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November 7, 2023
Ageing is something that none of us can avoid. It is a natural process that brings various changes to our body including the skin. While ageing is a privilege, not everyone gets, many of us want to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin for as long as possible.
One of the aims of Dermatology is to help people deal with these skin changes that come with age. In this article, we will tell you all that you need to know about the science behind ageing skin and how dermatologists can help minimise its effects.
Ageing is an intrinsic and unavoidable phenomenon that impacts various facets of our physique, encompassing our skin. Ageing can lead to alterations in the way our skin looks and feels, which often raises concerns for many individuals.
Three common signs of ageing skin are wrinkles, sagging, and dryness. Let us delve into each of these and explore how, why, and what is behind them.
Wrinkles are one of the most noticeable signs of skin ageing. They occur primarily due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production as we age. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, while elastin allows it to bounce back when stretched. As their production decreases, the skin becomes less firm and less able to maintain its smooth appearance. Repetitive facial expressions, exposure to UV radiation, and smoking can also contribute to the development of wrinkles.
Dermatology offers various treatments to address wrinkles, including topical retinoids, botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser therapy. These treatments can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, relaxing muscles, or resurfacing the skin.
Sagging or laxity of the skin is another common sign of ageing. It happens because of the loss of skin elasticity, primarily due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres.
Fun fact: Gravity also plays a minor role in skin sagging, as the skin becomes less able to resist the downward pull over time.
Surgical procedures such as facelifts and neck lifts are effective for addressing significant skin sagging. Non-surgical options such as radiofrequency therapy and ultrasound-based treatments can also help tighten and firm the skin.
Ageing skin tends to become drier due to a reduction in sebum (natural oil) production. Additionally, the skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases with age, leading to increased dryness and sometimes flakiness.
To combat dryness, it is essential to maintain a proper skincare routine. This includes using hydrating cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are ingredients often found in skincare products that can help lock in moisture and improve skin hydration.
While it’s impossible to stop the natural ageing process entirely, there are steps you can take to minimise its impact on your skin:
Before diving into the various treatments and interventions available, it is important to understand the fundamental changes that occur in our skin as we age. Age-related skin changes can be broadly categorised into two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.
Intrinsic ageing, also known as natural ageing, is primarily influenced by our genetics and internal processes. Key features include:
Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors, primarily lifestyle and environmental exposures. Notable factors include:
Dermatology offers a plethora of treatments and strategies to help individuals age gracefully and maintain healthy, youthful skin. These interventions can be customised to address the specific needs and concerns of each individual.
Topical treatments are types of medication applied to a specific part of the skin. They are commonly available as gels, lotions, creams, foams and ointments. The most common types of topical medicines used for treating age-related skin issues are:
These are various procedures which cause less damage to the body than an open surgery. The most popular example of a minimally invasive procedure is Laparoscopy. Dermatologists use a variety of minimally invasive procedures to treat skin ageing.
As people get older, they often want to keep their skin looking youthful and healthy. Luckily, dermatology has made great progress in developing non-invasive treatments that can rejuvenate ageing skin without surgery or long recovery times. These treatments are safe, and effective, and offer different options to address common skin concerns related to ageing. We will discuss some popular non-invasive treatments for rejuvenating ageing skin.
Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that temporarily relax muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by muscle movement). They are commonly used to smooth lines and wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows (frown lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet).
These treatments typically provide visible results within a few days and can last for several months. They require periodic maintenance to sustain the effects.
Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane), are injected beneath the skin’s surface to add volume and fill in lines and wrinkles. They are often used to address nasolabial folds, and marionette lines, and restore volume in areas like the cheeks and lips.
Results are immediate, and the duration of effects varies depending on the type of filler used but can last anywhere from six months to two years.
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer. This process encourages the growth of new, smoother skin with improved texture and reduced pigmentation irregularities.
The extent of improvement depends on the type of peel used (superficial, medium, or deep). Superficial peels may require multiple sessions, while deeper peels offer more dramatic results but may involve longer downtime.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliating treatment that uses a machine to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen production.
Multiple sessions are often recommended to achieve the best results, but there is minimal downtime associated with this treatment.
Laser and IPL treatments use targeted light energy to address various skin concerns, including wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and skin texture. These treatments can stimulate collagen production and reduce signs of ageing.
Results can vary depending on the specific treatment and the individual’s skin condition. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal outcomes.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that targets the deep layers of the skin and underlying tissue to stimulate collagen production. It is commonly used for lifting and tightening sagging skin on the face, neck, and chest.
Results gradually improve over several months and can last for up to two years.
RF treatments use radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and skin tightening. They can be used to address sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
RF treatments typically require multiple sessions and offer gradual, natural-looking improvements in skin texture and firmness.
A personalised skincare routine is important for healthy ageing because it addresses the unique needs and concerns of an individual’s skin as they get older. As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, including a decrease in collagen production, a slowdown in cell turnover, reduced elasticity, and increased vulnerability to environmental damage.
A tailored skincare regimen can help counteract these effects and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin. Here are some key reasons why personalised skincare is essential for healthy ageing:
Different people have different skin types and concerns. A personalised skincare routine considers your specific skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, and targets issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin.
A customised regimen can help prevent premature ageing by incorporating ingredients and products that protect environmental factors like UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals, all of which can accelerate skin ageing.
With a personalised approach, you can choose skincare products with ingredients that are most beneficial for your skin. This ensures that you’re not using products that could potentially irritate or exacerbate your unique skin issues.
As you age, your skin’s requirements can change. This needs to be taken into consideration for your daily skincare routine. What works for someone during their 20s may not be effective during their 40s. When you use products that are tailored to your skin, you’re more likely to see positive results because these products are formulated to address your specific needs. This can lead to healthier, more radiant skin over time.
Another important aspect to consider is the ingredients in your skincare product. Some skincare ingredients can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in certain individuals. If you feel something is irritating your skin, approach a dermatologist immediately.
Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can help you create a personalised skincare plan that is based on your skin’s specific needs and any underlying dermatological conditions. Our expert dermatologists can help you create such a customised plan that suits your skincare needs.
Ageing gracefully is about embracing the journey of life while taking proactive steps to maintain the health and vitality of your skin. Dermatology offers a wealth of knowledge and treatments to help individuals navigate age-related skin changes. Whether through topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical interventions, dermatologists can tailor solutions to address specific concerns and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
However, it is important to remember that ageing is a natural process, and while these treatments can enhance your appearance, they cannot stop the clock entirely. Embracing ageing with confidence and self-acceptance is perhaps the most graceful way to navigate this beautiful journey.
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