5 minute read
Love The Skin
Love the skin you're in, with a little help.
Maybe it’s a side effect of social media engagement, but people in their 20s and 30s are increasingly using Botox and other injectables to make themselves happier with their personal appearance. So what does this mean for us older folks? Should we consider injections for our skin? Or is starting in our 50s or 60s too late?
All About Injectables
There are different kinds of injectables for the skin, and Botox is just one option. Botox is the brand name for a neuromodulator that temporarily weakens facial muscles with the result of smoothing wrinkles. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “when used correctly, Botox can reduce early and moderate signs of aging.” It can also be used to help reshape eyebrows or soften the chin area. While it may sound a little strange to inject something into the skin, Ashley Snellen, MSN, APRN and co-founder of Avanti Skin Center of Louisville, says “For men and women in their 50s and 60s wanting to tiptoe into cosmetic procedures, a neurotoxin (like Botox) is always a simple, noninvasive way to soften fine lines and wrinkles.”
Botox and similar products typically last three or four months, and there is usually no downtime from the procedure, although there may be some redness. In addition to the face, some people like to use neuromodulators for addressing skin laxity in their necks. Ashley says one of the common areas where Botox is used is the glabellar complex, the area of space between the eyes, which requires five small injections using a tiny needle.
Another type of injectable is dermal fillers which plump up the skin to smooth out wrinkles. Unlike Botox, which can take up to two weeks to show results, the effects from fillers are immediately visible, but these injections can result in some bruising and swelling. Fillers can help improve sagging skin and make facial features more symmetrical. If medications are causing facial thinness, fillers can help improve this side effect. There are four types of fillers that can be used: Hyaluronic acid (HA), Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, but as we grow older, our bodies stop producing it. It adds cushion to joints and tissues and allows the skin to become more hydrated. Hyaluronic acid fillers can help plump up lips and provide additional volume to the face. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a filler that is used to treat deeper wrinkles. Both of these typically last around 12 months.
Poly-l-lactic acid is a filler that has been around since 2004 and was first used to treat a condition associated with HIV, lipoatrophy, which is a thinning of facial fat pads. PLLA is a substance that helps your body create collagen, and it typically lasts around two years. Polymethylmethacrylate is made up of collagen and small balls called microspheres, which help the body create collagen. Some people find that PMMA is especially helpful if they have acne scars from their younger years. Other people find it useful for reducing the appearance of smile lines. PMMA is the longest lasting of the dermal filler injectables, lasting up to five years.
The Importance Of Routine Skin Care
As much as we may want one magic pill or product to be the answer, it is usually a combination of things that make a difference in how we look and feel. For example, when we think about maintaining a healthy weight, we know that exercise and a healthy diet are critical. One without the other doesn’t mean as much. The same holds true for injectables and routine skin care. Even if you decide that injectables are something you want to try, it is essential to have a consistent at-home skin routine. If you’re not wearing sunscreen, washing your face regularly, or moisturizing, the injectables may not make as much difference as you’d like. Adding them to an already well-established daily skin routine is the best route.
Erica McDowell, owner of SKYN Lounge Boutique Spa, says “Everyone should use [topical] vitamin C in the morning, and possibly use a retinol or retin A in the evening. I’m a firm believer in eye cream. [People also] need to exfoliate well.” She says moisturization and use of sunscreens are also essential.
Visiting A Professional
Individuals in their 50s and 60s may find it especially helpful to visit an aesthetician for guidance on skin care because aging skin is different from skin in one's 20s and 30s. It may be time for some professional help instead of buying skin care off the shelf at the grocery store. You can end up wasting a lot of money trying products that aren’t right for your skin type.
Yes, it may feel a little intimidating to visit a skin spa, but relax. “You do not have to know what you need,” says Erica. “That’s what we do.” An aesthetician will evaluate your face, neck, and hands and discuss the concerns you have, your current routine, and what your goals are.
As we get older, we see the value in asking professionals for assistance, and our skin should be no different. If an injectable isn’t the direction you wish to go, you may find that a facial or a chemical peel, which both provide a deeper exfoliation of the skin, is the best way to make you feel better about how you look.
By Carrie Vittitoe
Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions
