Anti Aging

"Anti-Aging Hormone" Found in Mice; May Help Humans Summary Scientists have engineered mice to live 20 percent longer, and they say the discovery might someday help humans do the same.Earthpulse Category HealthCategory_URI /news/health.html-- Site Index | Subscribe | Shop | Search     TODAY'S BEST NEWS PHOTO Photo in the News: Snow Shuts Down Athens's Acropolis VIDEO IN THE NEWS Video: The Real Jamestown, Beyond "The New World" News Front Page 15 Most Popular News Stories Photos in the News Videos in the News Animals & Nature News Archaeology & Paleontology News Environment News Health News History & Culture News Offbeat News Science & Space News Travel & Adventure News NEWS FEEDS Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free. How to Use XML or RSS FREE NEWSLETTER Sign up for our free Inside National Geographic newsletter . Every two weeks we'll send you our top stories and photos ( see sample ). CONTACT US Email the News Staff News Front Page > Health "Anti-Aging Hormone" Found in Mice; May Help Humans Brian Handwerk for National Geographic News August 25, 2005 Researchers have dramatically increased the life spans of mice bygenetically engineering them to overproduce a protein called klotho. Notsurprisingly, the discovery has spurred speculation that klotho couldhelp humans live longer. "We overexpressed the klotho gene to suppress aging, and we found that the average life span was 20 to 30 percent longer than in control animals," said pathologist Makoto Kuro-O, of the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Email to a Friend RELATED Anti-Aging Drug for Humans Hinted at by Worm Study 102-Year-Old Professor Hailed as Oldest U.S. Worker Burden of Aging Population "Less Than Feared," Study Says Discoveries May Help Unlock Secrets of Long Life The gene regulates production of klotho protein, which the study team says works like an anti-aging hormone. Kotho is involved in the suppression of insulin-signaling pathways—a process that has been shown to increase the life spans of worms and flies. "We concluded that the klotho gene is an aging-suppression gene that can extend life span when overexpressed and accelerate aging when disrupted," said Kuro-O, who was on the study team. Their findings will be published in tomorrow's issue of the journal Science. Benefit to Humans? So, how might this relate to humans? For starters, humans have a klotho gene almost identical to that in mice. Studies have shown that natural alterations of the klotho gene in both humans and mice can cause increased aging-related problems, such as muscular atrophy and hardening of the arteries. "It makes for the intriguing possibility that the things found in mice [both good and bad] will also prove relevant to people," said Hal Dietz, professor of genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Now that the new study has shown that boosting klotho can generate longer mouse life spans, could humans benefit as well? "I believe that the klotho gene can also regulate human aging," Kuro-O cautions. "So of course the immediate speculation would be that we could inject humans with klotho protein and extend human life span. "But we just don't know," Kuro-O adds. "It might someday be an option for the treatment of aging. ... " Klotho is likely an important key to how humans age, but not a single regulator. The gene is tied to some age-related afflictions. But it has not been linked to others, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Continued on Next Page >> LATEST VIDEOS IN THE NEWS Video: Steel Drum, Oil's Most Melodic Byproduct Video: Stardust Probe Mission Overview Video: Modern Geisha Keep Tradition Alive More Videos in the News SOURCES AND RELATED WEB SITES U.S. National Institute on Aging Makoto Kuro-O, Southwestern Medical Center Science TODAY'S MOST POPULAR NEWS STORY Moon Is Dragging Continents West, Scientist Says ADVERTISEMENT LATEST PHOTOS IN THE NEWS Photo in the News: Snow Shuts Down Athens's Acropolis Photo in the News: Whale Swims Past London Landmarks Photo in the News: Giant Jellyfish Invade Japan More Photos in the News A California senior citizen keeps fit by climbing ropes. Scientists say a newfound method for lengthening mouse life spans could have potential for helping humans live healthier and longer. Photograph by Karen Kasmauski NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY • Today's Photo • Download as Wallpaper SEND NO MONEY NOW Gift Orders >> International Orders >> Offer applies to U.S. and Canadian addresses only. Savings based on annual U.S. newsstand price of $59.40. Canadian price C$20 ($17 U.S.), including GST. Sales tax will be added where applicable. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. While all dues support National Geographic's mission of expanding geographic knowledge, 90 percent is designated for the magazine subscription, and no portion should be considered a charitable contribution. © 1996-2006 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. Home Site Index Search Free Newsletters Subscriptions Shopping Contact Us Advertise With Us Privacy Policy Press Room

