Fresh, glowing skin should be just as much a part of your springtime look as sundresses and sandals. Are you prepared? If not, the latest treatments can energize and rejuvenate your skin in time for its seasonal debut.
make note!
Increased sun exposure means increased risk of damage. Dr. Emily Spataro, a Washington University facial cosmetic surgeon, suggests avoiding any procedures that remove the top layers of skin if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. This includes laser resurfacing and harsh chemical peels. “Gentler peels have less downtime, and there is less risk related to sun exposure,” she says. “Other options include radiofrequency treatments, microneedling and light exfoliation.” Surgical procedures aren’t impacted by the sun and offer more dramatic results but require longer downtime as well, Spataro points out. Beyond treatments, proper skin care is vital this time of year. Sunscreen is key, and Spataro notes people should be aware that certain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
hydrafacial
What Does It Do? According to Janine Bilpush, RN, LE, nurse injector at The Lifestyle Center, the procedure can be customized to meet an individual’s unique skin care needs. “This is not a basic fluff and puff facial,” Bilpush says. “It uses medical-grade serums.” The process removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while infusing moisturizing and cleansing solutions. It addresses wrinkles, acne, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation.
How Does It Work? The treatment takes as little as 30 minutes to complete, and Bilpush says it involves three stages: hydradermabrasion, extraction and infusion. “The device has a unique double helix tip that unclogs pores while pumping the skin with nutrients,” she explains. “Once the procedure is done, you actually can see what is removed.” Results last around a week, and with ongoing treatment, you may notice more sustained improvement. Recovery: “Unlike with skin peels or microneedling, there is no downtime,” Bilpush says. “There also is little to no irritation. You may be a little pink immediately after, but we use an LED treatment to calm inflammation. It’s the perfect procedure if you’re pressed for time.”
Cost: Packages start at $175.
radiofrequency treatment
What Does It Do? The treatment works below the surface layer to tighten skin and remove fat. Depending on the device used, various areas of the body can be treated, including the face, neck, arms, abdomen and legs.
How Does It Work? Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating cell turnover and the production of new collagen and elastin while also destroying fat tissue. Patients feel the heat, so there may be some discomfort, and a topical numbing cream is typically used. Duration varies; treating a larger area may take up to two hours. Because the skin tightens slowly, results may not be apparent for two months, and changes may be observed up to six months later. Recovery: No downtime is necessary, and typically, irritation is limited to minimal swelling, redness or tingling immediately following the procedure.
Cost: Varies depending on the device used and the area being treated.
aquagold fine touch microchanneling
What Does It Do? “This is what movie stars use to make sure they’re red-carpet ready,” says Carol Anderson, RN, CANS, owner of Nouveau, a Boutique MedSpa. “It’s a microinjection technique that gives you a glowing, porcelain look.” She explains that the treatment can be specialized to an individual’s needs and is commonly used to shrink pores and fill in lines. Anderson adds that along with the face, it can be used on the neck and chest, and the procedure even can address crepey skin on the arms to get you ready for summer.
How Does It Work? The device is made of needles the same thickness as hair that inject skin care treatments at a depth of about half a millimeter. Results depend on what is injected, and Anderson says hyaluronic acid fillers and Botox are common. “Botox normally is injected into the muscle, but when used with AquaGold Fine Touch, it has a completely different effect and shrinks pores,” she explains. Results are immediately visible and last six to eight weeks.
Recovery: According to Anderson, there is no downtime. “It’s the perfect treatment to get before an event like a wedding or class reunion,” she says. “You may be a little pink the day you have it done, but there is no other irritation.”
Cost: Facial treatments average around $500 to $600.
skin care routine
What Does It Do? “Beautiful skin doesn’t come from a one-size-fits-all, miracle treatment,” says Dr. Michele Koo, a plastic surgeon in private practice. “Like a healthy body, healthy skin requires a consistent lifestyle and appropriate care for your specific needs.” She notes that a personalized skin care routine can help with issues like age spots, wrinkles, pores, acne and thin, crepey skin.
How Does It Work? According to Koo, your skin regimen doesn’t need to be expensive or contain many products. “Less is more when it comes to regaining healthy skin,” she says. “The more products you use and the harsher the ingredients in them, the more irritated your skin will be. Learn what is appropriate for your skin, and simplify your routine accordingly.” She suggests using products that balance your skin’s pH and take into consideration your age, level of sun exposure, skin oiliness, pore size and color tone.
Recovery: A morning and night skin routine that is appropriate for your skin type should cause no irritation, inflammation or other side effects.
Cost: The Dr. Koo Premier Skin Care line is $65 to $450 for a 10-month to one-year supply.
