DDF Doctor's Dermatologic Formula

What are root causes of the initial signs of aging?

The damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays and surface free radicals cause premature aging. For the initial signs of aging—fine lines, a change in skin firmness, or uneven skin tone—it is critical to have a preventative protocol in place.

A comprehensive skin care system can help protect your skin's existing defenses to prevent further damage. Antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients help protect, while moisturizers help minimize the initial signs of aging.

What are root causes of the advanced signs of aging?

As skin ages and matures, several factors begin to affect the skin's appearance:

• Dead skin cells do not turnover or shed as quickly
• Collagen production slows
• Elastin loses its ability to bounce back
• Subcutaneous fat decreases and the skin thins

To effectively address fine lines and deep wrinkles common with more mature skin, the skin must stay hydrated. Hydration is needed to support natural collagen production and keep surface cells looking plumper. Rich moisturizers, combined with antioxidants, can help protect the skin's surface. Together their effects can reenergize the skin's appearance.

What are root causes of acne and oily skin?

Sebum (oil) helps keep the skin moist and youthful. However, excessive sebum production can be a root cause of acne-related problems. Visible effects of acne can occur when either the sebaceous glands that produce sebum overproduce or when these glands are blocked at the pore by dead skin cells. This can cause Propionibacterium acnes (bacteria linked to acne) to grow and cause swelling and inflammation that you see as acne.

Blemish control includes incorporating topical treatments that help exfoliate to keep pores unclogged, removing surface sebum, and maintaining balanced hydration to avoid compromising the skin's surface.

What are root causes of sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can have many different triggers and can be seen as red, dry, flaky, or otherwise irritated skin. When the skin's surface is dry, destructive elements, like allergens or irritants, can stimulate a reaction.

Many topical therapies hydrate to support the skin's surface and may contain ingredients that help protect from future surface free radical damage and UV rays. To minimize external triggers, it is often recommended to use products that are oil-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free.

What are root causes of hyperpigmentation?

Brown spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tone are all visible effects of hyperpigmentation. A root cause is damage to the skin, from the cumulative exposure to the sun's UV rays, which causes an overproduction of melanin (pigment) in a localized area.

Protecting from further damage should be part of a hyperpigmentation skin care system. This includes using a daily moisturizer with UVA and UVB sunscreens. Exfoliation will help to brighten the appearance of the skin, and in conjunction with increased hydration, can help reduce the appearance of spots and uneven skin tone.