Skin Deep: Care of SkinSkin Deep: Care of Skin

Russ Kennedy Russ Kennedy

PhD, MBA, MPH, CHES, CSCSPhD, MBA, MPH, CHES, CSCS

Health and Aging SpecialistHealth and Aging Specialist

Skin Functions

• Epidermis barrier• Waterproofs• Protect from UV

• Dermis• Sweat glands• Blood vessels• Nerve endings

• Fat under dermis • insulation

Aging Skin

• Billions spent on skin care products• Wrinkles

• UV rays• Age spots• Smoking

• elastin• gravity

Dry Skin and Itching

• As we age – lower legs, elbows, and forearms• Causes – low humidity

• Loss of sweat and oil glands• Overuse of soaps, perfumes, hot bathes, deodorants

• Use moisturizer to reduce water loss/soothe skin• Ointments-mixtures of water in oil• Creams-mixtures of oil in water-apply more often• Lotions-contain powder crystals-mainly water

Skin Cancer• Most common cancer US• 40/50% living to 65• Greatest risk-fair skin that

easily freckles• UV rays main cause• Basal cell carcinoma-90%• Squamous cell carcinoma• Melanoma – most deadly• Checkups and sunscreen

Age Spots

• “Liver spots”• Caused by years of sun

exposure• Appear on sun exposed

areas-hands, feet, face etc• Skin lightening creams,

cryotherapy, laser• Sunscreen prevents

further damage

Shingles (herpes zoster)

• Varicella-zoster virus • Most common in people

• Over 50• Had chickenpox• Weakened immune system

• Early treatment• Antiviral drugs

Acne• Hormonal reaction on sebaceous glands leads to

plugged pores causing lesions (zits or pimples)• Flare Triggers- changing hormone levels, friction

or pressure from rubbing, backpacks, tight collars, environmental irritants (pollution/high humidity), hard scrubbing or squeezing blemishes.

• Myths about causes- chocolate, greasy foods, soft drinks, or stress.

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)

• Common – early in life• "Atopic" group of

diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever

• Treatment – healing skin and preventing flares

Rosacea

• Chronic, inflammatory• Redness, pimples, late

stages, thickened skin • Usually on face – fair skin• 50% have eye problems• Triggers different• No cure but can be

controlled

Psoriasis (5 types)

• Plaque – 80%• Elbows• Knees• Scalp, lower back

• Raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale

• Psoriatic arthritis-10-30%• Chronic, inflammatory• NSAIDS

Scleroderma• “Hard skin”• Rheumatic/Connective• Abnormal immune • Genetic makeup

• Childbearing

• Environmental triggers• Hormones

• Women 7-12 times men

• No cure- treat symptoms

Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Dandruff• Cradle cap• Usually scalp, flaking skin• More common in men• Cause unknown• Treatment depends on

location

Hives and Angiodema

• Red, itchy, swollen areas in upper layer of skin

• Angiodema – swelling of deeper layers of skin

• Triggers – NSAIDS/meds• Eliminate triggers• Antihistamines

OTC – Wrinkle Creams

• Modestly effective ingredients• Vitamin A (retinol)• Hydroxy acids

• Tretinoin (tret' i noyn)- prescription topical

OTC – Wrinkle Creams

• Possibly effective ingredients• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)• Coenzyme Q-10• Copper peptides• Growth factors• Soy isoflavones• Tea extracts• Vitamin C & E

OTC – Wrinkle Creams

• Possible ineffective ingredients• Collagen

Handout 1

Cleaning Your Face

• Be Gentle• Washing your face

• Use soft sponge to remove makeup• Use lukewarm water• Avoid strong soaps• Use hands to wash face• Rinse and pat dry• Don’t wash too often

Handout 2

Bathing: Avoid Drying Out

• Bathe once a day• Use warm water and limit bath time• Use appropriate soaps• Pat dry

Handout 3

Moisturizing: Hydrate Your Skin

• Work by providing a seal – keeps moisture from escaping

• Apply moisturizers immediately after showering• Select best moisturizer for you

• Depends on skin type• Age• Skin conditions

• Daytime use moisturizer with at least SPF 15

Handout 4

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a healthy diet• Exercise• Sleep well• Protect yourself from the sun• Avoid antibacterial or antimicrobial soaps• Wash skin fold areas more often• Avoid using talc powders• Calluses and nails

Questions?