Is Pollution Damaging Your Skin?

Researchers in Germany, Switzerland, and the USA recently published results on the impact of air pollution on aging in a group of 400 women. The aging of the women’s skin was assessed by a well-established skin aging score called SCINEXA (score of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging), which showed clearly that exposure to environmental pollution is linked to skin aging and hyperpigmentation (age spots).

First, the small carbon particles in air pollution enter the body and stimulate our cells’ production of the pigment melanin. Several ingredients in skin care products have proven to block tyrosinase (the precursor to melanin). The most effective being Licorice Extract when it is combined with low pH glycolic acid. This combination provides a deep penetration which prevents tyrosinase from stimulating the melanin.

Second, and even more important, these polluted particles penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and even into the dermal layer of the skin causing inflammation. This increases the rate of collagen destruction, creating aging skin, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles. Remember, by the time we are 30, we will have lost approximately 30% of our collagen cells. So, whether we have skin damage due to the sun, pollution or simply real time aging our goal is to reverse this loss of collagen and slow up it’s destruction. To date the most effective way to stimulate new collagen cells and slow the aging process of the skin is to consistently use a low pH glycolic acid cream at least twice daily.

Third, since pollution actually leaves residue on the surface of the skin and even deeper into clogged pores, cleansing properly is critical. A good fragrance-free cleanser should remove all makeup and debris thoroughly, followed by a gentle buffing of the skin with a cool wet buff puff or sponge to assist in exfoliation.

Fourth, protect the skin from further damage by using a good sunscreen moisturizer daily as well as remembering to reapply when exposed to the sun.

These simple steps, if followed 2 to 3 times a day, will guarantee beautiful, glowing, and youthful looking skin.

What is the Real Cause of Under Eye Circles?

The causes of under eye circles can be as diversified as the cure. The remedy should not and cannot be determined nor corrected without knowing the actual cause. The most important part of this discussion is the diagnosis. 

Cause #1 Weakened Lower Lid Muscle

By far, the most common cause of our dark circles are caused by fat pads protruding through a weakened lower lid muscle. This creates a puffiness or “bags” under the eyes, which in turn can also cause a shadowing making you look tired, unwell, and much older.

To date, there are NO cream remedies. A surgical procedure called a lower lid blepharoplasty will remove excess fat and skin as well as tighten the muscle. The procedure can be performed by either making an inconspicuous incision along the lash line or by making an incision inside the lower eyelid. The results will yield a healthier, younger look.  

Cause #2 Hyperpigmentation

Some causes behind the formation of dark circles are hyperpigmentation of the lower lid skin, which can be caused by many different things such as heredity, aging, stress, lack of sleep, and illness. If the skin is actually hyperpigmented, I recommend my patients use a very light amount of a skin lightening crème. Crème products that contain licorice extract are usually the most effective when combined with a transporting agent such as glycolic acid. Our Hydro Light Plus-10 contains the four most effective ingredients today with the power of glycolic acid. The 10% unbuffered glycolic acid enables licorice extract, salicylic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid to do their jobs. Without a transporter, the ingredients are lost.

The delicate lower lid skin should always be treated gently using the crème sparingly. Because each individual responds differently to the treatment, the user should be in complete control of how much and how often the crème should be used. The range can be from twice a day to just 3 times a week. Always use just a pea-sized amount.

Is Pollution Damaging Your Skin?

Researchers in Germany, Switzerland, and the USA recently published results on the impact of air pollution on aging in a group of 400 women. The aging of the women’s skin was assessed by a well-established skin aging score called SCINEXA (score of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging), which showed clearly that exposure to environmental pollution is linked to skin aging and hyperpigmentation (age spots).

First, the small carbon particles in air pollution enter the body and stimulate our cells’ production of the pigment melanin. Several ingredients in skin care products have proven to block tyrosinase (the precursor to melanin). The most effective being Licorice Extract when it is combined with low pH glycolic acid. This combination provides a deep penetration which prevents tyrosinase from stimulating the melanin.

Second, and even more important, these polluted particles penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and even into the dermal layer of the skin causing inflammation. This increases the rate of collagen destruction, creating aging skin, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles. Remember, by the time we are 30, we will have lost approximately 30% of our collagen cells. So, whether we have skin damage due to the sun, pollution or simply real time aging our goal is to reverse this loss of collagen and slow up it’s destruction. To date the most effective way to stimulate new collagen cells and slow the aging process of the skin is to consistently use a low pH glycolic acid cream at least twice daily.

