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Trendy Skin Care Treatments That You Don’t Need

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense, so it is very important to take good care of it. If you have been looking for skin treatments that target acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, or cellulite, you may have stumbled upon various trendy skin treatments that claim to eliminate or reduce those skin imperfections.

Treatments such as at-home micro needling, at-home chemical peeling, and other DIY “miracle treatments” may actually do more harm for your skin than good.  Here is a brief guide on trendy skin treatments you simply do not need.

At-Home Microneedling

Many proponents of micro needling claim that this treatment can reduce or erase scars, wrinkles, and discoloration. Recently, there has been a surge of at-home micro needling kits and devices available for public use. Many medical professionals have urged users to be cautious when utilizing these at-home kits and devices since micro needling does, essentially, injure the skin in order to stimulate collagen production and induce repair. Since microneedle causes injury to the skin, improper use of this treatment system can cause bleeding, scarring, bruising, excessive pigmentation, and infection.

Because of the nature of micro needling, it is wise to go to a professional for this procedure. A healthy alternative to micro needling is using products that are medical grade and exclusively sold by dermatologists. These products typically have multiple clinical studies to guarantee the best results. Retinol, Vitamin C, and SPF are highly recommended. Retinol helps with cellular turnover, acne, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. In order to rep a bright flow and protect the skin from free radical damage, patients are encouraged to use vitamin C typically on a daily basis. SPF should be worn 365 days a year to block harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause premature aging.

At-Home Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling has become a widely sought-after procedure for those seeking to reduce or eliminate spots, blemishes, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. Skin peels with mild, medium and high concentrations are now widely available on the market and at-home skin peeling has become a very popular practice. Though these peels may seem enticing, many medium-depth and deep chemical peels can cause severe complications such as scarring, discoloration, and infection, especially when used without doctor supervision or sedation. Many people have reported that chemical peeling left their skin feeling extremely dry and sensitive. To avoid these complications and sensitivities, you may want to seek alternatives to chemical peeling. Some healthy alternatives to at home chemical peels include using glycolic acid cleansers and retinol to exfoliate chemically at home. If you decide to proceed with a chemical peel, do it under the supervision of a doctor.

Other At-Home Skin Treatments

Since the dawn of time people have been getting creative with at-home solutions for everything, and skin is no exception. You’ve probably heard many wives tales about ways to clear up your skin using just the ingredients around your house. While some of these may merit a little bit of truth, others completely miss the mark. For instance, some people try to use apple cider vinegar as a toner. This can burn your skin, which many mistakes for it working, while in reality, it’s just damaging your face. Another common DIY treatment is putting toothpaste on facial blemishes. While this isn’t incredibly damaging, there is very little evidence that this is actually an effective way to clear up your face.

If you hear of a skin care treatment that seems just good to be true, consult your dermatologist. Odds are, especially with dermatology, that there is a better safer solution waiting for you at your dermatologist’s office. If you have any questions about skin care treatments, call the experts at Universal Dermatology. Together, we will find a safe and healthy treatment plan for your skin.

What Are the Benefits of the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Treatments Abound

Currently, there are a lot of effective skin care treatments that reduce signs of aging and improve the condition of the skin. These treatments range from using simple topical creams to actual procedures that can be done to improve the skin’s condition. Laser treatments, in particular, are very popular skin care options and the technology used in the treatments continue to evolve—becoming more sophisticated and effective.

The Value of Healthy Glowing Skin

When it comes to skincare, the aim is always to maintain blemish-free, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. This is especially true for the skin on our face as we age. After all, our face is the first thing others may notice about us, so the skin thereof plays an important part in how we feel about our social interactions with others.

Great-looking skin tends to give us more confidence, while the opposite is also true—blemished or aged skin can negatively affect our self-esteem. Everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and age spots can affect the quality of our skin and our social confidence. It is, therefore, important that we take the steps necessary to take good care of our skin and enjoy the many benefits of proper skin care.

Overview: About the Fractional CO2 Laser Technology

Laser treatments, though more invasive than many topical skin care options are increasingly popular treatments. Laser technology can treat a number of skin conditions. One of the latest options—the fractional CO2 laser—uses the most advanced skin revitalization laser treatment technology and has been shown to produce astounding anti-aging results for skin care patients. In fact, studies prove that the fractional CO2 treatment not only reduces the effects of aging on the skin, but also reverses existing signs of aging, including:

– Acne and other trauma-related scars

– Age Spots

– Wrinkles

– Crow’s feet

– “Smoker’s Lines”

After just one treatment, skin appears significantly healthier, rejuvenated, and smoother than prior to the treatment.    

How It Works

The fractional CO2 laser treatment works by using a pattern of carbon dioxide laser beams to treat the skin below the surface. A doctor sends carbon dioxide beams into the skin. The beams create strategically-placed microscopic holes in the skin that allow the body to start producing more collagen. Collagen is the body’s natural hormone that keeps the skin healthy and youthful.   

The secret to the effectiveness of the fractional CO2 laser technology rests in the fragmented nature of its treatment patterns. This treatment does not allow its laser energy to affect all parts of the skin at once. Instead, it affects a portion of the skin and not the entire skin’s surface. This allows the recovery time to speed up, thereby enhancing results. Patients are usually fully healed within four to five days on average.

What to Expect With the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 Laser treatment has many important features. For starters, the treatment sessions are not very long. Each session lasts an average of one hour. Additionally, while the treatment is not in any way painful, there are some sensations that patients can look out for. These sensations include a slight sunburned feeling accompanied by some peeling. Thankfully, these symptoms usually pass within the average healing and recovery time of about four to five days.

The results, however, are practically immediate, and patients will notice that their scars, wrinkles, age spots, and other skin conditions are far less noticeable as the skin continues to heal. As time goes on, the skin continues to clear as the newly-produced collagen helps the skin become tight, moisturized, and vibrant. Finally, the QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 laser treatment produces permanent results. Over time, it reduces the need for using over-the-counter topical treatments—making the treatment a real, lasting solution.      

Additionally, it is possible to use the fractional CO2 laser treatment on the neck as well. Depending on the patient’s condition, a doctor may use the laser to spot treat specific problem areas. After all, all skin ages and oftentimes, most don’t think about the neck as a prime spot for anti-aging treatments.

As you consider the fractional CO2 laser treatment, remember that this will naturally cost more than everyday over-the-counter options you may already use. That said, it is a worthy investment as the treatment continues to pay for itself in value as time goes on. Having amazing, vibrant, and glowing skin is already worth its weight in gold. Of course, the confidence you get from having that glowing, healthy, youthful skin is the icing on the cake.

Am I a Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments?

Science and research back the fractional CO2 laser technology. We offer this treatment because our certified and experienced dermatologists have carefully vetted the treatment and seen real results.

Now is the perfect time to undergo this treatment. Since you spend less time outside and more time bundled up, your skin will be more likely to be protected while it heals. Also, if you have this treatment now, your skin will be beautiful, and glowing when the warm weather hits.

We are not able to treat without first having a consultation with each patient. This helps us guarantee that the treatment will be safe and effective for the individual and his or her needs. We also do the consultations to manage expectations. There is a $50 consultation fee that goes towards the price of the treatment.

Universal Dermatology believes in being transparent with our prices and services. Therefore, we would like to let you know that the price ranges from $1000 to $3100 for eye or lip area only up to entire face, neck, and chest. Insurance does not cover this procedure.

To get started weighing your treatment options, contact our office today.