Questions about skincare answered by the pros

Q: Does Relastin^® really work?

A: Absolutely! Relastin is the first product scientifically proven to help increase elastin content in skin. Relastin allows elastin production in your skin, which in turn restores springiness and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In a snap test – which determines how long it takes the skin to bounce back after being pulled – undereye skin treated with Relastin recovered more quickly. Doctors have also seen evidence that Relastin improves puffiness and dark circles and may even help to firm hand and abdominal skin. Read More.

Q: What’s this elastin stuff you keep going on about?

A: Elastin is a protein made up of amino acids found in the connective tissue that is elastic and allows the skin to "spring back" and resume its shape after it stretches or moves. Your skin virtually stops producing elastin in your early teens. Over the years, you lose the elastin you have and your skin becomes less capable of springing back.

Q: Is Relastin different from other products?

A: Completely. Unlike other products that just treat the symptoms of aging, Relastin treats a significant cause. Instead of staying on top of your skin, Relastin goes deep into your skin to actually help your body produce elastin. Read More.

Q: Does the health of my skin affect my overall well-being?

A: Definitely! Your skin is your body’s largest and most visible organ. It is your shield protecting you from external stress: disease, infection and environmental factors such as the sun, wind and rain.

Q: How can I take care of my skin?

A: A healthy lifestyle is key to healthy skin. Healthy skin glows, malnourished or stressed skin looks it. Here are some simple steps most people can take to protect their skin:

• If you have a normal or dry skin, use moisturizers and gentle, non-drying cleansers.
• Help prevent skin cancer and photoaging by daily use of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) outside, wearing protective clothing outdoors and avoiding overexposure to the sun and artificial tanning.

Q: Is the sun always bad for my skin?

A: Overall, the sun is bad for skin. Although limited exposure to the sun helps in the production of vitamin D. However, the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, premature skin aging and other skin problems.

Q: How do I avoid sun damage?

A: Avoiding sun damage is the most effective thing you can do to prevent skin aging. Sunlight is the major cause of extrinsic skin aging because it damages collagen and elastin, and produces abnormal changes in other cells. For healthy skin protect yourself from the sun with clothes, a brimmed hat, and a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock. This is very important for all ages, because sun damage is cumulative. You can protect your eyes and the skin around them by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.

Q: How bad is smoking, really?

A: If you smoke, quit. Gone are the glamorous days of Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo smoking on the silver screen. Skin problems are just one of the many health issues caused by smoking. The toxins in all types of smoke damage skin cells and diminish blood flow to the skin. Medical studies have found correlations between smoking and higher incidences of wrinkles.

Q: Will exercise improve my skin?

A: Exercise will improve your skin, but you don’t have to go overboard. Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, which is important for skin health. For anti-aging benefits, exercise should not be continued to exhaustion. Scientific studies have found that very strenuous exercise greatly increases the production of free radicals and may accelerate other aging processes in cells.