Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation includes a huge variety of products and procedures. There are several options available to you. What you choose will depend on whether you want to treat your skin yourself or rely on a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Skin aging is a natural process that actually begins during the mid-twenties, although it may not be visible until decades later. There are two different kinds of aging. Intrinsic aging is caused internally by genetics. Take a look at your mother or your grandmother and you will get an idea of how your skin may age. Signs of intrinsic aging include fine wrinkles, and thin, sagging or dry skin.

Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors such as sun exposure and smoking. Sun exposure, also called photo aging, causes freckles, age spots and leathery skin. Repeated sun exposure breaks down the collagen in your skin. It also prevents your body from producing new collagen, which is a necessary component for elasticity in your skin.

For many women, slowing or reversing the aging process is important. Many wonder what they can do and where they should start. Here are a few options that you can try.

The anti-aging skin care industry is quickly churning out products in response to the near-universal desire to achieve a youthful complexion. To begin, you will want to try topical treatments. Follow the directions carefully to avoid skin irritation.

• Alpha hydroxy acid is a well known chemical exfoliant. It is available at your dermatologist as a chemical peel, and as a less potent formulation over the counter. Alpha hydroxy acid is actually derived from fruit and milk sugars, but it can cause skin irritation. For best results, pick a product with 8% to 15% alpha hydroxy acid. One to try is the 10% AHA Luxiva AHA Intensive Complex from Merle Norman Cosmetics.

• Trentinoin triggers the production of collagen and elastin while also inhibiting their breakdown, making the skin plump and supple. Better known as Retin A or Renova, this product has also been shown to reduce fine wrinkles. Available with a prescription, it may take up to six months to see a difference.

• Microdermabrasion basically polishes your skin and removes the dead outer layer of skin cells. This procedure has become popular for its effectiveness in reducing fine wrinkles and age spots. Your dermatologist can perform this procedure in his office or you can purchase over the counter products like Mary Kay's TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set. Another product to try is Oil of Olay's Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System.

You may find that topical applications are not enough to battle wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can advise you on several procedures that will give you the results you are looking for.

• Botox injections cause paralysis in the muscles that cause wrinkles. It may take a few days to notice the results of your treatment, but those results last for up to four months.

• Collagen-based fillers are a common technique for skin rejuvenation. Used to plump up the lines and creases in your face, collagen injections can lead to a more youthful appearance. Collagen fillers go by the trade names Zyderm and Zyplast.

• Hyaluronic Acid-based wrinkle fillers are increasing in popularity because they work better, last longer and require less filler than the collagen technique. They work because they hold in water to improve your skin's texture. Results are seen after one injection and typically last several months. HA injections are used for frown lines, worry lines and other deep lines in your face. HA goes by the brand names Hylaform, Restylane and relative newcomer Juvederm.

• Laser Resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, is accomplished by using a CO2 laser to vaporize wrinkled skin one layer at a time. As the skin heals, renewed cells form, resulting in a younger looking face. You may need multiple treatments to get the result that you are looking for, and the redness from the treatment can last up to several months. It may be a preferred method because it produces less bleeding and post-operative discomfort than other resurfacing techniques, but it is best to consult a licensed doctor to determine what is best for you.

With a myriad of products and procedures out there, it can be difficult to know which way to go. Having a consultation with your doctor is a good first step. Together you can put together a plan to get you on the road to skin rejuvenation.

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