Facial Rejuvenation Without Cosmetic Surgery

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None of us wants to see our faces get older looking. Facial rejuvenation is a very appealing concept.

The definition of rejuvenate is to restore to a youthful condition. To be effective a facial rejuvenation procedure must restore our face to a younger looking face. True facial rejuvenation requires not only tightening of the skin but also restoring the skin surface to a more youthful appearance.
 

Read on to learn of a few facial rejuvenation techniques.

Copper Peptides
Copper peptides are creams that contain a combination of a copper ion (a trace element found in every cell within the body) and a peptide (a small protein fragment). They have been around for some time now and are known to have anti-inflammatory capabilities, enhance wound healing and stimulate collagen production. Studies have demonstrated over and over again the ability of peptide creams to stimulate wound healing in human and animal models and provide an extraordinary anti-aging effects on human skin. The benefits of copper peptides for tissue regeneration were discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s. He found and patented a number of specific copper peptides (in particular, GHK copper peptides or GHK-Cu).

Copper peptides have been known to work as a powerful photoaging, skin remodeling treatment. They may help you to reduce wrinkles by rebuilding the skin and regenerating damaged skin cells. In addition they help with the removal of sun damage marks, skin tags, certain types of moles and age spots, stretchmarks, and other skin imperfections. They are known to tighten loose skin, improve skin elasticity, firmness and impart a healthy glow and clarity to the skin. 

Copper peptides stimulate the rupture of abnormally large cross-linked collagen. They also promote the synthesis of "regular" collagen found in normal skin. In one short study, copper peptides stimulated collagen synthesis in the intact skin. In fact, in that study copper peptides produced a stronger stimulation of collagen production than tretinoin (Retin-A).

But in addition to that, copper peptides also work as potentially powerful antioxidants. When you use copper peptides, these antioxidants will help you to kill off potentially harmful free radicals. This can counteract the oxidative damage that can occur due to the sun, pollution, cigarette smoke, and various other causes. This is one of the few antioxidants that can also promote collagen and elastin.

And finally, it increases and stimulates the blood flow underneath the skin. When you do this, you give the skin all of the vitamins and minerals that it needs. And you will actually be able to get nutrient flow that will help you to brighten and rejuvenate the look of skin at the same time.
When you combine all of these factors, you will find that copper peptides are among the most proven formulas to help you achieve facial rejuvenation. When you use copper peptides, you will get one of the most superior approaches to wrinkle fighting. It will brighten and improve your skin in every possible way.

TIP: Many people combine retin-a/retinol with copper peptides and get excellent results. Generally they use CP's in the morning and Retin-A at night.

CAVEAT: While controlled use of copper peptides stimulates collagen production and has antioxidant effect (by stimulating the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), excessive use of copper peptides can have an opposite effect by elevating the levels of free copper. Free copper stimulates free radical damage and collagen rupture leading to premature skin aging. These problems do not seem to occur among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are curious reports showing that such side-effects might happen with overuse or, rarely, even normal use in sensitive people. Ideally, a sufficiently large study is necessary to better quantify these risk. Bottom line is that if you are not sensitive to copper peptides or misuse them, they are a promising skin treatment with a good safety profile. Their ability to improve the healing of various types of skin lesions is well established. It is likely that copper peptides may slow down the development of the signs of skin aging by limiting the consequences of daily wear and tear.

HOLISTIC APPROACH: Naturally, if copper is good to put on the skin, sufficient copper in the diet is also beneficial to skin. Research has shown that an increased level of copper in the bloodstream coincides with an increased production of collagen. This is because copper is needed to produce both collagen and elastin. As well as melanin which gives hair and skin it's color. Beforewarned that excessive copper use (internally or externally) can be toxic. So rather than supplement, eat copper rich foods to be on the safe side. Food processing and lengthy cooking can reduce copper. Vegetarian sources of copper: spirulina, crimini mushrooms, avocado, tempeh, broccoli, kale, brazil nuts, garlic, brewer's yeast, prunes, shiitake mushrooms. Meat: organ meat and shellfish. 

Retin-A
Retin-A is a topical cream that has been scientifically proven time and time again to significantly reduce wrinkles, remove fine lines and generally improve the skin’s condition and appearance. The active ingredient in Retin-A is Tretinoin - an acid form of Vitamin A. Indeed, Tretinoin is classed as a retinoid. Retinoids are a group of chemical compounds that are all chemically related to Vitamin A.

