Injectables: An Issue of Integrity
Injectables can work wonders when it comes to addressing fine lines and wrinkles, but a solid foundation is critically important to build anything of beauty that has staying power. In the arena of anti-ageing aesthetics, skin integrity—when one is considering injectables—is as important as partnering with an experienced and highly qualified injector.
Sure, none of us are fans of being told “no” when what we want is a “yes”, but as more and more women (and men) turn to injectables to turn back the clock – and mention of Botox and fillers around a brunch table becomes as standard issue as an eggs benedict order – we need to start talking about skin integrity, too.
The bottom line? If skin texture and quality are poor, that needs to be addressed and rectified before figuring out how many units to inject where. If the integrity of your skin is on shaky ground, then injectables, rather than being a building block, could become a stumbling block.
You Cannot Do Injectables in Isolation
A multifaceted approach is key to tackling ageing and premature ageing. At Skin Renewal, we love a few well-placed units of anti-wrinkle “magic” or some plumping, flattering filler, but we know that to get you the results you’re after, we need to take sensitivity and inflammation into account and restore/maintain your skin’s strength (collagen), elasticity (elastin), and hydration.
Why Collagen?
As the main component of skin, collagen has a key role in providing strength and integrity to this organ. Several factors, including autoimmune disease, ageing, and stress, can change the quantity and integrity of skin collagen, compromising collagen quality and negatively affecting skin function.
TIP: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods (e.g. fish and flaxseed), and in dietary supplements (e.g. fish oil), are essential for increasing collagen production which makes our skin stronger and improves barrier function. Vitamin C, found in foods like broccoli, leafy greens and citrus fruits, also has proven collagen-boosting benefits.
Why Elastin?
Elastin is a protein that your body produces naturally. It provides suppleness and elasticity to your skin and many other organs while also helping to regenerate skin cells and remove damaged elastic fibres.
TIP: To keep your elastin showing up rather than slacking off, there are several things you can do, from never skimping on sunscreen, getting enough sleep and using a retinoid at night to adding vitamin C, peptides and growth factors to your skincare regime, loading your plate with antioxidant-rich foods and managing your stress levels.
Why Hydration?
Hydration plays a vital role in the preservation and repair of skin integrity. Conversely, dehydration disturbs cell metabolism and wound healing.
TIP: To improve and/or maintain your skin’s hydration and, in turn, its integrity, be sure to be sipping up 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Adequate fluid intake supports the blood flow to wounded tissues, preventing additional breakdown of the skin and reducing wrinkles and fine lines while maintaining skin elasticity. Adding a Hyaluronic Acid serum to your skincare regime is also a great way to show your skin that you mean hydration business!
In a nutshell, the healthier the foundation of your skin, the better your results from injectables will be. By making the strength, elasticity and hydration of your skin a priority – with both a consistent morning-and-night skincare routine and regular treatments like peels, micro-needling and laser – you’ll develop far fewer wrinkles and lose less volume as the years go by, which means you’ll need fewer injectable treatments in the long run.