Researchers at Oregon State University have found one gene in the human body that appears to be a master regulator for skin development, in research that could help address everything from skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis to the wrinkling of skin as people age.

Inadequate or loss of expression of this gene, called CTIP2, may play a role in some skin disorders, scientists believe, and understanding the mechanisms of gene action could provide a solution to them.

“We found that CTIP2 is a transcriptional factor that helps control different levels of skin development, including the final phase of a protective barrier formation,” said Arup Indra, an OSU assistant professor of pharmacy. “It also seems particularly important in lipid biosynthesis, which is relevant not only to certain skin diseases but also wrinkling and premature skin aging.”

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Stem cells have recently become a huge buzzword in the skincare world. But what does this really mean? Skincare specialists are not using embryonic stem cells; it is impossible to incorporate live materials into a skincare product.  Instead, companies are creating products with specialized peptides and enzymes or plant stem cells which, when applied topically on the surface, help protect the human skin stem cells from damage and deterioration or stimulate the skin’s own stem cells.  National Stem Cell was one of the few companies who actually incorporated into their skin care an enzyme secreted from human embryonic stem cells, but they are in the process of switching over to use non-embryonic stem cells from which to take the beneficial enzyme.

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, it can remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a skin cell. There are two types of stem cells, embryonic and adult.

During a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on Wednesday, high-profile Alzheimer’s disease funding advocates called for a public-private effort to garner more research money and support for caregivers, CQ HealthBeat reports (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 3/25). A recent Alzheimer’s Study Group report suggested that the disease “could very easily surpass even the current economic crisis in the damage it inflicts on individuals and our economy” and cost Medicare and Medicaid more than $1 trillion annually by 2050 (Clark, Miami Herald, 3/26).

According to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), co-chair of the study group with former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.), “There is no single breakthrough that would do more to lower the cost of entitlements than preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease,” because, “Given the present trends, Alzheimer’s will cost Medicare and Medicaid a projected $19.89 trillion between 2010 and 2050.”

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Do you suffer from red skin?  Most of the time, it’s either caused by an allergic reaction or an unusually sensitive skin.  Whatever’s causing your skin to adopt an unusually crimson quality, red skin treatments that are calming can create dramatic improvements to its overall appearance.

When choosing red skin treatments, creams and lotions that feature soothing and calming ingredients often work best.  They will calm the complexion, reduce the redness and make any inflammations subside.  As such, you will normally find skin-appeasing ingredients like botanicals, antioxidants and natural spring water.  Products with plenty of vitamin C, aloe vera and similar ingredients usually work very well.

Overnight Red Skin Treatments

Unfortunately, you’re not likely to find soothing red skin relief that will work for you overnight.  Good red skin treatments, however, may be able to create noticeable effects within a week so orient your expectations accordingly.

Like many skin care problems, though, the best red skin treatments will vary from one skin type to another.  Personally, the most effective I’ve found is a combination treatment of hydrocortizone and clear neosporin.  This two-step applicagtion usually clears my red skin in 3 to 4 days.

Crow’s feet, for the most part, can be treated the same way you work towards fixing other wrinkles around the eye area.  Whatever you find to be the best anti wrinkle cream for other problems you experience within the same skin part, such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, will likely facilitate the same effective results for your crow’s feet.

When looking for the best anti wrinkle cream for remedying crow’s feet, look towards products rich in peptides.  While this amide usually comes in different variations, they come fitted with natural substances that your skin tends to lose with age.  As such, they are able to replenish skin-rejuvenating elements like collagen and elastin as well as relax your muscles, allowing skin to naturally return to its younger form.

Antioxidants are also great ingredients that can help diminish crow’s feet immensely.  If you’re experiencing signs of aging due to environmental damage, antioxidant-rich products can prove to not only the best anti wrinkle cream for easing their appearance but help prevent future damage as well.

Other ingredients you will find in the best anti wrinkle cream products include hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing agent that naturally occurs within the body.  Be careful about using vitamin A-based wrinkle products, such as those with retinol.  The sensitivity of the area around the eyes may leave it to cause more problems than solutions.