Hair Growth

Lets talk hair.   It appears that hair growth is influenced by the health of the scalp and hair.  There appear to be changes in the skin in areas of hair thinning in women and men.  We have seen that hair grows better in healthy scalp skin than in scarred areas.  These are extreme cases but it suggests that minor changes to the scalp skin can affect hair growth.

 

Several observations that would suggest that the scalp in analogous to topsoil.  That is, the thicker the topsoil the better the grass will grow and this maybe the case in the scalp.  Healthy scalp skin with a normal thickness of the epidermis and dermis will improve hair growth and/or decrease hair loss.  The causes of thinning scalp skin include sun damage, poor hair care products, poor nutrition, and hormones.   

 

It is a myth that hats make your hair fall out, instead they provide great sun protection.  Rx Systems PF Volumizing  Glycolic Shampoo and Volumizing Glycolic Conditioner improves scalp skin thickness and hair growth. 

 

Nutrition plays a role in healthy scalp skin and hair shaft growth. Scalp skin and hair are composed of protein.   To avoid unhealthy dietary changes it is more efficient to take a multivitamin and an amino acid supplement.  Scalp skin and hair grow on a daily basis. A healthy scalp can make your hair its everyday fabulous.   

Sunscreen Ingredients

I can't reiterate enough the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis.  In May of 1999 the FDA published a monograph listing 16 approved sunscreen agents.  Only 2 were inorganic (physical) ingredients and 14 were organic agents (chemical).

 

Inorganic agents physically reflect and scatter UV rays.  They have a broader range of UV protection because they are physical UV blockers.  In order to improve the aesthetics and use of these ingredients they have been micronized (nanotechnology) into a small molecules.  Recent studies indicate the micronized zinc oxide is superior ingredient.

Organic sunscreen ingredients act like UV sponges to absorb the damaging rays.  When an organic sunscreen ingredient absorbs UV rays it neutralizes UV damage preventing skin cancer and photo-aging.  This depletes the amount of  sunscreen available for protection and is the reason reapplication of your sunscreen is indicated.  UVA organic filters include cinnamates, benzophenones, and others.  Some organic sunscreen ingredients are more stable than others.  This is the main reason why some sunscreens are better than others.   

 

One of the best facial sunscreens for daily use is Rx Systems PF's New Facial Moisturize with SPF 35. It contains translucent, micronized zinc oxide, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.  Combination sunscreen ingredients have been shown to be more effective than single agent sunscreens.  In addition, antioxidants were added to the Facial Moisturizer SPF35.  They include Vitamin E (tocopherol) and vanilla planifolia (vanilla bean).  This enhances the sunscreen protection and provides additional photo-damage repair when sunscreens fail.  This accommodates the need for a daily, all year round sunscreen that provides protection from UVB and UVA rays.  Don’t reserve sun protection for only sunny days.

Sunscreen Prevents Skin Cancer

The primary, preventable cause of skin cancer is exposure to UVB/UVA radiation.   The negative effects of sun damage include sun burn, photo-aging, and skin cancer, which are caused by both UVB and UVA radiation. The body has natural defense mechanisms to protect against ultraviolet radiation damage, however repeated exposure exceeds the bodies natural repair processes.   

The ubiquitous nature of ultraviolet rays requires the use of sunscreen agents to block the damaging effects.  Since UVB (280-320 nm) and UVA (320-400) radiation contribute to skin cancer, it is important to provide UV protection over a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) to prevent skin cancer.   

 

Sunscreen expands the range of ultraviolet protection from damaging ultraviolet rays.  Ideally, it contains organic ingredients that absorb UVB and UVA radiation and inorganic ingredients that scatter both UVB and UVA radiation.  A sunscreen should be applied 30-60 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2-4 hours depending on the quantity of direct sun exposure.  Daily use of a sunscreen enhances it effectiveness as it can bind to skin proteins and create a reservoir effect. 

Rx Systems PF New Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 provides unprecedented photo protection with its unique combination of ingredients including transparent zinc oxide.  This moisturizer is hypoallergenic, PABA-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and light weight.  It provides broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection.  In addition to the unique combination of sunscreen ingredients, it contains antioxidants to enhance the effectiveness of the photo protection and to neutralize free radicals not blocked by the SPF 35.

Skin Cancer Protection

Prevention of skin cancer begins with protection from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.  I think you will find the following facts interesting and emphasizes the need for sunscreen application everyday. 

