Retinoids....Oh How I Love Thee!

I get bathetic when I talk about this genius invention. These Vitamin A derivatives are the only topical treatment actually proven to regenerate collagen. Retinoids control crucial cellular processes, and suppress inflammation (my favorite topic). Decades of Clinical Research show that they speed up cell turnover to smooth wrinkles, fade sunspots, improve texture, reduce blackheads and minimize pores. Ranella Hirsch from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons claims there is profound data to show that "if you use it for 20 years your'e going to look a whole lot better than someone who doesn't."

Albert Kligman, a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania discovered Retin-A for the treatment of acne in 1969. By the mid 1980's the patients he was treating for acne reported they're wrinkles diminishing. He then began studying Retin-A's anti-aging effects. "Since the span beginning of history we've been interested in curing wrinkles, and there have been a million concoctions to reduce them, but for the first time we had evidence that something really worked."

In recent years, Retin-A has been joined by Renova, which also has tretinoin as it's active ingredient but comes in a more moisturizing form. The future of the retinoid family looks promising. "We are constantly learning more about how amazing this stuff is!" says Leslie Bauman, director of the University of Miami Division of  Cosmetic Dermatology. 
Case in point…even retinol, the over the counter vitamin-A derivitive, improves wrinkles, roughness, and overall skin aging. 
Check out Allures recommendation on some great over the counter choices. 

L'ORÉAL PARIS REVITALIFT CLINICAL REPAIR 10 SPF 20 DAY

WHAT SETS IT APART:Compared with other L'Oréal Paris products, it has more retinol (the company would not disclose the exact levels), plus SPF 20.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:"Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of an SPF in this retinol-treatment product," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. "And at $24.99, it's a good bang for your buck."

ROC RETINOL CORREXION SENSITIVE NIGHT CREAM

WHAT SETS IT APART:
RoC's time-released formula slows absorption of retinol into the skin, limiting redness and dehydration.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"Their studies report that 96 percent of women with previous sensitivity to retinoids experienced no redness or irritation," says Hirsch. "That is like catnip to a dermatologist." $22.99

SKINMEDICA TRI-RETINOL COMPLEX ES

WHAT SETS IT APART:
With a high concentration of retinol (1 percent), this formula delivers the punch of its prescription-only counterparts. The vitamin-A delivery system minimizes the odds of irritation—a boon for those with sensitive skin. It gradually helps skin look more radiant and refreshed.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"This is similar to tretinoin, which is available only from a doctor," says Day. "It gets results comparable to a prescription product." 

LA ROCHE-POSAY REDERMIC [R] INTENSIVE ANTI-AGING CORRECTIVE TREATMENT

WHAT SETS IT APART:
Lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) exfoliates so the retinol can penetrate more easily.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"The LHA creates less of a barrier, so the skin can soak up more retinol without added irritation. Plus, it's paraben-free for those with allergies," says dermatologist Doris Day. $55.95

A List Of Proteins That Give Good Skin!

Protein comes primarily from animal sources but are also found in some vegetables. However those vegetable proteins aren't usually complete...meaning they don't have all the necessary essential amino acids needed by your body, to build and repair cells. Without adequate high quality protein...the cells are unable to repair themselves properly which causes rapid aging of skin. The worst thing we can do as women who are battling age is poor protein intake. There is nothing that will age you faster.... besides baking in the sun. Most women are not aware of this and more often than not, opt for a low protein, high carb diet. Women tend to have lower serotonin levels than men do, which is the reason we tend to select foods that will raise them...Good Ole Carbs.  Here are some of the proteins that will give you maximum health and appearance.
My favorite protein....Fish! I tend to go for the fattiest of the fish choices because they are the best at giving good skin. Cod, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Halibut, Haddock.
Next are meat and poultry! My first choices are the obvious skinless chicken and turkey. I will go for the occasional lean beef, pork, or lean ham.
If you're Vegan go for Soy Products!
Other sources of good protein......Low fat milk, low fat cottage cheese, Yogurt,  Egg Whites.