No one lives a long and fulfilling life without going through the inevitable process of aging. Some people seem to age slower than others, based on lifestyle choices, genetics, and skin type. Others may look a bit older than their age due to excessive wrinkles, jowls, and saggy skin. Fortunately, there are professional treatments available to help you age as gracefully as possible. Here are five treatments to consider if you’re looking for effective ways to turn back the hands of time.
1. Tretinoin Cream
Retinoids are skin-supporting compounds derived from vitamin A. They’re often used in gentle skincare products to boost skin health. But in some cases, a strong form of vitamin A may be desired to deliver more dramatic skin benefits. Tretinoin is a topical form of synthetic vitamin A that’s also known as retinoic acid. It’s commonly used as a prescription-strength acne treatment, but it’s also a professional anti-aging treatment.
Tretinoin cream is stronger than over-the-counter retinol cream and treats aging skin with more dramatic results. It can’t completely erase wrinkles, but it can drastically improve their appearance. It works by speeding up skin cell turnover and clearing away old and weak skin cells. It also boosts collagen production for lasting skin improvements. Long-term use can lead to excessive skin irritation and discomfort, so it’s essential to only use this product as directed.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels may sound harsh in name, but they can improve the texture of the skin safely and gently. They are commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and reveal a smoother complexion. Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of the skin so the healthier layer underneath becomes visible. This professional skincare treatment can rejuvenate your appearance and stimulate new cell growth.
Chemical peels come in light, medium, and deep options. Light peels only penetrate the skin’s outermost layer. They are typically recommended for people with sensitive skin or those who want to smooth the appearance of fine lines. Medium peels penetrate a bit deeper and remove damaged skin cells contributing to deeper wrinkles. Deep peels penetrate the skin’s middle layers and work best for very deep wrinkles. Speaking with an esthetician or dermatologist can help you decide what level is most appropriate for your skin concerns.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments have revolutionized the skincare industry by making it easier to resurface the skin in a non-surgical way. Laser resurfacing is a professional anti-aging treatment that uses laser energy to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It works by heating the skin’s outer layers and causing micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s healing response. Laser resurfacing may be used to treat age spots, fine wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin.
You can choose between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments, based on your needs. Ablative procedures are more invasive and involve removing the skin’s thin outer layer while heating the layer underneath. This process results in improved collagen production and tighter, smoother skin. Non-ablative treatments are gentler but may produce less noticeable results.
4. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are minimally-invasive substances injected through thin needles inserted beneath the skin. Most of today’s popular dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a slippery substance found naturally in the body. It’s one of the primary components of connective tissue and becomes less prevalent as you age. HA fillers are highly popular anti-aging treatments because they provide immediate results. Depending on how and where they’re injected, they can smooth lines, restore lost volume due to age, and soften creases.
The results of dermal fillers are not permanent. Depending on individual factors such as metabolism and filler type, your results could fade within six months. However, they can be maintained with regular maintenance appointments. If you’re ever unhappy with the results of your fillers, you can have them dissolved with a special solution. Any filler that’s not made from HA can’t be dissolved, so you’ll need to wait until it degrades on its own.
5. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a high-speed rotating instrument to remove the outer layer of skin. The new skin that grows back in its place is usually smoother and younger-looking. The primary purpose of this treatment is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It’s a bit more aggressive than tretinoin cream and dermal fillers, but it can deliver dramatic results.
To keep patients comfortable during dermabrasion treatment, providers use local anesthesia to numb the targeted area. After treatment, it’s normal to experience some swelling and redness. The skin may also temporarily become blotchy or darker in color. In people with darker skin, pigmentation side effects are more common and may be permanent in rare cases. Dermabrasion isn’t the right anti-aging solution for everyone, so be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before trying it.
Aging is as inevitable as the sunrise every morning. But it doesn’t have to be a traumatic process when you learn how to do it gracefully. Many people are surprised to discover they don’t need invasive surgery to reduce the visible effects of aging. The professional, non-surgical treatments above can go a long way toward minimizing wrinkles and restoring your youthful complexion.
