The quest for youthful and radiant skin has led many down a path of skincare routines and treatments. But do you know why our skin starts to sag and get wrinkly as we get older? The answer lies in a fundamental protein called collagen. Collagen accounts for 30% of body’s total protein. Its main role is to provide structure, support and strength to your bones, muscles, ligaments and skin. After age 20, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline. This decline is influenced by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and hormonal changes. This is why we get skin sagging, wrinkles and fine lines, and loss of volume. Luckily, we have treatments available to keep your skin maintain its youthful appearance, such as Sculptra, HA fillers and Botox. But which one’s right for you?

Botox: Smoothing Out Wrinkles

What is Botox? Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s a neurotoxin that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for causing dynamic wrinkles—wrinkles formed by repeated facial expressions like smiling or frowning.

How does Botox work? Botox blocks nerve signals in targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles. It’s primarily used to smooth out crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles (although there are many other uses of botox which we will talk about in a different blog). You have to repeat this treatment every 3-4 months.

Dermal Fillers: Adding Volume and Filling Wrinkles

What are Dermal fillers? These are gel-like hyaluronic acid based fillers that are injected beneath the skin to add volume, fill wrinkles, and restore a more youthful appearance.

How Do Dermal fillers work? We inject fillers to plump up the skin in areas we’ve had volume loss, such as cheeks and lips. Results are immediate and last few months to a year.

Sculptra: Stimulating Collagen Production

What is Sculptra? Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid based filler and unlike HA fillers that immediately add volume, Sculptra stimulates the body’s own collagen production over time.

 

How does Sculptra work? Sculptra is injected beneath the skin to gradually stimulate collagen production and elasticity. As collagen is generated, it adds volume and improves skin texture. Results are long lasting.

So which one should you choose? The answer really depends on what your concerns are and what you’re trying to improve in your skin. Most clients do all three for different areas and purposes. At Skinsation LA. we offer complimentary consultations to see what treatment would be right for you.