Tis’ The Season to Be Lasered

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are starting to feel the pressure. We want to make sure we’ve got the perfect gifts for those who are special to us. We want to say “yes” to all the right invitations and “no” when we recognize our need to rest and replenish. We also want to feel that we look our best when the cameras begin to flash. If skin problems like acne, spots and other sun damage, and lines and wrinkles are present, they may stand in the way of this. Here, we discuss why we get wrinkles and how laser treatment can address this common cosmetic concern.

The Structure of Skin

There are three layers to the skin: the epidermis (uppermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous tissue (deepest layer). The epidermis is the protective layer that fights environmental toxins with keratinocytes. The dermis is made of connective tissue including proteins, collagen, and elastin. These chemicals provide flexibility and strength to the skin. Finally, the subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat that provides plumpness to the skin.

Genetics, age and environmental factors affect each of the layers of the skin. As tissue production slows, the skin’s layers thin out. They become more susceptible to changes and damage and have decreased healing capabilities. The result of thinning is the increased visibility of lines and wrinkles.

Causes of Wrinkles & Fine Lines

For the skin on the face to be upheld, it needs firmness (collagen), flexibility to bounce back (elastin), and plumpness for contouring in the mid-face (fat). The decrease of each of these substances occurs simultaneously. This is why so many people complain that it felt as though they aged overnight. Once the skin begins to change, the progress may only be exacerbated by UV exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, even stress. Studies indicate that, of the various factors of aging, UV exposure and the photoaging it causes account for 90 percent of premature thinning, wrinkling, and sagging.

Lasers to the Rescue

Laser treatments aren’t only intended to resurface the epidermis. The energy that is applied to an area of mottled, rough, wrinkled skin delivers photons inches deep. The mitochondria that live at this depth absorb the laser light. In turn, their levels of adenosine triphosphate increase. This stimulates the production of enzymes, new cells, and collagen, all of which promote healthy tissue regeneration.

Wintertime is a great time for laser skin rejuvenation. To learn more, call our office in Teaneck, NJ.