Even as you move into the full bloom of life, the first few signs of aging can begin to appear in this decade. Also, as adulthood begins, many individuals find themselves still dealing with some of the aftermath of adolescence, particularly in terms of acne scarring and unwanted, excess hair. For those individuals still suffering from these problems, the treatments previously described are a marvelous solution to reducing or eliminating acne scars and providing long-lasting relief from unwanted hair.
Similarly, sun exposure and lifestyle choices involving alcohol, tobacco and drugs pose the same threat to young adults as they do to teenagers. If there ever was a time to take preventive measures against these external culprits, this is the decade to take your stand.
The beginnings of fine lines and slight dulling of the skin are not uncommon, even in this youthful stage. A wrinkle is the cosmetic appearance of a fold or line in the skin due to a combination of intrinsic aging and ultraviolet damage from sun exposure. Essentially, a wrinkle is the end result of the molecular changes that occur in the elasticity of our skin due to damage of the collagen and elastin fibers.
Letting things go can cause these problems to compound later in life, so you may want to consider taking some "smaller" steps now to keep your face looking fresh and vital for many years to come.
Clinically tested and approved topical creams and lotions can offer substantial help. The best ones have preventive as well as therapeutic value and can be used throughout one's life. Even in more advanced cases of lines and other facial imperfections, these creams are often combined with other treatments to increase their effectiveness.
There is very strong evidence that using retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids may retard to a small degree the intrinsic process by stimulating new collagen deposits.Topical medications and resurfacing methods improve the appearance of an existing wrinkle, while sunscreens and sun-smart behavior prevent ultraviolet damage.
Another strategy used throughout the fight against lines and wrinkles is the application of soft-tissue fillers. These substances are generally used to fill in beneath wrinkles, furrows and hollows in the face, plumping and smoothing the contours of the skin.
One popular anti-wrinkle agent is botulinum toxin type A. This muscle blockade is injected in minute amounts into specific muscles in the face, which stops them from pulling on the nearby skin. As a treatment for fine lines around the forehead, eyebrows, eyes and nose, botulinum toxin therapy has proven very safe and highly effective, while requiring virtually no downtime.
Another very effective facial rejuvenation procedure is a superficial or mild chemical peeling, which provides a general resurfacing and buffing to your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to remove outer layers of aged, discolored, dull, or otherwise imperfect skin. Fresh, newly formed skin that is typically smoother and more even in color creates a refreshed youthful appearance.
Your dermatologic surgeon can make specific recommendations as to which of these procedures – or progression of procedures – will produce the best results for you.
Of all the wonders of life, giving birth may be the most amazing. At the same time, pregnancy is stressful on the entire body, and many of its effects show up on the skin.
While most stretch marks that appear during pregnancy disappear over time, in some instances they simply do not go away. Laser treatments offer a simple way to help reduce these unpleasant blemishes. Unsightly varicose and spider veins are also associated with pregnancy, and fortunately there are several treatment options to successfully remove these flaws. Detailed information on vein therapy can be found under the next decade heading (Ages 31 - 40). Similarly, while most women lose the weight they gain during pregnancy over the next six to 12 months, sometimes the fat stubbornly resists all diet and exercise regimens. Liposuction, a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified dermatologic surgeon, can remove the last of post-pregnancy fat. This procedure is covered in more detail in the Ages 41 - 55 section.
Pregnancy also produces a number of hormonal changes in the body, which can result in unwanted side effects. These can range from excess hair growth to skin discoloration or pigmentation problems, from a late outburst of acne to hair loss and fairly severe medical conditions. Consultation with your gynecologist as well as your dermatologic surgeon can help you understand the symptoms and their causes, and determine the best methods for treating them.
Hormone-based birth control methods also produce hormonal changes in the body. Some of the most common side effects relating to the skin are the appearance of excess hair and pigmentation (color) changes. Chemical peeling, laser and intense pulsed light treatments can all help improve these conditions.