Skin Care help, solutions, and products at Baltimore Washington Eye Center serving greater Baltimore & Washington, D.C.

Photoaging is a result of the free radical damage caused by chronic overexposure to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.  Free radicals cause a breakdown in the cellular structure of the skin. This is known as the extrinsic aging process, or skin damage causing the skin to look older than it’s chronological age.

Free Radicals

UV radiation is one of the major creators of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. Because electrons are found in pairs, the molecule must scavenge other molecules for another electron. This process can damage cell function and alter genetic material. Free radical damage causes wrinkles by activating the enzymes that break down collagen. They cause cancer by changing the genetic material, RNA and DNA, of the cell.

Damaging Effects of UVA and UVB Radiation

Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage including wrinkles, lowered immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer.  Some of the possible mechanisms for UV skin damage are collagen breakdown, the formation of free radicals, interfering with DNA repair, and inhibiting the immune system.

UVB Radiation

UVB affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.  A sunburn, tan, or freckling is a warning sign from the body’s pigment glands (melanocytes) that damage is occurring to the cells.

UVA Radiation

UVA was once thought to have a minor effect on skin damage, but now studies are showing that UVA is a major contributor to skin damage. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and the intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB, without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass. 

Collagen and Elastin are Essential for Young Looking Skin

Collagen and Elastin are structural proteins found in the dermal layer of the skin.  As we age collagen production slows down and elastin fibers wear out.  Both of these proteins are essential for the fullness and elasticity of younger-looking skin, and the degradation of collagen and elastin are the major symptoms of premature aging. 

Collagen Breakdown

In the dermis, UV radiation causes collagen to break down at faster than with just chronologic aging. Sunlight damages collagen fibers and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin.  This results in the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars. When the skin repeats this imperfect rebuilding process over and over, wrinkles develop. 

Chronological Aging and Wrinkles

As a person ages the epidermal cells become thinner and less collagen is produced.  Elastin fibers, which give skin its elasticity, wear out.  This changes the scaffolding of the skin and gravity pulls the skin downward, away from the connective tissue, muscles, and bones and wrinkles appear. This process also decreases the amount of nutrients available to the epidermis and interferes with the skin's ability for self-repair. 

The Role of Anti-Oxidants in Prevention and Correction of Damaged Skin 

Vitamin A

In the tissues, Vitamin A enters the cell and is converted into retinoic acid, which works to repair the DNA of the cell nucleus.  This allows skin cells to grow faster and return to a healthier state.  With this accelerated growth of cells, the skin becomes thicker and stronger and is more capable of wound healing. Vitamin A switches on the genes in fibroblasts that control the production of collagen, so that healthier collagen is made.  Skin becomes smoother because the outermost dead cells are naturally exfoliated and the new cells are flatter and more compact. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C’s skin-health benefits are largely attributed to its benefits in supporting healthy collagen. Application of vitamin C to the skin may also help preserve existing collagen by influencing the enzymes responsible for making collagen. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most remarkable topically applied vitamins in its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E can actually change the movement of fluid within a cell, resulting in a process that affects the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, essential for healthy, young-looking skin. 

The Role of Sunscreen in Preventing Photoaging

The most potent cosmeceutical that can prevent and reverse the signs of photoaging is sunscreen. 

Daily application of a sunscreen is essential in preventing the breakdown of the healthy skin structure.  Moisturizers containing sunscreen are effective, but contain diluted amounts of the recommended daily dose. Keep in mind that you are exposed to UVA rays every day, regardless of the weather; the fact that you are not burning does not mean that sun damage is not occurring.   Even driving in your car, you are subject to the glass-penetrating effects of UVA rays. 

A product containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as micronized zinc oxide, that is noncomedogenic (does not block pores), sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free with an elegant, moisturizing formulation is the most effective way to prevent and reverse the appearance of aged skin.  At BWE Center, we highly recommend the EltaMD sun care products based on their effectiveness, as shown by medical research, and their affordable price. 

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and Their Role in Dermal Repair

Alpha hydroxy acids work mainly as an exfoliant. They dissolve the intra-cellular “glue” that holds the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.  When the dead cells are removed, room is made for the growth of new, healthier cells that are fortified by the rejuvenating effects of the acids.  These acids are mainly plant derivatives and are said to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.  Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after a series of highly controlled “peels” performed in a physician's office.  

Chemical Peels

At Baltimore Washington Eye Center, we are pleased to offer a peel system for every skin type.  Please visit www.skinmedica.com for more information.

Illuminize Peel: this is appropriate for first-time patients or those looking for a superficial, brightening peel.  Skin looks radiant immediately, and this peel is often known as the “wedding day peel”.

Vitalize Peel: this is suitable for all skin types, but stronger and deeper than Illuminize.  Visible peeling occurs for several days and skin is greatly improved as a result.

Rejuvenize Peel: the deepest of the three, this peel penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis and produces maximum exfoliation.

Each peel is performed in about 20 minutes, and patients can return to work immediately afterwards.  A light, visible peeling will commence in approximately 48 hours after the application of the deeper peels, and will continue for several days.    The result is improved smoothness, texture, and elasticity as well as improvement in acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

At Baltimore Washington Eye Center, our highly skilled skin care professionals will help you chose the program best for you, based on the latest skin care innovations and treatment options.  Our customized programs are results of the latest scientific research in the field of facial rejuvenation, and are created to achieve your personal goals. 

The products that we offer at Baltimore Washington Eye Center for home care are of the highest standard of medical-grade ingredients, offered exclusively in physician’s offices.  Utilizing anti-oxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids and growth hormones, we can begin today to change the way you feel about your aging skin.

Patients will find that Baltimore Washington Eye Center has two convenient locations: Glen Burnie across from Baltimore Washington Medical Center and Clarksville, just minutes from Howard County General Hospital.

To schedule an appointment for a complimentary aesthetic consultation, please call us at 800-495-3937.