Skin is an amazing organ. It also happens to give away our age more than any other part of our bodies. We all hear about ways to protect our skin and keep it from aging more quickly. Sun protection and moisturizing are two simple ones that usually come to mind first. And then there are of course many anti-aging solutions, looking to actually reverse the skin’s aging process. But how do these anti-aging treatments work? And what actually happens to our skin as we age?
The Aging Process of Your Skin
Your skin, being the amazing organ that it is, carries out many functions for us humans. It contains nerve receptors that allow you to feel touch, pain, and pressure. It helps control our fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as our body temperature. And it protects us from our sometimes harsh environments.
The skin has three general parts to it. The outer layers are the epidermis and contain skin cells, pigment, and proteins. The middle layers are known as the dermis and contain skin cells, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and oil glands. Its job is to provide nutrients to the epidermis. The innermost layer is called the subcutaneous layer and contains sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and fat. Each layer of the skin contains connective tissue with collagen fibers for support and elastin fibers for flexibility and strength.
Environmental factors, genetic makeup, and nutrition are three top factors related to aging skin. However, the single greatest factor is sun exposure. Sun-induced skin damage is by far the fastest way to age your skin, so use sun protection at all times, all throughout the year.
As we age, the epidermis thins and the number of pigment-containing cells decreases. This is why aging skin looks thinner, paler, and more translucent. The skin’s strength and elasticity also fade with changes to the connective tissue, which is always more noticeable in sun-exposed areas and can cause that weathered, leathery look. It can also be more difficult for the skin to retain moisture, as it produces less oil as we age. We are also more prone to skin injuries and as our bodies take longer to heal as we age, this can lead to marks and scars lasting longer.
Did you know that more than 90% of all older people have some type of skin disorder. Thankfully, medicine has come a long way and there are great treatments available for all kinds of aging skin!
Anti-Aging Treatments for Your Skin
Aesthetic treatments can be a great way to slow the effects of aging on our skin. Getting facials for example helps to exfoliate dead skin, and infuse moisture back into the skin (especially if top tier products are used!). These treatments can also use firming agents to help tighten the skin, especially around areas like the eyes.
Then there are treatments like Ultra V HIFU Plus Lifting. This non-invasive breakthrough in technology is an alternative to a surgical facelift and uses the power of ultrasound to improve lines and wrinkles on your face and décolleté. HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) protects the skin’s surface, while precisely penetrating beyond the dermis and foundation layers, to impact and structural weakness deep within the skin.
There are many options for anti-aging treatments and remedies, and it’s usually not a one size fits all type of situation. At American Regenerative Clinic, we work with you to determine the best approach to your wants and needs when it comes to skincare or any other treatment.
American Regenerative Clinic offers anti-aging treatments from aesthetic treatments to Ultra V Lift treatments. Contact us to book an appointment or if you have any questions.
