While we are often most concerned with the outermost layer of our skin, there are actually several layers under the surface that contribute to that healthy, youthful glowing skin. Fortunately, there are many ways we can care for and treat our facial layers to minimize the signs of aging and put our most youthful face forward. This blog post discusses a few of these layers and how you can best care for your facial appearance.
OUTERMOST LAYER: THE SURFACE OF YOUR SKIN
The outer surface of your skin is called the epidermis, and it is made up of a thin layer of cells that are regularly replaced. Damage caused to the skin by sun exposure, blemishes, dryness, inflammation, allergies, and other traumas can show up as spots of discoloration and dull-looking skin.
The signs of aging and damage that show up in this layer of skin can be reversed and prevented with a few simple treatments, leaving your face looking revitalized.
Exfoliation: Can remove dark spots and even the outermost layer of skin, allowing new skin to take its place and erase years from your face!
Retinol/Retin-A: Foundation of chemical exfoliation that removes dead skin cells, promotes skin cell turnover that can pull out blemishes and pigmentation which can brighten the face and soften fine lines.
Chemical peel
Laser treatments
Sunblock: Prevents oxidation and pigmentation of the skin.
SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER: FAT AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE
The layer of tissue just under the skin and above the facial musculature is made up of a mix of connective tissue (collagen and elastin) and fat. Over time, the body slows production of collagen and elastin, which has the result of reducing the fullness and elasticity of the skin. Additionally, the fat tissue may thin out, and gravity can take its toll. The effects of these changes result in skin looseness and hollowed-out areas that can create a loss of youthfulness in the face.
Topical serum that can slow down the thinning of the subcutaneous layer:
Vitamin C/E Serum – an antioxidant which improves collagen synthesis
There are multiple treatments available to enhance this subcutaneous layer of tissue:
Micro-needling combined with certain serums or compounds can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, enhancing the tone and elasticity of the skin.
Laser treatments can also enhance collagen and elastin production.
Dermal fillers and fat grafting can be used to “fill in” areas that have hollowed out through lost volume or deep lines and wrinkles. Addition of dermal fillers or fat with expertly-placed injections can erase the effects of time, remove wrinkles, and restore youthful plumpness to just the right areas of the face.
FACIAL MUSCLES
We have approximately 20 flat muscles around the skull that contribute to movements within our faces. It is through the contraction and relaxation of various combinations of these muscles that our facial expressions can change. Muscles around the eyes, nose, mouth, and neck all work together to convey emotions, and contractions of certain muscles can contribute to the formation and deepening of wrinkles and expression lines over time. Especially between the eyes and around the outer edges of the eyes, the lines caused by the contraction of the facial muscles result in a tired aged appearance.
Botox® is a protein that when injected into muscles can dampen the strength of facial expression resulting in a softening of existing lines and prevention of new ones from forming.
Treatments of each of the layers of your face can help to restore your youthfulness; combining modalities to address the natural aging process as well as an individual’s specific concern, resulting in an amazing transformation that can take years off!
To learn more about options for treatments to rejuvenate your face, contact Hudson Face and Eye at 347.788.1841 to schedule a consult today.
