How Does the Skin Work? 

The skin has a very important role as being the largest organ of the body, and is responsible for performing various and vital functions. It serves as a protective barrier against microorganisms, and helps shield our organs from injury. It acts as our insulator against heat and cold, while at the same time eliminating body wastes in the form of perspiration. The pigment we hold within our skin, acts in defense toward excessive sun exposure and ultraviolet rays by increasing melanin production for protection, while at the same time helping to produce the body's supply of vitamin D. Its sense receptors enable the body to feel pain, cold, heat, touch, and pressure. 

The skin is composed of three major layers, epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the skin’s surface, made up of five layers, rich in keratin, providing toughness and resistance to water. This is where melanin can be found, and where skin cells are constantly being shed and replaced by new ones. The dermis is thicker and composed of connective tissue, nerves, fats, blood vessels, elastin, and collagen fibers, providing elasticity. The subcutaneous tissue is our fat layer that keeps us warm and holds in place our internal organs. 

As we age we face intrinsic factors that take place naturally and extrinsic factors that can age us prematurely. How are skin ages will depend on a variety of factors including, lifestyle, diet, heredity, sun exposure and other personal habits such as alcohol and tobacco use. Our aging process starts to begin in our mid-twenties, decreasing collagen production by one percent each year and increasing as we age. Collagen and elastin fibers which make up the skin’s structure slowly diminish overtime resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The rate at which our skin cells shed and renew themselves also begin to slow down naturally and accumulate leaving the skin dull, rough and uneven in texture. The skin also becomes more prone to damage by environmental elements like the sun, harsh weather conditions and pollution. The transfer of hyaluronic acid which gives the skin moisture slows down increasing skin dryness while fat cells decrease causing the skin to look dull and thin. Sebaceous oil glands begin to shrink overtime and lipids that act as a barrier to prevent water loss in the stratum corneum break down in response to hormone levels, causing the skin to become even drier and more brittle with age. The skin also becomes more vulnerable to damage and bruising due to thinning blood vessel walls. Skin lesions, benign tumors and skin cancer may also develop with age by increased melanocytes and DNA in the cells with repeated long-term sun exposure. 

We now can incorporate innovative “skin-specific” treatments, with highly effective products and customized “at home” skin care regimens, to address, correct and control undesirable skin conditions and concerns for skin of all ages and skin types. With a thorough consultation, we can address a multitude of concerns including sensitivity and dryness, as well as unwanted signs of aging by improving fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin texture, and laxity. Based on your skin type and ethnicity we can treat the underlying causes of unwanted pigment and hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation, sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, or skin injuries (acne lesions, scars or burns) to even skin’s complexion. We can also treat acne, which not only effects teenagers, but also many adults in their 20’s, 30’s, and older on the face, scalp, chest, back, and neck. We can eliminate existing blemishes, control sebum production, and prevent future breakouts by infusing the skin with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acne-controlling ingredients that is tough on acne yet gentle on the skin. We will customize a treatment plan addressing various causes of acne, which lead to uneven skin texture, tone and scarring, for a clearer and blemish-free complexion. Chemical peels, therapeutic masks, customized treatment serum infusions, retinoid enhancements, and other advanced and innovative aesthetic procedures, can provide you with the solutions that best address the unique needs of your skin. A daily skin care regimen is important to your success. We recommend specific products and ingredients for daily use, as well as regular treatments to achieve and maintain optimal results for a fresh, bright, blemish-free and youthful complexion.

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