Skin School Lecture by Dr. Amir Karam

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Amir Karam, board-certified facial plastic surgeon
• Focus: Skincare and facial rejuvenation
• Goal: Understanding the ABCs of skincare (Vitamins A, B, C) and creating an optimal skincare routine to defy aging.

Aging Process of Skin

• Collagen Production
  • Peaks at around 27 years of age.
  • Collagen is crucial for thick, supple, youthful skin.
  • Collagen production decreases with age, especially post-menopause due to estrogen drop.
  • Results in thinner, crepey skin with fine lines.

Skincare Heroes: The ABCs

• Vitamin A (Retinol)
  • Stimulates collagen production.
  • Improves cell turnover and decreases pigmentation.
  • Exfoliates skin, removing dead keratin layers.
• Vitamin B (Niacinamide/B3)
  • Stimulates collagen and improves skin barrier function.
  • Hydrates skin, keeps pollutants out, and decreases pore size.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin C
  • Stimulates collagen and decreases pigmentation.
  • Brightens skin and improves hydration.

Synergistic Effects

• Combining Vitamins A, B, and C creates a synergy that enhances anti-aging effects.
• Importance of consistency in using these active ingredients.

Additional Skincare Components

• Peptides
  • Short chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen production.
• Growth Factors
  • Stimulate collagen production, available in human and plant-based forms.

In-Office Treatments

• Microneedling
  • Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production.
• Light Chemical Peels
  • Mild peels trigger skin healing through collagen synthesis.
• Caution against heavy lasers which can cause long-term skin damage.

Other Skincare Tips

• Include neck and eyelid skin in the skincare routine.
• Use sun protection to prevent collagen breakdown.

Bonus Skincare Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid
  • Hydrates and plumps skin.
• Botanical Lighteners
  • Help with pigmentation issues alongside Vitamins A, B, and C.

Conclusion

• Combination therapy and multitasking in skincare can effectively defy skin aging.
• Skincare focus is on skin condition, not shape or volume.
• Importance of education and the right products in achieving skincare goals.

Additional Resources

• Encourage viewers to subscribe to Dr. Karam’s newsletter and Skin School videos for more skincare tips and education.