Anti-Inflammatory Treats For Your Skin
Two decades in private dermatology practice, seeing thousands of patients, in conjunction with extensive study on the subject has confirmed my belief that the most horrific and frightening aspects of Halloween are not the ghosts, ghouls and goblins on your doorstep. Instead they are to be found in that goody bag full of candy on the arm of each trick or treater.
Sugar in all of its forms (corn syrup, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) is extremely damaging to the skin–and in fact to all organ systems. Sugar and foods that rapidly convert to sugar when eaten cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, resulting in the release of insulin into the blood stream, that then cause us to store, rather than burn fat.
As these sugars and starches are eaten, they cause a burst of inflammation throughout the body.
The sugar molecule can also can permanently attach to protein, such as the collagen present in our skin and other parts of the body. This process is known as glycation.
At the point of attachment, there is a small mechanism creating inflammation, which then becomes a source of inflammation in its own right. This inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen, resulting in wrinkled, sagging skin and leaves us in desperate need of top notch skin care products! In addition to inflammation, glycation also causes cross-linking in our collagen, making it stiff and inflexible where it was once soft and supple.
Unfortunately, these “sugar-bonds” can occur throughout the body as we age and are not just confined to the skin. This process, known as glycation affects our arteries, veins, bones, ligaments, even our brains, resulting in the breakdown of organ systems and the deterioration of the body. Glycation creates “free radical” factories known as advanced glycation end products (AGESs), which also increase cellular inflammation.
After learning about the “horrors” caused by eating sugar and high glycemic carbs, a trip to the candy store begins to take on qualities of Stephen King at his fictional best. But we all do need an occasional treat and that is why I recommend a small serving of dark chocolate which contains 85% cocoa. This is delicious, rich and intensely chocolate experience contains high levels of antioxidants known as flavonoids.
As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Dr. Perricone’s work is really very interesting and extremely useful. I have known about him just today, during a visit with a well known american plastic surgeon, whose assistant gave me advice about skin products using his name. After having read news in this site, I will start using these products (the samples I have been provided with are extremely good) and read his books. Thank you.
I have faithfully been using all of the Perricone products for years now. The books also boosted my confidence in the science. However, I recently was sent some contradictory info regarding DMAE from Oprah’s Dr Mehmet Oz based on on his new book YOU staying beautiful. They claim that DMAE actually creates inflamation in the fibroblasts which is why it ‘appears’ to smooth out lines and wrinkles. I find this very disconcerting and would appreciate some clarification?
Dear Lasha,
Thank you for your question regarding DMAE. We are confident that the following information provided will educate you on the safety and benefits of Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE):
As a board certified clinical dermatologist, researcher and world-renowned expert in the fields of health, beauty and anti-aging, Dr. Perricone has chosen to incorporate DMAE into many of his products due to its proven safety and powerful benefits. He has patented the application of DMAE along with 25+ additional scientific patents he holds for reversing and preventing damage to skin and for treatment of systemic disease.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is an organic anti-inflammatory compound found in high concentration levels in fish, primarily salmon, sardines and anchovies. Extensive studies have been done to demonstrate the positive effects of DMAE when taken both as a supplement or applied topically.
When taken as a supplement, it has been shown to increase cognitive function by improving memory and problem-solving ability. It has also been shown to assist in improvement in disruptive disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
When applied topically, it improves the appearance of muscle tone around the eyes, cheeks, nose, jaw line and forehead. It also helps to firm young or sagging skin, especially when mixed with other amino acids and nutrients such as the ones found in the N.V Perricone Cosmeceuticals® skin care line.
DMAE’s efficacy in improving skin tone and firmness and the long term safety of its use were confirmed in two rigorous studies by the credible researchers at Johnson & Johnson Company. Their positive findings including before and after photos were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology, Feb 22-26, 2002 and were confirmed by researchers at the University Medical Center of Liege, Belgium.
The study concluded that topical DMAE was found to be “safe for long term facial applications.” The study also logged improvements in the appearance of fine lines, skin firming around the eyes, lips and cheek areas, as well as “improvements in overall appearance of aging skin.”
I hope you find this information helpful and reassuring.
Regards,
Alexis