"There is no shame in wanting to age naturally or wanting to 'age gracefully' with a little help from products or procedures."
—Mel Robbins
When it comes to aging gracefully, we live in an exciting time. Technology has given us so many ways to turn back the clock. As the new year gets under way, you may be thinking about investing in a skin care treatment to remove dark spots, minimize blood vessels, or improve the appearance of acne scarring. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which procedure is best for your needs. To help you understand these options, we've focused on three popular choices and the results they deliver. Read on to find out which one of these procedures will help you reach your new skin goals.
CO2 Laser
If you look at your skin in the mirror and are bothered by surface imperfections, a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment may be a good option. This laser uses short beams of light to remove damaged skin, such as dark spots, fine lines, acne marks, and even facial scars. Lasers have been in use since the 1960s, and although there is some pain involved when undergoing laser treatment, most patients tolerate it very well when a topical numbing cream is applied in advance. During treatment, the machine targets specific imperfections while leaving the rest of the skin untouched.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Like CO2 lasers, IPL rejuvenates the skin by sending light beams toward hyperpigmented areas. IPL is not as precise as a laser, so the light covers a larger area, but it targets the dermis and eliminates freckles, age spots due to sun damage, unattractive blood vessels, and rosacea, which is a skin condition that affects more than 16 million people. IPL is also used to prevent hair follicles from producing hair in unwanted areas. When looking for a provider, make sure you see the words "IPL photofacial" in their advertising. Like laser treatments, IPL treatments do sting, and most patients say it feels like someone snapping a rubber band against their skin.
Radio Frequency with Microneedling
In the past several years, microneedling has become a very popular and promising treatment, especially for people with acne and acne scarring. Just as the name implies, a small handheld device with several sterile needles punctures the skin, which triggers the body's collagen production. The result? Tighter, more youthful looking skin with a pronounced reduction in scarring. When coupled with radiofrequency, it reduces oil production, makes pores look smaller, and can even improve the appearance of stretch marks. Best of all, microneedling with RF has been cleared and represents cutting edge technology with a bright future. Tip: Choose a Vivace provider to ensure you receive treatment with an FDA-cleared device.
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With all of these excellent options available to minimize the signs of aging, we have one more important piece of advice for you to consider. Before opting for any form of laser or radio frequency treatment, do your homework. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of erasing skin imperfections, but you need to entrust your skin to a certified professional with experience and quality results. Do your skin care homework and find out what types of machines are in use at the facility you want to visit. Ask for references and look for "before" and "after" pictures to see what to expect. Last, but not least, consult with more than one provider (aka shop around) before making an official appointment. After all, this is your skin we're talking about.
To aging gracefully,
Team Reflect
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