Modern skin care procedures

Modern skin care procedures are becoming very popular because of their impact on improving skin health and appearance. However, I believe that before opting for these modern skin care procedures, it is essential to start with healthy lifestyle choices and identifying the underlying cause. Improving your diet is the first step because it has a massive impact on your skin health. Next, baseline investigations such as CBC , RFTs , LFTs , LH , FSH , TSH and prolactin should be conducted. These tests mainly help us to rule out underlying conditions that might affect skin health. If all the lab investigations are normal and medical treatments are not giving you the desired results, then going for modern skin care procedures is a wise option. I will discuss a few of the procedures that, in my experience, have provided the best outcomes for patients.

Modern skin care procedures

Modern skin care procedures are mainly divided into two categories, which are further divided into subcategories:

INVASIVE	NON-INVASIVE
1.   Botox	Lasers
2.   HA soft tissue fillers	Chemical peels
3.   Microneedling	Hydrafacial
4.   Plasma replacement therapy (prp)	Radiofrequency treatment

Table showing the names of the modern skin care procedures

. LASERS

In this article, Modern skin care procedures, I am going to discuss only few of the laser treatment options available for different dermatological issues :

1. CO2 laser

   

2. IPL treatments
3. Pulsed dye laser
4. Fractional laser

CO2 laser :

The energy (infrared light) that is produced by these lasers is highly absorbed by water. As we know, water content is abundant in deeper skin layers, so this energy is penetrates into deeper layers of skin and vaporizes the outer skin layer, resulting in the removal of the outermost layer of damaged skin, making it smooth. It gives an individual a fairer complexion, lightens acne marks and hyperpigmentation, and also fades away age spots. This treatment usually requires multiple sessions, but the number of sessions varies from person to person.

Other than that, this laser is also used to remove moles or other birthmarks. This modern skin care procedure is not only used in the field of dermatology but is also used in surgical procedures for precise cutting of tissues.

Disadvantages:

1. Can cause hypo and hyperpigmentation.
2. It is an expensive treatment.
3. Can cause redness and dryness(peeling) of skin.

IPL treatments :

In this modern skin care procedure, a broad spectrum of light is used, which not only targets the unwanted hair but also age spots, hyperpigmentation and bacteria on the skin. Light of multiple wavelengths is absorbed by the targeted areas of the skin, producing heat that breaks down the damaged skin cells. This treatment is not only used for removal of unwanted hair but also for treating acne, scars, hyperpigmentation and redness of the skin. I have shared a link of an IPL laser https://hyper-sunk.com/ that is FDA-approved and is also not very expensive. Lasers are different from IPL treatments because a laser uses a single beam of light with a single wavelength that targets the melanin and damages the hair follicle by producing heat. They can penetrate into deeper layers of skin and may work for darker skin tones. Lasers are of different types:

1. Diode laser
2. Alexandrite

Disadvantages :

1. Multiple sessions are needed depending on an individual skin type and results.
2. It is again an expensive treatment.
3. IPL treatment does not work for darker skin tones.
4. Can burn the skin at times.
5. Does not work for lighter hair.

NOTE:

1. Never bleach your hair while taking sessions because lasers do not work well for light hair.
2. This is not a permanent treatment but always needs maintenance sessions.

 

CHEMICAL PEELS

In this modern skin care procedure, first of all, the skin is prepped, and then a chemical substance is applied that peels off the uppermost layer of skin, resurfacing it. Chemical exfoliants that are generally used are also discussed in my previous article.https://skinlikeu.com/dr-sameens-acne-solution/

1. Salicylic acid
2. TCA peels
3. Glycolic acid
4. Lactic acid

In this case, the outer layer of skin peels off, which treats hyperpigmentation and improves the overall skin texture and appearance.

Disadvantages:

1. Increases sensitivity of skin.
2. It is a painful procedure.
3. Expensive
4. It causes redness and dryness of skin.

 

. HydraFacial

This is a multistep facial which uses a specific machine and includes the following steps :

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate

   

3. Extract
4. Serums

         Cleanse and exfoliate :

This is the first step, which is also a skin resurfacing step. The skin is cleansed, and then exfoliation is done. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, which can unclog pores. This machine has a wand that emits chemicals, usually salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which are important for exfoliation.

          Extract :

After exfoliation, the dead skin cells are removed with the help of the vacuum that the device has.

           Serums :

The is the last step, in which serums are applied to the skin. The results of a HydraFacial largely depend on the type and quality of serum used. Hyaluronic acid is the best serum.

. Microneedling with plasma replacement therapy

The process of microneedling uses a device called DERMA PEN, which has multiple needles. They prick the upper most skin layer with multiple microneedles, producing several superficial micro injuries that result in actual healing process of the skin and also promote collagen production. Along with that, the substance rich in growth factors, i.e, plasma is isolated from the individual’s own blood and is applied over the micro injuries, which further boosts collagen and elastin production. It reduces fine lines, fades dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun tan.

Disadvantages :

1. Mildly painful, causing redness and bruising.
2. Expert is required for this procedure.
3. There is a risk of infection in this treatment.
4. Needs care post treatment.
5. Multiple sessions are required.

NOTE :

1. Avoid sun exposure for one week after treatment.
2. Proper moisturization is required.
3. Avoid exposure to heat

 

Conclusion:

All the procedures described in this article require an expert opinion. most of these techniques need multiple sessions to show best results but the number of sessions vary from one to another individual. However, there is no doubt that they are giving very good results. but keep in mind before opting for any procedure that results are mostly never permanent but need maintenance sessions. However, this article, Modern skin care procedures does not cover all the procedures available but it discusses only the commonest ones.

 

FAQ’s

1. What is the best treatment option for acne scars?

Well, it depends on the type of acne scars. But in my opinion, microneedling with prp is the best option.

 

2. Can we do our hair removal laser at home?

It is better to consult your dermatologist for safe and better treatment.