The skin is the largest organ of the body.
It insulates and protects against trauma to the internal
organs and regulates our body temperature. The sebaceous
glands in the skin secrete oily material to lubricate
and maintain its health. This elastic, protective covering
is thinnest on the lips and eyelids and thickest on the
palms and soles.
Our skin is placed at risk every day, by the bright sun
and by toxins in our environment. Skin is surprisingly
complex, and its fine network of tissues is disrupted
by the UV light of the sun, smoking, age, and the polluted
air around us.
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Common Skin Conditions
Acne – Acne is the
most common skin condition in humans. Acne develops where there
are more oil glands present, e.g. face, scalp, chest, back and
neck. There are many different types of acne and each patient
should be treated according to their particular case.
Aging – Aging of the skin is
a result of many different factors that can be broken into two
categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic or uncontrollable
aging is chronological and genetic. Facial wrinkling, expression
lines and drier, more sensitive skin may be a result of intrinsic
aging. The extrinsic or more controllable factors of aging refer
to exposure to the sun and/or pollutants which cause a breakdown
of the skin’s structure, leading to discoloration, wrinkles,
skin growths and even cancer. The extrinsic factors are to blame
for 90% of the visible signs of aging. When attempting to correct
signs of aging, it is important to use products that not only
treat, but also prevent future damage from occurring.
Hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration)
– Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin. Causes
of hyperpigmentation range from sun damage caused by UV exposure,
hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy or menopause, and skin
injuries such as acne scarring. Certain skin types can also
be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. It is important to
consult with a skin care professional prior to using products
to even skin discoloration as high percentages of strong ingredients
can cause further irritation and lead to more discoloration.
Rosacea – Rosacea is a somewhat
misunderstood skin condition. Currently, there is no known cure
or cause. Rosacea is generally characterized by persistent redness
and/or breakouts on the central areas of the face, commonly
affecting the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Although there
is no cure, there are many different methods of controlling
rosacea symptoms.
Medical Skin Rejuvenation
Topically applied treatments
are usually most effective when skin manifestations of aging
and photo aging are superficial to moderate. Products most commonly
used include:
• Tretinoin, a substance in the vitamin A family, has been shown
to reduce fine wrinkles, splotchy pigmentation, and rough skin
associated with chronic sun exposure.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHSs) may be used alone or in combination
with tretinoin to treat mildly damaged skin. AHAs are derived
from fruit and dairy products.
• Over-the-counter products containing retinols (of the vitamin
A family), AHA, anti-oxidants and moisturizing agents may temporarily
improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Topical antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, function
to help cells repair damage caused by ultraviolet radiation
and smoking.
We listen to our patients ask
about skin care and it becomes clear that many people are confused.
What is a good skin care plan? There are hundreds of products.
There are conflicting and exaggerated claims. Much of what you
read and hear is based on marketing rather than on scientific
information.
Over the counter products sold
in cosmetic stores can be ineffective for two reasons: the concentration
of the active ingredient is often too low, and the "active"
ingredient can actually be in a form that does not penetrate
the skin.
There is also confusion about professional skin care because
different dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer different
treatments with peels and lasers. There is more scientific evidence
for some treatments than for others.
Protection & Prevention
Even though talking about sunscreens
has become boring by now, study after study show that people
do not use sunscreens properly. Patients typically apply one
fourth to one half the recommended amount and they don't reapply
sunscreens frequently enough when outdoors.
Also remember that the sun protection
factor (SPF) of a sunscreen indicates only its ability to block
ultraviolet B (UVB) light. UVB light causes sunburn and skin
cancer, but ultraviolet A (UVA) light penetrates deeper into
the skin and causes aging. Be sure to use a sunscreen that absorbs
both UVA and UVB rays.
In addition to sun blocks, retinol
creams protect against sun damage by preventing harmful chemical
reactions and also by preventing loss of collagen. There is
also evidencethat antioxidants such as vitamin C protect against
sun damage when applied to the skin.
Professional Skin Care in Lahore
by Dr. Babar
Men and women alike share a common desire
to have healthy youthful skin. Unless someone invents
time travel, you can’t reverse the flow of time and
become younger. However, with the wide array of treatments
available today, you can remove many of the effects
of aging and photo aging. You can’t become younger,
but you can look younger and more attractive by using
professional skin rejuvenation treatment that is right
for you.
