YOUR GUIDE TO LASERS AT EVERY AGE Dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas shares the laser that will work for you When it comes to smoothing wrinkles and fighting the effects of time, the best anti-aging comes from well below the skin's surface. For those who want the dramatic results of a deep treatment without going under the knife, the latest laser procedures offer a non-invasive, yet effective alternative. Here, dermatologist and veteran skincare scientist Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas shares the best laser devices for rejuvenating your skin's appearance and health at every age. In Your 20s... Laser: Excel V How it Works: This treatment stimulates new collagen production to fight fine lines and reduce redness—combine with an IPL (intense pulsed light) procedure to remove brown spots and sun damage for optimal results. Benefits: Laser Genesis is gentle, yet effective and preventative, especially for fair-skinned people who start to develop wrinkles and fine lines early on. Recovery: This non-invasive process involves minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime for recovery. In Your 30s... Laser: Laser360iQ How it Works: This multi-application NIR (near infrared device) helps even out skin's texture and tone, plus the thermal process causes cellular contraction to tighten skin around the face and neck. Benefits: The treatment is able to counter early skin laxity or sagging that starts to manifest in your 30s, which can decrease, if not eliminate, the need for fillers later on. Recovery: Only 1-2 treatments are necessary and the side effects and downtime are minimal to none. In Your 40s... Laser: SmartXide DOT CO2 How it Works: DOT (dermal optical thermolysis) therapy is a fractional laser resurfacing procedure that emits tiny pulses of energy that immediately tighten and smooth skin's surface, as well as rejuvenate the tissue to facilitate the natural healing process. Benefits: This is a potent anti-wrinkle treatment that ups the ante during this accelerated phase of aging. Recovery: Redness and moderate sensitivity similar to a sunburn may occur for 2-3 days after the procedure, and is often followed by slight peeling. Skin should return to its normal appearance within 7-10 days. In Your 50s... Laser: eTwo How it Works: It is a fractional laser device that combines infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency technologies to initiate collagen and elastin production and diminish the appearance of more set-in creases. Benefits: This is my new favorite laser—it's surprisingly effective at combating the crepe-y lines around the eyes and mouth that fillers and Botox cannot fix. Recovery: Patients may experience a heated, prickling sensation during the procedure, after which a sunburn-like appearance and feeling are common. In Your 60s... Laser: Evolastin How it Works: While most laser treatments address skin's issues at a surface level, this energy-based laser that penetrates the deep dermis to go beyond just stimulating collagen and target elastogenesis and hyaluronic acid for dramatically improved volume and structure. Benefits: This laser device is the most effective procedure short of a facelift. Recovery: Local anesthetic injections reduce discomfort during the procedure, after which minor redness, swelling, or bruising may occur for a few days. Source
