There is no doubt about it, time takes its toll on our skin. The aging process is not one that can be stopped, but there are certain aspects of aging that can be delayed – sometimes for a number of years before those familiar aging symptoms begin to show. By understanding how and why the skin ages, we can take steps to slow the process and reverse those signs once they do finally appear.
Intrinsic Aging
There are two basic types of aging that occurs to the skin. The first is intrinsic aging, which occurs from the inside out. This type of aging takes place no matter what we do to try to prevent it. Beginning as early as our 20s, our bodies begin to decrease the production of collagen, a substance that supports the connective tissue underneath the skin’s surface and contributes to the smooth supple appearance of the skin. Less collagen results in skin that becomes thinner and more fragile over time.
In addition to the lower collagen levels, sweat and oil gland production slows, leaving the skin drier and more prone to damage. Elastin, another protein found in connective tissue with collagen, also diminishes to produce loose skin and the formation of facial wrinkles. While there is no way to stop the intrinsic aging process, it is important to note that the results of intrinsic aging are usually less prominent when they do develop. Professional cosmetic treatments are also effective at reversing some intrinsic aging symptoms.
Extrinsic Aging
Extrinsic aging occurs from the outside in and involves factors that we have more control over. Sun exposure, environmental pollution and cigarette smoke can all take their toll on the skin, accelerating changes like rough uneven skin tone, the appearance of brown spots and the formation of facial creases.
In addition to the changes to the appearance of the skin, exposure to these elements also increases our risk for precancerous changes and skin cancer. Fortunately, we can take steps to prevent this type of damage, such as wearing sunscreen whenever we go outside and kicking the smoking habit. While it is best to take these steps before the aging symptoms become evident, it is never too late to make the healthy choices that will protect our skin from further damage.
Your Skin and the Sun
The sun is particularly detrimental to the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays can rob the skin of vital collagen and significantly accelerate the aging process. Sunscreen is a must every day of the year, even in the heart of winter. The team at Incredible Veins Skin & Body recommend a minimum SPF 50, perhaps even higher if you will be spending an extended amount of time outdoors.
Application of sunscreen must be done properly to ensure the best protection. Always use the equivalent of one full shot glass of sunscreen to cover your entire body. Apply the lotion around 20 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours if you remain outdoors. It is also important to reapply sunscreen after being in the water or sweating profusely, such as during a workout.
Telltale Signs of Aging
While we typically associate wrinkles with the aging process, there are other ways the passage of time can take its toll on the skin. Some of those include:
- Thin, transparent skin that is more prone to injury
- The formation of brown spots, particularly in sun-exposed areas
- Loss of youthful volume around the cheeks and under the eyes
- Loose skin that leads to the formation of jowls around the jawline
- More bruising as blood vessels under the skin become more fragile
- The appearance of skin tags and rough patches of skin
The good news is that nearly all of these concerns can be effectively addressed with non-surgical skin treatments today. These procedures are specifically designed to reverse some of the aging sings and produce a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Reversing Aging Signs
While you might be able to delay or even prevent some of the signs of aging, you can’t stop the process completely. However, when those facial lines and skin laxity start to appear, there are procedures that will help address your concerns and restore a more youthful appearance. At Incredible Veins Skin & Body, we offer the following anti-aging options:
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
With a number of devices to choose from, we can tailor your laser treatment to your specific needs and desired results. Skin rejuvenation addresses early signs of aging without significant discomfort or downtime. Fractional laser resurfacing works deeper beneath the skin’s surface to offer more dramatic, long-lasting results.
Radiofrequency Treatments
RF energy has taken the place of lasers for some patients, due to its high level of safety and efficacy in addressing a variety of skin concerns. At Incredible Veins Skin & Body, we offer the revolutionary Venus Viva for this purpose, which works underneath the skin’s surface to stimulate additional collagen production and increase blood flow to the treatment area. The procedure offers long-lasting results with minimal discomfort and downtime involved.
Microneedling
This is another procedure used to stimulate the body’s own healing process and production of collagen for natural, long-lasting results. The staff at Incredible Veins Skin & Body uses the Eclipse micropen for this purpose, which is a small handheld device run across the skin’s surface to create micro-injuries in the skin. Results of the procedure can be seen right away and continue to improve in the months following treatment.
Injectable Treatments
One of the fastest, most effective ways of treating targeted areas of aging is an injectable procedure using a neuromodulator or a dermal filler. Neuromodulators like Botox work by relaxing facial muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles. Dermal fillers provide support to the underlying skin structure, smoothing away wrinkles from the inside out. Both of these procedures are relatively quick and painless, although they will need to be repeated periodically to maintain positive results.
Aging is an inevitable process that none of us can escape entirely. Fortunately proper preventative measures can delay and minimize those aging symptoms. When the signs do appear, effective treatments today can reverse the aging signs and restore a more youthful appearance. To learn more about any of our anti-aging treatments, contact Incredible Veins Skin & Body at 818- 900-2700