
For those who desire to improve their appearance, facelifts and other
skin treatments has always been the way to go to attain an improved
image and renewed self-confidence. Traditionally, this has always
been accomplished through procedures such as facelifts and chemical
peels. There are other procedures that exist due to the diligence of
scientists who have poured time and effort to improve knowledge on
the skin and its treatment.
Today’s modern technology makes possible many new breakthroughs
in skin care and skin treatment. Skin care nowadays is no longer
limited to facials and surgical procedures.
Here are some of the latest and not-so-latest advances in the science
of skin.
Obagi Nu-Derm
Obagi is a new system that rejuvenates skin health from the cells. It
helps maintain a healthy glow and the appearance of soft, smooth,
radiant, and younger looking skin. The treatment is easy and can be
done at home. It transforms dry, damaged, and course skin into
fresher looking skin in as little as six weeks – which is about the same
time it takes for new skin to emerge.
The genius of Obagi is that it deals more with skin health rather than
skin beautification – more like making the road stronger and smoother
rather than just plastering the cracks with filler.
This treatment is usually performed in conjunction with the Obagi Blue
Peel treatment.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a mild chemical peel that allows for the removal
of damaged layers of the skin. After a week or so, this area will be
replaced by a new layer of skin which will be smoother and will have
smaller pores.
Theraderm®
This treatment uses a lactic acid peel to improve the skin’s
appearance. It is used to treat discoloration, and damage due to the
sun’s harmful rays. Theraderm is appealing due to the fact that it is
recommended for skin of all types and age. In as little as six weeks,
this treatment can result in smooth skin with a more uniform tone.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use solutions that will smoothen and improve skin
texture and appearance. It does so by stripping away the damaged
outer layers of the skin. By doing so, chemical peels can lessen, and in
some cases, even eliminate blemishes, hyperpigmentation (or
discoloration and darkening.) and wrinkles. They are even known to
reduce acne scars and the occurrence of acne.
There are many kinds of chemical peels; you may choose one
according to your needs and circumstance. The available chemical
peels are divided into three categories: Phenol, trichloroacetic acid
(TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHA). Each of these categories differs
in use, potency and inconvenience. Your dermatologist will help you
decide which one is right for you.
BOTOX®
Botox is the cosmetic treatment of choice for most of today’s beauty
conscious individuals. Due to its incessant popularity, plastic surgery
and other ‘bloody’ treatments available are steadily being out hustled
by botox.
Restylane
Restylane smoothes wrinkles, and helps shape and sculpt lips and
facial features. The treatment involves the use of a clear gel of
hyaluronic acid. This substance is hypoallergenic and remains in the
skin for months.
Collagen
Collagen injections plump up skin tissue, causing it to look healthier
and firmer. This is usually performed in cases where there is sagging
and loss of firmness in the skin. Results will last for a few months.
This treatment is usually recommended for the lips and other areas of
the face that are desired to look fuller, smoother, and firmer.
Light Procedures
The CO2 Laser targets fine lines, scars and wrinkles and makes
dramatic correction on these areas that are not possible with chemical
peels. With powerful bursts of laser light, the treatment achieves this
result with less reddening and irritation than other peels.
Technology is constantly creating methods to produce skin care
treatments that are constantly getting safer, more effective and more
dramatic. The above-mentioned treatments are the best today’s
technology offers and give many people the opportunity to improve
their image the safe and effective way today.
Resources
American Academy of Dermatology
1350 I St. NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20005-4355
(202) 842-3555
(202) 842-4355 Fax
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/linkwarning/linkwarning.cfm?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaad%2Eorg%2F
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
5550 Meadowbrook Dr. Suite 120
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 847-956-0900
Fax 847-956-0999
American Association of Plastic Surgeons
900 Cummings Center Suite 221-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: 978-927-8330
Fax: 978-524-8890





