What Are The Best Dermatology Treatments for Mature Skin?

As much as we would all like to hang on to our youthful skin, the forces of time and gravity are far beyond our powers. As we age, our skin naturally starts to thin, lose its elasticity, form wrinkles and lines, experience changes in pigmentation, and more. The speed and severity of these changes differ from person to person, but everyone who reaches a certain age will experience them to some degree. Still, while aging skin is inevitable, there are ways to mitigate these processes and maintain healthy, bright, evenly-toned skin despite the aging process. Let’s outline some of the best dermatology treatments for mature skin.

How to Treat Aging Skin

The Power of Prevention

Before we delve into these treatments, however, it is worth mentioning that the first and most powerful way to keep your skin healthy and youthful is by taking necessary precautions. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (and artificial sources) present the greatest danger to one’s skin, both in terms of health and appearance. Sun damage can accelerate the formation of wrinkles, alter pigmentation and skin texture, burn the skin, and contribute to the development of skin cancer.

To avoid these negative effects, avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation, seek shade when outside, wear 30+ SPF sunscreen daily and reapply every 2-3 hours or as needed, and see a dermatologist at least once a year to check your skin for early signs of skin cancer (perform self-checks, too). Additionally, you can keep your skin hydrated and looking its best by using a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type.

Steering clear of UV radiation is a prerequisite for maintaining healthy skin, but if you’re also seeking a more proactive approach for treating your mature skin and related problems, read on.

Retinoids

Retinoids refer to oral supplements, creams, and ointments containing retinol (Vitamin A) and/or other related compounds. These treatments vary in composition, administration, availability, and strength, but they all aim to restore the skin’s elasticity, color, and volume by encouraging the body’s production of collagen. Though it may take months to notice results, the proper retinoid regimen can reduce one’s wrinkles, decrease skin inflammation, restore color, and more.

Chemical Peels

When properly administered, chemical peels can address a number of skin problems, including mild acne scars, dulled skin texture, discoloration, age spots, fine wrinkles, and more. A chemical peel essentially sloughs off the outer layers of skin to that newer skin cells can grow in their place. Peels can vary in composition, strength (depth), and duration, and those with sensitive skin might not respond well to certain ones, so it’s important to talk to your dermatologist before undergoing this treatment.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermasion can yield similar results to chemical peels. Rather than remove the outer layers of skin via chemicals, though, microdermabrasion is a physical process that involves rubbing a fine-grained, abrasive material on the skin. Patients might undergo microdermabrasion for acne and acne scars, but microdermabrasion can also help reduce wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related skin issues. That said, results are not always long-lasting, and multiple procedures are typically required for the best outcomes.

Laser Resurfacing

Lasers have become powerful tools in the field of dermatology. And when it comes to treating mature skin, some lasers can essentially tighten up loose skin, adjust coloration, and mitigate the appearance of scars. Laser resurfacing can be performed on a superficial, intermediate, or deep level, depending on one’s desired outcomes and skin type. Results can last between 2-5 years or more if one takes proper care of their skin following treatments.

Dermal Fillers

For a more direct and immediate approach to treating mature skin, you might consider injectable fillers. These fillers (often containing hyaluronic acid) restore the skin’s volume in a targeted manner. Patients often elect to receive these injections in their lips, cheeks, and/or forehead to plump up the skin and/or reduce wrinkles. While results aren’t permanent, they are often seen quickly and can last as long as a year.

There is nothing inherently wrong with mature skin, but if you want to look your best despite your age, the cosmetic dermatology treatments outlined above can help you achieve your goals. There are also surgical options for mitigating skin aging. If you want to know more about these options and/or the ones mentioned here, the experts at Premier Dermatology Partners are happy to fill you in.

To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.