Skin resurfacing treatments help to restore a more youthful, beautiful complexion by removing the most damaged outer layers of skin to reveal the healthier-looking skin beneath and encouraging new, healthy skin cell growth.

Skin resurfacing treatments help to reverse these signs of aging and stress, helping you look younger, and even healthier, in the process.

Cosmetic surgeons use a variety of techniques for skin resurfacing to address a myriad of skin concerns. Choose from the list below to learn more about your options:. There are literally hundreds of different skin resurfacing treatments available in the U.

While most of these are excellent technologies, it is important to remember that the component of cosmetic medicine that has the biggest impact on your results is your provider. This goes for non-surgical skin resurfacing treatments as well as cosmetic surgery.

Certain skin resurfacing treatments should only be performed by a board certified cosmetic surgeon. These include deep chemical peels and certain ablative laser treatments. Other treatments, such as microneedling, light peels, and microdermabrasion, can be safely and effectively performed by a highly trained registered nurse or licensed aesthetician.

The credentials required to perform skin resurfacing treatments vary from state to state, but regardless of what is allowed in your area, you should always choose a provider who is licensed for his or her position, works under the supervision of a qualified cosmetic surgeon if the provider is a nurse or aesthetician and is very experienced in medical skin care.

When you consult with potential providers, ask how many times he or she has performed the specific treatments you are considering. This is essential for your safety and to ensure the treatments you receive will be effective in achieving your goals.

You can use our Find-A-Surgeon Tool to locate cosmetic surgeons near you. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation includes injectable fillers , neurotoxins , and skin tightening as well as skin resurfacing.

Many cosmetic surgeons will combine treatments to achieve optimal, long-lasting results. The guide below outlines all of your options. Ablative lasers remove outer layers of skin and encourage new skin to heal in its place. How deep the laser penetrates depends on the wavelength of the light; your cosmetic surgeon will determine the best laser application for you depending on your skin type, your goals, and the nature of the problem you wish to address.

Today, more cosmetic surgeons are using fractionated lasers, which only remove a fraction of the skin in the treatment area. This allows the laser to safely penetrate into the deeper layers of skin to achieve more dramatic results with minimal downtime.

While they work more gradually than ablative lasers, these treatments typically require no downtime and can have lasting results for rejuvenating the appearance. The improvements possible with laser resurfacing are long-lasting and can be dramatic, but they will not appear overnight.

It takes several months for the full effects of new skin cell and collagen growth to take shape, and residual after-effects of treatment, such as skin that appears pink at the treatment site, can take a few weeks to subside. However, every patient is a little different. Your cosmetic surgeon will help you learn what type of results you might expect from different laser resurfacing treatment options.

Another way to resurface the skin is to apply a chemical solution that causes the outer layers of skin to peel away. This is what cosmetic surgeons call a chemical peel. During treatment, a solution is brushed or swabbed onto your skin, where it will be left for a certain period of time.

It works by reducing inflammation deep in the skin to clear clogged pores and combat fine lines. And we'd be remiss not to mention its effectiveness against acne.

If the almost 34, five-star Amazon reviews all from verified customers, no less isn't enough to convince you, take it from Fran Sales, associate editor at Shop TODAY: "I discovered this in the midst of a really bad bout of ' maskne ' and kept using it for my hormonal chin acne, which really took off after the past few stressful years," she said.

This hydrating nighttime cream by Paula's choice contains 0. It's also got antioxidants in the mix, which helps tackle the effects of environmental stressors like UV damage. Reviewers with very dry skin give this cream positive reviews, with one verified customer raving: "My skin is aging and VERY dry, and after applying this to my skin, it drinks it up!

Kim Nichols, a Connecticut-based dermatologist. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes hyperpigmentation , blackheads and dark spots and reduces inflammation, pore size and the appearance of blemishes," she said, adding that it's not too harsh on skin.

