Different Types of Skin Treatments

In addition to cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating, there are more permanent solutions to problems such as acne scars, broken veins, and premature aging. These treatments are generally available only through specialist dermatology clinics. Unlike face lifts and similar cosmetic surgery operations, these treatments can often be performed in a dermatologist's office, using a local anesthetic- and unlike the effects of cosmetic preparations, the benefits are lasting.

Chemical Skin Peels

Chemical peels help to remove unwanted or dead cells from the skin. Depending on how deep the peel is, they can remove fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate some acne scars, fade dark pigmented age spots, and make your skin appear fresher and more radiant.

The substances used are much stronger than those available in commercial cosmetics. They are usually acid-based, and they burn off the surface of the skin to a specific depth. This damage stimulates the skin's natural healing process, encouraging the formation of collagen and skin reconstruction. Because the acids destroy pigment cells, they help to bleach the skin and blend skin color evenly.

Chemical peels can be superficial, medium, or deep, and your dermatologist will select the most appropriate treatment for you.The peel is applied to prepared and usually anesthetized skin, left on for a given period of time, and then wiped or washed off.

Caution

Peels can sting and can leave the face itchy, irritated, swollen, and weeping until the skin heals. It may take months before redness and inflammation disappear and you see the full benefit. Possible side effects include:

  • Discoloration.

  • Permanent sun sensitivity.

  • Skin thinning.

Wrinkle Fillers

Deep, well-established wrinkles and lines will not be removed by over-the-counter surface treatments, such as exfoliants, or even chemical peels. These need a different treatment altogether- widely known as implants.

There are different substances that can be implanted in the skin to fill out wrinkles. Collagen is one of the most popular, but others include silicone, Gore-Tex(a lightweight fabric used for outdoor clothing), and the body's own fat, taken from an area such as the abdomen. A dermatologist injects or implants the chosen substance into the wrinkles or scars, usually through a tiny needle. You may have tiny red marks where the needle pierced the skin, but these soon disappear. The treatment can be painful, and you may have to avoid excessive facial movements for a time.

Caution

  • Though the results of implants are usually good, they are not permanent.You may need to repeat the treatment several times a year to maintain the effects.

  • Possible problems include scarring, an allergic reaction, rejection of the material, or inflammation around the site.

  • In some instances, the substance hardens and needs to be removed.

Laser Surgery

Laser treatment represents one of the greatest advances in skin care. Used extensively in surgery for decades, lasers are like scalpels of colored light that target and penetrate specific tissues. Different types of laser produce beams of varying color and energy- the choice depends on the condition being treated. Lasers eliminate flaws without damaging the surrounding skin or creating new scars. The beam is passed over the affected area, and each pulse of the laser removes a fine layer of epidermis. Uses of laser treatment include:

  • Skin problems from acne scars, brown patches, moles, and birthmarks to broken veins, skin growths, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

  • In place of a chemical peel to "resurface" the entire skin of the face.

Caution

  • After effects of laser therapy depend on the treatment, but your skin can be red, bruised, swollen, sore, scabbed, or discolored for days or weeks.

  • Results can vary- not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser therapy.

  • You may feel a stinging or pricking when the beam hits the skin.

  • Full benefits may not be apparent for a few weeks.

  • You may need a number of sessions before the problem is resolved.

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