Stem Cells, The Future of Facial Rejuvenation, The Latest Antioxidant,
Sun Protection News, Melanoma, and More Update
There is great promise that the way we treat aging skin and
hair loss may be revolutionized with the medical advances that
will be seen with stem cell therapy.
But even now there is a growing shift that the way of the future
in aesthetic medicine is away from invasive surgical procedures
and synthetic foreign fillers and toward the body’s own
ability to change the aging of the skin.
Certainly glycolic acid therapies continue to be the old ‘work
horse’, continuing to hold an important place in our armamentarium
in slowing the loss of collagen and elastic tissue. Tazorac/tretinoin
and other vitamin and topical derivatives and regimens continue
to hold an important place in skin rejuvenation and even slowing
appearing of premalignant and malignant changes on the skin.
Newer agents such as growth factor supplementation as with TNS
Recovery Complex serve yet another newer aspect in maintenance
of skin health.
In this age of growing skin care marketing, it is important
separate the ‘hype’ and non-monitored or non-controlled
claims, and claims that are backed by strong science and study.
The newest agent that we are watching as studies enfold is the
next-generation antioxidant idebenone, or ‘prevage’.
It purportedly latches onto and neutralizes free radicals, thereby
decreasing the number of sun-damaged skin cells. It also interferes
with the production of collagen-degrading enzymes, so skin looks
less wrinkled, and decreases the inflammation triggered by free
radicals, which may cause skin to ‘age’. The claim
is that this translates into significant improvement in the appearance
of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improvement in skin tone,
dryness, and roughness, with virtually no irritation. We are
closely assessing this new encouraging product at this time,
and will keep you updated.
More basic and simple steps in skin rejuvenation include strong
sun protection from the ravages of the sun. Realize that chemical
sunblocks are never 100 % effective, and are unlikely to be fully
effective beyond 90 to 120 minutes, without reapplication. Furthermore,
it is likely that the restrictions may be made in the future
for claims in SPF status over SPF 30. For instance, sunblocks
listed as ‘SPF 60’ or ‘SPF 100’ are claims
that are unlikely to be accurate.
Note as well that windows on airplanes are typically UVB- not
UVA-protective. This may explain why pilots have an increased
incidence of melanoma.
New studies suggest that some patients with melanoma have specific
predisposing familial mutations. This may be helpful in many
ways. One is that surveillance for those families can be assured.
Also, in families with melanoma, there is an apparent association
between melanoma and pancreatic cancer, as well. Note that most
patients with melanoma do not fall into this category of familial
mutation.
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