This paper will discuss topics related to ageing. It will specifically state and argue the limitations, trends and future of this subject. This paper will also discuss the causes and developments of ageing as well as procedures and treatments that are being used today to retard the process of ageing.
DEFINITION
Before full understanding the subject of ageing we must first have a clear grasp on its characteristics and features. Ageing is defined as the process of getting older. To further expand this definition ageing is also associated with the progression of a systemical deterioration and decline of the physical, emotional and psychological well being of an individual (Deats 1999, p. 12). A simple definition of ageing meanwhile is the increasing number of years a person has. Based on the above definition, ageing can refer to the deterioration of the body through physical means such as more susceptibility to diseases and illness and weakening of internal and external body functions, psychological, meaning older people have increased incidents of mode swings and signs of depressions (Krauss 1996, p. 9). Ageing is also associated with noticeable facial features such as having crow’s feet, skin blemishes, discoloration of the skin and developing wrinkles in the different part of the face.
CAUSES OF AGEING
An important question that can be asked right now is this: What causes ageing?. Different scientists and gerontologists have varied answers to this question. Some researchers stated that ageing is part of the natural process that the body must undergo. Ageing is a process that is incorporated in the physical build up of individuals and all living things in this world where objects and things go from being healthy, robust and strong to a stage of weakening, decline and eventual death, hence the process of entropy (Manuck 2000, p. 25). Other gerontologist meanwhile advocated a different view. For some of them ageing is a process that can be prevented and stopped and delayed through different means. They further believed that ageing is the result of environment interacting and intermingling with the human body creating conflict and adverse effect to a human individual (Manuck 2000, p. 26). They also added that ageing is the result of actions and acts of man that are contrary to the needs of his body. Lastly they concluded that to prolong life and to delay ageing, one must disassociate himself from the harmful and damaging substances and objects that the present society offers (Manuck 2000, p. 26).
ANTI AGEING COSMETICS
Ageing in Western societies particularly in American society is cast in a negative light. Unlike Eastern civilizations like China and Japan where ageing and the age of an individual commands respect and dignity from people who are under them, American society views ageing with aversion and distaste (Humert 2000, p. 35). Ageing is viewed as a stage in life when individuals become dysfunctional and incapable of productive work and retraining. Although American see that ageing is a natural process that a body undergoes, people struggle against it using chemicals, procedures, treatments and even surgery to delay and to hide the signs of ageing (Humert 2000, p. 36). American women are obsessed in methods that would help them hide their true age or applications that would visually lower their perceived age. At this point, one anti ageing device and method that is used to slow down the process of ageing are different brands of cosmetics , make ups and anti aging creams and cosmetics. Aside from these objects various processes and techniques are advertised to enable “age-loss”.
One of the main methods that can fight ageing are cosmetics particularly anti ageing cosmetics and chemicals. In theory, every make up and lipstick is an anti aging device. Eye shadows, mascara and eye liners are applied on the eyes to produce a visual sight that a woman is young through highlighted, wide and vibrant eyes (Pachara 1999, p. 205). Foundations and make ups are applied to the skin to simulate young, healthy, smooth and satin like skin (Pachara 1999, p. 206). Lipsticks are used to hide the discoloration and imperfections of the lips while highlighting the shape of the mouth to viewers (Pachara 1999, p. 209).
There are also chemicals and techniques that are used nowadays to combat ageing. These anti ageing chemicals and cosmetics are used and advertised as having anti ageing properties that must be used. Methods such as strict diets and frequent exercise are advocated by other individuals to prevent ageing while others undergo surgeries and medical procedures to achieve the same effect (Andrews 2005, p. 243). At this part, the paper will present some of these treatments, cosmetics and surgeries that are used as anti ageing methods.
One method that is popular among women are anti ageing creams and lotions that are applied to their face and body to retard the signs of ageing. These applications have certain chemicals and vitamins like Vitamin E that helps rejuvenate and relaxes the skin of the face eliminating the formation of wrinkles and crows feet. These creams manufactured by leading cosmetic and personal care companies such as L’Oreal, Aloe Vera, Chanel, Maybelline and Revlon are advertised in TVs, Internet and print media to state to the costumers that their products are effective in hiding a person’s true age (Nussbaum 2004, p. 154). These companies have also marketed different products with carious specifications and features with diverse system of application, from applications, creams and pills. The L’Oreal beauty and cosmetic company and their line of product called Biotherm can illustrate this point. Biotherm and products associated with it claimed that these products are powerful skin rejuvenators since the products are manufactured from ingredients found in the thermal springs located in the Pyrenees mountains (Nussbaum 2004, p. 155). The company also claimed that its products works in unison with the skin’s natural biological make up making the process of skin rejuvenation and renewal painless and easy.
