Microdermabrasion
What is it?
Microdermabrasion uses either a diamond-tipped wand or tiny crystal particles to rid the skin surface of dead, damaged cells, promoting the growth of new, healthy cells and giving the complexion a clear, even tone.
Who is it for?
This treatment is perfect for anyone who has a lot of skin discoloration either from sun damage, acne scarring or age spots.
Pros
- It requires little to no downtime after each session
- The procedure is relatively painless
- It may soften the appearance of fine lines
Cons
- Results aren’t permanent
- It may be costly depending on the number of sessions required
- Skin may be sore or tender afterwards
Should I have the treatment?
If your main aging skin issue is hyperpigmentation and sun damage, Microdermabrasion may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that, depending on the severity of damage, you may need several sessions which can get costly, although many spas offer package deals to save money.
Laser Resurfacing
What is it?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that, as the name suggests, uses high intensity laser beams to remove layers of the skin. As a result, the skin will be more evenly toned, firmer and tighter which, in turn, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
Who is it for?
Laser resurfacing may be a good choice for someone who has advanced skin damage or very visible signs of aging such as deep-set wrinkles and discoloration.
Pros
- The results are long lasting, between 2-5 years for most people
- It has multiple benefits, reducing wrinkles, firming loose skin and producing a clear, more even-toned complexion
- It may encourage the production of vital collagen in the skin
Cons
- Skin needs to heal between treatments, therefore requiring more downtime
- The procedure is expensive, usually costing upwards of $2000
- It may require sedation or, at the very least, a local anesthetic
Should I have the treatment?
If you’re willing to pay more to achieve younger looking skin, laser resurfacing might be the answer. There’s no doubt that it can produce impressive results, but skin will need time to heal between sessions, which are usually scheduled one month apart. It’s also important to choose a fully qualified practitioner – it’s not a treatment that can be performed by an esthetician in a spa. However, the results can last up to 5 years in some cases, which may justify the cost and relative inconvenience.
Dermal Filler
What is it?
A dermal filler is an injected substance, usually Hyaluronic Acid, that plumps and smooths areas of the facial skin. Unlike Botox injections that ‘freeze’ the facial muscles to limit contractions, dermal fillers add volume where its required, the most popular areas being around the mouth, the lips and under the eyes.
Who is it for?
A dermal filler is a good choice for anyone who wants a quick, painless and relatively affordable way to refresh their appearance. However, fillers simply add volume to smooth out lines and wrinkles and won’t have any effect on skin that is discolored by age spots or scarring.
Pros
- The procedure is very quick – just 10 minutes in some cases
- There is no downtime involved
- With careful maintenance, dermal fillers can last between 3-6 months
Cons
- Top-up treatments will be necessary
- Skin can be more vulnerable to infections
- Certain medications should be avoided before and after treatment
Should I have the treatment?
If you’re concerned about the increasing presence of line and wrinkles on your face, you may want to consider dermal fillers. While the price varies depending on the type and brand of filler, one syringe generally costs between $450-$600 making it financially more viable than many other antiaging treatments. While fillers can be administered by estheticians, it’s important to find someone who has received full training in performing the procedure so always ask to see their credentials.