Taking care of your skin is so important and we often underestimate the importance of anti- aging in skin. I’ve been guilty, I’ve succumbed to laziness and while I do not skip cleaning my face every night, I skip putting sunscreen which is so important!. This New Year, I began taking care of my skin by seeing a dermatologist who reminded me of the importance of sunscreen. I have natural freckles and so protection is really necessary. “Apply 1 teaspoon of sunblock at least 2x a day, Marilen” , said Dr. Kaycee Reyes of Luminesce Skin Clinic. Yikes!! I wanted to crawl under the table and hide! I was so guilty of neglecting my skin but was glad when I learned that aging can still be reversed and prevented. Aside from sunscreen, daily anti- aging creams, hydrating with water and wholefoods, I decided to take the plunge and try cosmetic lasers to help me age gracefully.
This was me modeling for a magazine ad 13 years ago!
When I was younger, I looked forward to getting older, to becoming an adult and being able to do whatever I wanted without thinking that my skin and appearance will change too! The signs of aging such as wrinkled and loose skin are not attractive to see in the mirror. We neglect the causes of aging because we may be lazy or unaware and for this, we need anti-aging treatments.
Causes of aging skin
Skin protects us by acting as a barrier to the environment outside our bodies. Sun, bacteria and toxins cannot penetrate the surface of the skin easily. In return, we are supposed to care for our skin by keeping it clean, using moisturizer, and reducing exposure to anything that might harm it. All of these elements can prematurely age our skin.
No matter how well we care for our skin, it will naturally age despite our best efforts. The skin naturally produces collagen and elastins to repair and keep the skin healthy. The older we get, the less collagen our skin produces. It begins to thin and stretch, thus appearing saggy. Damaged cells take far longer to heal without collagen.
How laser machines rejuvenate your skin
Laser equipment uses an energy based on a spectrum of light to focus on the cells in the lower layer of skin called the dermis. The medical laser machines heat the cells which results in the skin contracting while at the same time, stimulating the cells to produce collagen and elastins in reaction to the procedure. As the cells heal from the procedure, they will continue to produce these essential ingredients for up to six months. The tightening of the skin is immediately noticeable, but the full result won’t be completed until the collagen has stopped increasing. In other words, you will continue seeing improvements over the next several months after your treatment.
Risks and side effects
Using non-ablative laser equipment makes a major difference in the risks and side effects. Ablative devices damage the outside layer of skin, which leaves you at risk of infections. Non-ablative machines leave that outside layer intact and unharmed, so your body is protected from that risk and recovers quicker.
It is not unusual to feel a warming sensation, much like a sunburn, immediately after a laser procedure. The skin may also look flushed. Applying an ice pack will reduce this side effect, which generally is gone by the next day.
What happens in a laser session?
On the day of your appointment, if it is your first session with the clinic, you will need to give yourself extra time to fill out medical questionnaires and forms. A certified technician will operate the laser device, making several passes over the area being treated. Depending on how large an area is being treated, the session could last as little as 15 minutes or just over an hour. The technician will then provide instructions on follow up care and discuss any medications that may be needed.
Get better skin this 2017!
Natural ways to keep our skin healthy
Don’t forget to care for your skin after laser treatments. While the treatment will have rejuvenated your skin, it isn’t permanent – no procedure is. However, there are several ways to help our skin in the fight against aging. Eating healthy, avoiding smoking and overexposure to the sun will help immensely.
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