Making the Right Decision about Laser Skin Care

Laser skin care is all the rage right now. Let’s face it, who isn’t going out and getting the work done these days? Everybody is going to dermatologists fresh out of medical school hoping for the latest and greatest skin care solution. You should be careful though; laser skin care is not for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons as you decide whether laser skin care is right for you.

The Pros

There are two popular types of laser skin care. The first is microdermabrasion. This is a procedure which uses a controlled laser beam to remove the outermost layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and allowing the skin to grow back with less surface imperfections and more glow. It is a relatively painless procedure (anesthesia is usually not used anymore) that requires almost no preparation and very little recovery time. Treating the recovered area is simple too, consisting primarily of keeping the area well moisturized and keeping it safe from the sun.

Ablative laser skin resurfacing is a more invasive form of laser skin care and is designed to treat more than simply surface imperfections. Its purpose is to rejuvenate skin for long periods of time, specifically by reducing the number of wrinkles on the face. This type of procedure almost always results in younger looking skin, especially around the mouth and eyes, and often lasts between three and five years.

The Cons

The disadvantages of microdermabrasion are relatively few and minor. Especially if cared for correctly afterwards, side effects are usually minimal and scarring, infection, or prolonged redness or dryness are usually not associated with the procedure. Some would cite the cost as a disadvantage, but probably only when compared to medicinal skin care solutions. In the realm of laser skin care, it is really very affordable, usually costing between $200 and $300.

Laser skin resurfacing, on the other hand, has a higher potential for negative effects after the procedure. Scarring and infection are not uncommon, which would certainly be the opposite of the intended effect. Increasingly varied skin pigmentation can also be an undesired side effect, especially in people with naturally darker skin or people who already have a high degree of varied skin pigmentation. The best way to ensure successful laser skin care is to choose a physician you trust, maybe one that has even done work on friends or family in the past. Good referrals usually result in good results!