Breast and Décolletage Skin Care and Rejuvenation

No matter how perky your breasts, how wrinkle-free your face and neck or fit your body, a sun damaged or wrinkled décolletage can betray your age faster than you can say cleavage! There are anti-aging skin care measures, including at-home treatments that you can take to lessen or eradicate the dreaded signs of aging.

But first, let's learn more about skin in general.

skin care for decollatage

Learning About The Skin

Skin (or the cutaneous membrane), is the largest organ of the human body by surface area. Along with its accessory structures (hair, nails and exocrine glands), skin makes up what is known as the integumentary system (the external covering of the body).

Comprising three main layers (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue) and several sublayers, the skin's most important role is to guard underlying muscles and organs from pathogens, or infectious organisms. Its other main functions include insulation, temperature regulation, sensation and the synthesis of vitamin D.

Skin pigmentation, or color, varies among different populations, and skin type ranges from dry to oily. Severely damaged skin will try to heal itself by forming scar tissue, often giving rise to discoloration and depigmentation of the skin.

Our skin is constantly replenishing itself. In our younger days, the turnover rate was about every 15 to 18 days. As we approach our mid-thirties, the process slows down to about every 28 days. Our skin also becomes thinner and more easily damaged as we age. Elasticity usually declines, and the skin receives less blood flow and lower gland activity.

The uppermost living layer of skin, the epidermis, is where we shed our skin cells, which rise and become the stratum corneum (or "horny layer"), and reveal the newer cells that are produced in the lowest sublayer, the stratum germinativum (or basal layer).

Any product available in stores affects only the epidermal layer. The next level down is the dermis, which contains oil glands, nerves, capillaries, melanin (the cells responsible for your coloring) and sweat glands that moderate your body's temperature. The dermis also contains natural collagen and elastin in addition to fat and water storage.

Collagen and elastin give our skin that springiness that we equate with youthful vitality. The normal drop in collagen and elastin, combined with lessened sebum (oil) production and slower cell turnover rate as we age, explains why our skin appears wrinkled and drier than when in our youth.

Then there is the basal layer, where skin cells are produced. This is where it all starts and where the magical renewal process can enable our bodies to produce newer, healthier and unblemished skin.

Typical Complaints of the Breast Area Skin Condition and Appearance

So what is it that we want out of our décolletage? We want flawless, healthy, glowing skin, right? We want firm, elastic and youthful tissue at any age. So how can all that be attained? Through anti-aging skin care!

Let's look at the most common complaints in order from easiest to most difficult to remedy:

  • dull, lifeless skin

  • rough patches

  • freckles, hyperpigmentation and general discolorations (sun damage)

  • wrinkles

  • moles and birthmarks

  • thin, crepey skin

  • that tattoo you should never have gotten

OK, I Know What I Want To Change – What Do I Do Now?

Let's start with the easiest: dull, flaky, or scaly skin. You can sometimes remedy this just by exfoliating the skin. I wouldn't lie to you, it's true! From simple manual scrubs made from sugar and baby oil to chemical-induced exfoliation, skin treatments are by far the easiest way to rejuvenate the skin. You may not notice too much of a difference at first, but you will.

Exfoliation may include manual remedies such as various prepared scrubs, loofah pads, exfoliating mitts or washcloths and even salt or sugar rubs. Chemically-induced exfoliation, also known as a chemical peel, can improve the appearance of your skin in a matter of days as compared to several months with gentler methods.

Proper skin care, including exfoliation in conjunction with using a good moisturizer by night and a good sunscreen by day, will significantly improve the appearance of your décolletage. If your skin is dry you may need internal moisture replenishment, so drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Taking oral vitamin E supplements can significantly help with dry skin, although check with your general practitioner first, and never take vitamin E before or directly after a surgical procedure unless your surgeon instructs you to do so.

Acne Skin Care Treatments

Acne is considered by many physicians to be a disorder of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) that may result in clogged pores, inflammations and cystic acne. Acne is most commonly found on the face, although it can occur on the neck, shoulders, back, buttocks and chest. Sixty million Americans have active acne in the United States alone, including 20 percent of all adults. Regardless of which age group it affects, acne still gives us the same insecure feelings.

Acne skin care treatments may include oral medications, topical formulations, changes in diet to level hormones and more. The treatment regimen depends entirely upon the cause. Please discuss these causes and treatment options with your physician to determine which course of action will suit your individual needs.

Damage from UV Light Exposure

Even the youngest of individuals can appear prematurely aged because of sun damage. Photoaging is the damage inflicted through excessive exposure to the sun and other forms of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. UV exposure may seem to help lessen eruptions of acne and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation by camouflaging it with a tan, but UV light can significantly damage your skin. This includes indoor tanning equipment as well as UV from the sun. UV light exposure destroys the skin's collagen and elastin supply. UVA light is more responsible for photo-aging than UVB radiation. Remember, the "A" in UVA stands for aging, but UVB isn't much better.

Your body reacts to excessive UV light by producing a thicker layer of skin cells in an attempt to protect your body from the UV exposure. Tanning or even minimal UV light exposure is contraindicated with many acne medications. Many acne medications can cause increased photosensitivity when used, so check with your prescribing physician.

