Clive Anderson
OUR BODIES begin to age the minute we are born, and the process of ageing continues throughout our lives. Up to about the age of 20 years, the most visible effects of ageing are in our growth and development. After age 20 the effects of ageing begin to be visible in the skin.
The genetically programmed and controlled process of chronological ageing causes
biochemical changes in the building blocks of the skin collagen and elastin. These changes result in loss of skin elasticity and firmness. This programme is different in each person and skin changes occur at different rates and times in each individual.
As the skin becomes less
elastic, it also becomes drier and may be itchy. The underlying fat padding begins to disappear resulting in sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles. The blood vessels lose their support system and may become leaky causing bruises to appear with only minimal trauma. The skin heals more slowly. Cigarette smoking also contributes to the biochemical changes in the skin and speeds up the onset of skin ageing.
In addition to the genetic skin ageing, the process of photoageing is also taking place. In fact, photoageing is often responsible for the majority of age associated changes in the skin and hastens the process of chronological
ageing. Photoageing is the cumulative effect of sun exposure on the skin; it is due to the combined effect of short wavelength (UVB) injury to the outside
layers of the skin and long wavelength (UVA) to the middle layers.
The effects of photoageing accumulate over years of chronic sun exposure and are especially apparent on the face. Initially, these effects are not visible, but slowly features, such as uneven pigmentation, surface roughness, fine wrinkles, age spots and dilated blood vessels appear. Some skin lesions, such as the commonly called warts on the face (seborrhoeic keratoses) become more common in sun-exposed areas. To avoid or limit the effects of photoageing always apply a sunscreen SPF 15 or above on the exposed areas of skin.
Unless we find out how to travel in time, we will not be able to become younger. However, there are many dermatological treatments that can reduce or even remove the effects of chronological and photoageing. These skin rejuvenation procedures are divided into medical and surgical dermatological treatments.
Medical skin rejuvenation procedures are topical treatments used when the skin manifestations are superficial. These include the use of tretinoin creams, alpha and beta hydroxy treatments and topical antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E.
The dermatological surgical skin rejuvenation procedures are:
Chemical peeling use of a chemical solution to remove the outer skin layers.
Soft tissue augmentation the injection of a substance to elevate irregularities, such as wrinkles, pits and scars.
Botox injections in tiny amounts, this substance causes a local immobilisation of some muscle movement, thus preventing wrinkle lines formation.
Microdermabrasion planning off the surface layer of the skin with a machine that throws fine particles at the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing uses amplified light to remove or reduce wrinkles, lines and age spots.
Liposuction removal of fatty deposits in selected areas, such as the chin, neck, breast, abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs.
You can look younger by working with a dermatologist to choose the skin rejuvenation treatment that is right for you.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a
dermatologist and
venereologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
