We are all aware that as we age, the levels of collagen and elastin production decrease. Eventually, if we want to look as attractive as we age, we are going to consider antiaging cosmetic surgery. There are ways in which to put off the need for some of the more invasive processes such as cosmetic surgery or even plastic surgery and we shall try to cover them here.
Collagen and elastin are proteins which give skin its volume and moisture. When collagen production begins to decline, the skin loses its plumpness and the result will be that wrinkles, creases form and deep folds develop. To delay the necessity of cosmetic surgery using the various cosmetic fillers available, there are some supplements you can take to help with collagen production such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
You can also avoid environmental factors such as sun damage, pollution, poor diet, stress, smoking, and alcohol to help delay the aging of our skin Avoiding these factors will help to delay the aging of our skin.
Eventually though, you may consider getting some anti-aging cosmetic surgery and begin to research the products available that will replace lost volume and fill out wrinkles in areas around the eyes or nasal labial folds. However, you can use a excellent anti-aging skin cream and anti-aging serum that includes ingredients such as Strivectin SD, Regenerist by Olay, Wrinkle Relax by DDF which use an ingredient called Pentapeptides.
Pentapeptides were actually studied in the field of wound healing. Pentapeptides are amino acids which function as chemical messengers and were used in wound recovery studies to increase the skin cells production of collagen. Applying pentapeptides combined with fatty acids assist absorption into the skin and help to produce more collagen. These anti-aging creams also contain herbs and vitamins with anti-aging properties.
Strivectin SD was originally developed for stretch marks which are the result of separated collagen fibers. Users of Strivectin SD began applying the cream to their face and they saw as a result a stimulation of collagen production and softened wrinkles.
Other excellent ingredients to look for in skin creams for anti-aging are products such as argireline complex and hyaluronic acid. Argireline is claimed to work like Botox, destroying a protein which discharges a neurotransmitter that keeps muscle tense and causes wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid, another ingredient in anti-aging creams has had a lot of research into the use of it. It is a Glycosaminoglycan , a water-binding agent found in the skin tissue and synovial fluid that moisturizes the cartilage and joints. It is also used for products that treat “dry eye syndrome”. It is known as “nature’s moisturizer” because it is naturally occurring in the skin tissue and joints.
Another of the most promising researched ingredient for wrinkle prevention is Retin-A, the brand name for the ingredient tretinoin. It has been around for about 25 years and has been successful in the treatment of sun damaged skin, acne and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion can be done in a spa or salon but it is best of course to have this done by a skilled and experienced esthetician. Microdermabrasion works on the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum where the fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes on your face lay. It is a less invasive procedure than cosmetic fillers such as Botox, etc., and can be viewed as an “instant” facelift. The prices range from $50 – $175 a session. Your esthetician will recommend a series of treatments to achieve the results you wish.
How does microdermabrasion work? During the microdermabrasion process the outer layer, the stratum corneum is disturbed. The body interprets this as an injury and responds with crythema – the redness you will see after the process and mild edema (swelling). These reactions will last anywhere from an hour to 48 hours.
The beneficial effects of microdermabrasion are the creation of new skin cells and a smoother skin surface. It can “fix” such things as removing fine lines, correcting sun damage and blemishes and allows moisturizing creams applied after the treatment to reach the lower levels of the skin. Over time and with repeated microdermabrasion procedures, it can also improve minor acne scarring by generating new healthy skin cells, thereby improving the skin surface.
Advanced Fluorescence Technology or Photo Facials:
A photo facial is an anti-aging treatment for conditions such as age spots, small vessels, melasma and rosacea.
AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) or a Photo Facial is a light based therapy that uses light and can be applied to the problem area causing minimum damage to the healthy surrounding skin. It is safe and effective with little downtime and minimum risk or side effects.
Botox:
Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles giving the face a more relaxed and youthful appearance. There is no downtime to the procedure; it can even be done over a lunch hour.
What is Botox? Botox is a purified protein which is injected into the area that requires it. It can be used for frown lines and wrinkles around the eyes. It is injected into the muscle and causes the muscle to relax, smoothing out the wrinkle which forms on top of the muscle. Results will last anywhere from four to six months when you will need to have Botox done again.
Restylane:
Restylane is a cosmetic filler used for lips, wrinkles and facial contours. It is made by a Swedish company called Q-Med that develops, produces and markets medical implants. It is used make lips fuller, fills in deep folds in the face and smoothes wrinkles. It is made of a natural ingredient called stabilized hyaluronic acid. Restylane gives natural and long lasting results. The results are not permanent, but they do last a long time. Factors which affect the length of time that Restylane will last depend on many things, including muscle activity, life style and skin type.
Restylane is injected in tiny amounts into the area that requires it. The gel binds with water and is absorbed slowly. This process allows for time to maintain the results. Speak to a doctor who is experienced with Restylane injections and cosmetic surgery. Follow up treatments can take place after about six months. It is not necessary to have local anesthetic unless you require it. Some side effects may include redness, swelling, itching, pain, discoloration and tenderness at the site of injection. About 1 in 2000 patients experience sensitivity reactions which can start a day or two after the injection. Restylane creates a soft natural look by creating volume and smoothing wrinkles.
Artesense:
ArteSense is known as a permament injectable filler and will last for many years. ArteSense actually stimulates the growth of natural collagen. Consisting of tiny PMMA microspheres, it binds with you own collagen, a process which takes about two to three months. The collagen carrier delivers the PMMA and is absorbed by your body and forms new collagen.
You may ask what is PMMA? This is a substance which has been used for nearly a century in ocular lenses, dental work, bone repair, artificial hips, limbs and pacemakers. It is a safe substance and has been used by over 400,000 patients around the world. Anti-aging results with ArteSense have lasted 10 years or more.
Radiesse:
Radiesse is made of synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres which are suspended in a gel carrier. CaHA is a biomaterial used for over 20 years in orthopedics, neurosurgery, dentistry and ophthalmology. It is also a primary mineral constituent of bone and teeth. It is naturally compatible with the body. It is a man made synthetic, much like calcium phosphate. It has been used since 1995 in clinical trials and produced safe and efficacy results. It is approved by Health Canada and the FDA in the U.S. The results are immediate and long lasting from anywhere from one to two years.
Teosyal:
Teosyal, a new generation of anti-aging cosmetic filler produces results that can last up to one year or more. It has an immediate volumizing effect. This antiaging dermal filler boasts low concentration of by-products, is made from Hyaluronic Acid suspended in a monophasic gel and is 100% of non animal origin. It is a homogeneous product which takes longer to be broken down by free radicals. Teosyal is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
In conclusion, it is possible to delay seeking out anti-aging cosmetic surgery procedures by way of avoiding the environmental factors that contribute to aging skin. Using a good anti-aging serum and moisturizer which contains the ingredients listed above, avoiding environmental factors which will age your skin and adding the supplements hyaluronic acid and vitamin C will help. Microdermabrasion and photo facials will improve the surface of your skin and are less invasive than cosmetic surgery and can actually delay the need for actual surgery. When you feel the time is right to start investigating anti-aging cosmetic procedures, you now have the facts.
