Nobody has perfect skin — we all have blemishes and signs of aging that we’d like to reduce or eliminate. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments help do just that – they work by smoothing out the surface of your skin, which ultimately reduces wrinkles, discoloration, and acne scars.
As you age, and your collagen production levels change, your skill will begin to lose its elasticity. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments can increase collagen levels, lead to firmer, healthier-looking skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation (brown spots) caused by sun damage.
With so much information available, it is not surprising that most people are unsure about what these treatments precisely involve. In this definitive guide, we take an in-depth look at skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing in a way that is understandable to everyone. Without further ado, let us dig in.
Skin rejuvenation refers to a series of procedures involving the administration of a treatment that addresses imperfections of the skill. Skin resurfacing is a type of treatment that involves the removal of layers of skin cells and debris, which ultimately stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
Skin Rejuvenation often involves the use of chemicals or laser skin resurfacing procedures that aim to reduce visible signs of aging by improving the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles, age spots, skin texture, skin tone, and color irregularities on the surface of the skin.
Technically speaking, skin rejuvenation is a broad term that includes different techniques for treating aging-related changes which occur on the skin. These treatments are used to address issues at all levels of severity. Ranging from simple, subtle changes that are just starting to become apparent on your face or body to more advanced skin damage caused by the sun, hormonal changes, or past skin traumas, these treatments have proven to be quite effective.
The particular treatment method that is used is dependent on the skin condition that needs to be addressed. The following methods are commonly administered with great levels of success:
Chemical skin peels is a type of treatment which is used to improve the appearance of skin by removing damaged outer layers (epidermis) and exposing healthy underlying layers (dermis). Skin peels can be superficial, medium, or deep depending on the skin condition being targeted. In these types of treatments, a chemical solution which causes exfoliation is applied to the skin. This results in eventual growth of a newer, healthier layer of skin.
Superficial peels are suitable for dealing with very mild signs of aging, including light blemishes or age spots. Medium-depth peels target more advanced signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, enlarged pores. Deep peels treat more severe issues, such as profound wrinkles and brown patches (also known as brown hyperpigmentation).
Laser skin rejuvenation is one of the most popular forms of treatments. In these types of treatments, a laser beam delivers concentrated energy to the targeted areas. This laser removes the skin’s upper layers and stimulates collagen production to improve skin condition at the cellular level. This treatment can be used to minimize the appearance of photodamage (sun damage), acne scars, moderate wrinkles, and textural irregularities.
Laser resurfacing is the same as laser skin rejuvenation, except for the fact that the intensity of the laser beam in laser resurfacing treatments is much higher. As a result, this treatment method yields more dramatic results. Patients can expect to see less wrinkles, discoloration and texture issues after just one session. The drawback of this treatment method is the downtime involved – the healing process is about 2-3 days, so you will need to plan your schedule accordingly.
Non-ablative lasers penetrate only into the epidermis layer and do not reach the dermal layers where new collagen formation takes place. While this minimally invasive procedure does not come with an extensive recuperation period or the side effects that are associated with other laser treatment, it is only effective in treating very mild skin imperfections.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliating treatment that uses tiny crystals to create microscopic injuries on the skin’s surface. This treatment method is often used to minimize mild skin imperfections and to address parts of the skin which cannot be treated with chemical peels or lasers.
Blue light therapy for acne is a type of treatment which utilizes a combination of blue and red wavelengths of light. When this treatment is administered, It penetrates deep into the skin, delivering energy which will reduce inflammation as well as kill the bacteria that causes infections which are often associated with acne. This method is often used for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, which cannot be resolved with facial creams or antibiotics.
Microcurrent therapy uses low levels of electric current to stimulate muscles and activate the production of collagen and elastin fibers in deeper layers of the skin. In this type of treatment, a microcurrent device delivers feeble electrical pulses via two probes pressed against the treated area of the skin. This form of non-invasive rejuvenation treatment stimulates underlying tissues without the discomfort or pain which is often associated with more invasive procedures such as chemical peels and laser therapy.
Thermage is a non-invasive method that uses radiofrequency technology to tighten and lift loose skin on various body parts, such as the face, neck, stomach, buttocks, and more. Intermage treatments, radiofrequency waves are delivered directly into the deepest layer of the epidermis using a particular handpiece. This process stimulates collagen production, which tightens the surrounding tissues.
Regardless of the type of rejuvenation treatment that you are undergoing, there are some things you should be aware of. Firstly, the results are not immediate. While most treatments result in visible improvements within a few weeks, it can take several months to resolve targeted areas completely. Additionally, remember that the healthier your lifestyle and the younger your age when you start having procedures, the better chance you’ll have in achieving optimal results. The best way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance is to incorporate a comprehensive skincare regimen into your daily routine.
A comprehensive treatment plan can have many benefits, including the following:
Majority of skin rejuvenation procedures are essentially painless. However, the following are some minor side effects which you should be aware of before undergoing any type of rejuvenation treatment:
While side effects are common, most of them resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
Skin is an essential organ of the body. Getting treated for any skin condition or any other issue that you might have is vital to your overall health and well-being. As with most medical treatments, it’s imperative that you thoroughly research your options before deciding to proceed with any type treatments. As well, you should always go to a reputable medical facility or laser rejuvenation clinic for your treatments.
Moreover, poorly executed treatments can do more harm than good. So, it’s vital that you take safety precautions. Always seek advice from your doctor, ask questions and follow their guidelines. That is the best way to ensure that you’ll get optimal results within a reasonable time frame.
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