What are the signs of Aging in our face?
As we age, the skin on our face undergoes several changes that can cause visible signs of aging. These changes are a natural part of the aging process and can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
In this article, we will explore the different signs of aging in the face and what causes them.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the most noticeable signs of aging in the face. These lines are usually found around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic, slows down. This can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other factors that contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles include exposure to UV rays, smoking, and repetitive facial expressions.
Learn more about Wrinkles here
Sagging Skin
Skin sagging is a common sign of aging that can be caused by several factors. Here's a detailed explanation of what causes skin sagging:
Loss of Collagen and Elastin:
Collagen and elastin are proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin slows down, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. This can cause the skin to sag, especially in areas such as the cheeks, chin, and neck.
Loss of Fat and Bone Density:
The loss of fat and bone density in the face can also contribute to skin sagging. The fat pads that give our face volume and fullness begin to shrink, and the bones in our face start to resorb as we age. This can cause the skin to sag and droop, especially in the cheeks and jawline.
Gravity:
Gravity is another factor that can contribute to skin sagging. As we age, the skin's support structures weaken, and the effects of gravity become more noticeable. This can cause the skin to sag in areas such as the cheeks, chin, and neck.
Other factors include sun damage, genetics and smoking.
Learn more about Sagging Skin here
Skin Laxity and Skin Thinning
Skin laxity and thinning are a natural part of the aging process, and they are caused by several factors.
One of the main causes is a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that help to keep the skin firm and elastic. Collagen and elastin are produced by fibroblasts, which are cells found in the skin's dermis layer.
As we age, the number of fibroblasts decreases, and the remaining fibroblasts produce less collagen and elastin. This leads to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, which results in skin laxity and skin thinning.
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Exposure to the sun over time can lead to sun damage, which can cause age spots, freckles, and wrinkles. Sun damage occurs when the skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, which damage the skin's cells and accelerate the aging process.
Over time, sun damage can cause the skin to become discolored, rough, and leathery.
Uneven skin tone is another sign of aging in the face and it presents with an uneven distribution of pigmentation over the face. Uneven skin tone can make the skin appear dull and tired and can occur due to sun damage or other factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, or acne scars.
Learn more about Pigmentation here
Loss of Volume
As we age, our face loses fat and bone density, which can cause the skin to appear hollow and sunken. This loss of volume is most noticeable in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area.
The loss of volume can also make the skin look less radiant and youthful due. Severe volume loss can lead to a haggard appearance due to the loss of volume from supporting structures such as the facial fat pads.
Anti Aging Treatment Options
Wrinkles and Fine Lines Treatment with BOTOX
BOTOX, or botulinum toxin, is a popular injectable treatment that is used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by temporarily blocking the signals between nerves and muscles.
When it is injected into a muscle, it prevents the muscle from contracting, which can help to smooth out the overlying skin. This is particularly effective for fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle movements, such as frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead wrinkles.
When BOTOX is injected into the targeted muscles, it takes effect within 3 to 10 days and typically lasts for three to four months. The treatment is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime, so patients can resume their normal activities the very next day after the procedure.
BOTOX is most commonly used to treat the following types of wrinkles:
- Frown lines: BOTOX can be used to soften the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows, which are caused by repeated muscle contractions.
- Crow's feet: BOTOX can also be used to reduce the appearance of crow's feet around the eyes, which are caused by smiling, squinting, and other facial expressions.
- Forehead wrinkles: BOTOX can be used to smooth out forehead wrinkles, which are caused by raising the eyebrows.
Learn more about BOTOX here
Collagen stimulating treatments such as Rejuran, Skinboosters, Gouri, Profhilo, HIFU and RF tightening can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well.
These treatments will be covered in the next section.
Skin Laxity and Skin Thinning Treatment
Collagen stimulating treatments like Rejuran, Skinboosters, and Profhilo are injectable treatments that can help to address skin laxity and skin thinning by stimulating collagen production in the skin.
Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in the skin, and is responsible for giving the skin its structure, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to skin laxity and thinning.
These treatments work to counteract this natural process by stimulating collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Read on to learn more about collagen boosting treatments.
Rejuran Healer
Rejuran is a treatment that uses polynucleotide (PN), a type of nucleic acid that is found in the body, to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
When Rejuran is injected into the skin, it can help to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and thickness. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.
Learn more about Rejuran here
Skinboosters
Skinboosters are another type of injectable treatment that can help to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
Skinboosters are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for hydrating and plumping the skin. When Skinboosters are injected into the skin, they can also help to stimulate collagen production.
Dr Edwin recommends to combine Rejuran Healer with Skinboosters for optimal collagen stimulation.
