Exposing your delicate skin to the harsh UV rays of the sun and polluting elements of the atmosphere can cause damage to the skin and result in lines, creases, crow’s feet, laugh lines, age spots, and other flaws. The chemical content in conventional cosmetics, beauty, and hygiene products can also take their toll on your skin. While graceful aging is a natural process of life, you might want to consider options for erasing the signs of aging if they appear prematurely.
Consult an expert dermatologist, check the internet, or any of the many aesthetic centers and you’ll find a range of treatments that promise to erase the damage and restore the youthful radiance and beauty of your skin. But, are these treatments really effective? Do they give you the results you’ve been looking for? And, are they likely to cause further damage? This article will answer all your questions.
1. Retinoids
Should you work with a dermatologist, she is likely to prescribe FDA-approved retinoids with brand names like Retin-A, Renova, Refissa, or Tretinoin for erasing the signs of aging. These formulations are much stronger and effective than over the counter products. They work by preserving the existing collagen and stimulating the production of fresh collagen and elastin cells. In addition to erasing the signs of aging, retinoids can also help remove age spots. You’ll need to use the cream twice a week for 3 to 6 months and the complete results are visible in around 6 to 12 months.
Possible downsides: Using retinoids can cause dryness and itching. In addition to the formation of crusts and blisters, and the reddening of the skin, you might also notice some amount of inflammation. Your dermatologist will ask you to avoid going out in the sunshine and make it a point to use active sunscreens. Using a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated is also essential.
2. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone works on the age spots and freckles, and also works to the erase skin any discolorations by acting on them as a bleaching agent. If you opt for this treatment, your skin specialist will ask you a series of questions regarding any medications you might be taking, herbal or conventional, or if you have any allergies. In addition to a number of contraindications, you’ll have to take extra precautions when using hydroquinone. Although it does help you in erasing the signs of aging, using the cream can have several side effects and should be applied with extreme caution.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels act on the upper layers of your skin by removing a fine layer of cells so that younger, fresh skin can emerge. Such peels for erasing the signs of aging are provided by expert skin specialists that use the appropriate strength formulations to help you with the specific skin issues you have. Accordingly, they may choose from carbonic acids, salicylic acids, or trichloroacetic acids. You can expect to have a mild burning sensation as the acids work on your skin. Later, some amount of redness and itchiness is also possible.
In case you opt for the stronger chemical peels, you may have side effects such as discomfort, changes in the skin tone and even scarring. As the skin starts to peel after the treatment, you’ll have to keep it hydrated and protected from the sun.
Acids like glycolic acids, lactic acids, and citric acids are also called Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Since they are sourced from citric fruits, milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt, meat, and pickles, they are safe to use. However, they also have milder results as compared to chemical peels and are better suited for erasing signs of aging that are not too deep.
4. Dermabrasion
Also called microdermabrasion, this process uses exfoliating crystals to scrape or sand the aging cells from the surface of the skin. It is effective in erasing the signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and dull skin. Since it does not use any harmful chemicals, it is safer to use than other products but, you can expect some amount of discomfort since the skin may feel raw and pink. Your dermatologist will recommend that you use sunscreen with lots of moisturizer as the skin heals after the treatment. This treatment is typically given only to fair-skinned people. That’s because the process can result in skin discolorations in darker-skinned people.
5. Low Level Laser Therapy
A non-invasive method for erasing the signs of aging, low level laser therapy involves the use of light at specific wavelengths. When the rays are directed on your skin, the light stimulates the layers of collagen and elastin so that they start to create new cells. While you might notice some amount of redness, the treatment does not affect the outer skin surface, and you can expect to see results after a few weeks of sessions.
6. Injections like Botox
Injections like Botox contain compounds that when injected into your skin can prevent it from forming wrinkles with your facial expressions. They work by blocking the nerve impulses from reaching the muscles actually freezing the facial skin in place. However, these injections are best suited for women who have no signs of aging when their face is at rest. Further, they have no effect on age spots and skin discolorations. You can think about getting them for frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet, and erasing other signs of aging.
7. Antioxidants and Moisturizers
Foods like fruits, vegetables, salmon, beans, lentils, and any other that are packed with antioxidants can do wonders for your skin. You can choose to apply them but eating them regularly can prove to be a natural way to rejuvenate your skin and make it glow. Using moisturizers and keeping your skin hydrated is another great way to make the lines and wrinkles less noticeable. While they do make the skin appear smoother and radiant, they do not really erase the signs of aging.
8. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a very new and very innovative treatment that has shown remarkable results for erasing the signs of aging. The amazing thing about this treatment is that it is minimally invasive and involves injecting a serum just 1mm into your skin. In addition, it is absolutely safe since it is created out of each patient’s own blood. You will be asked to give a small sample of your blood that is spun at high speeds. The motion causes the blood to separate into different components. Of these, the platelets and growth factors are isolated and introduced back into your skin. No chemicals or artificial compounds are used so there are no side effects. As the layer of collagen and elastin under the skin regenerates, you’ll see the signs of aging vanishing.
Women are beautiful at any age and the lines and wrinkles that come with natural aging add grace, wisdom, and character to your looks. Even so, if you’re looking to delay the appearance of the lines and wrinkles, you can choose from the many treatments available today. Of course, you must take care to choose options that are not likely to cause further damage to your delicate skin. Natural procedures that use organic methods and products are best to help you regain the youthful radiance of your skin and keep you looking gorgeous. Always.