One of the many reasons our skin looks so beautiful when we’re young is because of its ability to bounce back from injury and wear. In this way, our skin is very much like the surface of a rubber band. When it becomes overworked and old, it begins to loosen and become weak. When we’re young, our skin is extremely elastic. As we age, however, our skin’s ability to stretch and regain its original appearance is gradually diminished, resulting in saggy, droopy, and deep-wrinkled skin. Although sun exposure, genetics, pre-existing skin conditions, and external stressors all play a part in the aging process, it is the lessening of collagen and elastin that contributes most to sagging skin.
What Are Collagen and Elastin?
Collagen and elastin are two proteins naturally found throughout our bodies, primarily in connective tissues such as cartilage, fat, and tendon, as well as our skin. Collagen is responsible for holding tissue together, keeping it strong and firm; while elastin is responsible for promoting elasticity. Although both of these proteins are essential for healthy, beautiful skin – with young people boasting extremely high levels – they begin to break down as we get older. This loss of collagen and elastin results in imperfections such as crow’s feet, fine lines around the lips and mouth, deep facial wrinkling, and loose and tired-looking skin.
Promoting Collagen and Elastin Growth
The good news is that the growth of both collagen and elastin can be stimulated using the proper methods. As these proteins continue to regenerate in the deep tissues of our skin, their natural benefits begin to show on the skin’s surface. Increased collagen production creates a stronger foundation for the skin and surrounding tissues, and elastin ensures that skin becomes tighter and more resilient to the wear and tear of our daily lives.
Introducing Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that uses ultrasound technology to target tissue deep in our skin and promote our bodies’ natural healing processes through increased production of collagen and elastin. Ultherapy is designed to deliver energy to targeted areas of the face, neck, and décolletage. This energy is delivered into the skin tissue at the same level addressed by surgical procedures such as face lifts. Unlike surgical procedures, however, Ultherapy causes little to no discomfort and absolutely no downtime or scarring.
Using ultrasound energy, Ultherapy causes heat and friction in the dermis and hypodermis without causing any damage to the skin’s surface or surrounding tissues. This deep penetration causes contraction and initiates the body’s natural healing responses. The result is tighter, firmer, more youthful looking skin without the pain or expense of an invasive procedure.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Curtin is a medical aesthetician, who is nationally recognized for her expertise in medical skin care. With more than 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, she is dedicated to the aesthetic industry and has received awards of merit including the International CIDESCO Certification, Assistant Cosmetic Laser Practitioner and National Leadership Award. Jennifer is also an expert in micropigmentation and the president of Skintherapy, which is located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. To schedule a complimentary appointment with Jennifer, call 404-358-2961 or click here to submit a consult request online.
