In today’s world, the quest for beauty and youthfulness has led to the rise of numerous aesthetic medicine treatments. These treatments range from fillers and botulinum toxin to collagen stimulators and energy-based devices, promising impressive and natural results. However, it is crucial to ask if there is a way to achieve longer-lasting and better results. As an aesthetic physician, Dr Anna Hoo, Director of Anna Hoo Clinic, has spent over a decade researching this phenomenon, leading her to uncover an answer that could redefine how we approach ageing signs. She kindly shares with International Business Review her findings.
The Signs of Ageing
Ageing signs can manifest in various ways: wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin, and hair loss or greying hair. Sometimes these changes happen prematurely, making us look older than we are. Understanding what causes premature ageing helps with combating it.While some scientists downplay the role of free radicals and oxidative stress in ageing, we cannot ignore that ageing results from progressive damage to our bodies.This damage, caused by multiple factors such as oxidative stress, glycation, telomere shortening, mutations, and protein aggregation, leads to age-related conditions and, ultimately, loss of function of the affected organ.Despite aesthetic treatments, we continue to age. So the question may be how we can prevent and reverse the ageing process from its core.
Addressing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation accelerates ageing, contributing to visible signs often associated with age-related conditions. Strategies like adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and stress reduction techniques help alleviate symptoms such as pigmentation, water retention, puffiness, hair loss, and weight fluctuations. Weight management is another effective strategy for conditions like psoriatic arthritis, enhancing both facial and body contour.A low-glycemic diet and reduced intake of saturated and trans fats support the reduction of chronic inflammation. Including antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil further guards against inflammation, promoting overall well-being and slowing the ageing process.
Our diet plays such an important role in our health and mood, that Avicenna – the legendary physician of the
10th century – says “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” Consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries, fatty fish, avocados, turmeric, and extra virgin olive oil regularly will have significant and lasting effects on how youthful you and your skin feel.
Stress Reduction
Managing stress is another paramount factor in maintaining youth and overall health. Stress reduction can decrease the free radicals that accelerate ageing. It also facilitates the proper utilisation of nutrients for repair and regrowth, promoting longevity and well-being.
Optimal Nutrition
Adequate macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for healthy ageing and a strong immune system. Recognising and addressing nutritional deficiencies is crucial, as they can lead to skin and nail changes. A balanced diet with adequate protein, essential fatty acids,
and other vital nutrients supports healthy ageing and overall well-being.
Hormone Restoration Treatment (HRT)
Traditionally, HRTs focus on menopause and andropause symptoms. However, restoring a healthy hormonal balance throughout life can boost optimal well-being and slow down visible signs of ageing. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones significantly impact our health. Declining hormonal levels with age can lead to multiple effects on the body, including dry skin, weight gain, fatigue, and decreased sexual function. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy restores balance and mitigates
these effects.
Energy Production
Providing the body with sufficient energy is also crucial for healthy ageing. Supplements such as NMN, NAD Plus, and CoQ10 aid in energy production, supporting the processes that promote repair and regeneration. This can result in a radiant and supple appearance, with brighter eyes. Optimal energy production is essential for healthy ageing and overall well-being.
In our pursuit of timeless beauty, staying young and appearing youthful while maintaining functionality throughout life is possible. Adopting a comprehensive approach that combines aesthetic treatments with addressing the core causes of ageing can enhance our quality of life and reduce overall healthcare costs. By unlocking our true potential and being our best, both inside and out, we can embrace the idea of beauty from within and achieve the timeless beauty we desire.
