As we age, our skin undergoes changes that can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing. The skin ages due to both internal and external factors, called intrinsic and extrinsic photo ageing.
Internal Factors:
Collagen and elastin are proteins found in the skin that are crucial for its structure and elasticity. Both collagen and elastin are essential for maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. However, their production decreases with age, leading to the development of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of ageing. The rate at which skin cells renew themselves slows down with age, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin which can make the skin appear dull. The skin gradually becomes lax and thinner as we age, making it more prone to damage and bruising. Gravity also adds to the laxity.
External Factors:
There are molecules called ‘free radicals’ which are harmful to the body. These molecules are missing an electron which makes them unstable. They can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA, and accelerate ageing when they are not kept in check. These molecules are neutralised by molecules called antioxidants.
When there are more free radicals present than can be kept in balance by antioxidants, the free radicals can damage cells and contribute to various health issues, including ageing. This imbalance can occur due to external factors. Smoking is one major cause. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including free radicals, which can accelerate ageing and also cause other health issues. Environmental pollutants can also generate free radicals that damage the skin’s DNA and accelerate ageing. UV light also generates free radicals, which accelerates ageing.
Anti-Ageing Tips:
While there is nothing wrong with ageing, modern sensibilities would prefer that we ‘age like fine wine’. There are lots of steps you can take by yourself to ensure this, such as getting an optimum amount of sleep, eating healthy meals, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
It is important to note that the way ageing manifests in Caucasian skin and Asian skin differs. The skin ages earlier in Caucasian skin, becoming apparent in the fourth and fifth decade. It is visible through wrinkles and changes in skin colour. Caucasian skin is also more prone to skin cancer. Asian skin begins to age later, and becomes apparent in the sixth and seventh decade. Skin ageing in Asian skin is visible through change in pigmentation and texture, with the skin becoming rougher as the years go by. Skin cancer is also less common in Asian skin.
For truly advanced results, you can also consider professional treatments. Professional anti-ageing treatments are most suitable when you begin to notice visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, loss of skin elasticity, depressions and elevations due to fat redistribution, and sagging due.
Here are various professional anti-ageing treatments available to rejuvenate the skin and restore a more youthful appearance.
Types of Professional Anti-Ageing Treatments:
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels for anti-ageing are cosmetic treatments that use chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and promote cell regeneration.
- Superficial Peels: These peels use milder acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. They can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone. Superficial peels have minimal downtime and are suitable for all skin types.
- Medium Peels: Medium peels use stronger acids, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to penetrate deeper into the skin. They can improve the appearance of moderate wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars. Medium peels have a longer recovery time compared to superficial peels and may cause redness, swelling, and peeling.
- Deep Peels: Deep peels use the strongest acids, such as phenol, to deeply penetrate the skin. They reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. Deep peels have the longest recovery time and may require several weeks to heal completely. These are not generally done for Indian skin.
2. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a handheld device to gently remove the outer layer of the skin with dead skin cells. It is commonly used to improve the appearance of skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce age spots and acne scars. This process rejuvenates the skin and helps reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and colours and is generally painless. It can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Multiple sessions are usually recommended for best results, spaced several weeks apart.
- Laser Therapy: Laser anti-ageing therapy is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to target specific skin concerns associated with ageing. The lasers emit focused light energy that penetrates the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
There are two main types of laser anti-ageing treatments:
- Non-Ablative Lasers: These lasers are less invasive and work by heating the underlying layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. They can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. Non-ablative lasers typically have minimal downtime and are suitable for mild to moderate signs of ageing.
- Ablative Lasers: Ablative lasers are more aggressive and work by removing the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and heating the underlying skin (dermis). This process stimulates collagen production and can improve more severe signs of ageing, such as deep wrinkles and scars. Ablative lasers have a longer recovery time compared to non-ablative lasers.
The procedure is relatively quick and can be done in a dermatologist’s clinic. Multiple sessions are often recommended for best results, spaced several weeks apart.
- Injectable Treatments: Injectable treatments for ageing, such as Botox and dermal fillers, are cosmetic procedures that involve injecting substances into the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and add volume.
- Botox: Botox is a substance that temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow’s feet. By relaxing these muscles, Botox can smooth out wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Results typically last for several months, after which the treatment can be repeated.
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to add volume and fullness. They can be used to fill in wrinkles and fine lines, plump up thin lips, and enhance cheekbones. Common types of dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid fillers, which attract and retain moisture, and collagen stimulators, which encourage the skin to produce more collagen. The results of dermal fillers can last anywhere from several months to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used.
All the above treatments are minimally invasive procedures that can be performed in a dermatologist’s clinic. There may be some swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days.
For all these professional treatments, you must visit a qualified and competent healthcare professional who will advise you on the appropriate measures relevant to your context. The Venkat Center provides these services as well. Please check out the website to find out more.