Learn more about Skinboosters here
Profhilo
Profhilo is a newer collagen stimulating treatment that uses 2 different types of hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production and boost hydration in the skin.
Of note, Profhilo is not a filler, and is instead designed to spread throughout the skin to stimulate collagen production in multiple areas.
When Profhilo is injected into the skin, it can help to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness.
Learn more about Profhilo here
Sagging Skin Treatment
Ultraformer 3 HIFU Non Surgical Facelifting Treatment
Ultraformer 3 High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten sagging skin. This treatment targets the deep layers of skin and tissue, bypassing the outer layers, which means there is no damage to the skin's surface.
During the Ultraformer 3 HIFU treatment, the ultrasound energy heats the targeted tissue, creating controlled thermal injury. This triggers the skin's natural healing response, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin tightening and lifting.
The effects of the treatment can be seen gradually over time as collagen production increases, resulting in tighter and firmer skin. Ultraformer 3 HIFU is commonly used in treating sagging skin on the face, neck, and jawline.
This non-invasive treatment has little to no downtime and is generally well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort (numbing cream is applied). Results can last for up to 12 months, making it an attractive option for those considering non-surgical facelifts.
Learn more about HIFU here
Threadlifts
Threadlifts are a minimally invasive treatment option that can help to address sagging skin. The treatment involves the insertion of biodegradable threads into the skin to lift and tighten areas of sagging skin, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The threads used in threadlifts are made from materials such as polylactic acid or polydioxanone, which are both biodegradable and safe for use in the body. Once the threads are inserted into the skin, they stimulate the body's natural collagen production, which helps to further tighten and firm the skin over time.
Threadlifts can be used to target specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, jowls, and neck. The threads are carefully placed to lift and support the sagging skin, resulting in a more defined and contoured appearance.
One of the benefits of threadlifts is that they are a minimally invasive treatment option, meaning that there is little to no downtime required. The procedure can typically be completed within an hour, and patients can return to their daily activities shortly afterward.
Learn more about Threadlifts here
Volume Loss Treatment
Dermal Fillers
Fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment option that can help to address volume loss in the face. Volume loss can occur naturally with age, resulting in a sunken and hollowed appearance in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area.
Fillers are made from materials such as hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. When injected into areas of volume loss, fillers can restore volume and fullness to the face, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Fillers can be customized to the individual's specific needs and goals, and can be used to target specific areas of the face. For example, fillers can be used to enhance the cheeks, jawline, and lips, as well as to reduce the appearance of deep folds such as the nasolabial folds (laugh lines) or marionette lines.
One of the benefits of fillers is that they provide immediate results, with little to no downtime required. The treatment can typically be completed within 30 minutes to an hour, and patients can resume their normal activities shortly afterward.
Learn more about Dermal Fillers here
Ellanse
Ellanse is a type of dermal filler that is designed to address both volume loss and combat signs of aging in the face. Unlike other dermal fillers that are made from hyaluronic acid, Ellanse is made from a unique combination of polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres and a gel carrier.
When injected into the skin, the gel carrier immediately provides volume and lift, while the PCL microspheres stimulate the body's natural production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, and is essential for maintaining a youthful and firm appearance.
Over time, the body gradually absorbs the gel carrier, leaving behind the PCL microspheres that continue to stimulate collagen production. This process helps to provide long-lasting results, with effects lasting for up to two years or more.
Learn more about Ellanse here
Pigmentation and Sun Damage Treatment
Pigment lasers / PICO lasers
Pigmentation lasers such as the PICO lasers are a popular treatment option for individuals looking to address pigmentation and sun damage on their skin. These lasers work by targeting the melanin in the skin, which causes brown pigmented spots to appear on the skin.
When the laser energy is absorbed by the melanin, it causes the pigment to break up into smaller particles that can be naturally eliminated by the body's immune system. This process helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and sun damage on the skin, such as age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
One of the benefits of pigmentation lasers is that they can provide noticeable results with minimal downtime. Depending on the severity of the pigmentation, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. However, patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Learn more about Pigment Lasers here
Learn more about PICO lasers here
Pigmentation Creams
Topical depigmentation creams can help individuals who are looking to address pigmentation and sun damage on their skin. These creams typically contains active ingredients such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, arbutin and Vitamin C, which work by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin.
When applied regularly to the affected areas, depigmentation creams can help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and sun damage on the skin, such as age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
The active ingredients in the cream work by blocking the enzymes that produce melanin, which can help to lighten the skin and even out skin tone.
Learn more about Pigmentation Creams here
How do I find the Best Anti Aging Treatments Singapore has to offer?
Every clinic offers different Anti Aging treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that Anti Aging treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in offering Anti Aging treatments. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of treatments before proceeding.
