Our skin is the largest and most visible organ of our body. It is constantly working for us, regulating our body temperature, protecting our internal organs, getting rid of body waste, absorbing essential nutrients, and providing us with the ability to touch and feel our surroundings. It works around the clock performing these tasks while at the same time replenishes itself by getting rid of old cells and making new ones. This entire process of skin renewal is called a skin cycle and it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to occur in healthy young skin.
As we age though, this process slows down, primarily as a result of the normal course of aging, skin diseases, sun exposure, nutrition and personal habits. As this occurs visible changes become noticeable.
These changes are especially evident on our face, an area that is constantly exposed to the world. The skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to form around the mouth and eyes and superficial blemishes may become more noticeable. As we age the outer layer of our skin becomes thinner and the cells less "sticky". This results in thinner and drier looking skin.
Collagen production slows down and elastin fibers break down giving the skin a wrinkled and sagging appearance. Studies have shown that approximately 90% of the symptoms of premature aging are a result of UV radiation. Each person’s damage is related to their individual pigment and lifetime amount of UV exposure. To combat these signs of aging there are a wide range of products and services available to the consumer. Making sense of these options can be made easier with the help of a trained skin care professional in conjunction with a certified plastic surgeon.
It is ideal to begin a facial skin care program as early as your teen years and to continue modifying it throughout adulthood. By caring for your skin early on in life you can slow down some of the inevitable signs of aging. A healthy skin care program involves educating yourself on healthy living habits. Some of these behaviors include limiting your sun exposure, not smoking, avoiding pollutants, eating a healthy diet and following a skin care regimen personalized to your needs.
Some facial skin concerns can be treated with an effective skin care routine using variety of skin care products available from salons, drugstores, and mass merchandisers. Other facial skin care options may require a more aggressive approach in tandem with medical grade skin care products that can be obtained from dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Other facial rejuvination techniques include non-invasive procedures like "micro-peels" to minimally invasive procedures such as chemical peels and injectable fillers.
