Archive for category: Aesthetics

There is no magical, mystical remedy that can stop the aging clock in its tracks. However, our team at Shinagawa Aesthetics focuses on the positives!

While aging is a part of every life, our dermatologists are experts in its effects on your skin. We love working with our patients to educate them on time’s impact and how to eliminate (or at least keep at bay) signs of aging on your skin.

The Causes, Effects and Solutions to Skin Aging

No matter your skin type, signs of aging on your skin are bound to appear as you grow older. For some, these may be due to biological factors, while others may notice the effects of their lifestyle or actions in their youth begin to surface at last. No matter the reason, one thing is for sure. There is no shame in getting older. We’re simply here to help you combat those cosmetic issues to help you feel more comfortable in your skin.

Loose skin and Wrinkles

Cause & Effect: As we grow older, our bodies experience a loss of elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) in the skin. Collagen provides strength and form, while elastin is crucial in maintaining the skin’s ability to stretch and recoil. As their presence decreases, gravity’s effects on the body become stronger, and the skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Elasticity loss can be linked to UV exposure and smoking.

Solution: Cosmetic dermatological services, such as Botox injections and Belotero fillers, can be applied to help reduce and smooth out wrinkles and lines on the face. These solutions should always be provided by and with the consultation of your board-certified dermatologist.

Prevention: Practicing proper sun protection techniques (regularly applying sunscreen, covering unprotected skin, etc.) and avoiding smoking can help reduce skin elasticity loss later in life.

Easier Bruising

Cause & Effect: Though the effects of sun-damaged skin may not show during your youth, you may find them popping up later in life. Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to the breakdown of collagen in the skin’s vessel walls, resulting in much more easily bruised and damaged skin. Bruises may also take longer to heal as a result.

Solution: Medications, such as topical retinoids, are available that can help to strengthen the epidermis. Topical vitamins (C, E and K) have also been used to help reduce bruising. As with all medications, speak with your doctor to see which plan is right for you.

Prevention: Reducing your sun exposure is key to avoiding sun damage. Aside from sunscreen and protective clothing, you should also consider avoiding outdoor activity during peak UV hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Skin Discoloration

Cause & Effect: Discoloration in the skin is common as we age. This cosmetic change is known as hyperpigmentation, or an overproduction of melanin in the skin that can either occur in large patches or small plots, commonly known as age/liver spots. Hyperpigmentation is harmless at its core but may signify a more significant medical condition. 

Solution: There are several effective treatments for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, including topical medications such as retinoids, which help lighten the skin’s appearance over the course of several months. Laser therapy and chemical peels may also be viable options depending on your skin type and board-certified doctor’s recommendation.

Prevention: As with many signs of aging, skin discoloration is typically the result of years of excessive sun exposure. Common techniques like regular sunscreen application, tanning avoidance, etc., can help to reduce your risk.

Rough and Dry Skin

Cause & Effect: Dry and scaly. Rough and itchy. These are common adjectives to describe the skin of aging patients. Causes of dry skin come from a wide variety and can include dehydration, excessive sun exposure, smoking and stress, as well as a result of medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Our bodies’ oil productions also reduce as time goes on, which leads to skin drying out.

Solution: Creams and ointments are viable solutions for keeping skin healthy and moisturized. Drinking liquids and sleeping with a humidifier can also keep your skin refreshed. Avoiding hot showers and opting for warm or lukewarm water can be helpful as well.

Prevention: In the case of dry skin, prevention, and solutions are one and the same.

Show your skin some love!

At Shinagawa, our experienced dermatologists and staff are always ready to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and visit our website to explore our full list of services.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

When it comes to taking care of your skin, it can be tough to know what’s really true and what’s just a myth. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to separate the facts from the fiction. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common skincare myths and help you figure out what’s really going on with your skin.

Today, we’ll dispel some frightening skincare myths in an effort to alleviate your fears.

MYTH #1: Sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days.

The sun is out whether you can see it or not. Wearing sun protection factor (SPF) is essential year-round, not just when the temperature is low, or the sky is overcast because the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds. Always look for broad-spectrum protection that blocks UVA and UVB rays when purchasing sunscreen. It must be reapplied frequently when spending long periods outdoors, especially after sweating or getting wet.

MYTH #2: Acne is caused by not washing one’s face.

Even though washing your face can help your skin look better, acne and face washing are not directly linked. Genes and hormones also cause acne, and people with oily skin are more likely to have outbreaks. People with oily skin may need to wash their faces more often, but those who don’t have oily skin don’t have to.

MYTH #3: Chocolate causes acne.

With Trick-or-Treat right around the corner, it is essential first to clear up this myth. Contrary to skincare urban legends, chocolate does not cause acne, at least not in a specific way. Studies show that eating too many foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy can make acne worse. This may be because they cause the body to produce more insulin, which encourages the release of sebum, a hormone that causes acne. So, the ingredients in chocolate may raise your risk, but moderation is essential, as with everything else in life.

MYTH #4: Age spots are an inevitable part of getting older.

Age spots are not caused by aging, despite their name. These patches of discolored skin, also called liver spots, are caused by a buildup of melanin from too much and too long exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. To put it more simply, age spots are a type of sun damage that can be prevented using sunscreen correctly and regularly.

MYTH #5: Retinoids thin your skin.

Retinoids, made from Vitamin A, reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and acne. This common belief comes from the fact that one of the first side effects of using retinoids is peeling skin. But peeling skin doesn’t mean that the skin is getting thinner. Retinoids help to make the skin thicker.

Our board-certified dermatologists can ease your skincare fears.

Our dermatologists can help if you have scary skin symptoms and need a diagnosis or treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and visit our website to explore our complete list of services.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.