Skin Laxity Treatment

Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin and other connective tissues throughout the body. Think of collagen as the “building blocks” of the skin.

Elastin is a protein that coils and recoils like a spring within the elastic fibers of connective tissue, accounting for the elasticity of the skin and other structures of the body.

The skin depends on both collagen and elastin to remain tight to our face and body. Collagen and elastin are found in the deeper layer of the skin called the dermis, which is located right above the fatty layer which lies beneath the skin.

As we age, our bodies begin to stop producing collagen and elastin. Other outside factors are responsible for the destruction of these two key components in the skin; keep in mind the difference between destruction and production. The ageing process can be rushed by the things we are doing in our day to day lives, affecting the appearance and health of our skin.

Intrinsic factors occur internally in our bodies and these factors are unfortunately sometimes out of our control. As we age our skin and body begins to decline over time - genetics play a huge role in this aspect. The production of collagen and elastin slows down, resulting in changes to the skin. At 20 years of age, your body begins to produce 1% less collagen per year and the skin becomes more fragile and thin. Other internal factors, such as sweat and oil glands, begin to diminish in overall function over the years. Our sebaceous glands (oil glands) are responsible for keeping the skin naturally hydrated and supple. As the production of those glands lessens the skin becomes drier, resulting in fine lines/wrinkles.

Anyone who is looking to tighten and lift their jowls, neck, cheeks, and forehead is a good candidate. Also, lax skin on the eyelids, a heavy brow, or upper eyelid drooping, as well as lax abdominal skin, upper arm skin, or lax buttocks or thighs or mild to moderate fat bulge may benefit from these treatments. You must understand the time required to achieve the full benefit of the procedure(s) and have realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.

Extrinsic ageing occurs from environmental factors including free radicals, toxins, pollutants and UVA & UVB rays. In our day to day lives, we are exposed to high levels of free radicals which damage the skin and body. Antioxidants are key to preventing free radical damage so incorporating them into your diet and skin care regimen is essential. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides or free radicals, thus preventing damage to the body. A few key antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A (retinol) and green tea. Incorporating these antioxidants into your diet and skin care regimen is a great way to reduce the visible signs of ageing. Along with diet and lifestyle, protecting your skin from UVA & UVB rays is a must. Sun exposure accounts for about 85% of skin ageing so wearing a sunscreen with a SPF 50 needs to become part of your daily routine. Extrinsic ageing causes the appearance of freckles, sun spots, excessive loss of collagen and elastin. The appearance of an uneven skin tone, dryness, roughness and fine lines and wrinkles are also factors of extrinsic ageing. The best thing you can do for your skin is wear a sunscreen every single day!

The products we apply to our skin play a huge role in overall skin quality and health - we need to feed our skin the same way we feed our bodies day to day! At Radiant Clinic, we carry all medical grade skin care products, meaning the concentration of active ingredients are higher than most drug store or over the counter products. Medical grade skin care products include growth factors, antioxidants, vitamins, peptides and other essential ingredients. If you are concerned with skin laxity, growth factors are a must as they inhibit collagen production in the skin. Combining growth factors with the other essential ingredients will only benefit your skin!

If loose skin, fine lines/wrinkles, or even cellulite are a concern of yours, there are advanced technology treatments available to rebuild collagen in the skin and increase its overall production. Exilis Elite is a wonderful treatment used to tighten lax skin not only on the face, but on the body as well! Exilis Elite is a non-invasive temperature controlled radiofrequency system that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Exilis Elite heats up the skin of the target area to comfortably tighten ageing, sagging, or wrinkled skin by rebuilding collagen. A series of 6 treatments is recommended spaced out 1 week apart. After your initial 6 treatments, a maintenance treatment will typically be needed about 3 months later. Exilis Elite is a safe and comfortable treatment that requires NO downtime so patients can resume their regular daily activities!

At Radiant Clinic, we offer complimentary consultations and would love to sit down with you and find a regimen that works for you and your lifestyle! If you are interested in learning more about skin laxity and the treatments that can be done, call the Radiant Clinic!