Bath Salts, Oils &

Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles: Find, Compare, Read Reviews & Buy Online @ Yahoo! Shopping Primary Navigation Home Computers Clothing Electronics Home & Garden Valentine's Day Flowers Beauty More My Shopping Automotive Auctions Bargains & Sales Beauty & Fragrances Books & Magazines Clothing, Accessories & Shoes Computers Credit Cards Electronics Flowers & Gifts Health & Personal Care Home & Garden Jewelry & Watches Movies & DVD Long Distance Music Small Business Sports & Outdoors Tickets Tools & Hardware Toys & Baby Travel Video Games Shop By Brand Shop By Store More... Search Beauty All of Shopping • Advanced Search All_Laptops Shopping Results Results 1 - 7 out of 7 for Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles . ( About this page... ) Shopping Beauty & Fragrances Bath & Body All Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles Deep Steep Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles Refine Results for Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles You refined by: Deep Steep [ undo ] Price From $ To $ Type Bubble Bath (4) Tub Tea (3) Keyword Group Products One Product Per Store All Products SPONSOR RESULTS Deep Steep at b-glowing - b-glowing features Deep Steep and other independent beauty brands in perfume, skin care, bath + body, hair care and more. www.b-glowing.com Deep Steep, Llc: In-Depth Company Info - Go to Hoover's for in-depth, first-hand, company coverage provided by business experts. Get an overview, key executive bios, financials, news, industry trends, and competitor info. www.hoovers.com Deep Steep at Amazon.com - Hundreds of top brands; thousands of beauty products including latest trends in makeup, luxury fragrances, hair care, and skin care. www.amazon.com View: List | Grid Sort by: Top Results | Price | Product Rating Deep Steep Rosemary - Mint Honey Bubble Bath Bubble Bath - Deep Steep • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from Amazon.com (5) $19.50 Amazon.com Merchant Rating Deep Steep Bath Tea - Honeydew Spearment Deep Steep Honeydew - Spearment Bath Tea is the perfect balance between fresh and clean. The carefully chooses blend of herbs will ease your mind while the salt softens your skin. So honey, do take time off for good behavior and draw yourself a bath of tea... • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from ScentsandSprays.com (2) $5.00 ScentsandSprays.com Merchant Rating Deep Steep Honeydew - Spearmint Honey Bubble Bath Bubble Bath - Deep Steep • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from Amazon.com (5) $19.50 Amazon.com Merchant Rating Deep Steep Rosemary - Mint Bath Tea Tub Tea - Deep Steep • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from Amazon.com (5) $5.00 Amazon.com Merchant Rating Deep Steep Grapefruit - Bergamot Honey Bubble Bath Bubble Bath - Deep Steep • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from Amazon.com (5) $19.50 Amazon.com Merchant Rating Deep Steep Bath Tea - Grapfruit Bergamot Deep Steep Grapefruit - Bergamot Bath Tea is the ideal solution to soak away stress. The botanicals are steeped in a calming blend of grapefruit & bergamot essential oils & combined with European Sea Salt to create a detoxifying bath infusion. • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from ScentsandSprays.com (2) $5.00 ScentsandSprays.com Merchant Rating DEEP STEEP HONEY BUBBLE BATH (Honeydew Spearmint) Bubble Bath - Deep Steep • more Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles results from Amazon.com (5) $21.95 Amazon.com Merchant Rating SPONSOR RESULTS Deep Steep At Gifts.com - Find the Deep Steep Moisture Stick 2.5 Oz Honeydew & Spearmint and other great gifts at Gifts.com. Our gift ideas range from popular to unique to personalized gifts. www.gifts.com Buy Deep Steep at ScentsandSprays.com - Buy luxury Deep Steep products at ScentsandSprays.com. Great prices and free same-day shipping available. www.scentsandsprays.com Search the web for Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles Shopping Beauty & Fragrances Bath & Body All Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles Deep Steep Search Beauty All of Shopping • Advanced Search All_Laptops Find, Compare, Read Reviews & Buy Deep Steep Bath Salts, Oils & Bubbles Online @ Yahoo! Shopping Want to see your products in Yahoo! Shopping? Build your own online store or Advertise with us. Current Advertisers Sign In Help improve Yahoo! Shopping by participating in our user studies - Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Yahoo! does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

