Dr. Rucker in Arizona Sports and Lifestyle

This article was published in Arizona Sports and Lifestyle for their November / December 2013 issue. 

Skincare By The Numbers: What’s Your Skin Code? 
While skin, hair and eye color are general classifications that cannot be disputed, do they tell the whole story? What about age? Lifestyle? Environment?  Are we to believe that identical twins—one living in Vermont and one in Phoenix have the same skincare needs based solely on genetics?

Here in the southwest, sun, dry heat, and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging. It is never too early or too late to give your skin the care that it needs and deserves. Let’s explore what causes skin damage and how to avoid loss of collagen, inadequate moisture and chronic inflammation.

Collagen. For youthful looking skin.
Think of collagen as a tightly woven net that provides our skin its underlying structure; it is vital for giving skin elasticity and strength. Our bodies produce collagen, but as we age production decreases. Because our skin cells are inherently sensitive and fragile, if we are not vigilant about protecting the collagen we have, we may experience permanent damage. Over time, consistent exposure to elements harmful to skin cells will destroy both collagen and elastin.

What you can do:  

• Use serums containing Vitamin C, peptides, and antioxidants.
• Always use sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and reapply often.
• Pay attention to diet: up the Omega 3 rich foods, beans, dark fruits and vegetables, green tea. 
• Avoid sun exposure, smoking, and topical collagen – which cannot penetrate the skin. 
• Use a stem cell serum to help reverse damage and help prevent further aging.

Moisture. Dry skin plus desert heat equals a lethal combination.
The southwest is renowned for its dry environment, and as we age skin has trouble retaining moisture. So when you combine inherited dry skin with the desert heat you have a lethal combination, which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

What you can do:

• Try products with hyaluronic acid to smooth and plump skin.  
• Ask your doctor about injectable dermal fillers that will hydrate from the inside, out.
• Use a humidifier at night and moisturize right after showering.
• Treat yourself to oxygen-based facials or a hydrating mask. 
• Wash with a hydrating cleanser to remove chemical and biologic irritants without reducing the skin’s moisture content.

Inflammation. The age accelerator.
Sunburns are actually an acute form of inflammation, which can destroy healthy tissue and compromise new tissue. Sun exposure also destroys elastin and collagen. When natural antioxidants are exhausted, free radicals are released and inflammation is triggered. This results in crepy skin and wrinkles.

What you can do:

• Add antioxidants to your diet; such as berries and nuts. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 
• Limit sugar intake at all costs, which breaks down collagen.
• Avoid sun and wind exposure as much as possible.

So where do you start if you live in our southwestern zip code? Focus on making skin healthy rather than just alleviating symptoms. It takes more than one product or a single serving dose treatment at your doctor office to make a dramatic improvement to your skin and fight the signs of aging. The effects of aging are not one-sided, so neither should your anti-aging plan. It is never too early to start your anti-aging regimen and avoid harsh Arizona elements if you can.

Visit Dr. Rucker’s website at www.enza.com and www.ruckermd.com to learn more about his customized skincare suite for the Arizona lifestyle.

Check out pages 74 and 75 of Arizona Sports and Lifestyle for the article.

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOU “SKIN-SANE” THIS WINTER

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, the dreaded winter weather is on its way here. It’s time to start taking out winter coats, mittens and boots out from winter storage. But don’t stop there- it’s also time to rejuvenate what’s under those winter layers – your skin.  It’s no secret that the combination of dry air and holiday stress can prove to be a nightmare for your skin, so as with any other season, you will have to adjust your daily routine accordingly to keep your skin fresh and renewed.  Keep your “skin-sane” with our top five tips this winter.

