Anti-Aging Treatments

As women seek natural methods of skin rejuvenation, they stumble across several options that tackle both sun damage and the occasional wrinkle. From prevention to repair, there are peels, creams, and laser treatments to help you reduce the aging effects of the sun and shrink your chances of developing skin cancer.

Preventing Further Damage to Your Skin

Photo-aging is one of the first signs of sun damage. Further exposure to such damage can lead to ailments such as skin cancer; luckily, there are many affordable treatments available to help restore and prevent any damage to your skin.

Sunscreen

Not using sunscreen daily can be one of the worse things you can do to your skin. With the daily application of sunscreen [preferably SPF 15 or higher] you can prevent initial damage caused by sun damage and reduce your chances for abnormal skin eruptions [actinic keratosis] or pre-cancers.

Retinoids

Retinoids such as Tretinoin and Tazarotene act as a triple threat rejuvenation method against photo-aging; tackling the discoloration of skin, deterioration of skins elasticity, and erasing fine wrinkles, this synthetic version of Vitamin A encourages the natural production of collagen. Besides restoring your skin, retinoids can prevent the growth of tumors and decrease potential inflammation while boosting your immune system. It is important to note that use of retinoinds can also cause extreme photosensitivity, or irritability to the sun, and dryness of the skin; as such, it is available with prescription only.

Anti-Aging Laser Treatments

As the sun damages the upper layers of skin, aesthetic laser treatments can remove such damaged skin resulting in a smoother surface with decreased wrinkle visibility. Providing pin point accuracy, dermatologists have used cosmetic laser treatments for areas of heightened sensitivity such as around the eyes; while it can cause tenderness light scarring. Redness, and even swelling, it can also be used to treat actinic keratosis. It is important to note that individuals of dark complexion can find themselves experiencing pigmentation loss which could be permanent.

Intense Pulsed Light

In such cases, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is the best technique for all skin types. It doesn’t remove the skin, but softens the wrinkle lines, fades scarring, and boost collagen production. Like most laser techniques is does result in some minor discomfort such as swelling of the skin, redness, blotchiness, and a slight darkening of skin pigments. The best results are provided from numerous treatments and the final results may not be clearly visible for nearly six months.

Chemical Peels and Dermabrasions

Chemical peels and dermabrasions offer quicker results with fewer treatments. Both are becoming popular as spa treatments used to rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and even treat actinic keratosis. Chemical peels, consisting of mild acid solutions, are applied with the addition of an anesthetic to lessen discomfort; the strength of the peel usually depends on the damage of the skin, the deeper the peel the more discomfort associated as skin experiences redness, swelling, and photosensitivity of the skin.

Meanwhile, dermabrasions use a small high speed, rotating metal brush to briskly remove the upper layer of skin leaving a smoother surface and having long lasting results. Treating all the same ailments as chemical peels, dermabrasions still require the use of an anesthetic and may result in redness and swelling of the skin which requires no more than 7-14 days of healing.

Botox and Fillers

In comparison, Botox and Fillers provide results in less time with minor discomfort. Both require injections beneath the skin in areas of sensitivity such as the eyes, neckline, and forehead. Botox has a long standing reputation for providing quick results in tightening of the skin where fillers round out the facial contours and fill in wrinkles. There are various fillers available such as Bovine Collagen, polymer implants and autologous fat which are taken from the patient.

Botox and fillers may be common cosmetic procedures but that is the extent of their purpose. They do not help reduce your chances of skin cancer, only provide quick and efficient results in terms of rejuvenating the skin and, like most skin rejuvenation treatments; they come with the associated discomforts during healing such as redness and swelling of the skin.

Discuss the various options available with your dermatologist and be sure they understand your ideal results when selecting the most commonly used medical lasers techniques and other anti-aging treatments. While many of these treatments can be used in collaboration to tackle sun damage, wrinkles, and even prevent certain skin related ailments, they still require that you seek professional car and advice before undergoing any treatment plan.