Aging skin is a big thing nowadays.  Women are purchasing billions of dollars in products claiming to be the fountain of youth for skin.  The problem is that the FDA states that most of these products do not do what they claim.  Some have absolutely no long term effect on the skin and some have never even been tested.  So, what is one to use?  What really works and has lasting results?  What is really used by licensed dermatologists and plastic surgeons?  This article will cut through the lies and hyperbole that we see on TV.

Avoid the ads.  Money can make anything look good, but is it really good for your skin?  Look at some of the most advertised products on TV and in magazines like Proactiv acne treatment.  Yes, Jessica Simpson and P. Diddy (Sean “Puffy” Combs) endorse it, but does it really work and why can’t we purchase it from our local Walmart or drug store?  Also, if it is so effective, as it claims to be, then why don’t any dermatologists use it in their treatment programs?  The answer here is simple, dermatologists and plastic surgeons use products like the TCA peel that are proven effective against acne and that are actually approved for this treatment by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).  Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, Walmart, and your local drug store don’t carry products because a celebrity endorses it – they have to work.

Use a gentle cleanser instead of soap.  So now that we know to ignore over-hyped TV endorsements and such, what is a good treatment regimen that really works?  First, start with a gentle or mild cleanser like Cetaphil or the generic equivalent.  This will thoroughly lather and clean your skin without the harmful drying effects of soap.  Most soaps are too harsh and will not only clean, but strip the skin of its natural moisture and actual speed up the aging process and result in dry, flaky skin.  Dry skin can leave the skin exposed and vulnerable to infection, acne, injury, etc…  The skin, when it is too dry, is unable to repair and regenerate and can even start to sag or wrinkle.  So, it is important to properly and gently clean the skin.

Moisturize and hydrate.  As evidenced by the American Board of Dermatology in numerous papers and studies, proper hydration is key to healthy skin.  Soap and other things like exposure to the sun, working out, sweating, etc… can all strip away the moisture in our skin.  It is important to actually seal in the moisture with a good non-comodogenic (non acne or postule causing) moisturizer.   By adding effective moisturizer several times per day we actually supplement the skins hydration and cause it to be at it’s healthiest.  Also, it is recommended that one drink several glasses of water every day to promote proper hydration of the skin – this is also beneficial to overall health too.  Healthy, moist skin is very pliable and less prone to injury and infection and looks plump and youthful.  We should see the skin as a organ, just like the heart and lungs.  Its primary function is to keep out disease and infection and provide protection.  Proper moisture and hydration is akin to good hygiene and to reduce the affect of aging on our skin. 

Exfoliate with a TCA peel.  Another great treatment that is actually used in almost every dermatologist and plastic surgeon office throughout the country is the infamous TCA peel.  The TCA peel, unlike 99.99% of skin care products on the market, has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AMA (American Medical Association along with the Board of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for the treatment of numerous skin problems and disorders like acne, aging skin, pigmentation problems, etc…  The TCA peel can have some famous names like the Blue Peel, Obagi Blue Peel, Estheticians Choice, etc…  These products have all been made famous through their use on reality TV shows like The Swan, various makeover shows, Dr. 90210, etc…  They may have different names, but the active ingredient is the same, trichloroacetic acid.  Basically, the acid breaks cellular bonds on the skin and will result in the peeling off of several layers resulting in more youthful skin.  It will also return the skin to its normal pH or acidity level making it less prone to bacterial infections like acne.  It is not uncommon for one’s skin to look 10 to 15 years younger after a TCA peel.

There you have it – a very effective anti aging and even anti acne treatment program that every dermatologist and plastic surgeon will unanimously agree is highly effective and actually works.  Article courtesy of Bestskinpeel.com TCA peel - the best skin peel you can get.