1. Balance. Using a moisturizing toner will balance your skin’s pH levels to a normal level of between 4.5 – 6. This allows the rest of your products to work more effectively and penetrate deeper. Using Enza Essential’s Saturation Toner will increase the hydration for dry, weathered skin. And, bonus! This toner also helps prevent early signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Be strong. With the holiday baking and sweets about, it seems impossible to resist sugar. But did you know that excess sugar can age you? When your body processes sugar, it turns into glucose which can destroy collagen and your skin’s elasticity, which is a big factor in aging skin. You may want to pass on that extra chocolate chip cookie, for your skin’s sake.
3. Out with the old. Winter is the perfect time to get rid of old items you don’t need any more, right? It’s an even better time to get rid of dead skin and bacteria left on your face with a gentle, oatmeal-based exfoliator. Exfoliating two to three times each week will help avoid acne scarring and irritation. We suggest the Saturation Aloe Scrub, a hydrating exfoliator that nourishes and provides extra moisture.
4. Watch out! We know its cold, but extreme heat from the blow dryer, sink water, or shower can break capillaries, cause irritation and end up drying out your skin even more. Use lukewarm water to keep your skin calm.
5. Drench and hydrate. Don’t forget to use deep-hydrating creams and facials to ensure your skin is receiving enough moisture during this harsh, dry season. The best time to apply a moisturizer is just after getting out of the shower while your skin is still moist. For your body, we recommend using the Shea Body Butter by Enza Essentials, rich with antioxidants and vitamins A and E to protect every inch of skin. For the face, try the Saturation Herbal Crème.

Now after changing your closet from your summer dresses to winter jackets, it’s time to start changing into your winter skin care routine. With these five easy tips, you can keep your skin happy all winter long.

For more skin solutions, visit our website at www.enza.com or www.ruckermd.com or schedule an appointment at the Enza Medispa by calling 1-800-456-8222.

BEATING THE CLOCK

They say growing old is better than the alternative, but aging certainly is not for the faint of heart. By the late 30s to early 40s, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Changes in skin texture, volume and appearance, pigmentation problems, broken capillaries and dullness become more pronounced with every birthday. We cannot stop the hands of time, but knowing the factors involved with aging can lead to an understanding of what we can and cannot influence when striving to look our best.

First, the basics – the skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and a deeper subcutaneous tier. The epidermis is the outer layer and its role is protection. This layer loses lips (fat-like substances), making the skin dry. In your 30s it will shed itself every two months. The dermis is the skins inside layer, responsible for texture and elasticity. This is the home of collagen and elastic fibers that break down over time. The subcutaneous inner layer is composed of fat and connective tissue and allows us to maintain constant body temperature.

Intrinsic Aging: Changes that happen within the body.

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Thin and transparent skin
• Loss of subcutaneous layer attachment to bone, resulting in sagging and folds
• Thinning of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets and loss of firmness on the hands and neck
• Drying of the skin
• Gray hair and hair loss 

Extrinsic Aging: Skin changes due to external factors:

• Sun exposure, resulting in age spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles
• Facial expressions: Repetitive facial movements actually lead to wrinkles, often referred to as “character lines”
• Gravity: Our skin gradually ceases to “snap back” due to gravity
• Sleeping positions: Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night can contribute to the development of facial folds
• Smoking: People who smoke regularly are more likely to develop wrinkled, leathery skin, especially wrinkles around the mouth.

Prevention + Treatments: We cannot stop the aging process, but we don’t have to surrender quietly. Signs of aging can be corrected with fillers, lasers or ultrasound. Pharmaceutical-grade skincare products can further repair damaged skin. 

• Avoid deliberate tanning, including use of indoor tanning devices. 
• Apply sunscreen year-round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Using an effective sunscreen, such as Enza Essentials Advanced Protection SPF 30, on a daily basis will make a big impact on the skin and help prevent future damage. 
• Consult with Dr. Rucker and his staff. We have developed a skin treatment program that has been used by over 1,000 patients. Let us discuss personal options that will fit your lifestyle and priorities.
• Tri-Peptide Cell Activator: Dr. Rucker’s exclusive wrinkle-reduction serum formulated with Resveratrol, Tripeptide-3, and Swiss apple stem cells, clinically proven to reduce signs of aging. 

For more information, please contact our staff at 800-456-8222 or email us at info@ruckermd.com. Check out our website at www.ruckermd.com.