Many people believe they have to resign to bothersome and unwanted signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Thanks to consistent innovation that leads to safe, comfortable and effective treatments, patients can experience transformative results that can restore a youthful appearance. Call Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL and ask about Laser Genesis.
The Most Common Signs of Aging
Just because a sign of aging is common doesn’t mean it’s any less welcome. Looking in the mirror as we age can take a toll on our self-esteem and shake our self-image. The common signs of aging that can be the most troublesome:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Large pores
- Uneven texture
- Uneven tone and redness
What Causes These Signs of Aging?
There are several factors that lead to various signs of aging, each one unique, and while some are avoidable, others are inevitable. The most prominent signs of aging are because of the changes that happen underneath the surface of our skin.
The Dermis
The dermis is our middle layer of skin sandwiched between the epidermis, or outer layer, and the deep subcutaneous layer called the hypodermis. The dermis contains our hair follicles and a thick, strong layer of connective tissue. That connective tissue is predominantly made up of collagen.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and makes up 80% of our skin. In the dermis, it holds all of our skin cells together and ensures they’re tightly packed, so the foundation of our skin is smooth, solid and strong. Collagen is fibrous, resilient and promotes healthy cell regeneration, which helps our skin look:
- Clear
- Bright
- Even
- Smooth
- Taut
In the dermis, collagen works with elastin and hyaluronic acid to keep our skin in place and glowing.
Elastin
Another protein prevalent in the dermis is elastin. Elastin is found in all of our organs and keeps them flexible. Our skin is no exception. Elastin makes sure our skin, even when pinched, pulled or stretched, can snap back to its original position and shape.
It works with collagen to make sure our skin clings smoothly to the dermis, preventing lines, wrinkles and skin laxity. When we smile, frown or scowl, elastin keeps our skin bouncing back.
Hyaluronic Acid
This sugar pulls moisture into our skin, eyes and other connective tissues. Our bodies produce hyaluronic acid to keep our skin lubricated and supple. Many new skin products contain synthetic hyaluronic acid knowing its molecules can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water.
Our skin looks dewy and plump because of the hydration this sugar provides.
A Breakdown In the Dermis
As we age, our production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid declines and the structure of our dermis is compromised. What was once tightly held together is weakened, allowing small cracks in the foundation to form. Collagen can no longer support our epidermis as evenly, and the top layer of our skin deflates to fill in these newly formed cracks and crevices.
Collagen promotes healthy cell regeneration, but when it breaks down, our skin can become discolored or blotchy and red. This breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid can lead to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots
- Uneven tone and texture
- Broken capillaries
- Large pores
- Pronouncement and worsening of existing scars
Contributing Factors
This breakdown in our dermis can never be completely avoided, and the signs of aging will catch up to all of us eventually. There are factors we can avoid to stave off this breakdown of collagen or at least slow its decline, however. Many of the lifestyle choices we make can either positively or negatively affect our collagen levels.
The greatest damage to our skin comes from exposure to the sun. Although our epidermis acts as a barrier against most things that can harm our bodies, it’s no match for the harmful UV rays of the sun. Unprotected exposure can cause discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and worsening of uneven tone and texture. Other contributing factors to collagen decline are:
- Smoking
- Diet high in processed foods and sugar
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor air quality
- Chronic dehydration
- Long-term, unmanaged stress
- Lack of proper sleep
- Poor skincare routine
Skin Rejuvenating Treatments
Innovation and scientific advancements have led to the creation of several non-invasive and effective treatments for unwanted signs of aging. One of the most successful for complexion rejuvenation is Laser Genesis.
What Is Laser Genesis?
Laser treatments have become increasingly more popular because of their effectiveness while still being non or minimally invasive and requiring little to no downtime. Laser Genesis is considered one of the most comfortable laser facial treatments available. This treatment uses a non-ablative Nd:YAG laser to gently warm the collagen in the dermis.
How Does Laser Genesis Work?
When the middle layer of the skin is heated, it does a few things. First, it kills bacteria that could lead to acne breakouts and other tone and texture issues. This warming also targets existing collagen. When collagen is heated, the fibers tighten and thicken, which can cause a subtle tightening of lines and wrinkles. This disruption of collagen triggers the body to start its healing process.
As your body heals that middle layer of skin by producing more collagen, the cells that regenerate are healthier and more even in tone and texture.
