From the age of about 25 years, the visible signs of aging start to appear. As the skins natural ability to repair and regenerate itself begins to slow down, there is a slower turnover of old cells being replaced by new cells. Damage such as that related to sun exposure and smoking starts to accumulate.
Skin changes with age in the following ways:
• the skin becomes thinner, making it more fragile and vulnerable to damage and irritation from environmental factors
• the skin loses strength and elasticity due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin
• the skin’s ability to hold moisture reduces resulting in skin becoming drier and looser
• the skin loses underlying fat, reducing skin tone and smoothness
• blood vessels decrease, causing a loss in colour and glow
• sebaceous glands are less active, reducing the skin’s natural protective oily layer and making it more dry
How your skin ages is related to your genetics, your repetitive facial movements and gravity. The skins aging process is also caused and exacerbated by a number of environmental factors, including:
• sun and UV radiation exposure
• cigarette smoking
• stress
• poor nutrition
• extreme changes in temperature
Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure, with visible signs including wrinkles, freckles, age spots, spider veins, rough and leathery skin, loose skin and a blotchy complexion. Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in the body that accelerate aging, increasing the development of wrinkles, leathery skin and a yellowish complexion. Smokers often have tell-tale signs of their habit written on their face, including increased and deep lines around the mouth.
For women and men wanting to address the visible signs of aging, there are a range of treatments available. These range from short term treatments using products such as Antiwrinkle Injection and dermal fillers, to more longer lasting results from Cosmetic Surgery such as Facelift, Necklift, Browlift or Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Antiwrinkle Injection is used to smooth mild to moderate lines and wrinkles, such as glabellar lines (vertical frown lines between the eyebrows that look like the number “11”), crowsfeet (wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes) or forehead worry lines. Antiwrinkle Injection works by inhibiting the activity of a given muscle by blocking nerve impulses that cause the muscle to contract and create a wrinkle, resulting in a smoother appearance. Optimal results are usually visible within 2 weeks of treatment and last up to 4 months.
The exact number of units of Antiwrinkle Injection required varies from person to person, as well as, being a male or female. It is not unusual for adjustment doses after the 2 week period as there is no exact formula when injecting Antiwrinkle Injections.
Dermal fillers are also used to reverse the effects of aging by adding volume to specific areas to either eliminate wrinkles or enhance features. Many women and men choose to have dermal fillers to smooth and soften the nasolabial folds, the creases that extend from the edges of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Alternatively, people choose to enhance features, such as their lips or cheek bones. Dermal fillers may also be used under the eye area to address a gaunt appearance due to fat or tissue loss by using thicker forms of dermal fillers . Dermal fillers work by lifting and adding volume to an area, therefore lifting and smoothing lines and wrinkles.
For longer lasting results, many women and men choose a surgical option, such as Face lift, Neck lift, Brow lift and/or Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). These Cosmetic Surgery procedures essentially seek to create a more youthful appearance by addressing wrinkles, lines and loose skin and underlying soft tissue.
You can help to prevent the visible signs of aging by avoiding sun and UV damage by always wearing sun protection and wearing a hat, and avoiding cigarette smoking.