Your skin is your body’s largest organ. And like every other part of the body, it is subject to wear and tear as the years go by. Modern living can take a toll on our skin. Moving between hot and cold environments, consuming coffee and alcohol, snacking on convenience foods. Many of the things that make up our busy lives can exacerbate the skin’s natural ageing process. As the years go by, skin can become dry, dull and lifeless. We produce less collagen as we get older, and this vital protein is integral in helping skin retain its youthful elasticity.
Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can help us to maintain younger-looking skin. But they cannot undo the damage that time and our hectic lifestyles can do both andbeneath the surface of the skin.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments that one can undergo to rejuvenate the skin, and help to reverse the toll that the years have taken.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at skin rejuvenation, how it works, and what your options are, so that you can decide on the best course of treatment for your skin.
What is skin rejuvenation?
Skin rejuvenation is an umbrella term that covers a broad range of treatments. Although they usually refer to treatment of the skin of the face, many are also appropriate for treatment of skin on the body. Some treatments are topical, and administered to the upper layer of the skin of the affected area. Others are injectables that are administered into the deeper layers of skin.
Skin rejuvenation can deliver healthier, younger-looking skin without the need for invasive surgeries such as facelifts.
Skin rejuvenation can be used to treat a range of skin problems, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Scarring (including acne scars)
- Dull, dry and lifeless skin
- Enlarged pores
Most skin rejuvenation techniques may require a number of treatments until the desired results are attained, although most will see a difference virtually right away. Most treatments require little or no downtime, enabling you to get straight back into your usual routine.
How does skin rejuvenation work?
That depends entirely on the treatment. Some treatments work by removing layers of dead or damaged skin to reveal the healthier, plumper skin below. Others work by stimulating the body’s production of compounds like collagen and elastin, as well as encourageing the formation of healthy new skin cells.
Different treatments lend themselves to different skin issues, however, all of the treatments explored in this post are appropriate for combating fine lines, wrinkles, dull skin, and general signs of ageing.
How long does skin rejuvenation last?
Again, this depends on the treatment. Some skin rejuvenation treatments will last for several years, while most will last for a matter of months. You may need to apply the same treatment on a fairly regular basis (2 or 3 times per year) in order to maintain the desired results.
How much does skin rejuvenation cost?
You’ll find that there is enormous variation between the costs of different treatments. Some skin rejuvenation treatments start at less than £100 while others cost several thousand. The more expensive treatments tend to yield the most dramatic or longer-lasting results.
Many of the skin rejuvenation treatments detailed here can be carried out at home with DIY kits. This is usually more affordable than treatment by a qualified clinician or technician. However, it is generally recommended to get treatments carried out by a qualified and reputable professional. While the cost may be higher, this is the safest option and the most likely to yield the best results.
What are the different skin rejuvenation treatments?
Those hoping to give their skin a new lease of life will find that they have a range of skin rejuvenation options. Here, we’ll look at some popular and effective treatments.
These include:
Skin peels
Skin peels are one of the most affordable and least invasive options when it comes to rejuvenating the skin. They are most commonly used to treat the skin of the face and neck, but can also be used to soften and revitalise the skin of the hands, too.
Chemical skin peels can help to undo environmental damage caused by things like the sun’s rays and cold winds. They work by peeling away the uppermost layers of dry, damaged or worn skin to reveal the healthier, plumper and more collagen-rich layers below.
Chemical peels are divided into three categories— light / superficial, medium, and deep.
Light chemical peels are used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Medium peels are usually reserved for deeper lines and blemishes while deep peels are usually unnecessary for anything other than the treatment of significant growths.
Chemical skin peels are fast, usually taking between 30 and 90 minutes with minimal downtime. You may experience redness, tenderness or a change in skin tone for a few days following treatment.
Skin peels cost anywhere from £60 to over £500 depending on the depth and extent of the treatment.
Vampire facials
A vampire facial (also known as a vampire facelift or even a lunch break facelift) uses the body’s natural healing compounds to rejuvenate the skin.
Before the treatment, a blood sample is taken. This is then spun in a centrifuge in order to remove the Platelet Rich Plasma from the blood. This is the compound that the body uses to heal and restore damaged tissue.
