Aging Skin Treatments

From around the age of 25, the initial signs of aging become apparent on the skin’s surface, while fine lines, wrinkles, facial volume loss, and a loss of skin elasticity develop and strengthen over time. Signs of aging skin occur for a wide variety of reasons, and many of the causes of skin aging are natural and cannot be altered. Several factors, however, can cause the skin to age prematurely and may be influenced. Understanding the ways in which internal and external factors affect skin structures and functions can help inform dermatology treatment choices.

If you notice the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging or you seek the expertise of a skin specialist to help you preserve a youthful appearance for years to come, contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. Our dermatology associates are committed to helping our clients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin. Love the skin you’re in at any age — contact us today to schedule a dermatology appointment.

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Signs Of Aging Skin

Our skin is at the mercy of numerous forces — including the sun, pollution, genetics, and bad habits — each of which contribute to visible signs of aging skin. The most common signs of aging skin include wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and loss of facial elasticity.

Wrinkles

The first noticeable signs of aging are fine lines and wrinkles. Laugh lines or crow’s feet (small, shallow wrinkles) appear around the mouth and at the outer corners of the eyes, followed by wrinkles on the forehead. Dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that appear only when we change our facial expressions, become more prominent and evolve into permanent wrinkles with age.

Loss Of Volume

A loss of volume and facial contours can be difficult to identify. A loss of facial volume typically results in sagging skin, cheeks that appear flattened or sunken, deep nasolabial folds, and the appearance of a turkey neck (excess skin in the neck area). Facial skin may appear slack due to a loss of elastin and collagen, as well as fragile, due to flattening of the skin’s top layers.

Loss Of Elasticity

As the skin matures, its structures weaken and it loses firmness and elasticity as deeper wrinkles begin to form. Skin can also become drier with age, causing the face to lose radiance commonly associated with a youthful appearance. Thinning of the skin is likewise commonly associated with visible aging, causing the skin to appear transparent and fragile.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Many different factors contribute to the appearance of wrinkled skin. While there is no cure for natural aging (intrinsic aging), a wide range of external factors and habits can be altered to help prevent visible signs of premature aging (extrinsic aging) on the skin, including wrinkles.

Sun Exposure

Sun damage, or photoaging, is by far the biggest culprit in the development of wrinkles and skin damage. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate deep into the skin’s dermal layer and causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin. The skin begins to sag and wrinkle with the loss of these essential proteins. But wrinkles are just one effect that results from sun damage — photoaging also causes sun spots, skin cancer — including melanoma — as well as actinic keratosis, rough skin texture, and hyperpigmentation, among other harmful effects.

Inappropriate Skin Care

Skin that is poorly cared for will age faster than skin that is properly cared for. Additionally, those that use products that irritate their skin are more likely to experience premature signs of aging than those who follow healthy and effective skin care basics, such as using gentle products appropriate for their skin type and regular application of products designed to protect the skin from harmful external elements. Additionally, using effective sun protection is key to preventing premature skin aging as well as multiple different types of skin cancers.

Obesity

Excess weight due to obesity causes a number of skin changes over time. It causes the skin to expand and decreases the strength and health of skin, hair, and nails. Obesity can also lead to the development of multiple skin conditions, including psoriasis, skin rashes, and cellulitis. Other skin conditions linked to obesity include dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans), growths that protrude from the skin (skin tags), stretch marks, and varicose veins.

Pollution

Free radicals cause skin damage when they pull electrons from other molecules in the body. This alters the skin’s chemical structures and biological processes, accelerating the aging process and forming wrinkles and fine lines. Environmental pollution is among the primary sources of exposure to free radicals. While certain antioxidant enzymes can help shield the skin from free radicals, they cannot fully protect the skin against pollution-related harm and effects.

Muscle Contractions

Repeated facial expressions and facial movements, such as squinting or smiling, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Each time a facial muscle is used, a temporary groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. As skin ages, its levels of elastin and collagen deplete, causing the skin to lose its flexibility and ability to spring back into place following facial movements. Over time with age, these temporary grooves become permanent features on the face.

Smoking

Healthy skin constantly regenerates. Old collagen breaks down and is, thereafter, replaced with new collagen. Smoking causes a marked reduction in the production of new collagen. Decreased collagen results in the development of visible signs of aging. Along with external sources of pollution, smoking can likewise accelerate the skin’s normal aging process and, as a result, contribute to the production of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and body.

How Is Aging Skin Treated?

A variety of procedures are used to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines — research indicates that a combination of dermatologist treatments and lifestyle choices yield the most satisfying results. Our dermatology clinic offers an encompassing range of effective anti aging skin treatments, including cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels and facials; dermal fillers, such as Botox®; laser treatments; microdermabrasion; and microneedling. Our dermatologists can likewise discuss with you your goals for skin treatment, expected outcome following treatment, and lifestyle habits that can positively impact your skin and skin health. Contact us today to learn more about our available treatments and to schedule a dermatologist appointment.

How To Prevent Aging Skin

Because Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center’s dermatologists are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, each patient is individually evaluated in order to determine the best treatment choice based on the patient’s unique needs, skin type, goals, and lifestyle requirements. In addition to undergoing recommended treatments with your dermatologist, we recommend the following preventative, anti aging skin tips.

Avoid sun exposure. Stay out of the sun when the sun is strongest — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing outdoors, such as long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
Use sun protection daily. Liberally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF of at least 35 to all exposed skin, and reapply frequently.
Stay away from tanning beds. Avoid tanning beds in order to reduce unnecessary exposure of the skin to harmful UVA and UVB rays that accelerate aging.
Follow a healthy skin care regimen. Use the right aging skin care products for your specific skin type — consult your product choices with your local dermatologist.
Keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells and can lead to premature wrinkles. Moisturizing traps water in the skin and reduces the appearance of facial lines.
Eat a healthy diet. Certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in our diets can help protect the skin from premature aging — consume lots of fruits and vegetables.
Don’t smoke. Even long-term or heavy smokers can improve the appearance of their skin and prevent the development of wrinkles by quitting smoking.
Minimize stress. Oxidative stress is the primary cause of skin aging. Make lifestyle choices that focus on minimizing exposure to free radicals and oxidative stress.