You probably know that many people desire the look and feel of firm, tight skin, which are youthful qualities prized by everyone from models to movie stars to everyday folks on social media. Yes, tight skin is a common cosmetic goal—but why would someone’s skin need tightening in the first place? For anyone learning about treatments like SkinTyte™ for skin tightening at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas, here’s a brief explanation of what happens to skin over time—and why a cosmetic treatment could be just what you need to address those changes.
Loss of Powerful Proteins
Youthful skin’s elasticity is thanks to a range of factors, including the presence of abundant levels of two proteins: elastin and collagen. Elastin gives skin its “stretchiness” and pliancy. In essence, it allows skin to “snap back” into place if it gets pulled out of position. Collagen is like the skin’s support structure, giving it firmness and volume, as well as providing a framework for hyaluronic acid, which holds onto water molecules for a fuller, better moisturized look.
Sadly, aging skin is less and less able to maintain adequate levels of collagen and elastin. These proteins break down over time, and the processes that replace them with fresh, new molecules also slow with age. Eventually, the skin loses its sub-surface support and begins to loosen and even sag. Without ideal levels of elastin, it’s also less able to maintain its youthfully elevated position.
There’s a word for this loss of elasticity: elastosis.
It’s important to note that external factors also cause collagen and elastin to break down. Most notably, the sun’s UV radiation is a powerful destructor, leading to premature signs of aging and other problems. Environmental pollution, including cigarette smoke and smog, can also cause vital proteins to break down faster than they usually would.
Now Do You Need It?
Considering all of the above, take a look in the mirror. If you’re seeing signs of laxity, including sagging and wrinkles, it’s probably because you’ve lost elasticity due to the destruction of important proteins. Happily, you can enjoy the benefits of those proteins once again. SkinTyte™ uses infrared light to heat up layers below the surface. This causes the existing collagen and elastin to contract—providing a tightening effect—as well as kick-starts the creation of new collagen and elastin for longer-term benefits.
Want to know more about SkinTyte™ or skin tightening in general? Contact the Dermatology Group of Arkansas for more information.