Medical Grade Skin Care

Skin Science

The skin consists of two layers, a deep layer called the dermis and an outer layer called the epidermis. The dermis is like the foundations of a house - it is invisible and contains all the plumbing services. It is mostly made up of a tough fibrous structure called Collagen. The dermis also contains the hair follicles and oil glands involved with causing acne.

The outer layer of skin or Epidermis consists of layers of cells held together by binding cement similar to the way bricks are held together with mortar. The skin cells are created at the bottom of the epidermis and work their way to the top, progressively shrinking and flattening, becoming cornified and hard. These cells form the outer dead layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum.

During childhood the stratum corneum is very thin. The skin is consequently more translucent, allowing light to enter more easily. That is why children have such beautiful looking skin. Unfortunately, as part of the process of maturing during the teenage years, the skin thickens, especially the stratum corneum. The result of this thickening is duller looking skin and for many teenagers the development of acne.

Exfoliation

If you are ever in a room of adults in the forty to sixty year age group, compare the skin of most men with the ladies. In general the men have the better skin. Why? There is only one reason‚ most men shave. In the process they remove the stratum corneum as well as their whiskers. This process is called exfoliation.

So, if the reason men tend to have nice skin on the lower part of their face, is exfoliation, it makes sense that daily exfoliation for ladies is perfectly safe providing the product does not contain ingredients that scratch and tear the skin. For this reason, products containing ingredients such as Apricot Kernels are not suitable for the face.

There are many ways to exfoliate but for home care we recommend using scrubs. We also recommend the use of Glycolic Acid based skin care products because Glycolic acid softens the binding cement holding the stratum corneum cells together making it easier to remove them with scrubs.

Nourishment

Your skin is constantly changing according to the weather and other enviromental issues such as polution, hormones, the skin care regimen you use and make-up you wear. From time to time its nourihments need change so keep in touch with your skincare professional who will be able to advise you over time about what is happening to your skin.

Sun Protection.

Everyone should apply as SPF 15+ (or better) every day whether they are going to be outdoors or not. There is no evidence that sun blocks cause any long term problems but very good evidence that they protect the skin from damaging UV rays and reduce the incidence of skin cancers, sun spots and photo-aging.

Existing Damage

If you already have damaged skin you may need to have some form of skin treatment such as chemical peel or possibly Laser resurfacing. For specific recommendations and a sample daily skin care program please go to the suggested daily skin care routine page.