The sun and other air pollutants produce oxygen free radicals, which damage skin by breaking down support structures (collagen fibers) and decreasing elasticity. A free radical is defined as an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron and become unstable. These molecules take electrons from other oxygen molecules in healthy cells, creating a cycle that eventually breaks down collagen and causes skin to become thinner and form wrinkles. External free radical damage to skin is caused by: – UV rays from the sun – Pollution – Stress – Smoking
Environmental damage causes skin to age prematurely because over the long term, free radicals destroy healthy skin cells and trigger aging symptoms.
Treatment
Antioxidants help protect us against everyday exposure to damaging free radicals. Antioxidant protection for our bodies can be attained through dietary sources such as berries and whole grains. Sources like tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be applied topically to help protect the skin. Long-term use of antioxidants helps to combat free radical damage, and results in a healthier skin appearance.
After your assessment a specific treatment program will be recommended that addresses your individual needs, your specific program may include some or all the following…
Advanced Skin Care: Facials with specific technique and ingredients to combat damage caused by the environment.
Deep Therapeutic Peels: Resurfaces the skin and has various corrective to help many environmental concerns. Oxygenating treatments offered by PCA SKIN can help target the problem of environmental damage by stimulating cells and promoting healthier skin through exfoliation and hydration. Anti-aging treatments also work effectively on environmentally stressed and damaged skin.
Microdermabrasion: Remove superficial dead skin cells, clear debris resulting in a more vibrant, healthy glow to skin with improved skin tone.
Instant Face Lift: Completely relaxing experience. As there is no downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately. Treats many facial issues such as: dark circles under eyes, puffy and baggy eyes, pigmented skin, uneven skin tone, age and sun spots, discoloration, broken capillaries, redness, acne scarring, sebaceous cysts, acne, loss of facial muscle tone, wrinkles, fine lines, and is one of the few safe treatments for rosacea
Maintenance
In order to maintain clear skin post-treatment, it is important to have a consistent home care regime. Personal hygiene is in the patient’s control and they should participate in their skin care and wellness. Daily Homecare with Antioxidants To prevent free radical damage and help slow the signs of aging, it is important to give skin a daily dose of topical antioxidants. Homecare products with ingredients like tocopherol, ascorbic acid and retinol will provide potent antioxidant protection. Sun Protection Because a large portion of free radical damage is caused by UV rays, an SPF of 25+ must be used daily for broad-spectrum sun protection. Your technician will help you choose what is right for you.