Advances in Skin Rejuvenation Focus on Enhancing Collagen and Elastin

For many Baby Boomers trying to slow down thean assortment of other risky habits and behaviors.
aging process, hyperpigmentation means a lot moreFrom a purely cosmetic point of view, if the texture
than just dark spots on their skin. In a cultureof your skin has been damaged by sun exposure,
obsessed with youth and beauty, age spots may notaging, or a combination, thereof, there are a variety
only have a negative impact on one's self-esteem,of tactics you can use to counteract those
but they could also potentially be a contributingconditions. Whether your complaint is
factor in age discrimination. It may not happen all thehyperpigmentation or wrinkles, the problem can often
time, but it does happen.be improved through procedures, such as
Some people would assert that aging is a naturaldermabrasion or laser treatments. Researchers in
process that should be managed by maintaining aGermany have also recently made some progress in
healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude. Their advicelearning how to use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to
might be to just go with the flow and don't fight therestore some of the resiliency and elasticity of aging
inevitable. Well, even though everyone has askin. Positive effects on collagen production in skin
different opinion on the matter, few people wouldhas also been reported as the result of topically
disagree with this fact: The experience of aging is asapplying amino acid compounds, called pentapeptides
different among individuals as personal values, careerAnother type of skin therapy that has been shown
aspirations, genetics, and lifestyle choices.to improve the appearance of photodamaged and
Some people offer no resistance to what they seewrinkled skin is called the ELASTIderm Decolletage
as the natural changes that occur as a result ofSystem. At the recent Fall Clinical Dermatology
getting older. Others wage a proactive battle againstConference Meeting, in Long Beach, California, Obagi
every change that takes place in their skin texture,Medical Products announced the results of a 24-week
hair color, and waistline measurements. There'sclinical study involving two topical skin treatments .
certainly nothing wrong with trying to slow down theAccording to an October 16th, 2008 press release
aging process and retain one's youthful appearance;issued by Obagi Medical Products, Inc., "The
and for those intent on doing so, there are enoughELASTIderm Skin Lightening Complex is formulated
temporary solutions, anti-aging products, andwith 4% hydroquinone to aid in the gradual lightening
cosmetic procedures out there to suit almostof hyperpigmented skin conditions. The ELASTIderm
everyone's comfort level and budget.Wrinkle Reducing Lotion is formulated with a
The secret to staving off premature aging is actuallyproprietary bi-mineral complex with malonic acid that
not a secret. The media frequently focuses on thehelps replenish elasticity and build collagen." The lead
age defying benefits of regular exercise, antioxidants,investigator in the study, James Leyden, MD, stated
Omega 3's, getting enough sleep, managing stress,that "The system is highly effective, with the most
controlling cholesterol, limiting fat intake, gettingobvious improvements in mottled hyperpigmentation
enough sleep, refraining from smoking, applyingoccurring early in treatment, which continued to
sunscreen, and - in case I forgot anything -- avoidingimprove over time, as did wrinkling.