When you look in the mirror, are you ever surprised at how old you appear? Do you have difficulty seeing past the wrinkles and sagging on your skin? If so, you are not alone. Some people begin seeing signs of aging as early as in their twenties. This does not mean you have to accept wrinkles and sagging as your new look. Vimi Laser & Skincare Clinic, in Scarborough, ON uses Thermismooth to help clients reclaim their youthful skin.
Reasons for Wrinkles
Many people wonder where their wrinkles and sagging skin came from in the first place. There are many different reasons why some people’s skin tends to age more quickly than others.
Sunlight
Exposure to UV rays is the most common cause of early wrinkles. Sunlight breaks down collagen and elastin, your skin’s important connective fibers. Without these fibers, skin becomes weaker and less flexible.
Your Habits
What we put into our bodies has an effect on our skin. For example, the nicotine in cigarettes damages the blood vessels. This restrict’s the blood’s ability to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Alcohol is another culprit. It dehydrates the body, making wrinkles more apparent. As we get older, alcohol metabolizes more slowly in our bodies. This gives the alcohol more time in the body to cause dehydration.
Even the food we eat can contribute to wrinkles. Fried foods, salt, and sugar can dry out the skin and weaken its elasticity.
Genetics
Some people are born less likely to see wrinkles and sagging. Thicker skin shows fewer wrinkles. Skin with more melanin in it is more likely to be thick. Certain ethnicities, such as those from African, Hispanic and Asian, have thicker skin and tend to show wrinkles later than other people.
Aging
Most people will eventually have some wrinkles. It is a natural part of aging. The skin becomes dryer and less elastic.
Thermismooth Can Help
Thermismooth is a treatment that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles in your face and body. It is gentle and non-invasive. Clients who undergo Thermismooth treatments do not require downtime afterwards.
How It Works
Thermismooth reduces wrinkles by using radio-frequency energy to heat the skin. The device has the ability to sense the temperature of the skin as it works. The goal is to heat the skin to about 104º Fahrenheit, or 40° Celsius. The heat causes some of the skin’s collagen to shrink. In response, the skin becomes tighter and smoother, reducing sagging.
Meanwhile, the body’s healing process is activated. New collagen is produced. The fresh collagen rejuvenates the skin’s appearance by filling in the wrinkles and dimples.
Safety
Thermismooth is FDA-cleared for use on the skin. It is considered to be very safe. Humans are exposed to radiofrequency waves every day in the form of modern necessities such as TV, Wifi, and cell phones. The level of radiofrequency used in Thermismooth is very low. The doctors who use this treatment process are well-trained in the technology. They have full control over the device at all times. If you choose Therismooth, you can rest assured that your safety is a priority.
Preparing for Thermismooth
There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your Thermismooth treatment goes as smoothly as possible. First, a day or two before your appointment, shave the area that you are having treated. This will give the device the most direct contact with your skin. Leaving a day or two between shaving and the treatment will prevent your skin from being too tender.
Beginning at least two days before your appointment, be sure to drink plenty of water. When your skin is well-hydrated, you’ll see a better response to the treatment. If you already drink lots of water on a regular basis, add a few extra glasses on the days leading up to your appointment.
Before going to your appointment, remove any makeup and lotion from the area that will be treated. Do not apply any topical anesthesia. Remove any jewelry from the areas being treated.
What to Expect
At the beginning of your Therismooth treatment, a doctor will apply a gel to any areas that are going to be treated. If you are getting a treatment on your face, a small device is used. It is about the size of a pen. If you are getting a treatment on your body, a larger device is used to cover more area.
The device is set to the target temperature and placed on the skin. The doctor moves the device slowly in circular motions. The device’s temperature adjusts to your body’s temperature, so if your skin begins to get too warm, the device can cool down. Many people describe the feeling as being similar to a heated massage. Let the doctor know if you feel any discomfort. The device can be adjusted if needed.
Depending on the area that is being treated, the process may take anywhere from half an hour to a few hours. Afterward, clients are able to resume their regularly planned activities.
Aftercare
While your skin may appear more pink than usual, it is safe to apply makeup or lotion. Mineral-based lotion is best. Use only lotions that are gentle and non-irritating.
Wash your skin with warm water and gentle cleanser. Avoid taking a hot shower until any pinkness in the skin has subsided. Using jacuzzis or saunas is not recommended during this time.
