Slow Down the Signs of Aging: Tools, Treatments and Techniques to Keep You Young!

Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are living longer, staying healthy and feeling young. They aren’t ready to get–or look–old.  And thanks to advancements in science and technology, they have an array of treatments, techniques and procedures from which to choose to help slow the signs of aging

But any skin-rejuvenation plan starts with the basics.

Skincare 101

American Academy of Dermatology recommends some common-sense approaches to skin care, starting with–the whole body. You know the drill:  Get plenty of sleep, drink enough water, exercise, eat healthful foods, avoid the sun, etc. 

Cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, and using moisturizer and sunscreen, even on overcast days.

If you decide to try over-the-counter products, experts recommend those with retinol, peptides, antioxidants and alpha hydroxyl acids. These anti-aging ingredients have shown to be effective in improving and repairing minor signs of aging. 

Soften and Fade 

Fine lines and wrinkles often appear from constant muscle movement and environmental damage. As we age, collagen breakdown accentuates this. Various approaches can minimize these signs of age. 

• BOTOX^®– botulinum toxin–works by targeting one cause of wrinkles — repeated muscle contractions. It temporarily relaxes facial muscles. This gives wrinkles and fine lines a chance to soften and fade. 

• Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, mainly composed of hylauronic  acid that are injected beneath the skin to help diminish lines and restore facial fullness. There are various types, depending on how they’re being used. Softer/thinner viscosity fillers would be used for the lips. 

Resurface 

Treatments that remove sun-damaged outer layers of the skin are generally called “resurfacing.” As the surface heals, a healthier outer skin layer develops, and new collagen forms in the deeper layers.  Here are two popular procedures:

• Chemical peels improve the texture and tone of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers and stimulating cell production. The intensity of the treatment–a chemical solution applied to the face–varies by individual, and it’s not for everyone. Fair-skinned people are the best candidates, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 

• Microdermabrasion treatments use minimally abrasive microparticles, or a diamond-tipped wand, to remove the top layer of your skin and stimulate new healthy skin growth. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons compares it to a fine sandblaster.

Medical Treatments

Some procedures need to be performed by a physician, including these:

• Laser skin resurfacing–also referred to as a laser peel, laser vaporization and lasabrasion. Thisis a medical procedure that can reduce facial wrinkles, scars, UV induced pigmentation and blemishes. 

• A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a type of cosmetic surgery that that improves sagging and lax skin. Depending on the type of facelift, it can involve lifting and tightening facial muscles in addition to removing excess fat and skin. Other surgeries that can be performed at the same time or independently include neck lifts, brow lifts and eyelid surgery. 

Always Evolving

As Baby Boomers and Gen Xers age, demand for cosmetic procedures and treatments has grown, so has innovation. New techniques and therapies are emerging regularly. 

Some new discoveries, like the use of fat-derived stem cells, are still being tested. Perhaps the next big thing is methylene blue, an antioxidant used to treat a variety of conditions (and as a dye). New research suggests it can slow signs of aging, making fundamental, long-term changes to skin cells. 

If you have concerns about your skin’s health as you age, one or several of these cutting-edge esthetic/medical treatments and procedures may deliver you the results

 Xiong AM, O’Donovan M, Sun L, Chio JI, Ren M, Cao K. Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity. Scientific Reports . 2017