Retin-A works at a cellular level to improve skin dramatically by causing the scaly cells on the surface of the skin to slough off more rapidly, increased the number of healthy, viable cells in the epithelium and improved circulation. It thickens the layer of skin below the outer layer of skin, stimulates cells that produce collagen which means fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, lessened pigmentation (discolorations), tighter pores, and a reduction of sun damage.

“Retin-A is undeniably the best topical cream available to reverse sun damage and rejuvenate your skin,” says Scott Gerrish, MD, a nonsurgical skin care specialist with offices in Virginia and Maryland. Retin-A was first used to treat acne 30 years ago. When acne users found that Retin-A smoothed and enhanced their skin’s appearance, researchers began looking for the anti-aging properties of Retin-A.

The effectiveness of Tretinoin has been well researched, particularly with regard to the photoaging of the skin. Overwhelming clinical evidence and histological evidence (i.e. anatomical study of the microscopic structure of the skin tissue) indicates that topical retinoids such as Retin-A can reverse to an extent certain structural changes induced by excessive sun exposure. As researchers have noted the use of Tretinoin has demonstrated “beneficial clinical and histological effects”

A article in the New England Journal of Medicine by a research group at the University of Michigan reported that collagen is significantly decreased in photo-damaged skin and that this process was partly reversed by treatment with Retin-A. This improvement was noted after 10-12 months, using a high strength of Retin-A. This research correlated well with what we have known for some time about Retin-A; namely that the skin improvement takes many months to achieve. But you most definitely will achieve it. Retin-A is one of the best options for skin rejuvenation. It is an option meant to be used for the long term.

CAVEAT: The risks of using Retin-A include an increased sensitivity to the sun therefore sunscreen (spf 30+) must be used daily. Most people can tolerate Retin-A well. It is quite usual for Retin-A to cause a little skin reddening at first. This is due to the improvements in the skin’s blood supply. More sensitive patients may also experience scaling, itching, and burning. In all cases a gradual increase in the frequency and amount of Retin-A is best (start with .025 cream) as this allows for your skin to adequately adjust to the treatment. The advice of your health care professional should be followed. It is important that patients be aware of this factor. It is noticed that individuals who have dry skin are more sensitive to this reaction. Individuals must use moisturizers and sunscreens when using Retin-A.

HOLISTIC APPROACH: Just as vitamin A is beneficial to put on skin, it also highly beneficial to eat your vitamin A as well because this vitamin is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. Preferably, obtain your vitamin A through foods with high carotenoids (substance that converts to vitamin A in the body) content: spirulina, chlorella, sweet potato, leafy greens such as kale, collards, and spinach, red bell pepper, mango, apricots, carrots, broccoli and cantaloupe.

Natural Unrefined Oils
Oils are extremely beneficial for skin rejuvenation of mature individuals. They must be purchased unrefined, cold pressed and organic. It is recommended to keep them in a cool place where they will not become rancid.

OLIVE: The oleic acid found in olive oil can make the difference between a complexion that looks and feels like old shoe leather – and one that looks like a rose petal. Oleic acid actually soaks through the membranes of skin cells plumping them up, which then makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
ROSEHIP: Rosehip oil is a source of natural retinoic acid. Rosehip oil helps to reduce wrinkles and signs of premature aging. It also helps to counter the drying effects of the sun and evens tone and smoothes roughness of skin. A natural moisturizer for dry, sensitive, allergic, sun damaged, problem skin conditions.
HEMP: Hemp oil is the most skin beautifying oil. It is extremely high in omega 3's, phospholipids, sulfur and many other skin nutrients. It works wonders on mature skin.
AVOCADO: Rich in nutrients, very nourishing and easily absorbed into deep tissue. In studies, it has been shown to increase collagen in the skin.
POMEGRANATE: Pomegranate oil has amazing healing properties and has been known to improve skin elasticity, skin tone and reverse skin aging. There are numerous studies showing the amazing benefits of this oil for skin.
CAMELLIA: Praised as the beauty secret of the Geishas, this very precious oil has been recognized for centuries in Eastern Asia for its highly restorative and rejuvenating effect on skin. Today, this time-proven oil is used in some of the most distinguished beauty formulas. Outstanding moisture retaining ability. Excellent for wrinkles.
ARGAN: Argan Oil helps to reverse aging and provides wrinkle reduction. Rich in squalene, it also helps protect your skin from free radicals that cause sun damage. Clinical studies prove it's ability to correct the age-related deficiencies that cause wrinkling and loss of elasticity.
GRAPESEED: A class of flavonoids from grapeseeds known as proanthocyanidins bind to collagen, helping to repair damage to the skin caused by free radicals. The oil is especially effective for reducing wrinkles around the eyes. It is also naturally rich in vitamin E, which can slow the aging process.
SANDALWOOD: Sandalwood softens dry skin and can be used as a moisturizer to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The herb also promotes the formation of new skin cells. High in sesquiterpene compounds, sandalwood increases circulation and gives skin a smoother look. Sesquiterpenes stimulate activity in the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, thereby boosting natural production of human growth hormone (HGH), which normally slows as individuals age. Results of a milestone clinical trial published in the July 1990 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine" showed that HGH increases skin thickness and elasticity. Thicker skin tends to have fewer wrinkles.

