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Transforming Your Skin Without Plastic Surgery

(NAPSA) - If years of environmental damage have left your skin less than lustrous, you can now tackle the problem yourself with at-home skincare options that make skin seem to glow from within- a rejuvenating transformation possible without the trauma of plastic surgery.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent $7.7 billion on surgical procedures in 2004, but something as simple as the right skincare system has been shown to make a dramatic difference.

The latest skincare science uses the skin's own replenishment mechanisms to restore radiance and reverse damage. To combat the damage done by time, stress, sun and other environmental factors, the most effective products accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce hyperpigmentation and increase production of collagen and elastin.

According to leading plastic surgeon Barry DiBernardo, M.D., there are two "key ingredients" to a good skin-care formulation: tretinoin and hydroquinone. Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, treats wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin. Hydroquinone is a lightening agent that decreases the formation of melanin in the skin.

Dr. DiBernardo says patients looking to reverse dramatic damage need a skincare regimen to accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce hyperpigmentation and increase production of collagen and elastin. These results can be achieved by using a skincare system that contains tretinoin and hydroquinone, like Nu- Derm by Obagi.

"Tretinoin is the gold standard in the treatment of premature aging of skin," says Dr. DiBernardo. And, according to DiBernardo, tretinoin is clinically proven to be two to three times more effective when used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm system then when used alone. For those with mild sun damage-fine lines, wrinkles, freckles and uneven skin tone-doctors also recommend the Obagi - C Rx line. "The powerful combination here is prescription strength four percent hydroquinone and professional strength vitamin C," says Dr. DiBernado.

You can learn more online at www.obagi.com.