SOAPS BATH & SHOWER

Bulk USDA Organic soap natural wholesale custom private label castile ON SALE NOW -- NATURAL GIFTS INGREDIENTS BAR SOAPS BATH & SHOWER GELS BATH SALTS SPRAY MISTERS CASTILE LIQUID SOAPS BATH ACCESSORIES LIQUID SUNSHINE NONTOXIC CLEANER FRUIT & VEGGIE WASH YOGA MAT WASH PET SHAMPOO PRIMO INCENSE AROMATHERAPY SACHETS NEW PRODUCTS TEST YOUR SKIN TYPE WHAT IS SOAP? WHAT IS NATURAL? THE ANTIMICROBIAL CONTROVERSY THE SULFATE CONTROVERSY VIRTUAL FACTORY TOUR HISTORY OF VERMONT SOAP TESTIMONIALS PRESS ROOM CONTACT US FRIENDLY LINKS See Our Organic Certificate (PDF) Click here for a No-bubble page BUSINESS2BUSINESS ORDER OUR PRODUCTS WHAT IS SOAP? TEST YOUR SKIN TYPE Be a Soap Buddy! CONTACT US Maxfield Parrish Memorial Gift Set Vermont Soap Organics produces USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternativesto the often irritating, chemical and detergent based personal care productsnow in general use. We manufacture handmade cold process bar soaps forsensitive skin, liquid soaps for skin and cleaning, the first truly organicshower gels, numerous organic nontoxic cleaners and much more. Our MasterSoapmakers blend organic food grade ingredients into soap products the oldfashioned way. Our special bar soap process removes excess alkali from thesoap, creating a super mild bar for the most sensitive skin. We welcome consumer orders from this web site. Wholesale customers can order throughthe Business section of our site. Custom private label and bulk inquiries for natural and organic soap products are directed to our section forco-packing arrangements. Soapmakers looking for supplies will have their own websection debuting January 2006. Enjoy your visit to our site! Always gentle, hypoallergenic and completely natural. No wonder they call it the mildest soap on Earth! PRIMO INCENSE OUR MISSION STATEMENT Vermont Soap Now Organic Vermont Soap Goes to Africa Select Your Skin Type Dry & Sensitive Dry Normal Combination Normal to Oily Oily Shampoo Bar Deodorant/Medicinal Would you like to see how we make the mildest soap on earth? Come visit us at our factory outlet! Vermont Soap in Japan! Visit our Discount Factory Outlet & Soap Museum : Bargain Prices - Large Selection 9:00 - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday Closed Sundays between Christmas and Memorial Day CLICK HERE for a map with a link to driving directions from anywhere! VIEW FROM THE HOLLER ESSAYS Driving in Vermont Essay FOUNDING MEMBER TOLL FREE: 1-866-SOAP-4U2 (1-866-762-7482) E-mail: info@vtsoap.com 616 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753 Local: (802) 388-4302 ~ Fax: (802) 388-7471 Books on Sustainability Tell-A-Friend

Microdermabrasion System Other products

Amazon.com: Conair Moisturizing Mist Microdermabrasion System: Health & Personal Care Your Store Health & Personal Care See All 32 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Browse Brands & Products | Top Sellers | Health Care | Personal Care | Shaving & Hair Removal | Nutrition & Fitness | Baby & Child Care | Sales & Special Offers Search Amazon.com Health & Personal Care Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . RELATED ITEMS Conair TS7N Jumbo Rollers Instant Heat Travel Hairsetter Price: $16.99 Conair CS19JCS Instant Heat Ceramic Hair Straightener Price: $19.88 ITEM INFORMATION Explore this item buying info label information accessories customer reviews shipping information rate this item See more by this brand Conair Customers also bought these other items... Share your thoughts write a review write a So You'd Like to... guide tell a friend about this item RATE THIS ITEM I dislike it I love it! 1 2 3 4 5 Edit your ratings Visit the Kitchen & Housewares Store Divatex 260-Thread-Count 100% Cotton Stripe Full/Queen Duvet with Bonus Standard Shams, White Amazon.com Price: $24.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . Target Price: $24.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Closeouts Price: $27.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Brand Variety Price: $36.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 4 new, used & refurbished from $24.99 Conair Moisturizing Mist Microdermabrasion System Other products by Conair See more pictures and other information List Price: $36.99 Price: $24.