Skin Deep: Care of Skin
Russ Kennedy
PhD, MBA, MPH, CHES, CSCS
Health and Aging Specialist
Skin Functions
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Epidermis barrier
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Dermis
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Waterproofs
Protect from UV
Sweat glands
Blood vessels
Nerve endings
Fat under dermis
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insulation
Aging Skin
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Billions spent on skin care products
Wrinkles
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UV rays
Age spots
Smoking
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elastin
gravity
Dry Skin and Itching
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As we age – lower legs, elbows, and forearms
Causes – low humidity
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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
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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
Skin Cancer
Age Spots
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“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)
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Varicella-zoster virus
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Most common in people
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Over 50
Had chickenpox
Weakened immune system
Early treatment
Antiviral drugs
Acne
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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)
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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
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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)
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Plaque – 80%
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Elbows
• Knees
• Scalp, lower back
Raised, inflamed, red lesions
covered by a silvery white
scale
Psoriatic arthritis-10-30%
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Chronic, inflammatory
NSAIDS
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“Hard skin”
Rheumatic/Connective
Abnormal immune
Genetic makeup
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Environmental triggers
Hormones
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Childbearing
Women 7-12 times men
No cure- treat symptoms
Scleroderma
Seborrheic Dermatitis
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Dandruff
Cradle cap
Usually scalp, flaking skin
More common in men
Cause unknown
Treatment depends on
location
Hives and Angiodema
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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
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Modestly effective ingredients
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Vitamin A (retinol)
Hydroxy acids
Tretinoin (tret' i noyn)
- prescription topical
OTC – Wrinkle Creams
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Possibly effective ingredients
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Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Coenzyme Q-10
Copper peptides
Growth factors
Soy isoflavones
Tea extracts
Vitamin C & E
OTC – Wrinkle Creams
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Possible ineffective ingredients
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Collagen
Cleaning Your Face
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Be Gentle
Washing your face
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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 1
Bathing: Avoid Drying Out
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Bathe once a day
Use warm water and limit bath time
Use appropriate soaps
Pat dry
Handout 2
Moisturizing: Hydrate Your Skin
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Work by providing a seal – keeps moisture from
escaping
Apply moisturizers immediately after showering
Select best moisturizer for you
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Depends on skin type
Age
Skin conditions
Daytime use moisturizer with at least SPF 15
Handout 3
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
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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
Handout 4
Questions?