In 2020, Australians spent over $2.5 billion on cosmetic treatments, and the popularity of facial injections keeps on growing.
The use of dermal fillers has increased considerably, with lip and cheek enhancements becoming more fashionable. Anti-wrinkle treatments such as Botox, continue to grow as non-invasive procedures become a popular way to push back the signs of ageing.
But these procedures aren’t reserved for your mother’s generation anymore. Read on to learn why cosmetic injectables can play an important role in your 20s and 30s.
The Skin Ageing Process
Believe it or not, your skin begins to age the second you’re born. Of course, as carefree children, we don’t notice this, but sometime around your 20s, most people start to see the tiny signs of ageing beginning to appear.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors both affect skin quality. Intrinsic ageing is a natural genetic process that everyone experiences. Growing older means thinner, drier skin along with fine lines and wrinkles.
Extrinsic ageing occurs because of environmental factors. These can be anything from UV rays to diet, lifestyle, and pollution. Due to the higher solar UV radiation levels we are exposed to, Australians are more susceptible to extrinsic ageing compared to other parts of the world.
If you ever needed a reminder to apply sunscreen before you head out the door, that’s your cue. But sunscreen can only do so much. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, stress, and not enough exercise are all factors that contribute to how your skin ages.
How Your Skin Changes as You Age
The ageing process is usually gradual. You might not even notice it until one day, you see your reflection in the mirror to find fine lines and crow’s feet staring back at you. These subtle changes will evolve as you pass through your 20s, 30s, and beyond.
In Your 20s
As you leave your acne-prone teen years behind, your skin gets a major glow-up! Your early 20s are quite possibly the best skin years of your life. Your face will likely look even, plump, and bright.
Fast-forward a few years down the track and you may notice some dullness, dryness, and discolouration. Cell turnover rates slow down by your late 20s, meaning dead cells build up more quickly. Your skin may start to lose elasticity at the same time.
The biggest complaint you might have in your 20s will be dull, tired skin and the beginnings of fine lines. It depends on your lifestyle and genetics of course, but these are natural, common aging transitions.
Aesthetically, we also find those in their 20s begin seeking enhancements such as lip fillers or to correct any long term concerns they’ve had. Traditionally, makeup has been the ‘go to’ solution to help young adults switch up their look. But it’s important to note that injectables are more reliable and can often compete in price with makeup. It’s certainly less time consuming!
In Your 30s
Say hello to your wonderful 30s! Some studies have found that your early 30s are some of your happiest years. And although you’re likely more stable in all aspects of your life, your skin will continue to change.
Collagen production slows down after 30, and your skin’s natural repair systems decline. The result can be volume loss in your cheeks, giving you some unwelcome undereye circles. Typically, thinner skin means more obvious blood vessels which in turn creates darker spots.
Sun damage might start to pop up, particularly if you were a dedicated beach bum in your teens and early twenties. More fine lines and even your first wrinkle or two may join the party as well!
Anti-wrinkle injections vs. Fillers
Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are popular methods for maintaining that youthful look. But what are they, and how are they different?
Anti-wrinkle
In 2018, Botox was the winner in the non-surgical treatments category, comprising almost half of all cosmetic treatments in Australia.
Unlike dermal fillers, a gel-like substance that fills an area, anti-wrinkle injections affect the muscles. Upon injection, they paralyse the selected muscles, reducing your range of motion and making it nearly impossible to create that wrinkle.
Injectables are therefore extremely practical for preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and various fine lines. They work well for crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and smile lines. People also use them to smooth neck lines, which creates a youthful appearance.
If you are looking for anti-wrinkle injections and Botox in Cairns, arrange a free consultation with our cosmetic nurses.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers make up almost 30% of non-surgical treatments, with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers being the most popular, and for good reason.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin. It does the all-important job of retaining water and keeping everything moisturised. As we age, we produce less and less of this essential substance.
In our experience hyaluronic acid dermal fillers mimic the natural HA your skin had when you were younger, which is a key reason why we use it. Studies have found that out of the range of dermal fillers, HA had the most positive outcomes.
