Medical beauty has countless methods, which can be overwhelming for clients, beauty consultants, product/instrument salespeople, and even doctors. Advertisements often use language implying that they can rejuvenate the skin, commonly known as the “rejuvenation procedure.” But can medical beauty achieve the desired rejuvenation effect? From a medical perspective, we must first understand the root causes of skin problems to find the most effective treatment methods.
So how do products, medications, or instruments achieve the rejuvenation effect? In general, they work through six mechanisms:
- Exfoliation
- Tightening
- Leveling
- Extracellular matrix stimulation
- Volume restoration
- Immobilization of muscular contraction
Exfoliation involves physically removing the outermost layer of skin through methods like diamond dermabrasion or chemical methods such as lower concentration fruit acids. This accelerates metabolism and improves problems like dullness, roughness, and oil clogs. Its efficacy and side effects are relatively mild compared to other methods, but it is ideal for surface skin problems.
Tightening involves tightening the dermis or underlying tissue. Sagging skin causes wrinkles, enlarged pores, and drooping, and deeper treatments are required to achieve tightening. High concentration fruit acids, instruments such as radiofrequency, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), segmented lasers, and other treatments can reach the dermis layer and stimulate collagen and elastin, making the skin firm.
Leveling is a less familiar term that means making uneven and rough skin smoother and smoothing out depressed scars and deep static wrinkles. Imagine the depth and intensity of the treatment being stronger than other treatments, reaching the dermis layer or deeper. Deep treatments have the potential to damage stem cells that aid in skin recovery, impairing recovery and increasing the risk of complications after treatment. Treatments such as TCA peels, high-energy segmented lasers, or segmented radiofrequency can achieve the desired treatment depth and leveling effect, but one mistake can damage the skin.
Medical beauty is not a fantasy, but a viable option for those seeking rejuvenation. By understanding the root causes of skin problems and the mechanisms behind various treatments, clients and practitioners can work together to achieve the desired results.