A Skin Treatment Comparison

As one of the largest organs of the body and also the most directly exposed to the outside world, the skin shows age and environmentally-related changes visibly over time.

The rate at which the skin ages is affected by genetics, UV light exposure, nutrition, habits, and other environmental factors.There are many skin treatments on the market today to help combat the aging process, including collagens, hyaluronic acid, lasers, peels, and dermabrasions. Here we will discuss the differences between these skin treatments offered by spas in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other high-profile areas of the country.

Collagen Fillers

Collagen fillers are made up of insoluble bovine or human collagen proteins. Fillers have minor side effects such as swelling and bruising, and usually require additional treatments every 3-6 months.

Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

Found in all connective tissues, this acid helps provide the framework on which collagen builds. These treatments generally last longer than collagen and are often used to remedy deep facial lines.

Autologous Fat

Autologous fat has been used to help bring back a youthful look to the face, as fat deposits dissipate over time.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin. Often rejuvenating sun-damaged skin and brightening the skin, these peels are not as effective as other treatments for severely wrinkled skin.

Dermabrasion

This procedure sands down the outer layer of skin and yields similar results to chemical peels. Microdermabrasion is a more popular version of this treatment that has less downtime than conventional dermabrasion.

Skin Tighteners

Skin tighteners heat the deeper layers of the skin, tightening it and shrinking oil glands. This treatment is often considered a non-surgical alternative to a face lift.

Photo Facials

Photo facials such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) target pigmentation in the skin. Wavelengths destroy unwanted pigments and blood vessels. This can reduce unwanted redness and improve overall skin texture.

Laser Treatments

Short for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation, laser skin treatment is a popular type of acne treatment and is very successful for lessening deep acne scars, sun spots, and other deep blemishes. Lasers are commonly used in skin rejuvenation procedures, tattoo removal, hair removal, and other skin improvements.

Two of the most common dermatological lasers are the pulsed carbon dioxide laser and the erbium laser.

· The pulsed carbon dioxide laser is a high energy laser that stimulates new growth by eliminating the top layer of skin. Used to eliminate wrinkles and acne scars, the effects of this laser can last up to two years. A more modern update on this treatment is the Fraxel laser that focuses the laser on small skin cell patterns instead of the entire skin surface.

· The erbium laser is gentler and less penetrative. This laser reduces small to moderate wrinkles, surface scars, and skin discoloration.

Although decreased sun exposure, moisturizing, and other interventions can slow down the aging process, it is often not enough to protect the skin against more permanent signs of damage. Skin treatments remedy a broad range of issues, from simple broken blood vessels to deep acne scars. The variety of skin treatments available cater to the broad range of skin conditions, most with minimal complications and downtime.