Skin Resurfacing

 

 

Skin resurfacing is most often performed as part of an anti aging skin care regimen or to repair skin that has been damaged by sun or other skin problems. Many resurfacing systems are available most of which involve the use of chemicals, lasers and focused light to remove the layers of the skin that have been damaged.

 

These procedures are also used on droopy skin and hair reduction. Below are the most commonly used methods of skin resurfacing along with brief explanations as to what you can expect when you elect to have them done.

 

Laser Resurfacing - resurfacing the skin using laser treatment (also known as laser peels) involves applying laser light over the areas to be treated which results in a mild burn. This skin then proceeds to blister and eventually fall off allowing more pristine new skin to take its place.

 

Fraxel skin resurfacing uses the Fraxel Laser to treat localized areas of the skin and creates tiny columns in skin layers and dissolves excess pigmentation or other impurities. Skin treatments involving lasers may take repeated sessions to achieve the desired affect and most have some recuperation time involved. These treatments should be performed by a practitioner licensed in cosmetic laser dermatology.

 

Chemical Peels - this approach to skin resurfacing involves the use of chemicals which penetrate the skin resulting in a burn. The most often used solutions are Alpa-hydroxy Acids and Phenol. Chemical peels can be applied at different depths depending on the condition of the skin being treated. AHA is generally more superficial with Phenol affecting deep into the layers of the skin. Skin moisturization should be maintained following chemical skin resurfacing.

 

Photofacial Rejuvenation - this resurfacing approach is aimed at treating everything from redness to age spots to veins and mild acne scars. Pulses of intense light are directed at the problem areas on the skin which stimulate the production of collagen which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and the redness associated with skin diseases. Hyperpigmenation or age spots can also be dramatically reduced. Skin rejuvenation using this technique is often painless and requires very limited recuperation. Multiple treatments however will likely be needed to sufficiently correct skin problems.

 

Botox Injections - injecting botulinum toxin into the skin is often used to treat areas where wrinkles have appeared due to repetitive facial movements. This reduces the activity of the muscles in these areas and as a result, the skin may appear less wrinkled. People who have this procedure will experience reduced facial movement when speaking, blinking and other expressions depending on the degree of treatment.

 

Sunscreen

 

Following any of the above treatments, it is highly recommended that skin resurfacing patients use sunscreen to protect the newly treated skin from UV rays. This can help reduce the chance of infection and skin irritation. As a general rule, sunscreen should be a core element in any skin care regimen, especially for aging and acne skin care.

 

The sun is the single cause of most damage to the skin. By remembering to protect your skin with an SPF (skin protection factor) of at least 15, you can go a long way in reducing the visible effects of skin aging.

 

Natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids found in fruit juices and plant sources can act as natural exfoliants and assist in removing the outermost layers of the skin which are damaged and blemished. Mixing them with yogurt to make a paste and applying to the face for 20 mins is recommended.