That was me a few months ago. It’s enough to have patience and listen to some reputable skincare podcasts, you’ll pick up a routine and carry it out with some variations.
I realize this thread and other threads on skin are not interested in “science” or “theory” or “speculation”, that people want to see tried-and-true methods they can go buy online and try out. However, I thought it might be worth mentioning a potential approach, in case it becomes available some day. What I write might be dangerous, so I don’t recommend trying it; and, besides, you would need a prescription for certain things to make it work.
Ok, I got the idea after watching this video by Veratasium on super glue, and what it does when it binds to skin:
He says that the glue literally becomes part of your skin, in that some of the molecules in your skin become part of the polymer chains. He further mentions that super glue is bad for skin, because it’s too rigid, but then mentions there are variants that are more flexible (similar to elastin, perhaps), including Dermabond, which is used to seal wounds like in plastic surgery.
Once applied, about the only way you can easily get it off is to use a solvent like acetone (nail polish remover).
My thoughts on how this might could be used to tighten skin – again, I don’t recommend it, especially on the face, unless it has been thoroughly tested for safety – are as follows: one idea would be to contract skin and then apply Dermabond to the surface. It might then hold that contracted pattern indefinitely (or at least until your skin turns over and flakes off, which might take several weeks or longer). Another idea might be to get a transparent thin mesh of some kind, that’s pretty much invisible, and then at each cross point in the grid, apply a very tiny drop of Dermabond to it and to your skin to bind it to your body. You could pull it as you add each drop to add tightness. So, you’d have a basically invisible little grid permanently stuck to your skin, with ample spacing so that the skin can breathe, where the grid applies a “lifting” force like in a skin lift procedure.
Potential problems would be: Dermabond might kill skin if left on too long. It might also cause skin cancer (I don’t know what the risks are, but just wanted to suggest it). It might cause permanent scars. It might interfere with skin tone or color.
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Did you try it on yourself?
I have not. One needs a doctor’s prescription to use it. It’s pretty commonly used to seal up cuts following a surgery, and it has a good record of efficacy. I’ve seen it claimed that it’s better than sutures.
I’m reasonably convinced what I say would work, but I’m unsure how safe it is over a period of several weeks.
Now that I think of it, what I describe is similar to MIT’s “Second Skin”:
Mine is just a different polymer (longer lasting, stronger), and different grid / matrix concept, giving greater skin breathing.
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I just picked up two boxes of Klisyri. My dermatologist originally prescribed it for AK, but she was open to giving me enough to cover my whole face. I’m planning to start in about a month, once I’m ready to deal with the inevitable “red face” phase.
I first came across Dr. Smythe’s tirbanibulin (Klisyri) experiment few months ago on TikTok, which led me to bring it up with my derm. She agreed to try this instead of going the imiquimod (Aldara) route. I’ll share my results once I go through the treatment.
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I’ve been trying testosterone propionate (TP) cream since February. I started at 1%, and since April I’ve been using the 3% concentration.
So far, has there been a difference? Hard to say. Nothing dramatic. My skin is definitely a bit oilier, and interestingly, a small AK on my forehead (which my derm was planning to remove) right before my appointment actually peeled off on its own. My derm suggested we just monitor it for now instead of doing anything invasive. Was that due to the 3% TP cream? Who knows.
I still have another 50 ml prescription that I’ll definitely finish, though I’m not entirely sure how I feel about continuing long term. Even in the study that Dr. Abs bases his videos on, the reported effects were only moderate changes in skin physiology if I remember correctly, nothing magical.
That said, so far I’ve had zero negative side effects aside from slightly oilier skin, so I’m keeping an open mind.
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scta123, I’ve had one box of Klisyri for months with another available for pickup any time. I’ve been delaying it until late in the year with shorter days and less sunlight intensity. Have you researched the best way to apply it properly? I don’t do much with any facial treatments. So, I don’t know the best way to apply anything to the face, especially a tiny packet of cream to somehow be spread all over the entire face. And, how far to keep it away from the eyes is a definite concern. Thanks.
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@Jay my derm said I can go under the eyes but leave about a 5 mm border so it doesn’t get in the eyes (same for nostrils and lips). Just wash your face first, let it dry (alcohol pads help if your skin’s oily), then use two packets to cover the whole face and ear tips. P.S. When I said ‘face,’ I was referring to the parts not covered by my beard, like my cheeks, forehead, and nose.
Update on N-acetyl glucosamine. I ran out of this and didn’t buy more. I thought I was doing enough other stuff it wouldn’t matter. A week or so after stopping taking it these cracks in my skin on my hands called fissures which are a symptom of psoriasis showed up. They are quite painful. I made the connection that it was likely stopping N-acetyl glucosamine. I purchased some yesterday and have taken large amounts and the fissures have already begun to heal.
Additionally N-acetyl glucosamine has a much higher lifespan increase effect compared to glucosamine.
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Would you share your source?
