Wrinkles |
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Wrinkles and folds in the skin are associated with the aging process and exposure to environmental elements such as sunlight and wind. Mature skin shows repeated expressions (sometimes called "laugh lines") around the eyes and mouth, "crow's feet" from squinting, and " worry lines" on the forehead. Wrinkles and folds can become more pronounced over time as the vascular supply to tissues reduces and cellular processes slow down, however steps can be taken to slow and even reverse some of the effects of aging.
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| How do wrinkles form? |
o thinner areas of skin tissue where capillaries are more visible, o dry skin, o constriction in moisture and blood nutrient supply to the epidermis, o dissipation of fatty tissue in the subcutaneous layer, and o a reduced capacity for the body to repair and regenerate the biologic scaffold (collagen). Over time, as the skin loses its elasticity and underlying dermal structure, it is left vulnerable to environmental stress and gives way to the formation of wrinkles and folds. |
| How are wrinkles treated? How do they work? |
Low-impact, generic creams and lotions can be applied to the skin to minimize temporarily the appearance of wrinkles by adding volume to epidermal cells and thereby smoothing out fine lines. To achieve more sustained results, treatment needs to take place within the dermal layers using a three-step approach: hydration, repair, and protection. Hydration establishes an environment for building and regenerating the dermal matrix, unrestricting the rate of cellular processes required to restore the skin's state of health. Active ingredients that stimulate collagen synthesis can help accelerate the repair of the dermal matrix to restore the skin's elasticity and plumpness. Finally, MMP inhibitors that would block collagen and other enzymes from performing their function need themselves to be inhibited to protect essential cofactors and enzymes critical to the rebuilding process.
Products containing mild acid peels, vitamin A, glycosaminoglycans, or hyaluronic acid are naturally effective in promoting collagen repair, increasing cellular hydration and rejuvenation, and blocking MMP proliferation. Wrinkles and folds can also be treated by reducing repetitive muscle contraction (i.e., softening muscle action by way of chemical attenuation) or filling the skin fold. Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a non-invasive, non-toxic and less potent analog to botulinum neurotoxin (BOTOX) that serves as a neurotransmitter block to reduce the intensity of superficial muscle contractions.
Optimal treatment of wrinkles involves hydration, repair, and protection activity coupled with maintenance and prevention. Naturally derived and biocompatible products are considered a desirable alternative to surgery for less dramatic, but sustained results. |
| Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) - Glycolic acid |
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Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. It is the preferred form of AHA in topical applications because it is a small, water-soluble molecule, better able to penetrate the epidermal layer. Glycolic acid promotes keratolysis (exfoliation) and stimulates collagen synthesis for repair and rejuvenation of the underlying tissue. As our body matures, cellular processes slow down; glycolic acid stimulates the natural mechanisms to shed the epidermal layer and build the dermal matrix. Glycolic acid supports hydration of the underlying cells for continued rejuvenation effects, yielding enhanced texture and tone.
High concentrations of glycolic acid can cause burns and irritation. KAVI Glycolic Acid products are available in highly purified therapeutic concentrations and contain a buffered formulation to reduce the risk of burns. All KAVI Glycolic Acid treatments are prepared with naturally soothing witch hazel to reduce inflammation (instead of SD alcohol which can dehydrate skin tissue). For more information on choosing the appropriate glycolic acid product for your skin needs, click here. |
| Vitamin A - Retinoids |
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Retinol is one of the most usable forms of vitamin A, which is essential for proper cellular function. Topical formulations of retinol stimulate keratolysis and promote tissue hydration and dermal repair. Retinol penetrates the skin through the sebaceous glands to produce antiseptic and mild anti-inflammatory effects, reducing acne-causing bacteria and stimulating keratolysis by stimulating cell production in the deeper dermal layers. Retinol stimulates normalized cellular function, which includes an increase in production of healthy epidermal cells, enhanced collagen production for maintenance of a hydrated scaffold necessary for dermal repair, and reduction of melanin synthesis that causes pigmentation. As a topical form of vitamin A, retinol supports normalizing epithelial function with minimal to no systemic absorption.
The KAVI Anti-Aging Systems are specially formulated for different skin types. As a form of vitamin A, retinol will degrade over time. KAVI Enhanced Retinol 0.30% includes the benefits of retinol with the stability of a longer shelf life for continued results during treatment and maintenance. KAVI Enhanced Retinol is an active ingredient in KAVI Anti-Aging System II. |
| Hyaluronic Acid |
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Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body for lubrication and connective tissue maintenance. Hyaluronic acid production decreases with maturity, often presented as joint degeneration, heart conditions, and glaucoma. As an essential component for the biologic scaffold, hyaluronic acid corrects tissue degeneration, promotes hydration, and enhances structural support for collagen synthesis and elastin production-critical for tissue rejuvenation and repair. Topical applications of hyaluronic acid are absorbed by the body and it is effective in combination with other dermatologic ingredients.
KAVI Hyaluronic Acid 95 contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid in a topical humectant. It an active ingredient included in KAVI serums and enzyme masks to promote skin hydration and tissue repair. KAVI Hyaluronic Acid 95 and the KAVI Glycolipidic Moisturizer are a powerful combination to treat dry skin-resulting in reduced wrinkles and improved texture and smoothness. |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide 3 |
Palmitoyl tripeptide 3 is a collagen synthesis booster that works by stimulating the release of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) within the epidermis. TGF-beta is produced in the body as a protein that regulates immune response and tissue cell regeneration. As part of the aging process, TGF-beta production is reduced.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are naturally produced by cells to maintain structural integrity in tissues and maintain fluid balance. Hyaluronic acid is a type of GAG which promotes collagen synthesis, repair, and hydration. GAGs serve as a natural moisturizer and lubricant between epidermal cells to inhibit the production of MMPs.
