Skin Anti-Oxidants

Firstly, a brief mention on anti-oxidants and its function. Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplements. Here are a few of the most effective ones:

Vitamins C, E and Selenium

Research has found that vitamins C and E, as well as selenium, can help protect the skin against sun damage and skin cancer. And they may actually reverse some of the discoloration and wrinkles associated with aging. These antioxidants work by speeding up the skin's natural repair systems and by directly inhibiting further damage,

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant in the body that helps the cells grow and protects them from the ravages of cancer. A drop in natural levels of coenzyme Q10 that occurs in our later years is thought to contribute to aging skin. A study published found that applying coenzyme Q10 to the skin helped minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

This antioxidant, when applied topically as a cream, may help protect the skin from sun damage. Studies have looked at creams with 3%-5% concentration, applied every other day and building up slowly to once daily, and found some improvement in sun-induced changes in the skin. 

Retinoic Acid

Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A in the skin and the "gold standard" in anti-aging skin care. according to Burke. Topical retinoic acid treats fine wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin caused by sun exposure.  Researchers have found that treatment with retinoic acid restored the elastic fibers that keep skin taut, and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

Flavonoids (Green Tea and & Chocolate)

Green tea and yes, even chocolate, just might help improve your skin. Research suggests that the flavonoids in green tea are strong antioxidants that may help protect the skin from cancer and inflammation.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins are essential for cells throughout the body, including skin cells. It's important to get enough of foods rich in B vitamins, such as chicken, eggs, and fortified grain products, because a B vitamin deficiency can lead to dry, itchy skin. Vitamin B6 protects against sun-induced skin damage and decreases wrinkles.

Other Antioxidants

Many other plant-based extracts are being studied for their positive effects on the skin, either when ingested or applied topically. Examples are rosemary, tomato paste (lycopene), grape seed extract, pomegranate, and soy. Some experts feel that a blend of many different antioxidants and extracts might be more effective than individual products. The final answer about the best doses and extracts remains to be determined by researchers.

Dr Aarthi Maria

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Ageing

Hi guys,

 

Hope everyone's had a great weekend and a moderately decent Monday. Today's topic is of universal precedence, and often lurks in the minds of many. Some may be concerned by premature lines, whilst others are preoccupied with diminished energy or poor memory.

 

Ageing has indeed become an adjective. The common man often believes ageing is inevitable and that it is part and parcel of fate. But has anyone ever wondered, what are the intricacies that has transpired within the body - eliciting this controlled and premeditated event called ageing.

 

There are two main groups of aging theories. The first group states that aging is natural and programmed into the body, while the second group of aging theories say that aging is a result of damage which is accumulated over time. In the end, aging is a complex interaction of genetics, chemistry, physiology and behavior.


 

 

The Theories:

 

1. Programmed theories assert that the human body is designed to age and there is a certain biological timeline that our bodies follow.
2. Programmed Longevity: Aging is caused by certain genes switching on and off over time.
3. Endocrine Theory: Changes in hormones control aging.
4. Immunological Theory: The immune system is programmed to decline over time, leaving people more susceptible to diseases.
5. Error Theories: assert that aging is caused by environmental damage to our body's systems, which accumulates over time.
6. Wear and Tear: Cells and tissues simply wear out.
7. Rates of Living: The faster an organism uses oxygen, the shorter it lives.
8. Cross Linking:: Cross-linked proteins accumulate and slow down body processes.
9. Free Radicals: Free radicals cause damage to cells that eventually impairs function.
10. Somatic DNA Damage: Genetic mutations cause cells to malfunction.

Studies have demonstrated that genetics can play a major role in aging. When researchers adjust the genes in certain mice, yeast cells and other organisms, they can almost double the lifespan of these creatures. The meaning of these experiments for people is not known, but researchers think that genetics account for up to 35 percent of the variation in aging among people.

 

As we age, our body's organs and other systems make changes. These changes alter our susceptibility to various diseases. Researchers are just beginning to understand the processes that cause changes over time in our body systems. Understanding these processes is important because many of the effects of aging are first noticed in our body systems. Here is a brief overview of how some body systems age:

• Heart Aging: The heart muscle thickens with age as a response to the thickening of the arteries. This thicker heart has a lower maximum pumping rate.
• Immune System Aging: T cells take longer to replenish in older people and their ability to function declines.
• Arteries and Aging: Arteries usually to stiffen with age, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood through them.
• Lung Aging: The maximum capacity of the lungs may decrease as much as 40 percent between ages 20 and 70.
• Brain Aging: As the brain ages, some of the connections between neurons seem to be reduced or less efficient. This is not yet well understood.
• Kidney Aging: The kidneys become less efficient at cleaning waste from the body.
• Bladder Aging: The total capacity of the bladder declines and tissues may atrophy, causing incontinence.
• Body Fat and Aging: Body fat increases until middle age and then weight typically begins to decrease. The body fat also moves deeper in the body as we age.
• Muscle Aging: Muscle tone declines about 22 percent by age 70, though exercise can slow this decline.
• Bone Aging: Starting at age 35, our bones begin to lose density. Walking, running and resistance training can slow this process.
• Sight and Aging: Starting in the 40s, difficulty seeing close detail may begin.
• Hearing and Aging: As people age, the ability to hear high frequencies declines.