On What Areas Can This Treatment Be Used?
Many clients seek this treatment for the signs of aging on their face, but that’s not the only place troublesome aging issues can appear. Many people will see things like discoloration and fine lines on other areas most exposed to the sun.
Laser Genesis has been proven safe and effective for treatment on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
What Signs of Aging Can Be Treated?
The beauty of this comfortable and subtle treatment is how versatile it is. Only your doctor can decide if your areas of concern are best addressed by this treatment, but it covers a wide range of aging issues. This can be the perfect choice for pigment issues and minor lines and wrinkles. Concerns addressed by this treatment:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots
- Acne
- Facial veins
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Uneven skin texture
- Acne scars
- Skin tags
- Broken capillaries
What Can I Expect From Treatment?
When you have a consultation with your doctor, you will discuss the areas of concern you’d like addressed. They will do an examination of your skin to understand its current state and assess how well you’d respond to treatment. If your doctor decides your expected results can be achieved with Laser Genesis, you’ll be given a few things to do before your treatment.
Pre-Treatment
The most important thing you can do to prepare for your treatment is to avoid sun exposure for two weeks before. When your skin burns, it’s sensitive to heat, so what would otherwise be a comfortable and even soothing experience could be uncomfortable.
During Your Appointment
The skin on the treatment area will be cleansed. There is no need for topical numbing creams or lotions because this is not an uncomfortable process. You’ll be given protective eyewear to keep your eyes shielded from the light of the laser. Your doctor or skincare laser specialist will then choose the appropriate setting for your skin and begin treatment.
Clients report feeling a very gentle warming sensation and consider it soothing. Some even compare it to the feel of the sun on a warm, but not hot, day. Most treatments last around 30 minutes, but it depends on the area or areas being treated.
Post-Treatment
When your session is over, you can go right back to your normal routine: there is no downtime. Some clients will schedule this treatment in the middle of a busy day and go immediately back to work or their social routine afterward.
After your session, it’s important to avoid sun exposure for at least a week. After that, always wear sunscreen. Your skin will hold on to some heat from treatment for a few days, so you should avoid things like strenuous exercise, saunas, and steam rooms.
Results
Some clients report seeing subtle results immediately. Because the collagen in the dermis has shrunk, you may see some initial tightening of those fine lines and wrinkles. The real results will happen over the course of the next few weeks and months. Some clients will even see results improve for up to six months.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions you need will depend on the condition of your skin, the areas of concern you have and your expected results. We recommend multiple sessions no matter what results you’re expecting. Some clients will be completely satisfied with two or three sessions while others may choose to have more to maximize their results.
When you receive multiple treatments, they will be spaced a month apart from each other. This gives the previous treatment time to rebuild collagen and give you a feel for your current results.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results from treatment are intended to last about a year; however, when clients take very good care of their skin, protecting it from the sun and other environmental hazards, their results can last for much longer. Always work with your doctor to determine what the right follow-up schedule is to maximize your results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Because this is a non-invasive and mild treatment, almost anybody with mild signs of aging or skin discoloration can be a good candidate. This also a great treatment for clients who receive facials regularly but feel they need something a little stronger.
If you have darker skin tones, it’s important to talk through all your options before you decide on a treatment. If you’re experiencing more severe signs of aging, this subtle treatment may not be enough to tackle your areas of concern. Only your doctor can determine if this is the right treatment to help you reach your aesthetic goals. If you need a stronger treatment, your doctor may talk to you about:
- IPL
- Picosure laser revitalization
- Fractional laser treatment
- Skin Tightening Cutera Titan treatment
- Chemical peels
- Ultherapy
- Excel V laser treatment
Injectables
If your main concern is moderate-to-severe lines, wrinkles, and folds, talk to your doctor about injectables because they are a great complement to this treatment. These can offer an immediate filling of areas like:
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Thinning lips
- Vertical lip lines
- Chin dimples and wrinkles
They can also provide a softening of dynamic wrinkles like:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
Call Today for a Consultation
If you’re unhappy with the signs of aging and other imperfections on your skin, call Laser Skin Solutions of Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL for a complimentary consultation. We believe highlighting your natural beauty by restoring a more youthful appearance can restore your self-confidence and provide an overall sense of wellbeing. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
