatment, Facial Muscle Firming Treatment and the Anti-Aging Skin Treatment using Low-Glycemic Index Foods.

• Topical anti-aging skin care, including daily use of Gernetic Synchro, nightly use of Cytobi, occasional use of Nuclea.
• Periodic use of protocols including the Facial Muscle Firming Treatment; Aging Skin Treatment using Low-Glycemic Index Foods; Skin Treatment for Aging Skin; Langerhans Cells Skin Immunity Treatment and Skin Lifting Treatment.
• Very light chemical skin peels.

Fillers, such as collagen replacement injections and Botox if required.

• Non-ablative lasers.
• Light microdermabrasion.

Aging Skin Rejuvenation for Moderate Amounts of Skin Aging and Skin Damage

As above, and in addition:

• Erbium-YAG laser.
• Coblation.
• CO2 laser.
• Facial (including neck) liposuction.

Aging Skin Rejuvenation for Severe Amounts of Skin Aging and Skin Damage

As above, and in addition:

• Possibly deep chemical skin peels.
• Surgical excisions.

Collagen replacement therapy will do nothing to enhance the production of collagen and elastin, however it can be used to temporarily and instantly boost the skin's natural levels of collagen.

The effects of collagen replacement therapy can be maintained by repeating the treatment at regular intervals.

Autologous fat is also suited to areas affected by scarring and aging-related fat loss.

The risk of rejection is low, as is the risk of allergy, because the fat is native.

Common treatment areas include the eyes, mouth and cheeks; however some people also have their hands treated, as the hands frequently become quite thin-looking with age.

Although not commonplace, autologous fat implants are also being used to increase breast and buttock size, as well as accentuate their shape.

Autologous Fat Injection Process

Fat liposuctioned from the thighs or abdomen is purified. Using a small needle, the fat is most often injected into the muscle tissue. This method maximizes results.

The process takes 30-60 minutes and may be performed in combination with a face lift or liposuction.

Post-treatment discomfort is typically minor.

Autologous fat implants dissipate over time because the fat is re-absorbed into the system, particularly in areas where there is poor blood supply.

Alternatives include facial muscle firming, skin lifting and general anti-aging skin treatments of the more therapeutic kind.

It consists of a network of long, branched chains made up of repeating units of disaccharides which contain amino groups sugars, at least one of which has a negatively charged side group (carboxylate or sulphate).

Commonest are hyaluronate (D glucuronic acid N acetyl D glucosamine: MW up to 10 million), chondroitin sulphate (D glucuronic acid N acetyl D galactosamine 4 or 6 sulphate), dermatan sulphate (D glucuronic acid or L iduronic acid N acetyl D galactosamine), keratan sulphate (D galactose N acetyl D glucosamine sulphate) and heparan sulphate (D glucuronic acid or L iduronic acid N acetyl D glucosamine).

Glycosaminoglycan side chains (with the exception of hyaluronate) are covalently attached to a core protein at about every 12 amino acid residues to produce a proteoglycan, these proteoglycans are then noncovalently attached by link proteins to hyaluronate, forming an enormous hydrated space filling polymer found in extracellular matrix.

The extent of sulphation is variable and the structure allows tremendous diversity.

The protein is also a component of the capsid of a retrovirus which can act as group-specific antigens to the host.