Taking care of your internal health is a journey unique to each of us, and one that is best approached through personalized care. Assessing biomarkers, addressing symptoms, and healing from within using a holistic, systems-wide approach can help you reach optimal health from the inside-out. While focusing on internal health is paramount to overall health and longevity, internal health also has a direct link to the health of the body’s largest organ: the skin. In fact, what is happening on the inside of the body is often reflected on the outside. Taking care of your skin not only helps you look and feel your best but can also be a complement to the effort you make to support your overall wellbeing. Just like a personalized approach to health, putting a personalized lens on skincare can help you find tailored solutions that cater to your unique skin needs and address any issues of concern. Advancements in technology and anti-aging and regenerative medicine science have propelled skincare to new heights. Chemical peels, medical-grade skincare formulations, regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and microneedling, are just some of the revolutionary approaches to skincare that surpass any over-the-counter interventions that promise results.
Skin is the largest organ in the body with many crucial roles. It serves as a protective and selective membrane that keeps our insides separated from the outside world. It protects against microorganisms, harsh sun rays, and any physical threats the body may face. The skin also senses touch, pain, and temperature, signaling to the brain any outside stimulus that may cause concern. The surface of the skin, or the epidermis, is comprised of keratinocytes that produce keratin. These cells are replicated and pushed toward the skin’s surface and shed when they die. Keratin cells can also absorb water for hydration. The skin’s surface also contains small pores that excrete sweat, oils, and toxins from the body.
Skin health can be impacted by several factors, the most obvious being hygiene. Keeping the skin cleansed, especially the facial area, helps combat irritation or congestion from outside debris, oil build-up, and sweat. Using products that are not irritating to the skin is also important in maintaining good skin health. There are other internal factors that can affect the skin, including food sensitivities, auto-immune disorders, gut health, or hormone imbalances that can lead to inflammation, rashes, acne, and other irritations. A functional medicine provider can provide insight into possible reasons for skin irritation based on comprehensive assessment and blood panels results.
Understanding both the function of the skin and what impacts the health of skin are the first steps in optimizing skin health. Once any internal factors that may be impacting skin are considered, external interventions can be utilized to improve the skin and address texture, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as promote long-term skin health. A personalized approach to skincare can utilize many types of techniques, all tailored to your skin’s specific needs.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have long been a staple in dermatological practices for skin rejuvenation. These treatments involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the outer layer of dead epidermis cells, revealing fresh, new skin beneath. Chemical peels can be customized by the type and strength of the peel based on individual skin concerns. Whether addressing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars, a personalized chemical peel can target specific issues, providing noticeable improvements.
Regenerative Therapies/Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity as an advanced regenerative therapy to naturally replenish the skin. This treatment involves extracting a small amount of a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then applying the PRP to the skin. The growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen production and tissue repair, leading to smoother and more youthful skin over time. Personalized skincare incorporates PRP as a targeted solution for addressing specific concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves creating tiny punctures in the skin using a device equipped with fine needles. This non-invasive and controlled micro-injury process triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms, promoting collagen and elastin production. Microneedling can be customized based on the depth of the needles to address specific areas of concern. It can also be combined with PRP to promote healing and boost results. This precision allows for targeted treatment of fine lines, scars, and overall skin texture, leading to a more refined and youthful complexion.
Medical-Grade and Clean Skincare
Finally, healthy home skincare habits are crucial for long-term skin health – not only to optimize results post-treatment, but also encourage lasting results over time. The skincare industry has witnessed a shift towards medical-grade and clean formulations. Medical-grade skincare products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, ensuring more effective results. “Clean” products are also on the rise, offering an option for skincare that is free from harmful chemicals to promote skin health without compromising on safety. A personalized approach to skincare embraces these formulations, tailoring product recommendations to an individual’s skin type, concerns, and goals.
Gone are the days of “one-size-fits-all” skincare and poor results. The shift towards achieving healthy and radiant skin combines the power of advanced treatments with the effectiveness of higher-quality skincare products “prescribed” through a personalized lens to help individuals unlock the full potential of their skin’s natural beauty. A deeper look at an individual’s health can also lead to further healing and skin health optimization from the inside. These interventions combined can provide a powerful impact on how an individual looks and feels, and even further promote optimal health.
Are you ready to embrace a personalized skincare journey to address your specific concerns and lead to a more confident and revitalized self? Speak to our team of experts in aesthetics to see what might be right for you.