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Beauty is a snapshot in time. The way your skin looks at a given moment is fleeting; it evolves and matures every hour of every day.

The dynamic nature of skin regeneration presents both opportunities and challenges. On the bright side, cells replenish and help your complexion maintain a healthy glow. But when the body begins to age, these regenerative properties slow down. By thoroughly understanding the ways in which skin forms and heals will guide our collective efforts to keep you looking and feeling your best.

WHAT IS SKIN RESURFACING?

Complexion is a story of two realms: superficial and subdermal. Let’s focus on the latter first. Under the skin’s surface, a complex network called the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structure and support to a person’s features. 

One of the most prevalent compounds in the ECM is collagen. This protein generates growth, allowing new cells to flourish and replace dead and damaged skin. But as we get older, we produce less and less collagen.

In our later years, the skin reflects this shift in collagen levels. Wrinkles emerge, age spots linger, and the skin takes longer to repair itself in the event of breakage and splits. To resurface the skin as efficiently as possible, we may need to give the ECM medical boost every so often.

There are many ways in which a skilled physician can stimulate collagen production and bring vigor back to your complexion. The exact procedure(s) that works best for you will depend on several factors. Your skin tone and general health status will help determine which treatment is right for your aesthetic journey.

CHEMICAL PEEL OPTIONS

It’s time to face facts: dead cells peel away every time we wash our skin. It is a natural process, but it can be nurtured and amplified with a safe resurfacing strategy.

Chemical peels are procedures in which a licensed professional applies a carefully balanced compound to the skin for a precise length of time. Once the serum has reached a determined depth, your doctor will gently rinse off the chemical mixture, signaling your body to take over and replenish the affected skin.

The depth of your peel will depend on your cosmetic goals. If you have fine lines that you wish to tighten and smooth away, then a superficial peel may be ideal for you. On the other end of the spectrum, deep peels penetrate persistent creases and dark spots. To achieve your individual needs, your practitioner will utilize a bespoke blend of chemicals.

Glycolic peels are the lightest level of chemical resurfacing procedures. They are ideal for minimizing mild imperfections and textural inconsistencies.

Delving further below the surface, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels target splotches and discoloration, known as hyperpigmentation. In approximately five or six days, the outer layer of skin damage will flake away, revealing a healthy, youthful complexion.

The deepest peels available are formulated using a phenol compound. Phenol peels must only be administered seldom since they require up to two weeks of recovery time. Individuals with darker skin types may not be eligible for deep peels, so please consult with your aesthetic team to discuss the types of peel you desire.

LASER RESURFACING TREATMENTS

Technology is illuminating the way to new and innovative enhancements. One of the most brilliant techniques in our cosmetic toolkit is laser skin resurfacing.

By carefully swathing an area of dull, damaged skin with a concentrated energy beam, we can accomplish several goals simultaneously. First, the CO2 laser eradicates dead cells on the surface that may obscure one’s radiance. Meanwhile, the technology penetrates the dermis, where collagen activates and flourishes to create continued skin health.

Due to the highly delicate nature of laser resurfacing, you must only trust the procedure to a skilled, experienced professional. If you leave it in the hands of a non-licensed provider, it can lead to scarring, discomfort, and further damage.

DERMABRASION

Whether we mean to or not, we are sometimes harsh on our skin. Itching, picking, and daily abrasiveness deteriorate our glow. But perhaps the worst culprit of skin damage is sun exposure. Every time UV rays make contact with our complexions, it has an impact.

Sunburns, acne, and other wounds require healing. The skin patches itself via a process called epithelialization. Lower levels of skin create healthy new cells that rise to the surface to repair visible damage. Epithelialization takes time, however, and when it is rushed, it is noticeable. When collagen surges to fix a broken area of skin, it appears discolored or “tough” in texture. This is scar tissue.

But a medically guided epithelialization procedure can prevent scar formation and promote vibrant, gorgeous skin. Dermabrasion is one such procedure. Your doctor begins by administering a mild anesthetic to ensure comfort and safety throughout the session.

Once you are sufficiently comfortable, your skin is treated with a device that brushes away dead, discolored skin along the surface of your complexion. The depth of your dermabrasion session will depend on your goals and needs. Your doctor will meticulously work down through the layers of your skin to remove any unwanted blemishes and unearth your best attributes.

YOU DO YOU

Enhancement is not a “one size fits all” endeavor. Each of the procedures described above is customizable, so you will receive the treatment contoured appropriately to your skin. 

The recovery time associated with these techniques varies according to depth and duration. A light chemical peel, for example, requires less downtime than a comprehensive laser resurfacing session.

To prepare for your visit, chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members. We can’t wait to explore your skin resurfacing options with you! Call (310) 858-6749 to reach our Beverly Hills offices.