Antioxidants, Anti-aging and Skin Rejuvenation
Putting It All Together — Part 7
By Peter T. Pacik, M.D., FACS

The last 6 e-mails have detailed factors that contribute to facial aging as well as some of the therapeutic considerations in the roles of antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E. Most people derive satisfactory benefits from their skincare program, and further supplements are not needed. Some patients are unable to tolerate glycolics; and therefore, find it beneficial to use a Vitamin C product in the morning and a Vitamin A product in the evening. Some of my own patients like to add one or both products to their basic skincare program.

I hope it was helpful and educational to understand some of the active ingredients available in an advanced skincare program. Additional research is needed to better understand how topical vitamins can enhance a skincare program that is based on glycolics, moisturizers and sunscreens.

Apart from the natural aging that occurs, many patients add "insult to injury" with excessive sun exposure and smoking, ultimately overwhelming the bodies natural defense mechanisms and healing capabilities. As is so often true in medicine, preventive measures far outweigh the benefits of therapy. "Baby Oil" may enhance the tan of the teenager on the beach, but many years later (too long to remember!), the deleterious effects are noted. In my 30 years practicing Plastic Surgery, I have reconstructed more faces than I care to remember and I have too many patients that return year after year with new skin cancers. I cannot emphasize enough, the importance of preventative measures such as using sunscreens, avoiding sun during the hottest part of the day, wearing protective clothing, stopping smoking, and using an advanced skin care program to aid the body in healing itself. For more information on protecting your skin against premature aging, please review our previous e-mail "Sensational Skin -- Part III -- Protect Against Premature Skin Aging." Our next e-mail series will revisit the information on UVA/UVB ultraviolet radiation and sunscreen protection. In addition, damaging long wave UVA and the need for year round sun protection will be discussed. We feel that this will be a very valuable e-mail series for both adults and children.