While many anti-aging treatments such as wrinkle fillers and Botox focus on hiding the signs of aging, the most effective anti-aging treatments are designed to actively rejuvenate the skin, providing it with a better appearance, elasticity, firmness and moisture.

One exciting new medical spa treatment of this nature is called LED skin rejuvenation. This process uses light to encourage skin cells to multiple and produce collagen, which gives youthful skin its natural firmness. Unlike many popular laser treatments for more youthful skin, this process does not start by damaging the skin to promote growth. This makes the procedure safer than laser skin treatments and also reduces recovery time from any redness or swelling. While LED skin rejuvenation does require several treatments over a few weeks or months, it is pain free, unlike laser procedures.

Another light-based treatment and one that I’m currently trying out is the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, sometimes called a Photofacial or Fotofacial. This procedure works by encouraging the blood vessels under the skin to constrict, reducing lines, freckles/brown spots and facial redness. This is a great treatment for anti-aging concerns as well as hereditary skin discolorations and splotches. While there’s some discomfort involved and minor redness and swelling are a common side effect, these heal quickly. Freckles and brown spots are brought up to the surface and may appear as tiny pepper flakes or coffee grinds. These will fall off within a few days. A facial, which includes a mild microdermabrasion is recommended 10-12 days after the IPL to remove the last signs of the “pepper flakes”. A series of IPL photo-rejuvenation treatments is also available, which additionally stimulates collagen growth to promote the ongoing development of more youthful skin.

Thermage is another anti-aging procedure that also stimulates ongoing collagen development. This procedure uses radio waves to stimulate collagen growth through heat, and unlike many other procedures requires no healing time, because all the work on the skin is happening in the deep tissues and not on the surface.

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peels

While chemical peels and microdermabrasion both work to give you more attractive skin, understanding the difference between the two procedures may help you decide which is right for you.

To start, microdermabrasion is considered very light dermabrasion. Similarly, chemical peels are performed in various depths from the most superficial peel that requires very little downtime, if any at all, to the deepest peels that may require months to fully recover.

A major difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion is in the capabilities of the two procedures. Many turn to microdermabrasion to treat acne and to achieve smoother skin. Chemical peels are also used to treat acne and for facial rejuvenation. However, chemical peels may also treat wrinkles, fine lines and photoaging. While dermabrasion may be used to treat these conditions, microdermabrasion is generally used for minor rejuvenation.

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are both considered skin rejuvenation procedures, although one difference between the two is in how they are applied. Chemical peels utilize chemical solutions to produce a controlled damage to the skin. Different chemicals are used to produce different degrees of peels. Microdermabrasion propels micro aluminum oxide crystals at the skin to produce damage, although some newer treatments use a crystal-less technique.

Depending on the depth of the peel, several peels may be required to reach optimal results. In some cases, deep peels require just one session, while superficial peels may require several. Microdermabrasion requires several treatments as well.

The results of chemical peels typically last a few months or years. Repeat treatments are usually needed to maintain results, but patients should speak with a medical professional to determine how often maintenance is required. Microdermabrasion results usually last a few months before repeat treatments are required.

In terms of safety, microdermabrasion is considered a very safe treatment. Some patients experience redness in the face for a couple of hours after treatment, but this typically goes away on its own. Chemical peels are also considered safe, although very deep peels may require anesthesia and vital signs are monitored to avoid potential complications.

When considering anti-aging treatments, always be sure to ask whether the procedure you’re considering will merely improve the appearance of the skin or if it will help it to heal from the effects of age and damage from activities such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption and smoking. The best anti-aging treatments are those that do more than just change the skin’s appearance, but help it to heal and regenerate in order to maintain a more youthful tone.

It is important to remember that even these regenerative treatments must be re-administered periodically, as the battle against aging is an ongoing one that science is just beginning to catch up with. Additionally, while many of these rejuvenating treatments are billed as having minimal side-effects, all treatments carry some risk. Be sure to get informed before you decide on a procedure and discuss your medical history and reactions to any past anti-aging procedures you’ve had with your doctor.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Highly recommended product post IPL/Fotofacials and Microdermabrasions:

TNS Recovery Complex, containing the key ingredient NouriCel-MD®, rejuvenates sun damaged and aging skin. NouriCel-MD is an unparalleled physiologic combination of antioxidants and other elements that are found naturally in the skin-a uniquely formulated, anti aging skin care product.

• Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps to improve the appearance of age spots and dyspigmentation
• Reduces roughness and firms skin texture
• Improves skin texture and elasticity, and may help to reduce photodamage
• Serious/medical grade skin care and repair