Anti-aging Treatments

Anti-aging treatments can take years off your skin's appearance. Microdermabrasion, Botox, injectable fillers, chemical peels and laser resurfacing can soften lines, diminish scars and even out pigmentation. Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on your age and what problem areas you want to address.

Microdermabrasion and mild chemical peels are anti-aging treatments that remove dead cells from the top layer of the epidermis. Microdermabrasion uses tiny mineral crystals which bombard the skin to break up dead cells. Chemical peels essentially burn the top layer of the skin, which then peels off like a sunburn. Chemical peels range in strength; the deeper peels require careful after care to prevent infection, and have a longer recovery time.

Injectable Anti-Aging Treatments

There are two types of injectable anti-aging treatments. Fillers are used to plump up deeper lines, such as those that run from the nose to the chin. Fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid are commonly used substances. Botox relaxes the muscles habitually contracted to create frown lines and crow's feet.

Laser resurfacing, like chemical peels, burns off damaged skin. When it heals, the new skin underneath looks fresher and healthier. It also reduces wrinkles, scars and uneven pigmentation. Deep peels and laser resurfacing require a recovery period and aftercare to prevent infection. All treatments that remove the top layers of the epidermis leave the skin particularly sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to use a good sunblock.