TIP: Use these rejuvenating and healing oils in combination with anti-aging facial massage (see below)

CAVEAT: Find an oil that works great for your skin otherwise you might find yourself with undesirable skin issues such as pimples. Also, make sure the oil is not rancid.

Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to help eliminate wrinkles, aging skin and overall face rejuvenation have been observed. Vitamin C Serum might be the single most important specialty product to add to your daily skincare regimen. It will combat and protect you against the harmful effects of sun as well as work to fight free radicals with its potent antioxidant. As you can imagine one of the best features with using vitamin c serum will be reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

Potentially, vitamin C can benefit skin in two important ways. Firstly, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of  collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered to skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

TIP: Buy vitamin C powder specifically for face use and add it to your creams for maximum freshness. Here is one available. Many use both vitamin C serum and retin-A together with excellent results.

CAVEAT: It's very important to ensure you get the right type of vitamin C product that suits your skin. Vitamin C is a very unstable vitamin and any exposure to heat, light or air will degrade it very quickly. Therefore it’s vital to choose the most stable type of vitamin C possible. A vitamin C derivative called Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) has all the properties of vitamin C without the instability.

Ascorbyl Palmitate is another derivative with similar properties, however it doesn’t work quite as fast as MAP and tends to degenerate faster.

MAP is also better absorbed into the skin than other vitamin C's. An added bonus is that MAP can be used on all skin types, even sensitive as it has a low irritant effect. This is because unlike pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) MAP is not an acid at all. MAP will store well, but it is recommended you keep it in the fridge to maximize it’s shelf life. Vitamin C serum is also suitable to use in combination with other skin care products and blends well with vitamin E.

Another caveat is that not all vitamin C products on the market contain sufficient vitamin C to be of benefit benefit to the skin. Many companies put only miniscule amounts in and consumers unknowingly will buy a product that will be of no benefit. Unfortunately you cannot judge from the prestige or price of the product you buy, you need to look at the concentrations.

HOLISTIC APPROACH: Reports establish that people who ingest a high level of food with vitamin C have less wrinkles on their face, as compared to people who do not get an adequate amount of of the vitamin. Therefore, the greater amount of vitamin C you consume daily, the reduced prospective you are to get wrinkles. Not surprisingly, as vitamin C is the critical component for the production of collagen. Vitamin C strengthens the structural support and resiliency of your skin. Keep in mind that vitamin C is quickly destroyed with light, air and heat. Foods rich in vitamin C are: berries, rosehips, papaya, peppers, lemon, lime, mango, cantaloupe, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, leafy green vegetables especially kale, collard, spinach and watercress.

Facebuilding & Facial Exercising
Facebuilding and facial exercising are a great alternative to cosmetic surgery because they work very well. Facebuilding is a specially designed set of exercises for training the facial muscles. Originally facebuilding used in speech therapy and remedial therapy practice paralyzed facial muscles. But now facebuilding isolated as a separate line, which bears more cosmetic effect for healthy individuals. With strict observance of the rules of implementation for these exercises, you can be achieved remarkable results: facial skin becomes more elastic, smooths wrinkles, dramatic improvement in sagging, a brighter complexion and even may change the face shape.

