In a world where we are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages about the best way to care for our skin and maintain our beauty and youth, it is difficult to know which regimen is best for us. There are a seemingly infinite number of products to choose from, and each product promises to be the perfect fit. We end up with more questions than we started with. This issue, the Nirvana Woman team sat down with Dr. Vic to engage in a candid conversation about the natural versus procedural methods for maintaining healthy skin. We asked about the impact of diet, lifestyle, lotions and creams. We probed deeper to find out what causes uneven complexion, fine lines, large pores and more. We wanted to know not only which products and methods work, but why and how they work.

How do lifestyle and diet impact the condition of our skin?

Diet and lifestyle are intertwined with the condition of skin. For example, rosacea is a very common condition, which is exacerbated by spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and stress. On the flip side, certain skin conditions such as psoriasis may be improved by a diet rich in omega acids, such as salmon.

Not surprisingly, smoking accelerates the aging process. Sun exposure without sunscreen accelerates the aging process by creating photo damage manifested as wrinkles, brown spots and broken capillaries. While there are no direct proof studies correlating specific foods and skin, a balanced diet along with foods rich in antioxidants has anecdotal evidence in reducing skin aging.

What regimen do you recommend for optimal skin?

The optimal regimen for healthy skin is simple. First, use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection daily. Second, refrain from smoking. Third, eat a balanced diet.

What is the best way to care for fine lines and wrinkles?

Natural: First and foremost, try to use sunscreen as a preventative-measure prescription. Prescription retinoid creams such as Avage and retinal A micro, as well as the glycolic-based skincare lines, can be helpful.

Procedurally: Light peels, non-ablative and Fraxel laser can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What causes uneven skin tones and skin discoloration?

Melasma is a very common condition that can emerge during pregnancy, while using birth-control pills or during hormone replacement therapy. It is worsened by sun exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a very common cause of discoloration and is more common in South Asian skin than other skin types. This usually occurs after acne, traumatic scars or any injury to skin. Under-eye circles are typically from thinner skin and loss of volume, giving the illusion of discoloration.

What is the best way to maintain the elasticity of my skin?

Sunscreen proves time and time again to be the key ingredient to maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance. Not surprisingly, the best way to maintain elasticity of the skin is to use sunscreen, preferably with the newer sunscreens containing helioplex or mexoryl, to cover UVA and UVB damage. Certain creams such as Relastin have been introduced and show stimulation of the body's own elastic tissue.

What can I do about sunspots?

Topical creams such as Epiquin, Lustra and Triluma are the simplest options. Light peels with 15 percent TCA or pulsed-light photofacials can also be effective. There are now newer devices and products such as the Starlux, which makes it safer to perform photofacials on South Asian skin.

How safe are procedures such as microdermabrasion?

The newer microdermabrasion systems are exceptionally safe. The
concept of dermal infusion, which uses crystal-free microdermabrasion and topical agents, was recently introduced. This is called a silk peel, and now we can deliver agents such as hyaluronic-based creams, bleaching agents and salicylic acids to provide a more therapeutic treatment.

What is the best way to keep your pores small?

Pores are genetic and you can't change the number you have. However, a variety of procedures can reduce the appearance of pores. The latest treatment is the Isolaz treatment, which uses low-energy light and suction for pore cleansing. Photofacials and Fraxel laser treatments can also improve the appearance of pores.

What is the difference between over-the-counter topical treatments and high-end procedures and treatments?

Most over-the-counter products are excellent moisturizers. Nothing compares to prescription retin, Relastin, Revale skin with coffeeberry, Vivite glycolic line, Neocutis and TNS cream.

Note: The information represents Dr. Vic's opinion. Nirvana Woman recommends that you consult your own dermatologist before utilizing any of these treatments.
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