Most women tend to compare themselves with other women around them, so how they look certainly reflect on their confidence levels and self esteem. Do not worry, Cosmetic treatments have advanced so much in the recent years that looking 10 years younger is a piece of cake.
Harvard University researcher’s have even found a way to reverse aging by promoting cell repair at a cellular level. Although the research is far from complete, It would be wonderful if this study succeeds.
Let’s get to today’s topic now, shall we? This article should give you a basic idea of various cosmetic treatments and when each treatment should be preferred over the others.
How To Prevent Premature Ageing?
Premature ageing can be caused by various factors but with a proper health and skincare routine, it can certainly be prevented.
First, we will look into what a correct skincare routine looks like.
SKINCARE
Follow a cleanse, tone, moisturise routine religiously.
Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise following the layering method.
Exfoliate twice a week.
Introduce an antioxidants like, vitamin C to prevent free radical damage.
Always use broad spectrum sunscreen of spf 30+++ or above.
Use anti aging night creams with retinol or peptides to boost collagen production.
Remove makeup completely before going to bed.
Avoid making the same facial movements that results in forehead wrinkles, crows feet and laugh lines.
Pamper your skin once a month with spa/facials.
LIFESTYLE
Follow a proper diet with proteins, carbs and also, add lots of colourful and dark green veggies.
Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day. It is important to hydrate from within.
Stress hormones accelerates aging so include meditation/yoga/ music to keep your mind calm, stable and happy.
Quit smoking and skip alcohol.
Cut down sugar and high carb intake.
Sleep on time and for at least 7-8 hours. Give the body time to repair itself.
Moderate exercise for 30 minutes.
Exercise could be anything your enjoy doing like, brisk walking, yoga, dancing or Pilates along with weight training twice a week.
Even if we follow all these, we all age but, we can slow it down and age gracefully.
ANTI AGEING CREAMS
Cosmetic treatments include various topical creams that help revitalise your skin.
Anti aging creams work by stimulating the production of collagen and thus, prevents the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
These creams when used consistently reduces wrinkles and leaves your skin youthful and plump.
But, remember once you stop using these anti aging creams, the effect start to slowing fade too. So you have to keep using products like retinol for as long as you can.
Use a sunscreen to protect this skin as it is more sensitive.
These creams are dermatology recommended and hence, they definitely show results.
RETINOL
- Anti aging skin care cream that can be used for those above 25
This Vitamin A is the only ingredient proven to minimize existing fine lines and wrinkles. They come in various strength.
It is always better to start with the lowest dose twice a week as it might cause irritation to some. Gradually you can use it daily.
Retinoids should be used as part of night routine because of its sensitivity to light. Make sure not to use any other harsh ingredients with it.
It’s better to stick to a gentle cleanser and fragrance free moisturizer in the beginning.
Retin-A and Renova are such prescription creams available.
Retinol Creams Available For Every Skin Type
This post contains both dermatologist recommended products and Over the counter creams.
PEPTIDE CREAMS
- Anti aging skin care ingredient that can be used for those above 25
This is almost on the same level as retinoids in its efficiency in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
They come in various forms like Copper peptides and Euro peptides, they all stimulate the production of collagen.
When used for three to six months, you can see a noticeable difference in your skin tone and texture.
ANTIAGING TREATMENTS
If you have followed a proper lifestyle and skincare routine, you would probably be able to keep wrinkles at bay until you are in your 50’s.
Since we all age and there is nothing we can do about it, we should focus on aging gracefully.
Cosmetic treatments help deal with most annoying and stubborn skin concerns. They are guaranteed to provide results within the time frame.
The below six treatments are widely used to reduce lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
ULTHERAPY
This treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin.
Ultherapy is effective to reduce mild to moderate sagging skin and wrinkles.
The whole procedure takes anywhere between 30-90 minutes.
Just like any other treatment, the area may become mildly uncomfortable due to redness and swelling.
These effects will subside within a few days post treatment.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion treatment uses a diamond tipped wand to sloughs of the outer layer of our skin. This helps with skin cell regeneration.
Although the name looks scary, Microdermabrasion is a fairly painless treatment and you can go home in a couple of hours.
Depending your skin concern, multiple sessions may be required.
There are even various salons that offer microdermabrasion treatment.
This type of skin rejuvenation treatment is used to treat light scarring, acne, rosacea, discoloration, sun damage and stretch marks.
CHEMICAL PEELS
In chemical peel treatment, a alpha hydroxy acid solution applied topically in a controlled manner which makes the skin to exfoliate and peel off.
The new skin underneath is less wrinkled and smoother, thus improving the appearance of the skin.
Chemical peels can be used on face, hands, neck. This treatment is widely used in treating acne.
The concentration of the AHA Peeling solution varies from mild superficial peels to deep peels.
Chemical although effective may cause reddening and peeling that may last a few weeks.
Do use skin repair and soothing creams or lotions to assist and promote healing.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING
In laser light resurfacing, a high intensity light is used to treat several skin issues like blotches, scars, wrinkles, warts, liver spots and blemishes.
There may be redness in the treated area for a couple of days.
- The effects lasts from 2-5 years.
Ablative lasers like CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG lasers may require sedatives.
Non-ablative lasers like pulsed-dye, ND: Yag, and Alexandrite lasers require only a numbing cream.
BOTOX
Botox is widely used as a temporary treatment for crows feet and frown lines.
They work by paralyzingly the tiny muscles thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
The results may last anywhere between 3-6 months.
FILLER INJECTIONS
This treatment uses hyaluronic acid injections to plump the skin thereby minimizing wrinkles.
Filler injections helps in plumping and lifting cheeks, chins, jawlines, and temples; fills thin lips, and plumps sagging hands.
There may be side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the site of the injection.
You should use sunscreen in order to preserve the filler. Note that not all wrinkle fillers are not suitable for everyone.
COSMETIC SURGERY
This surgery is done endoscopically thereby minimizing the incision.
It helps in lifting the skin on your face, neck, forehead and eyelids. Cosmetic treatments is certainly on the expensive side.
- The effects are more on the permanent side.
Taking care of your skin post treatments is important to keep the effects long lasting.
Return to your normal routine after 48 hours or as your doctor recommends.
POST TREATMENT SKINCARE
Cosmetic treatments require you to follow certain rules to make sure you get the maximum benefit. It also make sure proper healing.
Make sure you’re using mild, hypoallergenic products.
Don’t skip cleansing and moisturizing.
It is best to avoid the direct sun, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen when you are going out.
Cover up from sunlight to prevent pigmentation.
Don’t pick your facial skin no matter how itchy.
Don’t touch your face unnecessarily.
Maintain proper diet and hydrate yourself.
In case of swelling from any procedures, keep your head above heart level while sleeping.
Use mineral makeup as it’s gentler on the skin.
Remove all makeup and double cleanse before going to bed.
