ou can now look forward to wrinkle-free skin when you grow old!
Researchers at Clarkson University in Potsdam, United Kingdom, have revealed that wrinkles are not only due to changes in the deepest layer of the skin, they can also be pinned to the rigidity of the epithelial cells (cells that cover the surface of the body and line its cavities).
Earlier, it was thought that wrinkles and the leathery feel of old skin occur due to changes in the dermis, the deepest layer of skin that makes the skin less elastic.
But when researchers measured rigidity by poking human epithelial cells grown in a dish with the tip of an atomic force microscope, they found that after many generations of cell division, these cells were two to 10 times as stiff as 'younger' cells.
They believe the increased rigidity is due to the cells' cytoskeleton -- the internal scaffolding of protein fibres -- becoming more dense.
The team expects to find the same changes, which appear in cells over weeks or months, in skin samples from elderly people.
They are already testing skin creams on mice and expect results in a few months. 'Little is known about ageing mechanisms in epithelial cells, even though this is the layer that can be targeted with creams,' says Marie-Madeleine Cals-Grierson, an expert in ageing at cosmetics company L'Oreal, Paris, France.
Closer home, for those who wish to hide the fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet, non-surgical treatments are available at a various skin clinics across the country.
"Though these treatments are very safe, you must consult with a doctor to decide which one is best for you and get them done at a reputed skin clinic," says Dr Rohini Wadhwani, cosmetologist and medical director of Bare Necessity Permanent Hair Reduction and Advance Beauty Clinics, Mumbai.
The benefits of non-surgical treatments:
- They are painless.
- They are safe.
- They are inexpensive as compared to surgical treatments.
- There is no surgery or injections involved.
- There is no down time; you can head straight to work or party post the treatment.
According to Dr Wadhwani, new techniques in skin science mean that significant long-lasting improvements in the outward appearance can now be achieved without the need for invasive treatments.
Here is a list of treatments available and their benefits.
i. Non-surgical face-lift
This treatment tones the muscles of the face, prevents sagging and stimulates blood circulation thereby producing the desired lift.
It reduces the fine lines and wrinkles.
It helps firm up the skin, reduces the bags around the eyes and prevents sagging of the neck.
It moisturises the skin by increasing collagen formation (a protein constituent of skin essential for healing the skin as well as keeping it smooth, firm and healthy-looking).
The method used is a treatment through the use of a micro-current.
The price of this treatment is approximately Rs 1,000 a session.
ii. Glycolic skin peeling
This includes the use of a naturally occurring fruit acid which stimulates new collagen formation.
It leaves you skin looking softer, smoother and cleaner.
It is especially recommended for those who have scars and acne-prone skin, sun-damaged skin and age spots, uneven pigmentation and uneven skin texture.
It is priced at approximately Rs 750 per session.
iii. Micro dermabrasion skin polishing
It uses a highly controlled spray of fine crystals to remove the outer layer of skin to reveal younger, tighter more radiant skin underneath.
It is recommended for those with blackheads and congested skin, acne scars and acne-prone skin, sun-damaged skin and age-spots, uneven pigmentation, uneven skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles.
It is priced at approximately Rs 800 per session.
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With inputs by Merril Diniz
