Various facial techniques and methods can help with pro-aging support. Skin care professionals may offer specific facials, or a person can perform some treatments at home.
Targeted facial treatments can work in a range of ways for more mature skin. Aging skin is a natural process — it is not possible to prevent the signs entirely, such as wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, and dry and loose skin. However, correct skin care and treatments can help slow the process along with these visible signs.
Different types of targeted facials can be helpful depending on the issues a person wishes to address. Skin care professionals can provide these facials, or individuals may want to perform some treatments at home.
While facials can be very effective, daily skin care is also an
This article explores facials for mature skin, including the various types available for different skin types and needs.
Facial treatments are available that aim to support more mature-looking skin.
These targeted facials
Facials may also aim to provide the skin with substances that allow faster cell renewal or provide the skin with antioxidants to help prevent skin damage.
Several types of facials can help provide a more youthful appearance. The type a person chooses will depend on their individual preferences and the issues they are experiencing. These facial treatments can include the following:
Chemical peel
A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution to the skin. This causes some skin to peel off, leaving behind newer, generally less-damaged skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
There are three types of chemical peel:
- Superficial, or light, peel: This is the least extreme type of chemical peel, which uses a mild acid and only affects the top layer of skin. This peel helps treat mild discoloration and refreshes the skin. The healing time is 1–7 days.
- Medium peel: This acts on the middle layers of the skin using glycolic or trichloroacetic acid. A medium peel can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, discoloration, and smooth rough skin. Healing time is 7–14 days.
- Deep peel: This penetrates the middle layers of skin deeply using trichloroacetic acid or phenol. This treatment can help reduce moderate wrinkles, age spots, and some scars and may cause the most noticeable change in the appearance of the skin. The healing time is 14–21 days.
Skin care professionals may advise a skin care routine for 2–4 weeks before the treatment. At a chemical peel appointment, the dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon will cleanse the skin before applying the chemical solution. They will closely monitor the process and remove the peel in small sections.
A surgical setting is necessary for deep chemical peels, and the treatment requires general anesthesia. The wound from a deep chemical peel will require a surgical dressing.
Chemical peels performed by experienced professionals usually only cause mild side effects. Possible side effects include:
- persistent skin redness
- temporary skin darkening
- a lighter skin color
- scarring
- infection
Only a dermatologist or a dermatologic surgeon should perform a chemical peel.
Learn more about chemical peels.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses very small needles to puncture the skin and boost collagen production. This treatment can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, and loose skin.
Microneedling is usually safe for anyone and can be done at home or in nonmedical settings, but the results are likely to be less noticeable. Adverse side effects are also more likely to occur.
Microneedling is usually safe, but possible side effects include:
- irritation from overuse of the treatment at home
- infection
- scarring
- spread of skin viruses
- skin damage
The results of microneedling usually begin to show within a few weeks and are fully visible after a few months. The results will fade over time at different rates, and it may be necessary for repeated microneedling treatments to maintain changes.
There is generally only mild discomfort with microneedling.
Learn more about microneedling.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a facial treatment that smooths and brightens the skin and treats several skin issues, including age spots. A person can do this treatment at home, but the results may be less reliable.
During a session with a skin care professional, they will use a handheld device to gently exfoliate the skin. This removes the top layer of skin, revealing newer, more youthful-looking skin. This treatment usually takes 30–40 minutes and requires repeat appointments to maintain the results.
Microdermabrasion is safe and minimally invasive. However, possible side effects include:
- pink or red skin
- mild swelling
- bruising
- burning or stinging
- extreme sensitivity to sunlight
Targeted facials are just one part of pro-aging skin care. Some everyday practices can help support the skin. These include:
- using a gentle cleanser twice a day
- applying sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 before going outside
- applying vitamin C serum or cream
- using a retinoid, or retinol
- moisturizing when skin feels dry
It is important for people to choose and adjust their skin care practices and products based on their individual skin.
Targeted facials can be an effective way to prevent or reduce wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, and loose skin that often occur as a person ages.
There are various types of facials available. A dermatologist may be able to recommend a treatment based on a person’s desired result.
While generally safe, there are potential side effects to any treatment. Facial treatments should accompany an everyday skin routine to be most effective.