6735 0300Medically non-invasive aesthetic procedures can provide the solution to an improved appearance and good looking skin – a brief introduction.
Our skin is not only the body’s biggest organ by size and weight, but also the most visible. It is also the first most visible manifestation of the ageing process. For that reason, healthy looking skin is extremely important to our personal sense of health and wellbeing (Barankin et al, 2002). Many of us become concerned when our skin is in poor condition and lacks lustre or is showing more obvious signs of deterioration, damage, or age. The good news is that women and men can erase or greatly diminish the signs of visible ageing and skin damage – without the need to resort to invasive surgery.
Non-invasive aesthetic procedures now account for many times more treatments than invasive surgery. However, as with all medical procedures, non-invasive treatments still carry some risks, if poorly administered. Therefore choosing a healthcare professional who is both trained and experienced in non-surgical aesthetic procedures is extremely important.
What types of skin conditions can non-invasive aesthetic procedures treat?
Some examples of conditions that can be treated with non-invasive aesthetic procedures include: acne and oily skin, blemishes – dry flaky and inflamed skin – hypersensitive skin – pigmentation and dark marks – scarring and skin damage. Some examples of non-surgical aesthetic procedures that can resolve these conditions are dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and INDIBA Active Cell Therapy. Each treatment works in a different way and is chosen for its suitability in treating a specific condition and skin type.
The cause of some common skin conditions – dry, dehydrated and oily skin
Why some people suffer from dry skin and others an excessive production of sebum (oily secretion) – is unclear. Oily skin with or without acne is one of the most common dermatologic concerns. Although sebum plays an important role in skin health, excessive oil leads to an undesirable continually sweaty appearance. Larger pores and a greasy appearance is symptomatic of oily skin. The rate of sebum production varies throughout a person’s life. It declines in women after menopause and in the sixth and seventh decade in men. Chinese women normally have smaller pores and lower sebum production. Treatment to tame excess sebum secretion varies among patients and needs to be personalized (Endly & Miller, 2017).
Acne, spots and oily skin
Facials and treatment must suit your skin type. A calming gentle facial suits acne prone oily skin. Too much facial massage however, will encourage the skin and oily glands to be active. Natural products that are free of stripping agents may suit this skin type. Plenty of water to flush the lymphatic system is also recommended.
What causes dry skin?
Our skin contains natural lipids that keep moisture and pollutants out. Damage can occur for a variety of reasons. These may be age-related, genetics, hormones, incorrect facial products or environmental conditions, and overexposure to the sun. This can cause tiny cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape, and the skin to become dry and flaky. This skin type will need its moisture barrier repaired.
Dehydrated skin (dry or oily)
Dehydrated skin is caused by less than optimal biological processes, and lacks water content. Environmental stressors can be the underlying cause. Dry rough and tight skin is often the result. This condition is frequently seen among younger age men and women. Rough and tight skin with fine lines are often the visible signs of dehydrated skin. However, dry skin that is lacking in oil may also be dehydrated or oily skin may be dehydrated due to a lack of moisture. It’s a fine balance!
What is hypersensitive skin?
Sensitive facial skin presents as smarting, stinging burning, itching, or with a sensation of tightness. It is a condition that effects around 50% of women and 40% of men. Studies have shown that Asian women in particular often report sensitive skin (Richters et al, 2015).
The majority of studies suggest that sensitive skin is the result of impaired barrier function (how well the skin is protected from the external environment). However, there is a wide variation in symptoms and degrees of skin sensitivity.
At the upper end of the scale ‘hypersensitive’ (very sensitive) skin reacts the most to a combination of both environmental and cosmetic factors. Delicate skin, although less sensitive, has an easily disrupted barrier function. Whereas, ‘reactive skin’ is characterized by a strong inflammatory response. Those with ‘stingers’ have a heightened neuro-sensory perception of skin stimulation. ‘Cosmetically sensitive skin is reactive to definable cosmetic products (Inamada, et al, 2013).
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation – what’s the difference?
Skin colour is determined by pigment (melanin). It is made by skin cells called melanocytes. For various reasons, the skin’s colour may become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). There are many possible causes of skin pigmentation.
These include burns, infections, allergies, hormonal changes, birthmarks, and skin cancer. In women, hypopigmentation can be a complication of certain skin treatments.
