Maryland Medical Spa
Sarah's Skin Care Tips
What really works?
Key product ingredients that can provide effective results:
Hydroquinone (4% Rx strength):
- Inhibits melanogenesis
- Exerts its depigmenting effect by selective action on melanocyte metabolism
- Results in more even skin tone and reversal of abnormal pigmentation
Tretinoin (Retin A):
- Improves DNA transcription by binding to nuclear receptors
- Stimulates increased cell production in the dermis
- Speeds up keratinocyte turnover and renewal
- Increases epidermal thickness
- Slows down the natural thinning of the dermis
- Provides healthy glow and increases blood flow
- Improves elasticity and reduces collagen breakdown
- Treats acne and improves pore function and size
Hyaluronic Acid:
- Moisturizes topically
- Transports essential nutrients internally
- Holds 1,000 times its weight in water
Malonic Acid:
- Helps stimulate production of healthy cells
- Increases collagen and elastin production
- Provides skin resilience
Alpha Hydroxy Acids:
- Binds moisture to the skin
- Decreases corneocyte cohesion
- Improves skin texture and increases cell turnover
- Allows for improved penetration of active ingredients
Antioxidants:
- Provides protection and aids in product penetration
- Combats and neutralizes free radicals, thus averting premature damage
- Includes L-ascorbic acid, retinol, and vitamin E, among others
Sunscreen:
- Protects skin cells from harmful, aging UV rays
All of these effective product ingredients can be found in the Obagi Nu-Derm System.
Before
After
Before and after pictures courtesy of www.obagi.com.
Glossary:
- Hydroquinone—an aromatic organic compound used as a topical application in skin whitening to reduce hyperpigmentation
- Tretinoin—the acid form of Vitamin A
- Hyaluronic Acid—a hydrating fluid found in the skin; hydrophilic agent with water-binding properties
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid—naturally-occuring mild acids which exfoliate by loosening the bonds between dead corneum cells and dissolve the intercellular cement and stimulate cell renewal
- Melanogenesis—the process of cells producing melanin
- Melanocyte—cells that produce pigment granules in the basal layer
- Keratinocyte—cells composed of fiber protein found in the skin, hair, and nails; provides resiliency and protection to the skin
- Collagen—fibrous, connective tissue made from protein; found in the reticular layer of the dermis; gives skin its firmness
- Elastin—protein fiber found in the dermis; gives skin its elasticity and firmness
This page was last updated on: September 13, 2011.
If you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services,
please call 410-328-SKIN (7546) or 410-328-FACE (3223).
Email
Print
Click to Print
Print Preview
