ANTI AGING |
| News |
The majority of photodamage-the primary cause of aging skin-is already present by the time a person reaches 18, due to extrinsic aging caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure; atmospheric pollutants, including nicotine, sulfur and carbon dioxide; and acid rain. Many people who consult a skin care professional are seeking ways to address their anti-aging concerns.
There is no single perfect treatment, procedure or ingredient that will meet every person’s needs, although there are some universal basics to ensure healthy skin. Individuals need an appropriate treatment plan based on their own situation and lifestyle-a need based assessment, and resulting protocol, though in-spa and home care. Selecting a plan is no longer as simple as determining if the skin is dry, oily or combination, and if the client experiences fine lines or wrinkles.
Human skin is exposed to a variety of potentially damaging factors. It was only recently that people began to understand the harm they caused their own skin. Do you remember the days of sitting with a sun reflector and using baby oil mixed with iodine to obtain that fashionable tan made popular by the media and fashion divas such as Coco Chanel? Even walking to and from homes and offices, in and out of stores and sitting in cars can lead to skin damage. No one is immune.
Skin damage is primarily visible as discoloration, pigmentation, actinic keratosis, fine lines and wrinkles. These symptoms develop at an individually defined age, depending on the skin type. Everyone ages in a pattern and at a rate that is distinct. Historically, skin care professionals have looked to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification system, as well as clients’ health, heredity, lifestyle and sun exposure for clues about how to determine treatment regimens.
Due to the expanding knowledge of skin science and newly emerging treatment options, analysis is no longer that simple. Yet it can be one of the most significant elements in establishing an overall plan that can define success or failure.
Treatments begin with an initial analysis of the skin based upon close examination, followed by a supportive question-and-answer session that concerns overall health, skin health, allergies, heredity, and former and current skin care habits. These discussions highlight past problems with specific products and treatments, as well as the client’s willingness to invest in their goals and objectives for improvement. Comment about whether these are realistic and highlight what will be involved in achieving successful outcomes.
The next step is to propose a treatment plan. A sound approach must include multiple steps, including professional service, at home protocols, and a series of procedures that could include peels, facials and micro-dermabrasions. Many times the best approach is a series that involves multiple modalities.
Skin does not age overnight and it will not be repaired overnight. There is no such thing as hope in a jar or a magical treatment that fixes everything.
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