10 Most Common Anti-Aging Treatments To Get Younger Skin

With age come several skin-related issues, starting from wrinkles to depressed cheekbones. However, anti-aging treatments, such as laser resurfacing, stem cell facelift, and chemical peels, can work wonders in slowing down these aging symptoms and help you get a youthful look.

But are they safe and worth all the hype? Do they have any adverse effects? In this article, we will discuss some promising facial rejuvenation treatments, their benefits, potential risks, and the costs involved. Let us get started.

1. Laser Resurfacing

Laser is one of the best anti-aging treatments for the face. If you are experiencing acne, blotches, scars, or wrinkles due to sun damage, laser skin resurfacing may be a great way to help your skin look younger and healthier (1).

What Does It Do?

Laser resurfacing, laser peel, or light therapy is a well-known anti-aging treatment that uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells.

Benefits Of Laser Resurfacing

Among some of the key benefits of laser resurfacing include (1):

• An increase in the energy levels of cells in the treated area.
• Works as a collagen booster and helps in the formation of new skin cells to make your skin look younger.
• Better blood circulation in the area of treatment.
• Improved lymphatic drainage, which also reduces swelling.

How Does It Work?It is a popular anti-aging treatment for the face that works by directing sharp and concentrated vibrating rays of light at the areas of the skin that are damaged and removing the skin layer by layer.Pain Factor

Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases (when the procedure is not performed carefully), there is no need for painkiller medications after the treatment.

Possible Risks Involved

Similar to any other skin treatment, laser therapy also has certain risks involved (1):

• Skin discoloration
• Swelling
• Crusting
• Infection
• Scarring
• Pain

Note: Except for hyperpigmentationⁱ  A harmless skin condition in which you develop dark patches on the skin due to excess melanin production. , all these risks are temporary and resolve within hours to days. Certified dermatologists/medical aestheticians have several ways of minimizing these risks.

Cost

The cost for laser treatment varies based on the types of lasers used. In general, non-ablative laser treatments can cost approximately $1,031 each session, whereas ablative therapies can cost up to $2,330 a session. Hence, the overall cost for laser treatment depends on the number of sessions you require and the specific area that needs treatment.

2. Dermal Fillers

It is quite natural for your skin to lose collagen, skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid as you age, which results in wrinkle formation. Dermal fillers refer to the injection of soft-tissue fillers (Restylane, Juvederm Stylage, and Revanese) into these areas around the cheeks, nose, eyes, jawline, and mouth, resulting in an improvement in the skin’s appearance (2).improvement in the skin’s appearance.

What Does It Do?

Dermal fillers, an injectable treatment performed under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, can help smoothen lines and replenish lost volume, thus restoring youthfulness of the skin (2).

Benefits Of Dermal Fillers

One of the main benefits of dermal fillers as an anti-aging treatment is that they can be easily dissolved by a special solution in case of an adverse event or if you dislike the appearance. Further, most dermal fillers are premixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent, to help you feel comfortable during treatment (3).

How Does It Work?

One of the most common compounds used in these dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). It is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a key role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized. Depending on their specific composition, HA dermal fillers can last six months to several years before being gradually absorbed by the body (2).

Pain Factor

There is a rare possibility of pain in some cases where the procedure is not performed carefully.

Possible Risks Involved

The most common side effects of dermal fillers include redness, pain, bruising, or swelling (2). However, all of these symptoms go away within one to two weeks.

Cost

Dermal fillers are typically priced per syringe. The number of syringes required for treatment mainly depends on which areas you get treated. For instance, the average cost of each syringe of Juvederm is approximately $620. It is also important to note that these costs depend on the credentials and experience of the administering doctor or cosmetic injector.

Trivia

The genesis of the dermal fillers treatment can be credited to Dr. Neuber, who used fat to fill out facial defects in 1893.

3. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a relatively less invasive anti-aging procedure that is used to renew the overall skin tone and texture. It can help in wrinkle reduction like forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet, age spot removal, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasmaⁱ  A skin pigmentation disorder characterized by brown or gray discolored patches on the sun-exposed areas of the skin. , and various other skin-related concerns and conditions (4).

What Does It Do?

