You’ll always see skin problems when looking in the mirror. But skin texture problems can be particularly concerning, since they may seem permanent. However, in this article, we’ll explore the modern technologies that exist nowadays to be able to create smooth skin.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can lift skin up to its original level.
Particular kinds of fillers, especially long-lasting ones, can be used to treat conditions like acne scars or chicken pox scars. These diseases can create many tiny lesions in the skin, resulting in the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture.
By filling their lower parts with dermal filler, the skin can appear smooth again.
Dermal fillers can last between 12 months to 5 years, depending on the substance being used.
Radio Frequency Microneedling
Radio-frequency microneedling (or, RF microneedling) is a skin rejuvenation tool that uses several tiny needles which are heated by radio-frequency waves. They amplify the effects of collagen production as a result of microneedles being injected into the skin.
When the skin’s collagen increases, the skin becomes stronger, and has more volume to it. This can help rejuvenate skin back to a smoother state.
Multiple sessions are usually needed to see results.
Fractional CO2 Laser Sessions
Fractional CO2 lasers are lightwave machines that penetrate deep into the dermis (i.e. the skin) to heat up its lower layers.
As the pulses of direct light do this, they purposefully destroy old skin.
The body then begins healing by producing new collagen. This helps to rejuvenate the skin so that it heals properly, and smoothly again.
Fraxel® DUAL Laser Sessions
The Fraxel® DUAL laser is a name brand laser that works on skin texture from sun damage, aging, acne scars or other types of scars.
It is similar to fractional CO2 lasers, but requires less downtime. It usually requires more than one session to see results.
However, this all depends on how the practitioner uses the machine. It is possible to have a ‘light’ fractional CO2 laser session, or a ‘strong’ Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an age-old tradition to resurface the skin using chemicals.
While the sound of the word “chemical” can bring thoughts of dangerous substances, don’t be too afraid of what’s involved here.
“Chemicals” in this context refer to well-known ingredients that are often found in over-the-counter skin care products. For example, if you’ve ever had acne, you’ll probably have heard of salicylic acid. This is a chemical used to exfoliate the skin.
Other types of exfoliating chemicals, such as lactic acid, resorcinol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and others are used in the process of a chemical peel. Some are only found in doctor’s offices. This is because their strength can be dangerous if used inappropriately without training.
Chemical peels can be strong, medium-strength or mild. When they are strong, they can reach as low as the dermis. The top layers of skin then peel off afterwards, which can take a few weeks.
The result is fresh, young skin that emerges after the poorly textured skin is removed.
Multiple sessions are usually needed to see results.
Subcision and Punch Excision
Subcision and punch excision are small surgeries that can be done in a doctor’s office, as long as the doctor is qualified to do them.
Subcision is a method of releasing the fibrous bands of a scar that cause it to appear depressed into the skin. As the bands are released and re-healed, the scar is less visible and the skin appears more even in that spot.
Punch excision uses a punch tool (the same kind used during biopsies). It takes out a sample of the skin where an indented scar is. It is typically done on ice pick scars, such as from former acne lesions. When the hole is made, it is sutured together by the doctor. As the new wound heals, it looks much less like a scar than before.
Retinol Skin Care
Skin care routines can go a long way in making skin look smooth, vibrant and youthful. If you have skin texture problems, you’ll most likely be advised by a doctor to use a type of retinoid (i.e. a vitamin A extract) called retinol.
Retinol can be very harsh on the skin. Its function is to increase the rate at which skin cells are turned over. This means you’ll find old skin shedding more quickly when using it. This process can feel dry and stingy at first. This is why you’ll be advised to use low concentrations of retinol at first, until you build up your tolerance to it.
The rapid turnover of skin cells can help produce collagen, and bring to surface newer, fresher skin. This can help to create smooth skin texture, in time.
Always follow a doctor’s instructions when using retinol. Never use retinol when pregnant. Always use sunscreen when using retinol. Do not use retinol during the day.
Uneven Skin Texture can be Treated with the Right Tools and Technologies
As we’ve seen above, uneven skin texture can come from acne or other types of scarring, from aging or from sun damage. The good news is that it can be treated with modern technologies like dermal fillers, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional CO2 lasers, a Fraxel® DUAL laser, chemical peels, subcision and punch excision and retinol in a daily skin care routine.
If you are curious about these treatments, always start by visiting a cosmetic doctor for a consultation. They can tell you what will most likely work for your case.
