Discoloration and Loose Skin
Your skin says a lot about you, but as you age, you may no longer like the message it sends. Certain cosmetic concerns can negatively affect your appearance and make you seem older than you are, despite your best efforts. Common issues like dark spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation and other discolorations can tarnish your complexion, while loose skin can lead to the formation of lines, wrinkles or sagging in the face and jaw. These problems become increasingly common with each passing year, thanks to intrinsic and extrinsic changes that occur in the dermis.
Many signs of aging are caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin, vital proteins that keep the skin looking smooth and supple. Starting in our 20s, we produce about 1 percent less collagen each year, with elastin decreasing at a similar rate. This causes the skin to become thinner, looser and drier, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. Other issues like skin discoloration can also worsen with time, compounded by a lifetime of exposure to the sun, stress and environmental damage.
Fortunately, you can rejuvenate your skin with non-invasive treatment options that replenish lost collagen and eliminate discoloration. Depending on your concerns and goals, the team at the Appearance Care Center in San Francisco can recommend the right procedures for helping you reclaim a smooth, youthful complexion with little to no downtime.
Skin Discoloration
Skin discoloration refers to concerns that give the skin a blotchy, uneven appearance. It also includes dark circles beneath the eyes that can make you seem worn and tired. The most common causes of discoloration are:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dark spots
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- Freckles
- Rosacea
- Broken blood vessels
- Birthmarks
- Dark circles
- Other blemishes
These problems can affect all skin types but are hard to address with over-the-counter products. Professional-grade treatments like the IPL photo laser can more effectively reduce discoloration in the face and neck by targeting the source of the problem, restoring a clear, healthy complexion without surgery or downtime.
To eliminate dark circles beneath the eyes, we recommend Auriderm, a patented formula that strengthens the walls of the capillaries to minimize discoloration and reduce the appearance of reddish-blue hues. Auridem can also help with bruising, rosacea and spider veins.
As collagen production declines, the skin loses strength and elasticity. This makes it harder to bounce back when the muscles contract and allows gravity to pull the skin downward, resulting in visible signs of aging such as:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Skin sagging
- The appearance of jowls
- Droopy brows or eyelids
- Unflattering turkey neck
Even with the best skin care routine, treating these concerns often requires more than topical creams, lotions or gels. We prefer the Sofwave and Ultherapy devices, which use ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production and gently firm sagging tissues. While similar, these treatments penetrate at different depths to address specific concerns. Your provider can help decide which is right for you during your consultation.
Rejuvenate Your Appearance
If you want to learn more about our treatments for loose skin and discoloration, call the Appearance Care Center today at (415) 567-7200. You can also get started by filling out our online contact form. We know how important a clear, smooth complexion is to your confidence, and our goal is to help your skin reflect your natural beauty.
