Ageing is inevitable. It is so disheartening to see that first silver lining in your hair or that wrinkle on your eye and those fine lines appearing on your hands. Nobody likes to see themselves ageing in looks. However, if you recognise these signs at an early stage, a lot can be done before the skin loses its grip. Looking ‘forever 21’ is indeed possible.
Now, comes the point, how do we start maintaing it? Whether you want to go the clinical way or the natural way, there are a number of options available from costly to mid-range treatments, to tried and tested home remedies along with thousands of over the counter and of the shelf beauty products.
The next challenge is choosing what’s right and what’s not right for you. We have, therefore, interviewed some of the top beauty specialist to guide you through the beauty game with some product and treatment recommendations from the experts.
Treatments for anti ageing
There are a number of non-invasive or minimally-invasive (injections and micro-needles) treatments available which help in regeneration, firming, lifting, boosting the skin and also provide the required nutrients to the skin.
Dr. Malda AlDaoudi, Medical Director, Aesthetic and Dermatology Specialist suggests the following treatments for skin rejuvenation.
Peels
Peeling helps get rid of the outer, damaged layer of the skin, revealing the underlying layer, which is less affected by the external factors of ageing. In addition to keeping your skin radiant and young, peels help address a range of skin concerns from fine lines and large pores to hyper pigmentation.
Collagen-enhancing treatments
Youthful skin is often characterised as firm, plump and wrinkle-free. However, as we age the proteins responsible for these characteristics - collagen and elastin - tend to lessen in their naturally-produced quantities. The reduced availability of these proteins affects the regenerative capabilities of our skin cells, causing our skin to succumb to the signs of ageing.
Collagen-enriching treatments aim to boost and restructure the production of collagen, to naturally improve the quality and texture of one’s skin. Collagen-production can be stimulated using various treatments and techniques that can be completely non-invasive or minimally-invasive with injectables and micro-needles. Three effective collagen-stimulating treatments include thermage, skin boosters and RF Microneedling.
Thermage is a popular non-invasive anti-ageing treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) therapy to smooth, tighten and contour the skin. In most cases, the treatment requires only one single session for exceptional results and does not entail any post-treatment downtime.
Thermage treatment uses radiofrequency technology to heat the lower, collagen-rich layers of the skin. This causes the collagen to contract, which in-turn stimulates the production of new collagen. The results - smoother, tighter, lifted skin - continues to improve over time and can last for years.
Skin boosters are designed to provide the skin with a deep nourishment and hydration. The treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which improves moisture-retention, resulting in radiant, rejuvenated skin with a natural appearance. Hyaluronic acid helps moisturises the skin, improving the skin’s firmness, elasticity and radiance. The treatment is painless, quick and delivers lasting results with a natural look.
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling is a step up from traditional microneedling treatments, adding the element of radiofrequency energy for enhanced results.
Microneedling uses a special device to create tiny micro-punctures in the skin, using fine microneedles. This is done to deliver a serum of active ingredients, growth factors and to boost the skin’s natural regeneration process. RF Microneedling also delivers RF energy deep into the dermis, which enhances the skin tightening effects, as well as reduces the appearance of scars. The RF energy heats the deep skin-tissue, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, for more significant results.
RF Microneedling address a range of skin concerns, commonly wrinkles and fine lines, acne scars, skin laxity, as well as uneven skin texture and tone.
Anti ageing products recommended
Out of all products available in the market, experts have suggested that usage of daily care as well as topical products help soften fine lines, improve skin texture and reduce age spots.
Dr Evana Janbeh, Dermatologist at CosmeSurge said, “It is imperative that as you age, you exfoliate your skin with a good exfoliator, under eye cream and a wrinkle fighting serum. While the skin on the face ages quickly, so does the hand and legs. Ensure to keep them moisturised with a lotion and avoid sun tan to help your skin stay fresh and young.”
Dr. Suzana Roncaglia, Specialist Dermatologist at HealthBay Polyclinic said, “I recommend using topical products containing retinoids, glycolic acid and Vitamin C plus oral anti-oxidants such as polypodium leucotomus and resveratrol.”
Retinol allows the skin to better absorb other products, Vitamin C softens fine lines and glycol acid further protects your skin.
According to Dr. Minal Patwardhan Andrade from Minal Medical Centre, if you are allergic to SPF cream, which is an important cream for skin protection, there is a FDA approved Vitamin orally that gives fantastic results.
Home Remedies
Even though aesthetic treatments have now made it possible to slow down ageing skin, however, some of the natural remedies are as effective as aesthetic ones. Beauty experts share their secrets behind minting a fresh and glowing skin using natural products easily available in your kitchen.
According to Dr Evana Janbeh, at CosmeSurge, applying egg whites, olive oil, strawberries, lemon juice and aloe vera improve skin elasticity, moisture and it eliminates dead skin.
“The best natural remedies are avoiding excessive sun exposure, avoiding smoking, keeping a healthy diet, sleeping well and drinking lots of water. Your skin will thank you”, suggests Dr. Suzana Roncaglia of HealthBay Polyclinic.
“Aside from topical solutions, eating foods rich in antioxidants such as berries protect our bodies from ageing. If we are looking for a natural Omega 3 boost, walnuts are a key source and for a vitamin top up, watermelon provides Vitamins A and C for glowing skin, almond oil helps to hydrate and sooth the skin, rose water is a rich source of anti-oxidants that revives the skin and honey is one of nature’s best moisturisers which can be combined with papaya to give the skin a natural Vitamin C boost”, advises Dr. Reem Al Kaddah, Specialist Dermatology and Venereology, Medcare Motor City Medical Centre.
Using these tips as recommended by the experts is a clear cheat sheet to slow down ageing and keep your skin healthy, young and fresh.