Dr. Park Ji-Youn: Are you choosing the wrong types of anti ageing treatments?

A recent American survey1 reported that millennials aged 25-35 are more worried about ageing than their mothers and grandmothers, with the average individual starting an anti-ageing regime as early as 26 years old. 

The same sentiment applies for those in Singapore. 

The earlier need to stave off signs of ageing is thought to be attributed to how millennials place utmost importance on looking good – social media and pop culture now demands everyday individuals to look good from all angles. And while this information isn’t groundbreaking per se, it shows us that our approach to ageing, as with body image, has changed drastically from one generation to the next.

Read: Why muscle building treatments don’t work 

But are you tackling ageing correctly, or worse, wasting money? In this article, we’ll address the common mistakes that both young and mature clients make when it comes to anti ageing treatments, and talk about the solutions available in Singapore today.

Botox, fillers, threadlifts: How you’re getting anti ageing wrong

Fact is, almost every aesthetic treatment can be considered an anti-ageing treatment, as the overall goal of such treatments is mostly to look better and younger. And while a naturally lifted face or enhanced jawline —think botox, threadlifts, HIFU— might contribute to a more youthful look, congruent treatments must be done to improve skin from within.

As aged skin is often a result of poor skin quality and loss of collagen due to factors such as age, smoking, and lifestyles, anti ageing treatments often begin with inducing collagen production and maintaining that. One cannot simply threadlift their way to revitalised youth.

Dare I also say by starting on collagen biostimulation treatments early, you can prevent the need for treatments like botox and fillers in future.

What treatments should I choose to reverse ageing?

Many individuals tend to opt for skinboosters or HA fillers first, as one of the most obvious signs of youthful skin is glowy, hydrated complexion. But let’s not forget beyond a pristine facade, volume and elasticity also play a huge role in a youthful visage. 

When someone looks older than they wish to due to volume depletion, I nudge them toward collagen biostimulators instead. This is because HA fillers can add volume to certain parts of the face only to a certain point; adding more might result in overfilling. 

Collagen biostimulators achieve their anti-ageing goals by directly regenerating collagen in your skin and imparting more substance and shape. For example, Ellansé works to quickly replace lost volume, whilst more robust fillers like Sculptra gradually add fullness to gaunt areas of one’s face.

Both are great, but allow me to introduce two new innovative biostimulator treatments, Nucleofill and Gouri.

Nucleofill and Gouri: The future of anti-ageing treatments?

Nucleofill was formulated in Italy, whilst Gouri was created by a Korean company that specialises in biopolymer (natural polymers produced by our cells) technology. Both treatments are aimed at improving collagen production in the skin, and are low risk and suitable for all skin types.

Nucleofill

As the newest technology in biostimulation, Nucleofill is a polynucleotide-based injectable gel specifically designed for natural face shaping and remodelling. 

This highly viscoelastic gel improves skin by:

Fun fact: Nucleofill is derived from biocompatible salmon DNA which offers the skin a younger, healthier appearance.

Gouri

Gouri is a 100% liquid type PCL injectable from Korea.

Gouri is used for long term skin firming, tightening and distinct wrinkle reduction. 

Here’s why Gouri is an excellent anti-ageing solution:

Comparing Nucleofill and Gouri treatments

 

Nucleofill

Gouri

What it isAn innovative biotechnology that contains polynucleotides which stimulate the skin and ensure long-lasting skin hydration and firming.A solubilised active and biodegradable polymer injectable that enables collegenesis and

rejuvenation without the use of microparticles.

CompositionGel 2.5% polynucleotides, with pH values of 6.8 to 7.5, and viscosity of 48 to 65 Pa*s.Fully liquid. 21% PCL, or only PCL.
How long does it take for results to show?Roughly 10 to 20 minutes following treatment.Clients normally see their first visual results within 1 to 2 weeks following treatment.
Longevity of resultsResults are long-term and last at least 6 months.Results vary from person to person. As PCL is a high molecular material, the body usually takes 6 to 12 months to degrade it.
Risks involvedThere are no serious side effects, making Nucleofill an effective and safe treatment for all skin types1.Excluding extremely rare cases, the PCL-based filler presents disruptively low risk2 compared to other fillers.
Recommended protocolAfter 3 sessions, additional treatments in 15 to 30 day intervals are recommended for continuous, long-lasting, and effective results.After 3 sessions, an additional 1 to 2 treatments administered in intervals of 4 weeks, or 3 to 6 months are recommended for optimal results.