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At Babar Plastic Surgery, we
believe that skin care should be a part of virtually all of
our lives. This may take the form of effective sunscreens, specialized
soap for washing, moisturizers, toners, fruit acids, hydroquinones,
retinoids and many other scientifically formulated chemical
products that can work to repair skin and prevent further damage.
A good skin care program can enhance your appearance by reducing
blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, freckling,
age spots, sun damaged skin and acne scars.
We use
professional skin care program and products manufactured
by Physicians Choice of Arizona (PCA) USA. A complete
skin care program consists of in-office exfoliation treatments
and home care products. The home care products provide
rejuvenation for both women and men and are effective
for correcting aging skin, sun damage, uneven pigmentation,
acne and maintaining healthy skin color and texture. |
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Superficial Chemical Peeling—the
"Lunchtime Peel"
What is Chemical Peeling?
Chemical peeling is a procedure
used for cosmetic improvement of skin or for the treatment of
some diseases of the skin. Chemical exfoliating agents are applied
to the skin to remove skin cells at superficial, moderate, or
deep layers over a period of days. As the treated skin peels,
new skin forms to take its place.
How long does it take to
do a Superficial Chemical Peeling Procedure?
The reason superficial peeling
is called a "lunchtime peel" is because the procedure
can be done in 15-20 minutes. The patient is able to leave immediately
after treatment and resume normal daily activities with some
restrictions such as avoiding exposure to strong sunlight.
What Are the Side Effects
of Superficial Chemical Peeling?
Skin redness and slight swelling
for a day or two are the most common post-procedure effects.
Post-procedure medications and ointments are prescribed as necessary
for discomfort and moisturization of the new skin. A very important
post-procedure precaution is avoidance of sun exposure during
healing and the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 25 or
higher on healed skin to prevent new photo damage.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits
of Superficial Chemical Peeling?
Superficial chemical peeling
is very effective in rejuvenating skin that has early indications
of photo aging—fine wrinkles, pigmentation, roughness, and patches
of early actinic keratoses. Superficial chemical peeling can
be repeated as often as necessary to keep skin looking young.
A series of peels at weekly, biweekly or monthly intervals is
usually required to attain the best skin rejuvenation result.
Chemical peeling can be combined with other procedures such
as Botox Injections and skin fillers. It can also be used as
an adjunct procedure to further enhance results of facial cosmetic
surgery.
Skin Care Products by
Physician’s Choice of Arizona
Skin Care Products by
Physician's Choice of Arizona Daily use of results oriented
PCA Clinical Care products greatly improves health and appearance
of your skin. Whether battling acne, rosacea, sun damage or
age, effective products formulated with the most technically
advanced ingredients will help your skin overcome its challenges,
giving your complexion a glowing and radiant appearance.
We recommend skin maintenance
using medically dispensed PCA home care products to extend,
maximize and enhance the results of your clinical treatment
plan. The use of alpha and beta hydroxyl acids, peptides, polyphenols
and advanced botanicals in these products incorporates the latest
in medical and scientific research for optimum results. Formulated
in all-natural healing aloe vera base combined with free radical
fighting antioxidant vitamins, PCA products will make a visible
difference in your skin. Using ingredients that are biocompatible
with human skin in combination with gentle botanical actives
these products provide excellent results without irritation.
PCA products are free of color additives, synthetic fragrances,
harsh alcohols, comedogenic oils and other ingredients that
are known sensitizers..
Used daily, PCA SKIN Clinical
Care Products make an enormous difference in your skin's metabolism.
When your skin receives essential nutrition and hydration, the
result is a healthy, youthful, evenly toned, clear and glowing
complextion.
PCA Skin Care Products
for Men
Women and men have different
needs, especially when it comes to skin care. A healthy complexion
is also more desirable in men. In recent years there has been
a rapidly growing demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures
by men of all ages. Hormones wreak havoc in men too. Due to
men's testosterone level, their skin is typically more oily
than women's skin. As men age, their bodies' ability to produce
collagen decreases, as in women. Men also are predisposed to
sagging, less resilient skin in their later years. PCA Advanced
Skin Care can help men improve their complexion and prolong
youthful appearance.
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