The different types of anti-aging skin treatments target such issues as fine lines, wrinkles, rough skin texture, under-eye bags, dryness, and sagging skin. These products also fight additional signs of aging involving discoloration of the skin, such as dark spots and under eye circles. Among the most popular topical, non-invasive anti-aging skin treatments are microdermabrasion; products containing anti-aging ingredients, such as peptides; and retinol remedies.
Microdermabrasion utilizes fine crystals that are gently massaged over the face, exfoliating the top layer of skin where signs of aging are most obvious. Anti-aging skin treatments using microdermabrasion are available from dermatologists as well as in over-the-counter products for at-home use. While it is normal to experience mild irritation on the skin with at-home kits, users should be careful to follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging delicate facial skin.
Anti-aging skin treatments containing peptides have proven particularly effective at boosting collagen production, making skin firmer. Made of proteins called amino acids, along with other molecules, several kinds of peptides are used in age-fighting skin care products. The most popular include acetyl hexapeptide-3, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, palmitoyl oligopeptide and copper peptides.
Retinol is another anti-aging skin treatment that is comprised of vitamin A and is the purest and most vigorous form of the vitamin. Retinol, in the drug group of retinoids, has a small molecular structure, which when used in anti-aging skin products, easily penetrates the layers of the skin to provide several anti-aging benefits, including repairing lower layers of skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles, and increasing skin elasticity. It also helps repair damage caused by prior sun exposure and stimulates collagen production in the skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids also are used in anti-aging skin treatments to fight fine lines and make the surface of the skin smoother. The acids are available in variety of concentrations: over-the-counter products containing alpha hydroxy acids have less than a 10% concentration, cosmetologists use between a 20% and 30% concentration and medical professionals use up to a 70% concentration. Dermatologists use these high levels to perform chemical peels, which fight signs of aging and may remove surface scars. While the at-home products work gently, the higher concentrations used by professionals may cause skin irritation, such as redness, oozing and peeling, which could potentially take several weeks to heal.
While most at-home anti-aging skin treatments are safe, users should be cautious. Some products may produce skin irritation for certain individuals. Performing a test of new treatments on a small section of skin before applying it over the entire face can help one evaluate how his or her skin will react to the product.