Anti-Aging
| Science and technology (and soon possibly politics) are increasingly providing anti-aging benefits. Here are a few examples of ways to counter some of the signs of aging now. |
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Everyone wants to look, feel and act young for as long as they can. Although scientists haven't yet discovered the Fountain of Youth they have made progress in defeating many of the signs and symptoms of aging.
1. Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Gentle laser treatments have rapidly become the gold standard way to defeat visible signs of aging. Older laser resurfacing treatments burned off the outer layer of skin, triggering a healing response; while effective in erasing signs of aging, they were painful and had a fairly long recovery time. Fractional laser resurfacing triggers the same healing process without damaging the outer surface of the skin. There may be some minor reddening that lasts for a day or two.2. Wrinkle Fillers
The FDA approved four new injectable wrinkle fillers last year. Unlike a facelift that just stretches the skin, wrinkle fillers plump up the skin from underneath, creating a more natural, youthful look. Most current fillers last for over a year and some are essentially permanent.| Related articles |
3. Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight aging by mopping up damaging free radicals that are created by sunlight, oxygen and exposure to toxins. Antioxidants can and should both be eaten and applied to the face. A number of cosmetic companies are coming out with products to be applied to the face that are loaded with powerful antioxidants to stop the aging process in its tracks.4. Peptides
Small peptides are very exciting in the field of aging because they can easily enter the skin from a topical preparation. Various small peptides that promote collagen formation, inhibit the formation of wrinkles, and promote skin growth have been discovered and are being released commercially in various serum and cream preparations.5. Statins
Although statins have been around for some time and aren't usually thought of as "anti-aging" technology, they actually do act to prevent many age-related conditions. Statins help prevent arteries from being clogged up. Clogged arteries have been implicated in causing many age-related conditions, such as reduced energy, impaired cognition and even dementia. More recently, statins have been shown to increase bone growth and they may stave off another common condition of aging, osteoporosis.6. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
Many natural hormones- DHEA, human growth hormone, melatonin- decline slowly as we age. The various sex hormones- testosterone, estrogen and progesterone- also tend to decline after middle-age. Although supplementing with bioidentical hormones can produce almost miraculous results, the Genemedics Health Institute reminds us that it is important the process be individualized to balance the hormonal levels in each individual only after testing in order to avoid side effects.Science hasn't yet found the Fountain of Youth, but it has discovered ways to look and feel more youthful.
| By Karleia Steiner | Embed |
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