- Natural protection from the sun’s damaging rays comes from the ozone, which is the major photo-protective agent in the atmosphere.  It is thickest at the north and south poles and is the thinnest at the equator.  

- Ultraviolet ray intensity increases about 10% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level.  Therefore, Denver, the mile high city, 5280 feet above sea level has a higher intensity of UV rays due to its altitude versus New Orleans which is at sea level.    It is important to remember that fog and clouds only reduce UV intensity about 30% and that UV protection is needed even on cloudy days. 

- The sunscreen benefit of clothing is related to the thickness, type of fiber, weave, stretch, color, and other factors.  A point of interest would be the fact that nylon stockings have a SPF of only 2 to 3. 

- Don’t be fooled by window glass and sunglasses.  UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are blocked by glass but the UVA rays (the longer wavelength UV rays) pass through window glass and sunglasses and can damage the skin and eyes. 

- Luckily, advances are constantly being made to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.  Environmental regulations have improved the thickness of the ozone layer.  Clothing has been manufactured to provide sun protection, some chemically treated with sunscreen agents.  Glass has been thickened, polarized, and tinted to increase its sun protective properties. 

- The most important thing you can do is apply sunscreen daily. There are broad spectrum facial moisturizers with sunscreen ingredients for everyday use.  I highly recommend Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide, additional sunscreen ingredients, and antioxidants. Most cosmetic products with sunscreen ingredients only increase their sun protection ability to a maximum of SPF 3-15.  However, Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer provides twice the protection and then some.  

The Rx Systems PF new SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer with Transparent Zinc Oxide provides complete Broad Spectrum UVB/UVA protection. This Dermatologist developed and tested SPF Moisturizer offers unmatched Protection from the Sun’s harmful rays and an Antioxidant Formulation designed to provide excellent Anti-Aging Benefits. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores, it’s Hypoallergenic, very Hydrating and Oil-free. Regular use of sunscreens over the years may reduce the chance of sun damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due to the sun.    

Prevention of skin cancer begins with protection from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.  I think you will find the following facts interesting and emphasizes the need for sunscreen application everyday. 

• Natural protection from the sun’s damaging rays comes from the ozone, which is the major photo-protective agent in the atmosphere.  It is thickest at the north and south poles and is the thinnest at the equator.  

• Ultraviolet ray intensity increases about 10% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level.  Therefore, Denver, the mile high city, 5280 feet above sea level has a higher intensity of UV rays due to its altitude versus New Orleans which is at sea level.    It is important to remember that fog and clouds only reduce UV intensity about 30% and that UV protection is needed even on cloudy days. 

• The sunscreen benefit of clothing is related to the thickness, type of fiber, weave, stretch, color, and other factors.  A point of interest would be the fact that nylon stockings have a SPF of only 2 to 3. 

• Don’t be fooled by window glass and sunglasses.  UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are blocked by glass but the UVA rays (the longer wavelength UV rays) pass through window glass and sunglasses and can damage the skin and eyes. 

• Luckily, advances are constantly being made to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.  Environmental regulations have improved the thickness of the ozone layer.  Clothing has been manufactured to provide sun protection, some chemically treated with sunscreen agents.  Glass has been thickened, polarized, and tinted to increase its sun protective properties. 

• The most important thing you can do is apply sunscreen daily.  There are broad spectrum facial moisturizers with sunscreen ingredients for everyday use.  I highly recommend Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide, additional sunscreen ingredients, and antioxidants.  Most cosmetic products with sunscreen ingredients only increase their sun protection ability to a maximum of SPF 3-15.  However, Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 provides twice the protection and then some.  
  

The Rx Systems PF SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer with Transparent Zinc Oxide provides complete Broad Spectrum UVB/UVA protection. This Dermatologist developed and tested SPF Moisturizer offers unmatched Protection from the Sun’s harmful rays and an Antioxidant Formulation designed to provide excellent Anti-Aging Benefits. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores, it’s Hypoallergenic, very Hydrating and Oil-free. Regular use of sunscreens over the years may reduce the chance of sun damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due to the sun.    

Putting Mineral Makeup in Perspective

Mineral makeup is a key word in today’s cosmetics.  It is a popular style of makeup.   Mineral makeup is made from “all natural” finely ground minerals from the earth without any fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.  Most mineral ingredients have consistently been used in popular makeups for decades. 