 

 

So what is it we mere mortals can do to combat this dance with mother nature?

 

 

 

 

Dr. Aarthi Maria

 

Fungal Infection of Nails

Today's topic highlights a common ailment that affects our nails - fungal infection, medically termed as Onychomycosis. Often confused with Athletes Foot - which is fungal infection of the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. In athlete’s foot the responsible fungus lives in the keratin that makes up the outer layer of the skin. When the fungus spreads to the keratin of the nails, the result is a fungal nail infection. The common invader are Dermatophytes, but other species like Candida and Microsporum can also be implicated.  Toe nails are more commonly affected (80%) as compared to finger nails, and that too usually the big toe and the little toe nails respectively.

Onychomycosis & Ingrown Toe Nail 

Destruction of nail plate

This infection usually seeks those with a compromised immune system like the elderly or Diabetic. Certain strains multiply and extend their spores and mycelia through damaged portions of the nail apparatus. So all of you with ingrown nails pinching the corners of the nail's edge - beware!!

 

When fungi infect a nail, they usually start at its free edge, and then spread down the side of the nail towards the base of the cuticle. Eventually the whole nail may be involved. The infected areas turn white or yellowish, and become thickened and crumbly. Less commonly there may be white areas on the nail surface.  Sometimes, especially in those who carry out regular wet work such as bar staff or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. Called paronychia, this can allow infection to get to the nail.

Onychomycosis can be confused with several other conditions like nail psoriasis, old trauma and even a resolving infection. Confirmation is by taking a section of the crumbly nail or debri beneath the nail edge, and performing a smear or culture. Results may take up to 2 weeks.


Fungal infections of the nail do not clear up by themselves, but not all of them need treatment. Some people with infected toenails are not bothered by them at all. In that case they can sometimes be left alone (although the patient should remain cautious and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails or other people). On the other hand, if infected nails are embarrassing or uncomfortable then they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections may cause significant health problems such as those with diabetes or immune suppression, in order to prevent potentially severe health problems

The aim of the treatment is to get rid of the fungus: the nail will then usually return to normal. However, if the nail was abnormal before it was infected, it will be harder to clear and may just go back to its former state. Nail infections caused by moulds and yeasts can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatments include topical and oral medications. Surgery is rarely practised. Topical medications generally are poorly absorbed by the nail plate and bed, and such may prove to be a frustrating option. Oral medications on the other hand are effective, but require to be taken for several months and also have a lesser safety profile. Recent advances in treatment include using lasers or photodynamic therapy.

The long pulsed Nd.Yag laser is one of the ideal lasers used to treat Onychomycosis. The laser  energy evenly heats throughout the depth of the effected nail and skin tissue, effectively weakening and killing parasitic fungi which have infected the patient's nails. A completely clear nail plate is achieved in 93.5% of patients according to a British study.

Till the next article.

regards,
Dr Aarthi Maria





For more information on laser treatments for Onychomycosis, click here


     

Greetings

Dear All,

 

It has been a fantastic journey thus far.

 

The road to health and happiness used to be one less travelled. Fortunately enough, there has been a recent paradigm shift within this realm of thought, with particular reference to Malaysians. Our second nature, calling for extra sugar and tambah nasi - has begun to see its end. People are moving towards greek yoghurt smoothies and a No Carb lifestyle, and judiciously at the gym despite the thirteenth hour. Is this a reciprocal of true value to health, or yet another commercial gimmick that plagues our ignorance? Only our future obesity rate will set the record straight.

 

Having said that, I would like to welcome you to this blog. I hope that it would prove to be both informative yet a fascinating read. It should strike a cord, challenging the reader to aspire for more knowledge with regards general well being, longevity, nutrition, skin and medical aesthetics. The word anti-aging, was coined for a reason after all.

 

Please don't mistake this page for an attempt at commercial gratification, instead I hope it would instead be regarded, as a place to go to when seeking a trustable source.

 

Its best I describe myself, before I jump into the trustable source bit - a true Sagittarian by nature, I love medicine and its numerous tributaries. Nothing gets me as bewitched as when I am; with an interesting article on say for example - the Okinawan people. I have spent much time, money & years acquiring knowledge from various sources, organisations and countries - and believe I have finally reached the stage of being called an expert in my areas of interest.

 

I only hope I can share what has been provided to me so generously.

 

Regards,

 

Dr Aarthi Maria

 

Read more about the team, click here.