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details . You Save: $12.00 (32%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours Features: On/Off Switch Warm Steam Facial Sauna Cone to Concentrate Mist on Face Auto Shutoff and Timer Microdermabrasion tool with 2 attachments Amazon.com Sales Rank: #367 in Health & Personal Care(See Top Sellers in Health & Personal Care ) Yesterday: #475 in Health & Personal Care Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. Shipping weight: 2.35 pounds. ASIN: B00005A9WP Dimensions: 0.00 inches x 0.00 inches x 0.00 inches Date first available at Amazon: March 21, 2001 Average Customer Review: Based on 6 reviews. Write a review . Customers who bought this itemalso bought these items: Panasonic EH2511A Pore Cleanser with Micro-fine Mist Panasonic Conair 5-in-1 Style Set (Color May Vary) Conair Homedics Facial Spa Ultra Cleansing and Microdermabrasion System - FAC-200 HoMedics Homedics Facial Spa - FAC-100 HoMedics Explore Similar Items : 16 in Kitchen & Housewares , 1 in Apparel , and 3 in Electronics Label Information Amazon.com Review This unit can be used to steam open pores for cleansing skin and to steam open clogged nasal and sinus passages. The versatility comes from two translucent, blue, plastic cones. The large cone is 6-3/4 inches wide and has a flared, open side to accommodate the face, chin, and neck for cleansing. The small cone is 3-1/2 inches wide, so steam is directed into the nose where it can be breathed in during allergy and cold season. Operating the steamer is simple: using the included measuring tube, pour tap water into the power base's reservoir; twist on and lock into place either of the tubes; switch on the unit with the on/off button; and wait about three minutes for the water to heat. For controlled cleansing sessions there's a timer than can be set from 3 to 15 minutes. And for safety the unit automatically shuts off after 45 minutes. --Fred Brack Product Description A combination of thorough pore-cleaning steam mist from a Facial Sauna followed by a gentle exfoliation using a rotating Microdermabrasion tool. It can transform skin. Give yourself a facial in the comfort of your own home with this Conair facial spa. The wide facial cone uses gentle steam to open clogged pores and rejuvenate skin. The narrow sinus cone was designed to help clear nasal and sinus passages to aid in respiratory therapy. Also features a timer, automatic shutoff and a water cylinder for easy and accurate filling. Plastic. Imported. 9Hx7.5Wx8.25D" Spotlight Reviews (What's this?) Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Search Customer Reviews 66 of 68 people found the following review helpful: I like this thing , January 12, 2005 Reviewer: Mikhail (Cleveland, OH USA)- See all my reviews I decided to become a metrosexual at the age of 41 and bought this neat unit to celebrate. I wasn't expecting much, but it does its job. It's simple to use and I can see the difference in my skin after using it only a short time. I'm especially fond of the microdermabrasian tool. I use it with some inexpensive scrub and my face never felt smoother. The only possible down side is that it takes a while for the steam to get hot enough to feel like it's making any difference. The instructions say that it should take about three minutes, but I allow twice that and everything is fine. I'm in no hurry. :) Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) All Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: Conair: The Complete Facial Spa , November 27, 2005 Reviewer: T. Mccartney - See all my reviews Overall, I like this product. It is rather relaxing to sit and pamper yourself. The unit makes short of a hissing noise as the water boils, but it's not too loud. Make sure to keep an eye on the water level. It shouldn't all evaporate if you only do this for, say, 10 minutes, however longer times require water to be added and if you don't add the water in time sort of a "burn" smell results. Add the water before putting the blue top on - otherwise it sort of pours out here and there. I don't like to use the timer because the beep noise is really loud and annoying. I wish the face cone was longer as well (as someone else noted) - while the steam doesn't hurt my nose - it does sting my forhead if I tilt my head to steam that area. I also do not like how your hairline and sides of your face to not get steamed unless you turn your head, which is uncomfortable. I recommend putting the unit on a few phonebooks (if you don't mind possibly spilling water on them) to ease have to bend your back and/or neck so far down. Keep napkins nearby to move the unit - so as to not burn your hands if water spills. Don't put lotion on your face or else it will end up smeared all over the blue part (eye area might be ok). The unit I purchased did not come with a face scrubber, so I have no comment on that. If you take the blue part OFF the unit (once it cools off and you remove the water), it will better fit in the original box for storage!! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: so far very happy with this product , November 22, 2005 Reviewer: Zuzana Vass "Zuzana" (San Diego,CA)- See all my reviews I just received this product yesterday, and used it the same evening. It took approximately 3-5 minutes for water to heat up. Meanwhile I washed my face and put some cream on my eye area (btw, that was a good tip from manual, as you protect your sensitive skin around eyes). Steam was very good and strong, but I would probably be more happier if the facial cone was a bit longer, so my face is not so very close to the steam coming right out of the machine. I think using a towel over your head will be very helpful if you want to steam your face for more than 10 minutes. Just to add more effect to your steam facial treatment :) I set the timer on 10 minutes first time and it did work. I have been using my facial brush to exfoliate my face in the shower, but I like this facial brush that comes with this product. Brush is very soft and work pretty well. I thing this brush is more gentle but yet more effective than just using my old brush. It is not so harsh on your face. Use a generous amount of cream or moisturizer after using brush to exfoliate your face. Also, my personal recommendation - I would probably not use brush to exfoliate your facial skin more often than once in a week or two. Facial skin is very thin in general.. you don`t want to take it completely off :) Using mask right after steaming is very good idea too. Yes, I have been using boiling water in pot so far, but I find this product to be very convenient way of doing steam facial. And one more tip, if you still miss steaming your face over a boiling pot with herbs (sage is excellent thing) use this herbal tea instead of using mask.. Simply damp the towel and put it on your face for couple of minutes after steaming. So like I`ve said - product works very well and I am so far very happy with it. Enjoy! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: Exactly what i was looking for , November 8, 2005 Reviewer: Bridgette Ards (Austin, TX.)- See all my reviews Yes, it takes longer than a few minutes to warm up, but once it is steaming full strength it works miracles. I just turn it on while washing my face with the exfoliator brush before hand. The steamer opens your pores, and helps pull out impurities. I put a mask on directly afterwards to complete my facial. It also primes your face to get better results from your anti-aging and moisturizing products. You can also add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oils to help you relax or aid in the clearing of problem skin. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 5 of 10 people found the following review helpful: comme la, comme sa , September 12, 2005 Reviewer: BM_NINADA "Music Crazy" (Jersey City, NJ)- See all my reviews Ok - for those who want to do a general facial sauna. The gadgets can be safely thrown away, the nose-apapter is useless. Takes some time to start up and in my case the timer does not work. Don't want to be harsh, since it might very well be only for me but the bottom-line is a crude cheap product which I WILL ADVICE to purchase if you're looking for a simple model doing just that steaming to your face and you're ready to wait for 10 min. while the stuff heats up. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 6 customer reviews... Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Health & Personal Care Disclaimer: Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. When you receive an item, carefully read all labels, warnings, and directions before use. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com Shipping Information Amazon.com Returns & Exchanges Contact Amazon.com Amazon.com & Your Privacy Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search Health & Personal Care All Products for Turn your past purchases into $$$ Learn more about selling at Amazon.com today! Top of Page Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France  | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

skin treatment, it's important

Skin Management, Surface Repair Treatments About ASPS | Contact Us Home : Learn About Procedures : Procedures Print This Page Cosmetic Procedures: Botox® Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Browlift Camouflage Cosmetics Chemical Peel Chin Surgery Computer Imaging Cosmetic Surgery at a Glance Dermabrasion Ear Surgery Endoscopic Plastic Surgery Eyelids Face Lift Facial Implants Hair Replacement Indications for Men Injectable Fillers Laser Skin Resurfacing Lipoplasty or Liposuction Microdermabrasion Nose Surgery Permanent Eyeliner Spider Veins Tumescent Technique Tummy Tuck Upper Arm Lift Managing healthy skin From early on, we learn that having a smooth, clear complexion is an attribute of physical attractiveness. However, as we age, maintaining that healthy glow becomes more difficult. The face is the most exposed part of the body, vulnerable to the harsh rays of the sun. The face is also subject to acne, rashes, allergic reactions, and injuries that may leave permanent scars. This brochure will give you a basic understanding of commonly used treatments for managing skin-when