There is no science that substantiates health benefits of mineral makeup, or evidence that mineral makeup is more pure, safer, or better for sensitive skin.  However, since they contain no fragrances, binders, dyes, or preservatives they help eliminate the problem of sensitivity or irritation from these ingredients.  Most of the brands today use similar ingredients but have proprietary formulas.  Some minerals can cause irritation in certain individuals.  Bismuth is an example of a mineral ingredient which causes irritation in a few individuals. Although, some brands of mineral makeup contain the sun protective ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, I still recommend using a sunblock under mineral makeup.

The important ingredients in mineral makeup are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, bismuth, mica, and other micronized minerals.  The CTFA has no set regulations regarding mineral makeup.  Any makeup containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as a mineral makeup.  Some mineral makeups contain ingredients that are not “natural minerals.”  People should read labels and not be fooled by “all natural or all mineral formulas.”  Again, there are many present day cosmetics which contain these ingredients but are not called mineral makeup. 

Mineral makeup is appropriate for clients with acne or rosacea.  Loose powder foundations and blushes are light, finely ground, loose minerals that are applied with a soft brush.  Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).  However, it is important to avoid agents with known irritation potential.  Bismuth oxychloride in high concentrations can cause acne and skin irritation.

Mineral makeup is water soluble and does not clog pores.  It is easy to apply smoothly and evenly.  There are differences in brands and there will be individual variations.  This means, that smooth, even, long lasting appearance in one person may produce drying, poor skin color match, and accentuation of wrinkles. Bottom line, mineral makeup is not a miracle, buyers need to be educated, and major brands provide the most reliable products at the present time.

For those who wear makeup, it is important to use a good make-up remover.  Rx Systems Moisturizing Makeup Remover is designed to remove eye and facial makeup without clogging pores. It lifts dirt and skin impurities to the surface while gently moisturizing to promote visibly smoother and healthier skin and is formulated for all skin types.

Vitamins Play Important Role in Skin Care

Your skin is a reflection of the general health of your body.  To look your everyday fabulous requires internal health as well as skin health.  Skin care, nutrition, weight control, exercise, sleep, and avoidance of environmental toxins (cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse) play important roles in the health and beauty of our bodies.  Over the next several weeks, I will address many of these issues on an individual basis but remember in real life they work together creating healthy skin and body.

The American Academy of Dermatology noted vitamins, minerals, and amino acids whether taken orally or applied topically are essential for overall health and beauty.  It is important that vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are in a biologically available form and adequate amount in any oral or topical preparation.  Vitamin A, B complex, C, D, E, and K play a significant role in skin and body health.  It is important to focus on adequate amounts of these vitamins and not excess.  These vitamins play an important role neutralizing free radicals and cell damage.  In this role they are called “antioxidants” and provide one of our first defenses against the aging process.

Vitamin A is available in many vegetables and fruits or can be taken as a nutritional supplement (5,000-10,000 IU) daily.  It can also be applied to the skin in a topical preparation in the evening at a concentration of at least 0.2%.  Vitamin B represents a group of B vitamins called Vitamin B complex and are in many fruits and vegetables and can also be obtained in nutritional supplements.  Most oral nutritional supplements will list the B vitamins individually, such as, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, biotin, and others which can be taken daily.  Vitamin C is the most important water soluble antioxidant in our body.  It is available in citrus fruits and can be taken in an oral supplement in the range of 500-1000 mg per day.  Vitamin D is not only an antioxidant but its metabolism and production in the skin is critical.  It is available in fish and dairy products but can be taken in an oral supplement in the 200-400 IU range per day.  Vitamin E is the most important fat soluble antioxidant in the body.  Vitamin E is in vegetable oils, nuts, and some vegetables but can be taken as an oral supplement in the range of 200-400 IU per day.

In the coming weeks, I will address on an individual basis the importance of the chemical formulation and concentration of the individual vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  The American Academy of Dermatology and others have cited the importance of chemical composition and concentration.  It has been demonstrated that an excess of oral supplements can be dangerous.  

Rx Systems PF Multiplex Defense Vitamins are a completely natural supplement formulated to strengthen hair and nails and promote healthier skin and scalp. Promotes skin elasticity, moisture, microcirculation and resistance to damaging factors, such as ultraviolet damage and stress.

