THE SKIN

The skin is responsible for protecting our body, in particular thanks to the cutaneous flora that lives naturally on its surface. It also regulates the temperature of our body, like a natural air conditioning system.

Over time, however, our skin undergoes the effects of skin aging, and this begins at the age of 25. Internal and external factors influence its structure and therefore its appearance.

What are these mechanisms? Is it possible to stop skin aging? Are there solutions and treatments to prevent and treat the aging of our skin to age better?

WHAT IS THE SKIN MADE OF?

It is composed of several layers that protect it from external aggressions:

• On its surface, the epidermis
• Then the dermis which includes the connective tissue composed of various cells and fibers: mesenchymal cells (stem cells), fibroblasts (support cells) but also collagen and elastin fibers. It is crossed by numerous blood and lymphatic capillaries and nerve endings.

Aesthetic medicine treatments for facial rejuvenation will act on the epidermis and the dermis, often by stimulating the activity of fibroblasts and the production of collagen and elastin.

SIGNS OF SKIN AGING

As the skin ages, fine lines appear, followed by wrinkles (or more pronounced furrows) and a loss of facial volume and density.

• Wrinkles and fine lines

Fine lines are the first to appear, often due to repeated contractions of facial muscles. These are called expression or dynamic wrinkles. They are initially quite superficial: they can be seen at the outer corner of the eye, but also between the eyebrows and on the forehead, and give a sad, tired or even severe or worried look. They become more pronounced over time and become deeper. Certain deeper wrinkles of the lower face also appear: smile lines, nasolabial folds or bitterness folds. These wrinkles are related to expressions but mostly to the sagging of the skin and the loss of subcutaneous volume.

• Volume loss

Volume loss results in sagging skin and looser facial contours. The loss of subcutaneous volume really changes the overall appearance of the face. A youthful face is characterized by clean contours and a plump, inverted triangle shape. With time and the melting of fatty tissues, the face seems to sag downward and become hollow: temples, dark circles, valley of tears. This also has the effect of accentuating certain folds or furrows.

• Density loss

With time, especially during menopause, the skin’s structure changes, its density is less, it becomes thinner, which accentuates wrinkles but also has an effect on the complexion which becomes dull.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SKIN AGING?

Internal causes

Skin aging is inevitable. It is caused by internal and external factors. Knowing and understanding them allows us to better treat the aging of the skin, to prevent it and to accompany it in the best possible way to age gracefully and elegantly.

Internally, the signs of aging are the result of changes in the skin: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. In fact, it is the body as a whole that becomes slower, more lazy.

First of all, cell renewal takes place more slowly, resulting in a duller complexion. The skin also becomes drier because the epidermis produces less lipids. It also protects itself less effectively from the sun’s UV rays, so it is more fragile and more sensitive to external aggressions.

In the dermis, the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decreases. The connective tissue becomes disorganized and wrinkles form. The skin is also less well nourished with nutrients and oxygen due to a decrease in blood flow.

It is in the hypodermis that fat cells decrease, explaining the overall loss of volume in the cheeks, cheekbones, temples, dark circles, etc.

As a result, our skin and complexion become duller, less pink and luminous. Overall, the face loses its fullness, becomes deeper and more marked (wrinkles) and sinks downward. These contours become blurred. We are getting older.

We are not all equal when it comes to skin aging and genetics plays an important role, such as ethnic origin or skin type. Light skins, often sensitive and thin by nature, tend to wrinkle more quickly, Asian and mixed race skins have more problems of hyperpigmentation, etc.

EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT ACCELERATE SKIN AGING

Oxidative stress is a response to an aggression of our cells by what are called free radicals, which accelerates skin aging. Free radicals are molecules that, when present in excessive quantities in the body and skin, can be harmful to all components of the body.

The famous antioxidants would normally allow us to fight these free radicals which generate oxidative stress and make us age faster.

But external factors – lifestyle and hygiene – can increase the presence of free radicals in the skin and create an imbalance:

• The sun

Enemy number 1 of the skin and first factor of accelerated or premature aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun and UV rays causes lesions: the skin wrinkles and wrinkles, pigment spots but also small vessels (couperose) appear.

• Pollution

In response to pollution, our skin produces more free radicals. Pollution also increases the harmful effects of the sun.

• Tobacco

Nicotine and other toxic substances cause an increase in the number of free radicals in the skin.

• The food

Antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals are found in food! This is why a varied, healthy diet rich in antioxidants is really the source of any global prevention of the skin aging process.

• Not taking care of your skin

A beautiful skin also means taking care of it with an adequate routine: cleaning it with adapted and soft care, exfoliating it regularly, nourishing it and especially protecting it from the sun, in all circumstances.

• Stress also generates the production of free radicals that are bad for the skin

• Dehydration: poorly hydrated skin “breaks” more quickly, resulting in wrinkles and a rough, dull appearance.

OTHER SKIN IMPERFECTIONS

Independently of the effects of skin aging, the skin can present various small imperfections that Doctor HAVET can treat effectively:

• Pimples, acne, even in adults
• Small unsightly vessels (couperose)
• Marks, scars or signs of flesh (acrochordons, xanthelasmas…)

AESTHETIC MEDICINE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE SKIN

Numerous non-surgical and non-invasive techniques allow to prevent and fight effectively against the causes of skin aging of the face, as well as against the imperfections of the complexion and the skin.

Thanks to them, we can really improve the quality of the skin, both visually and tactilely, and beautify and rejuvenate it, all with a natural look.

All the treatments offered and practiced in the office of Doctor HAVET are adapted to all skin types: light, dark, mixed race and black.

A consultation will allow him to propose a dedicated and tailor-made treatment plan to visibly improve the quality of your skin.