Thursday, May 26, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions about Skin and Skincare

A regimen for Healthy Young-Looking Skin 
 

Consumers are regularly confronted with advertisements and recommendations for a dislying array
of skincare products, not to mention conflicting messages about which skincare practices are the most beneficial.  "Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin" a collection of Dr Ahmed Abdullah's most effective advice, empowers you with scientifically proven skincare facts presented in an easy-to-understand manner.  Armed with information about the best skincare techniques, you'll be capable of making smart choices about the products you use and the practices you employ to keep your skin looking its best.

Dr Ahmed Abdullah, MD, FACS, FICS is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon actively practicing in the
United States and Dubai, and an internationally recognized aloe researcher, Dr Ahmed Abdullah has been promoting a back-to-basics approach to skincare for nearly twenty years through his practice, his skincare brand and his skincare clinics.

"Dr Abdullah has written the most accurate and practical book on skincare today.  His clear and easy-to-understand principles and applications brilliantly bridge the gap between the science of skin and clinical skincare." --  Steven S Carp, MD, FACS, American Board of Plastic Surgery-Certified Surgeon at  Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center.

"This easy-to-read book debunks many of the myths surrounding the biology of human skin and the pharmacology of skincare products.  It combines scientific facts with good sense.  As such, it stands alone as a primer that should be read by patients and professionals alike." Martin C Robson, MD, FACS, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at University of South Florida.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Often received emails from consumers who are confused about specific aspects of skincare.  Some questions are so common that Dr Abdullah is confident they're topics of concern for many readers as well.  Outlined below are some of those questions, as well as others that bring up key points about skin health.  Much of the content included in the answers can be found in more detail in the book "Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin" found on Amazon.com  If you don't see the answer your looking for, contact Dr Abdullah directly at DrA@Lexli.com  

General Skincare

Q: Is acne caused by dirt (or chocolate)?
A: Among the many factors blamed for acne, dirt and chocolate are among the two most common.  Acne simply isn't caused by the presence of dirt on the skin or the consumption of chocolate.  Rather, acne is caused by the clogging of pores by sloughed skin cells.

Belief in the myth that dirt causes acne has led many to over wash their skin.  This practice only makes matters worse by causing irritation and inflammation, which exacerbates acne.

And as for chocolate -- nothing you eat can directly affect the severity of acne.  Indirectly, however, certain ingredients may cause allergies, which have acne as a symptom.  Additionally, unhealthy eating can lead to bad health, which can make symptoms worse.  

Q: Will my skin age in the same fashion as my mother's?
A: Genetics do play an important role in the manner in which the skin ages.  However, assuming that your skin will ultimately resemble your mother's is a narrow assumption.  Genetics is only one factor in skin aging.  Lifestyle decisions and environmental factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, are also important determinants of skin aging.

Q: Do moisturizers increase the moisture content of my skin?
A: Moisturizers work by Preventing water evaporation from the skin. 

Among the myths heard regarding moisturizers is that applying lotions or moisturizers over moist skin upon stepping out of the shower helps to trap the water and hydrate the skin.  The first problem with this claim is that skin cannot absorb water.  The second is that water actually encourages the skin to dry out as it evaporates.  Consider this, if your skin absorbed water, you'd swell up like a sponge in the shower, rain, tub, or swimming.  Skin is meant to protect your inside organs from contamination, as well as from dehydration.

Q: I have combination skin.  Do I require two different cleansers, two different moisturizers, etc?
A: No, Combination skin does not require special products, but it does require treating each area differently.  Dry areas should be moisturized twice a day, oilier areas less often, and with an oil-free, moisturizer made especially for oily skin.

Q: Is it okay to use bar soap on my face?
A: This is never a good practice.  Rather, recommended the use of a pH-balanced liquid cleanser.  The ingredients used to keep soaps in bar form can clog pores, contributing to breakouts.  Proper cleansing sets the stage for each of the following steps in a skincare regimen.  Cleansing, Exfoliation, Moisturizing.

Q: What causes the dry patches on my face?
A: There are a number of reasons why your skin may develop dry patches, ranging from leaving makeup on the skin overnight to using the incorrect skincare products for your skin to allergic reactions.  If the patches are chronic or itchy, you may have a type of topical dermatitis that requires treatment by a physician.  Some dry patches may indicate the onset of seborrheic keratosis or dermatitis.  If they persist, consult your dermatologist or plastic surgeon immediately for further evaluation of the problem.  Other-wise, simply ensure you are implementing a proper skin care regimen and if the problem continues, document specifically when you are seeing the patches appear and any special circumstances that may be related to them.  This will help your physician or skincare professional narrow the cause.

Q: I want my skin to look its best, but I get confused when I listen to sales people at cosmetic counters or read the ads in my favorite magazines.  How do I know what to believe and who to trust without spending a small fortune?
A: Your best choice is always a trained professional who understands skin physiology.  A trained skincare professional will review your medical history, customize your treatment plan, and follow up by monitoring your treatment and progress regularly.  

Dr Abdullah has developed a skincare line, designed after the needs of his patients, using Organic Medical grade Aloe Vera as a base in all his product line, the same used in skin graphs and on burn victims that "Heals Skin Healthy". 
http://my.treskinrx.com/AmazingAloe

Q: I have oily skin and use oil-free products.   However, my skin still feels oily, Why?
A: Never rely on the term "oil-free" to ensure your product features a sound formulation.  Outside of oils, many "oil-free" products still contain ingredients that can clog pores, causing break outs.

