Nowadays, it’s all about non invasive treatments. With the ongoing shift towards embracing the natural look, we definitely favor little tweaks over major, aggressive treatments.
With the skincare obsession going on for years now, crafty dermatologists have come up with a wide range of non invasive treatments that can help improve the state and look of the skin without major skin trauma and at a relatively low cost.
Let’s review the top 3 non invasive treatments which can be used to treat specific skin conditions, but work extremely well for diminishing the effects of aging, at least temporarily.
1. Dermaplaning
Let’s start with the easiest, simplest one – dermaplaning.
Dermaplaning is a skin resurfacing treatment where the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of the skin – is scraped off with a sharp blade to reveal a new layer of skin underneath, taking away all the dead skin and peach fuzz.
This non invasive treatment started gaining popularity as an at-home routine on social media, but it’s actually been used by cosmetic dermatologists and cosmeticians for ages. It’s a go-to prep for a number of treatments, as it maximizes the effects of any type of hydrating procedure.
Learn more about how dermaplaning works in this guide.
Image source: Instagram @gracie_skinandlashesllc
How Does It Make You Look Younger?
By removing the built-up dead skin from the surface of the face and from the creases of fine lines and wrinkles, dermaplaning makes your complexion brighter. It removes dead skin that creates unwanted texture on the skin, making it smooth to the touch.
As a consequence, there’s a sort of blurring effect which can disguise fine lines. Plus, your pores look smaller.
An additional effect of dermaplaning is the fact it makes it much easier for your skin to soak up any product you put on it, so your regular anti-aging product will have its effects increased.
However, dermaplaning can’t do much for deeper wrinkles or sagging skin. So it’s best suited for diminishing early signs of aging.
What to Expect Afterwards
Glowing, smooth skin that feels refreshed. Your makeup won’t cake and it’ll crease less.
In terms of any skin reactions, there shouldn’t be any. If your skin is particularly sensitive, there might be some redness, but nothing major.
2. Microdermabrasion
Another form of mechanical exfoliation, but one that combines it with deep cleansing.
Microdermabrasion is done with a special device; a handpiece with a rotating ring with a gritty surface is pressed against the skin and dragged against it. Simultaneously, a vacuum sucks the dead skin cells which are scraped off, along with all the dirt and sebum that is extracted from the pores.
It can remove a thinner or thicker layer of the skin, again, to reveal a better layer underneath.
Learn more about how microdermabrasion works in this guide.
How Does It Make You Look Younger?
It can significantly brighten the complexion, especially if it’s done as a series of treatments. When the old skin is consistently taken off, fine lines are softened and imperfections such as age spots or sun damage are diminished and potentially eliminated altogether.
The skin is refreshed, and there’s a healthy radiance about it.
What to Expect Afterwards
A bit of redness, and maybe some peeling a few days later. In rare cases, there might be some slight swelling or bruising, but it’ll subside super quickly.
Consider the Spin-Off: Hydradermabrasion
Microdermabrasion + deep hydration = hydradermabrasion!
This treatment works a lot like the one described above, but the handpiece has an additional function – it sprays hydrating toners on top of the exfoliation. This allows for a moisturizing solution to penetrate the pores, which provides a plumping effect.
And deeply hydrated skin automatically shows fewer signs of aging! It feels and looks firmer.
3. Microneedling
We know what you’re thinking – needles and non invasive don’t go together. But hear us out.
This treatment is done with a special tool – either an electric derma pen or a manual derma roller – which has tiny, super-thin needles that poke the skin superficially. These little pokes are perceived as injuries by the body, and the regeneration process is initiated.
It works with the skin’s natural processes, so it’s more effective than many other treatments.
Learn more about how microneedling works in this guide.
How Does It Make You Look Younger?
This process includes a huge boost in the production of collagen and elastin, 2 proteins responsible for keeping the skin firm and smooth.
As we age, our body produces less and less of these proteins, and this is the main reason why fine lines and wrinkles appear in the first place. Microneedling is a form of collagen induction which reintroduces these substances.
This boost in production repairs the web within the skin which gives it its structure, and with repeated treatments, the fine lines and wrinkles are flattened from within.
And it’s the only one of the non invasive treatments that can improve sagging skin!
What to Expect Afterwards
Since the skin is punctured, as tiny and thin as the needles are, there is bound to be some redness. So you might want to postpone any plans for the rest of the day after the treatment.
It may be accompanied by the sensations of heat and a bit of tenderness, followed by dryness and tightness. Your skin will need intense hydration in the days following the treatment, but it’ll heal within a few days.
How Often Should I Get These Treatments?
You can get each of these non invasive treatments as a one-off, but if you really want to work on fine lines and wrinkles, you’ll need to get several sessions as a series, and then get maintenance sessions.
It’s best to get them once every 4-6 weeks in the beginning, and you can space them out a bit further once you get an improvement.
Remember, aging is a process which can only be slowed down, not stopped, so you should be consistent with your skincare routine.
Final Thoughts – Consult a Pro
Although all 3 non invasive treatments we’ve just described are pretty much universal and anyone can benefit from them, it’s always best to get expert advice before you do anything.
Whatever your skin concerns are, make an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist and have them prescribe which treatment would be best for your skin. They can prescribe a custom skincare routine that will help you maintain your complexion as youthful as possible!
Cover image source: Freepik