When it comes to fighting the march of time, rejuvenation has long been the big buzzword. Just take a walk down any skincare aisle. From creams to serums, they all boast of their skin rejuvenation benefits.
But there is a problem with this rejuvenation focus. Namely, it relies on your skin aging and becoming less than you want it to be before you take action. This is why many people are now focusing on the concept of prejuvenation to avoid aging.
What Is Prejuvenation?
When it comes to fighting signs of aging, it is better to be proactive than reactive.
When it comes to tackling a problem, you have two options: be proactive or be reactive. Rejuvenation is the reactive approach. You wait to notice a problem developing then start looking for ways to fight it. In the case of skincare, this means waiting until you start to notice signs of aging, then using products and getting treatments meant to halt or roll back the hands of time.
Prejuvenation is the proactive approach. While your skin is still looking its best — so in your teens and twenties — you start taking steps to ensure signs of aging are delayed for as long as possible.
What Prejuvenation Skincare Looks Like
Any prejuvenation skincare treatment should target one or more of the following elements:
- Collagen production
- Supporting elastin function
- Preserving facial volume
This is because signs of aging are specifically caused by reduced collagen production, poor function of the elastin and a loss of facial volume. Ideally, a prejuvenation routine to avoid aging will start well before even the smallest signs emerge. For most, this means beginning the routine no later than your late twenties. However, those who engage in bad habits, such as smoking or not wearing sunscreen, should expect to see signs of aging earlier on.
Prejuvenation Treatment Options
In truth, prejuvenation is a well-rounded approach to anti-aging that should include everything from proper hydration to avoiding bad habits. However, there are certain treatments that can help boost your prejuvenation efforts. These include:
- Thermage: Remember: collagen is key. Thermage is a skin-tightening treatment that also has the added benefit of boosting collagen levels. This means that when your body naturally decreases production, your treatment will keep levels where they need to be.
- Microneedling: This is a non-invasive option that increases cellular turnover while also making it easier for serums and other products to penetrate deep into the skin. This can help with both collagen production and elastin function.
- Fraxel® Laser Skin Resurfacing: This treatment is meant to improve skin texture while reducing scarring and pigmentation irregularities. However, it also tends to increase facial volume by promoting the formation of new tissue.
It is important to note that none of these procedures are invasive, nor do they require the use of injectables. The idea behind rejuvenation isn’t to correct deficiencies but prevent them from developing at all. And there are many more options than are listed here. To find the options that are right for you, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon or med spa provider.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