The PRP compound is then injected back into the skin of the face, where it stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen threads, resulting in tighter, firmer and younger-looking skin almost instantaneously. As well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this treatment can help to reduce the size of pores and even reduce the appearance of scars.
The same process can also be used to tighten and lift sagging breast tissue (known as a vampire breast lift) and some employ it in the treatment of hair loss.
Treatments start at around £450-£500, and you can expect the results to last for around 6-12 months.
Thermage FLX
Those seeking long-lasting results without invasive surgery may find Thermage FLX appealing.
This treatment requires no injections or topical treatments. Instead it uses radiofrequency radiation to penetrate through the outer layers of the skin to the collagen-rich layers beneath, stimulating the creation of new collagen threads.
An applicator applies a cooling gel to the surface of the skin while the radiofrequency heats the lower layers, causing collagen molecules to separate from the surrounding water in the skin. This treatment is suitable for use on the face and body.
While Thermage FLX can produce plumper, firmer looking skin almost instantly, it helps the skin to create new collagen strands over time. As such, the final results are usually visible after around 6 months and typically last for around 2 years.
You can usually expect to pay between £2,000 and £3,000 per treatment.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy involves the injection of a combination of nourishing ingredients into the middle (mesodermal) layer of the skin. It was originally invented in the 1950s as a form of pain relief, although it has become more popular in recent years due to its cosmetic properties.
Mesotherapy injections usually contain a combination of chemicals and naturally occurring substances that are designed to nourish and revitalise the skin.
Mesotherapy is delivered via a special gun that uses extremely fine needles to minimise discomfort. The ingredients in the injection are designed to stimulate new collagen production while helping to break down pockets of unwanted fat. This can lift, tighten and sculpt the skin and can be applied to the skin of the face or body.
Mesotherapy injections usually contain a mixture of:
- Herbal extracts
- Vitamins and minerals
- Hormones such as calcitonin and thyroxin
- Enzymes like hyaluronidase and collagenase
- Antioxidants
Mesotherapy is completely noninvasive, so there is no downtime necessary, although some tenderness is common and usually dissipates within a few days.
Patients can pay anywhere between £200 and £700 for a single treatment.
Microneedling
Much like a vampire facial, microneedling uses the body’s own healing mechanisms in lieu of introducing chemical agents into the skin.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles attached to a roller to cause extremely small holes in the skin. The body then responds by triggering the production of collagen and elastin in the skin in order to repair the tiny holes.
As well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, microneedling can also help to even out skin tones, combat hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of scars. It is recommended for those with darker complexions as it does not cause the pigmentation that can occur from some skin peels. Downtime is virtually nonexistent, with most able to go back to their usual routine after around 24 hours. Makeup can also be applied after the first 24 hours.
A single microneedling treatment will usually cost between £150 and £350, and results will usually last 3-5 months.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses super-fine crystals and a vacuum applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots and make the skin appear younger and revitalised. It can also be used to treat minor scars and give the skin a smoother appearance.
While it is usually used to treat the skin of the face, it can also be used to treat the body as well as the hands and feet. No downtime is required and most patients are able to go about their daily routine immediately.
Treatments can cost between £75 and over £150 depending on the area covered. Results usually last for around 1 month.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are injected into the lips or the face to cause instant plumping and tightening of the skin. They contain a naturally-occurring substance called hyaluronic acid. This is commonly used in moisturising creams as it binds to water molecules, helping skin to retain its plumpness and elasticity.
An injection of hyaluronic acid into the face restore lost volume and tighten creased or sagging skin, resulting in a younger appearance within 20-30 minutes. There is usually no downtime required for dermal fillers, and patients can get back to their normal routine straight away.
Dermal fillers usually cost £200 or more per treatment, and can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months.
Which is the best skin rejuvenation treatment?
All skin rejuvenation options have their own benefits and caveats. The best treatment for you depends on a number of factors including your skin’s needs, your age, your skin tone, and your budget.
A qualified clinician will take the time to understand your skin’s needs and complaints before walking you through your available options and helping you to make an informed decision on your own behalf.