Why should I consider Nucleofill and Gouri?

Due to the natures of Nucleofill and Gouri, the risk of overfilling, or pillow face syndrome is significantly lowered. These two treatments also present little to no risk, and are known to be consistently long-lasting treatments with a gradual anti-aging effect.

As such, individuals who undergo either Nucleofill or Gouri can expect to experience the following breakthroughs with their skin:

When combined, they address aging issues on different layers of the face and therefore completely rejuvenate the face.

Can I combine Nucleofill and Gouri with other treatments?

While Nucleofill and Gouri can be compatible with other mesotherapy products, we recommend waiting at least a month before and after undergoing other treatments like HA fillers and other cross-linked materials. 

With Gouri, you can apply non-crosslinked skin boosters or Botoxs. However, do not mix any other products with GOURI. Overall, we would also suggest against mixing Gouri with other products.

Furthermore, as patients usually see long-lasting results and are satisfied with what they see, it’s unlikely that they’ll need supplementary treatments, unless they have specific concerns like acne scars or pigmentation.

When it comes to maintaining your youth, don’t wait till it’s too late. Prevent, not cure! 

Let my team help you restore your youth and stop ageing in its tracks.

About Dr. Park Ji-Youn

Dr. Park Ji-Youn is the founder and managing director of the Ozhean group. As a board certified dermatologist, she has published more than 30 scientific papers on dermatology, and is the creator of Ozhean’s SKIN FIT program, which was conceived in 2015, and continues to successfully retain 80% of its original customers.

References 

  1. https://www.newbeauty.com/millennials-reportedly-worry-more-about-aging-than-their-moms-or-grandmothers/
  2. Park, K. Y., Seok, J., Rho, N. K., Kim, B. J., & Kim, M. N. (2016). Long-chain polynucleotide filler for skin rejuvenation: efficacy and complications in five patients. Dermatologic therapy, 29(1), 37–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12299
  3. Lin, S. L., & Christen, M. O. (2020). Polycaprolactone-based dermal filler complications: A retrospective study of 1111 treatments. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(8), 1907–1914. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13518 

Dr. Park Ji-Youn: Nucleofill, the future of skinimalism and anti ageing treatments?

Touted by Vogue as a top beauty trend for 2022, skinimalism is a spartan approach that involves stripping back skincare and make-up routines in order to let one’s real skin shine. This can be done in a number of ways, such as reducing the number of skincare products you use or simply packing less foundation onto the skin.

As a result, patients are now seeking low-maintenance treatments that carry more longevity. Likewise, the aesthetic industry’s focus has also shifted from restoring the look of one’s skin to improving skin health from deep within.

Think treatments that allow your body to slow down the ageing process naturally through collagen biostimulation. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the treatments you should be looking at, especially in light of anti-ageing, skin safety, and looking your best from within – all aboard the skinimalism bus!

What is biostimulation, and how does it achieve skinimalism?

Biostimulation1 is an injective therapy that’s aimed at boosting the anabolic functions of dermal fibroblasts to obtain skin improvement. 

Sounds confusing? Don’t worry. Let’s break it down:

When we speak of collagen biostimulators, they can be explained simply as non-invasive treatments that work to stimulate your own collagen production, correcting signs of ageing such as loss of elasticity. 

As such, biostimulation offers individuals a quick, safe, and effective way of achieving youthful, firmer skin. This is where Nucleofill comes in.

The Nucleofill difference

As one of the newest technologies in biostimulation, Nucleofill is a polynucleotide-based injectable gel that is specifically designed to revive dull and tired skin.

By stimulating deeper layers and dermal fibroblasts of our skin, this highly viscoelastic gel effectively improves the quality of skin by:

As such, clients who’ve undergone Nucleofill treatment can expect to experience these long-lasting results:

Additionally, Nucleofill, which was formulated in Italy, is well-known for its safety: Not only is it derived from bio-compatible salmon DNA which offers the skin a younger, healthier appearance, it is also suitable for all skin types.

