About Anti-Aging Facial Treatments (Photo: iStock.com,imagekind.com,made-in-china.com)
Anti-aging facial treatments are an investment in beauty for life. No matter what your skin type or ethnicity, a good anti-aging skin care regime will guarantee a beautiful, glowing complexion for life. Several facial treatments address anti-aging concerns.
An anti-aging arsenal can include facials, microdermabrasion treatment, chemical peels and over-the-counter products to slow or reverse the aging process. The first step in choosing an anti-aging skin regime is to have a dermatologist or aesthetician assess your skin to determine its needs.
An anti-aging facial at a spa or salon helps to smooth and moisture skin for a younger-looking effect. First, an aesthetician cleans your face. The cleanser is applied to wet skin from the base of the throat, and worked up to the forehead in a circular relaxing motion. The cleanser is wiped away, and the aesthetician examines your skin, recommends products and explains their use. Next, your face is steamed to improve blood circulation and to open pores. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, and skin is cleansed again. A special mask is applied and left on for 20 to 30 minutes, then removed. Finally, a relaxing facial massage is followed by skin toner.
Products for at-home anti-aging facial treatments are available in the health food, drug and department stores. Read the labels carefully. Start by first cleansing your skin. Next, apply an exfoliating scrub. Gently remove this scrub with warm moist towels, then apply a mask designed for your skin type. Use a clay based mask for oily skin, or a gel or hydrating mask for dry to normal skin. Leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes, or follow the instructions with the product, then rinse off completely. Apply toner.
Microdermabrasion is a popular anti-aging treatment. When performed by an aesthetician, it involves deep exfoliation of the outermost layers of dead skin cells by abrasion, a painless process. Microdermabrasion revitalizes dull skin, reduces large pores, diminishes the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. It also can address mild hyper-pigmentation. Microdermabrasion technology is available in home kits, but having this facial done in a spa or doctor's office provides the best outcome.
Chemical peels are part of a long-term skin care plan. An anti-aging chemical peel treatment is helpful in ridding skin of blemishes and wrinkles and evening out skin tone. A skin-care professional can determine the best type of peel to use. Mild peels are available for home use.
Some ingredients to look for in anti-aging facial products are alpha-hydroxy acids, which stimulate collagen production, minimize enlarged pores and improve skin elasticity. Beta-hydroxy acids unclog pores and exfoliate. Hyaluronic acid, found naturally in the body, promotes moisture in the skin.Vitamin A stimulates cell renewal while Vitamin C can lighten age spots and hyper-pigmentation. Vitamin E promotes softer, smoother skin, and Vitamin K improves its elasticity.
Anti-aging facials treatments also can incorporate eye creams and serums to promote a more youthful appearance. Eye creams reduce and brighten dark circles, while serums, which contain highly concentrated amounts of anti-aging ingredients like Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids, boost skin repair.