The Basal Cell layer exists in the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This layer is responsible for the creation of new skin cells. Over a period of about 28 days, these newly formed skin cells make their way to the very top of the skin (stratum corneum). However, it generally takes another two to three weeks for old skin cells to shed so that the new cells are revealed.

This time outline for the skin renewal process may change depending on the age and overall health of an individual. It can be much faster for a child and unfortunately, much longer for someone older or whose health is compromised.

Skin treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels help expedite the skin renewal process by removing old skin cells that suffocate the fresh layer of skin.

Did you know that constipation can contribute to the formation of acne in adults?

A bowel movement is one way the body naturally eliminates toxins.

When constipation occurs, toxins in the body accumulate and leave the body in other ways – including through the skin by sweating. (more…)

Scars are the result of broken skin. However, in some cases, genetic predisposition and other factors can cause some scars to mature not into a thin, faint line that is commonly the case, but into something far more apparent.

Wide and flat, hypertrophic scars become smaller as they mature. While they do not grow beyond the area of the original wound, they are more defined than a regular “fine-line” scar. Some may confuse hypertrophic scars with keloid scars. Keloid scars are benign tumors that can grow beyond the original wound site, appearing like a bump in the shape of a mushroom or cauliflower. Exces collagen is what creates this bump.

Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are difficult to treat with cosmetic surgical methods. For more information about treatment options, please contact Toronto Cosmetic Clinic to see a medical professional.

If you’ve got a penchant for sweets, you may be harming more than your waistline and your teeth.

Glycation is a bodily process that impedes healthy activity and damages structures due to the binding of protein molecules to glucose molecules, resulting in the formation of harmful and damaged molecules known as “advanced glycation end products” (AGE). Some scientists have found that by eating too much sugar, the rate of glycation becomes higher.

The formation of wrinkles has been linked to glycation because the building block of healthy skin, collagen, is comprised of protein molecules which become AGE’s through glycation.

While we all know that too much sugar is bad for you anyway, this may be another reason to cut down on those treats. Unfortunately.

We all know that the aging process can take a heavy toll on our face, and the first place we see the signs of the passing years is in our eyes. Our eyelids begin to droop, creating folds that hide our lashes and can even hinder our ability to see.

Eyelids begin to droop because of the thinning and stretching of the skin, along with the weakening of the muscles around the eyes, known as the orbicularis muscles. To correct this, eyelid surgery can be performed. Also known as blepharoplasty, this cosmetic procedure is a great way to widen the eyes and rejuvenate that lost youthfulness.

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon to feel tired, drowsy and unenergetic. In some cases, these symptoms can become so severe that it can be clinically diagnosed as winter depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

If you’ve got the winter blahs, it’s most often blamed on lack of natural sun exposure. Scientists believe that one way to beat the winter blahs is to expose yourself to as much natural sunlight as possible. While this may be harder than it sounds with those persistent gray skies and heavy clouds, just a few minutes of sun exposure at midday can do wonders for your energy levels. But don’t forget the sunblock if you’re out for a long time!

Replacing regular light bulbs with high intensity ones can also help on those particularly cloudy days.