You can't turn back time, but there are several cosmetic services that can help improve ageing skin.
Skin ageing may be caused by numerous factors that are broadly classified into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.
Intrinsic ageing refers to the natural ageing process of the skin which results in different conditions including the slowed production of collagen and elastin, decreased rate of cellular regeneration and exfoliation, and sagging skin.
Extrinsic ageing, on the other hand, refers to factors that hasten skin ageing. These factors are the ones that can be easily avoided and include smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and repeated facial expressions.
But what cosmetic services work best to counter the effects of skin ageing? Here's a brief list.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic service that utilises fine particles to eliminate dead cells from the upper layer of the skin. Upon removal of these dead skin cells, the skin can regenerate new cells.
Laser skin resurfacing
This cosmetic procedure involves the use of high intensity light to smoothen wrinkles and scars. Laser can also be used to tighten skin that has loosened over time.
Chemical peels
Like microdermabrasion, the goal of chemical peels is to remove dead cells from the upper layer of the skin in order to facilitate the growth of new skin cells. This translates to smoother and evenly coloured skin. Typically, chemical peels are used for conditions like age spots, skin discolouration, wrinkles, and dull skin texture.
Botox
Also known as Dysport, Botox paralyses the muscles in the face in order to smoothen wrinkles and remove fine lines.
Fillers
Filler injections, which contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar, can help minimise wrinkles and fine lines while adding volume to the facial skin.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery can give the skin on the face, neck, forehead and eyelids a tighter appearance. In recent years, facelifts have done away with large incisions. Smaller incisions can now be made endoscopically in areas that are difficult to detect.
An ounce of prevention
With recent developments in the fields of cosmetics, people now have different options for reversing some of the effects of ageing. However, many of these procedures can be quite costly. And as such, practitioners often advise people to take good care of their skin while they are young. Many of the extrinsic causes of ageing can be easily avoided. A little awareness and care while you are young can go a long way as you age.