In general, even if an individual has only experienced a lifetime of casual sun exposure, skin quality begins to decline in the middle to late 20's. This decline has to do with deeper changes that are in turn reflected in the outer visible layer of skin called the "stratum corneum." In young healthy skin, surface cells of the stratum corneum lay in a compact organized manner like scales on a fish (Fig 1.) or the shingles on a roof. They provide a coherent barrier that protects the integrity of the skin and enhances its hydration capabilities. The stratum corneum is constantly shedding millions of microscopic cells that are then replaced by newer younger cells as they mature and migrate to the skin surface.

As this process slows down, we see the beginning of something called "increased corneocyte cohesion." Simply put, the dead cells adhere to the surface of the skin much longer instead of shedding. As they remain on the surface longer, they harden and continue to dry out. In the beginning, the changes may be subtle. The skin's surface may feel drier, the texture may begin to coarsen and the skin may not appear as soft and translucent. Moisturizers merely coat the surface of the skin, temporarily wetting the dead dry layer and superficially filling in compromised areas. As a person gets older and the process accelerates, the texture of the skin appears coarser, follicles may appear dilated (or larger), fine lines and wrinkles emerge, and the skin may take on a yellowish or grayish cast. Under magnification the stratum corneum will appear disorganized and uneven. (Fig. 2)

Fortunately, with the use of medically validated skin care technologies, skin texture can appear more refined, follicle size can appear to diminish significantly, skin tones can appear more even, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will improve.

The Skin Care Management System includes many advanced technologies including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, growth factors, targeted peptides, antioxidants, and sunscreen each designed to address the many aspects of aging, sun damaged skin. The following products are designed specifically to provide address conditions associated with rough skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles. The following technologies deliver the most advanced anti-aging solutions for improvement in the appearance of rough skin texture, tone, fine lines and wrinkles.