SKIN AGING: WHAT IS DENSITY LOSS AND HOW CAN WE PREVENT IT?

Published November 5, 2023 

Skin aging is a natural process that affects everyone. As we age, our skin changes, developing wrinkles and losing density. When faced with these visible signs of aging, many people turn to aesthetic medicine as a way of restoring their skin's youthful radiance. Such treatments can be expensive and sometimes require invasive procedures, but thankfully there are now cosmetic alternatives to aesthetic medicine. These products can help reduce density loss by revitalizing the skin and restoring elasticity. But first, before we look into the possible remedies, let's take a look at the causes of skin aging and density loss.

THE CAUSES OF SKIN AGING

The causes of skin aging are many and can be divided into two categories:

INTERNAL FACTORS 

The main offender here is slowed cell renewal, which reduces the effectiveness of the regeneration of skin tissue. The skin has three layers and each of them is affected by the natural aging process. For example: 

- The epidermis produces fewer protective lipids. The skin becomes drier and more prone to wrinkles.

- Dermal fibroblasts, the skin cells that produce elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, become less effective. This results in sagging and reduced elasticity, as well as thinner skin.

- The fat cells found in the hypodermis, also called adipocytes, store progressively less fat. The face loses fullness and shows sunken features.

EXTERNAL FACTORS 

These include:

- The sun. UV radiation causes damage to skin cells, the production of free radicals, and the appearance of liver spots.

- Tobacco. Like the sun, it accelerates skin aging. 

- Lack of sleep, which impairs the skin's metabolism.

- Pollution, which makes the skin more fragile.

- Diet, physical activity, and stress also exacerbate the effects of aging.

These external factors make up what's known as the exposome, which refers to all exposures our skin is subject to on a daily basis. These all contribute to premature aging of the skin, and must be addressed with adequate sun protection and appropriate skincare routines. 

THE SIGNS OF SKIN AGING

There are various signs of aging skin.

- One of the first is dryness. The surface of the skin dries out and can crack more easily.

- The complexion also appears duller, and pores become more apparent. The skin loses its initial glow. 

- Liver spots may also develop, leaving the skin with an uneven, mottled appearance.

- Wrinkles begin forming around the eyes, mouth, and on the forehead. 

A CLOSER LOOK AT VOLUME AND DENSITY LOSS 

Density refers to the volume occupied by substances within the skin. The dermis, the intermediate layer of the skin, can be likened to a kind of gel that is both supple and compact, rather like a dense cake with practically no air bubbles, as opposed to an airier sponge.

A loss of skin tone could be compared to the presence of the air bubbles in the sponge. It occurs as a consequence of the same biological processes responsible for wrinkles:

- Reduced fibroblast activity.

- Reduced collagen and elastin production.

- Degradation of the extracellular matrix, which acts as the framework for tissues. 

As we age, changes in bone, muscle, and fat cause our facial structures to lose definition. The skin on the face loses volume and slackens under the influence of gravity. Dark circles under the eyes deepen, the cheeks sag, and the contours of the face become more relaxed.

There's even a very rare genetic disease called Cutis laxa, which is caused by an elastin gene mutation and results in skin tissue lacking any elasticity. Patients with this condition have skin that hangs loosely from birth, meaning that by the age of 20 they have the skin of a 60-year-old. This demonstrates the importance of dermal proteins!

AESTHETIC MEDICINE’S ROLE IN FIGHTING DENSITY LOSS 

As the 1st French laboratory in aesthetic medicine*, FILORGA produces skincare products that are heavily influenced by techniques used to treat and prevent skin aging. For you to better understand how our cosmetics work, we think it's important to explain their origins.

INJECTIONS 

These are generally the first things that come to mind when aesthetic medicine is mentioned. Several types of injections are possible for skin density loss, and various solutions exist depending on the objectives.

- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections stimulate fibroblast activity to restore dermal density.

- Collagen or hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections can be used to restore definition to facial features.

- Injections of fat (taken from the patient's body) restore volume and stimulate the synthesis of endogenous fat (meaning fat that is naturally produced by the body).

LASER PROCEDURES

Like skin peels, laser or pulsed light treatments stimulate skin regeneration. The laser causes inflammatory stress in the skin. To counter this stress, the body releases growth hormone, which in turn stimulates fibroblast activity.

Simultaneously, the heat from the laser breaks down collagen so that the skin can properly reorganize it. The results of collagen remodeling can be observed between three and 12 months after the treatment.

The technique targets either the superficial or deeper layers of the skin, depending on the laser's wavelength.

RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENTS

This technique works in much the same way as laser treatments. Heat is generated in the deeper layers of the skin by means of an electrical field. This heat will also break down collagen, giving it a gel-like consistency. The collagen fibers can then reorganize themselves into a tighter structure to improve their physical resistance and restore tone. To put it simply, the skin's ability to regenerate itself is triggered by making it believe it has been injured.

FILORGA’S TREATMENT FOR DENSITY LOSS PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Aesthetic medicine provided the inspiration for the treatments formulated by FILORGA to combat density loss and improve skin quality. 

The GLOBAL-REPAIR collection of comprehensive anti-aging and nutritive treatments is designed specifically for skin that has lost vitality and is noticeably affected by a loss of cutaneous fat. Its formula is built upon three super nutrients (ceramides, essential fatty acids, and vitamins), our star complex NCEF [New Cellular Encapsulated Factors], as well as cell boosters and hyaluronic acid.

Products in the GLOBAL-REPAIR Collection are perfect for anyone looking to tackle the main signs of skin aging (including sagging skin) and looking for an ultra-nourishing treatment that doesn't feel greasy.

Find out more about our GLOBAL-REPAIR Collection

 

 

*Founded in 1978