There are two main processes that induce skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic aging is caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, air pollution, smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition, resulting in photo damage as wrinkles, pigmented lesions, patchy hypopigmentations, and actinic keratoses ("sunspots"). Intrinsic aging is age-related and reflects genetic background. Various expressions of intrinsic aging include smooth, thinning skin with exaggerated expression lines. Timely protection including physical and chemical sunscreens, as well as avoiding exposure to intense UV irradiation, is most important. Use of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, and others - orally and topically - can reduce signs of aging. A diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise are also recommended.

  Inflammation caused by chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus, significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis. The risk of heart disease in people with RA is comparable to the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. New recommendations are that people with various forms of arthritis should undergo annual screening to assess their heart disease risks, and should be counseled on the heart-healthy benefits of eating a low-fat diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing stress levels.  Inflammation is also thought to play an important role in the development of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD; retinal damage leading to vision loss). Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, and research has linked increased intake of foods and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids with decreased risks of AMD, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, as well as reduction of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Professional compounding pharmacists have come a long way since the day when the only tools available to prepare medications were a mortar and pestle, mixing slab, and a torsion balance which used brass weights to measure ingredients. While we still occasionally use a mortar and pestle, the symbol of our profession, our compounding laboratory now contains electronic balances; an electronic mortar and pestle that systematically mixes ingredients in the final container that is used to dispense the medication; an ointment mill that can reduce particle size for optimal absorption and cosmetic appeal; a capsule machine; molds for troches, lollipops; and suppositories, and more. 

 
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