Your mom used to warn you that potato chips were causing that giant pimple on your nose. Now your coworker swears a regular juice cleanse helps fight wrinkles.
While everyone is becoming more health-conscious these days, plenty of stubborn myths remain to confuse issues. You may have heard a few of the following:
You Can Get the Results of an Injection With a Topical Product
Most would choose a topical cream over an injection. While a topical form of Botox is undergoing clinical trials, and there are topical forms of hyaluronic acid available, these treatments aren’t nearly as effective.
With a dermal filler, the hyaluronic acid is injected directly into your skin so that it is able to fill in the wrinkle or crease. When applied to the surface of your skin, HA can help moisturize, but it won’t fill in lines.
Once You Have Wrinkles, You’re Stuck With Them
One can take several steps to reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and keep new ones from developing. To reduce existing wrinkles, you can have a facial plastic surgeon use a dermal filler for static lines or Botox or Dysport for dynamic lines, or those created by repeated movements. Facial plastic surgery can smooth wrinkles and will provide longer-lasting results than any type of injection.
When it comes to prevention, retinoids may help. Available in prescription products such as Retin-A or in a more mild form over the counter, retinoids help fight wrinkles and keep your skin youthful by encouraging cell turnover and by promoting the production of collagen beneath the surface. Protecting your skin from the sun is also an important form of prevention. The sun is one of the leading external causes of aging. Doing what you can to avoid its rays, such as wearing sunscreen daily, will go a long way when it comes to keeping your skin looking youthful.
Water Will Solve All Your Beauty Problems
Plenty of beauty guides recommend drinking water, so much so that it can seem as though water is a magic cure-all for all skin problems. While staying hydrated is important, the health benefits it provides for your skin are often overstated. Drinking more and more water won’t replace a good cleansing routine or make your skin so smooth that you never need another cosmetic treatment. Water is essential to your health, but it can only offer so much in terms of beauty benefits.
Junk Food Has No Effect on Your Skin
Chocolate and greasy fried foods aren’t directly responsible for the acne you had in your teens or for the occasional pimple you get now. But junk food is called junk for a few reasons. Since it often contains almost nothing in the way of actual nutrients, it isn’t helping your skin in any way. Failing to eat nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, denies your body and skin crucial vitamins and minerals.
When you eat a lot of sweets, a process called glycation occurs and advanced glycation end products (AGEs for short) are created. AGEs damage collagen, the protein that provides support and structure to your skin. As a result, skin becomes more saggy and more wrinkled at a younger age.
Using a product with retinoids in it can help restore some of the damaged collagen. Another option is to reduce the amount of sugar you eat and to try to stay away from added sugars in particular. Getting enough vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, and certain B vitamins, either in your diet or through a supplement, can help reduce the effects of AGEs.
Consult With a Facial Plastic Surgeon To Treat the Signs of Aging
Dr. Mark M. Hamilton, MD, FACS can help you decide which minimally invasive treatment best suits your needs. His Licensed Aestheticians, Nurse Injectors and Support Staff at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing the skill and knowledge their patients need for comfort and a successful outcome. Meeting with a facial plastic surgeon, or licensed skincare professional, is the best way to learn more about any treatment you are considering. Schedule a complimentary consultation by contacting us by email or at our Greenwood, IN (317-859-3810) or Carmel, IN office (800-597-3223). If you are not in the Indianapolis area, we can assist with travel arrangements.
Dr. Hamilton is a double board certified plastic surgeon, specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is the author of multiple articles in his area of expertise and has lectured on all aspects of facial plastic surgery. He has been selected by his peers as one of Indianapolis Monthly magazine’s “Top Docs” since 2005, and recognized by the Consumers Research Council of America as one of the “Top Physicians” in America. His Indianapolis-area clinics offer both non-surgical procedures, such as injectables, as well as the most requested facial surgical procedures like rhinoplasty, brow lifts, and facelifts. Dr. Hamilton is Indianapolis’s facial aesthetics specialist.