As we age, collagen production starts to slow down and our skin loses its elasticity and firmness — lines and wrinkles appear, skin sags, and our complexion turns duller.
As we age, collagen production starts to slow down and our skin loses its elasticity and firmness — lines and wrinkles appear, skin sags, and our complexion turns duller.
Thankfully, there are a variety of modern treatments for facial and under eye rejuvenation. At Livingstone Dermatology, we offer medical-grade, non-surgical procedures to help restore skin for a tighter, refreshed, and more lifted look, so you can feel confident in your skin at any age.
Ageing is a natural and inevitable part of life, and it impacts every layer of our skin — with visible changes like wrinkles, pigmentation and skin laxity. Most of these changes are caused by slower cell turnover, and reduced collagen and elastin production.
When we’re younger, damaged or dead cells are replaced with newer ones at a faster rate. Conversely, as we age, this cell renewal process slows down, resulting in an accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This leads to:
In our mid-20’s, collagen and elastin production begins to slow gradually, but we usually experience noticeable effects during our 30’s and 40’s. Combined with the slower rate of collagen production, the skin slowly loses its elasticity, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin [1, 2].
Due to the decline in collagen and elastin production, along with loss of fat and slower cell renewal, we may experience thinner skin.
This is more evident in the skin under our eyes, which are naturally thinner. The under-eye area also requires more delicate treatment, and may not be suited for conventional facial rejuvenation procedures.
Facial and under eye rejuvenation targets the mechanisms of ageing in our skin cells, enhancing cell turnover rate and collagen synthesis. Hence, these treatments generally target and reverse the effects of skin ageing, such as:
Reversing ageing doesn’t have to be synonymous with going under the knife. Advancements in technology and science have brought about minimally invasive treatments to reverse the effects of ageing and achieve a more refreshed, younger-looking appearance.
Topical serums are lightweight formulations designed to deliver active ingredients in the skin. Topical serums tailored for rejuvenation often target skin-ageing concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and skin dryness.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers, stimulating collagen and elastin production, keeping your skin tight, plump and strengthening the skin’s foundation. Growth factors, on the other hand, are proteins that naturally occur in the body and promote cell growth and repair.
Depending on the topical serum formulated, they can provide the following rejuvenation benefits:
Polynucleotide (PN) injections are medical aesthetic injections that repair the skin with polynucleotides, which are biological molecules derived from DNA fragments. This confers tissue regeneration, boosts hydration, and encourages skin healing.
One commonly known type of polynucleotide injection are polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injections delivered directly to the dermis via micro-injections. PDRN is a compound taken from purified salmon DNA, which is highly biocompatible and well-tolerated, minimising risk of rejection. PDRN Injections have the following benefits:
Laser treatments are advanced dermatological procedures that utilise targeted light energy to treat various skin issues, such as sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Some laser treatments work by reaching deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, while other laser treatments resurface the skin to reveal the newer skin underneath. These include:
Due to their minimally invasive nature, these treatments are generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Common side effects include redness, swelling or bruising, but this subsides within a few days.
Before your treatment, a consultation with our Dermatologist is necessary to assess your skin condition and discuss the treatment plan with you. What to expect varies, depending on the type of treatment you are most suitable for.
Many of these facial and under-eye rejuvenation treatments are generally well-tolerated. However, for certain treatments, numbing cream is applied to minimise pain and keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
When you see results also depends on the type of treatment you opt for. Generally, for laser and polynucleotide injections, results will continue to improve over time as your skin heals and collagen and elastin production is encouraged.
Due to their minimally invasive nature, facial and under eye rejuvenation treatments generally have close to no downtime. In fact, they’re often touted as “lunchtime treatments” because you can come in for a quick session and resume your daily activities right after.
Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation session. We are dedicated to addressing any concerns and doubts you may have on facial and under eye rejuvenation treatments.
Can I use peptide or growth factor serum with other skin care?
Yes, peptides and growth factor serums can be layered with other skin care ingredients such as retinols. Using these ingredients together may also enhance the anti-ageing effects. However, it is best to consult your dermatologist before mixing your skin care to ensure optimal results.
How long do polynucleotide injections last?
Polynucleotide injections can last up to 6 months, but this will also vary from person to person.
What can I do to slow down signs of ageing?
A healthy lifestyle and consistent skin care can slow down ageing of our skin. Some of these include:
Are there different types of peptides?
Yes, there are generally 4 main types of topical peptides:
Signal peptides | Signal peptides, such as Matrixyl, stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin. This enhances the skin’s structure and firmness and adds “bounce” to your face. |
Carrier peptides | Carrier peptides carry elements like copper and magnesium, which promotes skin healing, repair and regeneration. |
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides | Enzyme-inhibiting peptides, such as soy peptides, prevent the breakdown of collagen by inhibiting the action of certain enzymes. This helps slow the effects of ageing and maintains skin structure. |
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides | Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides reduce dynamic facial expressions by blocking signals that cause facial muscles to contract. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. |
Topical peptides are very versatile, and often incorporated into serums or topical solutions during professional treatments [9].
Whether you’re dealing with a specific skin concern or seeking to enhance your natural beauty, Livingstone Dermatology is here to guide you on your journey to healthy, radiant skin.
Schedule an appointment today and experience the Livingstone standard of care in a welcoming, professional environment.