Skin care and treatments aimed at specific skin problems are constantly being improved. There are now a number of non-invasive procedures available to address a wide range of skin concerns – from sun damage and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation, scarring to acne and more.
If you have a dermatological condition that requires attention or you want to undergo a cosmetic procedure to change your skin and increase your self-confidence, there is certainly no shortage of options.
The development of advanced skin rejuvenation techniques is driven by a growing number of healthy, active, older women who want to look as young as they feel inside. The latest techniques are non-invasive, have a shorter recovery time than traditional facelifts and can achieve subtle improvements that look very natural.
So what are your options? What are the most common methods to remove fine lines, scars, uneven pigmentation and other skin imperfections and achieve the best results? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Botox
Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging drugs available. It is relatively inexpensive, has little risk and requires no recovery time. Direct botulinum toxin injections are effective for temporarily smoothing wrinkles on the face, eye area and neck caused by repetitive movements such as smiling, frowning or raising the eyebrows.
Botox is used to reduce the level of muscle activity, softening existing wrinkles and preventing the formation of deep lines in the future.
2. Dermal Fillers
Over the past 20 years or so, soft tissue fillers have revolutionized the treatment of wrinkles and volume loss. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a very safe and flexible tool for the treatment of facial aging. HA-based dermal fillers, such as the Allergan Juvederm line, are injected by an experienced physician to
- Add height to the cheekbones
- Bring back the hollow cheeks and eyes
- Improve your jaw
- Fill in the nasolabial folds
- Make the vertical lines smaller
- Shaped lips
The effect of the treatment is temporary; for best results, injections need to be repeated periodically – every 4-6 months for lip plumping, approximately every 12 months for nasolabial lines, marionette lines, cheeks and lips, and approximately every 18-24 months for tear injections.
Exercise, smoking, UV radiation, ambient temperature, laser and RF treatments can affect the duration and accelerate the breakdown of HA fillers, often requiring recharging.
3. Chemical Peeling
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, surface scars, age spots and discoloration. An acidic solution is applied to dissolve the skin cells and remove the upper layers of the epidermis. The type and strength of the acid solution determines how deep it penetrates and what the effects are.
4. Microneedling
The most popular treatment for acne scars is microneedling. The procedure is designed to cause small wounds in the skin that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Equipment includes the state-of-the-art Dermapen, an electronic needle piercing device.
A topical anesthetic cream can be used before microneedling to ease any discomfort, while therapeutic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ascorbic acid can be used for deep penetration.
Radio frequency Microneedling is another method of collagen stimulation, the thermal energy produced by radiofrequency intensifies the effect of needling. Microneedling is relatively safe and inexpensive and relatively effective for acne scars.
One of the main benefits of the treatment is that healing is quick, with redness usually disappearing after a day or so. It’s a great way to deal with acne scars without spending time at work.
