Wrinkle Prevention

Yummy Mummy Misty H from Calgary, Alberta asks:

Do you think the Tanda regenerate is suitable for wrinkle prevention? Or should I be waiting until I have wrinkles to use that treatment?


Thank you for your question, Misty!

First - TANDA is a Canadian company that produces skin care and technology based systems designed to treat a multitude of skin care concerns from acne to aging.

TANDA Regenerate ($295) is a device specifically designed to stimulate collagen fibroblasts thus strengthening the skin and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. It is easy to use and yes, the wavelength of light (about 700 nm) is clinically proven to reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles.  TANDA is a corrective device not a preventative one.

The major factors contributing to wrinkles are:

Chronological Aging:  As we get older the skin cells divide and replicate less frequently putting stress on the structure of the skin causing collagen fibres to break

Lack of Vitamin C:  The body cannot create the cross links to strengthen existing collagen fibres without the presence of Vitamin C

Increased pProduction of Elastase:  An enzyme that destroys elastin causing sagging and thickening of the epidermis

UV Damage: Sun damage (tans and burns) mutate the cells so they can no longer produce healthy tissue


In our culture, there is an obsession to rid ourselves of any signs of aging. I am not a proponent of forcing the skin to look younger simply because we are afraid of aging.  The skin can be healthy at all ages and I think it's more important to find a life long method to preventing damage to the skin and the body in general.  In order to keep your skin healthy, you must apply standard care including:

Rest - The body cannot regenerate without adequate rest.  This is true for all tissue including the skin.  When the body is deprived of sleep the skin will look tired, aged and sallow.

Diet - Low fat, high fibre diets rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids will contribute to over all health and specifically create glowing, smooth skin and hair

Exercise - 20 to 60 minutes of physical activity everyday will improve cardiovascular functions which will allow the body to effectively eliminate waste and deliver nutrients - including from and to the skin


However along with maintaining a standard of care for your body there are some specific methods you can employ to drastically prevent the signs of damage thus preventing the onset of wrinkles.

Real wrinkle prevention can be achieved by following these steps:

If you smoke quit:  According to the Mayo Clinic smoking is a leading cause of aging in the body, including skin.  Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin, depleting it of oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin.

Increase daily Vitamin C. The recommended dose is 9 mg per body kg every day. (If you weigh 60 kg that means you take 540 mg of vitamin C). Topical vitamin C will aid the process but nothing replaces good dietary sources.

Limit exposure to UVA. UVA increases elastase production.  A simple rule - if it is daylight you are being exposed to UVA light.  Even indoors.  A broad spectrum sunscreen should be applied everyday and reapplied frequently throughout the day.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan:  Once your body starts producing melanin the molecular damage has already begun.  Stay out of direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm every day.

 

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