Rejuvenating and Reparative Skin Care Products

Rx Systems PF's reparative and rejuvenating skin care products contain a special ingredient called Glypoic Complex, which is a trademarked formula of glycolic acid and alpha lipoic acid, a natural antioxidant molecule.  

The Reparative Facial Cleanser and the Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser are designed to remove dead skin cells, make-up, dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, and other skin impurities. The Reparative and Rejuvenating Cleanser are the only facial cleansers with trademarked  Glypoic Complex.

Reparative Cream 1, Reparative Cream 2, Reparative Cream 3, Reparative Cream 4, Reparative Lotion 1, Reparative Lotion 2, and Reparative Lotion 3 contain the scientifically advanced ingredient "Glypoic Complex" in various concentrations and formulations for different skin types.  Glypoic Complex protects cellular proteins and lipids maintaing the barrier and lightening of brown spots, and a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle.

The Reparative Eye Gel and Reparative Lip Gel contains the scientifically advanced skin care ingredient "Glypoic Complex."  The proprietary bases allow enhanced penetration in specific locations. The reparative eye gel improves skin texture, reduces puffiness, and reduces the appearance of dark circles and fine lines under the eyes. The reparative lip gel improves the skin texture of the lip as well as the skin around them, and decreases those fine lines above the lip. 

Glypoic Acid Complex

What is Glypoic Complex?

Glypoic Complex (TM) is a scientifically advanced skin care ingredient that combines glycolic acid and alpha lipoic acid.  Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived naturally from sugar cane; alpha lipoic acid is an organic acid derived from many natural plant sources. Each acid serves an important function.  With the smallest molecular size of any AHA, glycolic acid achieves superior epidermal penetration while alpha lipoic acid is an essential antioxidant for cell metabolism.

How does it work?

1.  Glycolic acid loosens and dissolves the glue-like substance that holds the outer layer of cells to each other and to the underlying epidermis.  These thick, piled up, clinging cells are responsible for the appearance of dry, rough, scaly skin, discolored skin and sun damaged spots.  Thanks to Glypoic Complex (TM), these skin cells can now grow and slough in a normal fashion, resulting in smoother, hydrated and vibrant skin.  This process takes place at the opening of the pores to reduce pore size and blackheads.

2.  Alpha lipoic acid is an essential element required for cell growth and improved cell metabolism. Alpha lipoic attacks free radicals that damage normal cell division and collagen formation and makes them inactive.  This allows better and faster results with products containing Glypoic Complex (TM).

3.  Glypoic Complex affects the deeper layers of the skin by improving collagen and elastin synthesis. As alpha lipoic acid inactivates free radicals that interfere with collagen production, glyolic acid stimulates elastin production. The synergistic result is improved skin tone and a decreased in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the benefits of regular use of products with Glypoic Complex (TM):

-  Improves skin texture, tone, and moisture content

-  Improves skin color and lightens brown spots

-  Increases elasticity and firmness of the skin

-  Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and crows feet

-  Decreases the puffiness of the skin under eyes

-  Decreases pore size and reduces blackheads

Would You Know Skin Cancer If You Saw It?

Skin cancer is no joke.  It is estimated that there will be more skin cancers in 2009 than all other types of cancer combined.  Recovery and cure rely on early diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis can come sooner if you're aware that you may be at risk for skin cancer.  While anyone can develop skin cancer, there are risk factors that increase your chances.

Beyond knowing the risk factors, you should know the signs of skin cancer.  A mnemonic called "ABCDE" was created to help people recognize melanomas and other skin cancers in their early stages.  "A" stands for asymmetry, "B" stands for irregular borders, "C" stands for variation in color in the same lesion, "D"stands for diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm), and "E" stands for evolving lesions, which are characterized by change.  This can be a change in symmetry, borders, shape, color, diameter, or change in symptoms over time.  However, evolving lesions may lack significant asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, and be smaller than 6 mm, but represent a non healing lesion.

Moles and suspicious lesions that fulfill the ABCDE criteria can be biopsied to confirm diagnosis.  Early diagnosis allows adequate treatment and cure and identifies benign lesions that require no further treatment.  

Don't forget that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair.  Be safe in the sun.  Adequate sunscreen use with broad spectrum UVB/UVA products, especially with micronized zinc oxide such as Rx Systems PF Facial Moisturizer SPF 35, and sun avoidance during peak UV hours can reduce the chances of skin cancer.  I, along with the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society, advocate the early detection and treatment of skin cancers.