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Beyond Wrinkles: What Really Ages You And How To Fix It

We all want to look better, put our best foot forward, and feel confident in our skin. We’re not trying to look twenty, but we aren’t necessarily trying to look our age, either. Unfortunately, America is a youth-obsessed nation. Showing one’s age can be detrimental to our career, love life, and ego. So, what’s a girl going to do? Most of us are on the Botox bandwagon for keeping wrinkles at bay, but other tell-tale signs give away our age more than just wrinkles. This article will explore the number one thing that ages us besides wrinkles. 

Drumroll Please

The reason for your uneven tone, brown spots, and redness is sun damage (photoaging), and aesthetic professionals and beauty experts agree that an uneven skin tone ages you the most. One study by Proctor and Gamble showed that an uneven skin tone alone could account for up to 20 years of age perception and that melanin (pigment) concentration and distribution play a significant role. So although wrinkles age us, what makes us look older is uneven, blotchy skin. 

We see it time and time again in our business. A patient will spend a fortune on neurotoxins, fillers, products, and even surgery, such as a facelift. Still, they need to address their skin tone. As a result, all their efforts are lacking in trying to achieve a younger look. Complexion blending is the best way to take years off your appearance. Without it, you are giving your age away.

Good Skin Is A Partnership

We often refer to the skin as the “canvas” because it’s what you present to the world and what people see first. Dr. Maltais often says, “we need to clean up the canvas” before proceeding with a treatment plan. As the keeper of your canvas, your skin health is in your hands. We can provide products, treatments, and advice, but your commitment is what will make the difference. We can clean up your canvas, but our efforts are futile if you don’t care for your skin at home.

 

Consultations Available Now

Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead

Take the first step. Get your questions answered by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Physician Skin Solutions for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

Tips, Tricks, and Our Picks For A Blended Complexion

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, And Then Some More Sunscreen

First and foremost, you need to use a broadband spectrum SPF 40 or higher daily, reapply if possible,. Then, to increase your protection against further damage, use a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides that block harmful UV rays and HEV (High Energy Visible Light). HEV light, also known as blue light, has been shown to increase pigmentation and make it darker and longer lasting, especially in ethnic skin. 

Skin Care

Adding an antioxidant such as a topical Vitamin C will help lighten your current tone and will help prevent further damage. Adding antioxidants to your diet will also help your body improve your skin tone from the inside. In addition, add a lightening product to your skin care regimen. Hydroquinone, available by prescription, is the go-to skin lighter. However, Hydroquinone (HQ) should only be used for a few months and then alternated with another lightning product for a month or two. For a terrific non-HQ choice, Skin Medica recently released its new line of Even and Correct skin care products. 

 

For skin health and anti-aging, you should use a retinoid, either a prescription-strength tretinoin or retinol. Retinoids speed up desquamation (shedding skin cells), unclog pores, and improve the skin look by increasing cell turnover and regeneration. All experts agree that retinoids are a proven and effective anti-ager. Please don’t believe me. Google it! Retinoids also help control acne and breakouts. 

Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can help with superficial pigmentation, but several treatments are necessary to achieve desired outcomes. We often combine micros with light chemical peels to enhance and speed up results. Glycolic peels lighten and brighten the skin, and peels like TCA, Jessner, and Apeele will help exfoliate the skin quickly to reveal more even skin. After we get you on the right skin care products, with proper SPF usage it’s time to bring out the big guns. Yep, we are talking about lasers and energy-based devices.

Pigment and Redness Targeting Treatments

Photofacial (IPL)

  • A Photofacial, also known as Intense Pulse Light (IPL), is a great device for getting rid of brown spots and redness. It uses light energy to target a specific color in your skin. When the skin is heated, your body removes the unwanted cells. IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The particles then rise to the surface and form micro crusts, only to slough off or be carried in the lymph and eliminated naturally by the body.
  • This treatment works well but is best suited to lighter skin types. It also doesn’t address benign skin lesions such as Seborrheic Keratosis (SKs) and Actinic Keratosis (Aks)

LaseMD Ultra 1927 Thulium Laser

  • An outstanding versatile treatment.
  • 1927nm is an excellent wavelength for treating pigmentation because it’s highly absorbed by the water in the skin. The other 1927 lasers on the market are Clear + Brilliant Permea, Fraxel Dual 1927, and Moxi. LaseMD has the highest power out of any of these devices.
  • We love LaseMD ultra because we can safely use it on patients of all skin colors and treat SKs, AKs, Melasma, and Acne.
  • LaseMD Ultra also gently resurfaces the skin while ridding you of brown spots for total rejuvenation.

Hollywood Spectra

  • Hollywood Spectra is the world’s leading and most advanced ultra-short pulse 1064/532nm laser platform with proprietary capabilities to reduce unwanted skin pigmentation and help stimulate collagen.
  • It is FDA-approved and highly effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, brown spots, freckles, and deeper pigments such as Melasma on the face.
  • Unlike all conventional IPL devices, Spectra targets and breaks down the pigment into smaller particles that can be removed naturally by the body.

DermaV

  • DermaV is the Ultimate Dermatology Platform because It doesn’t just treat vascular conditions and pigmentation. It also stimulates collagen and rejuvenates the skin.
  • Built-in cooling allows for safer and more comfortable treatments.
  • The DermaV doesn’t waste your time. Treatment times are fast on the DermaV due to its spot sizes, power, and built-in cooling.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

  • Ablative laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures for improving aging skin.
  • The procedure delivers an intense wavelength of light to the skin, removing the outer layers of aged or sun-damaged skin.
  • In addition, our Lumenis Ultra Pulse laser is a fractional laser, leaving some skin untouched to act as a bridge for healing. It also goes deeper into the skin than any other CO2 laser.

It’s Possible to Have Beautiful Balanced Complexion

In conclusion, commitment, products, and treatments can achieve an even skin tone. Sunscreen is a great place to start because it protects your skin from future damage.In addition, studies have shown that just by using Sunscreen properly, you can correct 50% of your pigment.  Adding skin care products can keep your skin healthy and defend against damage. Micros, chemical peels, lasers, or energy-based devices are also effective treatments that can help reduce discoloration. With a little effort, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin for years to come. So why wait? Start making changes today for a healthier-looking skin tone tomorrow!

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