Your skin changes over time. It is a natural process and an unavoidable fact. However, modern science and technological advances offer us ways to slow down and, to some extent, reverse these changes.
As important as skin care is in anti-aging, equipping yourself with the right knowledge and products will help minimize the effects of time on your skin and keep it glowing. Here we delve into the science of skin aging and the science of anti-aging skin care to combat it, how to choose the latest technology and skin care products, and how cosmetic medicine and lifestyle can contribute to this process.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Age and skin changes
As we age, our skin changes. These changes are due in part to genetic factors, but lifestyle and environment, especially exposure to ultraviolet radiation, also have a significant impact. Below is a description of the major changes the skin experiences with age.
dryness
As skin ages, its ability to retain moisture is particularly affected, although its function declines. The main causes are a decrease in sebum, a decrease in natural moisturizing factors, a decrease in intercellular lipids, and a decrease in blood flow.
Sebum is a type of lipid that covers the skin's surface, preventing it from drying out and protecting it from external stimuli. However, with age, the sebaceous glands become less active and secrete less sebum, resulting in a decrease in the skin's ability to retain moisture.
In addition, the production of natural moisturizing factor (NMF), a moisturizing component naturally produced by skin cells, also declines with age; NMF is mainly composed of amino acids, PCA, and lactic acid and is responsible for retaining water within skin cells and maintaining skin flexibility and moisture retention.
Intercellular lipids, which exist in the stratum corneum of the skin and act as a barrier to prevent moisture evaporation, also decrease. As these lipids decrease, the skin's barrier function declines, causing dryness.
Finally, with age, blood flow decreases and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin becomes inadequate. This reduces the skin's ability to regenerate and retain moisture.
Fine and deep wrinkles
Skin wrinkles increase and deepen with age. This is due to changes in the structure and function of the skin over time. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis layer of the skin decreases.
Collagen is the primary protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and structure, while elastin is responsible for skin flexibility. As the amount of these proteins decreases, the skin loses elasticity and wrinkles are more likely to form.
Cell metabolism also slows with age. This slows skin metabolism and causes keratin buildup, resulting in a dry skin surface and fine wrinkles.
Furthermore, as we age, the production of sebum on the skin's surface decreases, making the skin more prone to dryness. Dryness can turn fine wrinkles on the skin's surface into deeper and more prominent ones.
In addition, when skin is routinely exposed to the sun's UV rays, free radicals increase, which accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This leads to deeper wrinkles and skin aging.
Sagging skin
The main reasons for skin sagging as we age are the decrease in collagen and elastin, changes in subcutaneous fat, the effects of gravity, and muscle weakness.
First, the production of collagen and elastin, the primary proteins that maintain skin elasticity and structure, declines with age. As these proteins decrease, the skin gradually loses its elasticity and tautness and begins to sag.
Second, changes in subcutaneous fat also contribute to sagging skin. As we age, the amount of subcutaneous fat decreases and its distribution changes. This causes the skin to lose volume and sag.
Gravity is also not to be ignored. Our skin and muscles are pulled downward by gravity over time. Young skin resists this thanks to collagen and elastin, but as the production of these proteins decreases, the skin loses its ability to resist gravitational pull.
Finally, muscle wasting also affects sagging skin. As facial muscles weaken, the skin that supported them may also sag, causing wrinkles to deepen.
Age spots and sun spots
As people age, it is common for age spots and sun spots to appear more easily because of the pigmentation of the skin.
Skin color is determined by a pigment called melanin. This melanin is produced by skin cells, melanocytes, and is evenly distributed across the skin surface to maintain a healthy skin tone. However, as we age, the distribution and function of melanocytes can become uneven. As a result, melanin production and distribution also becomes uneven, which leads to hyperpigmentation and the formation of age spots.
In addition, the effects of UV rays on the skin cannot be ignored. UV light stimulates melanocytes, which in turn stimulate the production of melanin. Prolonged exposure to UV light causes excessive production of melanin, which is deposited on the skin and forms sun spots. UV light can also damage the skin's DNA, resulting in abnormal activity of melanocytes.
