While we all want a bright, clear, and young-looking glowing skin, we are all doomed to the fate of aging. One of the telltale signs of advanced age is a dry, dull, and pigmented skin. Another significant contributor of such skin is the effects of the sun. Nevertheless, both contributors result in the same thing; a reduced rate of cell regeneration. During our youth, our skin cells regenerate and multiply with ease, and this is evident in the radiance of young skins. However, the effects of the sun and aging slow down this rate, causing the skin to lose its vibrancy. Fortunately, modern medicine has allowed us techniques that can enhance the quality of your skin by boosting the cell turnover rate. They include lasers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and micro needling, to name a few.
The Skin
The sin is our largest organ and is highly susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays and cigarette smoke. The result is a skin that is dry and dull with sun spots, lines, and other discolorations. Additionally, aging and repetitive facial muscle movements will cause wrinkles and lines. As such, a good skincare regimen is vital towards promoting a healthy skin. Two key products that can help you with this are Vitamin A (retinol) derivatives and sunscreen. Sunscreen works by protecting the skin from ultraviolet A and B radiation which destroys collagen, decreases cell turnover, and increases pigment. This is what causes fine lines and pigment changes. Derivatives of vitamin A help increase collagen content which minimizes fine lines while increasing cell turnover. They can also help in treating acne by clearing cell debris from the skin’s pores.
Once you have established a good foundation, you can use the following methods to boost cell turnover and promote younger-looking and healthy skin.
Microdermabrasion
This is a popular cosmetic procedure that is utilized as a facial rejuvenation tool. It has two main types; diamond and crystal. In both procedures, the surgeon uses a machine that rapidly exfoliates your skin’s surface to remove the outer layer of skin cells. Your skin might turn a little pink following the treatment, but it will fade quickly leaving you with a smooth and soft face and a glowing complexion.
Even though microdermabrasion sounds like a brutal procedure, it is painless and has no recovery time. Nonetheless, you will feel the wand’s suction and abrasive texture as it passes over your skin. But since it only works on the skin’s surface, it does not hurt. Most people describe the sensation as getting a rough lick from a cat or being massaged using a powerful facial scrub.
The primary advantages of this technique are that it is quick and inexpensive as compared to other skin rejuvenation methods. You could even have it done over lunch hour and be back at work immediately afterward.
Skin Needling
Also referred to as microneedling, collagen induction therapy, or derma needling, this is a cell turnover boosting method which is minimally invasive and non-ablative. It uses micro-fine needles made out of titanium to stimulate collagen production in the skin to enhance skin rejuvenation. The tiny incisions inflicted on the skin during this procedure stimulate your skin to get into repair mode. The skin heals by producing elastin and collagen – proteins that are vital towards maintaining skin integrity.
Microneedling works by triggering the body to begin skin rejuvenation. The bleeding emanating from the miniscule injuries results in platelets coming into contact with the injured tissue. The platelets then release enzymes, growth factors, and hormones which prompt the production of fibroblasts, elastin, and collagen. The generation of new skin cells results in a repaired and rejuvenated skin.
Chemical Facial Peels
This is a technique in which an acid solution is employed to remove the skin’s damaged outer layers. While performing the chemical peel, your surgeon applies alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol to your skin’s surface.
Usually applied as a facial peel, chemical peels smoothen and enhance the skin’s texture. As such, it is a reliable and effective treatment for wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, and other facial blemishes. They work by exfoliating the outer dead skin layers thus revealing a new layer that has an improved texture, tone, and color. Additionally, some chemical peel procedures are useful in spot treatments and are effective at removing stretch marks and rejuvenating the skin.
In fact, the chemical peel is among the earliest cosmetic procedures with roots dating back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece where it was used to promote smoother, and more beautiful skin. Chemical peels today are popular because they offer immediate results and are typically performed as outpatient procedures.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Also known as a lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization, it is a technique used to reduce facial blemishes, scars, and wrinkles by promoting cell regeneration. The latest laser technologies offer your surgeon an enhanced level of control which permits extreme precision.
Laser skin resurfacing can help with:
- Scars from chickenpox or acne.
- Sun-damaged or aged skin.
- Wrinkles or fine lines under or around your eyes, mouth, and forehead.
- Non-responsive skin following a facelift.
- Wart.
- Enlarged oil glands.
- Birthmarks.
- Liver spots.
- Improving complexion.
Laser skin resurfacing works by using beans of light. The surgeon utilizes the laser to direct short and concentrated pulsating light beams onto the irregular skin. These light beams remove the unwanted skin one layer at a time and in a precise fashion.
The targeted approach employed in this technique ensures that there are fewer issues arising from the procedure such as hypopigmentation or skin lightening. The beams of light utilized in laser resurfacing eliminate the skin’s outer layer, also known as the epidermis. Simultaneously, the light beams heat up the underlying skin (dermis). This is what stimulates the production of new collagen fiber. Therefore, when the treated section heals, the new skin is smoother and firmer.
