Aesthetics

Skincare is a major target of the cosmetic "anti-age" treatment. Young skin is flexible, elastic, smooth, and well hydrated. The aging process modifies the skin's characteristics quite visibly with lines, wrinkles, discoloration, thinning, and loss of elasticity. It is often the skin's appearance that first makes us aware of our age. The skin is our largest organ and functions as a protective covering, a sensing organ, an oil producer, and an organ of elimination (through evaporation and perspiration, it clears toxins from the body). If any of the structures in the skin are not working properly, a rash or abnormal sensation is the result. The whole specialty of dermatology is devoted to understanding the skin, what can go wrong, and what to do if something does go wrong. Aesthetics is devoted to treating the dermis (non-surgically) and becoming pro-active in the care of the skin. It is important to protect the skin against damage to maintain its elasticity, appearance and overall health. Preventive methods include a healthy diet, supplements, daily moisturizing, sunscreens, not smoking or excessive alcohol use, and the use of sun filters/blockers against UV light (hats, visors, sunglasses, etc.). If damage has occurred, treatments in the forms of anti-wrinkle, skin renewal, moisturizing and barrier repair are available to help stimulate the skin's natural production of collagen to help restore the structure of the skin and smooth out wrinkles. These treatments will usually contain peptides and growth factors.