How and Why Our Skin Ages

By Wilaiporn Kempka

We all want our skin to look young and be wrinkle free. It has always been like this and it is not going to change. Nowadays, there are hundreds, even thousands of treatments available to keep your skin wrinkle free and young looking. Anti-aging business is a multi-billion business as people are willing to do almost anything to stop their skin from aging. However, many people do not know why our skin ages, why wrinkles start to show and therefore spend thousands of dollars on products that give only short-time effects. To be able to fight the aging of the skin with success and stop wrinkles or at least minimize them, one should know the factors that cause skin aging.

We can distinguish two types of factors responsible for skin aging and wrinkles: internal factors and external factors. Internal factors are things inside our bodies, such as genes. External factors are those that affect our skin from the outside, such as lifestyle, sunlight, etc.

Internal Factors

We all age and there is really nothing we can do about it. Our genes determine how we go through this process of aging. Some people age faster than the others. However, the first signs of skin aging start to show when we are in our mid-20s! Early, isn't it? Of course those signs are very mild and wrinkles are not yet really visible but still, this is when the process starts. At this age, our skin cells are not able to regenerate as fast as they used to which results in older looking skin. Our skin is not as elastic as it was in our teenage days and wrinkles might start to appear. Luckily, those wrinkles are not yet really visible and most probably won't be for another few decades.

External Factors

As I already mentioned, those factors affect our skin from the outside. Out lifestyle greatly affects how fast our skin ages. Things such as sunlight, smoking, alcohol greatly affect how fast our skin ages and how fast wrinkles start to appear.

Sunlight

Sunlight is a big enemy of your skin and you should avoid it if you can. Yes, we all love a little suntan but remember, sunlight makes your skin age faster. Never forget to apply sunscreen when going out. And I am not talking here only about going to the beach. Whenever you go out, apply sunscreen! It is not only to prevent wrinkles but also protect you from even worse things such as a skin cancer. Sunscreen is a must especially for those who are fair-skinned. Fair skin is more prone to aging and wrinkles then dark skin, so wearing a sunscreen is obligatory.

Smoking

Smoking does not only causes cancer and other kinds of diseases. It does not only affect your internal organs but also your skin. If you want to look young, be wrinkle free and enjoy beautiful skin for a long time, you must stay away from nicotine. Nicotine intake speeds up the break down of skin cells. It results in your skin aging faster and wrinkles to appear very quickly.

You have probably noticed that those who smoke look older than those who do not. Their skin is yellow and full of wrinkles. Those effects are caused by nicotine present in cigarettes.

If you are smoking stop now! Good news is that the skin of those who stopped smoking shows signs of improvement. And those positive changes show shortly after one quit smoking!

Conclusion

We all age, some of us faster and some of us later. There is really nothing we can do about it. We can help our skin to look younger longer by protecting it from the sunlight and with healthy lifestyle. But wrinkles will come to us sooner or later. Beauty products and all sorts of treatments only delay the symptoms of skin aging. They can also hide wrinkles for some time but they will become visible. It is difficult to accept for some of us but it is how it is. Do not view skin aging and wrinkles as diseases. They are not. They are yet another stage of the development of our bodies.

RODAN + FIELDS has the products you need for quality skin care.

Acne & The Myths about Acne

For more information on this visit EverythingAcne 

Acne is a universal condition. A person is more likely to develop acne than any other disease.

It usually starts in adolescence and resolves by the mid twenties, but may continue beyond this age. Some degree of acne will affect over 90% of men and over 80% of all women at some time

in their lives, and many of these cases may require the help of a physician.

Acne develops earlier in women than in men and this may be due in part to the fact that, in general, women mature earlier than men. In fact, comedones (black heads and white heads) 
may be an early sign of puberty and often precede more inflammatory lesions (pimples) by two 
to three years.

