Skin. It’s our largest organ. It allows us to soak up everything from pleasurable sensations to the sun’s rays (healing in moderation, damaging in excess). Our skin is also our first line of defense against bacteria and other environmental toxins. Where would we be without that all-enveloping swath of collagen-thatched, elastin- infused, multiple-layered dermis?

Check out the following tips from dermatologists, major cosmetic line reps, and OC women like yourself to learn everything there is to know about your skin and the latest products and treatments available. This summer put your best foot, elbow, tummy, bum and face forward!

DEEP LINES AND WRINKLES

According to Laguna Hills dermatologist Dr. Michelle Algarin, Retin-A (Tretinoin), is the only topical cream proven to actually reverse wrinkles.

“Start slowly, using a low concentration every other night,” Algarin advises. “And never forget the sunscreen.”

Retin-A is available in prescription form only. However, over-the-counter forms of Tretinoin, called Retinols, are manufactured by RoC. Coming next month is a brand new product from RoC called Multi-Correxion, which is clinically shown to diminish dark under-eye circles, dark marks, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness and elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles. The formula uses Retinol and antioxidants Vitamin C and E to neutralize free radical damage (unstable oxygen molecules which cause “rusting” or oxidation) on the skin’s surface.
“It’s clinically proven to give 10 years back to the look of your skin,” says Chloe D' Angelo, a RoC representative.

Brand new from Estee Lauder is Perfectionist [CP+]Wrinkle Lifting Serum Corrector For Lines/Wrinkles/Age Spots, the first comprehensive wrinkle lifting treatment ever. It contains Wrinkle Lift Restructuring Peptides™ for more collagen production in just two hours, according to research. The result? Less lines and a more youthful look. Skin looks visually better than it did in the morning and continues to look better over time.

“We set out to develop a product that addresses the visible impacts of the day and changes in skin structure,” says Dr. Daniel Maes, research scientist for Estee Lauder. “Our new technology eliminates the impact that has been proven to worsen the appearance of the wrinkle.”

But Dr. Dore J. Gilbert, M.D., medical director of Newport Dermatology, warns against being too optimistic about the efficacy of any topical agent.

“Every year there’s a new cream that’s the latest and the greatest that’s going to get rid of your wrinkles, but whether you spend $500 at Neiman Marcus or $80 in my office, all you can really do is hydrate the skin, thus diminishing the appearance of wrinkles,” he says. “To hydrate, I like Neocutis and Pierre Fabre the best.”

As for facial treatments designed to treat deep wrinkles, the latest utilizes acupuncture and is called an AcuFacial.

“It's used to rejuvenate the elasticity of your skin by stimulating meridian points in your face,” says Margaret Dinhluu, owner of Vitalae Wellness in Irvine. “Another thing it does is improve circulation in the face and minimize dark spots.”

STRETCH MARKS

For many women, those purple-hued striations along the hips and belly are remnants of a speedy transition from childhood into the curvier silhouette of puberty, or the tell-tale signs of a blessed pregnancy. But however natural the cause, few are enamored with the results of stretched skin.

The remedies include StriVectin-SD and more recently, Lierac Paris Phytolastil Gel and This Works Stretch Mark Oil. Research claims positive results. But if you’re looking for less goop and a quicker turnaround, try lasers. According to Dr. Macrene Armenakas, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, the newest is the Accent XL, which uses radio frequency to heat up the deeper layers of the skin and encourage healthy, cross-linked collagen production.

One note of caution when it comes to trying to camouflage stretch marks through a tan, be it from sunbathing or self-bronzing.

“The skin where the stretch marks are doesn’t tan the same way,” says Camilla Placer of Irvine. “I’ve tried every kind of self-tanner and nothing gets rid of those pink lines.”

Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., of Kansas City, MO., explains why that is. “Stretch marks result from a tearing of the collagen fibers of the derma,” she says. “The best you can do is prevent stretch marks by encouraging fibrobast cells to create more collagen. One safe way to do that while pregnant is to use a topical Vitamin C serum.”

CELLULITE

Perhaps even more dreaded than stretch marks, however, may be “cottage cheese thighs” or cellulite.

“There is no cure for cellulite,” says Omar Lupi, the lead researcher of a Brazilian team of scientists who recently studied women treated with a new “caffeine” cream which, remarkably, had a slimming effect. More than 80 percent of the women in the study had a reduction in the circumference of their upper and lower thighs, according to the study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

As for the claim that there is no cure for cellulite, one OC woman begs to differ, Dr. Lupi says. Lisa K. had been receiving injections of LipoDissolve about every three months for the past year.

“While I have to admit it’s both costly ($1500.00 a pop) and very painful for at least a good week afterward, I’ve definitely noticed a difference,” Lisa says.

Another option for the cellulite plagued is a new process called Velasmooth (pictured at right). Soon to be available in many dermatologists’ offices, it utilizes radio frequency and optical energy power to tighten targeted skin, diminishing the dimpled look.

ACNE

There is a brand new product called Ain’t Misbehavin’, developed by Dr. Audrey Kunin of Kansas City, Missouri. Available at Sephora and Ulta, Ain't Misbehavin' pinpoints all aspects of breaking out: bacterial, hormonal, pore plugging, inflammation and oil production.

“Acne products, up to this point, have been monotherapies,” says Kunin. “This serum addresses all points of acne development.”

Sean Warren of La Mirada has controlled her outbreaks with the Proactiv Solution since it debuted 15 years ago.

“I won't stop (taking Proactiv), even now that I'm older,” she says. “I remember all too well what happened several years ago when I thought I no longer needed it.”

While Proactiv, developed by dermatologists Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, has been around since 1994, it's always updating it's product.

“We're constantly looking at drug and chemical companies for the latest technologies and delivery systems and they're continually being incorporated into the Proactiv line,” says Kimber Maderazzo, senior vice-president of global product development, who also claims that Proactiv is the number one acne brand in the world.

“I'm not allowed to say the sales number, but over 10 million customers have used Proactiv,” she says.

SUN BLOCKS / SUNSCREENS

Sunblocks scatter, reflect, and physically block both UVA and UVB radiation. The best types have zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and talc. But they can be greasy and block pores. However, the newest forms contain sub-micronized titanium dioxide. Sunscreens absorb certain wavelengths of light so they're not absorbed by the skin. The best sunscreens are products containing Helioplex, a new, patented photo-stabilizing technology using oxybenzone and avobenzone.

The newest product on the market is developed by French company La Roche-Posay. Anthelios Fluide Extreeme SPF 50+ utilizes Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX for the broadest UVA/UVB protection available (www.skincarelab.stores.yahoo.net/anthelios.html).

“Most important, you want something water resistant,” says Dr. Dore J. Gilbert of Newport Dermatology. “Nothing is water proof.” Gilbert also recommends anything with micronized zinc.

As to the issue of water resistant versus waterproof, Dr. Kunin says the biggest mistake is the marketing.

“Many say 'waterproof,' which fools the consumer into thinking they only have to apply it once a day,” Kunin says. “If you read the fine print, it says to still apply every two hours.”

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer has tripled in women under 40 during the past three decades and Melanoma is now the second most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29, and the second most frequent in those ages 30 to 34.

While there’s no doubt the condition of our skin is due in part to genetics and environmental factors, how we care for our skin plays a large role. So during these summer months, when OC beaches beckon us to expose it all, why not take advantage of the latest breakthroughs and technological advances in skin care so that you too can feel good about the skin you're in.