The mission of creating and maintaining skin that is optimally healthy, youthful, vibrant and cancer-free is a passion that all of us at evolv Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics share and believe in. As summer comes to a close, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your skin health and make a personalized plan to achieve these goals for yourself. Summer is a time when many patients have had excessive sun exposure, lending itself to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, premature aging and pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis). These skin issues are especially prevalent this time of year, not only in older adults but also in many younger patients.
Unfortunately, we are all inundated by companies promoting the next ‘miracle’ cream that promises to quickly and easily erase skin damage and restore youthful skin. Promotions by celebrities and very clever marketing are all around us in the media and online, convincing even well-educated consumers to buy their product with unproven promises and unrealistic expectations. The sales tactic of ‘snake oil’ in a bottle and promising more youthful and beautiful skin has always been and remains an extremely effective marketing technique. But the truth behind their marketing is that there is rarely any science or credible research to back up these claims, and the majority of consumers end up spending significant amounts of their resources for ineffective products that are cleverly packaged and promoted. There is definitely a lack of trust and credibility in the skin care and cosmetics industry.
After nearly 30 years of involvement and dedication in medical skin care and skin health, I can assure you that the advice of Dr. Obagi, “real skin health takes work,” is spot on! In order to repair, restore and rejuvenate aging or damaged skin, one must understand the physiology of healthy skin and how it is designed to function naturally and optimally. Years of research and the benefits of science and biotechnology have opened the door to many exciting possibilities in achieving and maintaining youthful and healthy skin, as well as reducing cancer risk by utilizing and respecting the natural functions of the skin. Research supports the basic principles of skin health which are the fundamental of the ZO Skin Programs:
- Effective, but not traumatic, daily cleansing and exfoliation
- Restoration of a normal maturation cycle through conditioning and stimulation
- Repair of cell damage, excessive pigmentation, injury and disease
- Protection and reduction of inflammation
- Hydration and calming
- Protection from ultraviolet radiation and reducing skin cancer risk
Because of the interactive nature of the skin, as well as ethnic and environmental factors, every patient’s program must be personalized to each individual’s ethnicity, lifestyle and unique skin characteristics. Obviously no single product or treatment can repair and restore skin health. A medical history, complete evaluation and understanding of the comprehensive nature of skin function and health by an experienced and knowledgeable professional are absolutely necessary for achieving youthful, healthy skin and reducing the signs of aging and risk of skin cancer.