If you visit a dermatologist’s clinic, you may be surprised by the number of strange looking gadgets and machines that are in the clinic. This is a manifestation of the great advances that the science of dermatology has undergone in the last decade – and these advances have had an effect in how skin care trends have changed over the years to where it is now.
The new trends now really involve technology and how it is used to take care of your skin. Nowadays, lasers and sound waves are used to help the skin rejuvenate faster that you’ll feel and see the difference even after just one session.

The skin is made up of three layers – hypodermis, dermis and epidermis, each having a role in maintaining healthy skin.

The deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis, which is made up of fatty tissue that serves as support for the layers above it. The middle layer is the dermis, which contains collagen and elastin that provides the skin its form, shape and elasticity. The dermis also contains the blood capillaries, hair follicles and oil and sweat glands. Youthful skin has collagen and elastin that is continually renewed, and oil glands are active. As we age, the dermis loses its form and becomes drier. The top layer is the epidermis, where significant skin cell renewal process takes place.

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A product’s sun protection factor (SPF) indicates its ability to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The SPF of a product may range from 2 to 60. It is an indicator of the amount of time the skin should be exposed to the sun before it gets damaged or sun burned. Different skin types have different levels of natural protection from the sun. People with fairer complexions need a higher SPF than those with dark complexions.

To illustrate how SPF works, take for example a person whose skin gets sun burned after 5 minutes of sun exposure. If a lotion with SPF 2 is used, multiply 5 by 2, giving you 10 – it means with this lotion, the person can stay out in the sun for 10 minutes without being sunburned. So if the same person uses a lotion with SPF 15, 5 times 15 gives you 75 minutes, or more than one hour of sun protection.

Aging is inevitable. As we age, skin becomes dry, wrinkled and it sags. Pigments appear and blood vessels become more visible. Skin lesions develop, skin becomes brittle, metabolism is reduced resulting to a slower turnover of skin cells.

There are two aspects of aging: true or intrinsic aging – which is the natural process as time passes; and photoaging – where exposure to sunlight affects the skin’s natural ability to heal and replenish, making the skin age faster than normal. Photoaging is prevented by having less exposure to sunlight, using an umbrella or hat when going outdoors and applying topical sun screen for protection.

Unwanted hair – especially for women – has always been a problem. Shaving is the most common short-term, routine solution for unwanted hair – in the legs, under arms, bikini area and the face. For better shaving results, use shaving gels or creams to avoid irritations like razor burn. It also softens hair before shaving.

Also practice safety in shaving to avoid cuts that may lead to infections. Use razors suited for your needs and your ability to handle it. Carefully read instructions when using electric razors. Dry shaving, or using electric razors, do not need the use of creams and lubricants.

It is good to use aftershave as it contains antiseptic agents to prevent infection, and moisturizers to soften the skin.

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In the course of researching for this blog, I saw a banner ad of Hydroderm in one skin care website. The claim “Better than Botox” caught my attention. I wanted to find out if this was true, although at the back of my mind, I was thinking “This is too good to be true.” To me it sounded like over-claim.

So I Googled up “Hydroderm”. Most of the results that came out were linked to the homepage of Hydroderm.

One interesting search result, however, was a discussion thread on Scam.com. Many of the posters were complaining of how they were being auto-billed, how Hydroderm would not honor returns, how shipments would be delivered even when the customer had already canceled her order. On top of that, reviews were saying the product did not work at all as it claimed.

I have no personal experience with Hydroderm. (And I don’t think I’d like one at this point.) But based on what I read, it seems that hundreds, if not thousands, have been had.

This is a warning to all consumers not to believe everything we read. Scammers play upon what people want to hear. Before plunging in to purchase an expensive cream that claims to take 10 years off your face, stop a while and think. Do your research. Everything we need to know is just a Google search away, anyway.

It is also very important to read the fine print before giving out your credit information. Make sure you read and understand the terms of agreement, and all other policies involving your online purchase.

Remember, beautiful skin is not all that matters. It pays to have a thinking mind as well.

Dark spots on the face is the last thing you would want to see. But we all have our share of the undesirable spots which are usually pimple marks. Cremes and facial lotions that remove dark spots and improve uneven skin tone are available. These products contain ingredients that inhibit tyrosinase, the chemical that enhances the production of melanin. It also contains whitening ingredients like citrus extracts.

To avoid having an uneven skin tone, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and use sun protection like sun tans, protective clothing and umbrella. Pimple marks can also be avoided by allowing it to heal. Do not prick it, otherwise you might get a spot and a scar.

Anti-aging products were all the buzz this year. But the birth of those serums were the tested methods of keeping skin young and supple through the years.

1. Adhere to the basic steps of cleansing – toning – moisturizing. Let this be your foundation; then you’re off to a good start!

2. Protect your skin from the sun. Wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, and re-apply as needed. Remember, ultraviolet rays are at work even during cloudy days.

3. Eat vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Vitamins help in healing and protecting from harmful oxidants.

4. Get adequate sleep and rest. When we are stressed and tired, our skin reacts too. Suddenly, pimples break out. The skin becomes blotchy or dry.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

6. Do not smoke. A heavy smoker is five times more wrinkled than a non-smoker.

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The process of basic skin care is simple: cleanse, tone and moisturize.

Cleansing removes dirt, pollutants and excess oil. This process is important, otherwise, pores will get clogged and will be prone to breakouts. A gentle cleanser does not strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier.

Toning removes remaining dirt or cleanser from the skin. It controls surface oils and hydrates the skin. It naturally closes the pores to prevent dirt from accumulating.

Moisturizing provides protection from the sun and other pollutants. It helps the skin hold moisture for long hours. It is best to use moisturizers with sun screen protection that avoids UVA and UVB from damaging the skin.

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Healthy skin is a result of having a healthy body. Changes in the skin will be seen as a result of stress, improper nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle. Taking care of the body from the inside results to a healthy body as seen from the outside.

The basic practices that will help in maintaining a healthy body – and a healthy skin – are getting enough sleep, exercise, water supply, good nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

It is during sleep that the body repairs and revitalizes itself. Around 8 hours of sleep is recommended to allow the body to recover from the daily stresses it experiences.