Aesthetic Medicine can transform your skin health and self-esteem. Find out what this specialty is, what the benefits are and what treatments are available to give you a healthier and glowing complexion.
What is Aesthetic Medicine and what is it for?
Aesthetic Medicine is a subspecialty of Dermatology that aims to improve the skin, hair and body’s appearance through aesthetic procedures that maintain or restore a younger, healthier look. The treatments are performed by dermatologists specialised in this field, and can vary in terms of intensity.
In addition to image concerns, Aesthetic Medicine also helps improve symptoms associated with clinical conditions. For example, in the treatment of varicose veins, these procedures can help reduce pain and swelling. Aesthetic Medicine is also the field responsible for removing moles and treating inflammatory conditions, such as acne, scars, and scalp and hair disorders, applying non-invasive techniques like CO2 laser, vascular laser and chemical resurfacing (peel).
What factors are harmful to skin health?
Throughout life, our skin suffers small aggressions that alter its condition. The causes of deterioration can be intrinsic, due to genetic mechanisms, or extrinsic, from lifestyle-related factors. The three main causes of skin damage are:
1. Sun exposure
Ultraviolet rays cause collagen breakdown and damage the DNA of skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer, namely melanoma. Avoiding irresponsible sun exposure (without sun protection and during peak UV hours) is essential to slow down skin deterioration.
2. Smoking
Smoking weakens the body in general and also causes skin damage. Collagen breaks down, skin becomes duller and loses its natural glow. Breaking this habit can reverse the harmful effects of tobacco on skin.
3. Air pollution
The effects of air pollution on skin are visible in the short and long term. This factor causes premature aging, dehydrated skin, increased sebum production, diminishes the skin’s antioxidant defences and creates a higher risk of disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis. Air pollution also causes skin to sag and wrinkle.
Other factors associated with skin damage include insufficient water intake, alcohol consumption, a diet high in sugar and processed foods, failure to clean skin daily and washing with excessively hot water.
Factors that damage hair and scalp health?
Each day, every person loses between 50 and 100 hairs that are replaced by new strands. Hair loss becomes a concern when this number is exceeded. Certain habits damage scalp health and compromise hair growth and appearance.
1. Washing hair with hot water and too often
Hot water opens hair cuticles, making them more porous and susceptible to damage. Wash your hair gently and in warm or cold water. Furthermore, washing hair every day strips the natural oils that protect the strands, leaving them dry and brittle. The ideal frequency varies according to the hair type, but 2 or 3 times per week is usually enough.
2. Excessive use of heat appliances
Overusing dryers, straighteners and curling irons can damage hair strands. It is important to use these appliances with moderation and always apply a heat protector beforehand.
3. Unbalanced diet
A diet that is low in essential nutrients for healthy hair, such as vitamins (A, B7, C, D & E) and proteins, can weaken strands and make them look dull. A healthy and balanced diet is extremely important on several levels, including for skin and hair health.
