The passage of time is relentless but there are some signs of the inevitable aging of the skin that can be minimized. It is often difficult to target the many products that promise to "stop time" and it seems almost hopeless to spend a small fortune to get it. Among impossible promises and a lot of scepticism, a recently published study clarifies some ideas and can serve as a guide to methods that some anti-aging medication are actually effective.
Work done by scientists at the University of Michigan, USA, on results of dozens of studies since the early nineties and concludes that, among all treatments that are available, three are most effective: topical retinoic acid, injections of hyaluronic acid and repair surface with carbon dioxide laser. The study was published in the May issue of the journal "Archives of Dermatology".
Retinol or vitamin A is one of the stars that is already proven effective in another study conducted in 2007 on the reduction of wrinkles and skin roughness in older people. This lipo soluble vitamin is essential for maintaining good skin and eyes. Also known as retinol for its important role in the functioning of the retina. Both retinol and its derivatives-the-retinoic acid have been used effectively in treating acne by producing effective peeling flaking-renewing cells in the epidermis, stimulating the synthesis of new collagen.
The effect depends on the concentration used. Dermatologists and beauty professionals that use high concentrations exfoliate the skin to allow deeper levels. Many cosmetic products incorporating this principle, it is interesting to know the concentrations and, if elevated, can cause irritation and, if too low, have low efficiency. It is advisable to use products with retinol at night, when the process of cell renewal is greater. If used during the day should involve a good sunscreen because retinol increases the sensitivity of the skin to light.
The repair of the skin surface with carbon dioxide laser is another treatment with proven validity. Its effectiveness lies in achieving the dermis that removes the formation of new collagen. Other studies at the University of Michigan have shown why some laser treatments work better than other, less powerful.
Hyaluronic acid is another one of the treatments validated by the study. It is used to fill wrinkles and expression lines such as nasogeniano path that goes from the nose to the mouth. This substance is present in its natural state, in all living tissue and dermal tissue containing collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid molecules that retain water and generate volume. Its application leads to the periodic regeneration of the subcutaneous collagen itself. Some cosmetic products also incorporate this principle through the skin.
All these treatments have a common factor: improved appearance of skin by stimulating new collagen formation. This protein of the skin below the dermis, whose primary function to maintain its structure and elasticity. For this reason, studies with collagen are key to developing treatments for aging skin. In young skin, collagen is abundant and with a firm structure and homogeneous, whereas in older skin is less in quantity and of irregular shape, the main factor responsible for the collapse of the skin and wrinkles.
These processes of deterioration of the skin are explained through biochemistry wherein aging skin increases production of the enzyme collagenase, which is to break down the protein collagen. Then fibroblasts, the cell structure of the dermis, lose its normal state, collapse and cause a further activation of enzymes of decay. However, a vicious cycle of deterioration and loss of dermal structures, which means that people over 80 years have four times more broken collagen than those in unstructured and 20 years.
The thickness and elasticity of the skin also suffer modifications with age. The dermis loses two thirds or more of its youthful thickness, and is injured more easily, which also relates to the loss of collagen structures. In addition, the fat also plays an important role in the appearance of the face. Recently developed, a new technique could improve the facial plastic surgery. This is to fill a deep fat compartment located on the cheeks with injections of fat-to-recover volume and tension of the skin, minimizing wrinkles and folds out of the nose toward the ends of the lips.
It is currently used in a more superficial compartment of such techniques for the recovery of volume, so the new discovery opens a wide field of research. "Adding volume rather than stretch the skin is nothing revolutionary in the cosmetic surgery, but the idea of restoring the volume in the deep fat that affects many areas of the face is a breakthrough in how we treat aging facial, "says Joel Pessa, surgeon member of the Society of Plastic Surgery U.S. and coauthor of the study.
Skin aging is caused by a number of biological factors that are directly dependent on genetics and the passage of time. There are also others such as sun exposure, pollution, consumption of alcohol and snuff and the stress determined that "the traces of time" are not the same in skins of the same age. Exposure to radiation from sunlight is a major cause of skin aging as a risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Proper skin protection is to avoid too direct and prolonged sun exposure. More and more cosmetic features such as the daily use of moisturizing creams and even in the cosmetics has protective factors of UV rays. Diet is a good ally of cosmetics: an abundant intake of fruits and vegetables provides the necessary dose of vitamin A and antioxidants principles. Oral supplements of essential vitamins and antioxidants can also be useful.
A Cream For Every Age
To minimize signs of aging may be useful to follow this little guide, which varies depending on age. Around 30 years, the first creases begin to appear. You can use tools such as the Microdermabrasion massager with a device that triggers the movement in the face. Also useful are the superficial chemical peelings based glycolic acid, at low concentrations, and moisturizing creams to choose more complete (with antioxidants, vitamins or assets) that improve the brightness.
At 40, moisturizing creams must be richer in texture and it is time to use creams that act on collagen, like those containing retinol. It is advisable to enhance the exfoliation to stimulate cell renewal as it is slowing at this age. Showing useful superficial chemical peelings, filling wrinkles and regular employment of botulinum toxin.
In the 50s, menopause causes a series of hormonal changes that affect the skin. The deeper peelings and repair the surface of laser can improve their appearance. The filling of wrinkles and furrow nasogeniano of hyaluronic acid is a good option. Botulinum toxin is still useful and mesotherapy treatments can improve the frequency and flaccidity.
After 60 years, the signs of time are much more marked. Remain valid the same options, which can add nutritional supplements based on antioxidant and anti-free (AEC vitamins, zinc, selenium and beta-carotene).