As the facial muscles are contracted and relaxed, the muscles and tissue fibers increase in volume, similar to body building, increasing the size of muscles. With stronger and tighter facial muscles, the underlying tissue is also strengthened, and this affects the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin. As the muscles are exercised, the skin is gently stretched, and this results in smoother and tauter skin. The signs of aging are diminished. 

Facial exercises improves blood microcirculation, which allows cells to get more oxygen and nutrients. Improved blood microcirculation can also help to cleanse the skin, which is no less important. This increases the skin's ability to retain moisture. Thus, there is a rejuvenation of the skin from the inside, filling and imparting healthy color to a "tired" face. You may be able to remove nasolabial folds, sagging and remove facial wrinkles.

Facial building and exercises also increase the production of collagen and elastin, which are two important substances that help keep the skin elastic.

To feel and see the effect, one must be consistent with regular exercises.

CAVEAT: If too strenuous and excessive pressure is applied in downward motions you can cause the opposite effect of what you want. You can pull the skin too far and cause wrinkles instead of preventing them. If facial exercises/building are done wrong, you might get undesirable results.

TCA Peels
TCA chemical peels are the fastest-growing non-surgical procedures being done to make aging faces look younger. TCA Peel, Trichloroacetic Acid is one of the deeper, more aggressive chemical treatments used to correct serious skin flaws such as deep wrinkles. Benefits to the skin are numerous among them tightening and firming facial skin leaving you with a younger more attractive complexion are just the starting point. After TCA facial peels are completed, the reproduction of collagen is also increased immensely. Continuing to build a more beautiful complexion for any recipient.  

The results from a TCA peel are much more immediate than any of the other other procedures discussed in this article. TCA peels can be done professionally or at home. Results are usually quite dramatic and can last 6 months to a year. 

This process of chemically exfoliating the skin is more rapid and deeper in a TCA peel than in most peels. Many skin peels, like lactic, glycolic and salicylic are good at reducing oily buildup (overactive sebaceous glands), and very minor skin imperfections. but they cannot effectively treat acne, wrinkles and fine lines. TCA has been proven to treat these deeper skin conditions. The improvement in skin is so drastic that women, even men are lining up in droves to have this done all over the world.

CAVEAT : You’ll probably want to set aside several days to recover from a TCA treatment. Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some skin irritation, redness and swelling. Within a few days, your skin will tighten and darken--and then begin to crack and peel for the next 4 to 7 days--at which point the tighter, smoother and more youthful-looking layer of skin will emerge. 

Because your skin’s newly formed layer will be temporarily more susceptible to sunburn, you’ll need to protect it with an effective sunscreen for several weeks. TCA is a strong chemical that can transform the appearance of your skin, but it should be administered only by a skilled and experienced physician.

If you do do it at home, there are different TCA peel strengths, therefore make sure to get one that is suitable for your needs. Buying one with too high of a strength can have drastic results.

Facial Massage
A Facial Massage is the ultimate anti-aging treatment and a great advantage is that it's free. When you learn to massage your face, and repeat the treatment regularly, there’s no need to take the invasive step of plastic surgery ever, to look younger and healthier. Facial massage is great for so many reasons. For one, massage helps to exfoliate the skin, taking away dirt and dead skin cells that make the skin look dull. For another, massage increases the circulation of blood to the face, and such improved circulation makes the skin more nourished and brings to it a healthy glow. And yet another reason is that massage improves the elasticity of the skin, thereby removing the wrinkles and fine lines that are associated with aging. Facial massage will greatly improve sagging.

Tension, and to a certain extent age, causes the connective tissue between the layers of the facial skin and the facial muscle to become less supple over time. As a result habitual expressions such as frown lines, rigid jaws, pursed lips and staring eyes tend to become set as part of the fabric of the face. The gentle pressure of a facial massage can loosen up the facial muscle and allow them to learn to slide back into place more readily after being tensed. The cumulative effect is such that with repeated treatment your face will be left looking relaxed, and therefore younger. Also, because massage stimulates circulation to the face, your complexion will be toned and glowing. There are a huge amount of different massage methods available online and elsewhere. One of my favorites is Tanaka Massage. There have been fabulous results with this massage and the creator looks fantastic.

CAVEAT: Be sure to do any massage you choose correctly. There are many videos on youtube which eliminate the need of guessing.

Good luck with your facial rejuvenation.   

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