Regardless of the saying, reversing time is not an option, but fading the signs of aging such as wrinkles through non-surgical methods is definitely feasible. When it comes down to it, time and age can be relentless on our skin. The effects of exposure to sunlight over a long period of time manifest as fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Once you've hit your 60s or 70s, it might seem like most of the damage has been done — but rest assured, this does not spell the end.
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As Dr. Kenneth Arndt, clinical professor of dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center points out, "A multitude of strategies exist to combat the changes brought on by time, aging, and sunlight." The key is to protect your skin from further harm, achieved by avoiding excessive sun exposure. Using a minimum of SPF30 sunscreen, wearing UV-protective attire, donning wraparound sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, and ears are all effective methods.
Targeting Time: The Age reversals
According to Dr. Arndt, there are several non-surgical cosmetic techniques that he recommends for addressing existing wrinkles and age spots on your skin.
Plump and Smooth
Dr. Arndt routinely uses dermal fillers and neuromodulators to rejuvenate the skin of his patients.
- Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) are injected to relax those muscles that contribute to the appearance of wrinkles when you express yourself through smiles, frowns or laughs. Dr. Arndt says, “These products effectively, reliably, and safely reduce forehead lines, frown lines, and sometimes even crow’s feet. Almost every patient walks away happy with the outcome."
- Dermal Fillers are used to restore volume to sagging skin areas, in a procedure that's commonly referred to as 'liquid facelifts'. These injections deliver the benefits of a more youthful-looking persona minus the downtime and potential problems associated with traditional cosmetic surgery. The areas affected by smile lines, or the lines running from the sides of your nose down to your mouth, are noticeably softened, adding a rejuvenated glow to your skin.
When the two treatments are combined, neuromodulators help to reduce frown lines while fillers enhance the fullness of the lower face, cheeks, chin, and smile lines. Combining these two methods amplifies and extends their effects. According to Dr. Arndt, both techniques are safe and have minimal side effects. Botox and similar injections might cause a slight bruise or a faint heaviness of the brow at the point of injection, but these effects are purely temporary. Fillers may also cause minor, temporary bruising. It's essential to remember that the outcomes of these treatments are temporary. To maintain results, you will have to return for additional sessions—Botox two or three times per year, and fillers once or twice per year.
As for skin discoloration issues such as freckles, age spots, and liver spots, Dr. Arndt recommends laser resurfacing or pulsed light therapy as a way to rejuvenate the skin.
Fractional laser resurfacing directs tiny beams of intense light at the skin to smooth and tighten the surface, while encouraging the production of collagen—the protein that provides elasticity to the skin. As fractional laser resurfacing focuses on only fractions of the larger areas treated at once, redness is reduced and healing is quick, however, there may be some temporary itching and swelling in the treated area.
Pulsed light therapy exposes the skin to intense broadband light wavelengths, contrasting the specific wavelength emission of lasers. This treatment also stimulates collagen production, aiding in the rejuvenation process. The tone should always be friendly and comforting for patients considering these procedures.
Microdermabrasion for the skin
Microdermabrasion is a unique skincare treatment that uses tiny exfoliating crystals to buff away the top layer of your skin, subsequently revealing a smoother surface beneath. Dr. Arndt points out that while microdermabrasion differs from chemical peels in its method, the results they yield are rather similar. This treatment typically costs around $100.
There's also something called Mild Laser Resurfacing (Clear + Brilliant).Think of it as a gentle version of fractional laser resurfacing. This technique focuses on smaller skin areas with less intense beams, meaning you'll experience less downtime and discomfort than with traditional laser resurfacing sessions. The cost for this ranges between $200 and $500, depending on the area of your skin being treated.
Now, you may be wondering where to get these services done. Both dermatologists and “medspas,” which are non-medical facilities offering a variety of cosmetic services, usually provide such treatments. While well-trained estheticians can perform these procedures, Dr. Arndt cautions to be mindful of who does your treatments in some spas and similar offices, as it could become risky when performed by individuals lacking proper training.
In light of a study from JAMA Dermatology published in October, it was discovered that the rate of lawsuits from skin laser surgeries conducted by non-physicians more than doubled from 2008 to 2011. This finding raises questions about the safety of some medspas. So if you do opt to see an esthetician over a dermatologist, always ensure that they're licensed in your state and have certification from the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations (NCEA). Your wellbeing should never be compromised! Stay safe and choose wisely.
More Affordable Alternatives
The remedies mentioned above have a reputation for being expensive. Botox injections can set you back between $300 and $700 per session and the cost of fractional laser resurfacing can surpass $1,000. If you can't or don't want to dedicate that much of your budget to these treatments, here are some cheaper alternatives:
Chemical peels are one such option. They employ chemicals like glycolic acid to peel away the outer damaged layer of your skin. As Dr. Arndt explains, "these are relatively gentle treatments that are great for refreshing your skin, leaving it just slightly pink and glossy." Moreover, a glycolic acid peel might only cost you as little as $80. However, bear in mind that to maintain the effect, you'll need to have these peels done every few weeks or months.