Microneedling could set off a wound-healing response that encourages collagen formation
Rick Eglinton/Toronto Star by way of Getty Pictures
This text is a part of a particular challenge investigating key questions on skincare. Discover the complete sequence right here.
Our pores and skin inevitably loses a few of its elasticity as we age. Up to now, the primary weapon towards the wrinkles and sags – for many who might afford it – was to go underneath the surgeon’s knife. At present, there are a wealth of much less invasive alternate options that promise to agency up and rejuvenate our pores and skin – every little thing from Botox injections to units that blast mild or ultrasound into the pores and skin, and even “vampire” facials, the place blood extracts are injected into the face.
Provided that wholesome pores and skin brings wider well being advantages, do these “tweakments” rejuvenate from the surface in? “The question is, is this just vanity or are you doing anything that’s going to help your future self?” says dermatologist Clare Kiely at Man’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London. “It depends on the type of treatment.”
Misplaced elasticity
Ageing comes with many transformations, however the main reason for our wrinkles is a discount in collagen and elastin, proteins that present firmness and elasticity. Remedies akin to Botox – injection of botulinum toxin to stop muscular tissues contracting – will do nothing to cease these modifications, although they are often an efficient solution to forestall frown strains when injected into sure facial muscular tissues. Likewise, injections of gel-like substances known as dermal fillers beneath the pores and skin can easy wrinkles and add quantity to sagging tissue, however don’t handle the underlying structural modifications, and include dangers.
