Prevage-The Anti Aging Cream
Dr. Tracey O'Neal
There are no established rules for managing aging skin but there are certainly many antidotes that promise to decrease the rate of aging or the visual appearance of aging. As a result of aging and exposure to a damaging environment there is significant damage within collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for optimal skin health. Once damaged the skin cells innate repair mechanisms cannot work effectively leaving skin saggy, lifeless and wrinkled. Estimates indicate skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in the first five years after menopause. Skin also thins by approximately a percentage point a year, the decreased cell renewal rate leaves increasing numbers of dead skin cells on the surface. Proper skin care and long-term preventive techniques can help lessen the visible influences of aging Cleansing and moisturizing your skin with appropriate products are two important steps to maintaining skin health. Applying a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) is an important step to include no matter what time of year. Application of antioxidants (like vitamin C, E, A and idebenone) are helpful to sequester free radicals, which ultimately damage the cell membrane, cellular DNA, and other cell structures. Free radicals are produced in the skin when it is exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, ozone, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. A major cause of skin aging comes from free radical damage leaving the cells defenseless and unable to repair and produce more elastin and collagen, both are important to maintain cell structure and integrity. Wrinkles, dry uneven skin tone and sagging are a visible result of free radical damage.
There are many antioxidants available over the counter and in physician offices. The older compounds include vitamin C, vitamin E, Retinols, and Kinetin. Many of these older compounds have not been thoroughly researched to prove they actually do what is promised. Allergan, the makers of Botox Cosmetic, recently introduced PREVAGE. PREVAGE IS THE FIRST AND ONLY CLINICALLY TESTED TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANT. PREVAGE is a novel cosmeceutical containing 1% idebenone--a revolutionary, potent and effective new antioxidant--proven to protect the skin against sun damage and the environment, but also to correct fine lines and wrinkles. PREVAGE is made up of a unique formulation proven to penetrate the skin at the cellular level to prevent free radical damage, not like other topically applied products that just sit on the skin's surface.
Data that compare the leading antioxidants indicate that idebenone is the most effective topical antioxidant available. A six week clinical study evaluated the use of PREVAGE in 21 women between the ages of 18 and 65 with moderate photoaging. The women in the study applied PREVAGE antioxidant cream twice a day to the facial area for 6 weeks. Study results included: *29% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles *26% reduction in skin roughness or dryness *37% increase in skin hydration *33% overall improvement in global skin appearance
PREVAGE is only available through physician's offices.
About the author:
Dr. Tracey O'Neal is the medical director of Nu Yu Medical
Aesthetics a Toledo, Ohio practice dedicated to anti-aging and
non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures.