Age no bar

Dr Sukhdeep Kaur

The secret to a youthful, glowing and flawless skin is now revealed! Wanting to look young is not exactly a new idea - the search for the fountain of youth has been going on for centuries. Here are the scientifically proven anti-ageing secrets, which work miraculously.

Laser therapy

The anti- ageing breakthrough of the decade is a skin-resurfacing treatment known as CO2 fractional laser therapy .The natural ageing process, combined with exposure to sun and pollution, destroys collagen - the main protein of connective tissue that keeps skin plump and wrinkle-free. Laser resurfacing uses beams of light energy to bore tiny holes in the skin, which works to put the body’s natural collagen production on fast forward. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does this in a way that prevents damage to the top layer of the skin, offering maximum results with minimal recovery time.

Wrinkle cure

Wrinkle injection technology soared to new heights with the USA FDA approved Fillers. What’s really significant is that we can now use these fillers to volumise skin anywhere on the face, so you can really sculpt a lifted, youthful look without surgery. Unlike a face-lift, this pulls the skin taut and tight.

Skin deep

Topping the list of anti-ageing ingredients, making the most noise these days, are antioxidants. These skin-care nutrients fight ageing by destroying free radicals, the unstable molecules that occur from sun exposure or pollution that can literally gobble up the skin’s collagen supply, resulting in a beautiful skin. Topical antioxidants particularly CoQ10, and vitamins C and E help to rejuvenate as well as protect skin.

Face off

Small proteins that stimulate the production of collagen, peptides have been on the cusp of anti-ageing skin-care for a while. Matrixyl peptide has the ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Argireline (a new peptide) produces a mild, botox-like effect, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that keep facial muscles from forming wrinkles. Even newer peptide formulations act like growth factors, stimulating skin cells to make a quicker turnover, much like young skin.

Vitamin dose

Among the most medically studied topical anti-ageing treatments are the retinoids - derivatives of vitamin A. Retinoids are thought to work on ageing skin by increasing collagen production and decreasing collagen breakdown. A retinol cream application at night for four weeks significantly reduces fine lines, wrinkles and improves texture of the skin. Newly invented retinol peels also helpful in this regard.

Sun shield

Among the most exciting, new ways to fight skin ageing are two dramatic breakthroughs in sun protection: Helioplex, a new technology that makes current sunscreen ingredients more effective, and Mexoryl SX, a new protective agent specifically designed to defend against the ageing effects of short UVA rays. The newer anti-ageing sunscreens have a promising role.

(Sr Sukhdeep Kaur is a Chandigarh based dermatologist)