As the beauty industry and social media quietly take over the world, avoiding signs of aging is the number one goal for women (and some men). Looking young and wrinkle-free has become the epitome of attractiveness—everyone wants access to the magic elixir. And because our skin is continually losing subcutaneous fat as we age, we are fighting a losing battle. Not to mention the other things we do that are harmful to skin youthfulness. (Hint: I’m referring to your favorite Cabernet Franc, vacation beach time, and sneaky sweet tooth.)
Medical professionals have been testing, researching and experimenting with every product and treatment under the sun to find the best results. In recent years, laser skin treatments have moved onto the main stage. Cosmetic laser light is a beam of concentrated light used to vaporize, burn, or remove upper layers of skin tissue. The process is targeted to reveal the more youthful and undamaged skin underneath.
Effects of fine line treatments by laser
What makes laser treatments like laser genesis so appealing (no pun intended) is that results are typically seen quite quickly after treatment. Healing process taken into account, investing in a laser treatment will expedite and exceed the results seem by typical anti-aging products on the market. Other positives include:
- Increased energy levels in the treated cells
- Immune system boost
- Collagen boost
- Lymphatic drainage (and reduced swelling)
- Improved blood circulation
How long laser skin treatment effects will last?
The process sounds perfect, right? The main question we get asked is: Once the initial results are seen, how long do they last? On average, patients can expect resurfacing effects to last between 3-5 years after the procedure. That being said, results can be extended with specific lifestyle changes.
Ways of increasing laser skin treatment results longevity
Sun protection is by far the most important factor. Post-treatment, prioritize a high SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-avoidance. Smart sun exposure choices can extend results of skin resurfacing up to two years.
You need to put in daily upkeep. A daily skin care routine is essential, specifically cleansing and moisturizing. And exfoliate! Exfoliating on a regular basis is sort of like a mini skin resurfacing routine, removing old skin cells to reveal a new layer. Removing the old cells unclogs pores and allows your skin to actually absorb the treatment product you’re applying. We want your expensive anti-wrinkle potions to be effective, so it’s important to start with a clean, fresh palette. Another sneaky benefit of exfoliating is that you really get rid of residual makeup. You might think you’re cleansing effectively, but a deep exfoliation handles whatever your normal routine might have bypassed.
Another important component of laser results longevity is antioxidants. Increased antioxidant levels are associated with protection from harmful free radicals, well-known culprits in the aging process. Eat foods that support collagen development and are high in vitamins like citrus and green leafy vegetables. In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements can have a big impact on skin health.
HYDRATE. Let’s emphasize the power of hydration one more time. Drinking water (at least 8 eight-ounce glasses) will ensure that damaging toxins get flushed from your body. Sounds pretty simple, right? You’d be surprised how many people under-hydrate on a daily basis. All of the organs in your body will benefit from your water intake, not just your skin. So, drink up!
There is one other important component to consider: stress. We wish it didn’t, but stress can have detrimental effects on the skin. Cortisol is a natural stress hormone, but it also, accelerates the aging process. Drat, hey? So, boost your positivity hormones by regular exercise, meditation, and self-care. It will pay off in both external and internal ways.
So, while there are realistic expectations of a laser resurfacing treatment, a lot of the long-term results are actually in your hands. Making a commitment with your time and finances means you should put the skin homework in as well. Love the skin you’re in, and treat it with respect.