Care for your skin by wearing at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Avoid exposing your skin to the hot sun or letting your skin become sweaty until all pinkness is gone. Keep your skin hydrated during this time by continuing to drink plenty of water.
Results
Collagen takes a while to develop, so the full results will take a few months to become obvious. Most people repeat the treatment at least four to six times, each two or three weeks apart. The full results will last at least a year for most clients. Doctors recommend returning about once a year in order to maintain youthful skin.
Skin Maintenance
After the initial treatment, it is recommended that clients return about once a year to repeat the process. In between treatments, there are several things clients can do to help keep their skin looking young and beautiful.
Beware of Sun
As stated earlier, UV rays are one of the most harmful causes of wrinkles and other skin problems. Take steps to protect your skin from the sun on a daily basis. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight when possible. You can wear hats and light clothing when you are outside on sunny days. Make applying sunscreen part of your morning ritual. Reapply it throughout the day when necessary.
Quit Smoking
Keeping your young-looking skin is another reason to avoid cigarettes. Smoking will break down the newly formed collagen that will be developing after your Therismooth treatment. One sibling study showed that siblings who smoked had 40% thinner skin than siblings who did not smoke.
Get Some Sleep
There is a reason that people refer to needing their beauty sleep. Sleep is a time when your body, including your skin, repairs itself. Blood flow to the skin increases and collagen is repaired. When you are overly tired, your body creates stress hormones, which can put you more at risk of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Eat Nutritious Food
Look for foods that are rich in protein and Omega-3 fats to keep your skin plump and healthy. Fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants will fight against skin damage.
Moisturize
Using a moisturizer is one of the most helpful steps to keeping your skin in great condition. For an added bonus, look for moisturizers that contain extra nutrients. Alpha-hydroxy acid stimulates collagen production. Retin A is FDA approved to reduce wrinkles and repair sun damage. L-ascorbic acid, the most potent form of Vitamin C, can increase collagen production. Idebenone does a great job of rehydrating dry skin.
Ideal Candidates
Like every treatment on any part of the body, Thermismooth is better for some people than for others. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are considering getting treatment.
Do You Have Skin Concerns In Any of These Areas?
- Eyelids
- Sagging jowls
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Chest
- Breasts
- Arms
- Stomach
- Hips
- Back
- Butt
- Thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
Do You Prefer Non-Invasive Procedures?
With Thermismooth, there is no surgery, no needles, and no peeling. It is a safe and comfortable treatment process. If you are hoping to undergo a treatment that rejuvenates your skin without pain or hassle, this may be a great option.
Do You Have Reasonable Expectations?
Thermismooth is not a surgery or a facelift. It is meant to stimulate your skin’s natural healing process without drastically changing the way you look. Remember that it takes months to see the full result, and the results are subtle. You will look younger and healthier in a natural way.
Are You Pregnant?
If you are pregnant, you should wait until after your pregnancy to have a treatment. Women who could possibly be pregnant should consider taking a pregnancy test before getting this treatment. The effects on pregnant women and their babies have not yet been studied, and it is preferable to avoid any possible risk.
Are You Healing?
If you are still healing from facial or dental surgery, wait until you are fully healed before undergoing a Thermismooth treatment. Do not get a treatment while you have a wound or infection in the area that will be treated. The treatment process could irritate these existing conditions.
Do You Have an Implantable Device?
This treatment may not be safe for people with implantable devices. This includes pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, insulin pumps, and cochlear implants. If you have one of these, it is best to avoid this particular treatment.
Have You Had a Facial Injection?
People who have had facial injections can get Thermismooth ten days after their injection. This will allow the site of the facial injection to heal completely. It is also possible to get a facial injection immediately after your Thermismooth treatment.
Do You Have a Fever?
If you are sick or feverish on the day of your appointment, it is best to postpone the treatment until you are well. Take care of your health first. When you are ill, your skin will not be in the best shape to respond to the treatment.
Get Started
The signs of aging are inevitable for most of us. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and cellulite will show up at some point. Luckily we live in a time where we can take back control of our appearance. Thermismooth is one way to get your youthful skin back and look as young as you feel. If you are ready to learn more, contact Vimi Laser & Skincare Clinic in Scarborough, ON to schedule a consultation.