No-one relishes the thought of getting older in particular the effects it can have on our skin and our outward physical appearance. As we know, the beauty industry makes millions in profits each year by producing more and more products and treatments, many of which promise to ‘turn back the clock’ and reverse the aging process. Unfortunately, although nothing can actually stop our bodies from aging there are several steps we can take to ensure that our skin remains as youthful looking as possible as we grow older. Additionally, there is an increasing popularity in the use of non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques that maintain the skin’s youthfulness longer although, as with most beauty treatments, they come with a hefty price tag and can be prone to complications.
 Probably the most popular and widely used treatment is that of Botox injections. Actually a form of Botulinum Toxin, Botox essentially ‘freezes’ the facial muscles, not allowing them to contract and thus reducing the amount of wrinkles that form. While many patients are able to maintain a very natural appearance even after having had Botox injections, some are not as fortunate and can look unnaturally smooth and expressionless. Most women, or men, will start using Botox while in their twenties in the hope of preventing any lines and wrinkles from appearing at all. While generally considered a safe procedure, Botox does not come without its pitfalls. Overtime, getting Botox injections can become a very costly treatment, with sessions normally costing at least $300.00 per area. The process must be performed as much as every 3-6 months for maintenance, and each session will require a certain amount of downtime, although certainly not as much as with regular cosmetic surgery. Although most people will have no unpleasant side effects from Botox, it is not unusual for some patients to experience headaches, nausea and even run the risk of infection.
Another form of less invasive skin treatment is a dermal filler, often known under their brand names such as Restylane and Juverderm. These dermal fillers are sometimes called ‘liquid face-lifts’ due to the fact that the filler (or liquid) is injected into the skin, plumping it up from the inside out and basically having the same effect as a traditional face-lift. As with Botox, a dermal filler will not last forever and again, the process can become quite costly over time. However, many feel that dermal fillers are more effective than Botox and give the patient a much more natural, youthful look than the frozen Botox effect.
For those looking to treat more specific signs of ageing such as loose skin, age spots, skin ‘tags’ and broken capillaries in the face, it may be worth considering a chemical peel, or laser-resurfacing treatment. These treatments use light lasers to peel away the top layers of the skin resulting in a firmer, tighter skin surface which is also improved in terms of texture and tone. Compared to Botox or a dermal filler, this type of treatment will require a much longer period of downtime, is more expensive (usually starting at a cost of at least $800.00 per session) and will certainly have some side effects, which may vary depending on the type of treatment. The most common side effects can include redness, itching and increased flushing, while the normal after-effects involve the skin crusting and peeling, before the fresh skin underneath is revealed.
Even after having had any of these procedures, the individual must continue to take care of their skin and ensure that sunscreen is worn at all times to protect it from what dermatologists say is the skin’s biggest enemy, the sun.
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