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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Adipose is the loose connective tissue we commonly refer to as fat. Its main function is to act as an energy reserve. In the skin adipose is stored in the subcutaneous layer.
The collagen-elastin matrix is the fibrous web of proteins which forms the majority of the skin. Collagen and Elastin are important proteins found throughout the body and provide strength and elasticity to our skin. The degradation of the elastin and collagen in the skin from the sun are a major source of wrinkles and aging skin.
The resulting damaged elastin fiber protein cells caused by sun exposure.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Enlarged Pores
- Sagging Skin
- Brown Spots including Freckles and Solar Letigines, and
- Spider Veins
Collagen is a protein that comprises 80% of our skin. All proteins are DNA being translated to RNA being translated to proteins. Collagen is the main structural protein of our skin and one of the main structural proteins of our body.
GAGs are Glycosaminoglycans, complex sugars often connected to proteins. GAGs are one of the other main components to our skin. Baby skin has a higher ratio of GAGs than adult skin, and since GAGs hold about 1000 times their weight in water, this is why baby’s appear as though they’re going to explode at any moment.
Antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Free radicals are reactive atoms that get created in our skin, in our proteins, that damage parts of our skin. It damages collagen and causes inflammation. Its an oxygen molecule with a minus sign. Antioxidants neutralize this negatively charged molecule.
Skin laxity is another term for the looseness, or lack of firmness, in the skin.
What are retinoids?
Retinoids are a type of chemical compounds chemically related to Vitamin A. Retinoids are used in topical skin care products to stimulate skin regeneration and improve the appearance of damaged skin.
What is the stratum corneum?
The stratum corneum, latin for ‘horny layer’ owing to the stratum corneum’s appearance, is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is mainly composed of dead cells.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than soft X-rays. The most commonly discussed forms of UV light deal with three types, UVA, UVB, & UVC. The sun is our major source of UV light.
What is photo-damage?
Photo damage or sun damage is the process by which the ultraviolet rays of the sun harm our skin and its appearance. As we are exposed to the sun our skin’s collagen and elastin become degraded and the ability of our skin to produce healthy cells is impaired.
The dermis is the layer of the skin underneath the epidermis. It is formed by connective tissues. Within the dermis are the nerve endings which sense heat and touch.
Lying above the dermis is the epidermis which is entirely comprised of skin cells.
Unlike a laser treatment, which uses light energy to target a specific area of the skin, plasma skin regeneration uses pulses of ionized inert nitrogen gas to deliver heat to the skin. The surface of the skin remains intact unlike laser, acting as a dressing over the treatment. You have a wound healing response which stimulates collagen growth.
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a form of non-sulfated GAG which is found widely throughout our bodies. It is a major component of our extracellular matrix and contributes to cell migration and development.
What is the nasolabial fold?
The nasolabial fold runs between the cheek and the upper lip forming a crease in the skin. Often skin will form unsightly wrinkles along the nasolabial fold.
Poly-L-lactic acid was approved in Europe as a soft tissue filler in 1999. Results may last as long as 2 years.
Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic used to relieve inflammation and itching as well as a topical anesthetic prior to dental or minor surgery.
A granuloma is a small inflammation caused by tissue injury. Often they are caused by fungal infection, but may also be caused by disease.
Neocollagenesis is the termed used to define the creation and inducement of new collagen within our skin.
Hypopigmentation is the loss of color in the skin due to the reduction in melanin.
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin caused by an increase in melanin.
Last Modified: August 24, 2007 |
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| The information contained in the above article
is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide
any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having
any medical procedure performed. |
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