Aesthetic Skin Care
Aesthetic treatments are non-invasive beauty services that aim to improve a patient’s skin health. They can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, 11 lines and more.
Aesthetic treatments are performed by estheticians. Although estheticians are sometimes seen in medical practices, they can only perform cosmetic skin care. Any invasive procedures should be left to licensed dermatologists.
1. Botox
The most well-known of all injectable treatments, Botox is a popular cosmetic procedure that relaxes muscle movements and reduces wrinkles. The FDA-approved treatment uses a protein made from the botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It prevents the release of a chemical called acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells, which stops muscle movement. In small doses, it is safe to use for both cosmetic and medical purposes.
Cosmetically, it smooths forehead creases, drooping aesthetic skin care eyelids, and crow’s feet, making the face appear younger. Medically, it helps with eyelid spasms (Raynaud’s disease), excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and some types of migraine.
The injections are quick and painless, requiring no downtime. The doctor applies a topical anesthetic to numb the skin, then administers the Botox through a fine needle. Patients are advised to follow the aftercare instructions, which include not rubbing or massaging the treated area. This prevents the Botox from spreading to areas outside of the desired target and affecting other muscles. Having the treatment done by an experienced provider can make a huge difference in the results.
2. Fillers
Fillers can help you achieve the refreshed, youthful or enhanced appearance you desire without cosmetic surgery. Whether you are looking to soften wrinkle lines, enhance your cheeks or chin or correct asymmetries in the face fillers can be used to improve facial features that have lost their natural contour over time.
Most dermal fillers have a natural skin component called hyaluronic acid that acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture and hydrating the skin to make it look tighter. Some fillers stimulate the body to produce collagen to help the skin appear more firm and smooth.
During a filler treatment, your aesthetician will apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort before injecting the filler into the target area. Some fillers also contain lidocaine to further reduce discomfort. The filler is injected into the desired area and massaged to ensure that all product is evenly distributed throughout the area. Once the injections are complete, results can last up to two years.
3. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can tighten skin and stimulate collagen production, making it appear firmer. They can also soften fine lines and wrinkles, and even reduce brown spots or redness, creating a more balanced skin tone.
A dermatologist can use different types of lasers to correct the appearance of scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, broken capillaries, and rosacea. Some are ablative, which removes the outer layer of skin, while others heat up the layers underneath, encouraging the body to produce more collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep the skin supple and elastic.
One of the most popular noninvasive laser treatments is a laser skin resurfacing, which uses focused beams of light to reverse common signs of aging. It’s safe on Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, aesthetic skin care shop so it’s effective for a wide range of clients.
This treatment works best on blemishes like acne scars, age-related wrinkling and dark spots. For the best results, it’s important to apply a daily broad-spectrum (screens both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays) sunscreen afterward to protect newly-resurfaced skin. The skin may be swollen or sensitive following this procedure, so clients should take it easy for the first 24 hours and use a cool compress or petroleum jelly to prevent scabs from forming.
4. Microdermabrasion
For a lit-from-within glow, smooth skin texture, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles, you can’t go wrong with microdermabrasion. This in-office treatment is “one of the most popular nonsurgical facial resurfacing treatments,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that physically buffs away the outermost layer of dead skin cells, which is typically caused by sun damage and natural aging.
With crystal microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a handheld device to gently buff the surface of your skin. Then, it vacuums up the crystals and dead skin cell debris. Another option is diamond-tipped wands, which are similar to a electric sander but much more gentle. You’ll likely experience a slight stinging sensation during the procedure.
Unlike more invasive professional resurfacing treatments, microdermabrasion is safe for all skin types and tones. It’s especially effective for uneven skin tone/texture, sun damage and aging, melasma, and scars (including acne scars). You can have this treatment done at your doctor’s office or in a day spa by an aesthetician, skin care specialist, or nurse, though you may want to consider getting it from a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist who has a more medical understanding of its risks and limitations.
5. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an effective way to improve skin texture and provide a healthier complexion. They exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, removing dead cells and stimulating collagen production. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes rough skin texture, removes sun damage, and fades discoloration, including age spots, freckles, and blotchiness. Chemical peels also treat hyper-pigmentation such as sun spots and melasma, and help control acne breakouts by reducing sebum production.
A light chemical peel (also known as a “lunchtime peel”) uses mild chemicals that loosen the binding agent that adheres skin cells together, causing them to slough off. This type of peel is best suited for patients with mild problems, such as dry rough skin or fine wrinkling.
Medium chemical peels use more powerful chemicals, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which can reach deeper layers of the skin. These peels produce dramatic results and require a few days of downtime. During this time, the skin will appear red and swollen, and may be irritated or itchy. A protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, will be applied to the treated area.