Acetyl hexapeptide-3, or argireline, prevents extended formation of lines and wrinkles by dampening the neurotransmitters which stimulate facial muscle contraction. Argireline is a topical, non-toxic alternative to BOTOX. KAVI Complex C contains a unique formulation designed to slow the aging process in the facial region by addressing dermal hydration, collagen repair and synthesis, and muscle contraction. Complex C contains the most effective ingredients to naturally arrest the formation of wrinkles and premature aging: palmitoyl tripeptide 3, glycosaminoglycans, argireline, and hyaluronic acid. KAVI Complex A is formulated to specifically slow the aging process of the delicate skin around the eyes. Complex A contains purified soy and rice peptides and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which inhibit MMP production. Complex A also includes KAVI's unique glycolipidic complex, a moisturizer that penetrates through the skin's surface for sustained hydration. Herbal extracts in Complex A support microcirculation to soothe puffiness and reduce the presence of free radicals. |
| What can I expect from treatment? | |
| Glycolic Acid Masks |
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When applied to the target area once weekly, keratolysis and rejuvenation effects will yield improvements in texture in as early as two weeks and improvements in tone in as early as six weeks. After the first two peels, skin should appear smoother and brighter. While lines will still be visible, they should be less noticeable than before. Pigmentation variance typically takes longer to correct because spotting tends to extend to deeper layers and requires more time to lift. By twelve weeks, results will be close to optimal levels, and following a four-week hiatus, recommencement at two-week intervals is recommended to maintain skin in peak condition. It is important to note that KAVI's retail line of glycolic acid peels are buffered to safely exfoliate surface layers, and at no time should the skin begin to peel profusely. Acute peeling is an indication that the peel concentration is too strong for your skin and that either a lower-strength peel should be considered or the current peel should be left on for a shorter length of time.
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| Glycolic Acid Cleansers and Serums |
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Glycolic cleansers can be used both to prepare skin prior to a peel and to maintain results between peels. Glycolic serums offer the same benefit as cleansers, but often in a more concentrated solution intended not just for inter-peel maintenance but also as a component of a more intensive restoration plan for the dermal matrix. Use of glycolic cleansers and serums as indicated can reduce irritation and inflammation that may result from peels and can also reduce regressions that may result from time lapses between peels.
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Retinol works both as an anti-aging and an anti-acne agent, stimulating cell turnover and dermal matrix repair, reducing melanin production, and clearing clogged pores of cellular debris, sebum, and acne bacteria. When applied twice daily, the following improvements can be observed in as early as two weeks: o Reduction in fine lines o More consistent pigmentation o Reduction in blackheads and whiteheads o Improved skin texture o Strengthened connective tissue Optimal results can require eight to twelve weeks of treatment, at which time application should be reduced to once per day to maintain results for the longer term.
Hydration serums containing high concentrations of hyaluronic acid or glycolipids offer a high-impact moisturization solution for skin in critical need of dermal matrix repair. Applied two to three times daily, hydration serums maintain a fertile environment within the dermis for repair processes that would otherwise be without critical resources required to carry out their function. Regular hydration can slow the onset of premature aging and increase the efficacy of restorative serums. |
| Peptide-Based Repair Serums |
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Serums containing Palmitoyl Tripeptide 3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, soy and rice peptides, and other critical proteins not only help impede MMP's, but actively assist the body's restorative enzymes in rebuilding the dermal matrix. Though topical serums yield more gradual improvements than other solutions, they are non-toxic, non-invasive, and suitable for sensitive skin. Improvements may be observed in as early as six weeks, with optimal results setting in after eight weeks. Peptide-based serums can be used after the initial eight weeks of treatment to maintain results and slow the onset of premature aging.
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| What are other options to manage wrinkles? Do they work? |
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Facial moisturizers, lotions and oils serve to plump up the epidermal cells to temporarily smooth out wrinkles. However, many such products may not be pore-friendly and can exacerbate acne. These products do not stimulate keratolysis to remove the thickened, dehydrated epidermis, and over time, wrinkles may appear deeper because of the thick epidermal layer.
Options available through a healthcare professional may involve non-surgical procedures to fill in deep folds and wrinkles or to relax the underlying muscles through a series of injections. Cosmetic surgery such as face-lifts produces more dramatic results. Most surgical procedures induce inflammation that can require a recovery period spanning several weeks before results can be evaluated. Surgery and injections do not address the underlying causes of wrinkles, and after any treatment is administered, regular cleansing and maintenance are necessary to sustain results and promote continued rejuvenation. |
| How can I avoid wrinkles? |
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Excessive wrinkles can be managed-and even temporarily averted-with healthy habits as we mature. Regular exercise, weight management, and hydration increase overall muscle tone and improve circulation, which can be quickly evidenced in the face. A healthy diet, no smoking, and proper rest contribute to maintaining healthy body function. Avoiding excessive sun and heat exposure reduce damage to skin tissue. Regular cleansing and moisturizing help to reduce the proliferation of wrinkles. A comprehensive regimen that includes the active ingredients found in KAVI products further promotes skin rejuvenation and repair.
Wrinkles shape the unique identity and emotions of our faces; KAVI products invigorate cellular processes, to restore the skin's natural beauty while alleviating the accumulation of damaging enzymes. The focus can shift to natural expressions, not age. |
