Ask the Doc
Skin: Reaching the
Tipping Point
by STEVEN F. WEINER, M.D.
MALCOLM GLADWELL PUT IT BEST when he published a book explaining the “tipping point” as the phenomenon of change that — for some undeniable reason — takes place all of a sudden and quite unexpectedly. The idea that noticeable change seems to happen almost at once, thus taking us in a direction unplanned, unrealized, and for the most part, placing us in uncharted territory. Such is the case with our skin. As the largest organ in our body, it is indeed a life force all its own. In our 20s, skin is taut, supple, resilient and ready to
bounce back. However, once in your 30s, there is
less resilience, the subtle appearance of lines, and
the beginning stages of sagging start to settle in.
Inevitably, certain factors can lead to faster aging
of the skin such as smoking, sun tanning, and
alcohol; however, clinical studies are now showing
that aside from environmental reasons, skin does
reach a tipping point — the point where the skin
shows a greater and more rapid deterioration of
pigments, volume and elasticity. A recent study
conducted by P&G Beauty and Grooming
confirms a distinct difference in skin from those in
their 20s versus the skin of those in their mid-30s.
In fact, the mean age of regression was estimated
at the age of 35.09 which indicates a clear “skin
tipping point” at which point there is a precipitous
drop in the skin’s elastic tolerance. After confirming
these studies, researchers conducted another
trial to evaluate certain anti-aging ingredients
which improve skin elasticity. Findings showed
that specific topical agents, such as olive oil, can
delay the unwanted signs of aging and prolong a
youthful complexion.
According to Dr. Steven Weiner at the
Aesthetic Clinique, one of the hot issues in skin
science is oxygen free radicals. It appears that the
environmental oxidative stressors overwhelm the
body’s ability to keep up at the tipping point. We
then start to lose the battle of collagen formation
versus degradation, as well as lose elasticity.
“You don’t have to throw in the towel when
you reach 35,” says Dr. Weiner. “We have several
treatments to directly fight the oxygen free radicals
such as GliSODin® Skin Nutrients, Retin A, and
Revale Skin with Coffee Berry. There are also
treatments to replace the loss of collagen and
elastin such as Fraxel® re:pair, Fraxel® re:store
Dual, Thermage, and dermal fillers that stimulate
collagen such as Radiesse and Sculptra and, to a
lesser extent, Restylane and Juvederm,” he added.
When it comes to genetics, there is definitely
a role that inherent genes take in helping or
hindering us to age gracefully, but external
circumstances — our environment –—play
just as important in the grand scheme of overall
youth and long-lasting luminous skin. Contrary to
popular belief, celebrities, models and fashionistas
face the same problems. But, today’s consumers
can mimic these media idols through proper care
and proactive techniques.
One such product offered at the Aesthetic
Clinique is GliSODin® Skin Nutrients which is
shown to maintain skin elasticity. Formulated
by dermatologists and nutritionists to provide
powerful antioxidants and bioactive nutraceuticals,
GliSODin® promotes enhanced and longer lasting
results from medical aesthetic treatments and
beauty programs. GliSODin® is a unique melon
extract naturally rich in superoxide dismutase
(SOD), combined with wheat protein to protect its
SOD activity within the intestinal cells. SOD, also
known as the Enzyme of Life, catalyzes the natural
antioxidant defense system, boosts immunity, and
reduces the rapid signs of aging. The production
of SOD decreases with age, causing an increase in
susceptibility to free radical damage.
Thermage® is a completely non-invasive
treatment that tightens the skin. By heating up
the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it promotes
collagen formation to provide the improvement. It
takes roughly six months to fully form the collagen
Before
