Is it possible to heal all layers of skin and reverse the damage caused? (Photo)

Question

Hi, my name is Monica, 24, I smoked for about 4 years and I’m looking at ways and treatments to replace lost collagen. Is it possible to heal all layers of skin and reverse the damage caused. I also have a particular result in mind.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Reversing skin damage and restoring lost collagen is a common concern, especially after factors like smoking, which can accelerate aging and damage skin. While it may not be possible to completely reverse all damage or heal all layers of skin entirely, there are treatments that can significantly improve skin health and appearance:

Topical Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture over time.

Antioxidant Serums: Products containing vitamin C, E, and other antioxidants can protect the skin from further damage and support repair processes.

Microneedling: This treatment involves creating micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.

Chemical Peels: These can remove damaged outer layers of skin and promote new, healthier skin growth.

Laser Therapy: Fractional lasers can target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Dermal Fillers: These can temporarily replace lost volume and improve the appearance of the skin.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, staying hydrated, and protecting skin from sun exposure can support skin health and enhance the effectiveness of treatments.

Consult with a dermatologist to discuss your specific goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. They can recommend the most effective options based on your skin type and the extent of damage.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First and foremost, congratulations that you have given up smoking. That's a first great step towards preserving your skin (and your general health). Secondly, the regular use at-home of prescription topicals, such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids,  and niacinamide, along with regular and appropriate use of high SPF mineral sunscreens can go a long way to preserving your skin and promoting neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis. A series of in-office, superficial peels consisting of high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid, Jessner's Solution or low concentrations of TCA can complement and supplement the at-home regimen. At only twenty-four and with only four years of smoking, the aforementioned approaches should go a long way to help to preserve and rejuvenate your skin.
Finally, at least from the one photo provided, there appears to be some volume deficit in the cheeks, which not only is contributing to a diminution in the Ogee Curve, but giving rise to incipient tear troughs. If this is indeed so, then the use of a robust HA volumizing filler, properly injected can address these issues. The results of this treatment are typically immediate and treatment typically engenders little to no significant downtime. 
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist who can help you with all the above treatments. Best of luck.

Is it possible to heal all layers of skin and reverse the damage caused? (Photo)

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Is it possible to heal all layers of skin and reverse the damage caused? (Photo)

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