When it comes to skin treatments, you have a lot of options available to you. From skin treatments with lasers to light therapies and even electrical current, it can be difficult to determine what products and services will actually work – not to mention make the biggest difference - for you and your skin goals. And while there are plenty of skincare options available to you, not all skincare is created equal. As Skin Health Experts, we never make blanket recommendations on products or services. Instead, we recommend specific treatments based on your unique skin type and/or skin concerns.
Our experienced estheticians at the Kate Somerville Clinic put together a list of best skin treatments for two of the most common skin concerns: acne and aging.
Best Oily Skin & Acne Treatments
• Vitamin C - With its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps even out skin tone and brighten your overall complexion. When you have acne the most notable effect of using vitamin C is its ability to help minimize the appearance of existing acne scars. High-potency vitamin C helps visibly brighten your skin and softens the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. Vitamin C can also help to unclog your pores when applied on a regular basis.
• Extractions - Pore extraction involves your esthetician using either their hands or a tool on a very pinpointed area to remove any debris that is clogging your pores. Though it usually doesn't take more than a little pressure to clear the pore, an occasional stubborn spot will take more work, so be honest with esthetician if and when you experience discomfort. Extractions are typically done as part of a facial and, if possible, should be scheduled once every month for best results.
• Salicylic Acid - Found in many over-the-counter acne skin-care products and treatments, salicylic acid is best used to treat non-inflamed breakouts and blackheads rather than moderate to severe acne. Though it is naturally occurring in some trees, most of the salicylic acid used today is synthetic. Since this ingredient helps to break up dead skin cells and clear them away from the surface of the skin, it is especially effective in penetrating the pores and removing any debris in addition to helping reduce oil.
• Blue LED - Light therapy which uses blue LED (light emitting diode) lights are especially effective at helping to kill the bacteria which causes mild to moderate acne. Unlike more invasive treatments, this type of light therapy requires no downtime, so you can have your treatment;at any time and carry on with your regularly scheduled day. To see the most improvement in your skin, you schedule a treatment at least once a month unless your esthetician recommends otherwise.
Best Skin Treatments for Wrinkles
• Hyaluronic Acid - With its unique capacity to retain water and help regulate your skin’s moisture levels, hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin balanced and hydrated, no matter your skin type. It also aids in the improvement of skin resilience and helps to reduce the appearance of aging as a result of increased moisture in the skin.
• Exfoliate - By removing old and dead skin cells from the surface of your face, regular exfoliation helps to soften the appearance of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Age spots may fade over time as the skin cells which contain the altered pigment are removed. Lines and wrinkles, on the other hand, become less visible as the newly exposed skin reflects light better, minimizing their appearance. Facial scrubs and exfoliating masks, and/or wrinkle cream all help to support this common goal. Read more in our related article about the benefits of exfoliating and how to reduce eye wrinkles.
• Microneedling - The process of microneedling uses a roller with many tiny needles to prick the skin. This procedure helps to re-generate the skin tissue for smoother, more resilient, and more toned skin. If you’re looking for something to help soften the appearance of wrinkles, this may be the treatment for you.
• Microcurrents - For this treatment a microcurrent device and wet sponges are used to deliver low levels of electricity to the face and neck. The current naturally helps to contour your face by stimulating and tightening the underlying muscles. The result is an anti-aging effect that helps smooth wrinkles, drain swollen lymph nodes, and leaves you with a more lifted appearance.
• LED Light Therapy - Similar to the blue light that is helpful in treating acne, combining amber, red and infrared lights can help to support skin resilience, reduce inflammation and encourage deeper product absorption. This type of LED light therapy complements anti-aging treatments and will leave you with fresher-looking skin.
We hope you find this information helpful! Remember, it’s important to do your own research and then working with an esthetician you trust to set goals for your skin. They will then provide custom recommendations based on your skin type and the best treatments and products for you.
