Aging is an inevitable part of life. We are exposed to numerous environmental factors that accelerate aging, such as lifestyle, stress, pollution, diseases, toxins, and injuries. Although aging is an inescapable reality, the desire to stay and look young is a normal sentiment.
Aging brings inevitable physical signs of aging such as wrinkles, dry and brittle skin, graying of hair, poor eyesight, and loss of muscle tone. These bodily changes are considered a normal part of the aging process. And they only become more pronounced as your age advances.
To delay the process, people spend billions of dollars on anti-aging products such as skin products, over-the-counter products, prescription medications, non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and cosmetic surgery. The global anti-aging market is valued at $56 billion and is estimated to grow by around 5 percent over the next three years.
Thanks to advances in medical science, there are many things we can do to stay young. Here are seven rejuvenation practices to keep you look younger.
Light therapy
One of the most common non-invasive cosmetic procedures is light therapy. This uses a non-thermal Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is applied over the skin to stimulate natural cell regeneration and accelerate its repair and rejuvenation.
Light therapy uses various specific wavelengths to get the skin to elicit different reactions that plump the skin, smoothen wrinkles, and fight off bacteria. It also triggers the skin to produce new cells that are responsible for healing.
Although it is commonly used to treat aging-related fine lines and wrinkles, it also addresses a range of skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. The results are almost instantaneous. You’ll see great improvement right after the first session. Depending on the patient, the procedure is usually done twice a week, over four months.
Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy or regenerative medicine involves the use of stem cells to rejuvenate and replace aging cells. Considered as our body’s “raw materials”, multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most popular and promising. These cells can differentiate and mature into a variety of cell types.
Stem cell therapy does not only make you look younger, it aims to reverse the aging process by replenishing old and diseased cells. Stem cell infusion results in improvements such as a healthy and rejuvenated skin, energy boost, decreased overt signs of aging, and improvement of over-all well being.
Detoxification
Antioxidants are known to rejuvenate the body. These molecules fight off free radicals or oxidants that cause cell death. Free radicals are generated from the food we eat, pollution, and exposure to the sun. It is important to flush out these unwanted toxins as they can accelerate the aging process.
The human body has its natural antioxidant system that gets rid of these agents. However, as we age, its ability to protect against oxidants also wears off. Regular intake of antioxidants, either through natural sources or through pharmaceutical products, can help detoxify and eliminate negative compounds from the body. There are numerous OTC cleanses, detox diets, food supplements, and prescription medications that are based on anti-oxidants.
Skin needling
Micro-needling or collagen induction therapy uses fine needles to penetrate the outermost layer of the skin. This results in controlled and localized damage that does not affect the epidermis. Medical-grade skin needling stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves cell function, and increases the production of natural moisturizing factors. These processes accelerate skin repair and regeneration, thereby making you look much younger.
Skin needling helps infuse topical ingredients into the skin for better results. It promotes the release of growth factors while ensuring the integrity of the epidermis. Overall, this rejuvenation practice results in a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, reduced scarring, improved skin texture, and better skin tone.
Skin infusions
Some anti-aging compounds need to be introduced directly into the skin for better results. For example, vitamins A, C, and E prove beneficial for skin rejuvenation, particularly for increasing collagen production and reducing the effect of UV rays.
Using ultrasound equipment, these anti-aging compounds can be infused into the skin. This results in visibly smoother and wrinkle-free skin. Moreover, other peptides and macromolecular compounds can treat skin dryness, dehydration, sun damage, loss of firmness, sensitive and irritated skin, and dark circles. It also protects the skin’s DNA and enhances cellular regeneration.
Laser skin resurfacing
Another popular rejuvenating procedure, laser resurfacing uses high-intensity light to flatten and improve wrinkles and scars. The energy emitted by the laser causes the loose skin to tighten up, thereby resulting in better-looking skin. This cosmetic procedure can be used on different body parts.
Depending on the skin condition, the laser can be set to treat superficial, intermediate, or deep skin areas. The effect of the treatment and the recovery time may vary. According to a cosmetic surgeon performing laser vaginal rejuvenation Skinsational, the results of laser therapy can last for up to five years.
Cosmetic surgery
For signs of aging that cannot be treated with non-invasive procedures, cosmetic surgery can be the answer. Lifting the skin on the forehead, neck, eyelids, and other parts of the face can give it a tighter, younger appearance.
Numerous cosmetic surgical procedures can help you look many years younger. The results of these procedures can last for many years, some even for the rest of their life. You can set an appointment with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to know which procedures are best for you.