Alastin

Alastin is a line of medical-grade skincare that is specially formulated with innovative anti-aging technology to promote skin health and prevent common signs of aging. It’s also well-researched with multiple clinical studies proving the efficacy of this groundbreaking formulation. Quite simply, Alastin works. And it works differently. Peptides and botanicals work deep beneath the surface of the skin, where the signs of aging start.

Plastic Surgery Specialists offers a carefully curated selection of skincare to give our patients every advantage available in achieving healthy, radiant, youthful skin. Alastin products are highly beneficial on their own, but they are also a crucial addition to anti-aging and body contouring treatments, and can dramatically enhance other skin rejuvenation treatments. Several clinical studies have documented the benefits that this product offers when combined with radiofrequency treatments, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and how it can help tighten skin after other contouring or lifting procedures. To see the dramatic difference that this product can make for your complexion, schedule a personal consultation at our serene offices in Greenbrae. To schedule an appointment, call (415) 925-2880. 

About

Beneath the outer layer of our skin, the epidermis, is the vital layer of dermis. The dermis is made of the extracellular matrix, a network of supportive components that allows our skin cells to function. Collagen, elastin, and other moisture-retaining components all support the health of our skin, and are all produced by fibroblasts, which also reside in the extracellular matrix. However, with aging comes significant changes to the dermis. Fibroblasts produce less collagen, and the collagen that we do have begins to degrade. 

Collagen makes up the bulk of our extracellular matrix. In fact, collagen fibers make up 75% of the bulk of our skin. So with less collagen, skin becomes thinner. IWhile collagen in young skin is bound into tightly packed bundles, the collagen in aged skin becomes disorganized and fragmented. As a result, skin loses the ability to remain firm, and wrinkles and skin laxity occur. 

Sun exposure and the intrinsic aging process causes oxidative damage, which triggers an increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down the proteins collagen and elastin. Normally, they’re an important part of the growth cycle and clear the way for new, healthy collagen. But during the aging process, these degrading enzymes become unregulated and do more damage than good. This damage extends to growth factors, making them unable to communicate with fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. The fibroblasts shrink as a result, and the vicious cycle of molecular aging continues. ⁽²⁾

Stopping the signs of aging means stopping the molecular process that occurs with time and sun exposure. That’s where Alastin comes in. 

Peptides

Peptides are made of short chains of amino acids, and because they are so small, these chemical compounds are perfect ingredients for skincare. They are able to easily penetrate deep into the dermis, which is where they take effect. Peptides act as messengers, telling the fibroblasts that they need to get to work and help control the production of collagen and elastin.⁽²⁾

But, that’s not all peptides are good for. They have an incredible ability to attract water, which gives them the ability to dramatically moisturize the area that they’re introduced to. And because they’re able to communicate with the components of the extracellular matrix, they’re also able to allow the MMPs to work as they should, clearing away damaged collagen and elastin fragments, and controlling the oxidative stress occurring from sun damage and the aging process. ⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

This allows the fibroblasts to get back to work, and regenerate new, healthy collagen and elastin. And, a more robust extracellular matrix leads to firmer, more elastic, moisturized, and youthful-looking skin. Thanks, peptides!

Achieve Pristine Collagen FormationCreation with Peptides

Many of the anti-aging treatments used today are designed to induce neocollagenesis, the production of new collagen. Creating small injuries in the skin triggers the body’s healing response. Growth factors flood to the treatment site and the fibroblasts kick into action to create new, healthy tissue to repair the damage. 

However, if fragments of damaged collagen are in the way, and oxidative damage is preventing the growth factors from regulating production, the new growths of collagen fibrils can’t form as effectively. That means that the patient isn’t receiving the full impact of the treatment, or all the benefits possible. Peptides please!

Preparing the skin with Alastin products is an excellent way to increase the efficacy of the treatment, and ensure that healthy collagen and elastin production continues well after the treatment is complete! Additionally, using Alastin products allows the skin to heal faster, which is especially beneficial for treatments like laser resurfacing and microneedling. Patients are able to lesseneliminate the redness and sensitivity that often results as a normal part of the treatment. In a study of patients who received laser resurfacing, the patients that prepped their skin with the TriHex formulation and used it as directed following their treatment experienced less redness, burning, stinging, and exudation than the group of patients that used a standard ointment. ⁽⁴⁾

Advantages with Alastin

Collagen-inducing anti-aging treatments that benefit from preparation and follow-up treatment with Alastin’s TriHex technology include:

Plastic Surgery Specialists carries Alastin’s Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm, Regenerating Skin Nectar, and TransFORM Body to give our patients every advantage and make sure that they get the best results possible after their treatment session. These nourishing products help moisturize and restore the skin’s barrier function after a procedure. 

A recent study led by the renowned Dr. Jean Carruthers, MD, FRCSC, FRC (OPHTH) proved the effectiveness of the TriHex technology beyond a doubt. The study compared two groups of patients, one group who used TransFORM Body, and the other that used Cetaphil lotion. The patients that used TransFORM Body showed higher levels of collagen and elastin in their skin, and that the CD44 receptor, which produces our natural supply of hyaluronic acid, was active. Those that used the regular lotion exhibited no difference from their baseline levels.  

Alastin products are also: 

Patients that use these products may have started in order to prep their skin for a resurfacing treatment, or to recover from a procedure, but once they experience the advanced moisturizing and anti-aging abilities, it soon becomes a staple in their daily skin care regimen. Alastin makes medical-grade skincare that is only available from authorized healthcare professionals. To learn more about Alastin’s TriHex technology and the other skincare products and treatments we offer, schedule a personal consultation at our offices in Marin County. You’ll receive a comprehensive skin analysis, and learn more about the resources available to address your complexion concerns. Call (415) 925-2880 to make an appointment.

Personal Consultation

Offering scientifically advanced skincare products and treatments is just one of the ways that Dr. Poulos and Dr. Hvistendahl make sure that their patients get premium care. Patients choosing to address facial signs of aging also have the advantage of the Visia Complexion Analysis System. This innovative imaging system uses a computer-based camera to map instances of specific skin concerns in order to create targeted treatment programs. And, as your treatment progresses, you’ll be able to compare images to see your results and get a better idea of the improvements you’ve accomplished. Visia Imaging is complimentary for our patients. This system can identify pigmentation irregularities, sun damage, and wrinkles that would otherwise be impossible with the naked eye.

In just 15 minutes, you can get a comprehensive understanding of the condition of your skin so that it addresses and prevents anything holding you back from healthy, youthful skin.  

To learn more about the other services at PSS, and the latest from our doctors, follow our blog!

Cost

Plastic Surgery Specialists offer:

Because these products are so effective, we highly recommend them for any patient receiving other skin rejuvenation services. However, they’re also excellent moisturizers and treatments for rosacea, irritated skin, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Keep an eye on our specials page for exciting offers on a wide range of aesthetic services and products.

References

1. Lodish H, Berk A, S Lawrence Zipursky, Matsudaira P, Baltimore D, Darnell J. Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix. Nih.gov. Published 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/
2. Shin J-W, Kwon S-H, Choi J-Y, et al. Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(9). doi:10.3390/ijms20092126
3. Jang JD, Kim M, Nam G-H, et al. Antiaging Activity of Peptide Identified from Fermented Trapa Japonica Fruit Extract in Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020;2020:1-8. doi:10.1155/2020/5895029
4. Wang JV, Hattier G, Saedi N. Tripeptide/Hexapeptide Topical in Esthetics: Evidence behind the Skincare Formulation. Skinmed. 2021;19(2):116-119. Accessed October 26, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938433/