Acne is a chronic, inflammatory condition that affects a particular type of pore or follicle know 
as the sebaceous follicle. These sebaceous follicles contain large oil glands (known as sebaceous glands) with deep and winding canals and a small, thin hair. These follicles are 
most numerous and the largest on the face but can also be found on the ears, neck, chest, 
back, and upper arms. Because of their structure, they are prone to the development of comedones. These comedones may then progress into pimples, pustules, and even cysts or nodules.

Despite an attempt to dispel many of the common myths regarding acne and acne therapy, many people remain confused as to whether there is any truth behind these myths. Below is a discussion of some of the more common misconceptions that still exist...

MYTHS ABOUT ACNE

Diet and acne Chocolate. Greasy food. Candy. They all make acne worse, right? Not really. While the relationship between certain foods and acne remains one of the most commonly held beliefs, these beliefs are not supported. There have been several studies that have attempted to prove a link between diet and acne, but most have failed to prove a relationship. A recent study did suggest that milk intake, specifically skim mild could be related to acne as well as a smaller relationship with sherbet, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. The though proposed was that increased hormones found in the these dairy products were causing the acne. However, the data collected in this study was based on recall of acne, and did not actually involve a clinical diagnosis. In addition, there has been talk about the "western" diet and its overall effect on acne. The only study to look at this however, did not prove any significant relationship. So, to date, no overall conclusions can be made regarding the relationship between diet and acne. That being said, if it seems that a certain food is making your acne worse, it is best to try and avoid that food.

Hygiene/dirt and acne
It is a commonly held belief that dirt makes acne worse. However, when looking at the key components of acne, we see that this is a deeper process, and that dirt is actually not a factor. In fact, there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that dirt contributes to acne.

Face washing and acne
Most physicians recommend washing the face gently twice a day. There is a misconception however that washing the face more may help to further decrease acne. The opposite may be true. Increased or vigorous facial washing may cause a mechanical effect that can worsen acne. Face washing helps most if the use of a therapeutic cleanser is used and many physicians will include a prescription cleanser in individual acne regimens.

Stress and acne
The relationship of stress and acne has recently been re-evaluated. A recent study, though small, indicated that stress may in fact be associated with worsening of acne. It is felt that stress may release additional hormones that may influence acne formation. The study was small, but it seems that stress and acne may indeed be related.

Touching the face and acne
Similar to other myths, it is felt that touching the face may aggravate acne due to contamination with bacteria, adding dirt to the face, or adding more oil to the face. These ideas have never been supported. The only way that touching the face influences acne is by a mechanical phenomenon in which resting on a hand, etc. can cause breakdown of the follicles in an individual who is prone to acne (acne mechanica). In addition, a more extreme form of touching the face is picking at pimples and scratching them (acne excoriee). This type of behavior clearly can worsen acne.

Popping pimples and scarring
One commonly help belief is that popping pimples can make them disappear faster. While this may be true in rare cases of very superficial lesions, attempting to pop deeper lesions may actually worsen acne. When a deeper acne lesion in manipulated, there is a risk of pushing the inflammation deeper into the skin causing the follicle to stretch, distort, or even rupture. This then attracts more inflammation which causes the lesion to actually lasts longer and may even lead to scarring.

Sleep and acne
While there is no clear cut evidence that lack of sleep worsens acne, some feel that lack of sleep occurs most commonly during periods of high stress. This high stress level as previously discussed may contribute to worsening of acne.

Hydration (water consumption) and the skin
It is a widespread belief that drinking more water will help to hydrate the skin and that this can improve acne. This belief however is significantly flawed. There is no proof that increased water consumption can help acne. In addition, there is no scientific or studied proof that it can help hydrate the skin.

Tanning and acne
Many people fell that sunlight and tanning helps their acne. This may be true for a few reasons. First of all, a tan may help to cover up the appearance of blemishes. In addition, similar to the use of blue-light and lasers, UV light may help to kill bacteria and thus help acne. With this being said however, broad exposure to the sun or tanning booths is not recommended for the treatment of acne as the potential risks of skin cancer and photo aging far out weight the benefits it can provide in treating acne.

