Finally a smooth, radiant complexion! Our experts explain how to deal with uneven skin - from products for routine care to professional treatments in dermatological practice.
Best measures against uneven skin and acne scars:
Who doesn't want smooth skin? Because the smoother it is, the fresher and more youthful it looks. And while we shouldn't be battling texture and pores, discovering how to make the most of what we naturally have can make our skin healthier and happier.
"There are numerous causes of uneven skin," says Dr. Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare: "It can be a result of dry skin, which is more likely to occur in the winter months because of lower temperatures, central heating, and windy weather make it dry. It can also be from large or clogged pores, and even acne scars Sun damage."
One of the main causes of uneven skin is the natural aging process, in which the breakdown of collagen and elastin "leads to a loss of radiance and an even appearance," explains Dr. Dennis Gross, dermatologist and founder of the brand of the same name, suggests that the aforementioned drought, pollution, and hard water can make the problem worse, resulting in enlarged pores, irregular sebum production, and fine lines and wrinkles.
"There are also two hormonal changes that help. During menopause, a decrease in naturally occurring hyaluronic acid leads to dehydration and roughness, while during pregnancy, the baby needs blood circulation too, which can lead to superficial dryness," he adds.
One skin problem that prompts many to see a dermatologist is acne scars. They occur when a pimple has subsided and the body begins to repair the damage caused by producing collagen: "A scar can occur when too little or too much collagen is made," says Dr. Murad. "For example, a sunken scar is typically the result of too little collagen, while a raised scar can form when too much collagen has been produced." Some people are genetically more prone to scarring than others.
Whatever the cause of your uneven skin, there are a number of ways you can try to soften it and improve the appearance of your skin texture. From products at home to treatments at Dermatolog: Inside - the experts below give you the best tips for smoother skin.
To reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, a simple exfoliation is sufficient: "This is an effective way of smoothing the skin," explains Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, Aesthetic Medicine Doctor. "You can use physical (peelings) or chemical (acids) processes. Acids such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids can break the bonds between dead cells and reveal a lighter, smoother skin surface - and you can use them as a cleansing product or Use toner at home."
If you're suffering from clogged pores and dead skin cells, seek out alpha hydroxy acids (like glycol), which smooth the skin, clear pores, and encourage new skin cells to grow, while beta hydroxy acids like for pimples and inflammation Salicylic acid should take effect. Of course, you can also combine both, depending on the current needs of your skin. You can also consider an in-office chemical peel to improve these results.
"The other important method is to increase the skin's cell turnover - that is, to effectively shed older, dead skin cells in order to improve skin quality," says Dr. Chantrey. "Retinol is an effective way of doing this." Regular use of a retinol product (which should only be increased over time for beginners) not only increases cell turnover but also increases collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. "It also has a positive effect on skin tone and moisture content, and prevents blackheads and inflammation," adds Dr. Chantrey.
Dr. Gross calls retinol the gold standard for smoothing fine lines because it "stimulates the production of new skin cells," which then corrects uneven skin, diminishes dark spots and scars, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. His new "Advanced Retinol & Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum" combines two types of retinol with rambutan, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol to increase cell turnover and improve skin density within two weeks - all without irritation: "The addition of these soothing ingredients Retinol reduces irritation and strengthens the moisture barrier for a radiant complexion - it's suitable for all ages," he says.
One has to know about active ingredients like retinol that it's important to use them consistently, says celebrity esthetician Debbie Thomas, otherwise, you just won't get the results you want. "If you only use a product for a single skin cycle, about six weeks, you can only convey the message to one set of cells that they should work differently during this time," she says. "But you have to reinforce this message so that the brain really understands it. You should be ready to wait nine months for real changes in the skin." The message? Stay tuned.
There are many different options for in-office treatments, depending on your skin and its problems - all experts agree that you can get results much faster with the help of professionals. How do you treat scars? "One of the options is micro-needling, which we combine with a mesotherapy solution to stimulate regeneration and healing," says Thomas. "You can also try laser resurfacing, which is used in different ways."
Two instruments that she often uses are the Fraxel and the ablative laser, which can also be combined: "For clients who have a few deep scars, I use an ablative laser to almost shave off the edge of the scar so that it melts into the surrounding skin, "she says. "Then we use the Fraxel laser to raise it, which works well." She also recommends chemical peels to cleanse the pores, reduce active acne, and trigger regenerative processes in the skin so that the scar tissue heals faster. She often combines this with the HydraFacial treatment, which offers gentle exfoliation, cleansing, extraction, and hydration at the same time.
We all know that topical application of hyaluronic acid can help plump and smooth the skin, so you should also consider the benefits of injecting it to improve skin texture. In the clinic of Dr. Chantrey, hyaluronic acid filler treatments like "Profhilo" and "Volite" from Juvederm are very popular, and while they are not always primarily used to treat imperfections, their experience has shown that they can help. "In an international clinical study I was involved in, we found that the skin's moisture levels improved for up to nine months after a treatment with 'Volite' by Juvederm, and the skin texture also benefited," she explains VOGUE. "My patients usually have these treatments carried out every three months as soon as they are satisfied with the quality of their skin."
To get real results, you have to be prepared for a longer period of time. Thomas says you should expect clear results within six to 18 months, while Dr. Chantrey says that she noticed an improvement in the texture of some customers after just four weeks. In combination with a healthy lifestyle and a regular skincare routine, regular professional treatments speed up the process drastically and are more than worth the money if your skin structure bothers you. The most important thing, however, is to be consistent: scars can feel like they've been there for a lifetime, but actually, it only takes a little effort to improve their appearance - possibly dramatically.
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