Sagging
We naturally sag and wrinkle as we grow old. Our skin losses the connective
tissue that keeps its firmness and produce elastin. Genes and the level of sun
exposure you have had during your lifetime determine how much you sag. Smoking
contributes to skin sagging too, by the biochemical changes it brings about
in skin tissues.One of the reasons could be the rapid weight loss or gain on
the first six months, the skin fails to keep up the pace and starts to sag.
Loss of skin firmness and elasticity in one person occurs at different rates
and different times as compared with another. Loss of elasticity in the skin
leads to dryness. When we loss the fat padding and connective tissues , the
skin begins to sag showing signs of aging and wrinkles. Along with all other
changes gravity is also playing its role contributing to the skin to sag.
Treatment
Modern techniques like facelift which is also technically known as rhytidectomy
helps to improve the sagging skin bringing completely different and fresh looks.
It does not only involve tightening of the cheek and neck skin, but also tightening
of the muscles beneath the skin. It is recommended to both men and women whose
face and neck skin has begun to sag.
With the help of face lifting you can expect visible improvement in the aging
skin, but remember this process will not make the skin aging stop. The results
of the face lift technique are fairly long-lasting, usually between five to
10 years.
Laser skin resurfacing is an exciting medical procedure which corrects the
effects of the sun, wind and time, helps to treat lines and wrinkles on and
around the face and under the eyes.
A new facial-resurfacing technique is called the Arcticpeel which the fastest
techinque being used by surgeons and dermatologist often to attain rejuvenated-looking
skin and skin tightening.
Retin-A was originally works wonders for acne prone skin but it was later
found to work against wrinkles by stimulating new cells. It drastically reduces
deep lines and furrows and eliminates wrinkles in a remarkably short time while
producing new collagen formation. New collagen is necessary to eliminate wrinkles
and fine lines.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Alpha hydroxy acid is know as fruit acid or ascorbic (alpha hydroxy) acid.
It is derived from fruits such as lemons, grapes & apples, sugar cane &
sour milk. AHA creams are beneficial because they stimulate cell regeneration
by burning off, or lightly removing, the top layer of skin cells in order to
make skin smooth-looking & radiant.
Scars
Scars form as part of the skin's self healing process whenever multiple layers
of skin are injured. The injury may be the result of an accident, surgery, a
burn or even severe acne.
Treatment
It is usually performed on an awake patient using local anesthesia to carefully
and gently remove the top layers of the skin. This is a procedure to remove
minor scars or skin irregularities with an electrical machine that scours or
scrubs the skin.
Punch grafts is a replacement of scarred skin with a small pieces of normal
skin. In this process a tiny instrument is used to punch a hole in the skin
and remove the scared skin . Then the area is then filled in with a matching
piece of unscarred skin, usually taken from the skin behind the ear.
It is yet another technique used to improve the appearance of the scarred or
blemished skin. In this process a chemical solution is used to remove the damaged
outer layer of the facial skin. Chemical peeling is often used to minimize the
damaged caused by sun, irregular pigment, and superficial scars.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a result of rapid gain or loss of weight, when the tissue
under the skin is pulled. Almost half of all expectant women and many teenagers
will acquire stretch marks. They can appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, breasts
and most commonly the abdomen, when you are pregnant.
During pregnancy when the skin is stretched quickly and excessively on the
abdomen causes tiny tears in the dermis layer causing a stretch mark or are
called pregnancy scars (striae).
Massaging with oils and creams can make you feel better but they can not prevent
stretch marks. You are more likely to have stretch marks if your mother or grand
mother had them.
Treatment
Topical Retinoids may be effective in improving the appearance of stretch
marks. Stretch marks gradually lighten to become whitish or flesh color. There
are many products available at pharmacies and supermarkets do treat stretch
marks but results may vary from person to person. You can not improve them over
night it would take time and there is not permanent solution to it.
Rosacea Skin
There is a difference between having a red face and rosacea. It is a disease
which could be serious if left untreated. It is a very common skin problem but
people tend not to recognize it. Though it is inherited it is not shown before
age 30. It is very common among people who flush and flush easily. It should
not be neglected. If you are noticing the redness on your forehead, cheeks ,
chin gradually increasing consult your doctor.
Treatment
It needs an immediate attention, it can only be cured if it is at early stages.
It is a long term problem which demand lot of care and proper treatment.
Quit smoking or alcohol.
Avoid sun, if you are deciding to stay in sun more than 15 minutes wear sunscreen
SPF 15. Wear hat, sunglasses and carry umbrella for extra protection.
Stick to herbal products. Do not use cosmetics or facial products which have
heavy chemicals.
Age spots
Age spots are also called sun spots because they are caused by the exposure
to the sun. You get these age spots generally at the back of the hands, back,
arms, feet, shoulders and face. They are commonly seen amongst people over 50
years age. Age spots sometimes called liver spots appear flat brown patches
of skin that occur in irregular shapes.
Treatment
Massage the spots daily with Vitamin E.
Minimize the sun exposure and stops delibrating sun tanning.
Eat fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole grains, nuts.
Liquid nitrogen therapy is the fastest procedure to treat the spots.
Facial hair
Unwanted facial hair growth is very common among women of the age 35 and over.
The most affected areas on the face is chin, sides of the face and upper lips.
Women face this problem when the male hormones become dominant or female hormones
change to male hormones.
Treatment
Waxing is the most commonly used way of hair removal. It lasts longer and has
no side effects.
It is newer yet effective way of removing unwanted hair. But it is very important
for you to get a right kind of doctor who is experienced in his field and not
doing experiments on your face.
It is the most reliable option available today that has been proven to remove
unwanted facial hair permanently. But this process is time consuming and very
expensive.
It is a method which does not remove hair but lightens the hair appearance
on the face. It is quick, not at all expensive and can be easily be done on
your own at home.
