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Dear Valued Patients and Friends,
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful summer and staying safe and healthy!
In this month’s newsletter, I wish to introduce the concept of Prejuvenation. Prejuvenation (= Prevent + Rejuvenate), first described by Dr Kenneth Arndt, refers to the use of therapies initiated sooner, to prevent and protect the skin, rather than later, to correct or rejuvenate skin aging. When basic health maintenance mechanisms fail over time, cellular senescence (the loss of a cell's power to divide and grow) occurs, resulting in premature aging of cells, tissues, organs and people. Prejuvenation refers to the prevention or avoidance of premature senescence and an integrative approach is best. There are many potential points of intervention which may occur inside and outside the body. External interventions include protection from environmental aggressors such as sun exposure, and internal interventions include diet, nutraceutical supplements (medicinally functional foods) and the relevant prescriptions for your health condition(s). Having a lifestyle that focuses on increasing your healthspan also makes a difference. Topical agents (including the appropriate prescriptions, e.g. tretinoin and cosmeceuticals, e.g. vitamin C, resveratrol) and therapeutic procedures to address your needs would also be helpful.
Simply put, living well and avoiding the avoidable damages to our body and skin health are key to anti-aging. It is never too early to prejuvenate. We look forward to working on a customized and integrative approach to improve your skin health!
Alison Young, MD PhD
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Neuromodulators - Botulinum toxin A (Botox® Cosmetic)
Botox® Cosmetic is a formulation of the neuromuscular blocking agent botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). When injected into hyperactive muscles of the face that predominantly control frowning, Botox® produces a transient (3- to 6-month), dose-dependent localized muscle relaxation/weakness, resulting in a temporary improvement in glabellar frown lines ('brow furrows'). Although headache is a potential transient side effect, frontal tension headaches often improve with Botox® injections in the forehead. Botox® can also be used to treat bruxism (involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth, typically during sleep), by relaxing the masseter muscles. The safety and efficacy of Botox® have been studied over the last few decades. Besides its use to relax facial muscles and reduce facial lines and wrinkles, Botulinum toxin A can provide an alternative treatment of focal excessive sweating (palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis) when options such as topical agents (aluminum chloride) and iontophoresis are not effective.
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GrenzCine Face® is an advanced, light-weight face cream that hydrates and firms the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and providing a beautiful glow to the skin.
Key ingredients:
- Polyamine-DAB boosts collagen production, while healing and repairing (thickening) the skin, by strengthening the epidermis and dermal-epidermal junction. Polyamine-DAB is naturally occurring and essential for growth and function of normal cells by its ability to protect against free radical damage, reduce the harmful effects of inflammation and accelerate wound healing. As we age, our polyamine levels significantly decline, resulting in slower cellular processes that may lead to visible signs of aging and thin skin. By applying topical polyamines to mature skin, we improve our cellular functions to restore a healthier state.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid USP) is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals, calms, brightens, boosts collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Activ8 Complex is a proprietary blend of peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and moisturizers, help to enhance skin elasticity, brighten and hydrate the skin.
What makes GrenzCine Face® really special is its ability to protect and prevent skin aging with powerful antioxidants and correct skin aging by healing and repairing the skin and thickening the epidermis and dermal-epidermal junction. – Dr Alison Young
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Dr. Young is excited to partner with Fullscript to give her patients access to high quality supplementations from the safety of their own homes. Look out for the Cyber Monday sale coming soon.
Fullscript is a smart, easy way to access supplements and meet wellness goals – from anywhere. You can pick your favourite supplements from your preferred device, and supplements get shipped right to your front door. Plus, getting started is completely free! It’s that simple.
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Spironolactone shows long-term efficacy for acne in women
More than 90% of women treated with spironolactone for acne demonstrated complete clearance at 2 years’ follow-up, according to a study (Garg V et al. JAAD, Jan 8, 2021). 75.5% of participants demonstrated a reduction or complete clearance of facial acne while 84% of patients showed a reduction or complete clearance of chest acne and 80.2% showed reduction or complete clearance of back acne at the first follow-up visit. 20% showed complete clearance at 3 to 5.9 months, while 40% were completely clear at 6 to 8.9 months and 53% were completely clear at 9 to 11.9 months of follow-up. At 2 years, 96% of participants were clear of acne. Spironolactone improves clinical outcomes and is well tolerated for many adult women with acne using it for an extended duration.
Johnson and Johnson recalls some Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens after it detects benzene in them
Johnson & Johnson is issuing a voluntary recall for five Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen lines in the United States after it said it discovered low levels of benzene in the products (CNN Business July 15, 2021). The company is warning customers against using aerosol sprays Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena Invisible Daily, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Aveeno Protect + Refresh. Johnson & Johnson said those who have purchased the products should dispose of them, adding that benzene is a carcinogen that "could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure."
Probiotic supplements may help improve atopic dermatitis symptoms
According to research published in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, infants who received probiotics through 6 months of age had a significantly lower incidence of atopic dermatitis (intrinsic eczema) compared with controls. The use of probiotics during both the prenatal and the postnatal period reduced the incidence of atopic dermatitis. In infants and children in Asia and Europe, probiotic supplementation effectively prevented atopic dermatitis. The specific probiotic strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium all appeared to reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis.
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Dr. Young's Tip of the Month
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Can certain foods and supplements worsen or improve acne?
Diet and supplements that lead to worsening acne:
- Whey protein (one of the primary proteins found in dairy products, a byproduct of the cheese-making process)
- Dairy products (cow’s milk, cheese)
- High glycemic diet (white rice, white bread, simple sugars)
- High fat diet, high caloric foods (candy, chips, pastries, cakes, fast foods)
- Red meat
- Chocolate, caffeine
- Alcohol
- Processed foods (cheese, tinned vegetables, bread, savory snacks such as crisps, sausage rolls, pies, pastries, meat products such as bacon, sausage, ham, salami and pate, microwave meals or ready meals, cakes and biscuits)
- Vitamin B12
Diet and supplements that help to improve acne:
- Mediterranean diet (high in vegetables, fresh fruits, fish, unsaturated fats such as olive oil)
- Paleolithic diet (lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds)
- Gamma-linolenic acid (found in vegetable oils such as evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil (EPO), blackcurrant seed oil, borage seed oil, and hemp seed oil)
- Vitamin D 1000 IU daily for 2 months
- Zinc gluconate 30-200 mg daily, Copper 1.5 mg daily and Nicotinamide 750 mg daily for 2-4 months
- Probiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum)
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