In New York City, you can’t walk a block without seeing signs promising the latest skin care miracle from the many day spas and med spas that have popped up over the past several years. You may be getting low prices, but you’re also risking serious complications and side effects by trusting your skin to untrained, and sometimes, even unlicensed professionals.
A 2003 survey from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery showed a 41 percent increase since 2001 in the number of patients coming for help following a skin treatment botched by a non-doctor technician. The numbers continue to grow at an alarming rate.
Here is a list of treatments the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends should only be done by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist in their office:
• Laser technologies: Laser technology can be used for hair removal, body sculpting, scar and tattoo removal and more. Like any new technology, laser skin care requires training and experience. Laser therapy should only be performed by medical professionals.
• Fractional resurfacing: This procedure is “…one of the newer laser technologies that gives dermatologists the option to safely treat patients with more extensive skin damage.” The main benefits of this procedure are increased collagen production that improves the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, with considerably less downtime than other invasive laser technologies
• Wrinkle fillers: A number of new fillers have been introduced in recent years to replace “lost volume in the skin and to shape and sculpt areas that show signs of aging.” Fillers can help patients with symptoms such as sunken cheeks and fine lines around the eyes and lips. These new fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse, are used by many top dermatologists for a wide range cosmetic purposes.
• Chemical peels: A chemical peel is a popular procedure involving a chemical solution that is applied to the skin causing the outer layer of skin to separate and peel off. The new, regenerated skin is typically smoother, more even in tone and less wrinkled than the old skin.
In some states, it is not required to have a medical degree to perform a chemical peel. Although a chemical peel is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced dermatologist, there is a greater risk of infection, scarring or permanent skin damage when chemical peels are performed by unlicensed professionals or offered in unsanitary environments.
• Botulinum toxin: Most widely known as “Botox treatments,” it’s popular for its ability to reduce wrinkles and other facial lines. Manufacturers have introduced new Botox formulations for medical professionals that have made the treatment more affordable, as well as effective.
Some of the most effective treatments available today, developed in labs by top scientists, may be available without a visit to the doctor’s office. Although many of us may not think of looking online for our skin-care products, a number of new companies are marketing products that are affordable, highly effective and only available online. Best of all, for those who aren’t ready to consider Botox or other invasive and potentially risky cosmetic procedures, a “facelift in a box” is now a reality.
“The ingredients we are using in our products today were unthinkable only a few years ago,” says Leon Thompson, Chief Marketing Officer for Hydra Skin Sciences, “it was either prohibitively expensive or hadn’t even been discovered yet! When we developed the Allegro Anti-Aging Cream and Brio Day & Night Serum we brought together the most powerful botanicals and proven lab-tested chemicals to reduce wrinkles, age spots, discoloration, sagging skin, loss of firmness and more.”
To ensure you’re going to look your very best and will receive the latest in skin-care technology, you may be amazed to find that your best options are online!
Meggie Haneckow is a niche writer and blogger who loves to write on trending topics and share her personal experiences and knowledge through her writing. She is also a health enthusiast, so she loves to share health-care related tips through her blogs.
