Even with proper care and maintenance, the sun and environmental factors can wreak havoc on our skin over time. Modern treatments are available to address lines, wrinkles and other issues and, in some cases, can give aging skin a significantly more youthful appearance. If you're interested in learning about skin care solutions for a rejuvenated appearance, here are a few skin treatments to consider in 2014.
Artefill
One popular skin care treatment to consider is Artefill. This treatment was featured on The Doctors television show. It is an injectable solution made from polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres and bovine collagen that fills wrinkles, skin folds, hollowing eyes and lines in the skin. With this procedure, it is crucial that you choose an experienced and knowledgeable doctor who knows how to properly and safely administer the injections. Some people have allergic reactions to dermal fillers, so it’s also important to ask plenty of questions about this procedure.
Autologous Fat (Fat Grafting)
The loss of tissue in the skin over time is one of the causes of imperfections like wrinkling and sagging. Autologous fat grafting (sometimes called “fat transfer”) is a procedure that helps to replace that lost tissue. Fatty tissue is taken from other parts of the body and implanted (injected, as an injectable filler) into the grooves and lines in the face. The cells fill in the lines and imperfections to smooth out the skin on the face and hands. Due to the injections required, there may be some pain associated with this procedure -- it requires local anesthesia.
AlloDerm
There is a skin treatment available from dermatologists and plastic surgeons called AlloDerm that's designed to improve the appearance of scars, burns and other imperfections that show on the skin's surface. It is a skin grafting solution sometimes used on burn victims and people with skin defects. AlloDerm uses layers of what is called acellular dermal tissue to reconstruct areas of the skin. It is basically skin with the cells removed, leaving just the collagen. When properly administered, AlloDerm helps to support and regenerate skin cells over time. It is considered by doctors to be a very viable solution to common skin-related issues.
Cymetra
Cymetra is another type of skin grafting agent that is similar to AlloDerm, except that it is injected instead of implanted directly into the skin. The dermal tissue is reduced to small particles so that it can be administered with a needle. While this method is useful for smaller skin imperfections, like wrinkles and tiny scars, it isn’t always as durable as the AlloDerm treatment.
New Acne Treatment
Scientists at the University of Granada have come up with a new skin treatment to consider in 2014 for managing acne. The formula contains an amino acid protein called AS-48 that helps balance the good and bad bacteria in the skin. The presence of too many bad bacteria is what causes acne breakouts in the skin, especially in areas that are very oily. The researchers say this new AS-48 skin treatment is more effective than traditional treatments that don’t do much to control the bad bacteria that cause acne.
While all of these skin care developments are exciting, they aren’t for every patient. There are potential risks associated with each one that you should carefully consider before making an appointment. It is important to consult with both your regular doctor and the practitioner or dermatologist who will be administering any new skin treatment.
