Tag Archives: skin inflammation

Barking Up The Right Tree — Introducing Pycnogenol

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As we approach winter and the days are shorter, we can’t forget the toll that excess sun exposure may have taken on the face and body.

Hyperpigmentation is one of the negative effects of chronic overexposure to sunlight, which also plays a role in skin aging and the development of skin cancer. In fact, it is UV radiation that is the main environmental factor that causes human skin aging. Fortunately, a new generation of anti-inflammatory, antioxidants can help counteract these problems.

The Sun + Hormonal Imbalances

Human skin, like other organs, undergoes chronological aging; however, unlike other organs, our skin is in direct contact with the environment. Even worse, our face and hands are the two areas that do not have protection from clothing, exacerbating the problem.However, it is not just the sun exposure at fault. Hormonal imbalances and other factors also contribute to the loss of radiance, uneven skin tone and skin discolorations; ongoing problems that worsen with each passing year.

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.

Introducing Pycnogenol®

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 antioxidant act as natural anti-inflammatories, and inflammation is a key factor in the vast majority of skin problems.

Exercise – The Glow Getter

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Exercise does wonders for the skin. When we exercise, we tend to perspire and many toxins in the body are eliminated in sweat. In addition, people who exercise have better circulation to the skin, giving it a healthy glow, which adds to an attractive appearance. As those familiar with the Perricone philosophy and the Perricone Prescription Diet know, better circulation in the skin also decreases the chances of wrinkles. I have also found that my patients who exercise regularly drink much more water than those who do not and as a result their cells are better hydrated. This is anti-inflammatory, contributing to a youthful, more radiant and healthy appearance.

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.