The Piece Is Patient-driven But Equally Fast-tracks The Knowledge Where A Member Of  The Public Asks A Question Related To A Diversity Of Medical Aesthetics Issues

Our genes, the environment we surround ourselves with, sun exposure and the natural process of aging can contribute to skin irregularities such as wrinkles and pigmentation. Skin can lose its tone, firmness and that healthy glow. It is vital that we look after our skin by caring for it with the best treatment and therapy options that are available, outlined below.

Question
Hi. I am a 38-year-old fitness instructor who spends a lot of my time outdoors. Can you please suggest a treatment and/or combination procedure to make my skin color lighter, brighter and more compact? I feel I need some scientific anti-aging advice. My physique is very youthful but I would like my face to look younger too.

Thanks!
ED – Dubai.

Answer
At the outset, I would like to emphasize that lighter skins are not necessarily considered more attractive. Irrespective of skin color, attractive skins are those that are uniform in color and smooth in texture. These characteristics allow light to be reflected evenly off the surface of the skin. Hence, the onlooker perceives them as bright and glowing skins. The Fitzpatrick Skin-Type Chart is a system that classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment in your skin and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.

Skin color is determined by the genes passed on from generation to generation and therefore it is important to appreciate that it is not possible to lighten one’s skin color more than what is genetically predisposed. However, with time and environmental exposure, especially to the sun exposed areas of the skin (such as the face and hands) the skin darkens and develops sun-induced pigmented lesions called dark spots. These are due to the excess melanin deposition. Furthermore, lines and wrinkles develop and pores enlarge. All of these factors result in darker and dull, lack-luster skin.

The good news is that currently we have a plethora of evidence-based procedures and dermocosmeceuticals (medical grade cosmetic products) that can almost totally restore skin color and texture. This gives the opportunity to people of all skin colors to have bright and glowing skin

Combination therapies offer multipurpose benefits

There are a variety of treatments available these days that have a holistic approach, taking years off of one’s face and give a youthful look.

The Laser 360IQ or the Harmony XL Pro combines multiple laser and light technologies to offer a complete treatment for signs of ageing skin. By itself, each technology can dramatically improve the skin’s appearance. But when combined into one treatment, these three different, advanced and FDA cleared technologies offer excellent results.

AFT Advanced A pulsed light system that delivers many wavelengths of light to target red and brown patches on the skin and hence treats broken capillaries and pigmented spots. This is a no-downtime treatment, which also has been proven to dramatically slow down skin aging at a genetic level.Five monthly sessions are recommended followed by a maintenance session every three months.

ClearLift Pixel Q-Switched laser this is another high power laser that creates a series of microscopic dermal wounds resulting in collagen re-modelling and regeneration. It results in skin tightening and an improvement in skin texture. This is a no-downtime treatment that involves a series of four weekly sessions, followed by a monthly session every two to three months. More frequent sessions are also possible.

iPixel ER:YAG Laser This is an ablative procedure which involves the vaporization of microscopic fractions of skin to allow for powerful skin regeneration. During each session, 20-30% of the skin’s surface is removed and hence for optimal results five monthly or six-weekly sessions are recommended. This type of fractional ablative procedure is the ‘gold standard’ for skin rejuvenation, ironing out lines and wrinkles and eliminating other manifestations of ageing skin.

All of these treatments can be used for skin on the face, hands, decollete and other parts of the body where skin manifests signs of ageing such as creepy skin on the forearms and the thighs.

What alternative treatments are available?

Dermamelan treatment by Mesoestetic is a cosmeceutical de-pigmentation method aimed at treating skin blemishes like hyper-pigmentation as well as signs of ageing. The treatment includes a single ‘in clinic’ professional session during which the initial mask is applied which the patient must leave on for 6-8 hours (depending on their skin tone). The treatment is continued through an intensive home care program for the duration of one week prior to a check-up with the cosmetologist whereby a recommended home care maintenance routine is advised.

Yet another effective option is the Inno Peel Whitening Treatment that involves using a skin-resurfacing mask composed of active ingredients derived from vitamin A, in addition to other anti-aging and depigmentation agents and antioxidants.

The process begins with the application of a mask at the clinic followed by the recommended home care products. The active ingredients affect at the cutaneous level by accelerating the cell renewal and cell flaking from the corneum layer of the epidermis facilitating pigmentation elimination. It also disperses melanin accumulation at the dermal level. Recommended treatment protocol is four to five clinical sessions.