Developing a consistent skin care routine is an important part of adolescence that can set us up for success for the rest of our lives. Anti-aging treatments are on many people’s minds as early as their twenties. Genes, life habits, environment, and medical conditions affect the aging process that can result in fine lines and wrinkles, a loss of volume, and drier skin.
Achieving and maintaining a youthful appearance is important for our self-image, confidence, and even professional career and social engagement. We want to look and feel our best and finding effective solutions can make a significant difference in our daily lives. Thankfully, a wide host of non-surgical treatments are available to us to reduce or eliminate visible aging signs.
In addition to pursuing professional treatment to look younger, several life habits can support our skin health such as:
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Wearing sunscreen every day
- Engaging in physical activity most days of the week
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
Seeking professional advice can help you find the solutions that meet your specific needs and goals, and help you improve your daily beauty regimen to maintain healthy skin between in-office treatments.
Work with a Licensed Professional for Personalized Solutions
Doing your research on what skin care products to use and what at-home treatment kits may improve your appearance can help you learn about your options. However, nothing can replace professional advice from a licensed aesthetician, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist. With years of training and experience, they can conduct a thorough examination of your skin, review your medical history, and discuss your lifestyle habits and goals to tailor a treatment plan to your specific situation.
A skin care professional will evaluate:
- Your skin type
- Your primary skin concern(s)
- Which treatment(s) you are a good candidate for
- Discuss alternatives if something you had in mind is not a good fit for you
- Determine how many sessions you need for your initial treatment
- Determine how often you should get maintenance treatments to enjoy your results in the long term
They can also recommend specific products to optimize your skin care routine to support beautiful and healthy skin. Skin professionals can modify your treatment plan if necessary to ensure that you get the results you want.
Botox and Other Neurotoxins
Botox has been a popular anti-aging solution for decades thanks to its convenience and beautiful results. Other neurotoxin injectables such as Dysport or Xeomin are also available. The botulism toxin these FDA-approved products contain reduces specific facial muscles to visibly reduce moderate to severe wrinkles and create smoother skin.
Neurotoxin injectables can treat:
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Smile lines
There is no downtime after Botox injections, although you may need to wait a week to see the full effects. You can expect your results to last three to six months. The more injections you have received, the longer your results are likely to last.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are another convenient solution that offers beautiful and natural-looking results. This component is present in the human body which makes negative side effects very unlikely. The injections are safe and non-invasive.
Dermal fillers that are hyaluronic acid-based include:
- Juvéderm
- Radiesse
- Restylane
- Belotero
They can restore volume and definition to your features, minimize wrinkles and fine lines, boost your body’s natural production of collagen, increase your skin elasticity, and improve the appearance of scars. Your provider can recommend hyaluronic acid fillers for a variety of areas, including around the eyes, cheeks, jawline, and lips.
Depending on the area you need treatment for and the type of hyaluronic acid fillers your aesthetician uses, you can enjoy your results for between six months to over a year.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP leverages your body’s own plasma to create lasting anti-aging effects. Your medical professional safely draws blood to isolate the plasma cells to reinject them in specific areas. It stimulates your natural healing abilities to generate new and healthier skin cells.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy offers the following benefits:
- Plump your skin
- Stimulates your body’s natural collagen production
- Reduce the appearance of acne and other scars
- Minimize discoloration and treat hyperpigmentation
- Can be used as an individual treatment or in combination with other cosmetic solutions
This type of non-surgical solution can also help restore hair growth and volume. Your provider will determine how many initial and maintenance treatments your need depending on what areas PRP therapy addresses.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are popular professional skin care options thanks to their versatility. From acne scars to dull skin, they can improve the look and texture of your skin, including if you are looking for anti-aging treatments. This type of chemical exfoliation can treat the face, neck, and hands.
During a chemical peel, your provider applies an acidic substance on your skin that safely removes the outer layers of your skin to boost the growth of new skin cells. This results in smoother and healthier skin for a youthful glow.
This type of treatment comes in various depths and the side effects depend on the intensity your provider uses. Make sure to follow their aftercare guidelines to maximize your results.
Microneedling
If you are looking for an exfoliating solution that encourages your body’s production of collagen, you may consider microneedling. It can treat a wide range of dermatological concerns including sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Microneedling works by creating controlled tiny wounds that stimulate your body’s natural healing capacities. Your skin reveals younger cells for a smoother and tighter appearance. You usually need multiple sessions, and your results gradually build on those from the previous treatment until you reach the appearance you desire.
Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is another effective non-surgical anti-aging solution that can use various types of fractional laser intensity depending on your specific needs and goals. You can expect long-lasting results for up to two years or more if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment can help with:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Sun damages
- Discoloration
- Surface scarring
You may experience some mild pain, redness, or peeling on the treated area, although those side effects go away on their own within a few days. Your provider may recommend multiple sessions over several weeks to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses tiny particles to safely remove the top layer of your skin to boost skin cell renewal. Although the procedure is not painful, you may experience some discomfort. Your skin will heal fast and without necessary downtime.
Its results generally only last a few days, so depending on your goal, this may not be a treatment that meets your needs. Microdermabrasion applies to all skin types and can be an effective anti-aging solution especially if you are looking for quick results for a special event.
What About Plastic Surgery?
If you are interested in plastic surgery as an anti-aging solution, you should consult a board-certified surgeon to ensure high-quality results and safe procedures. From a brow lift to a face lift, a plastic surgeon can offer personalized suggestions.
Although surgery is more expensive and requires significant recovery time, the results are often permanent if you maintain healthy habits. Depending on your needs, you may also combine both surgical and non-surgical options to achieve your aesthetic goals.
If you are considering professional anti-aging solutions, call West Coast Plastic Surgery Center today at (805) 978-8545 or use our online form to schedule a consultation in Oxnard, CA!