A healthy lifestyle is an ideal way to prevent wrinkles and age spots. However, many professional spas offer anti-aging treatments that claim to fight these symptoms of aging through various procedures. These five types of spa treatments are the most popular anti-aging techniques employed at spas today. Here we present five common anti-aging procedures and what makes them different:
1) Chemical peels
Chemical peels are usually used during a facial to exfoliate your skin and reveal new, smoother layers underneath that lack sun damage or scars. That is achieved through applying a chemical solution (such as glycolic acid) which causes the top layer of cells to die and shed away from the fresh layer beneath; a process called exfoliation. It also stimulates collagen production, increases cell turnover rate, and helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
2) Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a deeper treatment that gently removes the top layer of skin, revealing a new, smoother surface. This process uses lasers to heat your skin's dermis (the second deepest layer), which destroys the damaged cells while triggering collagen production in an attempt to regenerate healthier skin cells. It has been shown that increased melanin production occurs after this treatment, making you more vulnerable to UV rays from tanning booths or sunlight, causing hyperpigmentation (which results in dark spots). Post-treatment care is important to avoid sun exposure after laser resurfacing.
3) Botox
Botox is a neuromuscular blocking agent used as an injectable to temporarily paralyze the muscles in facial areas, such as between your eyebrows or around your mouth, where wrinkles form. The wrinkle will still be there, but it'll be filled with a smooth muscle that won't give you any lines. Botox treatment is suitable for those with a few wrinkle choices they would like to get rid of. It can also prevent new wrinkles from forming by preventing certain facial movements that contribute to fine lines. It's important to note that Botox only lasts up to six months, so you'll need regular treatments if you want these effects to stay put over time.
4) Microdermabrasion
It is a process that provides skin rejuvenation through an exfoliating vacuum to remove the outermost layer of skin. With this procedure, your face will be free of fine lines and wrinkles, and your complexion will be clear and glowing. It is important to note that microdermabrasion can only give you temporary results, so to maintain the appearance, you should go more than once.
5) Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)
It is platelet-rich plasma therapy, where blood is drawn from your arm before being spun in a centrifuge process to separate varied components in the blood; one of which being platelets that are then injected into your face when needed (such as when you have areas of need on your face). Platelets contain growth factors responsible for stimulating collagen production, increasing keratinocytes (the main cell in the epidermis), and triggering the formation of new blood vessels.
Anti-aging treatments are the staple of most spa menus, and their popularity shows no signs of stopping. There's a procedure for every skin type and concern, so having some knowledge when it comes to these treatments will help you choose the best treatment for your specific needs.