It's All In The Genes

Humans are said to have between 20,000 to 25,000 different genes that determine our makeup from height, hair and eye colour to how we will age. However, our skin does not have a specific gene that determines its traits. It is made up of a combination of different genes which affect the ageing process.

There are two ways in which we age – through external factors such as sun exposure, known as extrinsic ageing and through the natural ageing process, known as intrinsic. We inherit intrinsic ageing from our parents.

Several factors such as the risk of stretch marks, varicose veins, discoloration and the level of skin sagging are all related to our genetic makeup.

As you age collagen, which is produced naturally, starts to decrease which makes it hard for your muscles to keep everything ‘up’. You may start to notice fine lines and wrinkles beginning to appear in your late twenties and then jowls and sagging skin starting to appear from about 40 years of age.

Concept™ Facelift….perfect for combating jowls and sagging skin

Many people we see here at the clinic were happy with the way they aged then one day they looked in the mirror and couldn’t recognise the person staring back at them. Our patients tell us that they just want to look refreshed or rejuvenated and not tired-looking. Our Concept™ Facelift does just that. By performing the procedure under local anaesthetic the downtime is minimal.

Our lead cosmetic surgeon, Mr Amir Nakhdjevani, who has pioneered this technique works on the SMAS muscle, under the skin, and tightens it. He then removes any excess muscle and skin and sutures the incision, which is much shorter than the more traditional facelift scar which runs into the hairline and is more noticeable. Our patients can leave the clinic the same day and not have to worry about having stitches removed or having to change dressings and bandages. There are no drains and when we see patients for a follow up a week later, many of them tell us how they went out for dinner or shopping the next day!

The end result is natural yet effective. Your jawline no longer has jowls and the skin is smooth instead of saggy. You look refreshed and more youthful. It’s about how old you feel on the inside being reflected on the outside.

The choices we make and our lifestyle can have a huge impact on how our skin ages.

Regardless of the skin type you inherit, taking extra steps to keep our skin looking fresh can prolong the ageing process without having surgery and below are some ideas to help maintain healthy skin.

Wearing a daily moisturiser or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more is the single most important thing you can do to minimise the signs of ageing. Our Obagi Sun Shield cream has an SPF of 50 and combines UVA absorption and UVA protection.

Washing your face twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, cleanses your face of dirt and oil. Obagi Foaming Gel combines a blend of herbs, natural cleansers and Aloe Vera to create a gentle formula leaving even oily skin feeling clean and soft to touch.

Moisturise right after you cleanse to replenish your skin’s moisture. Moisturising in the evening before bed will ensure you wake up with a supple complexion as your skin repairs itself overnight. Obagi Hydrate provides all day moisture protection and is suitable for all skin types. Hydrate contains Hydromanil, a multi-action agent derived from the tara seed, known to gradually deliver moisture to the skin.

An eye cream applied twice a day, under eyes and on over the lids, will protect and hydrate the delicate eye area, while also reducing dark spots and puffiness.

Homemade Facial

For DIY skin care ideas, use natural ingredients such as fruit and honey which can provide you with gorgeous, glowing skin.

You can use a banana as an all-natural, homemade facial mask that moisturises your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

The Hydrating Avocado Mask

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 teaspoon plain organic yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey

This moisturising mask is great for stressed-out skin from a day outdoors. Mash the avocado until it’s soft and then mix in the yogurt and honey until it forms a paste. Apply to your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. For a more intense dose of hydration, incorporate one or two teaspoons of virgin olive oil into the formula, which instantly softens and smooths skin.

Sagging skin and jowls are inevitable for many people so surgery is then an option but no matter what genes you were born with, healthy habits will minimise the signs of ageing to keep you looking younger and healthier for longer.

If you would like to find out more about the treatments we have to offer or would like to arrange a consultation, please contact Bella Vou on 01892 257 357. Our 3D scanning system can give you an impression of what you could look like before undertaking surgery.