they can help, what they involve, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Ask your doctor anything you don't understand about the treatment you're considering. A number of non-surgical "refinishing" treatments are available for individuals who want to eliminate or soften imperfections on their facial skin and achieve a clearer, fresher look. These treatments include glycolic acids (sometimes called "fruity acids"), which are natural fruit substances blended into facial preparations and are used to eliminate rough or dried surface skin, and Retin-A®, a vitamin A-enriched cream that changes the cellular metabolism of the skin's surface and is used to combat fine facial wrinkles and blotches from sun damage. Each of these treatments can be used alone, or are frequently prescribed in conjunction with an aesthetic surgery procedure, such as a facelift or a chemical peel. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SKIN-SURFACE TREATMENTS "Surface-repair" treatments can enhance your appearance and give your skin a smoother, fresher look, but they won't remove deep scars and flaws or prevent aging. These treatments should not be thought of as mini-facelifts. Generally speaking, Retin-A® and glycolic acid treatments offer less dramatic results than surgical approaches like dermaplaning, dermabrasion, or chemical peel. Before you decide to have a skin-rejuvenating treatment of any type, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your plastic surgeon. PLANNING FOR TREATMENT Whether you're planning a surgical or nonsurgical skin treatment, it's important that you find a doctor who has training and experience with a variety of skin-management techniques. You'll want a doctor who can give you the best possible single treatment or treatment combination. Look elsewhere if your doctor tells you that he or she has perfected a single technique that promises unbelievable results. The choice is yours, but be certain your doctor is qualified to prescribe such treatments. After all, these treatments involve the most visible part of your body - your face. In your initial consultation, be open in discussing your treatment goals with your doctor and don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your surgeon should be equally open with you and explain the factors that could influence your choice of treatment options such as age, skin condition, and previous plastic surgeries. The surgeon will ask about your medical history and conduct a routine examination. If you're having a surgical procedure in conjunction with your skin treatment, your doctor should explain the process in detail, including the risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Insurance usually doesn't cover aesthetic procedures. WHERE YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE PERFORMED It is unlikely that you'll have to spend time in the hospital for your skin treatment unless the treatment is performed in conjunction with a facelift or some other more complex procedure. Your initial application of Retin-A® or glycolic acid will probably be performed in a doctor's office or an outpatient facility. THE TREATMENTS Retin-A® Best candidates. In general, Retin-A® is most effective in older patients who have some fine facial wrinkles, or blotchy pigmented areas caused by sun damage. However, Retin-A® is often prescribed to younger, active individuals who want to combat the aging effects of sun exposure. Patients who are planning to have a chemical peel treatment are often instructed by their doctors to use Retin-A® as a preparation treatment; Retin-A® thins the skin's outer layer, allowing the acid solution used in a peel treatment to penetrate more deeply and evenly. Retin-A® is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers, because its effects on the fetus and nursing infant are still being studied. Reactions/side-effects. Although no serious medical problems have been associated with Retin-A®, it's possible that its use could result in temporary skin irritation and redness. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a milder formulation. As late as 1993, Retin-A® had not received approval for use as an anti-aging treatment from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has received FDA approval as an acne treatment, and doctors have been safely using it for this purpose for more than two decades. However, the full scope of Retin-A®'s effects and potential benefits continues to investigated. Beginning treatment. Your initial application of Retin-A® will include a lesson on how to continue your skin-care routine at home. After your face has been washed thoroughly, a small amount of Retin-A®, in either cream or gel form, is rubbed over your face and nose. It's likely that a very gentle formula will be used at the beginning - especially if you are younger or have a