Even though skin ageing can’t be reversed, its effects can be physically hidden.
From facials to fillers, there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical remedies available that have been proven to successfully reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines.
And the good news is that you don’t have to wait until you're 40+ to try them! Facials, in particular, can be used as a preventative measure by people in their 20s and 30s.
Intrigued? Read on for the treatments and procedures that can provide you beautiful, youthful-looking skin in hardly any time at all.
1. Facials
Firstly, anti-ageing facials are extremely popular as they can be personalised according to your skin type and specific issues.
The key difference from a regular facial is the topical agents used, such as:
- Collagen masks, which give your skin a thicker, plumper appearance and increase its elasticity
- Special serums, which contain antioxidants like vitamin C or ingredients like hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and hydrate the skin
The result? Healthy, nourished and rejuvenated skin, thus preventing or minimising fine lines, creases and wrinkles.
2. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is another anti-ageing facial that can also be classed as a cosmetic procedure.
Why? Well, it involves an acidic solution being applied to the face and left for some time.
The aim is to remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth. This then has the following benefits for your skin:
- Stimulates collagen
- Increases your hydration levels
- Evens the tone
And did you know that there are three types of peels: superficial, medium and deep?
Superficial and medium chemical peels are safe when they’re done correctly; however, they need to be repeated every six to 12 months to maximise the effects. Deeper peels, on the other hand, are considered riskier as they don’t need to be repeated.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that consists of using a textured metal wand to exfoliate your skin.
How does it work, you ask? Well, it scrapes up facial cells and vacuums them away to remove dry skin and congestion from trapped oil. It can also remedy the appearance of minimal sun damage to result in a smooth, purified complexion.
The effects usually last approximately two to three weeks.
4. Lasers
The micro-laser peel and fractional laser treatments are non-invasive procedures that resurface your complexion to make it smoother, tighter and more even.
Essentially, the light energy penetrates the skin’s collagen layer to restore collagen and elastin. This then eliminates hyperpigmentation and broken blood vessels.
That said, topical anaesthesia is typically recommended for deep lasering procedures as the pain can vary.
In terms of the results, some are visible within a week, but you may continue to see improvements for one to two months post-treatment.
5. Injectables
Finally, injectables are classed as surgical procedures that can instantly give your skin a fresher appearance.
The most common types are cosmetic fillers and Botox injections:
- Cosmetic fillers involve injecting your skin’s sallow areas and lines to restore the lost volume of collagen
- Botox injections feature purified toxins that prevent your muscles from contracting under the skin to eliminate wrinkles between the eyes, across the forehead and around the eyes
Botox can last up to four months, whereas, you’ll notice the effects of cosmetic fillers for six months to a year.
Maximising Other Anti-Ageing Methods
If you don’t like the idea of having a treatment, there are some other ways you can reduce the signs of skin ageing.
These include topical products that feature antioxidants and cell regulators, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and daily skincare.
Either way, always keep in mind that it’s usually a combination of anti-ageing treatments, procedures and methods that are the most effective. The only way to figure out what works for your skin is to experiment with different options.
Look out for the next blog post in the “anti-ageing” series, “Part 4: Simple Yet Effective Anti-Ageing Home Remedies,” coming very soon!
