Chronicle Editor
Yoliswa Dube-Moyo, Features Editor
FOR just a little over four decades, American singer, songwriter and actress Madonna has shared her gift with the world.
Her works, showcased at Amedics Clinic, which incorporate social, political, sexual, and religious themes, have generated both controversy and critical acclaim over the years.
Equally captivating has been her image, which seems to be frozen in time, despite her being 64 years old.
This is thanks to anti-ageing treatments such as mesotherapy and botox treatments to give her hands and face a more youthful appearance.
The obsession with being young isn’t new. Since the beginning of documented history, women have gone to great lengths to preserve their beauty.
Ancient Greek and Egyptian beauty gurus were known for seeping into giant baths of crocodile dung to retain their flawless complexion and wrinkle-free skin.
The paste was slathered across royal hands and bodies.
Fast forward a few thousand years and rituals involving virgin blood were all the rage.
For years, Hollywood and the media at large have perpetrated a standard of beauty that revolves around agelessness.
To be desirable you must be young, sexy, and not a day over the age of 30.
It’s not just Madonna and American celebrities who feel the need to look young.
Women across the continent have always fought hard to look hip and happening, through the use of various creams.
Skin bleaching creams have been available in Zimbabwe since the 1960s, when the cream, Ambi, became popular as people sought to look more attractive.
Ambi was thought to be the only widely available skin-bleaching cream on the market at that time.
Movate and Epiderm, both illegal in Zimbabwe, are among the more popular skin-lightening creams today.
Most of the creams sold on the market are a dangerous combination of compounds including steroids, hydroquinone and mercury.
The advent of modern medicine has however changed the game for many who previously resorted to harmful creams and practices to keep wrinkles off their skin and look younger than they are.
DermaCare Clinic, which recently opened its doors in Bulawayo, offers various anti-ageing treatments such as IV Glow Drips, Botox Treatments, Chemical Peels and Acne Treatments.
Previously inaccessible in Zimbabwe, these medically compliant treatments are said to improve self-esteem among clients.
“Botox is one of the many anti-ageing treatments available to smoothen out wrinkles and slow down the effects of ageing. Botox is also used to treat migraines and bruxism (grinding of teeth),” said cosmetic dermatologist Dr Vallarie Mashavave, who is also the clinical director of DermaCare Skin Clinic.
She said people opt for botox treatments to improve their self-appearance, self-esteem and self-confidence.
“The procedures are not so much in demand because people don’t know the availability of such medically approved cosmetic treatments. People are looking for anti-ageing treatments from medically unproven sources, using creams, lotions and tablets to mask or correct the effects of ageing,” said Dr Mashavave.
“Yet people are unaware that medically approved procedures or treatments have been in existence for well over 20 years,” she added.
Dr Mashavave said both men and women seek anti-ageing treatments.
“Some of these treatments go beyond how a person views themselves to treating ailments such as acne scarring and hair loss. The procedures correct visible defects in a person and reverse signs of premature ageing. Medically proven procedures and treatments will not harm the patient compared to what others are resorting to,” said Dr Mashavave.
She said a trained doctor, medical aesthetician or dermatologist is trained to identify unnatural defects on the skin and correct them.
“It’s satisfying to see the changes that can be made to the lives of patients, for example, the improvement in self-appearance, self-esteem and self-confidence. These treatments have a life-changing effect,” said Dr Mashavave.
In separate interviews, those who spoke to Chronicle shared mixed feelings on anti-ageing treatments.
“I’m definitely for the idea. It’s beautiful that both men and women now have so many options at their disposal to enhance their beauty. If you can afford it, go for it,” said Ms Shekinah Mkhwananzi.
She said it is however important to learn more about the procedures before diving in.
“Do your research thoroughly before jumping into it. It’s good to know the effects on your bank balance and mental and physical health. Also, make sure it’s safe; this should be the first priority,” said Ms Mkhwananzi.
Ms Thandiwe Dube however said she would never do anything cosmetic to her body.
“People who use botox look like zombies in my view. They should just use natural supplements, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly and they can have healthy skin up to the age of 100. There’s nothing wrong with a few wrinkles, it’s part of ageing,” she said.
Mrs Musa Sidambe said she would go for IV Glow Drips because her skin gets dry during winter.
“They’re all attempts at the beauty, just like wearing make-up. For some, it’s to turn back the hands of time in terms of ageing. I think all are okay if used in moderation and to enhance one’s natural beauty. It becomes creepy when we can barely recognise you,” said Mrs Sidambe.
She continued: “Everyone should have the freedom to express themselves in a way that makes them comfortable.”
Mr Terrence Ndlovu said he wouldn’t opt for anti-ageing treatments but organ enlargement instead.
“I’m not sure about all these anti-ageing treatments but I’ve always wondered if we have cosmetic surgeons in the country,” he said.
According to research, anti-ageing treatments restore the natural supply of collagen to the skin. Collagen is a kind of protein used for maintaining the plumpness of the skin.
When the body’s collagen supply begins to deteriorate over time as a result of the natural ageing process, anti-ageing treatment will revitalise it.
The benefits of an effective anti-ageing skincare regime include retaining the skin’s firmness, refining the skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting brightness and radiance. — @Yolisswa
Online Reporter