Aging Skin Dermatology

About Aging Skin

Dr Shreya Andric Aging Skin Dermatology Treatment Northern Sydney Derm.

As we age, it is very normal to experience thinner, drier skin as well as an increase in wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Especially in Australia it is common for environmental and lifestyle choices to cause the skin to age prematurely. To reduce premature skin ageing I recommend:

  • Protecting your skin from the sun every day. It is recommended to wear a sunscreen when the UV index is above 3. In most parts of Australia, that is year-round. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen to exposed areas daily. Remember that the UVA has the ability to penetrate through clouds and window glass – UVA is the spectrum that is responsible for skin ageing and can also cause skin cancers.

  • Quit smoking – smoking greatly speeds up how quickly our skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.

  • Drink less alcohol – alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin, making us look older.

  • Have a healthy, well-balanced diet

  • Exercise most days of the week – this has been found to improve circulation and boost the immune system.

  • Cleanse skin gently – avoid scrubbing the skin as this can irritate it. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily

  • Double cleanse at night – this will help to remove makeup as well as any dirt and oils that have built up during the day

  • Apply a moisturiser every day – this traps water in the skin, giving it a more hydrated and youthful appearance

  • Stop using skin care products that sting or burn

  • Consider use of a topical retinoid or retinol – As we age, it takes much longer for our skin cells to turn over. These products increases skin cell turnover, resulting in a brighter complexion. They also help to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

  • Use antioxidants to offset damage caused by free radicals that can break down collagen and elastin fibres.

Anti-ageing Treatments

Anti-wrinkle injections

When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines can become etched in and permanent. A sprinkle of antiwrinkle injections can minimise the appearance of these lines, especially in the frown, the forehead, and the crows feet. A series of injections are performed using a small needle. You may notice some small “mosquito bites” immediately after the treatment, however, these settle within about 20 minutes. Antiwrinkle injections take up to two weeks to have their full effect. They then last 3-4 months.

Filler injections

As we age, the fat pads under the skin move and the bone in areas can be resorbed. Filler injections can be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, facial folds, and to create structure, framework, and volume to the face and lips. Depending on the type of filler used and where it is placed, this treatment usually lasts 9-12 months. Some include pain at the time of injection, bruising and swelling. There are risks and side effects with the injection of fillers. There is also a small risk of lumps occurring at the injection site.

Bio-remodelling Injections

These injections contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring sugar found in the body that depletes as we age) and work to improve skin texture, firmness and hydration of the skin. They can be thought of as an “injectable moisturiser” but over time, also have the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin formation. They are perfect for treating skin laxity, crepiness, dull/dehydrated skin, and poor skin tone/texture on the face, neck and chest. Two treatments are required 4 weeks apart. A maintenance treatment can then be performed every 6-12 months.

Although they are made with hyaluronic acid, it is important to note that this is not a filler. It does not add volume or change the structure of the face.

Laser Treatments

Northern Sydney Dermatology and Laser has numerous lasers available to treat many conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Ageing and sun-damaged skin

  • Vascular lesions - including rosacea, capillaries, vascular birthmarks, angiomas, scars, stretch marks, leg veins

  • Pigmented lesions

  • Acne scars

  • Surgical scars

An initial consultation is required to determine the best treatment for your skin.