[Saejeonbuk Newspaper] It has been a long time since wearing masks became part of daily life. This winter marks already the third winter spent wearing masks since the outbreak of COVID-19. Constantly wearing masks both indoors and outdoors has brought many inconveniences. It is common to see people who find it hard to breathe comfortably through a mask, as well as those who complain of skin troubles. On top of that, quite a few people are also concerned about the difference in their appearance with and without a mask.

In social life, meeting new people is inevitable, and it can be rather embarrassing when you have to remove your mask after having first met someone while wearing one. Moreover, if you hear several times that your appearance looks quite different, the embarrassment can easily turn into stress. Regardless of one's own intentions, people end up becoming what is called a 'mask-con' (a portmanteau of 'mask' and 'con artist').

In recent consultations, cases involving this kind of concern are actually quite common. Among them, there are patients who report stress from frequently hearing comments related to their age, such as 'You look older without your mask on.' As a dermatology clinic, skin aging consultations are naturally frequent, but the desire to look young regardless of whether one is wearing a mask or not is a perfectly understandable human wish.

So, if someone looks older when their mask is removed, what is the reason? The problem, as expected, is wrinkles. Nasolabial folds and wrinkles around the mouth that were previously hidden become more prominent once the mask is lowered. In particular, many women use eye makeup to cover fine wrinkles around the eyes while wearing a mask, but once the mask is removed, it is not easy to conceal all the skin wrinkles and sagging that become visible.

This is not a concern exclusive to those who are particularly sensitive about looking young. In reality, skin begins to age as early as the mid-twenties, and by one's thirties and forties, elasticity and moisture levels decline significantly. It is no easy feat for people in their forties and fifties to maintain skin that looks younger than their actual age.

Furthermore, once skin has aged, it cannot return to its previous state. While improving lifestyle habits and routine care can slightly delay the aging process, it is not possible to reach a level where one looks noticeably younger than their age. Therefore, if sagging skin and wrinkles are a concern and a more visible change is desired, it is advisable to consider professional dermatological treatments.
Anti-aging treatments at dermatology clinics tend to garner high levels of patient satisfaction. Among the most sought-after procedures in recent years is 'Ulthermage FLX.' Ulthermage is a portmanteau combining two distinct treatments: 'Ulthera Lifting,' which targets and lifts the deepest layer of the skin known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, and 'Thermage FLX,' which concentrates radiofrequency energy into the dermis to enhance skin elasticity.

In other words, Ulthermage is a combination procedure that merges the benefits of Ulthera's 'skin lifting' and Thermage's 'surface skin tightening,' making it an ideal treatment aligned with the current trend of seeking high value for cost. However, to ensure both 100% efficacy and safety, the use of genuine tips for both procedures is essential. Therefore, if you have decided to undergo the treatment, it is strongly advisable to choose a clinic that guarantees the use of authentic tips and has extensive clinical experience performing combination procedures.

Written by: Dr. Ryu Hyo-seop, Director of Wells Dermatology Clinic, Apgujeong Main Branch

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