Tag Archives: age spots

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Age Spots- Help!

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Question: I wear a daily SPF and haven’t tanned since my twenties. Why are my age spots becoming more noticeable?

The aging process results in the increased activity of pigment cells known as melanocytes, as well as a thickening of the superficial layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) which is made up of dead skin cells. Melanocytes begin to burn out when you reach your late 30s and 40s, making it more difficult for your skin to fight sun damage, which can result in uneven pigmentation.

The combination of a thickened and rough stratum corneum, in conjunction with the increased population of melanocyte pigment cells results in dull skin with more obvious discoloration.

This is exactly the opposite of the radiant skin seen on the youthful face. Chronic sub-clinical inflammation is a major contributing factor, which is why I strongly recommend taking antioxidant supplements, following the anti-inflammatory diet and applying topicals with anti-inflammatory properties. All of which will work synergistically to restore a more youthful brightness and radiance to the skin.

 

spring ready skin

3 Scary Skin Changes

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“We do not have to age the way our parents did.” – Dr. Nicholas Perricone

It’s true- thanks in part to the technological advancements in skin care and increased knowledge about skin’s underlying structure. Here are 3 potentially worrisome changes that skin undergoes as we age and some product fixes that can help.

1. Skin Change: Increased dryness. After age 30, skin’s oil glands reduce their production significantly, and the loss continues as we age.

Fix: Upgrade your moisturizer to a more nourishing, antioxidant based formula. Tip: Don’t be fooled by “rich” feeling moisturizers containing mineral-oil. This is a cheap filler ingredient that can actually act as a barrier to allowing the nutrients into the skin.

2. Skin Change:  Age spots. Visible hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Melanocytes actually “burn out” at around the 30’s or 40’s, which reduces the skin’s natural defense mechanism to fight sun damage, often resulting in uneven pigmentation.

Fix: Seek out a corrective treatment that works to “erase” sun spots and uneven pigmentation. Tip: Opt for a hydroquinone (bleach)-free formulation for optimum skin health.

Product pick: Vitamin C Ester 15. Fast acting and safe product to visibly break up and erase hyperpigmenation. A must have for anyone with sun damage.

3. Skin Change: Thinning. Thinning skin caused by the dermis and the skin’s fat layer thinning (around age 40 typically) and picking up speed around age 50 for most women. This results in the visible sagging of the skin and the loss of that plump, supple look. Even worse? This loss of the fat layer actually makes skin even more susceptible to damage and abrasion.

Fix: Incorporate products that enhance collagen and elastin production to help “redensify” skin’s appearance. Retinol and Vitamin C Ester are ingredients to look for.

Product picks: HP Amine Face Lift formulated with Vitamin C Ester and pycnogenol, a skin strengthener. HP Evening Evening Repair formulated with a therapeutic dose of retinol to encourage cell turn over and repair.

What changes have you noticed in your skin as you’ve aged?

The Science Behind Pigment Corrective

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Pigment Corrective is a powerful treatment that helps to reverse the signs of hyper-pigmentation or brown spots resulting from sun damage or chronological age. By lightening and brightening the skin’s appearance, it imparts a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Independent clinical studies demonstrated extraordinary results:

• 100% reported a decrease in the appearance of new brown spots
• 96% reported their skin appeared brighter

How is it unique?
Pigment Corrective is safe and effective. Regular use improves the appearance of brown spots and hyper-pigmentation, while brightening the skin’s appearance with Pycnogenol® and Vitamin C Ester. It also helps tone skin, improves elasticity and smoothes the appearance of lines and wrinkles with DMAE.

The science
Pycnogenol® is sourced from maritime pine trees in the South of France, known for their centuries-old healing properties. It improves skin health and collagen renewal, while providing potent antioxidants to brighten skin.

Pigment Corrective complements any skincare regimen and can be used in combination with your favorite Perricone Products to help reduce the appearance of age spots. The topical cream is most effective when used with Pigment Corrective dietary supplements. Both of these will be made cheaper with Perricone coupons.

The Power of Pycnogenol®

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Lightening the hyperpigmentation and skin discolorations has always been a challenge to many dermatologists, including myself. Many of the most popular substances used for this purpose are either ineffectual or potentially dangerous. I was immensely pleased to learn that there was another option, a superior antioxidant known as Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the unspoiled coast of southwestern France. Perricone readers know that anti-oxidant act as a natural anti-inflammatory and inflammation is a key factor in the vast majority of skin problems.

How does Pycnogenol work?

Pycnogenol works by inhibiting melanogenesis, the production of the pigment melanin, responsible for skin color) and lowers skin pigmentation intensity so that skin is a more even toned. A clinical study has demonstrated that Pycnogenol is effective in lightening areas of the skin that are over-pigmented, diminish skin discolorations, brown spots, unsightly age spots and much more.

What has Pycnogenol shown in tests?
Oral supplementation of healthy volunteers with Pycnogenol® was shown to help prevent UV damage and the resulting photo-aging. Pycnogenol® also inhibits the inflammation caused by UV-exposure, consequently protecting the skin from sunburn. Tomorrow we will learn how the synergistic combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol can transform the skin—safely and effectively.