When it comes to your skincare, choosing the right treatment is essential. It has to fit your budget, your skin needs, and your comfort level. You know what plastic surgery is and more than likely understand what laser repairs entail. Are you aware of your other alternatives? Facial peels offer far more variety than they used to and microneedling is an option you may never have considered before. Here, we will review the more popular skincare options.
Assessing Skincare Needs
Before seeking a treatment, you need to determine what your skin really needs. Wrinkles, tattoo removal, sagging, stretch marks, and minor imperfections are all different issues that need different treatments. How mild or severe the condition is will also require different care. Mild wrinkles may be treated with a facial peel whereas severe wrinkles would likely require a surgical face lift. You can take a look at clinics like London Professional Aesthetics to see what they offer, as some of the treatments they offer might be exactly what you’re looking for. Some clinics also offer consultations, so any issues you may have with your skin can be discussed with a professional.
Facial Peels
Also known as a chemical peel, facial peels use a chemical to “peel” away the surface of the skin to reveal the healthier skin cells beneath it. The peels range from the mildest to deep peels. Mild peels are nicknamed “lunchtime” peels as they can be done quickly and you can return to work immediately. Side effects are minimal at best. Deep peels are for heavier wrinkles and imperfections. They have longer recovery times as they penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate repairs by encouraging collagen production. Costs, recovery time, side effects and risks increase according to the peel – mild being the lowest and deep being the most.
IPL
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a procedure that uses light energy to treat the skin. Although many refer to IPLs as being cosmetic-laser, they are not actually lasers. By aiming pulses of broad-spectrum light at the skin cells in short, controlled bursts, it can treat various issues. This method works on hair removal, skin-tightening, and mild tattoo removal. Because it uses light to treat the skin, it should be avoided by individuals with dark skin tones and dark hair.
Microdermabrasion
A non-invasive procedure called Microdermabrasion uses exfoliation to rejuvenate the skin. It uses tiny crystals to buff the surface of the skin in order to remove dead cells. It also polishes the skin to smooth it and remove any minor imperfections. Most of these devices also contain a suction system to whisk away the dead skin cells during the process. Results last for one to two months. It can result in mild redness, but a soothing skin cream can calm the irritated skin.
Microneedling Treatments
Microneedling is a procedure that uses a handheld device with super fine needles on one end. The needles are either located on a cylinder on the end and rolled across the skin, or are clustered on the end and stamped into the skin. These micro-needles create tiny injuries in the skin that create channels to reach the deeper layer of skin. The body reacts by producing collagen which repairs and rejuvenates the skin. Microneedling uses the bodies natural healing process to make the skin look younger. It can also be enhanced by using collagen or vitamin infused serums in conjunction with the treatment.
Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency is a treatment that uses sound waves to tighten wrinkles and sagging skin. It is considered safe for use on the face and neck. The results are mild as compared to laser procedures. Since it uses sound waves instead of light based energy, it is safe for use on all skin tones and types. Risks and recovery are minimal at the most and the procedure does not hurt.