Third, since pollution actually leaves residue on the surface of the skin and even deeper into clogged pores, cleansing properly is critical. A good fragrance-free cleanser should remove all makeup and debris thoroughly, followed by a gentle buffing of the skin with a cool wet buff puff or sponge to assist in exfoliation.

Fourth, protect the skin from further damage by using a good sunscreen moisturizer daily as well as remembering to reapply when exposed to the sun.

These simple steps, if followed 2 to 3 times a day, will guarantee beautiful, glowing, and youthful looking skin.

More Than Skin Deep – My Journey in Founding Academy by Candy

APP photo
Candy Langan, owner of Academy by Candy Medical Skincare, works with patient Diana Antholis of Middletown at Langan’s Freehold Township office. (BOB BIELK/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Over 30 years ago, a woman came to me and my husband, a Freehold facial plastic surgeon, asking us for help. She needed surgery that no one wanted to perform. Why not? Because her age and advanced cancer of the face and neck would require very complex reconstruction.

Together, we performed extensive surgery removing the cancer and reconstructing her face. However, in addition to extending her life, I wanted to do more for her appearance and self-confidence. This experience set the foundation for my business.

As a registered nurse specializing in head/neck cancer, reconstruction and facial plastic surgery, I decided to use my past experience in modeling and cosmetics to help many women who are concerned about their appearance.

Initially, I used camouflage makeup on my post-operative patients. Then I taught them how to take care of their skin to look and feel better and improve their self-image. Helping patients look and feel good after surgery was as important to me as curing the patient. I strongly believed that other physicians needed to offer the same. But how?

Click here to continue reading my article on the Asbury Park Press to find out about my research on glycolic acid and how I starting selling to physicians plus the real reason I started the Academy by Candy medical skincare line. 

The Truth About Sunscreen and How to Reverse & Prevent Sun Damage

Academy by Candy Sunscreen
Where do you take your Academy sunscreen? This bottle has been to Long Branch, New Jersey in the photo. Take a photo of yours and post it to the Facebook Wall! http://facebook.com/academybycandy

The sun. We love it. We hate it. We need it. 

We’re told to spend time in the sun to increase our Vitamin D levels, yet we’re told to stay out of the sun to avoid skin cancer.

What’s the deal?

I’m answering your most pressing questions about sunscreen now! Here is the truth.

1. What number SPF should I use? What’s the difference between numbers?

Bottom line: The FDA prefers that we use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.

The difference between SPF 15, 30, 50, 100 etc is supposed to mean more protection time. To date, the FDA is not convinced this is actually the case, therefore they do not support the additional use of chemicals needed to achieve this slight benefit, if any at all.

The best and safest way to achieve protection is to reapply, reapply, reapply! Children should have sunscreen reapplied every hour.

Use Academy by Candy Moisturizing SunScreen with Revitalizing CoQ10 SPF 15.

Recent studies have shown that SPF #’s on products have not been accurate. Even the most expensive sunscreens have not been proven any better than less expensive brands. A good guideline should be to use a product with an SPF of 15 with ingredients appropriate for “facial moisturizing.”

2. What happens to my skin when I get a sunburn? A tan?

Bottom line: Our skin can become uneven, spotted, clumpy, and potential cancerous spots can occur.

The outer layer of your skin, the keratin layer, gets thick and clumpy. The alive cells, collagen and elastin, are more rapidly  destroyed, causing premature aging. Brown spots, melanin, or hyperpigmentation will occur and be difficult to correct. Abnormal cells will be stimulated and can become cancerous. And, for some unknown reason, the actual color of our tans with today’s sun rays is no longer attractive.

3. Does glycolic acid make my skin more sensitive to the sun?

Glycolic Acid, unlike Retin A, will not make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It actually reverses premature aging by stimulating new collagen and elastin cells. Having said this, buyer beware for not all Glycolic Acid is formulated correctly! Ask questions to make sure you are getting a quality product. 

4. What can I do to reverse sun damage?

Use properly formulated and balanced glycolic acid products, like Academy by Candy medical strength glycolic acid products, to stimulate collagen and elastin cells again. Hydro Light Plus-10 is a great glycolic acid formulation used to reduce sun spots, combining four of the most effective lightening agents on the market today.

5. What can I do to prevent sun damage?

Use and reapply your sunscreen all over your body. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, even with your sunscreen. Use Academy by Candy glycolic acid products to stimulate your skin and help protect your skin from sun damage.

More questions? Write a comment below and I will answer.

SUNSCREEN CHALLENGE: Take a picture of your Academy by Candy sunscreen at the location you use it the most (beach, backyard, golfing, etc.). Post this picture to our Facebook Page so we can feature it! http://facebook.com/academybycandy