Many people would love to freshen up their skin and take a few years off of their face but do not want to go to extremes such as plastic surgery or Botox injections. Fortunately, there are many options available that involve no incisions, injections, or other frightening and very permanent procedures.



Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing are three methods of facial rejuvenation that can help you look and feel years younger without the commitment and cost of plastic surgery.

Chemical peels treat a variety of problems including fine lines, acne, scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone, deep wrinkles, and can even help eliminate pre-cancerous growths. There are three main types: superficial, medium and deep. Each uses different combinations of chemicals to attain desired results.

Superficial and medium peels involve applying the chemical to the skin and then removing it after a set period of time. There is little or no pain, but may be some redness afterwards. Deep peels are more intense and may require pain medication and possibly fluids delivered via IV. A special ointment or tape is then applied after the peel which must remain on the face for a day or so.

Superficial and medium chemical treatments can help remove minor facial impurities such as fine lines and acne. They will leave your face looking refreshed and even, but to see optimal results a few treatments may be needed over a period of time.

Sometimes superficial peels are used before deep peels to prep the skin. Deeper treatments cannot be used on those with darker skin pigments as it could cause discoloration. The effects of deep treatments are dramatic and visible immediately. Skin looks and feels tighter and smoother.

If chemical peels sound too harsh or extreme for you, dermabrasion is a mild alternative. A wand with a rotating disc is massaged over the face. The disc has a rough surface which loosens the first few layers of cells from the skin's surface, revealing the new, unblemished layer beneath.

The procedure is gentle enough for most skin types, but don't expect the results to be dramatic. Continued dermabrasion over time has shown great improvements in the skin appearance and texture, but there are no overnight results. Over time, consistent use can help eliminate blemishes that lie deep within the skin layers.

Laser skin resurfacing is sometimes used in conjunction with chemical peels to achieve optimal results. A laser destroys the top layers of skin cells, eliminating wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and discoloration. Usually one treatment is enough, but sometimes a second may be necessary. Pain medication is often necessary after treatment and you will need a few days for recovery.

Facial rejuvenation doesn't have to involve highly invasive injections or plastic surgery.To achieve a fresh-looking face you don't always have to go the extremes. Before assuming you need a facelift or injections to eliminate unwanted wrinkles, consider a less invasive option first.

Starting a dermabrasion routine early can even prevent you from having to undergo laser or chemical treatments down the road.