Types of Facial Skin Care

Submitted by Patrick Hatfield on

Since your face is one of the first things people notice, it may be the place you should invest your time and money.  Using products that can help your skin stay moisturized and protected are important.  For some of us; however, we started the skin care regimen too late and damage has already occurred.  In this case, you may need to see a dermatologist to see what type of skin care treatments are available.

Skin Resurfacing – There are many ways to achieve results and different ways to get there.  In skin resurfacing, the skin is treated to remove discoloration, scars, age spots, and wrinkles.  The goal is to make the skin look smooth and even in tone.  Most treatments can occur in your dermatologist’s office, while others may need a cosmetic dermatologist.  Here are some options in this realm:

Chemical Peel – This is a non-invasive process that uses chemicals to exfoliate and remove the outer layer of skin.  There are different levels of chemical peels including superficial, medium, and deep peels.  Superficial peals only penetrate the outer layer of skin to refresh the skin’s appearance.  Medium peels are used to remove damaged skin areas and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  Deep peels remove moderate damage and improve shallow scars.  These can be done by an aesthetician or a dermatologist.

Microdermabrasion – This process is non-invasive and involves a special applicator with an abrasive surface the removes the outer layer of skin.  There is also another technique that uses a spray of fine particles of sodium bicarbonate, with vacuum suction that is used to remove the outer layers of skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and acne scarring.  For an even deeper level of removal, some dermatologists will combine the power of microdermabrasion with a chemical peel.  This procedure can be done by an aesthetician or a dermatologist.

Microneedling – This technology uses the ability of the skin to heal itself to repair skin.  Microscopic needles, which are very short and fine are pressed into the skin to cause a response by the skin to regenerate new healthy skin cells by producing elastin and collagen.  This procedure can be performed by an aesthetician or a dermatologist.

Laser Resurfacing – There are also more non-invasive measures that can improve the appearance of your skin for a longer period of time.  These treatments are more effective and last longer, but they are also more costly.  Fraxel is a laser that can perform resurfacing that is non-invasive.  It can improve the skin’s surface by penetrating deeper into the skin’s layers.  It can improve moderate skin conditions without any downtime.  This service is usually performed by a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.

Intense Pulsed Light – This procedure is similar to laser treatments, but it uses a broad spectrum of light.  It helps give the skin an even complexion and it stimulates collagen production, but does not remove any layers of skin.  This is also used for spider vein treatments and hyperpigmentation.  This service is usually performed by a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.