Skin in Need of a Boost? Simple Procedures with Significant Results

Skin in Need of a Boost? Simple Procedures with Significant Results

I started getting acne when I was ten, and having skin struggles from a very young age gave me a bit of a complex about my complexion. I have never been much for hair, make-up or fashion, but will gobble up skin care products like nobody’s business. Our face is the focal point of our body, and even the least vain among us, want to look good and feel good about our appearance. I know firsthand, making our skin look as nice as possible can go a long way in accomplishing this goal. There are several cosmetic procedures that are well worth considering for optimal results.

Why Cosmetic Procedures?

There are numerous ways to improve our skin, with varying results. Drinking more water, and eating antioxidant-rich foods can give more of a glow. Avoiding foods linked with acne may help clear up blemishes. Creams, lotions, gels, serums and washes can moisturize, lighten, even out skin tone and just give an overall healthier appearance. But, it can take awhile to see results, results which may be weak at best.

Over the years, our skin has been assaulted by various outside forces, like the sun and pollution. The aging process stops for no one, no matter how hard we try to slow it down. This type of damage is just too deep, and these sorts of strategies, while excellent components of any skin care regimen, don’t have the ‘’oomph’’ required to fix our skin in a significant way.

Procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments can alter the appearance of our skin significantly, and quickly too. Having had some of these procedures myself, I was amazed at the differences after just one session. And after a few, it was like I had a whole new face.

You get quick results with very little effort on your part, save getting yourself to the treatment center. While the optimal effects may take a bit to show with some treatments, they will all offer immediate, noticeable results with which you will be very pleased. Within a few sessions, you can undo years of damage and poor habits. Maximum results with minimal effort sounds like a good combo to me.

Types of Procedures

Treatment centers tending to skincare typically have a variety of treatments on offer. The best ones for you will depend on various factors, such as your budget, particular skin ‘’issue’’, desired treatment goals, and how much time you have to recover.

Microdermabrasion involves the use of tiny crystals that gently remove the upper layers of the skin, and is a good choice for people with mild sun damage, acne scars, large pores and generally uneven skin tone.  Recovery time is minimal, and you typically need several sessions to see optimal results.

Chemical peels are one of my personal favorites, and I rely on them heavily. Resist the temptation to buy the products yourself and do peels at home; you can do serious damage to your face, and these procedures are best left to the professionals.

Different chemicals offer different types of results. If acne is your main problem, salicyclic acid peels are a good choice—it is oil-soluble, allowing it to get deep into your pores; it is also a great for easing inflammation. Glycolic acid is a great choice if you are looking for anti-aging benefits, reduction of acne scars or just a way to make your skin tone look more even. Derived from sugar cane, it is very effective for these purposes. It offers significant results while being gentle. You may experience some redness and peeling after treatments, but this is normal.

Then you have laser treatments. There are two basic types of lasers—ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers work by targeting the deeper layers of your skin, and are a  good choice for skin with lots of damage, deep scarring, loose skin and wrinkles. Because they are more intense, you may have more side effects from the treatment and extended recovery time. Non-ablative lasers target the upper layers of the skin, and are a good choice if your skin is not yet that damaged. Different types of lasers target specific types of skin issues, meaning one may be better than another for a particular concern. When meeting with your laser professional, she can offer guidance on which laser is best for your situation. Lasers are particularly effective for stimulating collagen growth-that connective tissue that keeps skin looking taut and healthy.

Choosing a Location

Do your homework before picking a treatment center; somewhere like the American Laser Center, for example, has the latest equipment an properly trained staff well-versed in the procedures; this interactive map can help you find a location. If you don’t feel right about a place, keep looking. We are talking about your face here.