Skin Deep by Sharon Keating

“Improving the Skin You are In!”

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is “What can I do with this face?!!”  Translation – “Is there anything that can be done about these wrinkles, sags, bags, and age spots?”  After some calming and encouraging words, I have to first determine exactly what the person sees that is so distressing.  The reality of the situation is that the present condition did not just “appear”, but has been progressing toward the present state for many years.

The best scenario is to never come to this juncture.  It would be better instead to choose a preventative program.  But, the good news for all is just that – there is good news for all!  Technology has provided some wonderful skin care products that truly do work wonders when used diligently and faithfully.   

The foundation for a solid skin care program is cleanse, scrub and treat.  But, what agents or ingredients are the best for mature skin striving to reverse the marks of time?  Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of organic acids that have recently gained notoriety in treating a variety of skin conditions such as age spots and fine lines and wrinkles.  These acids are derived from sugar cane, citric acid from citrus fruit and malic acid from apples so they are often referred to as “fruit acids”.  The beauty of the action of this group is that they act on both the superficial and deep levels of the skin at the same time providing a powerful “punch” without any corresponding irritation.  The superficial level (epidermis) is exfoliated.  This means that the cells on the skin’s surface are unglued and sloughed off without a dry flaky effect or irritating redness.  The epidermis is also thickened as the cells are stimulated to regenerate more quickly. We now have clean, smooth, stronger skin that actually glows. 

But wait, there is more!  At the same time, the deep skin (dermis) is stimulated to regenerate more quickly and to reorganize.  The dermis is the deepest layer of skin that acts as the foundation of support for the skin. The dermis can be compared to the foundation under our mattress which provides structure and support for our bodies while we sleep.  This reorganization of cells causes the dermis to thicken due to increased production of collagen and elastin.  The collagen and elastin are the actual substance of the skin’s foundation.  The more collagen and elastin we produce and have in place, the firmer and smoother our skin will be.  Fine lines and wrinkles smooth out, skin texture improves, skin color evens out, and we actually start to look younger.

All this thickening of our skin is key to the entire anti-aging process.  As we age, our skin thins, and we loose the support in the deep dermal level that provided the basis for that firm resilient skin we enjoyed in our youth.  The goal is to restore the skin to its thicken firmer state by stimulating cell production.  So, thick skin is a good thing!

Alpha Hydroxy Acid products are available in creams, gels, lotions, and cleansers.  They are easy to use, provide consistent positive results, and very few people have true sensitivities to them.  Most sensitivities are actually due to other ingredients found in the product.  Alpha Hydroxy Acids may be safely used by all age groups and are the first line of defense in an anti-aging regime.  They can be likened to “HOPE in a bottle” as it is truly never too late to start Turning Back the Hands of Time!