Myths surrounding anti-aging continue to prevail despite the plethora of scientific information available today. Outdated beliefs, disproven theories and circulated superstitions continue to muddy the waters when it comes to learning true facts about anti-aging. Luckily, it is possible to address each myth directly to bring new light to the subject. By deconstructing the myths, you can get to the heart of anti-aging to better tackle the effects growing older has on your skin.
MYTH: It Is Impossible to Restore Skin Elasticity
FACT: You can actually restore skin elasticity with targeted anti-aging techniques, such as laser treatments and filler injections. The decrease in elasticity links backed to a marked decrease in collagen and elastin protein production. Without medical interventions, the lack of elasticity leads to sagging, drooping skin that struggles to recover from ongoing damage. Common anti-aging treatments jumpstart the recovery process and encourage the generation of restorative proteins. The treatments also diminish sagging skin, visible lines and other indicators associated with poor skin elasticity.
MYTH: Your Skin Care Needs Never Change
FACT: Your skin care routine may need to undergo several iterations to cope with structural changes due to the effects of aging, environmental agents and product composition alterations. You may need to experiment with new cleansers, moisturizers, topical treatments and procedures to maintain the health and appearance of your skin. Careful observation of the effects of your routine can assist in making pertinent adjustments on the fly to stay one step ahead of the damage.
MYTH: Expensive Products Work Best
FACT: Although many people highly laud extremely expensive department store skin care products, the cost of the item does not prove its efficiency. In fact, if the expensive product does not address the demands of your skin, you could end up with blemishes or uneven tone as the initial situation worsens without adequate treatment. This is especially true when dealing with the negative effects of aging. Depending on your skin type and condition, you may be able to use a combination of low cost products, like petroleum jelly, alongside anti-aging procedures to maintain your dewy, glowing appearance.
MYTH: Care Routines Trump Restorative Procedures
FACT: A perfectly tuned skin care routine can never fully eliminate the need for restorative procedures. You must strive to maintain a nice balance between prevention and restoration. Your skin will continue to respond to the effects of aging despite your ideal selection of products and a highly strategized application schedule. Luckily, you can reverse the damage and promote improved skin condition with restorative procedures, such as laser therapy, dermatological fillers and IV vitamin treatments.
MYTH: You Can Stop Treatment With Improvements
FACT: As restorative treatments take an effect, you may feel tempted to end the procedure schedule right then. Skipping future treatments, however, can leave your skin unprotected, which may contribute to the accelerated development of fine lines, acne and other damaging effects. You can work with your doctor or aesthetician to find a treatment schedule that works for your needs. For example, you may choose to spot treat with laser acne scar removal or opt for twice yearly intense pulsed light photo facials for the full effect.
MYTH: Pain is a Necessary Part of the Process
FACT: With the right care provider and personal considerations, you should experience very little pain, even during the most intensive anti-aging or skin conditioning treatments. With laser resurfacing or filled injections, there is a slight amount of discomfort during and after the procedure. Your care provider will advise you on how to minimize lasting discomfort for a quick recovery after each treatment. Pain levels should never escalate or linger after a preventative or corrective skin treatment.
MYTH: Personalized Treatment Protocols are Unnecessary
FACT: A one size fits all treatment protocol is just not possible with all of the different ways skin ages. Your genetics, lifestyle and care choices all play a role in the types of damage occurring at or below skin level. Luckily, anti-aging experts can take those factors into account while creating a personalized treatment plan. Your care provider may adjust the plan from year to year to account for changes in your skin condition and personal preferences. As new treatment procedures come onto the market, you may be able to add those options into your care schedule to better approach your anti-aging goals.
After challenging these common anti-aging myths, you can use your newfound knowledge to tackle problem areas with effective treatments known to work. Work with your doctor or aesthetician to create an anti-aging care plan that addresses your biggest worries and prevents future issues from cropping up.