Americans spend billions of dollars a year to look younger, and it seems like every day there’s a new vitamin or cream that claims to reverse or reduce the signs of aging. With all the information out there, it's hard to know which products and procedures for the skin you can trust. To help you choose from all the dermatology options out there, we've compiled a list of the seven best anti-aging treatments and products from the professionals.
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Skin Products
OTC anti-aging skin treatments include products purchased by mail order, in drugstores, and at cosmetics counters. The truth is that many OTC products are not very effective at removing deeper lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging – at least not long term. Some products may smooth or plump up the skin slightly, but those are usually effects subtle, and you typically have to use the products every day to see results. OTC products that can help reverse signs of aging are those the include retinol and peptides.
- Retinol products are derived from vitamin A and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Retinol products are usually available as prescription strength from dermatologists, but you can find some non-prescription OTC retinol creams for $20 or less
- Peptides are strings of amino acids. Similar to retinol products, peptides reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Again, dermatologists offer these products in prescription strength, but some OTC products are available with peptides at varied in prices.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment provided by professional dermatologists who use a very fine abrasive to remove the top layer of your skin and stimulate new skin growth. As the new skin grows, it should have fewer wrinkles. However, the new skin grows quickly and wrinkles can reappear within several days. Microdermabrasion can cost upwards of $150 per session, and you will need to have frequent sessions to remain wrinkle-free.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are similar to microdermabrasion in that they remove the top layer of the skin to stimulate new growth. Chemical peels can also remove skin discoloration, minor scars, and they smooth your skin texture. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the strength of the peel. Stronger peels tend to remove more of the top layer than milder peels. The results of chemical peels can last several weeks to several years, depending on how strong they are, and can cost upwards of $650 per session.
4. Dermal Fillers
Fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to plump up and fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Fillers can also be use do to plump up the cheeks and lips to give a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Many fillers use a substance called hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in your own skin, but some might also use synthetic products. (Botox uses a different substance that can smooth out and "freeze" muscle movement under a wrinkled area.) The average hyaluronic treatment can last up to a year and costs roughly $600. The price for synthetic fillers varies, as does how long their effects will last.
6. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing uses laser light to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Lasers can also break up large spots of pigment, such as liver spots and age spots. The benefits of laser procedures can last up to five years, and they can cost $3,000 per session.
7. Cosmetic Surgery
There are several types of cosmetic enhancement and cosmetic surgery for the face and body that can effectively reduce the signs of aging, including:
- facelifts and brow lifts
- cheek and lip Implants
- neck lifts
- eye lifts
- breast lifts
- tummy tucks
Cosmetic procedures can last several years, but they won’t last forever. As you continue to age, so will your skin and eventually you will develop wrinkles and sagging again. However, you could go several years before you feel the need to have another procedure. The average cost for cosmetic surgery is roughly $7,000 per procedure.