Exercise and acne
For some people, exercise may seem to help acne and likely this is from stress reduction. In others however there is the belief that sweat blocks pores and that this can in fact worsen or cause acne. A recent, small study however did not demonstrate any effect between physical activity induced sweat and the formation of acne. One explanation for the development of acne in athletes is acne mechanica as this can develop from heat, pressure, friction and occlusion that often occurs in individuals wearing heavy equipment while playing sports.

Order Here

For the best treatment of Acne Try Rodan + Fields Unblemish. 

Breakouts? Unpredictable?Unreasonable? Unfair? Take control with our UNBLEMISH Regimen. Clinically proven to combat the entire acne cycle, this sophisticated regimen helps unclog pores, clears breakouts and calms your complexion to keep pimples, blackheads and post-acne marks from making an unwelcome appearance on your face—and in your life.

Left is a picture before use of Unblemish and to the right is two weeks after starting the Unblemish Regimen. 

Rodan + Fields Review

Yes there are some people that worry about a Rodan And Fields Scam. You’re not alone here. I have been scammed before so I have researched this company and found these important facts that will put your mind at ease.

Would it please you to know that the Rodan and Fields skincare company has been in business since 2002? Not only has it been in business for 8 years, it is headed up by 2 Stanford University graduates, Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Katie Rodan.

These 2 beautiful and talented medical professionals saw a huge need in the marketplace and perhaps, more importantly, an opportunity to bless the lives of millions of people who suffer from one of the most challenging problems in life, low self-esteem.

So many people never achieve their full potential due to low self esteem.

These 2 doctors really wanted to help people in this area.

There are lots of skincare products on the market but not many can reverse the ill affects of sun damaged skin. This is where Rodan And Fields come into play.

You’d be surprised if you knew how many people throughout the world suffer from sun damaged skin. Rodan And Fields markets a clinically proven product known as “reverse” that can provide tremendous benefits to those in this category.

Are you still concerned about a Rodan And Fields Scam?

Take a look at the following facts.

1. They’ve got a long history in the marketplace and many satisfied customers. The market place is a great judge of quality and customers continue to vote for Rodan and Fields with their dollars.

2. Rodan and Fields belongs to the DSA. This is a prestigious body who sets high standards in the direct sells industry.

3. Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields have chosen to be heavily involved in charitable giving – one of the hallmarks of any great company.

4.The Rodan and Fields direct selling brand is supported by the reputation of two of the most highly regarded leaders in the world of skincare. Their track record as skincare product developers and as opinion leaders in the beauty press are part of the assets that work to support Rodan and Fields Consultants as they introduce others to the benefits of the products, the product-support programs, and the potential lifestyle benefits of the business opportunity.

You can see from the following points that this company truly does bring great value to the market place.

Still need more proof read these SUCCESS STORIES    or    SEE WHAT EDITORS ARE SAYING 

Another website that helped me was Supreme Skin Care and their article 

"How I Did My Homework Before I Joined Rodan and Fields 

Dermatologists"

I want to share a comment from a reader and Supreme Skin Cares response to his comment.

  

Randi Tindel { 02.27.10 at 9:36 pm }

Hi Renee- I have been in sales for 14 years and am considering the Rodan and Fields business opportunity. Here are my concerns:

1. Price is high for today’s economy

2. They don’t have a lot of products. They only have several “sets” of products that they sell as a regimen set.

3. Who are your customers?

4. Who are your Good customers?

5. Who have you gotten involved in the business under you?

6. Have the people you got involved been succesful?

7. (I am assuming you like the products)- But, why do you like the products?

