Facial Treatment Procedures

Skin problems such as wrinkles, dullness, age spots and acne scars may not be disabling. However, they can impact your quality of life. In extreme cases, these skin issues can lead to anxiety or social isolation, according to a review in Dermatological Clinics. Several facial treatment procedures are now available that can heal troubled skin and slow the signs of aging. They can result in not only a better appearance, but higher self-esteem.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are used for reducing fine lines and acne scars, diminishing age spots, and improving skin texture. They work by causing the uppermost layer of skin to peel off and stimulating the growth of new skin cells. Administered in a cosmetologist's or dermatologist's office, they can plump the skin and even stimulate the production of new collagen. The Cosmetic Journal of Dermatology lists trichloroacetic acid, Jessner's solution, salicylic acid and glycolic acid as a few of the substances currently used for chemical peels. Redness and scaling, similar to a that of a sunburn, can last for up to five days following superficial chemical peels. Deeper peels may cause blistering and swelling and take two weeks or longer to heal.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion, also called skin planing, was originally developed as a treatment for scars resulting from acne, chicken pox, and accidents. Today it is also used to reduce age spots, wrinkles and damage due to excess sun exposure. Dermabrasion mechanically removes the outer layer of skin, allowing for new epidermis and collagen to replace the damaged skin cells. Dermabrasion is performed by dermatologists with a high-speed rotary instrument after the skin has been numbed. A sunburn-like sensation typically follows the procedure. Healing takes about 10 days, but the skin may be a pinker shade than usual for up to 12 weeks. Even one session can bring lasting results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, offered by both cosmetologists and dermatologists, is a facial treatment used for discoloration, dullness, uneven skin tone and shallow scars or wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive facial treatment than dermabrasion, and involves less discomfort and less time to recover. However, because microdermabrasion penetrates the skin less deeply than dermabrasion, its results are less drastic, and between five and 16 sessions are generally necessary. This facial treatment uses micro-particles or a special diamond-tipped instrument to exfoliate the skin, resulting in the growth of new skin cells and collagen. You may experience bruising or burning after microdermabrasion, but these side-effects are temporary and don't generally require treatment.

References

• "Dermatologic Clinics"; Psychosocial aspects of aging skin; M. Gupta et al; Oct. 2005
• American Academy of Dermatology: Facial Skin Rejuvenation
• "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology;" Elderly skin and its rejuvenation; M. Ramos-e-Silva et al; Mar. 2007.
• American Academy of Dermatology: Chemical Peeling