Antioxidants and sunscreen help protect the skin from the ravages of the sun and the environment

(07/06/2010)

With an astonishing array of lotions and potions on the market, all promising to restore or safeguard facial youth and vitality, choosing a skincare regime can be a confusing and complicated process.

According to cosmetic and aesthetic doctor, Dan Dhunna, you can simplify your search of the best beauty saviours by looking out for two main ingredients - antioxidants and sunscreen. Both help protect the skin from the ravages of the sun and the environment and both are key elements of the SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica ranges, championed at the exclusive new Cawston Manor Clinic in Rugby.

Dr Dhunna, Medical Aesthetics Director at the clinic, and expert in dermatological and cosmetic treatments, said: "Scientists calculate that free radicals account for around 90 per cent of perceived skin ageing, including wrinkles, roughness, mottled pigmentation and loss of elasticity. These free radicals are generated by UV light and pollution among other things. For instance skin and its support structure is damaged when the sun's radiation, both UVA and UVB, is converted into oxygen-free radicals. Antioxidants neutralise these free radicals - this oxidative stress - and so topical antioxidants are an effective weapon in the battle to beat ageing, while sunscreens are an important first line barrier."

For maximum effectiveness antioxidants and sunscreen should be combined, as Dr Dhunna explained: "Many are unaware while sunscreens are effective against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, many do not offer full protection against UVA, which triggers reactions in the skin resulting in premature ageing and even skin cancer. Again this is where antioxidants are useful and daily maintenance strategies involving sunscreen and antioxidants are essential to keep skin looking good."

SkinCeuticals, founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1997, and SkinMedica, developed in 2002 by dermatologist Dr Richard E Fitzpatrick, offer a number of advanced, antioxidant-rich products designed to diminish the appearance of ageing, increase collagen and elastin and improve skin texture and tone.

The SkinCeuticals range includes super antioxidant formulas, such as C E Ferulic, featuring potent compounds derived from natural sources such as apple and pear tree as well as Vitamins C and E.

C E Ferulic offers super antioxidant protection against environmental stress and photo aging. And when combined with SkinCeuticals sunscreen, featuring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, your skin can count on unprecedented photo protection from UVA and UVB, wherever you are, whether that's outdoors, in the car, in the office or even at home - since UVA can penetrate glass.

Dr Dhunna explained: "Photo protection is not SPF, it is the measure of a product's ability to protect against oxidative stress. SPF is a measure of protection against UVB radiation only. More photo protection means more youthful looking skin."

SkinCeuticals' latest wonder serum, Phloretin CF, goes further. Developed following five years of extensive research, the serum features powerful organic plant antioxidant Ferulic Acid, an active ingredient of C E Ferulic, as well as natural fruit and tree extracts and collagen-boosting Vitamin C, which protects against free radicals and accelerates cell turnover.

Dr Dhunna said: "The result - a strengthened support structure on the inside and a more youthful, firm, radiant appearance on the outside."

Clinical studies show, after using Phloretin CF for as little as four weeks, a radical reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, blotchy texture and age spots leaving the complexion dramatically healthier, firmer and visibly improved.

Antioxidant protection is enhanced within the SkinMedica range by the addition of NouriCel-MD, a physiological combination of elements found naturally in the skin.

With a celebrity following, including Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Love Hewitt, SkinMedica is the only skincare range to contain a professional concentration of patented NouriCel-MD, discovered through research into wound healing and containing an optimal blend of natural human growth factors and other compounds such as antioxidants, soluble collagen, interleukins and proteins produced by healthy, new skin.

This restorative cocktail helps the skin remodel itself by fighting the visible signs of environmental damage, strengthening the skin's protective barrier and improving skin texture, elasticity and tone.

Dr Dhunna said teaming with SkinMedica TNS - Tissue Nutrient Solution - products, Recovery Complex, Ultimate Daily Moisturiser, Eye Cream and Lip Plump, provide a one-stop rejuvenating skincare system. Dr Dhunna added: "Skin is under attack constantly from UV rays and environmental factors so protecting it with innovative dermatology products like SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica is one way to reduce damage and retain that prized youthful appearance."

SkinCeuticals is available at Cawston Manor Clinic, Cawston, Rugby. Phloretin CF has an rrp of £128 for a 30ml bottle. C E Ferulic is £115 for 30ml or £60 for a 15ml bottle.

Also available at Cawston Manor Clinic is SkinMedica. TNS Recovery Complex retails at £89, TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturiser is £45, TNS Illuminating Eye Cream is £47 and TNS Lip Plump System is £35.

Related categories:  Anti-aging skin care   Sun protection and self tanner 

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