Prejuvenation

Beauty…. This one word means so many different things to people.  Plato stated that ”beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”  We recognize beauty first by what we see externally.  City streets at Christmas,  lines of a 67’ Mustang, reflections of mountains on lakes, and the iconic holes at Amen Corner at Augusta National are all externally beautiful scenes.  But not everyone appreciates the same amount of beauty within these scenes. In aesthetics, beauty is deemed by one’s curves, lines, wrinkles, etc. Make-up, lashes, tints, moisturizers, and more all increase ones’ external appeal by removing or hiding scars, blemishes, and other imperfections. However, what if there were methods to ensure beauty originating and being maintained from the internal layers of our skin?

Not only is our skin the largest organ of the body, but it is also one that takes a lot of abuse.  Burns, cuts, punctures, bites, and microtraumas, i.e. shaving, occur daily.  Then, heat it with UV exposure, chemicals, and probably worst of all inadequate hydration. These factors, plus natural aging, start damaging, weakening, and changing our skin in our 20’s!!!!  Signs include scars, keloids, thinning, easy bruising, wrinkles, and sun damage. Thankfully, our skin is forgiving and there are many ways of treating all aspects of damage and aging.

There are multiple internal and external treatments to heal damaged skin and to help older skin appear healthier and more youthful.  Internally, probably the most important thing we can control is obtaining adequate hydration. By the time we feel thirst we are at least 5% dehydrated.  The older population is chronically dehydrated due to medications, constant inconvenience of having to urinate more often and even some have limited access to liquids due to mobility issues/arthritis, etc.  Drinking 0.5-1 oz per pound of bodyweight ensures a good state of hydration.  Getting 8-10 hours of sleep also helps us obtain “beauty sleep.”  Collagen is rebuilt at night. Fewer wrinkles, less puffiness, and time for products to optimally work are benefits of healthier skin due to restful, adequate sleep patterns.  Externally, or topically, we use exfoliators to clear dead skin cells; moisturizers to help retain hydration within the skin, anti-oxidants and anti-wrinkle creams assist with lessening wrinkle number and depth. Procedurally, we utilize micro-needling, microdermabrasion, facials, peels, laser therapy, fillers, Botox, and surgery.

Combinations of treatment modalities help different cellular responses. For example, having a good regimen of adequate sleep, hydration, and SPF 50+ sunblock is a perfect start for skin health and protection. In our 20’s, one must think of developing a preventive skincare approach called ”prejuvenation.”  Micro-needling and laser therapies target the layer of skin where collagen growth will be stimulated helping to prevent, reverse wrinkles.  Also, hyperpigmented skin from sun damage is vastly improved by peels and laser therapies. 

Overall, many combinations or treatment plans can be utilized to assist both internal and external skin repair.  Building a more youthful appearance is easier to accomplish with the above services. Working with a physician and trusted aesthetician will help develop a successful plan for your skin type and needs.  Receiving these services earlier in life enables one to see long-term results by “prejuvenation” vs rejuvenation.  Regular treatments are the best kind of skin wellness!

Want to learn more about the in-office treatments we offer to target a variety of concerns? Join us Wednesday, October 13 from 1-3 pm or 4-6 pm for our Aesthetics Event. Please RSVP by 10/11/21 by calling (281) 207-0770.

Author

Dr. Frank Mazza Dr. Mazza has been a Houston resident since 1979. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, and he went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He completed his family practice residency at the Memorial Southwest Family Practice residency program. Dr. Mazza has often been recognized as a favorite local family physician in Texas Monthly magazine and other publications. Some of Dr. Mazza’s favorite hobbies include reading, sports, and music. He and his wife are proud parents of three daughters.