At Ozhean Zoey, we utilise a safe 5-point injection technique to target our clients’ key tissues for optimal biostimulation and collagen production. 

How are fillers different from biostimulators?

While dermal fillers work to boost hyaluronic acid levels to enhance and volumise skin, biostimulators boost the collagen levels in the skin to improve its long-term tone, texture, and overall health.

For example, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers plump skin because hyaluronic acid attracts water, which immediately hydrates the skin. But while HA has been known to boost collagen in the skin, it is not nearly as effective as biostimulators.

Here are some other ways that Nucleofill differs from other treatments available today:

Treatment

Nucleofill

HA fillers

Ellansé

Sculptra

What it is

Nucleofill is an innovative biotechnology that contains polynucleotides  which stimulate the skin.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that’s  found in our skin. HA fillers help attract water to voluminise the skin.

As a non-HA filler, it contains Poly-Caprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a gel-carrier made up of Carboxymethycellulose (CMC). 

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a biocompatible synthetic that stimulates collagen production.

Results

- Youthful look

- Vibrant complexion

- Natural filling

- Face lifting

- Face shaping

- Improved tone, texture and elasticity

- Skin improvement is significant and notable

- HA is hydrophilic (tends to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water), and while it helps to plump skin, may also cause puffiness after filling.

- Volumising and Collagen-stimulating effects

- Skin improvement is significant and notable

- Natural shaping

- Face lifting

Length of results

Results are long-term and last at least 6 months.

Treatment needs to be repeated thrice, and every 15 to 30 days to be continuous, long-lasting, and effective.

Results last anywhere between 9 to 24 months.

Results can be long-lasting, but it is difficult to predict final outcomes.

Initially, results may also decline before increasing.

Results are long-lasting, as with Nucleofill. Some prefer Sculptra over Ellanse as the results are gradual and more discreet.

Treatment cost in Singapore

Low (compared to Ellanse)

Medium (depending on volume)

High

High

Potential side effects

There are no serious side effects, making Nucleofilll an effective and safe treatment for all skin types2.

The most common adverse effects include tenderness, bruising, and swelling. These side effects typically resolve naturally within 2 weeks. 

Like HA fillers, side effects of Ellansé include bruising and tenderness3. 

While extremely rare, side effects can include granulomas, scarring and discolouration, nodules, and lumps.

Should I undergo Nucleofill biostimulator treatment?

If you’re looking to regenerate your skin tissues and skin from within, and are looking for more than a quick glow up, Nucleofill is an effective solution for correcting fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. I especially recommend it for mature individuals who wish to regain their collagen levels and youthfulness.

Additionally, Nucleofill is an effective solution for anyone who suffers from:

If you’re already on a low maintenance anti-ageing regime, Nucleofill would be the perfect complement. 

Remember, skin health is a cornerstone of one’s beauty – you’re never too young to start on an anti-ageing routine! 

About Dr. Park Ji-Youn

Dr. Park Ji-Youn is the founder and managing director of the Ozhean group. As a board certified dermatologist, she has published more than 30 scientific papers on dermatology, and is the creator of Ozhean’s SKIN FIT program, which was conceived in 2015, and continues to successfully retain 80% of its original customers.

References 

  1. Avantaggiato, A., Martinelli, M., Palmieri, A., Pascali, M., Bertuzzi, G., & Carinci, F. (2015). HYALURONIC ACID: THE USE OF ITS PRECURSOR IN SKIN BIO-STIMULATION. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 29(3), 647–654.
  2. Park, K. Y., Seok, J., Rho, N. K., Kim, B. J., & Kim, M. N. (2016). Long-chain polynucleotide filler for skin rejuvenation: efficacy and complications in five patients. Dermatologic therapy, 29(1), 37–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12299
  3. de Melo, F., Nicolau, P., Piovano, L., Lin, S. L., Baptista-Fernandes, T., King, M. I., Camporese, A., Hong, K., Khattar, M. M., & Christen, M. O. (2017). Recommendations for volume augmentation and rejuvenation of the face and hands with the new generation polycaprolactone-based collagen stimulator (Ellansé®). Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 431–440. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S145195