Skin Resurfacing

Non-surgical treatments; a term that puts ones mind at ease, consist of chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Essentially, each of these techniques remove some of the top layers of your skin. It is after the healing process, when the new skin emerges that you receive the results of smoother, healthier and younger-looking skin.

In a 2008 report from The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), Seven in ten (70.6%) cosmetic surgeons indicated more of their patients were choosing less invasive procedures.

• Conditions that skin resurfacing treats:
• fine lines and wrinkles
• sun-damaged skin
• age spots, skin discoloration and freckles
• acne and mild scars
• improved texture and coloring of skin
• enlarged pores

 

Chemical peels entail the application of a topical chemical solution, that causes the dead skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off.

Alpha hydroxy acid peels (AHAs) are the most popular of the peels. AHA’s are exfoliants that are natural organic acids such as glycolic acid, and lactic acid. This is the mildest formula and produces a very light peel for people whose lives don’t allot for a recovery period.

I have read that Cleopatra bathed in sour goat's milk. We know now that it was the lactic acid providing her with a natural rejuvenating peel and glowing skin. Hence, another womans’ quest for eternal youth and beauty which dates back to b.c.!

Glycolic acid peels are similar to AHA peels whereas, they are referred to as the "lunch time peel" as they can be done in under 30 minutes. Glycolic acid itself is naturally found in sugarcane, pineapple, grapes and other fruits.

These peels tend to be very effective with usual side effects of reddening in the face which typically subsides within a day or two. The rejuvenating affects tend to last 4 - 6 weeks. Since these are very “light” peels, more than one treatment may be necessary for problem areas.

Microdermabrasion was brought to the U.S. in the 1990’s from Italy. However, proof of its existence, once again dates back into b.c. when egyptians were documented as having used a form of sandpaper made from pumice stone to remove scars. My only thought, is thank god for modern technology!

Reports show more than one million procedures are performed annually in the United States alone, making it one of the top 5 preferred aesthetic treatments. All data I have I have found shows conflicting results, albeit, microdermabrasion and botox seem to be in close running for the top 2 contenders of this category.

The procedure itself takes approximately one hour and consists of tiny aluminum oxide crystals gently sprayed across the surface of the face and neck; removing impurities and layers of dead skin. After, a special vacuum is used to remove all debris.

From personal experience and much online research, I can say that microdermabrasion is the least invasive, most affordable and painless procedure. There are no side effects and the benefits of healthy, glowing and youthful looking skin make this almost a no-brainer if you really want to rejuvinate your skin. Again, if you have more problem areas of wrinkles or scarring, you may need multiple procedures.

Whatever your imperfection, one of these two procedures may be a simple solution to make yourself feel better about how you look and feel, but also friendly to your wallet.