8. What specific results have you seen?

9. How long did it take for you to build your business?

10. How long did it take for the people you got involved to build their business?

11. Has your return on investment been enough to justify all the time and money you have spent on this business and why (whether yes or no)

12. Are the majority of your customers single consumers, or spa/salon owners?

13. How much time a week do you spend on your business?

Supreme Skin Cares Response to the questions.

Renee Olson { 05.04.10 at 1:18 pm }

@ Randi and Bob, Thank you for your interest in Rodan and Fields. All of Randi’s questions are very good questions. I would think it to be odd if one didn’t ask similar questions before getting involved in any business.

So here are my answers. Keep in mind that these are MY answers, the way I see it.

1. Statistically (according to EBay, use Terapeak to verify) skin care will hold up in spite of our economy. If someone stops using skin care, it’s not because of the price, it’s because the products don’t work.

2. Even though skin is a complex issue, why does a product line have to be complex? Use the solution tool and see what it reveals about your skin. R and F uses multi med therapy to address the most common skin conditions presented to dermatologists. When the right products combine in the right order, people see results. Isn’t that what it’s about? Getting results. I’m sure they will add new products as technology improves, but the products need to actually address skin issues.

3. My customers are typically women between the ages of 30 and 65.

4. My good customers are women between the ages of 30 and 65.

5 and 6. My friends and family and their referrals have taken on various roles in the partnership with Rodan and Fields. Some are business partners, some are product users and some are referring sources. Every role is important. R and F is very different then what you may have been exposed to in the past. As far as success, your question is too broad. My idea of success may not be the same as yours. I have set my business to make 6 figures by September 2011. Is that your goal too?

Every consultant must have goals… If you set your goals and achieve them, then you are successful.

7. Yes, I use the product. If you don’t use the product and actually like it, why would you sell it? Well, of course, to make money. There’s lots of products on the market that don’t work AND just as many people who sell stuff that doesn’t work. (Just my opinion)

R and F products have shrunk my crater size pores significantly. It’s cleared up an acne issue that I didn’t know I even had. I thought my monthly flare ups didn’t count. My light brown spots on the right side of my lip have diminished and my deep creases have been reduced tremendously. I go to network meetings and get up close to other women and point out that my swimming pools are gone.

But the long and the short of it is… I was an internet marketer looking for a product to sell online. I didn’t know when I joined, if the products really worked. If they didn’t work , they could join the rest of the products in my bathroom that don’t work. 6 months later, I can’t live without my products. I feel pretty.

I wasn’t avoiding your questions all this time, I just knew I couldn’t answer your questions in one sentence. This blog started out as a method to attract prospects, but will never be as productive as what I can do with a phone, email, facebook, MySpace, chamber meetings and networking events.

8. Has been answered above.

9. I will always be building my business. I want to work hard for 3 to 5 years and then maintain.

10. Some join immediately. Some join after they use the products. This business is not for everyone. Never chase people. It’s either a good fit for them or not. Do you really want to MAKE someone do their job? Or would you rather work with someone who says, “show me the way.”

11. Yes and no. As I’ve said, I’m an internet marketer. So I spend a lot of time on the internet doing things that are not specific to the system of Rodan and Fields. This blog for instance is a huge drain on my time. It is certainly not part of the R and F system, but I felt compelled to at least build the site. Truth be told… I use the two websites from corporate and drive traffic to that.

My husband and I own a commercial programming business that runs on autopilot for the most part and generates residuals. We’ve had that since 1998. We had an interior design store that went under and we lost over $100,000. If you want to be a business owner, you have to grasp the fact that this is a cheap buy in.

12. I don’t pursue salons…

13. I used to work about 10 hours a week. Now I have reworked my hours to 30.

Randi, I have to admit that it feels like you want me to convince you to do this business. Or maybe you feel you should compare yourself to me. In either case, you’re doing yourself an injustice. All you need to ask yourself is… am I coachable. If the answer is yes, you should become a consultant. If you don’t, you may end up “shoulding” on yourself. Why look back in life and say…”I should have joined Rodan and Fields.”