As you age, your skin begins to tell a story – the time when you were too lazy to put on sunscreen before heading out in the sun or when you popped and squeezed your acne. Your skin can also change due to health conditions.
As more people try to achieve glass skin, the popularity of skin rejuvenation treatments is growing. These are medically approved, specialized procedures that aim to restore your skin from any damage. While skin rejuvenation treatments can’t turn back the clock, they can give your skin a new life.
In addition, non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments involve fewer risks and minimal recovery time. Despite having a shorter procedure time, the effects of these treatments last for longer. Let’s take a look at five such treatments that can actually make a difference:
1. Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) or photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of red and other near-infrared light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This, in turn, can improve skin texture and promote cell regeneration. The light waves interact with your body’s cells, reducing inflammation and improving cell function.
RLT can treat the following skin conditions:
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Age spots
- Uneven texture
RLT Devices
There are various types of red light therapy devices, each with its pros and cons. Let’s break it down:
- Red light therapy mask: It fits over your entire face and has red LED lights on the inside. RLT therapy masks are supposed to be worn for a short period of time.
- Red light therapy bed: Just as a tanning bed has UV lights, a red light therapy bed has LED lights. You can simply lie down inside and improve your whole body texture. Always take RLT bed services from a certified medical spa. Search red light therapy beds near me and find a suitable place.
- Red light therapy wand: This handheld device has red LED lights on one side. It can be used to treat small areas, such as a particular spot on the face or the back of the hands.
Red light therapy is safe and does not involve cancer-causing rays. Certified medical spas have dermatologists and cosmetic therapists to ensure the best treatment.
2. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel involves removing the skin’s outermost layer using a chemical solution. The skin that grows back has a smoother texture. Chemical peels can be used to treat wrinkles, deep-seated acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more: Could Dermal Fillers Help You Look Younger?
Types of Chemical Peels
Depending on your skin’s texture and the issues you’re dealing with, you can choose from the following types of chemical peels:
- Light chemical peel: A light or superficial chemical peel only removes the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. It contains mild acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. A light chemical peel is perfect for minor skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone and dryness. Moreover, you can get it done every two to five weeks.
- Medium chemical peel: Medium peels penetrate the epidermis as well as the dermis. Dermatologists use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or more potent concentrations of glycolic acid. A medium chemical peel can treat rough texture and acne scars.
- Deep chemical peel: It penetrates deep into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Phenol is often used in deep chemical peels to treat severe wrinkles and significant hyperpigmentation.
Most people experience redness and swelling right after the treatment. Without proper after-care, you can reduce downtime and get smooth skin.
3. Microdermabrasion
Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion is another procedure that removes the outermost layer of the skin. A dermatologist uses a special device to gently sand away skin cells, revealing newer, undamaged skin cells. Microdermabrasion can make the following skin conditions less noticeable:
- Age spots
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Deep acne marks
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Techniques for Microdermabrasion
Depending on your skin condition, a dermatologist will recommend one of the following techniques:
- Crystal microdermabrasion: This involves shooting tiny crystals through a tube, which loosens and knocks off dead skin cells. Next, a skin vacuum is used to remove all the crystals and dead skin cells from your face.
- Diamond microdermabrasion: During this procedure, your skin specialist will use a diamond-shaped wand to remove and collect skin cells.
The treatment lasts 30 to 40 minutes, and the swelling will subside within 24 hours. Microdermabrasion is one of the best minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatments.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to create controlled wounds on your skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can boost collagen and elastin production, giving your face a youthful appearance. Like other skin rejuvenation treatments, microneedling can treat acne scars, wrinkles, and sun damage.
How to Prepare Your Skin
Unlike red light therapy or chemical peels, you need to pay more attention to skin prep when going for microneedling. Follow these tips:
- Avoid using harsh exfoliators or chemicals at least a week before your treatment.
- Stop using retinol one week before the treatment.
- Stay clear of any products that irritate your skin, such as perfumes.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Microneedling is safe for almost all skin types. However, it is important to consult a medical professional before undergoing treatment. Get microneedling from a certified medical spa that uses only sterilized needles and follows safety protocols.
5. HydraFacial
It is a non-invasive skin treatment that involves cleansing, exfoliating, extraction, and hydration. HydraFacial uses a patented device to deliver this series of treatments. It extracts dead skin cells and bacteria from the skin, leaving a much smoother and brighter texture.
The three typical steps in a HydraFacial are:
Cleanse and Peel
During step one, microdermabrasion techniques are used to remove dead skin cells or dirt buildup. Through painless suction, debris is extracted from pores.
Extract and Hydrate
Next, the skin is nourished with serums and nutrients. Most medical spas use serums that contain antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Fuse and Protect
The last step involves applying a customized serum to target specific skin conditions and to lock in the moisture.
Some HydraFacials also include additional steps, such as chemical peels or cold hammer treatment, for desirable results.
