Make a point of enjoying next-level skincare with retinol. This little wonder cream was first approved in the 1970s for acne patients. It’s a synthetic derivative of Vitamin-A, but falls under the broad retinoid category. When applied topically, retinol converts into retinoic acid. The latter is much harsher than retinol creams or serums.

Benefits

Retinol helps promote cell turnover and prevents pores from clogging. It’s because of this benefit that many doctors and dermatologist prescribed retinol for acne patients. And to this day, it enjoys top spot for clearing resistant acne. And the good news is that ex-acne sufferers might age slower in any event.

Another benefit is that retinol improves penetration of other skincare products.

As one of the most used anti-aging products, it’s simply remarkable how it stimulates skin cell turnover with its semi-exfoliating effect. You’ll have increased levels of collagen and elastin – making for a brighter, more even-toned skin.

Best of all, retinol decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, what’s not to like?

Many options

Many different over-the-counter skincare products contain retinol. So, it won’t be difficult to find a product perfect for your skin. Lasermed stocks a variety of products containing retinol.

What’s more, it’s very cost-effective considering the amazing results. You can also see a dermatologist to get a prescription if you wish.

Dosages

Retinol comes in a variety of strengths: from 0.25 to 0.5. Depending on your skin sensitivity, use it two to three times a week. Or for very sensitive skin, start using it once a week. Gradually increase the application to twice a week. If your skin isn’t irritated, then you can increase the frequency to four nights a week.

So, start your journey to next-level skincare with retinol.

If you’ve developed those dreaded brown liver spots (solar lentigos), don’t fear: we can treat sun spots effectively with various treatments.

Yes, sadly all those beach days and sports activities in our youth come to haunt us as we get older. Solar lentigos, also known as liver spots, appear out of the blue. They form as brown macules due to an over-production of melanin – directly related to excessive sun exposure. They also happen to increase in number over the years.

Sun spots generally are smooth and flat. But raised and rough spots should be assessed by a dermatologist as they may be a precursor to cancer. Affected areas usually are the face, chest, legs, arms and dorsal hands.

Alas, white spots also occur. These are hypopigmented lesions. That means the sun has stripped the skin of its pigment. White spots can’t be reversed.

TREATING LENTIGOS

Sun protection

Apply sun block twice daily. Sun block should be applied 30 minutes before going outside. If you’ve been swimming, reapply your sun block immediately. Wear protective clothing: long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat. Try to avoid the sun during the peak times of 10am to 4pm.

Topical lightening creams

Some topical lightening creams are available over the counter. Make sure it contains kojic acid, liquorice, mulberry extract and vitamin C. Stronger creams containing hydroquinone and retinol need a doctor’s prescription.

Liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is a quick and effective treatment for rough and raised sun spots. But be advised: the treatment may leave a white mark.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are effective treatments when done in winter. Gentle fruit acid peels will lighten sun spots and even out the skin colour after a few treatments.

Laser therapy

We use a variety of lasers on smooth, flat sun spots. The laser will shatter the melanin production and initially the sun spots will darken before fading. This should also be done in winter.

Topical creams

We also stock topical creams which may lighten sun spots. These are: Neostrata’s Enlighten Range; Skin Tech’s Blending Cream and Atrofillin; Obagi’s Pro C Serum, Exoderm, Exoderm Forte and Blend FX; Zone’s Day and Night Creams; and Avéne’s D-Pigment Cream.

Sun blocks

Recommended sunscreen brands are: Heliocare, Photoderm, Skin Tech Melablock, Obagi Professional C and Avéne.

It’s been shown conclusively: protect the ozone layer to decrease skin cancer cases.

Montreal Protocol

An international agreement to protect the ozone layer is expected to prevent 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases for people born in the US by the end of this century. The new research is by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), ICF Consulting and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They focused on the far-reaching impacts of a landmark 1987 treaty, the Montreal Protocol. The agreement phased out the use of chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that destroy ozone in the stratosphere.

Stratospheric ozone shields the planet from harmful levels of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on earth.

Computer modelling

The scientists developed computer modelling that enabled them to look to both the past and the future by simulating the treaty’s impact on Americans born between 1890 and 2100. Finally, the modelling revealed the treaty’s effect on stratospheric ozone, the associated reductions in UV radiation and the resulting health benefits.

In addition to avoiding a large number of skin cancer and cataract cases, the study also showed that the amended treaty will prevent approximately 2.3 million skin cancer deaths in the U.S.

NCAR scientist Julia Lee-Taylor said, “It shows that, given the will, the nations of the world can come together to solve global environmental problems.”

Mounting concerns over the ozone layer

In the 1970s, scientists began highlighting the threat to the ozone layer when they found that CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere. These set off chemical reactions that destroy ozone. Consequently, concerns mounted the following decade with the discovery of an Antarctic ozone hole.

The loss of stratospheric ozone would be catastrophic, as high levels of UV radiation are linked to certain types of skin cancer, cataracts and immunological disorders. The ozone layer also protects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as agriculture.

Under the amended treaty, the modelling results showed UV radiation levels returning to 1980 levels by the mid-2040s. In contrast, UV levels would have continued to increase throughout this century if the treaty had not been amended. And they certainly would have soared far higher without any treaty at all.

Increased skin cancer cases

Even with the amendments, the simulations show excess cases of cataracts and various types of skin cancer occurring with the onset of ozone depletion and peaking decades later as the population exposed to the highest UV levels ages. Thus, those born between 1900 and 2040 experience heightened cases of skin cancer and cataracts. But the worst health outcomes affect those born between 1950 and 2000.

However, the health impacts would have been far more severe without the treaty. Without protecting the ozone layer, cases of skin cancer and cataracts would have risen at a rapid rate through the century.

Naturally, the researchers focused on the US because of ready access to health data and population projections. According to Lee-Taylor, the health outcomes in other countries may vary, but the overall trends would be similar.

The message is clear: protect the ozone layer to decrease skin cancer cases.

Story Source: Materials provided by National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Original written by David Hosansky.

– sciencedaily.com