Blog - Goldenhersh

Moisturizer – A not so secret weapon

Uncategorized, June 16, 2020

It’s no secret that moisturizing your skin is an integral part of any good skin care routine. But why?

The epidermis, or the outer layer of skin, has the ability to absorb and retain moisture just like a sponge. We are all born with naturally moist skin, the term “baby skin” wasn’t coined for nothing. Over the years that natural moisture diminishes and in order to retain and restore that soft, beautiful, youthful glow it becomes necessary to moisturize our skin.

There are four basic skin types; dry, normal, oily and sensitive. These skin types develop due to a number of factors. These factors vary from person to person and sometimes vary for the same person:

Hereditary – there is a close relationship between hereditary genes and the loss of moisture in the skin.
Acne Prevention – Acne treatment is important, but often, acne treatment and medication causes the skin to dry out, making it necessary to incorporate an oil free moisturizer with any acne treatment.
Sun exposure – Sun exposure affects the moisture of the skin, both short and long term. This is because in addition drying the skin through direct exposure to sunlight, it causes photo aging of the skin which includes dryness.
Age – Over the years, skin typically becomes drier.
Dehydration – When our body is lacking fluids, it naturally lacks moisture.
Environment – In drier environments, the skin tends to be sapped of moisture.

Skin dryness is often accompanied by itching. In fact, the most common cause of itching in adults is dry skin.

So how do we effectively combat the effects of dry skin and help our skin retain its natural moisture and restore elasticity?

Here are some useful tips-

First, it is essential to choose appropriate products containing active ingredients that both provide moisture and prevent the loss of moisture to the skin.

An example of this is a moisturizing product that contains high levels of Glycolic Acid. For decades, research has shown that glycolic acid improves skin hydration short term and facilitates re- hydration long term. How so? Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid considered to be the smallest molecule of all the alpha-hydroxy acids. This feature allows it to effectively penetrate the outer skin layer, accelerate cell turnover and aid in the production of elastin and collagen. Additionally, Glycolic acid is also known for its ability to peel off dead skin cells in the outer layer of skin, in a gentle process that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pretty neat!

Another great ingredient to look out for are ceramides.

Ceramides are known to provide essential nourishment to the skin which helps replenish the skin barrier improving elasticity and texture. The skin barrier is another term for the outer layer of skin, it is responsible for protecting the skin from harsh elements and for retaining moisture. Repairing and maintaining the skin barrier is crucial for cultivating that beautiful, healthy glow.

So now that we have given you an idea of what to look out for, we want to tell you how best to apply your chosen product- Wet skin.

The optimal time to apply moisturizer is on moist skin, such as after a bath or shower, or after a really good rinse. Molecularly, since the skin has just recently absorbed water, immediately applying creams or serums seals in the moisture and helps prevent water loss.

And our last tip- smile! Let that inner beauty glow!

Please note: Because of the low ph level of the AHA Revitalize facial cream, when used on wet skin may cause irritation.

The truth about sunscreen: Use It, Don’t Abuse It!

Anti Aging,Sun Exposure and Protection,הגנה מהשמש, June 16, 2020

Here’s an important fact, the role of sunscreen in sun protection is limited! Yes, you heard correctly. There is no good scientific literature proving that regular sunscreen application prevents basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. The same can be said for its role in preventing skin aging a.k.a. photo-aging. Mind boggling, right?!

So what is sunscreen good for? Preventing sunburn. For this purpose, the prevention of sunburn, sunscreen must be applied generously and frequently. In this regard, the recommendation of dermatologists and the MInistry of Health is to apply sunscreen every two hours when being exposed to the sun. Water activities reduce the level of sunscreen protection, therefore, while swimming in an outdoor pool, or at the beach, sunscreen should be applied more frequently. It is also recommended that the initial application of sunscreen be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow the sunscreen to be properly absorbed into the skin.

So how do you protect your skin from the dangers of skin cancer and restrict photo-aging?

First, it is important to limit exposure to the sun’s harmful rays by choosing the ideal hours to be out. Here’s a fact, the risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays at 12 noon is four times greater (!) than exposure at say; 8am or 4 pm. In other words, it is best to hang out at the beach or pool during the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the midday (10am-4pm) sun.

