Thanks to breakthroughs in science and advanced technology, we are now able to see skin health underneath the surface. Machines like the VISIA allow us to use specialized lights and cameras to capture concerns that haven’t surfaced yet, including sun damage, pigmentation, redness, acne, wrinkles, and even bacteria. In many ways, it gives you a preview of your future face. Damage that is invisible today often becomes the spots, uneven tone, and texture changes you notice tomorrow! Being able to see it early gives us the opportunity to change that trajectory.
The health and wellness industry has become increasingly popular as people are more mindful of what they are putting in and on their bodies. This same mindset applies to skin health. Technology like this helps us understand not just how your skin looks today, but what has already happened beneath the surface and what may be waiting to appear. It allows us to be proactive instead of reactive, which is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to aging gracefully.
How does it work?
VISIA uses cross-polarized and RBX technology to capture detailed images of both the surface and subsurface of the skin. This technology can be used on all skin types because it separates the unique color signatures of red and brown components, allowing us to see a more complete and accurate analysis. This is especially important because much of the damage caused by sun exposure can live quietly under the skin for years before it becomes visible. Seeing these areas early allows us to create a plan to correct and prevent further progression.
What does it show you?
VISIA measures pigmentation, pore size, and porphyrins, which are evidence of bacteria lodged in pores. It also evaluates UV spots, sun damage, texture, and wrinkles. Many patients are surprised to see how much sun damage exists beneath the surface, even when their skin looks clear. These findings are not meant to alarm you, but to empower you. They help us understand where your skin is today and where it may be headed if left untreated. With this information, we can compare your skin to others in your same age group and better understand both your strengths and areas for improvement.
Why does a “score” come with your analysis, and should you focus on it?
Your scores are shown as percentiles and are based on a database of over 250,000 people. For example, a score of 60 in wrinkles means you have fewer wrinkles than 60 percent of people your age. While this can be helpful for context, we encourage patients not to focus too heavily on the number itself. What matters most is identifying what your skin needs and tracking visible and measurable improvements over time. Your provider will use these results to recommend personalized treatments and medical-grade skincare tailored specifically to you, helping improve both your current skin and your future skin.
Why does this matter?!
Healthy skin is not one-size-fits-all. Having a customized plan, working with providers who understand your goals, and repeating VISIA imaging over time allows us to monitor progress and adjust as needed OBJECTIVELY!!! It also allows you to see how your efforts are paying off, not just on the surface, but underneath as well. When you can see what lies beneath, you are no longer guessing. You are making informed decisions that protect and improve your future face, ensuring that the skin you have years from now is as healthy and strong as possible.
