Massage

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The Latest News in Skin Care Research

 

Facial massage provides a treasure trove of benefits to the facial anatomy and the complexion. Among them is the special way that massage can keep the collagen and elastin fibers "moist and alive."

Collagen thrives on massage. It is the "webbing" or connective tissue that maintains the form and structure of the soft tissue areas of the body. Without it your skin would look like a prune. Up to 75 percent of the body's connective tissue is collagen, but as we age, we lose it. Skin researchers have found that it is not the aging process that destroys collagen, but rather the abuse we give it.

Overexposure to the sun and toxicity is the most damaging to your skin. Researchers have found that most people have sustained most of their skin damage from sun exposure by the time they're 18, which doesn't show up until later. Continued ultraviolet exposure beyond that will destroy the collagen and elastin and cause the skin to collapse. Other destructive factors include diet, stress, smoking, alcohol and improper skin care.

Research in skin care today is at the forefront of technology. Two new ingredients that have made the trade paper headlines in recent months are alpha hydroxy acid (trade named Glycolic Acid) and beta glucans (trade named Nayad).

Glycolic Acid comes from fruit acids, lactic acid (soured milk) and sometimes from fermented wine. It is an acidic formulation showing excellent results. It can fade age spots and smooth warts and actinic keratosis. It can end dry skin permanently and the wrinkles that go with it. Glycolic Acid is the safe alternative to Retin-A. It provides all the benefits of Retin.A without the side effects of dry, irritated, flaky skin and sun sensitivity.

According to Dr. Howard Murad, professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles and president of Murad Skin Research Laboratories, Inc., "Glycolic Acid is a potent exfoliator for the surface layers of the epidermis and is safe to use around the eye area with an eye moisturizing cream."

A 1989 study by Eugene J. Van Scott, clinical professor of dermatology at the Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, revealed that 21 out of 27 women who used a lotion containing Glycolic Acid twice daily for three months showed "a significant reduction in facial wrinkles."

Glycolic Acid works by penetrating the layers of the epidermis. Then it loosens the oil bonds or the keratin (a glue-like substance produced by the skin) and speeds up the natural process of shedding the dead skin cells. This process provides enough stimulation to the cell development to also repair collagen damage.

Glycolic Acid is less expensive than Retin.A and doesn't require n prescription. Beta glucans or Nayad comes from the walls of organically-grown yeast cells. A complicated laboratory process formulates it into creams and other facial products. Because of the complexity of its formulation, cosmetics containing Nayad are expensive. Experts agree, however, that it is well worth it.

Nayad consistently produces positive results to sun damaged, wrinkled skin according to research conducted by dermatologic and cosmetic consultant Walter P. Smith, Ph.D., and by ImmuDyne, Inc., the maker of Nayad.

By activating the skin's natural immune system, the Langerhans cells, it repairs collagen loss and forgives years of skin abuse, according to Dr. Peter Pugliese, a leading expert in skin biochemistry for Nayad. The more collagen and elastin you have in your skin, the fewer wrinkles you will have.

Research subjects who used Nayad consistently for four to six months felt that the improvement to their wrinkles was comparable to a surgical facelift. The unusual feature of Nayad is that it works its miracles on wrinkled, sun damaged skin.

However, if the skin is youthful and healthy, the effects will not be as noticeable. Devoted users of Nayad don't care how it works, just that it does. They love the way their skin looks and feels after using it. They claim that their skin regained its elastic firmness, smooth texture and youthful appearance. Nayad also heals infections and skin irritations fast, is safe to use and has no known side effects.

 

~Belle Tuckerman