Dealing with acne conditions, sunspots, scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration on your face can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, there has been a recent increase in non-surgical skin treatments that work to smooth your skin, even out your skin tone, prevent further acne, fine lines, and scars. Depending on what you are looking to improve, how long you want the treatment to last, and how much recovery time you can take, there are plenty of different options to choose from. Below we have outlined some of the most popular cosmetic skin treatments:
1.Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure performed by your dermatologist or a licensed professional. They will numb your skin first, and then use an exfoliating device that works to remove the outer layers of your skin. When the damaged skin layers are removed, your body will create newer and younger skin cells. Dermabrasions improve the appearance of acne, acne scars, sunspots, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone.This procedure can cause redness, swelling, and irritation immediately afterward. These side effects should fade over the week following the procedure. Dermabrasion results can last for years.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a less intense version of a dermabrasion. The procedure is again performed by a licensed skincare specialist. It is performed by rubbing fine crystals into the skin using a device and takes about 30 minutes to perform. Microdermasions need to be performed from anywhere between 5-16 times in order to see lasting results. It can improve skin tone, skin complexion, sunspots, and acne scars.Micro dermabrasions can also cause redness and swelling after being performed. Results from one microdermabrasion can last for around 30 days.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses repeating pulses of light beams onto one area of targeted skin. The laser works in two different ways. First, it destroys the outer layer of damaged skin, allowing new skin cells to develop in its place. Second, the heat from the laser encourages collagen production, a protein that helps keep skin tight and smooth. Performed by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, the procedure can last for up to 2 hours and will improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne spots, acne scars, sunspots, birthmarks, and warts. Laser resurfacing will make the skin red immediately after treatment and will also make your skin sensitive to the sun for a few months. Be sure to apply SPF daily to avoid further sun damage. Results can last for years.
4. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are mostly used to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As skin ages, it becomes thinner and more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to counter volume loss. Licensed professionals can inject fillers with a needle into the lips, cheeks, and around the eyes. Fillers improve the look of aging skin and result in younger and brighter looking skin.Side effects from dermal fillers include bruising, redness, excess swelling, and pain at the injection site. Results are not permanent and typically last from anywhere between 6 to 18 months.
5. Botox
Botox is another procedure where a doctor injects the chemical botulinum into muscles in the face. The most common use for Botox is to improve fine lines and wrinkles in the face. When muscles are injected with Botox, they are temporarily paralyzed and become relaxed. This makes the wrinkles relax and soften, improving their look. Botox is typically injected into frown lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and in the neck.Side effects from Botox include bruising, headaches, eye dryness, mild pain, and weakness in surrounding muscles. Results last from 3 to 6 months.
6. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are performed to improve the skin’s appearance. It can treat sun spots, acne scars, dark freckles, wrinkles, acne spots, and overall improve skin tone and brightness. Chemical peels range from mild to deep and are performed by a dermatologist. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, and results in the skin blistering and peeling off. Once that top layer peels off, the skin underneath will appear younger-looking, even-toned, and brighter.Immediately following the procedure, your skin will need to be bandaged for several days to avoid complications or infection at the site. Over the next 7 to 14 days, skin will crust, blister, and peel off. Medium-depth chemical peel results can last for up to 1 year, and deep peels can last for up to 10 years.
7. Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin treatment is an advanced wrinkle removal treatment that uses infrared light to tighten the skin without surgery. The laser light delivers heat to layers beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production and making the skin look tighter. Many patients consider the procedure a good alternative to the traditional face lift, as it requires no anesthesia, no scalpel, and no downtime.
8. Acne Blue Light Therapy
Acne blue light therapy works by targeting the bacteria that causes acne. Moderate acne that has not responded to other facial skin care treatments can be treated with this light-based therapy, which is administered over a span of several weeks. Acne blue light therapy rarely causes side effects, and does not damage skin.
9. Hydrafacial
It is an award-winning technologically-advanced treatment. It is perfect for glowing skin this festive season. This treatment is painless and gives immediate results. Hydrafacial has very little or no downtime.
10. PRP Procedure for Face
PRP facials are not cosmetic procedures, but rather medical procedures. The person doing the procedure takes a sample of your blood and isolates the protein-rich plasma and platelets to create the PRP.A centrifuge is spun around to extract protein-rich plasma. The platelets are also removed. The sample is then concentrated and called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The high levels of growth factors in the PRP help the body to heal.
11. Glutathione Skin Whitening
Glutathione is an antioxidant, which is now being called a wonder chemical for its ability to effectively lighten any skin tone. It can be used to lighten your skin tone using many different methods. Your dermatologist can determine whether you need a IV Therapy Glutathione injection, pill, or lotion. Some of its side effects may include rashes, allergies, dizziness, and vomiting. In extreme cases, the use of Glutathione can lead to kidney or liver damage, and even cancer. The efficacy of the treatment depends largely on how deeply your skin is affected by pigmentation.
12. Hydroquinone
This depigmenting agent inhibits melanin formation on your skin to treat any area that has become darker due to any reason, as noted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. While this treatment is used by many, doctors may not recommend it for you under certain circumstances. Hydroquinone is a medicine that might react badly with certain other drugs and have side effects such as dermatitis, dryness, redness, inflammation, and skin irritation. We would also like to point out that it only works best on fairer skin. In some cases, it may worsen hyperpigmentation. In rare cases, it may bring about ochronosis, a skin condition of bluish-black pigmentation and papules. This can happen after daily use long-term; hence, we do generally do not recommend it.