You may have heard of an anti aging treatment from your friend that worked well for her, but you should know that every anti aging treatment can’t be effective for all skin types . While some anti aging treatments sound too good to be true, others may be too expensive or ineffective on your skin.
Read on this article by Dr. Nivedita Dadu (Skin Specialist who leads Dr. Nivedita Dadu's Dermatology Clinic) to understand how different non surgical anti aging treatments work.
1. SKIN TIGHTENING LASER: These lasers not only stimulate the skin but also the aponeurotic sheath around the muscles (SMAS). Hence deeper and better results are expected which are more prolonged . These lasers work by heating the dermis and stimulating collagen growth,
while cooling the surface to prevent any damage during the procedure.
Pros – Cost effective , painless, full face & neck treatment done in every session.
Cons – Multiple sessions needed .
2. ANTI WRINKLE INJECTIONS : These are injections that lessen the ability of selective muscle movement, which ease the appearance of expression lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth over time to reduce wrinkles.
Pros – Works selectively on the target muscles only.
Cons – Costly , results last only for a few months.
3. DERMAROLLER : Derma roller/ collagen induction therapy/ microneedling - A dermaroller is a hand held device with microneedles. The roller is moved up and down on all parts of the skin on the face or the affected area. This results in stimulating collagen, elastin, and neovascularisation .Some skin clinics also apply serums to the treated area,specific to your skin concerns, (hyaluronic acid, growth factors and skin boosters for antiaging). Needling sessions are typically spaced around a month apart.
Pros - Safe, effective and cost effective anti aging treatment.
Cons – Minimal down time, works well in early signs of ageing .
4. VAMPIRE FACELIFT : The technique is based on harnessing the natural healing power of your own blood. The growth factors and proteins present in the blood promote healing of the damaged skin. So, the Vampire Facial or Facelift controls aging as it is infused or topically applied to the skin by boosting the new collagen production.
Pros – Utilizes the properties of your own cells to rejuvenate the skin , no foreign body introduced.
Cons – Limited anti aging properties , as with any other injectable, chances of bruise, pain or tenderness which may last upto couple of days.
5. Collagen Induction Therapy : This is a combination of dermaroller and growth factor therapy. Growth factors (which are extracted from patient's own blood) when applied to the skin after microneedling, penetrates the skin through the tiny channels the microneedles create. This triggers surrounding cells to proliferate and repair damage.
Pros – Cost effective, incorporates the advantages of both , Microneedling & Growth Factor Therapy.
Cons – Downtime upto a few days, works well for early signs of ageing.
6. HYALURONIC ACID INFUSION : Hyaluronic acid is a popular and effective skin hydrating ingredient. In the treatment procedure, multiple weights of hyaluronic acid are applied, as well as different aspects of hydration and skin health are addressed. This treatment method improves the elasticity of the skin.
Pros – very effective for dry, dull, dehydrated skin, increases Hydration and elasticity of skin.
Cons – Not for someone looking for aggressive anti aging treatment.
7. FILLER: Filler is an injectable gel containing Hyaluronic Acid that restores youthful volume to cheeks, cheekbones and chin, that have become thin due to weight loss or age-related facial fat loss.
Pros – Quick results, Single session, result are long term.
Cons – Expensive.
8. THREAD LIFT : Also known as the lunch hour lift or mini thread lift is a non-surgical alternative to traditional surgical facelift where in threads are used to lift sagging skin. Designed to be minimally invasive, it reduces sagging around the cheeks, jawline and neck by boosting collagen production, more quickly and with less risk than the conventional approach.
Pros – Results continue to improve with time and are long term. Can be completed in one session but it depends on patient's skin condition and expectation from the treatment.
Cons – Tightening without volumising.
9. IPL LIGHT THERAPY OR PHOTOFACIAL : This therapy utilizes the properties of IPL (intense pulse light) laser which has scientifically proven collagen boosting and facial rejuvenation properties.
Pros – Relaxing as a facial , no down time.
Cons - Good for early signs of aging.
10. HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSSED ULTRASOUND (HIFU) : HIFU uses the power of Ultrasound to safely lift and tighten skin. Ultrasound is a form of energy that is different from light such as IPL and Lasers or Electrical (Radio-Frequency) energy. HIFU works by focusing on the structural layers of the skin .HIFU treatment for face and neck will usually take short duration.
Pros – Single Session, No down time.
Cons – Expensive.
11. DIAMOND POLISHING : Works by exfoliating the dull , dead , damaged layer of the skin .
Pros – Gives a fresher look.
Cons - Good for early signs of aging only.
12. CHEMICAL PEELS LIKE TCA : work by exfoliation .
Pros – Glow with anti aging.
Cons – Works well for early signs of aging , down time upto a few days.
13. LASER RESURFACING BY CO2 LASER : Laser resurfacing with ablative lasers like CO2 laser is an anti aging technique which works like dermabrasion and deep chemical peels by removing the superficial layer of skin but also induces collagen production simultaneously .
Pros – Full face can be treated in single session.
Cons – Down time upto a week.
