Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 7 November 2022

Have you ever wondered how some people always have such perfect skin? While it could be genetics, it is more likely that skin rejuvenation is one of their well-kept secrets. Skin rejuvenation is a catch-all term for various cosmetic procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the skin. It can be performed on any area of the body but is most commonly done on the face, neck, and hands. Here's what you need to know.

There are a variety of different skin rejuvenation procedures available, each with its own set of benefits. Depending on your individual needs and goals, your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will be able to recommend the best procedure (or combination of procedures) for you. Some common procedures include:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a type of mechanical exfoliation. A small, handheld device is passed over the surface of the skin to buff away dead skin cells and reveal the healthier, younger cells beneath. This process stimulates collagen production and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, and enlarged pores. Microdermabrasion is often referred to as a 'lunchtime peel' because it requires no downtime and can be done in under an hour.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths.

Light peels are often used to treat surface-level concerns like sun damage, while deep peels are reserved for more severe concerns like deeper wrinkles or scars. Recovery time for a chemical peel depends on the strength of the peel and ranges from no recovery time at all for a light peel to several weeks for a deep peel.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a type of skin rejuvenation that uses concentrated pulses of light to improve the appearance of the skin. There are two types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser resurfacing removes layers of skin cells in order to promote collagen production and reveal healthy new tissue beneath. Non-ablative laser resurfacing, on the other hand, uses heat to stimulate collagen production without damaging the surface layer of the skin.

Injectables

Injectables are another popular option for people looking for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Common injectables include botulinum toxin (better known as Botox) and dermal fillers. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscle contractions, which helps to reduce or eliminate lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements, like frowning or squinting. Dermal fillers add volume to sunken areas or fill in lines and wrinkles. They can also be used to contour certain areas or create fuller lips.

There are many different types of skin rejuvenation treatments available. To determine which one is right for you, talk to your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about your concerns.