Symptoms of excessive UV exposure include freckles, dark or light patches, thinning skin, wrinkles or an otherwise unhealthy, muddled appearance. You may think you look good with a tan now, but the long term effects are not worth it. Self tanner creams or gels are a safer and less expensive way to go in the long run. I quit tanning in 2000 and have used sunless tanners ever since.

Hyperpigmentations (freckles, age spots, etc.)

Hyperpigmentations can be caused by acne, scratches or other injuries, sun damage and other factors. Skin treatment options include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) such as the PhotoDerm, FotoFacial or PhotoFacial machines, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. At-home chemically-induced exfoliation regimens like Retin A, Retin A Micro and Renova with the use of Hydroquinone or Kojic acid can effectively reduce the signs of sun damage and other pigmentation irregularities.

Vascular Lesions (broken blood vessels, cherry angiomas)

Vascular lesions like broken capillaries, telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin), hemangiomas (sacs of red, purple or blue blood vessels resembling a blister, aka strawberry hemangiomas), cherry angiomas (red dots), port wine stains, or spider veins can be removed with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Options including PhotoDerm or FotoFacial give you the benefits of a medium depth laser or chemical peel or other type of resurfacing/rejuvenation procedure without the blisters, burns and long recovery time. An added benefit of IPL is that many patients report a reduction in pore size, smoother skin, and fewer wrinkles.

In IPL, light pulses are directed at the vascular lesion to be removed and target hemoglobin in the blood, red blood cells that function primarily as transporters of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

A highly advanced computer regulates the light pulse to a specific wavelength range, which in turn heats the visible, targeted blood vessel(s), thereby damaging or destroying the targeted lesion while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The penetration depth and degree of heat is highly controlled so that most complications contributed to these specific factors are not an issue with Pulsed Light therapy.

Mole and Lesion Removal

Moles, skin tags and nevi (chronic lesions of the skin) can disrupt the smooth appearance of your décolletage. Some women are plagued by numerous skin lesions, which may be a source of discontent with their cleavage area.

Skin lesion removal is actually quite painless. Topical anesthetics can be applied or you may choose to have cryogenic-assisted therapy. This involves the use of a very cold spray which assists in a clean, pain-free removal. Other options include microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, lasers, chemical peels and in-office excision with a scalpel.

Wrinkle Removal (Chemical Peels, Laser Resurfacing, etc.)

Wrinkles (rhytids) are caused from the break down in underlying collagen and elastin fibers. When you crease the skin repeatedly, you eventually develop lines along the folds. Once it happens it can be improved, but not without expense. This is why prevention is a necessity in maintaining beautiful, youthful skin.

Some options are:

  • Laser resurfacing for wrinkle ablation and reduction: Please see the following Laser Resurfacing Section for more information on this type of treatment.

  • Dermabrasion For Wrinkles: Dermabrasion is not a simple and pain-free solution. It requires downtime, and its longevity and effectiveness depend on the depth of the treatment and skill of the physician. Please see the following Dermabrasion Section for more information on this option.

  • Chemical Peel for wrinkle ablation and reduction: There are many types of peels that range from minimally invasive to deep penetrating. Please see the following Chemical Peels Section for more information on this option.

  • Microdermabrasion for fine lines: Microdermabrasion is capable of reducing the look of fine lines and other skin afflictions such as freckles and other hyperpigmentations. Microdermabrasion slowly and effectively removes fine lines and resurfaces the skin, causing cell turnover and collagen production by using a minimally invasive means. Please see the following Microdermabrasion Section for more information on this option.

Areola Repigmentation

The art of micropigmentation (also referred to as dermagraphics, permanent make up or cosmetics, cosmetic tattooing, intradermal implants, or dermapigmentation) is becoming very popular. This procedure is not really new. It dates back to the early 1900's, but history has it that ancient Egyptian royalty and women in India and Africa who used kohl to enhance their eyes desired a more permanent approach to eye enhancement. Various substances have been used over the years, including plant and nut pigments or ground coals (carbon) inserted with fine, sharp implements. However, facial applications are not the only use for micropigmentation.

Repigmentation of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) is a procedure that is changing the lives of women who have had breast reconstruction surgery or a mastectomy. The scars can be repigmented with colors matching the clients skin tone to bring back a look of normalcy and an increase in self-esteem.

See our Areola Repigmentation Section.

Commercial creams and lotions designed for the breast area

There are many products and devices that claim to rejuvenate your breast envelope and décolletage. We will go over these products and procedures, their claims, reviews and also some every day changes you can make to improve your skin. Some products, like creams and lotions, allegedly help by thickening paper-thin skin when in fact they do no more than moisturize. Some products, such as Retin A and/or Hydroquinone, can help the appearance and physical condition of the skin by removing the dull top layers, provoking cell turnover and removing hyperpigmentations.

There are over-the-counter (OTC) products available at your local pharmacy that can gradually improve the texture of your skin if you'd like to try something mild before resorting to a more harsh treatment plan. But first determine why and what you want to change before deciding how to do it.

In Conclusion

Although there is a vast market and a variety of anti-aging skin care products for many skin types and with many claims, not all remedies will work for everyone.