There’s always something new when it comes to beauty. Whether it’s innovative solutions for old problems or ways to fix emerging issues, people constantly are looking for ways to both look and feel great. Here’s a glimpse at what’s popping up in 2021.
by a thread
Volume loss and jowling around the lower half of the face are a major concern of aging. Traditionally, the primary solutions have been surgery or dermal fillers, but Carol Anderson, R.N., CANS, owner of Nouveau, a Boutique Medspa, says that a thread lift is a more advanced, noninvasive option. The procedure precisely places temporary sutures to tighten loose facial skin. Anderson uses Silhouette Instalift threads. “They are made with Sculptra, a cosmetic filler that enhances collagen production, so after the threads dissolve, you will continue to see increased volume in the area,” she says.
The results of a thread lift last approximately two years and are apparent immediately after the procedure, according to Anderson. She notes that while the sutures may seem daunting, it actually is one of the least painful treatments. “The threads are placed in an area of the face that has fewer nerve endings, so it’s a pretty easy experience,” she explains. “There also is very little swelling afterward. There can be bruising, and for a day or two, the marks from the procedure may be visible.”
Anderson says the procedure can be combined with other treatments to optimize results. “To enhance the outcomes, we may do a broadband light (BBL) laser treatment or microneedling to stimulate collagen production before the thread lift,” she says. “It also is a great complement to fillers. It can be easy to overfill and create an artificial look, but a thread lift cuts down on the amount you need to achieve your desired result. You can use fillers to truly just add appropriate plumpness for a more natural look.”
pandemic beauty
The pandemic has impacted all aspects of daily life, and that includes beauty and skin care. Jackie Carr, R.N., ANP-BC, LE, owner of Pur-One Medipsa says that Botox has been the No. 1 service clients have been seeking. “With face masks, the primary focus has been on the eyes and forehead,” she explains. “Patients don’t even have to remove their mask to receive the injection.” With vaccinations rising and COVID-19 cases falling in Missouri, she expects that more people will get dermal fillers in anticipation of showing the lower half of their faces more.
Masks also have led to an increase in concerns about adult acne—or the dreaded maskne. To avoid breakouts, Carr recommends people change or clean their mask frequently and use a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening. She also has been suggesting patients try SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, a new Vitamin C serum created specifically for people with oily and breakout-prone skin. “Other serums can be too heavy and contain vitamin E, which can clog pores,” she explains. “Silymarin CF has been shown to reduce oil oxidation that causes breakouts while improving skin texture, clarity and fine lines.”
The prevalence of video calls and virtual meetings have caused an increased awareness of wrinkling and sagging skin in the neck, according to Carr. She notes that there are several options to help people address the problem. The FDA recently approved the use of SkinPen microneedling for the neckline to reduce wrinkles. “Dermal fillers can also be placed in the neckline to approve appearance,” she says. “We can combine neck treatments with Scultpra to stimulate the dermis and collagen production.”
feeling blue
From sleep cycle disruption to eye health concerns, the impact of blue light from electronics on people’s well-being has been a hot topic. But what is all that screen time doing to your skin? The term ‘blue light’ refers to light on the visible spectrum that has shorter wavelengths and more energy—it’s also known as high energy visible (HEV) light. Laptops, cell phones and even LED lights are all sources. Ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB rays) is known to cause skin cancer, but less is known about exposure to HEV rays.
What we do know is that blue light can break down collagen. Flavin, a chemical in the skin, absorbs the light, causing a reaction that creates free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules). These then damage the skin and can lead to premature aging. It’s also been found that HEV light is more harmful to darker skin, with exposure having been shown to lead to hyperpigmentation in studies. However, it also has some skin benefits. Visible light therapy (including blue light) is used as a treatment for acne because it kills bacteria that causes breakouts with few to no side effects.
While HEV light is more complicated than being strictly good or bad, beauty companies have developed products specifically designed to block those rays. They use ingredients like iron oxide, zinc oxide and niacinamide to shield the skin in a similar way to how mineral sunscreens protect from UVB and UVA rays. If you don’t want to switch up your skin care routine, you can limit your exposure to blue light by adjusting the amount emitted by your devices or using a yellow-tinted screen protector on your phone.