How do medi-aesthetic treatments target visible signs of premature ageing?
Whether we like it or not, modern day society revolves around image, with photos of flawless and youthful skin being a regular daily feature on digital media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
The pressure to look ‘perfect’ is relentless and we often find ourselves reading articles relating to how our looks are directly associated with success and happiness, so it will come as no surprise that the UK beauty industry is one sector that’s rarely affected by economic downturn and recession. Employing over 1 million people and estimated to be worth £17 billion pounds in 2016 alone, beauty treatments are big business and in the quest to find the elixir of ‘eternal youth’, many of us are turning to advanced medi-aesthetics treatments to address unwanted signs of premature ageing.
As consumers who work hard for our money, we’re also becoming increasingly savvy about our chosen skincare procedures and are simply no longer prepared to accept the ‘miraculous’ promises that have been historically made to us by large cosmetic houses. As a generation of smart purchasers, we’ve begun to take research into our own hands and before booking a high price point treatment, make considerable effort to find out if the technology and products used really will provide the results that they claim to deliver.
As the owner of Aspire Health and Beauty and accredited Beauty Therapist with over 16 years of experience and numerous post graduate qualifications in laser/IPL, dermabrasion and medi-aesthetics treatments, to name a few, I take great pride in offering treatments which I have not only personally experienced, but ones which I believe in and endorse 100%, which is why you’ll only find a small selection of bespoke therapies on our portfolio of treatments, versus numerous of mass market grooming essentials.
Having recently introduced a new advanced medi-aesthetics procedure to our treatment menu, I wanted to take the opportunity to address some key questions relating to ageing that both myself and my team of Aspire Therapists are asked on a regular basis, which will hopefully answer your immediate questions relating to the performance and longevity of medi-aesthetics treatments.
What’s the difference between a beauty therapy cosmeceutical facial and medi-aesthetics treatment?
Medi-aesthetics treatments are a range of advanced procedures which are provided by beauty therapists who have undertaken advanced post graduate training and who have been practicing for many years. In addition to gaining accredited qualifications in anatomy and physiology and facial/body therapies, medi-aesthetics practitioners have gone onto gain further training in disciplines such as laser and IPL, skin peels, electrolysis, mesotherapy, dermal needling, cryotherapy, phototherapy, cosmetic chemistry and the latest non-surgical medical aesthetics enhancements. Unlike clinical procedures performed by a registered cosmetic surgeon, or standard facial and body therapies provided by a qualified therapist using an array of specifically designed dermatologically endorsed products, non-invasive medi-aesthetics treatments as a general rule use active high grade skinceuticals which are extremely effective when used in conjunction with a range of advanced treatment modalities. Medi-aesthetics treatments also require very little down time in comparison to invasive surgical procedures, making them a highly sought after and cost effective option to results driven, target specific skincare.
What causes our skin to age?
Before we look into how medi-aesthetics treatments can precisely address our anti-ageing concerns, it’s important to understand some of the fundamental factors which cause our skin to age. Healthy skin is categorised by its smooth, plump and flawless appearance, even colouration and firm, radiant tone.
When we’re younger our skin is maintained due to an abundance of key components such as collagen and elastin, which help to provide shape, structure, support and elasticity. Glycosaminoglycans also play a role in keeping our skin hydrated and active metabolisms, good genes and a high number of oxygenated red blood cells also ensure our complexions remain in top shape.
However as we mature and enter middle age, our bodies begin to slow down and the production of these vital skincare essentials, combined with intrinsic (the natural ageing process) and extrinsic factors (external occurrences such as environmental pollution, over exposure to damaging UV rays, free radical damage, an unbalanced diet and poor lifestyle choices), all contribute towards the topical ageing of our skin.
Officially the ageing process begins as early as our 20’s, when collagen production starts to decline and by the time women in particular reach the menopause, the significant reduction of oestrogen further contributes to our complexions becoming drier and skin thinner and sallow, with wrinkles, deep expression lines, laxity and hyper-pigmentation becoming prevalent.
Papillae (cone shaped projections) which are found underneath the basal layer of the epidermal/dermal junction get smaller in size and flatter. Highly reactive chemical compounds known as aldehydes decrease our energy production by inhibiting Coenzyme A and excessive glucose intake contributes to the cross linking of proteins which damage collagen fibres, making them harden and obstructing nutrient and waste transfer, which results in wrinkles and skin discolouration.
Fibroblast cells also cease to undergo cell division as we age, unless stimulated by wound healing, which is why medi-aesthetics treatments which artificially stimulate the production of collagen can be so beneficial in the quest to regain a radiant glow.
How can medi-aesthetics treatments improve the tone and vibrancy of our skin?
Medi aesthetic treatments use a combination of cosmeceutical products and advanced technology to target specific skin care concerns. Treatments such as the eDerma Pen which we offer at Aspire artificially creates microtrauma, triggering the skin’s natural healing process, which generates the synthesis of collagen a key protein required to maintain a youthful appearance. Procedures such a dermal rollers and mesotherapy enable active cosmetic grade ingredients such as ascorbic acid and retinols to be delivered directly into the skin and epidermal-dermal intercellular junction, whilst electrolysis and laser procedures focus on the permanent eradication of unwanted hairs in addition to the removal of skin tags, keratinised lesions and hyper-pigmentation such as spider veins, whilst laser skin rejuvenation uses specifically designed lasers and led light therapy which have the capabilities to penetrate deeper into the skin than standard topical cosmetic products.
As with any beauty treatment, long term success will depend not only on the treatment itself but also on how we look after our bodies and nourish them with nutrient rich food. When performed by a competent practitioner medi-aesthetics procedures will undoubtedly be your secret weapon to combat visible signs of ageing and here at Aspire Health and Beauty we are looking forward to supporting you every step of the way in your skincare journey.