Secondly, when you are out and about during the midday sun (siestas seem to be a thing of the past…) optimal sun protection is achieved with clothing and broad brim hats. General rule of thumb, if you can’t see through the fabric or hat neither can the sun! Sunscreen should still be applied to the areas of skin not protected by clothing to avoid sunburn. But don’t be fooled, preventing sunburn does not equal preventing sun damage.

The lack of sunburn caused by sunscreen can lull us into a false sense of security. To use sunscreen alone on areas that should be protected by clothing is sunscreen “abuse”!

Last fact, most of the damage sustained by sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests itself in our later years. Therefore, it is highly recommended to see a dermatologist for routine skin examinations. One should also pay attention to one’s moles and beauty spots and report any changes to one’s dermatologist. Early diagnosis of melanoma is life saving, and early diagnosis of skin cancers like BCC and SCC can significantly improve their treatment.

Source: International Cancer Association

Avoiding and Treating the Wrinkles in Time

Anti Aging, June 16, 2020

Wisdom comes with maturity, but so do the natural signs of reasonable wear and tear. Typical signs of aging are dryness, roughness, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and an uneven skin tone. While there is no magic elixir that can turn back time, and who’s to say we would want to relive the follies of our youth,modern science has given us the opportunity to age with grace, dignity and at a more acceptable, gradual pace.

Understanding the aging process-

The progression of age is established in the different layers of skin. The outer layer of the skin called the epidermis gets thinner; the middle layer of the skin – the dermis, decreases in elastin and collagen; and in the hypo dermis or subcutaneous layer of the skin, there is a decrease in the amount of fat cells. Wrinkles are formed as a result of the thinning of the epidermal layer, and a loss of volume in the dermal layer, causing the skin to become lax.

Various factors cause the skin to show signs of age, including; genetics, environmental damage, sun damage and increased dryness. It is not surprising, that should we compare the areas of our bodies ordinarily covered by clothing to the areas that are generally exposed, such as the face and arms, there will be significant differences in skin texture. The covered skin will be smoother, more uniform in color, less dry and flaky and appear more firm.

So how do we combat the inevitable ravages of time?- Prevention and repair.

Prevention. Research has shown longtime sun exposure to be the leading cause for damaged skin. We cannot realistically avoid the sun but we can engage in precautionary measures. The best way to protect oneself is to; minimize exposure to direct sunlight, such as spending time outdoors only in the early morning or late afternoon hours, or when spending time in the midday sun to defend yourself by wearing clothing with adequate coverage and a wide brimmed hat.

But no worries, for those of us who spent our prime soaking up the brilliant sunshine, there is no need to give up just yet.

Repair. By regularly moisturizing and applying products containing active ingredients tailored towards repairing damaged skin and taking the time now to engage in precautionary measures we can prevent and restore further damage.

So what should you be looking out for?

Products containing high concentrations of antioxidants, ceramides, peptides and humectants.

Antioxidants– Antioxidants are recognized in medical literature for the ability to slow down the natural aging process and improve the texture of skin.

A known superhero of the antioxidant world is Glycolic AHA (alpha hydroxy) acid. Since the 1970’s studies have shown that alpha hydroxy acids are effective in treating and restoring moisture, smoothing out the skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Do note, greater concentrations of Glycolic acid do indeed yield greater results such as the 10% Glycolic Acid Revitalize Facial Cream.

Another notable component are Green Tea Polyphenols. While there are many antioxidants available, few are capable of affecting the skin at an actual biological level. Green tea polyphenols have the unique ability to combat cellular skin damage and effectively regenerate the skin from the matrix, in essence creating actual baby skin!

Ceramides- ceramides are lipids that are found naturally in the outer layers of the skin, age and sun damage reduce the effectiveness of your skin’s natural ceramides—and can eventually deplete them, which weakens your skin’s barrier. Ceramide derived serums aid your skin in holding in moisture , rebuilding collagen and fortifying the skin’s protective barrier against pollution and free radicals.

Peptides- peptides are made up of amino acids, and have been shown to have a beneficial role in slowing down the aging process. The most popular peptides include collagen building peptides which benefit skin health and can reverse the signs of aging and creatine peptides which build strength and muscle mass thus combating and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Humectants- humectants are like magnets that attract water, pulling moisture from the air and into the upper layer of your skin and then retain the moisture, providing a long term moisture effect.

The anti- aging skin care products, available at our clinic, have been specifically selected by Dr Goldenhersh himself with your utmost care in mind. Created using the highest quality, effective ingredients available in today’s market, we are geared towards helping you achieve your best standard.