According to Master, Doctor Pham Truong An from the Dermatology - Aesthetic Dermatology Unit at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, skin moisture depends not only on external hydration but also on the skin's ability to retain water, the quality of collagen, elastin, and the amount of natural hyaluronic acid (HA) within the skin. When these components decline due to age or environmental factors, the skin gradually loses elasticity, becoming dry, dull, and less firm, even with consistent care.

The aging process typically begins after 25 years of age. Each year, the body's collagen levels gradually decrease. Concurrently, endogenous HA, which is crucial for retaining water and maintaining skin plumpness, also diminishes over time. Combined with the effects of UV rays, pollution, prolonged stress, late nights, or an unbalanced diet, the underlying support structure of the skin progressively weakens. Consequently, skin not only becomes dry but also loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

This explains why many individuals find that despite applying ample moisturizer, their skin only feels softer for a short period without significant improvement in firmness or radiance. At-home skincare products primarily act on the epidermis, helping to reduce trans-epidermal water loss. However, critical changes that determine overall skin quality occur in the dermis, where the network of collagen, elastin, and natural HA resides.

Doctor An advises a young man on his skin condition. Illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7.

Beyond biological aging, many daily habits can accelerate skin degradation. Frequent sun exposure without adequate protection, smoking, late nights, low vegetable intake, insufficient water consumption, or rapid weight loss can all diminish the skin's regenerative capacity. Even some younger individuals who work in air-conditioned environments or experience prolonged stress may exhibit early signs of aging.

According to Doctor An, no single method can fully replace consistent daily skincare. To maintain healthy skin, it is essential to combine comprehensive sun protection, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and limited smoking. Individuals experiencing persistent dry, dull, inelastic, or sagging skin should consult a dermatologist for a thorough assessment rather than continuously switching cosmetic products.

The doctor will identify the underlying causes, the extent of aging, and the skin's baseline condition to develop an appropriate care plan. The choice of intervention should be individualized to suit each person's specific skin condition, rather than following trends or undergoing procedures at unqualified facilities.

In addition to adjusting lifestyle, proper skincare, and sun protection, doctors may prescribe suitable treatments such as rejuvenating laser, iontophoresis, mesotherapy injections, or microneedling radiofrequency (RF). Each method has a distinct mechanism of action and is selected based on the degree of aging, skin condition, and individual treatment goals.

For individuals with dry, dull, inelastic skin exhibiting signs of aging on the face, neck, or hands, but not yet requiring surgical intervention, doctors may consider Profhilo injections. According to Doctor An, this preparation, containing hyaluronic acid (HA), is injected into the skin using the BAP technique (injections at specific predetermined points to ensure even distribution of the active substance in the tissue). This helps increase water retention and stimulates the body's natural production of collagen and elastin. However, this method requires a doctor's examination, assessment, and prescription based on each person's skin condition.

Minh Huong