Tag Archives: sun damage

Photo Plasma

Pink Power: Astaxanthin

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One of the key anti aging ingredients in Photo Plasma is the antioxidant Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring sun protector that can mitigate some of the damage caused by the sun’s ultra violet rays. Did you know:

  • Astaxanthin has been protecting plants for thousands of years. It’s part of the carotenoid family, a group of plant chemicals (antioxidants) that are used by certain species of flora to help defend against damage from the sun’s rays.
  • Astaxanthin’s pink presence is visible in some of the animals that consume a plant-based diet rich in algae (think seafood such as salmon, shrimp, crab and lobster).
  • Unfortunately, humans cannot simply rely on consuming foods rich in astaxanthin to prevent sunburn. Taking a dietary supplement made with astaxanthin may be beneficial, but needs time to accumulate in the system over a matter of weeks.

What are your questions about the new Photo Plasma? 

Wild Alaskan Salmon

The Skin Saving Antioxidant

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The carotenoid family of antioxidants offers special and targeted properties for cellular growth and repair. Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments that give a red-orange-yellow color to fruits, vegetables, and even wild salmon. Because they are fat-soluble, carotenoids can enter both the cell plasma membrane and the mitochondria, where they protect these parts of the cell from oxidative stress, free-radical damage (including UV exposure) and pro-inflammatory chemicals. Carotenoids neutralize sunlight-induced free radicals, which damage the cell and are the primary force behind the “subclinical”, or invisible, inflammation that accelerates the internal aging process and manifests externally as wrinkles.

Vitamin C ester rich Orange

Skin S.O.S: Vitamin C Ester

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Vitamin C is critical in the production of collagen. Without this vital protein, our bodies would literally fall apart. Collagen not only holds our skeleton together, but it also attaches muscles to our bones and helps maintain the proper position of organs and skin.

Vitamin C ester, taken internally, hinders the production of the chemical arachadonic acid, which causes inflammation and can also play a part in the formation of psoriasis and the micro-scarring that leads to the formation of wrinkles.

In considering skin care products, opt for Vitamin C Ester over conventional Vitamin C. Firstly, vitamin C can be acidic and tolerated poorly by some skin types. Secondly, and most importantly, when considering ingredients in topicals is the solubility of the nutrients. Vitamin C Ester in Dr. Perricone’s formulations has been joined to a fatty acid derived from palm oil, in what’s known as an ester-bond. This is key as it renders the vitamin C ester non-acidic and enables it to penetrate the outer fatty layer of the cell, the cell membrane. This is important because it means that the Vitamin C ester is actually able to penetrate the skin and go to work, repairing the visible signs of aging.

Vitamin C Ester products are excellent for:

  • loss of firmness because of lost or damaged collagen
  • sun damage; age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma
  • reducing redness
  • Sun burned, inflamed or irritated skin.

Which Vitamin C Ester products do you use? What results have you noticed?

 

 

Dr. P new image

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.

 

Sunscreen

6 Foods to Fight Sun Damage

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These foods can help protect against sun damage from the inside out:

1. Wild salmon This fish is an outstanding source of the carotenoid antioxidant known as astaxanthin, (1000 times more effective than Vitamin E), which helps to repair damage from UV rays and keep skin radiant and youthful.  The omega 3 essential fatty acids in salmon also act as powerful, protective anti-inflammatories.

In addition to salmon, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines are also rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids that can protect skin from deadly melanoma and other forms of skin cancer from sunburn.

2. Green tea Along with strawberries, blue and blackberries, apples, and cocoa, green tea is an antioxidant food high in catechins which also protect the skin from UV damage. The deeper and richer the color, the higher the catechin content. The most powerful catechin is Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate (EGCG) which is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times stronger than Vitamin E.  Green tea is one of our richest sources of EGCG.

3. Cocoa The ingestion of high flavanol cocoa led to increases in blood flow of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, and to increases in skin density and skin hydration. Dietary flavanols from cocoa contribute to endogenous photo-protection, improve dermal blood circulation, and affect cosmetically relevant skin surface and hydration variables.

4. Tomatoes A study, performed in 2001, looked at volunteers who ate 40 grams of tomato paste over a ten-week period. The group was forty percent less likely to experience sunburn when exposed to harmful UV rays.  But don’t forget to add a little olive oil to insure absorption of the special skin-protecting phytochemicals.

5. Watermelon This summer melon is rich in lycopene, making it a great choice to protect your skin from sunburn and possibility of developing skin cancer.

Lycopene can prevent UV-induced sunburn. It is rich in the aforementioned tomatoes and tomato paste, watermelon as well as apricots, pink grapefruit and red (not orange) carrots.

6. Broccoli Sprouts A member of the cruciferous family, broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, which is linked to increasing the skin’s ability to protect itself from cancer. Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of cancer-fighting glucoraphanin, the precursor of sulforaphane.

How do you incorporate these photoprotective foods?

istock_tomatoes

Eat Your Sunscreen

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It’s no news that the sun’s UV rays are widely considered to be the #1 external cause of visible aging, such as age spots, hyperpigmentation and sagging skin. When we look at how the skin is damaged by UV rays, it can be understood that the sun exerts carcinogenic effects on the skin, by causing oxidative stress, damage to our DNA, and ultimately, inflammation.

If we know that cellular inflammation can be mitigated by making certain food choices, would it also make sense that these same food choices would help fight UV damage?

It would, and in the case of Lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant present in red and pink fruits such as tomato, grapefruit and papaya, it’s been proven true.

Lycopene, in vitro, has been shown to prevent or repair damage to DNA. Researchers have further tested if the antioxidant actions of lycopene in tomato paste could decrease the skin damage caused by UV radiation in humans by testing on a group of women. At the beginning of the 12 week study, a group of healthy women had their skin’s reddening response to UV light measured. They then consumed tomato paste daily, and at the end of 12 weeks, their skin’s resistance to UV-induced reddening was enhanced. Their consumption of the tomato paste also reduced mitochondrial DNA damage and reduced the degredation of the skin’s extracellular proteins, which contributes to visible signs of aging. The results of this study suggest that regular tomato consumption can help reduce the skin damaging effects of the sun.

Bottom line: Prepare for the summer months ahead with a good non-chemical SPF and a healthy diet incorporating brightly colored fruits and vegetables from the anti inflammatory diet. 

What photoprotective foods do you eat?

References

1. Nichols, J.A. and S.K. Katiyar, Skin photoprotection by natural polyphenols: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and DNA repair mechanisms. Arch Dermatol Res, 2010. 302(2): p. 71-83.
2. van Breemen, R.B. and N. Pajkovic, Multitargeted therapy of cancer by lycopene. Cancer Lett, 2008. 269(2): p. 339-51.
3. Rizwan, M., et al., Tomato paste rich in lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo. Br J Dermatol, 2010.

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.

Barking up the Right Tree

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Lighten and Brighten sun damaged skin the Perricone Way

Now that the long, hot summer has drawn to a close, the toll of excess sun exposure may be appearing on your 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

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. But all the news is not bad. Tomorrow we will learn about a remarkable anti-oxidant with the power to lighten and brighten the skin.

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.