Fillers are used to plump up the skin and create optimal contours. Most people think fillers are best for lip enhancements, but you can also use them for:
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Cheek and chin shaping
• Under eyes circles and puffiness
• Non-invasive nose shaping
You can even ask for hand or ear lobe fillers! Fillers are a multi-purpose solution that can treat many signs of ageing. And the best part is that the effect isn’t permanent, making fillers a very low commitment process.
Help! How Do I Fix…
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, you might be wondering how to fix those annoying signs of aging. Dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, or a combination of the two, could be a solution.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles are a completely natural part of ageing, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox are the best way to smooth those lines away. It’s an effective treatment for crow’s feet, frown lines, and bunny lines.
Adult Acne
Thought you were out of the woods when you left your teenage skin behind? Not a chance! Adult acne is all too common, and acne scars from adolescence often remain for years to come.
Dermal fillers are an excellent way to treat acne scars. The solution raises the area, promotes collagen, and improves elasticity. But not all acne scars work with fillers, so we always recommend getting a consultation.
Dark Circles
Are you sick of people telling you how tired you look? Dark circles are a common sign of ageing as the skin becomes thinner. Other causes, such as genetics, diet, poor sleep hygiene or medication, can also be the culprit.
Dermal fillers can be an effective solution for dark circles. Carefully placed injections can fill the area and give it more volume. An initial consultation is required before this treatment.
Sunken Cheeks
Wondering where your supermodel cheekbones disappeared to? Around your mid-to-late 30s, volume loss in the cheeks begins to create a flat effect. You might start to see the beginnings of jowls and overall recession in your face.
Professionally placed fillers can give you that sharp line and youthful appearance again. We emphasise ‘professionalism’ because, in the wrong hands, cheek fillers can have the opposite effect, which is why it’s important to ensure your cosmetic injector has the proper experience and credentials.
Droopy Brows
Have you noticed that your eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be? Ageing could be the sneaky reason. Volume loss around the temples causes brows to droop, casting shadows on the eyes.
People often resort to getting a surgical brow lift to resolve these issues. But a combination of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections is a much easier alternative. Get that lovely eyebrow arch and brighter eyes with anti-wrinkle injections.
Other Problems
Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can fix so many skin issues, but they also have other surprising uses. Define your jawline, enhance lip shape, or reduce a gummy smile with face injections.
If you’re looking for a Cairns cosmetic clinic, Ageless Cosmetic Bar has you covered. Here, you’ll find an extensive range of services for every concern. Our superstar cosmetic nurses, Terry and Nikia, have over 20 years professional, industry experience.
We understand that everyone has different needs and concerns. That’s why we emphasise individual approaches and in-depth consultations with our clients. It’s essential to ensure the treatment plan we develop is right for you.
The Injection Process
If you’ve never had a cosmetic procedure, it can be a little intimidating. But the process is usually simple, quick, and involves no downtime.
Before
The first step is finding a clinic you like. Browse their social media pages to get a good feel of their styles. Check out our Instagram to get a better idea of what we do.
Once you’re ready, it’s time to book a consultation. This is an essential step before any procedure as it helps the cosmetic nurse understand your goals, and it also gives you all the information you’ll need and the opportunity to ask questions so you can feel comfortable in your decisions.
Then it’s time to book your appointment! On the day of your procedure, skip the makeup and come fresh-faced. Most treatments are quick, so you won’t have to reserve the whole day for it.
During
Your cosmetic nurse will explain every step of the process and what to expect. They’ll also share aftercare tips and next steps. The procedure won’t be painful, but it may be uncomfortable for a short time.
After
Since most results last between 6 and 24 months, you might need to book a follow-up appointment. You may also experience slight bruising, redness, or swelling, depending on the procedure. These side effects are temporary, and your nurse will discuss them ahead of time.
Are Cosmetic Injectables right for me?
If you’re in your 20s and 30s, cosmetic injectables are an excellent way to maintain your skin. As you age, it becomes more difficult to reverse the signs of ageing. That’s why starting young can be an efficient preventative measure.
The process is safe, fast, and non-permanent. So if you don’t love commitment, you can try it out to see how you feel about it. Book an appointment with us at Ageless Cosmetic Bar in Cairns to get started.