As we age, the years become evident on our skin through the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, dullness, visible blood vessels, and other irregularities. Although treatment options for these issues are plentiful, which ones are effective?
With so many new skincare trends on the market, it can be challenging to create the optimal regimen for your skin. Should you rely on a skin care app or try that brand-new serum? An experienced, trusted dermatologist can separate effective products from those that are merely fads. If you want to rejuvenate your complexion for reduced signs of aging and create a youthful, natural glow, these are our top three non-invasive options for 2019?all of which produce real results.
Pellev?/Thermasure
This FDA-approved treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that tightens skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without invasive surgery. Pellev? is one of the most popular new skin rejuvenating procedures because it does not involve needles. Therefore, you will notice an immediate improvement in the texture and appearance of your skin with virtually no downtime. It is also a fast in-office treatment, so you can easily schedule an appointment between meetings, at lunch, or after work without a significant time commitment. The results of Pellev? can be used anywhere on the body affected by wrinkles and fine lines, with results that last for up to six months.
Thermasure is the latest available version of Pellev?, which uses radiofrequency energy emitted by a handheld instrument. When the radiofrequency penetrates the skin, it creates a warmth that affects the deepest layers. The warmth stimulates the production of collagen; a natural substance that plumps and firms the skin. As we age, reduced levels of collagen can lead to dark spots, lines, and a dull appearance. This rejuvenating treatment enhances radiance and makes these troublesome blemishes less noticeable. It also tightens the skin’s elastin fibers to fight back against sagging and create a smoother surface.
The enhanced collagen production created by Thermasure lasts for up to 90 days after the initial treatment. Some of the most common uses for this treatment include the reduction of crow’s feet, forehead lines, loose skin around the eyes, fine lines, wrinkles around the mouth, lines between or around the eyebrows, and/or deep wrinkles at the nasolabial folds (between the nose and upper lip).
This procedure does not require downtime, is completely painless, and rarely causes complications, though you may notice some slight redness. Many clients compare the warmth created by the procedure to the feeling of a hot stone massage. Treatment for the entire face takes about 60 minutes, with targeted treatments for smaller areas done much more quickly. For most clients, we recommend treatment every four weeks for about three to five sessions depending on their desired results. Many will use the Pelleve treatment just prior to a party or pictures to have a glowing look. Adding a HydraFacial to the Pelleve is even more effective.
HydraFacial
No matter what skin issues concern you, HydraFacial can help. This safe, gentle, non-invasive procedure is appropriate for all skin types and offers immediate results without downtime. It effectively treats patchy or uneven skin tone, overly dry skin, acne, blackheads, whiteheads, oily skin, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores.
This three-step process is not your run of the mill facial. With HydraFacial, you will be treated to a series of treatments that rejuvenate the complexion to reveal fresh, youthful skin cells. First, you will receive a complete cleanse and chemical peel for gentle resurfacing to enhance the skin’s texture. Next, painless suction is used to extract blackheads, clogged pores, and other blemishes without damaging the skin or spreading infection. Nourishing moisturizers are applied to penetrate your skin and treat dryness that can lead to the overproduction of oil. Finally, we treat your complexion with peptides and antioxidants that offer ongoing protection from free radicals and other environmental toxins that damage skin.
The nourishing ingredients used in this procedure are safe for even the most sensitive complexions. Despite its intensity, the Hydrafacial process can be completed in less than an hour and does not lead to the redness or irritation that can sometimes occur after skin treatments. With a HydraFacial, you will immediately notice younger looking skin with less congestion and a brighter, more even tone. These effects typically last for five to seven days. Monthly treatments are recommended for long-term refinement of skin texture and a noticeably healthy glow. Many clients combine HydraFacial with Pellev? to increase the efficacy of both procedures. Our HydraFacials are even better because we add dermablading at the same time.
Photofacial/ICON
A photofacial uses pulses of laser light to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and help clients achieve radiant skin without discomfort. The ICON system is a type of photofacial laser that is safe for use on the face as well as on other areas of the body such as arms, legs, hands, neck, and chest. If you have loose skin, broken capillaries or blood vessels, enlarged pores, facial redness, liver spots, age spots, or hyperpigmentation, you may be a candidate for this procedure.
The laser works by stimulating collagen production, which results in a smoother, firmer complexion. This effectively fills in fine lines and wrinkles to create a more youthful yet completely natural appearance. You’ll notice that deep wrinkles become more shallow, fine lines become almost imperceptible, and overall skin texture improves.
Photofacial technology can target over-pigmentation which can result in dark spots. The laser energy delivered to these areas promotes and encourages the body’s natural healing process. Over time, you will notice that these signs of sun damage are reduced, creating a brighter, more even skin tone. The laser can also fade and reduce the noticeability of acne scars. ICON is an effective treatment for spider veins, constricting the blood vessels below the skin to make them less visible without damaging surrounding tissue.
ICON is safe for most skin types and can be done in the office. Most treatments take less than an hour, and you can return to your usual activities immediately afterward. This convenience is one reason that rejuvenation is one of the most popular current skin trends. In addition, photofacial treatment is painless and rarely causes side effects, though you may notice slight swelling or a sunburn-like feeling. These effects should subside within a few hours of the procedure.
Each treatment is targeted specifically to the client’s aesthetic goals. In some cases, several treatments may be required to create the desired results. However, many patients notice an immediate improvement in dark spots, imperfections, and other signs of aging.
The Importance of Skin Care
Skin rejuvenation is safe for individuals who are physically healthy and do not smoke. You should also have a realistic outlook about the expected results and a commitment to protecting your skin from the sun to prevent additional damage. While some treatments are not suitable for all individuals, Dr. Vanderloos possesses a laser that allows all skin pigmentations to be treated throughout the entirety of the year; regardless of if you are tan or not. The LaseMD Laser System utilizes infrared light to produce exceptional results with more to come!
In the Shreveport area, visit Catherine Vanderloos, MD, at Envy Med Spa for the latest skin rejuvenation treatments; including photofacials, hydrafacials, and Thermasure. She has been serving clients for more than 28 years. This is a testament to Dr. Vanderloos’ kind, engaging bedside manner, and caring, thoughtful staff. Call 318-865-4333 to schedule your consultation and achieve brighter, smoother younger-looking skin.