Fruits and other materials in the environment are also used by companies and beauty corporations to further promote youth and erase facial and body ageing. The company called St. Ives Company based in Europe had used apricots and the glacial water found in the Alps to produce their body and facial scrubs claiming that this formula is beneficial to the skin since it cleanses and removes the dirt and dust trapped in the skin lessening the chance of pimples and discoloration of the skin (Nussbaum 2004, p. 169).
Injections and minor surgeries have also been used to erase and hide the signs of ageing. The most popular among these medical procedures is the botox treatment. Botox injection is a simple treatment that patients undergo in order to erase and hide their wrinkles and lipsticks lines that are prominent in their face. Through tiny injections of the Botox protein secreted by the bacteria Clostridium botullinun on different parts of the face of a patient, the chemicals stretches and straingthens out the furrows and creases of the skin thereby promoting a wrinkle free facial features that tends to simulate a younger appearance (Wilson 2003, p. 112). The effect of the injected botox can last from 3 to 4 months depending on the facial conditions of the individual. After this period the patient can ask his/her cosmetic surgeon for another injection if he/she likes. Massachusetts senator and presidential candidate John Kerry stated that he underwent botox treatment. Other celebrities and prominent personalities have also admitted on using botox injections to remove their wrinkles.
Modern advances in technology have also been used to hide ageing signs and features in the body. Lasers have been used in procedures such as Obagi Nuderm. This new operation uses chemicals to gently peel the skin removing dead and rough skin from the top surface. This procedure also removes wrinkles and reduces pore size while erasing brown pigmentation and stimulating collagen production (Wilson 2003, p. 113). The chemicals that are applied to the skin penetrate the lower layer of the skin ensuring its efficacy. This treatment that is done in beauty centers polish the top layer of the skin without any signs of damage or stain thereby giving the skin a fresh and pink glow that will hide skin imperfections.
Laser is also used as a anti ageing instrument that is used by cosmetic companies to remove facial imperfections and problems. Laser treatments are used to erase fine lines and wrinkles in the skin. This product also removes birth marks, acne scars and skin discoloration through the use of light energy. Newly invented materials are also used because of their anti ageing properties (Levinson 2003, p. 49). Collagen is used in the collagen induction therapy. Collagen is inserted in the skin through fine needles with the help of anesthesia thereby stimulating the skin to produce more collagen reducing the tendency of the skin to form wrinkles (Levinson 2003, p. 51). Collagen also promoted better absorption of Vitamin A and C making the skin younger and softer.
Perlane and Restyle injections can also be classified as a potent anti ageing treatment. These two related operation improves deep wrinkles and sunken area of the face resulting in a healthier and smoother face. Perlane and Restylane use hyaluronic acid in an injectable form to attach itself with the water that is present in the skin to lift and create firmness. This procedure is also beneficial because it has no adverse side effects because the by product of the chemical reaction between the acid and water allows for the passage of nutrients and hormones between layers of the skin (Levinson 2003, p. 55).
There are also other applications that rejuvenate and cleanse the skin. These are glycopeel cleaning, micropeel, honey almond cleaning and contouring facials. In brief glycopeel cleaning refers to the application of various concentration of fruit acids to uproot pimples, blackheads white heads and exfoliating the skin while micropeel is utilized by scrapping off dead tissues and cells to uncover a fresh and glowing skin (Levinson 2003, p. 53). Honey almond cleaning treatment uses aromatic honey almond that gently scrubs and heals the skin while full facial is a procedure that combines a thorough facial cleansing, relaxing facial and shoulder massage and the application of a facial mask while on going treatment to tighten the skin of the face (Levinson 2003, p. 54).
LIMITATIONS AND TRENDS
In the rapid advance in the field of anti ageing research and studies, there are certain limitations and boundaries that must be clearly drawn with regards to these procedures and anti ageing techniques. There must be some limits with regards to the question of how far would the cosmetic scientist discover method and treatment that would help combat ageing while not crossing the boundary between cosmetics/anti ageing studies and the field of medicine. Scholars and gerontoogist have debated and have answered this ethically and morally charged question since the welfare and safety of the individual undergoing these mentioned procedures is at risk.
It would be wrong therefore if a cosmetic practitioner attempted to cross over towards medicine in a field that is alien and unfamiliar to him/her it might produce disastrous and unhealthy consequences. The limitation therefore must be set on the overall effect and aim of a particular procedure or a treatment. If a procedure enhances the physical and bodily appearance of an individual, then this treatment belongs to the realm of cosmetics/anti ageing. But if a procedure is used to cure an illness or to eradicate a disease that is present in an individual, a doctor has the sole responsibility for the procedure.
FUTURE OF ANTI AGEING PRODUCTS
The government must also step up its vigilance towards its policy with regards to anti ageing products and treatments. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has an ambiguous position with regards to anti ageing products. Although this agency has the prime role of addressing concerns relating to drugs and treatment, it has experienced difficulties in regulating and keeping an eye on anti ageing treatments like Botox injections and laser therapies (Binstock 2003, p. 23). There are also oversights, gaps and weaknesses inherent in the bureaucracy in checking and maintaining the standards that were set by the federal government on these kinds of medical treatment.
Another hindrance that obstructs government agencies from regulating and controlling anti ageing procedures and medicines are pieces of legislations like the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) which stated that certain products can be marketed as dietary supplements without any written proof of its efficacy and safety (Binstock 203, p. 24). Anti ageing products can be considered as dietary supplement and are therefore free from the scrutiny of the FDA. Other laws does not also restrict the sale, prescription and application of materials such as botox and other injectables to patients since these items are not considered as drugs in the in the regulation of the FDA (Bisntock 2003, p. 26).
To safely and purposely use these anti ageing materials and procedures, strict government control must be enacted and implemented. These materials and procedures although beneficial in the short run since it improves the self esteem and self confidence of an individual can be harmful and deadly in the long run if there is no government restriction and control.
Despite this setbacks and problems, the future of cosmetics and anti ageing products and merchandises is promising and shows potential growth. Anti ageing and the inventions/discoveries in the field of science and technology will be merged and will be used in the future.. Merging would refer to the more frequent use of newly invented methods that will retard ageing. There would be more recurrent use of new and powerful lasers that would not only effectively peel/erase skin imperfections. These lasers would cut the treatment time into half or more when compared to the practice existing nowadays and the operation would leave no permanent scar or pain on the client (Black 2004, p. 143). Facial rejuvenation using “scalpel less surgery” using laser and high frequency energy waves will be the new trend of the future (Black 2004, p. 142).
These methods will benefit clients and customers since these medical procedures would just require minimal hospital operation time and would result in products that would last longer but with more permanent effect. In the future, new methods and procedures will not only be incorporated in treating ageing. New materials and chemicals, both natural and synthetic will be utilized as agents that would improve skin blemishes. Non injectable varieties of wrinkle removing solutions can be used by plastic surgeons. These non injectable varieties in the future might even be applied by anyone without any doctor supervision (Black 2004, p. 152). One possible chemical in this category is the ongoing research on the additional potency of the drug DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol or Deanol) and other related chemicals to partially stop skin cell degeneration in the facial area (Black 2004, p. 148). If the potential of these chemicals are fully harnessed, cell degeneration would be slowed down while cell metabolism and function would be normalized, thus hastening ageing.
For I would say that anti ageing products and methods have a positive effect on the overall nature of an individual. These procedures can change the outlook and emotional disposition of a client or a patient. Aside from making the client look younger and healthier while erasing, hiding and covering facial imperfections and other skin troubles, these simple medical procedures have a lasting impact on the life of an individual. A simple operation to remove a facial problem like an acne or numerous wrinkles around the nose and mouth can boost the self confidence of a man/woman. A simple anti ageing procedure would change his/her outlook in life from a person who is ageing and tired to a active person that is young, vibrant and full of energy. He/she would not be ashamed to face other people and to interact with his/her office workers and friends since the wrinkles and acnes have been removed giving him/her new confidence, assurance and self respect.
But in this respect, I would like to state an uncomplicated insight on anti ageing products and procedures. Anti ageing products can be right and correct if it is used to erase, improve and to hide wrinkles, crow’s feet, folded skins etc…. These reasons are acceptable since it does not only improve the physical attributes of a person but it also improves his/her social interaction and relationship with other individuals. Anti ageing can be wrong if it is used by person who just wants to be young and beautiful. Anti ageing procedures are erroneous if it promotes the self conceitedness, arrogance, pride and vanity of an individual. Anti ageing procedures are used in a negative manner if they are used to heighten the overconfident and egoistic side of an individual.
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