Pelle Medical Skincare

Vitamin C in Skin Care

March 21st, 2015Delaney Lambert, skincare, Sunblock, Vitamin C Comments Off

Vitamin C is a powerful serum antioxidant that is applied topically to the skin once a day, and aids in the correction of the premature aging process. It does this by creating a barrier in the deeper part of the skin where the living skin cells exist and protects them from free radical damage – also known as oxidative stress. Because of this created barrier, Vitamin C helps the skin function at a more optimal level improving the health of the skin, which in turn, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves the texture of the skin and enhances cellular hydration. All very positive side effects of using this topical powerhouse.

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that have the ability to cause significant cellular damage. This cellular damage is known as oxidative stress. The free radicals cause wrinkles in the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin that lie in the deeper layers. These nasty molecules are produced through normal bodily processes, as well as being released from external sources such as the sun, air pollution, and tobacco smoke. Free radicals also attack DNA and RNA on the cell nucleus, causing cellular damage and death. What does that mean to you? Rough, dull, crepe thin skin.

Why is a topical antioxidant needed?
Antioxidants that are taken in orally through our food sources and supplements are grate for protecting our internal body, keeping our body healthy and fighting off many disease processes. But because our skin’s blood supply is spread out over such a large area (the skin the the largest organ of the human body), the higher concentration of our oral antioxidants is lost. Therefore, a topical application of Vitamin C is necessary to obtain optimal antioxidant protection.

This product should be applied once daily in the morning on clean dry skin followed by a sunscreen containing zinc, titanium or a combination of both. Once Vitamin C is applied, it can not be removed. It gets down into the deeper part of the skin, so sweating, showering and swimming can not take it off. It is a primary component to any medical skin care regimen; an absolute ”can’t live without” product!

If you have any more questions about Vitamin C, please contact the Skincare Nurse Specialists at Pellé.

General Skin Care

January 9th, 2013Chris Klueh, Retinol, skincare, Sunblock, Vitamin C Comments Off

The most frequently asked question in our office is, “What is a good regimen for the daily care of my skin?”

The skin care nurses at Pellé believe that all patients benefit from using three core products: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), sunblock and a Retinol or Retin-A. Each product contributes greatly to one’s skin health. Here’s how:

1) Vitamin C Serum
This serum should be used every morning to protect the skin barrier from free radicals such as solar damage-UV radiation, pollutants, smoke, etc.

This potent anti-oxidant stops free radicals before they touch the cell or cause damage inside the cell. Vitamin C has been clinically proven to stimulate and increase collagen synthesis and is effective against reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2) Sunblock
We encourage the use of sunblock everyday, January through January, and on cloudy, rainy and snowy days. Sunblock used daily protects against UVB rays; the shorter, burning rays as well as UVA rays which are the deeply penetrating, longer waves, that cause skin cancer including melanoma.

Pellé sells only sunblocks, which contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. These are physical ingredients that are not absorbed into the skin. The ultraviolet rays are absorbed into the sunblock or reflected away from the skin, protecting you from UVB and UVA Rays. In contrast, sunscreens are made up of chemical ingredients that are absorbed into the skin which merely filter the rays rather than blocking them.

Physical blocks, because they are not absorbed into the skin, are nonirritating and hypoallergenic. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are non-comedogenic, which means they do not produce or aggravate acne. Zinc oxide is also a wound healing substance. Pelle’s sunblocks contain vital ingredients such as anti-oxidants, vitamins, enzymes and essential moisturizers that not only hydrate but also help to retain moisture at a level far below OTC products.

3) Retinol or Retin-A
Both retinol and Retin-A are retinoids, however we prescribe one or the other depending your skin’s sensivity. They are both made from Vitamin A and promote faster skin cell turnover. Retinoids are some of the most proven, effective and powerful options for treating skin issues ranging from acne to signs of aging.

Prescription level retinoids such as Retin-A contain “tretinoin.” This active ingredient prevents the buildup of dead cells in the skin’s pores and follicles, and promotes the growth of healthy cells. The downside is dryness, redness, irritation and skin peeling. Pellé’s skin care patients are instructed how to use Retin-A effectively, so as not to incur irritating skin reactions.

Over-the-counter products, containing “retinols” are much weaker than prescription retinoids. Retinols are ideal for treating very sensitive skin, and will leave the skin feeling smoother and look healthier than if not used at all.

At Pellé, each patient completes an information form in order to tailor a skincare program that is just right for him or her. It is imperative that we know our patients in order to design a skin care program specifically for their needs and skin issues. We suggest the three core products to get each client started, but also encourage our patients to consider a full medical grade skin regimen for the healthiest and best looking results.

To get started on your healthier skin, schedule your appointment today!