Microdermabrasion is a relatively lesser-known facial treatment for aging skin that helps renew the overall skin tone and texture. It helps exfoliate the surface layers of the skin using techniques such as suction and abrasion.

Benefits Of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a good treatment option for patients with superficial skin problems and hectic lifestyles who are looking for quick benefits with virtually no side effects or downtime.

How Does It Work?

The microdermabrasion procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to remove the thick outer layer of the skin to make it look replenished and rejuvenated.

Pain Factor

Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases, there is no need for painkiller medications after treatment.

Possible Risks Involved

Some of the common side effects of microdermabrasion include swelling, redness, and mild tenderness (4). However, these effects generally last only a few hours after treatment.

Cost

As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost of a microdermabrasion procedure is $167 (as of 2020) (5). The total cost of the procedure generally depends on your medical practitioner’s fees, as well as geographic location.

4. Botox Injections

Botox or botulinum neurotoxin is primarily a substance injected into the skin to temporarily decrease the facial muscle tone.

A survey submitted by 516 US millennials found that 92% of them knew about botulinum toxin injections, 21% of them had tried it before, and 18% had tried it for cosmetic procedures. Out of those who had tried botox injections, 45% used it to treat wrinkles, 37% did it for wrinkle prevention, and 18% for non-cosmetic reasons.

What Does It Do?

It is an excellent treatment to prevent wrinkles from developing or becoming worse (6). It is mainly used for cosmetic purposes, and the results of Botox treatment last for 6-9 months when the nerve fibers start to regenerate.

Benefits Of Botox Injections

Botox is considered to be the best anti-aging skin care treatment. Its key benefit is wrinkle-free skin. This happens because it paralyzes the muscles around the area of treatment. Another key benefit of Botox injections is that they are very useful for the treatment of hyperhidrosis – a skin condition that causes excessive sweating (6).

How Does It Work?

When injected into the muscles, Botox injections lead to the blockage of nerve impulses to tissues. This results in a reduction of muscle activity, causing smoother-looking skin.

Pain Factor

If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of injection (6).

Possible Risks Involved

Botox injections are completely safe when administered by certified dermatologists. However, there is a possibility of side effects and complications if Botox is not injected properly. Some of the side effects that can develop:

• Droopy eyelids
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dryness in the eyes

Also, it is recommended to avoid taking Botox treatment if you are pregnant, lactating, or allergic to cow’s milk protein.

Cost

The overall cost of Botox treatment depends on how many injections you get. Since these injections are available in units, the units are administered based on how active your muscles are. A single Botox injection unit costs between $9-15. It is important to note, however, that different medical practitioners charge differently for Botox treatment.

Trivia

Cindy Crawford, Kelly Ripa, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, and Vanessa Williams are some famous celebrities who have undergone Botox injection treatment.

5. Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is essentially a skin-resurfacing procedure where a solution of different acidic chemicals is applied to the face.

What Does It Do?

A chemical peel is a unique technique that makes the superficial layer of skin peel off, thus smoothening the skin’s surface and reducing fine lines and wrinkles (7). They are generally gel-like formulas that are applied to the face and sometimes to other parts of the body, such as the hands or the neck.

Benefits Of Chemical Peels

The key benefits of this non-surgical wrinkle treatment include (7):

Reduction in fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
Improvement in the appearance of mild scars
Reduction in frecklesⁱ  Small, benign, brown circular spots on the skin commonly caused by overproduction of melanin and sun exposure. , age spots, and dark patches due to pregnancy.

How Does It Work?

Chemical peels work by peeling away the damaged skin cells, which allows healthy skin to grow in its place.
Pain Factor
Although there is a slight possibility of pain in some cases if the procedure is not performed carefully, it gets better after a few hours of the treatment.

Possible Risks Involved

Some of the possible risks involved with chemical peels include (8):

• Numbness Burning sensation
• Scabbing of the skin because of the removal of skin cells
• Excessive peeling of the skin for those with deep wrinkles
• Increase in skin sensitivity due to the sun, which can lead to sunburn

Cost

The cost of chemical peel treatment generally depends on the type of skin peel that you get. On average, a chemical peel treatment can cost between $250-700 for a single session. The prices are around $150 if you go for a mild skin peel and up to $1000 in cases of deep peels.

6. Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

Fractional laser skin resurfacing is considered to be the best anti-aging laser treatment for softening wrinkles and reducing pigmentation issues on the various parts of the body, including the face, chest, neck, arms, and hands (9).

What Does It Do?

The treatment targets pulsating beams of light precisely on the skin to remove the damaged top layer and deliver a visible improvement in your skin’s texture.

Benefits Of Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

It is a completely non-invasive laser therapy that helps treat:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Surface scarring (such as the scars caused by acne
• Surgical scarring
• Actinic keratosisⁱ  A condition in which the skin becomes dry, scaly, and rough due to overexposure to the sun, which may lead to cancer. (a pre-cancerous skin condition)
• Safety from sun damage
• Hyperpigmentationⁱ  A harmless skin condition in which you develop dark patches on the skin due to excess melanin production. such as age spots

How Does It Work?

A fractional laser delivers short, precise microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of the skin. This helps create deep and narrow columns of tissue coagulation, thus stimulating natural healing and the growth of healthy new tissues.

Pain Factor

If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of treatment (9).

Possible Risks Involved

Among the possible risks of fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment include redness, pain, and scarring.

Cost

The cost of fractional skin laser resurfacing varies depending on the type of lasers used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), non-ablative laser treatments cost about $1,445 per session, while ablative treatments are about $2,509 per session (as of 2020) (5). The overall cost of the treatment also depends on how many sessions you need and the area being treated.

Michele Maize, a traveling, vegan, and yoga practitioning blogger, tried a laser skin resurfacing treatment to manage fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. She observed that her lines were lighter but not gone and needed more sessions. She writes, “The treatment wasn’t painful, just a little shocking to the skin at times because they put numbing cream on your skin first. The whole treatment took about 20 minutes (i).”

7. Stem Cell Facelift

Stem cell facelift is another revolutionary anti-aging treatment that provides the regenerative benefits of stem cell therapy. The main benefit of this treatment is that it requires no surgery and no downtime at all. However, not much research has been conducted on the efficacy and benefits of this anti-aging treatment.

How Does It Work?

In this anti-aging skin care treatment, stem cells migrate to sites of inflammation, thus calming down the inflammatory effects and laying down a new cellular framework. The result is dramatic skin rejuvenation and a natural lift that can last for as long as three years without surgery or any considerable downtime (10).

Benefits Of Stem Cell Facelift

Stem cell facelifts help fight all the signs of aging with the help of stem cells (10). The treatment can help restore the quality of your skin by providing collagen and elastin.

How Does It Work?

The treatment harnesses stem cell technology to create more collagen. Apart from this, it fills in the tissues with healthy blood flow, resulting in a glowing and youthful appearance.

Pain Factor

Although there is a slight possibility of pain when the treatment is not performed carefully, there is no need for taking painkillers after treatment.

Possible Risks Involved

Among some of the minor side effects of the procedure include (10):

• Skin scarring
• Bruising
• Redness

Cost

Stem cell facelifts are less expensive compared to other facelift procedures. The approximate cost of the procedure is between $18,000-28,000, depending on factors such as the treatment plan, the extent of damage to the skin, and the site of treatment.

8. Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation

Non-ablative skin rejuvenation is an anti-aging treatment that uses lasers and other techniques to treat age spots, wrinkles, and loss of skin tone (9).

What Does It Do?

This procedure incorporates a non-wounding laser to remove layers of the skin as well as minor skin blemishes such as fine lines and dark spots. The treatment targets different skin imperfections throughout several treatments with shorter recovery time and long-lasting results.

Benefits Of Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation

The heat generated by the laser promotes collagen production, which helps in skin tightening and makes it look younger and healthier (9).

How Does It Work?

In this treatment, the outer layer of the skin is not removed, and there is no recovery time required as such. To achieve the best results, you may need several treatments, and it can take up to a few months to see the full effects.

Pain Factor

If not administered under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner, there is a possibility of pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of treatment.

Possible Risks Involved

Some of the possible side effects from non-ablative skin rejuvenation may include:

• Burns or other injuries from the laser’s heatScarring
• Changes in the skin’s pigmentation
• Bacterial infection
• Milia in the laser-treated areas during healing

Cost

The cost of non-ablative skin rejuvenation ranges from approximately $1,031-1,144, depending on the amount of skin treatment.

