A young and healthier looking you

Your skin’s surface condition determines its texture. In the very best condition, the skin has an even, smooth and hydrated texture, plumped up with firm collagen and elastin support. When your skin is dehydrated or unhealthy, the texture becomes dry, rough and saggy and is also more vulnerable to sun damage.

The texture of the skin can be made worse by a number of factors. Ageing and too much sun exposure all leave their mark on our face as we get older, resulting in laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet, facial creases and enlarged pores. 

There are many things you can do to help improve the texture of your skin. Exfoliation helps even, polish, and refine the texture, while moisturising the skin with water-locking ingredients like hyaluronic acid will smooth the surface and relieve dry patches. Anti-oxidants help prevent skin damage, so try to look for skincare products containing vitamins, A, C and E to neutralise free-radical damage. Last but not least, don’t forget sunscreen and try to avoid strong sunlight.

If you aim to get rid of a few facial creases, dermal fillers and especially hyaluronic acid and fat can be injected to relieve lines and wrinkles by filling them out. It also helps make the skin appear plumper and more radiant. This is a popular method for improving skin texture as complications are rare or, at the very worst minor, provided the treatment is given by a qualified doctor.

However, if you want to improve the texture of the facial skin in general, skin rejuvenation can be done in a number of ways, ranging from laser, radiofrequency waves and other energy-based treatments to chemical peels and other non-ablative approaches.

A minimally invasive method is microdermabrasion. This uses a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer. The technique also helps to thicken collagen, making the skin appear taut and smooth.

But if your concern requires something more invasive, modern laser technologies have allowed doctors to have better control over laser skin resurfacing, resulting in extreme precision, especially in delicate areas. Short, concentrated pulsating beams of light are applied to the troubled areas to remove damaged skin in a very precise manner.

While removing the outer layer of the epidermis, the laser beam simultaneously heats the underlying skin, called the dermis, in order to stimulate growth of new collagen fibres. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer, resulting in better texture overall.

 

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to |[email protected]