All That Glitters...Gold Causes Aging

There are numerous skincare products on the market that contain gold, including Oro Gold and La Prairie, among others. La Prairie claims that its gold-infused products "instantly 'erase' imperfections, producing smooth, radiant, line reduced skin." However, a new study claims that gold not only fails to accomplish the above claim, but isn't even good for your skin!

Researchers at Stony Brook University charged with developing skin tissue for burn victims and various wound therapies, conducted a study that was recently published in the journal, Nanotoxicology.  Inasmuch as nanoparticles of gold are often included in various over-the-counter skincare products, the researchers wanted to see if gold's properties might speed healing, as claimed by skincare manufacturers whose products contain it. Unfortunately, gold wasn't a winner. It appears that gold nanoparticles essentially speed the aging process and increase the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting cell division, motility (ability to move) and collagen growth.

According to the researchers, the most disturbing finding was that the particles interfered with genetic regulation, RNA expression, and impaired the cells' ability to mature.  “Reductions caused by gold nanoparticles can result in systemic changes to the body,” said Professor Mironava, one of the researchers. “Since they have been considered inert and essentially harmless, it was assumed that pure gold nanoparticles would also be safe. Evidence to the contrary is beginning to emerge.”

Further, the gold particles were shown to inhibit adiponectin, a protein involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown, which helps to regulate metabolism. 

This appears to be an obvious challenge to, if not a warning about,  using skincare products that contain gold. Our Atlanta plastic surgery practice offers both Obagi® and SkinMedica® because we've found both lines extremely effective and yet safe for our cosmetic patients.

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali
Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

When Exercise is Bad for You

 

At my Atlanta plastic surgery office, we emphasize overall good health; after all, there's no point in having cosmetic surgery to improve your looks if you have no intention to maintain those improvements. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential part of maintenance. However, while we all know that working out is good for us, you may not know that the kind of work-outs you engage in could be contributing to premature aging! Since you don’t want your exercise regimen to make you look older than your years, here are some tips!

Runner’s Face

Many joggers and runners have a habit of tensing their faces while running. Do you? Habitually frowning during exercise routines can contribute to wrinkling, especially around the eyes and mouth. Further, if you don’t hydrate adequately before and after your run or other exercise, you can have increased free-radical damage to your skin. In addition, physician grade skin care products, such as those available at our Atlanta medispa, will help maintain your skin's moisture levels.

Following the Bouncing Breasts

High-impact exercises like running, either on a treadmill or on the road, as well as jumping rope, bouncing on a rebounder and other active sports, contributes to breast sagging by stretching the ligaments in your breasts. It’s essential that you have an excellent, supportive workout bra to support your breasts. Today, when you’re doing your workout, give a little check to see how much bounce your breasts are experiencing while you exercise. If it seems like too much bounce is going on, find a better bra! An additional tip: putting bras in the dryer can weaken the elastic support of the bras. Hang them on a rack to dry instead and your bras will last longer.

Sun and Exercise

While a little sun is always a good source of Vitamin D, you should never be outdoors without sunscreen. You can experience sun damage even during the winter or on cloudy days, as the rays are always there. And, please wear sunglasses if it’s bright outside, to protect your tender eye tissues. Having an occasional chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment in our Atlanta cosmetic surgery office can help maintain your skin's condition.

Regular workouts are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. We want you to enjoy your exercise routines and benefit from them, but please think about the tips above and incorporate them into your daily dose of health!

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon