Skin rejuvenation – the best and safest methods

Aging is a set of changes in our body, and it's not just about wrinkles. However, they are the most upsetting, and here medicine, cosmetology and pharmacology compete, offering various options for skin rejuvenation. How to choose an effective and safe one – in the new material.

Aging is a one-way street. And while some people age faster than others, we all succumb to the inexorable effects of aging. The face skin and in the décolletage area are the first to suffer. Fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, coarsening of texture and discoloration. However, good science is on the side of the Woman, so it offers numerous opportunities to slow down the aging process.

In the new piece of the School of Women’s Health Dr. Silina, we talk about the most modern anti-aging techniques.

When choosing an anti-aging technique, we start from specific problems. The most common rejuvenation procedures are divided into several main groups: facials, injectables and fillers, laser treatment and topical products. But let’s start with the main thing.

Prevention of skin aging

As we age, collagen and elastin are getting ruined in the skin, causing it to become looser and more prone to wrinkling. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and certain habits, including smoking and alcohol, as well as influence of the stress hormones, further degrade collagen.

Constant facial mimics, such as the habit of squinting or frowning, lead to permanent wrinkles around the eyes or on the forehead. And creams or serums cannot fix it.

Except for one.

Use of SPF (Sun Protection Filters), level 15 and higher. This is the easiest and most important way to slow down the aging process. Apply in the morning to all sun-exposed areas of your body and reapply protection approximately every 90 minutes throughout the day. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher in combination with other measures, including wearing sunglasses and avoiding the midday sun, can help prevent skin cancer as well.

The best strategy for preventing the harmful effects of free radicals is also a well-regulated lifestyle (restriction of calories, refusing of alcohol and smoking, skin care and exercising), low stress and a balanced diet, including foods rich in antioxidants.

All this will also help when you choose rejuvenation methods, which will be discussed further.

aging

Facials

Nowadays there are two of the best facial and décolletage treatments that significantly slow down aging: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Microneedling.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy

This procedure is also called “a vampire facelift”, because that plasma is taken from your blood, more specifically, venous. With the help of a special centrifuge, plasma and platelets are separated, so the platelets are in a far higher concentration than it is in blood. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into any area you wish to rejuvenate or restore – usually the face. Thus this magical elixir is also great for a variety of gynecological issues, including vaginal dryness. It may seem unpleasant, but it is actually a safe, non-invasive and very simple process.

All the power in platelets containing growth factors that stimulate:
  • Synthesis of collagen
  • Skin renewal
  • Cell growth
  • Tissue regeneration

Platelets are a hybrid of a cell and a molecule. They have an amazing regenerating ability to coagulate, and in high concentrations heals the skin, and not only it. In particular, plasma therapy is successfully used against baldness.

Since the blood is yours, the body will absorb it without complications. The procedure actually imitates the body’s own healing process: without chemicals or foreign substances and allergic reactions.

After the injection, the plasma releases its growth factors, stimulating the surrounding cells and increasing their volume. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles by sending a signal to cells to come repair the damage. The influx of regenerative cells improves the overall quality, texture and elasticity of the treated skin. You may receive multiple injections around your target area. Say goodbye to wrinkles and sagging!

старіння aging
Natalya Silina, founder of the School of Women’s Health, during the procedure

The clinic of the founder of the School of Women’s Health, Dr. Silina “Lior” uses the Swiss Regen Lab system. It is the centrifuge and test tubes of this system that allow you to get a whole and intact platelet. The unique technology, confirmed by clinical studies, allows not only to rejuvenate the skin, but also to treat inflammation, alopecia, orthopedic and gynecological problems.

Microneedling

In this procedure skin with cosmetic problems is injected with small needles to increase collagen production. Several small punctures or microtraumas are created on the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process by producing new elastin and collagen, which are essential building blocks of healthy skin. Collagen makes the skin stronger, elastin provides softness and flexibility, together giving a younger-looking skin. This process is perfectly combined with plasma therapy, enhancing the effect of both procedures against aging.

Microneedles are also used to treat acne scars, vitiligo and alopecia.

Chemical peeling and microdermabrasion

These anti-aging treatments are also often used on the face, neck, arms, and back. In a chemical peel, topical agents (such as salicylic or glycolic acid) are applied to the skin and then washed off to remove dead skin cells, which helps reduce lines and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion uses a mechanical device to similarly exfoliate dead skin cells, improving cellular turnover, making the skin rejuvenated and smoother.

Note that chemical peeling is a more invasive procedure than, for example, plasma therapy, so it will take from two days to a week for the skin to heal. Microdermabrasion is gentler on the skin, but it all depends on the equipment – in particular, the use of crystals will increase the period required for rehabilitation.

At the same time, these methods show less effect against aging than the previous ones.

Anti-aging injectables and fillers

This point is more of a warning. After all, injectables with popular drugs such as botulinum toxin and different fillers have a lot of side effects. They may block some facial expressions in the areas of application and can even change your face beyond recognition or distort it. Celebrity examples are all around the web, so be careful and be careful.

Botulinum toxin

Better known as Botox. Botulinum toxin is a very powerful neurotoxin, one of the most poisonous biological substances, which is produced from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is a spore-forming gram-positive anaerobic bacterium. For practical use, four serotypes of bacteria are used, in cosmetology – products of three serotypes A. In addition, botulinum toxin is approved for the treatment of chronic migraines, cerebral palsy, blepharospasm, strabismus, hyperhidrosis, and urinary incontinence due to overactive bladder.

All serotypes interfere with neuronal transmission by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the main neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle paralysis. The effect of the injection of botulinum toxin A, which is used in cosmetology, appears gradually within two to ten days and usually lasts for three to six months. Simply put, the rejuvenating effect is achieved by relaxing the muscle and smoothing the corresponding area.

It is important that only licensed brands are used for the injection, and that the specialist has the appropriate qualifications. Unlicensed products for humans can even cause botulism infection, and improper administration can lead to disfigurement of your face. In addition, it is important to follow the rules after the injection. In particular not to comb the injection site, because the toxin will act on all the muscles that it can “reach”.

старіння aging
It is important to choose a safe method of rejuvenation that is right for you

Fillers

This is the general name for a number of products, their main anti-aging effect is to fill wrinkles with special substances or your own fat. They are also used to restore volume in certain areas of the face or increase them. The most popular examples are lip fillers.

Types of fillers
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance, already present in your skin, that helps keep it smooth and hydrated. HA-fillers are usually infused and gel-like. The effect lasts for 6 to 12 months or longer until the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
  • Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is another natural substance that is found mainly in our bones. These are microscopic particles of calcium in the form of a gel. The consistency of this filler is usually thicker than hyaluronic acid filler, and the effect lasts longer – approximately 12 months for most patients.
  • Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning safe for use in the body), biodegradable synthetic products. Widely spread for years in the medical industry, in particular for the production of dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid substances are technically classified as “collagen boosters” because their primary wrinkle-smoothing mechanism is to help your skin restore its natural collagen. The gel filler itself dissolves a few days after the treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is commonly used to treat deep facial wrinkles, and the effects can last for over 2 years.
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, biocompatible substance used in medicine, in particular in the production of contact lenses. In dermal fillers, PMMA comes in the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball that remains under the skin indefinitely to provide ongoing support.
  • Autologous fat is the only injectable filler treatment that requires surgery, but the results can last for years. The specialist harvest your own fat from another part of your body, clean it and inject it into your face to help restore volume to your cheeks, temples, lower eyelids, or other areas. Fat injections require special training and should only be performed by an experienced, board certified cosmetic surgeon.

The last tip is important for all injections, this is a delicate job that can only be entrusted to a professional.

Laser therapy agains aging

This is the general name for all laser skin resurfacing procedures, also known as laser resurfacing. It removes the skin layer by layer with high precision. New cells, particularly collagen and elastin, that are formed during healing give the skin a tighter, younger look. Studies show that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing reduces the appearance of wrinkles by 45% over two years after treatment.

Laser resurfacing can be ablative: when skin cells evaporate under the influence of high temperature. Or non-ablative: the depth of penetration of the rays is less, heating is also reduced, but the effect is not so significant. There are also procedures when the two methods are combined, or when the skin is exposed to the action of the laser pointwise – this method is called fractional. It is also used against acne, stretch marks and age spots.

Although the method is quite popular, it has many contraindications and a number of risks after its use.

Contraindication:
  • herpes
  • fresh tan
  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • inflammation
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • age up to 25 and after 60 years
  • pregnancy and lactation period
  • oncology, acute infections and chronic diseases in the severe phase
  • use of drugs that increase the photosensitivity of the skin
  • physical damage to the skin (scratches, burns)

Two weeks before and after the procedure, you should stop smoking and taking medications that can affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E.

Side effects:
  • Burns or other injuries from laser heat
  • Cicatrization
  • Changes in skin pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin
  • Reactivation of herpes
  • Bacterial infection

The main thing is a long rehabilitation period. In addition to the crust, which will remain for several days, redness will last for at least a month after the procedure. In addition, you will have to avoid the sun, visiting the sauna and swimming pool. You also should refrain from eating salty food.

Topical products

These are creams and serums for the skin, which, of course, are much less effective agains aging than hardware methods, but they are cheaper and do not require rehabilitation.

The best moisturizers are those that contain hyaluronic acid, that draws water into the skin. Also those that contain ceramides – lipid molecules of the upper layer of the epidermis. These small things are the “cement” that connects its cells. They help create a healthy skin barrier and maintain moisture. Good results against aging are also demonstrated by retinol and bakuchiol components (the latter even better) in cosmetic products.

Basically professional anti-aging products that are sold only in cosmetology cabinets are more effective than those that you can order online or find in a store.

Most importantly, don’t forget to use a moisturizer every time after using active anti-aging products!

Wishing you to enjoy your life at any age!

And for this, you need to care about your health and understand its needs! Our courses, dedicated to all stages of a Woman’s life, will help you: A girl becomes a woman, All about you. What it’s like to be a Woman, All about you 35+.

You can always find your doctor at the Lior Medical Center.

Issued by Dr. Silina School of Women’s Health, journalist Maria Zavialova

All materials published on the website “Dr. Silina School of Women’s Health” were reviewed by a gynecologist-endocrinologist, the founder of the educational project, candidate of medical sciences, Natalya Silina.

Table of contents

Featured