fair complexion. You may be switched to a stronger formula after your skin becomes accustomed to treatment. Only a very small amount of Retin-A® - a pea-sized dab - is needed to cover the entire face. You will be instructed to apply Retin-A® every night before you go to bed. Because Retin-A® is drying to the skin, your doctor may also recommend that you apply a moisturizer once or twice a day. This routine is usually continued for about eight months to a year, after which you'll be switched to a less-frequent schedule of maintenance, with Retin-A® applications only two or three times per week. At periodic follow-up visits, your doctor may adjust the strength of your prescription or its frequency of use. To maintain the benefits of Retin-A®, its use must be continued for a lifetime. After treatment. It's normal to experience some redness, irritation, itching, stinging, or skin dryness once you begin to use Retin-A®. However, you can expect these symptoms to gradually disappear as the skin becomes acclimated to the treatment. Caring for your new skin. Because Retin-A® thins out the skin's outer layer, you will need to consistently use a sun-block to protect yourself from ultraviolet light, and you may have to discontinue using certain products or cosmetics on your face. Though the degree of change varies from person to person, with continued use of Retin-A®, you will begin to see subtle improvements in the texture and tone of your skin. Retin-A® users notice a rosy glow during the beginning months of use, followed by the disappearance of fine lines and the shrinking of large pores. After about six months, many Retin-A® users report that wrinkles are barely visible and that age spots have faded. Glycolic acid treatments Best candidates. Glycolic or "fruity acid" treatments can offer smoother skin to people of all ages. This type of treatment seems to work best on patients who have rough, sun-damaged skin. Glycolic acids are sometimes formulated with bleaching chemicals to correct areas of uneven pigmentation. Reactions/side-effects. It's important to remember that side-effects may occur even with non-surgical treatments. No serious medical problems have been associated with glycolic acids, but their use may cause temporary skin irritation and redness. Switching to a milder formula may remedy the problem. Beginning treatment. Your initial application of glycolic acid cream will include a lesson on how to continue your skin-care routine at home. The way in which glycolic acid is applied to the face depends upon what form it's in. Two common forms are cream or facial wash. Both forms contain about 12 percent glycolic acid, which helps slough away dry, sun-damaged skin on the face's surface. Each also contains a special moisturizer and, if needed, a bleaching agent. In most cases, the acid is applied to the face twice daily, either by smoothing on the cream or using the facial wash. Your doctor may adjust the strength of the acid formulation or the frequency of its use after evaluating your skin's condition in follow-up visits. After treatment . It's normal to experience some redness, irritation, itching, stinging, or skin dryness once you begin to use glycolic acid. However, you can expect these symptoms to gradually disappear as the skin adjusts to the treatment. Caring for your new skin . Because glycolic acid thins the skin's outer layer, you will need to consistently use a sun-block to protect yourself from ultraviolet light, and you may have to discontinue using certain products or cosmetics on you face. Though the degree of change varies from person to person, with continued use of glycolic acid preparations, you will begin to see subtle improvements in the texture and tone of your skin. In most cases, glycolic acid users notice an overall freshness and smoothness. After a while, pigmented blotches fade or disappear as the bleaching effect begins to work. The time necessary for visible results depends on the degree of pigmentation and individual circumstances. Some patients see results in as little as six weeks. YOUR NEW ROUTINE Most people find that maintaining their new look is easier than expected. Using the cream or facial wash will become a natural part of your morning or evening routine - and the difference you'll see will be worth the extra effort. To find a plastic surgeon who performs this procedure, visit the online referral service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Index What to expect from skin-surface treatments Planning for treatment Where your treatment will be performed The Treatments Your new routine The appearance of fine facial wrinkles can be improved with Retin-A® treatment. Glycolic acid treatment can smoothe rough, sun-damaged skin and fade age spots. Contact Us | Privacy | Disclaimer Surgeon Referral Service 1.888.4 PLASTIC All Materials 2005 ASPS/PSEF