IS DERMAL FILLER FOR YOU?

Is Dermal Filler For You?

Twenty-five years ago, going under the knife for a face-lift was the way to get rid of wrinkly, sagging skin. But today, a range of dermal fillers can be injected to soften those facial creases, enhance shallow contours, and plump up thinning lips. With these nonsurgical “liquid facelifts,” you can get back the youthful fullness of your face in about an hour, with immediate results, and no downtime.

These treatments are temporary, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, and therefore, must be repeated for maintenance. It may appear more cost effective to have permanent fillers but these may bring permanent complications. Permanent dermal filler injected in your 40s may not look the same on your face as when you are in your 60s.

The optimal age for a patient to begin getting fillers is in the 40s to early 50s. However, a lifestyle of soaking in the sun, smoking and liquor, and lack of sleep has made it easy for young people in their 20s and 30s to have early frown lines. Also, much younger patients have come for nonsurgical rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. With the increasing popularity of dermal filler procedures, the question has changed from “Should I?” to “Which one?”

Restylane and Hyaluronica are offered as dermal filler options at SkinStation.

Restylane and Hyaluronica are made of hyaluronic acid. If the hyaluronic acid sounds familiar, it's because the same substance is used as anti-aging and moisturizing ingredient in DERMAX HYAL C, among other DERMAX Professional skin care products. Hyaluronic acid is also injected into the aching joints of people with arthritis to provide extra cushioning. Because the body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, it hardly ever causes an allergic reaction, and it gives a smoother, more natural appearance. Other brand names using hyaluronic acid include: Juvaderm, Hylaform, Perlane, and Prevelle.

Radiesse and Radiance are dermal fillers made of very tiny, smooth microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). 

A common misconception is that dermal fillers do the same job as Botox injections. Although both Botox and dermal fillers reduce the appearance of wrinkles, these products don’t treat the same type of wrinkles. Botox is used on areas where the skin gets wrinkled due to frequent muscle movement. On the other hand, dermal fillers literally fill in sunken areas resulting from the aging process.

The dermatologist will determine which fillers to use on specific parts of the face to be treated. Some fillers are more viscous; others are more fluid and can plump larger areas. A combination of Botox and fillers may achieve best results in many cases. 

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This article was published in the Lifestyle Section of Manila Bulletin on July 30, 2013. The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

A NEW WAY TO FIGHT ACNE

 

Fighting acne from within is nothing new. There is the oral antibiotic, erythromycin and its various derivations. Then there is the USFDA approved blue light therapy, which we aptly call AcneLight. When everything else fails, there is isotretinoin, considered the treatment of last resort due to inherent risks associated with the drug.

The good news is that a new anti-acne complex that has proven effective in controlling acne breakouts is now available. Taken as a capsule once a day, DERMAX AcneX anti-acne complex contains three ingredients: Lactoferrin, Lignans from Flaxseed, and Zinc Gluconate. All these work together from within to reduce acne and prevent future breakouts.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein from fresh pasteurized skim milk. It contains immune factors that help regulate, activate, and balance the immune system. It has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that contribute to faster healing of acne lesions.

Lignans from Flaxseed

Linumlife Extra is our source of standardized phytoestrogen lignans with at least 20% of SDG, the main lignan in flaxseed. It is clinically tested and shown to reduce oiliness in skin. Hormonal imbalance leads to excess sebum production and contributes to acne formation. The phytoestrogens in lignans help balance hormones and control oil secretion.

Zinc Gluconate

An imbalance in testosterone levels can cause acne. Zinc gluconate helps prevent potential hormonal imbalance that leads to acne breakouts. It is highly effective in reducing inflammation from acne lesions. It also boosts collagen formation to keep skin healthy and youthful.

DERMAX AcneX anti-acne complex is a food supplement that does not require doctor’s prescription. Nevertheless, have your free consultation with our medical doctors at SkinStation to know what would be a good acne treatment program for your specific case, to ensure effective control of breakouts and prevent scarring.

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This was published in the July 9, 2013 issue of Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Section. The author is the CEO 

of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.