Investing in your skin!

Investing in your skin is crucial in turning back the clock and prolonging the aging process. There are multiple biological, structural, lifestyle, and anatomical factors that affect the skin.  As one ages, the skin loses its firmness and collagen, resulting in skin laxity and wrinkle formation. Intrinsic factors, such as inhibition of the metabolic process, occur with aging. This results in destruction of fibroblasts responsible for formation of the connective tissue. Ultimately this leads to the destruction of collagen and elastin. Epidermal and dermal atrophy occurs, altering the epidermal and dermal junction. This junction is responsible for epidermal and dermal adherence which mechanically supports the epidermis. Extrinsic factors that affect the skin include accumulation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that exert damage to our cells and accelerate the process of aging. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and sun exposure over time can lead to wrinkle formation, hyperpigmentation, and reduction of skin elasticity. Hormonal effects can accelerate the aging process once levels decline. Estrogen impacts bone destiny and skeletal muscle strength in our face, accelerates the aging process once one is in menopause, and results in facial atrophy. Another component that can impact aging is impairment of optimal water balance in the skin. This results in reduction of the hyaluronic acid concentration we naturally have in our skin.

How can one slow down the aging process?

The skin care product that has made a huge impact on one’s skin would be sunscreen. The sun is the main source of damage as a result of UV rays penetrating deeply into the skin, damaging our collagen and causing wrinkle formation.  Retinoids and Retinoids are skin care products that are a must in your skin care routine are a great way to reduce aging, reverse sun damage and lift pigmentation. They increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis and production, increasing skin thickness and bounce. Antioxidant serums are a great way to add additional exogenous antioxidants to our skin, slowing down the accelerated aging process that takes place. Free radicals are unstable molecules that exert damage to our cells and accelerate the process of aging.  UV exposure decreases the natural antioxidants in our skin, resulting in our skin cells embarking on oxidative stress and free radical formation. Skin care ingredients such as Niacinamide and Vitamin C significantly increase antioxidants to the skin,  further helping fight free radical formation.

What treatments slow down the aging process?

Skin health treatments are crucial in aiding and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and other signs of aging.  Sylfirm X is a dual acting radiofrequency energy and microneedling device that is incredibly effective at boosting one’s collagen, tightening, and targeting in hyperpigmentation. Sylfirm X uses radiofrequency heat and creates microinjuries to the dermal layer of skin. This results in a healing cascade that stimulates new production of collagen and repairs the skin.

Laser treatments are incredible in targeting texture, fine lines, pores and hyperpigmentation. The Clear and Brilliant is a dual acting laser that can target texture and pigmentation along with minimizing pore size and blood vessels!

There are other forms of prevention and regeneration of collagen. Platelet rich fibrin, also known as All natural fillers, uses one’s own blood to stimulate production of collagen and rejuvenation of the skin. Neurotoxin injectables are a great way to smooth and tighten the skin, at the same time prevention of wrinkles through relaxation of the targeted muscles.

There are many different treatments that are offered and can highly impact our appearance as we age. A proper consultation, which is offered at GFacedMD, can determine the treatment choice that is right for you and will allow for the best results.