Skin Cancer Blog

Doctors in primary care often hear their patients’ concerns about age-related skin changes. In most cases, these are only body-image issues, and there are no medical indications for treatment.

However, what starts as insecurity about one’s physical appearance can quickly translate into depression, anxiety, a decrease in social and physical activity, and a lower quality of life. Luckily, contemporary cosmetic treatments can improve ageing concerns in most patients, and most are adequate for a primary care setting.

For further information on this topic, you may be interested to learn more about the HealthCert Professional Diploma program in Aesthetic Medicine, providing tailored medical aesthetic training for general practitioners online and with practical workshops.

As we age, our skin naturally loses volume, elasticity, and firmness, leading to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, poor skin quality, and other cosmetic issues. Although it is impossible to reverse the age chronologically, modern aesthetic medicine can ameliorate age-related damage using various non-invasive and minimally-invasive methods.

Still, managing patients with ageing concerns can be a challenging task for general practitioners. It requires additional training and, sometimes, new equipment. Also, there are several strategies and in-office treatments available. Some only work for particular skin issues and not for others.

Therefore, expanding the portfolio of services by two or more aesthetic procedures is the best way to offer a comprehensive solution for common ageing concerns and increase overall patient satisfaction.

What are the treatment options for ageing?

There are many non-invasive and minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments primary care doctors can master and apply when fighting signs of ageing. The most popular ones include:

• Topical retinoids and antioxidants,
• Dermal fillers,
• Botulinum toxin injections, and
• Chemical peels

Topical retinoids

Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and Adapalene, can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and increasing cell turnover. These medications exist in different strengths and formulations, and their use requires the guidance of a medical doctor.

Topical antioxidants

Topical antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help protect the skin from environmental damage, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. These antioxidants can also help to improve the overall quality of the skin by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be used to restore skin volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These fillers can be injected into specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, and lips, to provide a more youthful appearance.

Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections can be used to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels can be used to improve the texture and tone of the skin by removing the outermost layers of damaged skin. That can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

It’s important to note that combining these treatments may be the best approach. A personalised treatment plan needs to exist for each patient based on their individual needs and concerns. It’s also vital to educate the patient on the importance of sun protection, a daily skincare routine, and healthy lifestyle choices to maintain the results.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, managing patients with ageing concerns is a complex but rewarding task. With topical retinoids, antioxidants, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels, and more, primary care doctors can help their patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

For further information on this topic, you may be interested to learn more about the HealthCert Professional Diploma program in Aesthetic Medicine, providing tailored medical aesthetic training for general practitioners online and with practical workshops.

– Dr Rosmy De Barros

Read another article like this one: How to treat patients with unwanted fat pockets on the face and body

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References:

1. Callender VD, Baldwin H, Cook-Bolden FE, Alexis AF, Stein Gold L, Guenin E. Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022;23(1):69-81. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00643-2
2. Rattanawiwatpong P, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Bumrungpert A, Maiprasert M. Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Mar; 19(3):671-676. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13305. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMID: 31975502; PMCID: PMC7027822.
3. Ko EJ, Kim H, Park WS, Kim BJ. Correction of midface volume deficiency using hyaluronic acid filler and intradermal radiofrequency. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015;17(1):46-48. doi:10.3109/14764172.2014.968579
4. Satriyasa BK. Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Apr 10;12:223-228. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S202919. PMID: 31114283; PMCID: PMC6489637.
5. Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z. A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels: A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Aug;11(8):21-28. Epub 2018 Aug 1. PMID: 30214663; PMCID: PMC6122508.