Do not wait till worry lines become a reason to worry about!

When someone talks about anti-aging treatment, the first thing that comes to mind is botulinum toxin A or fillers and all the apprehensions around it. Well, they are quite popular in the present era, but there are many other anti-aging treatments which could be started in as early as twenties. I truly believe skin care is an investment which over years gives you compounding return in terms of a more youthful skin and healthy skin.

Where does it begin?

When we talk about aging skin, it would imply formation of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, dull looking skin with visible skin pores. A tired looking skin even when you are not tired is mere reflection of increase under eye pigmentation or hollowness. Uneven pigmentation and texture are also considered signs of skin aging.

Why does it happen?

There are multiple factors that can contribute to this. Few of them are as we age, there is a decrease in collagen levels and hyaluronic acid levels in skin, contributing to formation of fine lines, open pores, and dull looking skin. Sun damage is also a contributor to skin aging. Photo damaged skin leads to uneven pigmentation, formation of solar lentigines, and increased wrinkle formation especially in upper face. Apart from this, other factors like environment, stress and lifestyle can contribute to accelerate aging. Poor sleep habits, diets and excessive smoking or alcohol or use of harsh skin care can make you look much older than you are.

What anti-aging treatments are we talking about?

In your twenties you can start by using a gentle skin care routine and treatments like chemical peels with AHA/BHA combinations once every two to four weeks for a mild exfoliation to improve cell turnovers and treat any kind of sun damage. Skin boosters like Juvederm volite and restylane Vital are also very popular. They provide a hydration boost making the skin appear naturally glowing. Fillers and Botulinum toxin A (Botox, Dyport, Xeomin) are optional as they could be done to enhance existing features but not as anti-aging. Late twenties to thirties- micro derma abrasion or regular sessions of micro needling help with improved skin collagen and skin cell renewal. Actives like retinoids and vitamin c could be added to your prescribed skin routine to improve skin quality and delay signs of skin aging. Late thirties or post forties is when sagging or atrophies in various layers of skin is observed along with wrinkles and folds. The various non-surgical options to treat them are dermal fillers viz Juvederm or Restylane; biomodulators like Profhilo and PDO or PLA threads to lift the skin or energy-based devices like MNRF, HIFU and Fractional resurfacing CO2 laser in conjunction with anti-aging chemical peels. You could get in touch with your cosmetologist or dermatologist to help you understand and choose best suited treatment from these options.

Take home message.

Whether you consider an anti-aging treatment or not, you must surely invest in a skin care routine to protect your skin and most definitely use a sunscreen every 2-3 hours with minimum SPF30. A certified cosmetologist or dermatologist is the best person to guide you professionally as every skin is different and could require a different care.