This is my favorite one: https://au.iherb.com/pr/jarrow-formulas-n-a-g-700-mg-120-veggie-capsules/131
I just ordered 500 capsules from here because it’s cheap: https://www.bulksupplements.com/en-au/products/nag-supplement?_pos=2&_sid=52536b90e&_ss=r
They sell a powder as well. I purchased a powder locally from my health food store. Tastes neutral, slightly thickens anything you add it to. I add it to protein shakes and yogurt.
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I wish I took photos. These fissures would just not heal, and within 1 day of taking it they have closed up and are healing. I wonder what other effects it is having in the body that I can’t see?
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Doctors who perform skin cancer surgeries often recommend nicotinamide — which is a form of Vitamin B3 — to their patients. It’s been shown to protect cells from UV radiation damage.
Now, a new study of nearly 34,000 veterans, finds this over-the-counter supplement is linked to a reduction in non-melanoma skin cancers among people who’ve already had skin cancer. The research was published in JAMA Dermatology.
The biggest reduction was seen among people who began taking the supplement after being diagnosed with their first skin cancer. Researchers found those who took 500 mg of nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, twice daily, for at least one month, had a 54% reduced risk of developing another skin cancer, compared to patients who did not take the supplement.
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AI Summary:
Introduction to Skincare Misconceptions
- The speaker expresses frustration with skincare influencers who spread misinformation, particularly regarding sunscreen and tanning.
- They emphasize the pain of seeing individuals waste money on ineffective products that do not bring any benefits.
- The speaker highlights the overwhelming nature of modern marketing, which leads consumers to purchase unnecessary items.
Understanding Skin Aging
- Aging skin is a natural process influenced by various factors, including cumulative sun exposure, which manifests differently based on skin tone.
- Individuals with paler skin types often show more visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and coarse texture, due to sun exposure.
- Conversely, people with richly melanated skin may develop age spots and uneven skin tones rather than pronounced wrinkles.
- Lifestyle choices, like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and stress, also significantly affect skin aging.
- The decline in estrogen during menopause can exacerbate skin aging in women, leading to increased wrinkling, although the effects vary by skin tone.
Effective Anti-Aging Ingredients
- The most critical anti-aging ingredient is sunscreen, which should be used daily to prevent and reverse sun damage.
- Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, are effective in improving collagen production and reducing visible signs of aging.
- Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic and lactic acid, help exfoliate the skin and improve hydration, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
- Niacinamide is a widely used antioxidant that enhances skin barrier function, reduces redness, and improves moisture content.
- Vitamin C, specifically ascorbic acid, is beneficial for collagen production and reducing hyperpigmentation but must be stable and correctly formulated to be effective.
- Peptides are popular ingredients that claim to improve collagen production and hydration, but their efficacy is still under study.
- Topical estrogen may improve collagen production in the skin, but its use is controversial and requires more research to assess potential side effects.
Ineffective Anti-Aging Products
- Growth factors are often marketed as effective anti-aging solutions, but there is little clinical evidence to support their efficacy on human skin.
- Exosomes and PDRN are ingredients that lack substantial scientific backing, and their claims should be viewed critically.
- The speaker encourages consumers to avoid overspending on products that do not have proven benefits and to focus on simple, effective skincare routines.
Conclusion and Practical Skincare Routine
- A straightforward skincare routine focusing on cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen can significantly improve skin health.
- Incorporating a retinoid can further enhance the effectiveness of the routine in addressing signs of aging.
- Consistency in applying these products is crucial for achieving long-term results, as changes in the skin take time.
- The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to adopt healthy lifestyle choices that contribute to overall skin health and to remain informed about effective skincare practices.
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That’s a great summary, thanks.
Though I think it misses a couple things I learned from the recent Peter Attia episode:
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Bone and fat loss are major drivers of what makes us look old. Bone loss around the jaw and temples. Fat loss in the cheeks. That’s what gives old people the sagging lower face. None of those retinoids, vitamin C, B3 etc are going to touch that. I’m kinda bummed out after the episode because now I can totally see it in myself and everybody else lol.
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I think we need to have reasonable expectations from topical products. You can definitely clear up the appearance, texture and brightness of the skin, which definitely looks better. You can also do a lot to treat acne and other blemished. You can lessen some degree of age spots and fine lines etc. But deep wrinkles, proper pigmentation, volume loss etc need stronger interventions.
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I wonder if fasting regimes have been studied for their effects on skin aging? For example, it seems like doing daily time restricted eating, which promotes more autophagy, should have a positive effect on all tissues in which it occurs (will have to do a PubMed search). I suppose it must have some positive effects as studies in animals show benefits in skin and fur. I also recall a study from any years ago (Susan Erdman PhD at MIT) who did some work indicating positive skin and fur effects on mice sue to consumption of probiotic yogurt, which points to a healthy gut microbiome, or possibly certain bacterial strains, as being beneficial.
Derm-Biome’s compound prevented epidermal thickening, reduced cellular senescence and preserved collagen levels under UV stress.
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Here’s a new product I’m currently testing. Apologies if anyone has previously posted it. It’s got some interesting research behind it. It was created by Hans Kierstead whose company Immunis has a really interesting immune secretome drug in phase 2.
Provoque is a skin secretome product. There are some interesting histologocsl reports that were done.
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Pls keep us posted about the results!