MedSpas are on the cutting-edge of science these days, which is funny, because our mission is to achieve incredible results without cutting!
Our web site is filling with words like fibroblast and exosome. What does it mean – and more importantly, how does it help fulfill our mission?
Here’s some definitions to help (or you can Ask the Experts):
ANGIOGENESIS — it’s the genesis of new blood vessels. For our goals, increased blood flowing through your skin means more efficient removal of toxins and transmission of regenerative materials. We utilize them in our hair regrowth treatment and in our exosome add-on treatments.
COLLAGEN is a major component of your skin. It plays a significant role in strengthening skin, as well as in supporting its elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. We have numerous products and treatments that either contain collagen or stimulate its production to help slow the aging process by reducing wrinkles and dryness.
CYTOKINES are small proteins that are key modulators of inflammation. We use cytokines to fight skin sensitivity, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and rosacea caused by inflammation.
EXOSOMES — such a big subject, and such a powerhouse, we have one blog post devoted to them.
FIBROBLAST are cells which contribute to the architecture of your skin – think of a supportive matrix. The healthier it is, the firmer the framework. For our goals, we build skin firmness by utilizing products and treatments which stimulate fibroblasts.
GROWTH FACTORS are messenger proteins that are inherent in our bodies and play a role in maintaining healthy skin. As we age, the amount of growth factor in our bodies decreases, so we love to be able to “de-age” our appearances by utilizing them. Consider our Stem Growth Factor Solution add-on to our Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy or for an award-winning topical, at-home product, use SkinMedica’s TNS Collection.
INFLAMMATION — can be chronic or acute. If you forgot the sunscreen and get a sunburn, the area becomes red and inflamed, but it will go away in a short amount of time, making it acute. If you go out in the sun and never wear sunscreen, the damage will have a long-term effect—resulting in premature aging of the skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. This is chronic inflammation. This concept also applies to other external factors like pollution and the products you’re using. This long-term exposure to irritants damages the fibroblasts in your skin, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, which keep your skin plump and flexible.
INFLAMMAGING is an age-related chronic inflammation that affects the entire body, including the skin. The effects of on the skin can be seen in the form of wrinkles, sagging, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and chromosome shortening are all involved in this process, and these factors can be further exacerbated by external elements such as sun exposure, pollution, and other toxins.
Fortunately, there are ways to slow down inflammaging. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential to maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing inflammation. Always use SPF-rated sunscreen when outdoors Additionally, consuming whole foods and drinks with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger and green tea, can also help protect the skin. Lastly, limiting the consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco can help keep chronic inflammation in check.
NEOCOLLAGENESIS is the process of creating new collagen fibers in the skin. It is the key to skin tightening and can be achieved through a variety of treatments such as lasers, radiofrequency, or infrared energy. Collagen is responsible for tensile strength and elastin provides elasticity to the skin, but both production and density decreases as a function of age. Neocollagenesis helps to address this by stimulating the body’s own collagen production, which helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Neocollagenesis can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, improve skin hydration and firmness, and even out skin discoloration.