9. Microneedling

Microneedling is a collagen-inducing therapy used to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines, and enlarged pores.

What Does It Do?

Microneedling creates micro-channels using tiny needles that are set to penetrate different depths of the top layer of the skin, which allows age-defying serums and anti-aging creams and skin care products to penetrate deeper and treat the skin better.

Benefits Of Microneedling

This skin treatment for aging skin is considered effective and safe for treating minor scarring related to wounds, acne, and aging (11). After the treatment, you will likely notice a brighter skin tone and improved skin firmness. However, ideal results are achieved after multiple sessions.

How Does It Work?

Microneedling works by encouraging the skin to make more collagen. Pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin, which then responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue, in turn, is more even in tone and texture.

Pain Factor

There is a slight possibility of pain in some cases where the procedure is not performed carefully, but the pain fades away within a few hours.

Possible Risks Involved

The most common side effect of this treatment is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. There can also be redness for a few days, and in rare cases, one might experience symptoms such as bruising, bleeding, peeling of the skin, and infection (12).

Cost

Microneedling can cost anywhere from $100 to $700 per session. The overall cost of the treatment also depends on the size of the area being worked on.

10. Retinoids

These topical compounds can keep a wide range of signs of aging at bay with regular use. Retin-A for wrinkles is a popular choice among those seeking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a proven ingredient.

What Does It Do?

Retinoids are a family of skin care compounds derived from vitamin A. They combat the signs of aging and reverse sun-induced damage to the skin.

Benefits Of Retinoids

Retinoids stimulate collagen production, which may help plump up the skin and smoothen out wrinkles. They may encourage cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles (13). Moreover, retinoids can fade dark spots, resulting in a more even skin tone (14).

How Does It Work?

Retinoids work by binding to specific receptors in the skin. This prompts the skin cells to function more normally and enhances collagen production (15).

Possible Risks Involved

Skin irritation is a potential side effect of using retinoids. And if you have acne, it may make your skin dry and sensitive to the sun (16), (17).

Cost

The price of retinoid products ranges from affordable over-the-counter options to pricier prescription formulations, costing anywhere between $10 and $500.

Infographic: Top 5 Anti-Aging Treatments

While you can always opt for skin care products that provide anti-aging benefits, there are various anti-aging treatments that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help you achieve the youthful glow that you once had. Scroll down and check out the following infographic to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I take into consideration before selecting an anti-aging treatment?

Consider your skin type, specific concerns, ingredient efficacy, potential side effects or allergies, budget, and its suitability for your lifestyle before choosing an anti-aging treatment.

How long do anti-aging treatments last?

The range of treatments is huge and durations vary a lot. Most of the treatments mentioned above last from 6 months to 2 years. Dr. Paul Drake, an aesthetic surgeon, says, “It is important to recognize that the effect and duration depends on a lot of other factors like general health, nutrition, skin type, sun exposure, and smoking.”

How long does it typically take to see results from anti-aging treatments?

According to Dr. Drake, results start showing in a few weeks. He says, “Results from most treatments are seen within 2 weeks, with some treatment effects increasing over time and with repeat treatments.”

Can anti-aging treatments address other signs of aging, such as age spots or sagging skin?

Most anti-aging treatments address diverse concerns. Dr. Bart Kachniarz, an experienced plastic surgeon, says, “Chemical peels, lasers, and dermabrasion can address age spots. Fillers, thread lifts, and surgical procedures can offer lifting and tightening effects.”

Is there a permanent treatment for wrinkles?

No, there is no permanent treatment for wrinkles. You can consult your dermatologist for the best treatment suitable for you.

Is vitamin C anti-aging?

Yes, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production and protects the skin from oxidative damage (18), (19). This may slow down the aging process.

Why is my face aging so quickly?

Factors like poor lifestyle, overexposure to the sun and poor sleep intake may result in premature skin aging (20), (21).

Is vitamin E or C better for the face?

Both vitamins E and C boost collagen production and protect your skin from UV damage (18), (22). You can use either product or both together.

Illustration: Most Common Anti-Aging Treatments To Get Younger Skin

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Start early to prevent wrinkles and age spots! Watch the following video to understand when to begin anti-aging treatments for the best results.