In addition, the role of antioxidants also affects skin pigmentation. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, but as we age, the amount of antioxidants in the skin decreases. This reduces the skin's ability to protect itself from free radical damage caused by UV rays and environmental stresses, resulting in overstimulation of melanocytes and the development of hyperpigmentation.
For these reasons, the likelihood of developing age spots and sun spots increases with age. Therefore, anti-aging skin care includes protection from UV rays, antioxidant supplementation, and the use of products containing ingredients that inhibit melanin production. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and providing adequate nutrition to the skin are also important in preventing hyperpigmentation.
What to expect from anti-aging skin care
The science of anti-aging utilizes scientific principles and technology to optimize the process of skin rejuvenation. Here is a scientific perspective on what you can expect from anti-aging skin care.
| Expected Effects | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceleration of metabolism | Accelerate metabolism with anti-aging products |
| Collagen and elastin production | Promotion of production by retinol and vitamin C |
| antioxidant action | Use of vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extracts |
| Enhanced moisture retention capacity | Use of hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing ingredients |
| Strengthening of the skin barrier function | Use of skin care ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids |
The first is the promotion of cell turnover (cell metabolism). Skin cells are constantly being renewed, but this process slows with age. Many anti-aging products contain ingredients that promote this process, removing dead cells and bringing new, healthy cells to the surface.
Proteins also maintain skin elasticity and flexibility, as does the production of collagen and elastin. Certain ingredients in anti-aging products (such as retinol and vitamin C) stimulate the production of these proteins.
Since free radicals produced by environmental stressors such as UV rays and air pollution are known to accelerate skin aging, antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E and green tea extract) neutralize these free radicals and protect skin cells.
Furthermore, since the skin's ability to retain moisture declines with age, hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing ingredients can be expected to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by retaining moisture between skin cells and keeping the skin plump, while also strengthening the skin barrier function. A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture evaporation and prevents the entry of external irritants and bacteria. Skin care ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier function.
But the science of anti-aging does not only apply to products. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep patterns also have a significant impact on skin health and youth. For example, antioxidants in the diet neutralize free radicals, and good sleep aids skin metabolism.
Thus, the science of anti-aging offers a comprehensive approach to maintaining skin youthfulness. From product selection to lifestyle adjustments, it is important to understand that there are many factors that can help support your skin.
Anti-aging skin care does not produce results overnight. A consistent skin care routine and a healthy lifestyle are key to long-term results. And consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist can help you find the approach that best suits your skin's needs.
Anti-Aging Skin Care from an Aesthetic Medical Perspective
From an aesthetic medicine perspective, anti-aging skin care is a comprehensive strategy for keeping skin young and radiant through a combination of different procedures and technologies. Let's take a closer look at the latest technologies and their benefits.
First, laser therapy can work on both the epidermis and the dermis. This helps to improve skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production as well as superficial skin damage (spots and freckles).
Also famous and popular are Botox and hyaluronic acid. Botox temporarily inhibits muscle movement and prevents wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Hyaluronic acid is used to replenish skin volume and fill in facial grooves and wrinkles.
Other chemical peels of various kinds (in our case, collagen peel and Milan peel) peel off the surface layer of the skin to stimulate the production of new skin cells and improve the texture of the skin.
There is also a method called needling, which drills microscopic holes in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production through a natural healing process, as well as radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound treatments that generate heat in depth to stimulate collagen regeneration.
These cosmetic medical procedures can be combined with home skin care for maximum effect, but should be customized based on individual skin conditions and needs, with counseling and treatment by a cosmetic skin specialist as a prerequisite, so avoid self-judgment, for example.
How to increase the effectiveness of anti-aging?
