Skin resurfacing: know the limits

If you’re interested in skin rejuvenation – and who isn’t – and you go to see a cosmetic surgeon they are likely to offer a range of skin resurfacing techniques.

Skin resurfacing involves removing the top layer of the skin to reveal the newer younger looking skin underneath. Typical of this type of skin rejuvenation are laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

You may think that skin rejuvenation is a less invasive approach to achieving a younger look. And in some ways you’d be right. But removing the top layer of skin on your face – or anywhere else for that matter – is not a trivial matter.

Before you consider booking yourself in for any kind of skin resurfacing treatment you need to be clear about what the treatment will do – and more importantly – what it can’t do.

Skin resurfacing is good for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, getting rid of small acne scars or facial scars and treating sun damaged skin including age spots and hyperpigmentation. Skin resurfacing is also effective for smoothing out rough or uneven skin texture.

On the other hand skin resurfacing will not get rid of deep wrinkles and it will not have a skin firming or skin tightening effect. Skin resurfacing leaves the underlying face muscles untouched so it can’t add volume or hydration to aging skin.

If you want a facial treatment that goes deeper than skin resurfacing you need to look at other alternatives like face exercise and microcurrent face lifts, or even facial cosmetic surgery if you are prepared to go down that route.

Skin resurfacing can be combined with active topical treatments for the best skin rejuvenation results. Many cosmetic surgeons recommend regular use of a microdermabrasion cream or exfoliating treatment to top up and prolong the time between visits to the clinic.

As with any facial treatment – skin resurfacing will only go so far. It’s the total approach – diet, lifestyle choices and a consistent anti aging skin care regimen – that will bring you the best possible anti aging results and younger looking skin over time!

Related articles:

• Home microdermabrasion: where do you start?