Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 5 | 2022 Issue 5 | 2022 | Page 173

Column

Skin Quality Enhancement

Skin quality is one of the critical perceptions about an individual ’ s self-esteem , age , general health , and wellbeing . Skin quality has always been a concern and is becoming increasingly important to women worldwide , and the search for porcelain-like , smooth , and youthful skin remains constant across countries . As we age , the skin ’ s essential structures break down over time , resulting in thinning of the skin , wrinkles and pigmentation formation , and a loss of volume . To refresh our skin and achieve a youthful glow , we must give it the care it deserves by taking care of the skin since young and providing it with constant maintenance as we age .
A commonly asked question by patients is when the usual skincare can no longer reduce tired-looking , dry , and dull skin , what else can we do ?
Age-related skin changes stem from aging-induced alterations that occur in all tissue layers . Skeletal aging primarily leads to a loss of bony support , which is visible as a decrease in volume contributes to a saggy and aged appearance of the face . Age-related changes in fat tissue in the face lead to volume loss and uneven skin texture . The elasticity of skin decreases with age due to collagen and elastin loss . At the same time , there ’ s an increase in surface roughness due to reduced water and sebum content in the skin , which contributes to the development of skin wrinkles , including but not limited to crow ’ s feet and forehead and glabellar lines .
Over the years , Dr Anna Hoo has created a personalized , safe , and scientifically proven treatment strategy by combining Botulinum toxin A , laser therapy , and Hyaluronic acid filler to slow the process of aging . The treatment maintains and improves the patient ’ s skin tone , evenness , skin surface smoothness , and firmness and , ultimately , provides glowing skin utilizing a personalized combination therapy .
Botulinum toxin A ’ s primary mechanism of action is the inhibition of Acetylcholine release , which leads to muscle relaxation . Injections of the purified toxin aim to reduce dynamic and static wrinkles due to overactive muscle contraction . Meanwhile , intradermal injections can decrease sebum production , improve skin laxity and reduce facial pores .
Hyaluronic acid filler revitalizes skin texture by increasing dermal hydration and stimulating collagen and elastin production . The crossed-link hyaluronic acid fillers have been shown to rejuvenate skin and enhance skin firmness , evenness , tone , and glow .
Lasers are necessary components of a comprehensive approach to improving skin quality . Depending on the aim of treatment , specific lasers are preferred . CO2 lasers can improve skin evenness , while fractional lasers reduce acne scars . PICO and
Before , After 4 treatments , After 8 treatments , After 11 treatments of laser therapy . Pigmentation treatment with laser
Before and 9 months after Juvederm Volite treatment Hyaluronic acid filler skin hydration treatment .
Q-switch Nd-Yag lasers improve hyperpigmentation , while long-pulsed Nd-Yag laser is used to remove hair in unwanted areas .
Healthy lifestyle choices and topical nutrition are imperative in improving skin quality and are often the first-line option for improving skin quality . Patients are encouraged to practice a healthy lifestyle and use topical and oral nutrition supplements when suitable — for example , limiting sun exposure and routine use of ultraviolet protection sunscreen and moisturizers . Recommended topicals include cosmeceuticals that contain growth factors , cytokines , and peptides that stimulate the production of collagen , elastin , and hyaluronic acid and help to rejuvenate skin health . Good skin quality is defined as skin that is healthy , undamaged , and youthful in appearance . However , everyone has a different skin quality due to the difference in lifestyle , stress levels , and nutritional status . Hence , Dr Anna Hoo ’ s personalized skin program , which is carefully designed with a combination of treatments that is tailor-made to the individual , provides skin quality improvement and improvement of the patient ’ s confidence level . Good skin quality is essential as it reflects one ’ s general health and social and emotional wellbeing , something we should not take lightly .
Dr Anna Hoo is an aesthetic physician with an MD from the University of Science Malaysia . She is also the founder and medical director of the Anna Hoo Clinic , an anti-ageing and aesthetic group practice in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 5 | 2022
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