Anti-aging in dermatology

Anti-Aging plays a central role within the esthetic cosmetic services of hautok. Skin aging is determined by genetic factors as well as by environmental and lifestyle factors. Preventative and therapeutic measures are of high relevance in dermatological anti-aging medicine at hautok.

Dermatological Anti-aging 1: Skin care
For me as a dermatologist anti-aging starts with regular and appropriate skin care, which is chosen according to the skin condition (especially in case of environmental strain or diseases) and the skin and pigmentation type (genetic disposition). The adequate choice of sun protection products – not only during the holiday season but also throughout the whole year _ – plays a dominant role. Insufficient protection against UV-rays and too much sun exposition are one of the main reasons for premature skin aging (the so-called skin sagging), undesired UV-related discolorations and spots as well as skin cancer.

Dermatological Anti-aging 2: Skin cancer prevention
A regular skin-check and documentation of discolorations, moles and other skin alterations is a standard of dermatological prevention and anti-aging. Skin cancer is one of the cancerous diseases that can be cured almost 100 % if detected and treated in time. At hautok we work with Dermogenius®, a computer-aided diagnostic and documentation system for >>skin cancer prevention. In case that precancerous alterations (actinic keratosis), basal cell tumors or melanoma is diagnosed, we offer the chance to treat the majority of these skin alterations by means of >>photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a very efficient treatment that spares healthy tissue.

Dermatological Anti-aging 3: Soft wrinkle-treatments and lifting

Not that long ago major surgical facelifts were en vogue as anti-aging treatments. During the last 10 years soft wrinkle-treatments by means of >> Botox®,  >>facial filler or >> peels started to become more popular. A recent study by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons showed that non-invasive beauty treatments increased up to 726 %. From my point of view these methods offer a lot of benefits. Wrinkle treatments by means of facial fillers or Botolinum toxin, rejuvenating peels or contour lifting with Thermacool® are just more subtle and less artificial looking. They help to get a more youthful, radiant appearance and still maintain the individual, natural facial expression.

Another advantage is that many of this methods can be done in a step-by-step approach: Instead of producing one dramatic change the small stepwise optimization and rejuvenation treatments are going to be positively recognized by your social environment without making them think of major plastic surgery. As most of these methods don't produce permanent results undesired effects of a correction vanish and over- correcting effects are diminished after a short period of time.  

Anyhow also these soft wrinkle-treatments are the domain of specialists and demand careful planning: The treated area, the chosen filler substance, the amount of substance and depth of injection considerably influence the final result.

Dermatological Anti-aging 4: Hand and nail care
It is said, that one can recognize the real age looking at somebody's hands. Very often hands and nails are the neglected in overall beauty and skin care. Hands will show traces of sun-overexposure, contact with household cleansers and lack of appropriate skin care. Also nails show signs of aging: They grow thicker and get harder. hautok medical manicure addresses a lot of these problems. Next to special masks and treatments for softer and more subtle skin of the hands a special >> natural nail program takes years of your nails. Further more >> peels can be used in order to diminish sun damage and age-related pigmentation of the hands.

Dermatological Anti-aging 5: Relaxation and pampering
Too much stress and too little relaxation contribute to premature aging. Relaxation and stress reduction programs such as Yoga, Meditation or Tai Chi are an important pillar of anti-aging medicine. hautok offers special face and body treatments that promote deep relaxation whilst rejuvenating and energizing your skin. Pamper yourself from time to time with "Dive deep" a >>facial treatment that makes you completely forget daily stress for 90 minutes.

Dermatological Anti-aging 6: Youthfulness and lifestyle medicine
Your diet, daily fluid intake of at least 2 liters and the substitution with special vitamins highly impact skin aging. It has been proven that vitamin A protects UV-exposed skin against aging. That is the reason why a lot of daily moisturizer and sunscreens contain this vitamin, which is an important antioxidant, and thus cell protector. During the menstrual cycle – around the time of menstruation – the vitamin A levels decline. Therefore it is useful to take additional oral vitamin A during that time.

Nicotine is one of the nixes that dramatically age the skin. Smokers synthesize more collagenases, enzymes that degrade collagen. The results: Skin elasticity is impaired even in younger skin and the skin gets wrinkled prematurely. Furthermore nicotine decreases the circulation in the very fine blood vessels and capillars – the complexion appears to be more grey and tired.

Dermatological Anti-aging 7: More radiance, more self-assurance, more success, more contacts

Even very small, subtle changes can enhance a more youthful and vital appearance and thus increase radiance and self-assurance. We all know that positive charisma is the key to success when we meet others. In a few seconds, with the first handshake and first look at somebody's face we decide about sympathy or antipathy. A radiant look is the "entrance card" for new social contacts; new friendships giving people the chance to discover our inner values. Because last but not least our ability to increase our social net and make new friends at every age is a proven life elixir and the most important precondition for better, satisfying aging.