Skin Deep: Care of Skin Russ Kennedy PhD, MBA, MPH, CHES, CSCS Health 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?