When you are no longer twenty-five and you start to see the first signs of aging, the desire to have smooth, clear, wrinkle-free skin is definitely growing. And then you realize that anti-wrinkle cream alone will definitely not be enough, you need to take other measures to help make this wish come true. Sleep, water, proper nutrition, an active lifestyle and, of course, genetics have a strong influence on the condition of your skin as you age. However, the modern world offers other options created by science, such as lasers, pulsed light and other devices used in cosmetology. They can influence and even visibly change the condition of our skin, the only question is which of them are effective, what skin problems they can solve and what you should pay attention to if you decide to undergo such procedures. Radio frequency devices
Let's start with the simplest ones - these are procedures using radio frequency devices, also known as thermolifting. Radio waves affect the dermis layer of the skin, heating it, destroying collagen, thereby stimulating the production of new collagen, and tightening skin tissues. These procedures are not complicated, negative skin reactions are minimal, and the prices are lower compared to lasers, but you need to complete a full cycle of sessions to see the effect. In some cases, you may not achieve the desired result. There have been a number of studies with radio wave devices, but they are not accurate and objective enough to be able to name the most effective current strength or the best frequency to achieve maximum results. The fact is that radio waves stimulate collagen production, but in many cases the results may not be what we expect.
Ultrasound
This is another way to improve the condition of the skin. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Studies have shown that ultrasound can stimulate the penetration of substances (cosmetic solutions or medications) into the skin, and it can also help remove the surface layer of dead cells, promote skin renewal and lymph and blood circulation. However, it will not give a very visible effect on the skin and will not eliminate wrinkles. A number of ultrasound devices have been created that can be used at home. They could complement daily skin care rituals at home, but episodic ultrasound procedures at a beautician will definitely not give the desired effect, and skin cleansing will be much more effective if performed with the help of acids.
Intense pulsed light
IPL (intense pulsed light) procedures could be considered more effective. These are not real lasers, but they can certainly help solve various skin problems. They can eliminate small superficial pigment spots, broken capillaries and redness, and traces of rosacea. With a systematic course of these procedures, collagen production can also be stimulated. However, the results of IPL procedures may not please those who want to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, unevenness, scars, or eliminate deep pigment spots.
Skin treatments with lasers
Therefore, lasers could be considered the most effective tools for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, and solving major skin problems. They are the only ones, of course, not to mention plastic surgery, that can help achieve almost dramatic changes in the appearance of the skin. If you decide to undergo these procedures, you should definitely take a good look and evaluate all the pros and cons. Let's try to briefly name what is most important when choosing laser procedures. Two types of lasers should be distinguished: those that act deeper - the dermis layer (non-ablative) and those that act on the epidermis and dermis simultaneously (ablative). Non-ablative lasers are gentler and, of course, their effect is weaker. Since a deeper layer of the skin is affected, there are practically no marks left after the procedures, in rare cases the skin may become red, swollen, or have minor bruises. But most of the time, after these procedures, you can safely return to work. Non-ablative lasers can help even out skin tone, eliminate minor surface blemishes, redness, broken capillaries, reduce wrinkles and expression lines to some extent, and stimulate collagen synthesis with regular procedures. However, these lasers will not achieve dramatic results. Only ablative lasers can do this. They can significantly reduce wrinkles, completely renew skin after sun damage, eliminate deep problematic pigment spots, even out skin tone, and simply rejuvenate the skin. The changes can be significant, but since these procedures also affect the epidermis, there are many side effects – redness, bleeding, swelling, large scabs, discoloration, and peeling. Healing takes weeks, but the results can be very satisfying. It is also very important that the specialist you turn to for the procedure is very competent. Lasers are extremely dangerous devices, and a specialist who does not know how to use them properly can disfigure the skin rather than beautify it.
So, there are certainly opportunities to rejuvenate and beautify yourself. But always remember that a healthy lifestyle, careful skin care, and sun protection, especially if you start doing all this at a young age, can really help preserve the beauty and firmness of your skin for longer, and delay the need for fairly bold laser procedures.
