Want Younger Looking Skin? Weigh the Costs

As life expectancy continues to rise, more and more people are seeking to look younger longer. We all want to look just as young as we feel. In response to this, there are many different options for skin care treatments which claim to keep your skin looking younger. You may question whether these treatments are legitimate, but in most cases they are, albeit temporarily in some cases. If you are planning to opt for one of these skin care products or treatments you will want to weight the costs (financially and perhaps physically) of each option.

Over the counter creams are fairly common and can be fairly effective. Out of the over-the-counter options, creams, as opposed to other forms, are generally the most effective. Retinoid Creams have been proven to actually reduce wrinkles which already exist. Creams are also a fairly inexpensive route to take, and can cost less than $20. While creams are effective the results are generally not extreme. Stronger creams are available by prescription from your dermatologist.

Another method is microdermabrasion. This is a more extreme method and involves buffing off the outer layer of skin so that a new and healthier layer grows back. While the procedure is not usually painful, it can be uncomfortable and a short recovery time is needed. It has been proven however that a harder, not a softer touch, is more effective. Microdermabrasion is more expensive than over-the-counter options, costing over $100, and the effects often last only a few days.

Laser skin resurfacing is a much more expensive option, costing closer to $2,000. The treatment uses lasers to tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles or scars. While this seems like a much more expensive option, the results are generally more effective and much longer lasting than other treatments mentioned. The effects can last for several years.

Chemical peels are another option which can have long lasting effects. Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin, similarly to microdermabrasion, but to a greater degree. Chemical peels are cheaper than laser skin resurfacing, falling a little over $600. With a deep chemical peel, the effects can still last for a couple years, while less intense chemical peels can be effective for a few months.

These are only a few of the more popular options for improving the appearance and apparent age of your skin. Be sure to consider what you want from your skin treatment and what you are willing to pay before making a decision.

Richard Bonn is the SEO Strategist behind Awesome Medical. Awesome Medical is the World's Largest Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Network with directories for nonsurgical procedures such as laser skin resurfacing to advanced procedures