Different cosmetic skin treatments decoded: Your go-to guide

The vast world of skincare can be both exciting and confusing.

With the many new advancements and sophisticated treatments now available, there are more ways than ever to address all your skin concerns. On the flip side, the sheer number of options can be daunting, especially if you are entering the skincare fray for the first time.

Never fear, though. In this guide, we have decoded some of the most common cosmetic skin treatments to help you determine the best way to achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.

While some of these treatments can be completed at home, it is important to note in this article we are referring to in-clinic skin treatments, which will often provide greater benefits than at-home treatment options.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a process that involves removing the top layer of skin using tiny crystals or diamonds via a handheld tool.

Usually, the skin is first cleaned with a mild cleanser, and the eyes are covered for protection. Tiny crystals are then sprayed onto the skin while vacuum suction removes the used crystals and skin cell debris.

Sometimes a diamond-tipped wand is used instead of crystals to buff the skin. A washcloth is then used to remove any remaining debris, and a moisturiser is applied.

Microdermabrasion can target wrinkles, acne, sun-induced pigmentation, scars, enlarged pores and stretch marks. It generally takes several sessions to get the desired results and is not recommended for those with skin infections, skin conditions, bleeding disorders, sores or sunburn.

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, percutaneous collagen induction or skin needling, is a treatment where the skin is punctured with tiny needles.

The skin is often numbed before treatment to reduce pain and discomfort. A pen-like tool called a derma roller is then used to insert tiny needles into the skin to cause micro-injuries or punctures.

This will stimulate your body to send healing agents like elastin and collagen to the treated area, to help repair the skin. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on how much area of the face is covered, with additional time added if anesthesia is used.

Microneedling can be used to help with pitted acne scars, fine lines or wrinkles, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, sunspots, elasticity, uneven skin tone or texture and stretch marks.

Fraxel laser

Fraxel laser uses laser rays to replace damaged skin cells with healthy skin tissue. The lasers produce microthermal zones deep within the skin that the skin later repairs by replacing the old, damaged tissue with new tissue.

To start Fraxel laser treatment, a topical anesthetic cream is generally applied to numb the skin and reduce pain associated with the procedure.

A Fraxel laser then fires columns of laser into the skin, which can be very targeted to spare any healthy skin, while another machine blows cold air over the treated areas to reduce heat energy build up in the skin and reduce discomfort.

Fraxel laser can help reduce the appearance of notable scars, deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, improve overall texture and address surgical or acne scarring. The number of sessions needed depends on the desired outcome, but generally, about one to four are required.

Clear and Brilliant Laser

Clear and Brilliant Laser is a ‘gentle’ version of the Fraxel laser.

Both laser treatments use fractionated laser technology to carefully damage skin and trigger the wound-healing process that stimulates collagen production. However, Fraxel reaches deeper layers of the skin which provides a heavier resurfacing treatment, while Clear and Brilliant is a more superficial treatment.

Clear and Brilliant Laser is suitable for mild skin conditions like early ageing signs, general upkeep of skin, mild scarring and damage prevention. Clear and Brilliant Laser generally requires slightly more sessions than Fraxel to get the same result – about four to five on average.

When considering this treatment, be sure to speak to a professional in your area, such as those who administer Clear and Brilliant Laser in Melbourne, to ensure the results you want are achievable.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is the process where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers.

Chemical peels can vary, but will generally have a high concentration of acids and other ingredients such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy fruit acids in a gel or water-like form.

They are applied all over the face in a light layer to remove the top layers of skin and cause some inflammation which will stimulate the healing process and collagen release. The peel remains active until neutralised with water at the correct point to deliver the desired effect.

Chemical peel strength will determine what they can treat. Superficial to medium chemical peels like those you can purchase and apply at home can treat photodamage, fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and acne, while deeper chemical peels, generally done at a clinic, can help with dermal pigmentation and scarring.