Rarely will oil-free products eliminate oily skin.  Rather, you need to ensure you're implementing a proper skincare regimen, one that includes exfoliation as a daily step.  (TreSkinRX has XM3)

Q: I'm confused, I thought water was good for skin.
A: The ingredients included in skincare products must be listed on the packaging in order of concentration.  If the first ingredient is water, stated in any manner (purified water), the product is water-based.  The problem with this is the fact that the skin cannot absorb water.  Furthermore, the presence of water only dilutes the other product ingredients, many of which may be beneficial.

Water is indeed beneficial to your skin when "ingested".  Therefore, it is important to ensure proper hydration.  It is recommended that we consume half our body weight, in ounces of water, daily.

Consider the idea that if your body could absorb water, you'd be like a sponge, swelling up with a shower or swimming.

Sun Exposure and Protection

Q: Isn't daily sun exposure necessary for the production of Vitamin D?
A: No, Vitamin D is widely available in various food products, fruits, and vegetables.  Additionally, a high quality vitamin supplement can help the body reach its daily requirement of Vitamin D.  There is no reason why the sun must be relied upon as the sole source of Vitamin D.  A very pure source is included with NeoLife Cal-Mag with Vit D.
http://neolife.com/en-us/home/
Sponsor #32-260985

If you insist upon getting Vitamin D from the sun, keep in mind that it can be produced with minimal amounts of sun exposure -- such as that obtained from a short walk out-doors.  However, sun exposure can negatively impact the skin.  Therefore, it is recommended that sunscreen be used regularly.  Yes you'll still get the sun's Vitamin D with use of sunscreen. 

Q: Won't getting a "base-tan" offer protection from burning during my beach visits?
A: When exposed to the sun, skin produces melanin, which gives it the tanned appearance.  Melanin produced during tanning is not as protective as the natural, generically adaptive melanin typically produced by the skin, nor is it permanent.  The act of getting a base tan (tanning beds) causes cell damage and inflammation.  Further tanning on top of that only multiplies the skin damage.

Q: Is it true that sun damage is cumulative
A: Yes, Damage by UV light to the DNA of your cells accumulates over time.  The wrinkles, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation that appears at the age of forty may very well be the result of sun exposure as a child.

Exfoliation

Q: How often should I exfoliate

A: At minimum, recommended exfoliating once per day.  Depending upon the extend of skin damage, twice per day may be recommended.  (Most individuals need to slowly build to this frequency).  It is essential that the exfoliation product be effective, however.  To determine this, pay attention to the product's pH level.  And to ensure you won't experience burn, look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like an Organic Medical grade Aloe Vera, near the top of the ingredient list (meaning more in the formulation).  (EX3 by TreSkinRX, formulation is the closest you'll find to a professional application, and yet safe and effective to be used at home).  

Q: Is it true that frequent exfoliation can lead to thin skin?
A: No, if done appropriately, exfoliation can actually lead to a thickened, healthy dermis.   When you exfoliate, you're encouraging the skin to produce collagen and elastin, the proteins that give the skin structure and strength.

Q: Should exfoliation products be used around the eye area?
A: Exfoliation around the eye area can certainly be done without issue and is recommended.  However, it is essential that care be used to ensure acid does not get in the eyes.

Q: Can regular exfoliation cause the skin to dry?
A: Yes, it can initially.   For this reason, it's recommended  the regular use of an effective mouisturizer.  Once the dermis thickens and is healthier, you may not need as much moisturizing.

Q: How do you know when the dermis has thickened?
A: As the dermis thickens, the skin will be tighter and appear healthier, with fewer signs of damage.

Q: Is it necessary to use an exfoliant when you're young?  I'm 25 yrs old and my skin is still in good condition.
A: "Prevention" is the answer.  Even at the age of 25, using an exfoliant is a good idea.  Helping dead skin slough off offers the opportunity for plumper, healthier skin cells to come to the surface.  This helps to preserve that youthful and fresh look.

About Dr Ahmed Abdullah

Dr Ahmed Abdullah is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and a recognized expert on the restorative and medicinal effects of a high grade aloe vera.  Additionally, he is an associate clinical professor in plastic surgery at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, and founder/ formulator of the Lexli line of Aloe-based professional skincare.  (Usually available through a professional)

Despite his expertise in plastic surgery, Dr Abdullah has proven that many common skin concerns can be avoided by optimizing skin health.  His research has shown that the use of organic, pharmaceutical-grade (medical grade) aloe vera is a beneficial tool in that effort.  Thus, Dr Abdullah travels the world educating licensed skincare professionals and consumers alike about the proper ways to utilize aloe in skincare applications, the essential steps to ensuring the skin's basic needs are met, and setting the record straight on prevalent skincare myths.  Furthermore, he still sees patients regularly at his practices in Fargo, North Dakota and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 A member of the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), Dr Abdullah has served on its board of directors.  Furthermore, he is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and serves on the Ethics Committee of the North DAkota Medical Association.  

Dr Abdullah earned his medical degree from North-western University in Chicago and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.  He is married to Dr. Kay Abdullah, a board-certified surgeon, with whom he has twin sons -- Alex and Ali.

His formulation for Lexli products, is the exact formulation now available to the general public through TreSkinRX, without medical or professional prescription or application.  
TreSkinRX, you can try before you buy.  Order a 2-week (not single), sample online, free customer registration will earn you a discount when you order full size products.


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