It's thick so can actually be used as a moisturizer," said Shannon Garlin, editorial assistant at Shop TODAY. She's talking about L'oreal Revitalift, a serum formulated with vitamin C, which the brand claims visibily reduces fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brightens skin, in one to two weeks.

It's also safe for sensitive skin and can be used both day and night. Jaliman highly recommends this highly moisturizing cream for its skin-plumping niacinamide and wrinkle-fighting peptides. But, she added, the glycerin and squalane, which boost hydration, as well as firming collagen, are a welcome bonus.

Its compatible with normal, dry and combination skin, and reviewers love its lightweight texture and application. Furthermore, this is one of the products Jaliman highlighted that actually do reduce wrinkles on the face. In addition to the vitamin C which targets acne scars in addition to sunspots , this gentle night serum also contains collagen sodium hyaluronate, a combination which, the brand claims, both moisturizes and brightens the skin.

All you need is a few drops, and make sure to apply before any night creams. Michelle Henry, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Henry recommends La Roche-Posay's vitamin C serum because it brightens skin, gets rid of dark spots and stimulates collagen.

Jessica Weiser, a New York City-based dermatologist. I was initially attracted to the hypoallergenic and nontoxic nature of these two products, but after I tested them, I was immediately drawn to their silky texture and smooth application — and their results.

She first found the superstar Drunk Elephant duo when they were sold in a set of smaller sizes. That set is no longer available, but don't fret! You can achieve just as radiant skin with the full-size bottles that will last you even longer. The combination leaves my skin glowing, radiant and perfectly prepped for sunscreen , the final and most important step of my skin care routine.

Every dermatologist learns about this form of vitamin A in residency as part of our training," said Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. But they also treat breakouts and stimulate collagen and elastin fibers. Retinoids can improve pigmentation issues, like brown spots and melasma, thanks to its exfoliating properties and they can shrink the size of your pores and give your skin a glow," he added.

Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. Sonia Badreshia, clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Levin recommends this combination moisturizer with SPF It also has hyaluronic acid, which is a super hydrating skin care ingredient that I love," she explained.

Rachel Nazarian, assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. Bonus: Its hydrating properties curb the irritation caused by retinols," she told us. Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender swears by this tinted sunscreen, which she's been using more regularly as of late.

Arielle Kauvar, a New York City-based dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Langone NYU Medical Center. Better yet, this moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin. I apply it after my moisturizer and before my makeup. Jaliman said. What kinds of serums, you may ask?

Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. Fowler GC, et al. Cosmeceuticals and skin care. In: Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. Accessed March 16, Baumann L. How to use oral and topical cosmeceuticals to prevent and treat skin aging. Zdunska-Peciak K, et al.

Two superior antioxidants: Ferulic acid and ascorbic acid in reducing signs of photoaging: A split-face comparative study. Dermatologic Therapy. Kawada A, et al. Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide.

Journal of Dermatology. Sahu PJ, et al. Study of oral tranexamic acid, topical tranexamic acid, and modified Kligman's regimen in treatment of melasma.

Niamtu, J III. The importance of priming the skin for skin resurfacing procedures and overall anti-aging. In: Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Accessed April 6, Fillit HM, et al. Aging and the skin. In: Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Sunscreen FAQs.

Mayo Clinic; Accessed April 22, Sullivan NA expert opinion. May 3, Hampton PJ, et al. Implication for photosensitive patients of ultraviolet A exposure in vehicles. British Journal of Dermatology. PMID: Hong JS, et al. Long pulsed nm Nd:YAG laser treatment for wrinkle reduction and skin laxity: Evaluation of new parameters.

International Journal of Dermatology. Epub Dec Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies Assortment of Skin Care Products for Aging. See also Botox injections Cheek lift Chemical peel Collagen injection Dermabrasion Dry skin Face-lift Facial fillers for wrinkles Hand rejuvenation How to heal cracked heels How to heal cracked skin at thumb tip Laser resurfacing Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist Neck lift Skin care tips Wrinkle relaxing injections Wrinkle treatment Wrinkles Show more related content.

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