5 Facial Rejuvenation Strategies You Can Start Now
There’s no shortage of facial rejuvenation strategies to help prevent and reverse the early signs of aging. Waiting until wrinkles are deeper, pigment is darker, or skin is sagging might mean spending more money and doing more invasive treatments later. The time to start facial rejuvenation for most of us may be right now! Here are five approaches you can start today and thank yourself down the line!
#1. Botulinum Toxin (“Tox”)
You might be thinking: “Do I need Tox?” Or you may be uncertain if injections are the right way to go. Tox and other injectables designed to relax the facial muscles are great for the prevention of wrinkles as well as very effective for treating existing ones. Believe it or not, these toxins have been used safely for over 50 years for various indications; the first was FDA approved in 1989 for crossed eyes and eyelid spasms. They became well-established for cosmetic use shortly after this, offering patients one of the safest and most effective methods for battling facial wrinkles.
Another misconception about tox is that it will make your face appear frozen or unnatural. While overuse can result in immovable or frozen muscles, such as those in the forehead, this is not typically a problem with an experienced injector. It is designed to reduce movement and results in a natural appearance with wrinkles that are less noticeable when injected properly.
Very few complications occur from tox and the ones that do often result from inexperienced injectors. When this happens, the effects will eventually wear off, fortunately. However, going to a provider experienced in injection techniques, like Dr. Boger, is a must to avoid potential disappointment. Tox must be repeated every 3-6 months to have a consistent effect; the duration varies based on a number of factors including muscle strength, the amount injected, and the patient’s own metabolism. Regular injections can give longer lasting results. In any case, your skin will thank you in the long run!
#2. SUNSCREEN & MOISTURIZER
Daily application of sunscreen and moisturizer is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to rejuvenate your skin. This is because actively blocking UV radiation prevents the sun’s harmful effects, including a breakdown of collagen and elastin. Photodamage to the face causes these vital compounds to thin out, resulting in sagging and loose skin. UV damage also causes pigmentary issues. Hyperpigmentation in the form of lentigos and seborrheic keratosis are just a few unsightly results of UV damage.
Moisturizer is as important as sunscreen, and choosing a high-quality daily facial moisturizer that does not contain unnecessary fragrances or additives is vital to maintaining a youthful appearance. The barrier of our skin – the stratum corneum – protects the underlying skin layers from moisture loss. This barrier layer is usually thinner on our facial skin and neck, meaning we must constantly hydrate and protect these more delicate areas. Remember to include the neck when moisturizing and applying sunscreens – a common oversight that can lead to early and obvious signs of aging.
#3. RETINOIDS
Retinoids, including retinol, have been used for over 50 years to improve the appearance of facial skin. They are tried and true for skin rejuvenation. Retinoids promote the skin cells to turn over quickly, offering a wide range of benefits, including reducing acne and blackheads formation and boosting collagen production. Retinoids can also help smooth the skin’s surface, making texture and color more even. They come in a dizzying number of formulations-everything from over-the-counter options to ultra-strong prescription strength. Retinoids are even available as oral formulations – a potent Vitamin-A derivative — which you may have heard referred to as Accutane. While the primary uses for oral formulations are to address more severe acne, lower doses are sometimes prescribed off-label for cosmetic skin rejuvenation. Of course, these more robust oral formulations come with more precautions and potential side effects than topical options.
#4. HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a must for facial rejuvenation and can even be used as a moisturizer for your entire body! Our bodies make hyaluronic acid in our skin, eyes, and joints. It attracts water, allowing it to swell and provide structural support for the skin. HA can be found in many skin care products and is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to most patients. You do not need a dermatologist, a prescription, or a specialist to use a high-quality topically applied hyaluronic acid product! Rather, a quick stop at any major drugstore or retailer will have a wide range of great products available. Of course, if a topical formulation is suitable for skin rejuvenation, it stands to reason that an injectable may provide even greater benefits with the potential for significantly more correction of volume loss.
Hyaluronic acid is also the main ingredient in most facial fillers – and is a safe and popular approach to both decreasing wrinkles and adding volume to the skin simultaneously. Specialist injectors like Dr. Boger have specific techniques and appropriate training to inject correctly. On the other hand, when overused, fillers can cause a puffy appearance – known as pillow face. When used in the right amounts and locations, hyaluronic acid fillers are a great option to provide a naturally youthful appearance and rejuvenate saggy, tired skin.
As with any treatment, recommendations, risks, and benefits are reviewed in consultation with the patient so an informed decision can be made.
#5. LASER THERAPY/IPL
Eventually, it’ll be time for more aggressive options for skin rejuvenation. Even if you are looking at starting advanced prevention strategies or a maintenance approach geared at anti-aging, laser therapies can provide different solutions for different skin care needs. While some lasers are more invasive and remodel the skin down to the deep dermal layers, others can provide stimulation of collagen and break apart pigment deposits. There is a laser for nearly any skin issue imaginable. With more options available on the market, it is of utmost importance to visit a well-versed and knowledgeable provider regarding all the different options.
If your goal is to reduce pigment, this will require a different light-based treatment than one for treating wrinkles and skin rejuvenation. Some lasers have different settings which specifically focus on reducing pigmentation, typically brown and red areas (such as small blood vessels). Still, it might be that a different technology or wavelength must be used depending on what your specific skin care requires. Some lasers might need multiple sessions to see results, while others can be effective with one session, but also might mean more downtime in exchange. Lasers are typically more expensive than other options but can provide dramatic skin rejuvenation and appearance improvement if used appropriately.
To learn more about your facial skincare options, we encourage you to visit our office for a consultation with Dr. Boger and/or treatments with our aesthetician, Anna.