What Are the Top Cosmetic Treatment Options for Aging Skin?
It’s no surprise that as we age, one of the clearest signs that we’re getting older shows in our skin. We start seeing changes such as wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin, all of which are often caused by a lifetime of sun exposure.
And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to hide these signs of aging, whether by buying over-the-counter products, creams and fillers, or even cosmetic surgery. Here are some of the best, most popular treatments for aging skin.
Retinoid Creams
These over-the-counter creams include retinol as one of the main ingredients (derived from vitamin A). Retinol has been proven to unclog pores, boost collagen to help reduce the look of fine lines and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Most over-the-counter retinol creams cost under $20. If you feel your skin isn’t improving, make sure you seek out a dermatologist as they can prescribe you an even stronger retinoid cream. According to dermatologists, retinol gradually convents into retinoic acid, so don’t expect to see results after a few days of use. Most individuals tend to see results after 12 weeks of use.
Some people are afraid that retinoids cause the skin to look worse at the beginning of use. It’s possible to experience dryness, redness, or even flaking, but it’s important to know that you can avoid this. If you’re starting a retinoid cream, it’s important to apply the cream every third night for the first two weeks and then slowly transition to applying the cream every night. Another suggestion is to apply a basic moisturizer after applying the retinoid cream to help prevent dryness.
Peptide Creams
Another cream is that great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines are ones that contain peptides. Peptides are smaller, broken down a molecule of protein.
Peptides have actually come a long way as more research has been done helping to prove the benefits that peptide creams do for the skin. This cream helps keep the skin moisturized, though it has yet to be proven to work as well as retinoids. To visually see improvements in your skin, it’s important to pair peptide skin products with a daily moisturizer and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Microdermabrasion
This skincare procedure is less invasive than procedures like plastic surgery, chemical peels, and Botox injections. It’s actually been called the modern facelift, or the “instant facelift,” and more and more people are trying it.
Microdermabrasion uses tiny particles or a diamond-tipped wand to remove damaged cells from the top layer of skin to help encourage new skin growth. The procedure is typically pain-free for most clients and helps with skin imperfections like sun damage, blemishes, and fine lines.
The effects of the procedure can last between three and gives days; however, it can be very costly.
Chemical Peels
A little more invasive, chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin to help foster new skin growth. If you’re dealing with age spots, dull skin texture, skin discoloration, and/or wrinkles around the eyes, chemical peels can help to improve all of these skin imperfections.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the procedure may cause a minor burning sensation for some clients that can last up to 10 minutes; however, a cold compress may be applied to reduce pain.
Chemical peels are typically used on the face but can also be used on the neck and hands. The best candidates for this procedure are those with fair skin.
Laser Resurfacing
Wrinkles are a common sign of aging and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, you may want to consider laser resurfacing. The technique uses a laser to send pulsating beams of light to target irregular skin and removed damaged skin one layer at a time.
It’s best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist before considering this procedure.