Skin resurfacing is any procedure that removes the outer damaged layers of skin so that newer younger looking skin can form.

If you're worried about skin aging and you want younger looking skin without surgery then a dermatologist is likely to offer a range of skin resurfacing techniques.

Typical skin resurfacing treatments include chemical peels, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion and - the new kid on the block - laser resurfacing.  Often treatments are combined to give you the best possible results.

You may think of skin resurfacing as a less invasive or non-surgical approach to anti aging. 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.

Take a look at the other articles on each of the specific skin resurfacing techniques.  But first - be clear about the sorts of skin problems that any of these treatments can tackle - and even more important - what they won't do.

Skin resurfacing is good for: 

fine lines and wrinkles

small acne scars

facial scars

freckles

sun-damage including 'age spots', uneven pigmentation and rough or uneven skin texture

blood vessel damage

And what it won't do:

• It won't eliminate deep wrinkles
• It won't get tighten loose or sagging skin
• It won't inject new life into the underlying face muscles or add volume or hydration to aging skin

If you want anti aging treatments that go deeper than skin resurfacing you need to look at other alternatives like face exercise and muscle stimulation or dermal fillers. 

Clinical skin resurfacing can also be combined with active topical treatments - many dermatologists recommend regular use of a cream microdermabrasion treatment to top up and prolong the time between visits to the clinic.

As with any anti aging treatment - skin resurfacing will only go so far.  It's the total approach that will bring you the benefits of great younger looking skin over time!

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