The latest technologies in cosmetic medicine are constantly evolving, some of which are specialized for anti-aging. By understanding your own skin needs and working with a professional to select the appropriate treatment, you can keep your skin looking young and radiant. It is important to use the latest anti-aging technology and professional guidance to support not only the appearance of your skin, but also its inherent health.
The important point here is that all of these treatments should be properly performed and administered by a professional. A clear understanding of one's own skin needs and goals is necessary to choose the best treatment based on these needs. After all, anti-aging skin care is not only about the appearance of the skin, but also about maintaining its health and mitigating skin aging.
It is important to properly assess your skin condition and determine what steps can best be taken to provide the care you need. Understanding the latest cosmetic medical technologies and how they can benefit your skin will help you develop strategies to keep your skin looking young and radiant.
How to Choose Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
As we age, our skin needs change. Understanding this and choosing products that address it is the key to effective anti-aging care. To this end, it is important to understand the basic points to consider when choosing anti-aging skin care products.
First, let's look at the active ingredients. The main ingredients found in anti-aging products are retinol (a vitamin A derivative), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Each of these ingredients promotes skin regeneration, supports collagen production, and provides moisturizing effects.
Next, it is also important to take into account your skin type. If you have dry skin, you should choose products with high moisturizing properties. On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, products with non-irritating ingredients are appropriate. Products with lighter textures are also suitable for oily skin.
And the quality of the product has a significant impact on its effectiveness. To verify the quality of a product, one should check various factors, such as brand credibility, product reviews, and whether the product is certified. It is also important to understand the value of a product, rather than choosing a product based on price alone. Expensive products are not necessarily of high quality; some reasonably priced products are also high quality and effective.
Otherwise, it is recommended to perform a patch test, as the use of an unsuitable product on the skin may cause skin problems in the opposite direction. Before using a new product, apply a small amount to the back of your hand to see if the skin reacts.
In addition, feel is an important factor in product selection. The texture that blends well with the skin and the scent you prefer are also important to make skincare a relaxing part of your day. Skin care that can be continued while enjoying it will lead to long-term anti-aging care.
Finally, one way to choose an anti-aging skin care product is to seek the opinion of an expert. A cosmetic dermatologist can recommend the best products for your individual skin needs.
In summary, choosing the right anti-aging skin care product requires consideration of a variety of factors, including active ingredients, skin type, product quality, price, patch testing, feel, and expert opinion. Based on these factors, choose the best product for your skin and maintain healthy, youthful skin.
How should self-skin care and cosmetic medicine be combined?
The key to anti-aging lies in the combination of cosmetic medicine as well as home skin care. Each complements the other for effective anti-aging. Therefore, how they are combined is key to maintaining the youthfulness of the skin.
Daily skin care
The basic foundation is daily skin care. Facial cleansing, moisturizing, and use of sunscreen are essential, and products containing anti-aging ingredients can be used for additional benefits. For example, retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid are well known.
Combination with cosmetic medicine
Cosmetic medicine compensates for areas that are beyond the reach of home skin care alone. The various procedures and treatments offered by cosmetic dermatologists take skin care one step deeper. Laser treatments, needling, peels, and injectable treatments stimulate skin regeneration and collagen production.
However, the frequency and timing of cosmetic treatments should be properly planned. For example, after a peel, the skin becomes more sensitive, so the use of sunscreen and protection from direct sunlight are especially important. Care must also be taken in skin care after the procedure, and the doctor's advice should always be followed.
Balance is important
The key is to find a balanced combination of these methods to meet your skin needs. Not everyone needs the same skin care or cosmetic treatments, and the best combination will depend on the individual skin condition and the skin condition you are aiming for. It is only important to face your own skin and incorporate the necessary care.
summary
Skin care in anti-aging is an important strategy to help us make the most of our skin and its health. Understanding the skin changes that occur with age and grasping the scientific approach to counteracting these changes can help you maintain younger, healthier skin.
Anti-aging efforts can be further enhanced by using the latest cosmetic medical techniques, choosing effective skin care products, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember to love and carefully protect the beauty of your own skin as it changes over time.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.
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