Six Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Investigated

If you want to look younger or just improve your looks, you don't have to look too far to find an advertisement for the next great treatment promising a minor miracle. My mid-life crisis consisted of trying out some non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the hope of finding a way to feel a bit better about aging. I researched six non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Here, I'll let you know how the four I tried worked, why I didn't try the other two that I investigated, and what finally did it for me. To rejuvenate my skin I tried microdermabrasion, Cosmelan, and a Vitalize Peel. I trusted the care of my skin to an esthetician (skin care professional who has had special training) at my dermatologist's office.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion or the "lunchtime peel" seemed like a no-brainer. At $200 it was affordable, it doesn't hurt, and there is no recovery time. Since it corrects only superficial conditions such as fine lines (not wrinkles), large pores, skin tone, and acne, I wasn't expecting to look much different after the procedure and I didn't. What I did get was skin that felt smoother and looked fresher with cleaner pores. Microdermabrasion is like getting your fact mildly sandblasted. It really did not hurt, and there really was no downtime. Of course, for optimal results you'll want about ten treatments spaced two weeks apart. Verdict: Neutral

Cosmelan

Cosmelan inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase (involved in the production of melanin). Melanin production is responsible for the darkening of the skin. If you have any sun damage or uneven pigmentation you may have been thinking about a way to correct your skin tone. Cosmelan is a light, but extended peel. After I parted with my $750, a mud-like pack (Cosmelan 1) was applied to my face in the clinic and then I went home. Six hours later, I washed the mud off my face. Included in the price was a jar of Cosmelan 2, which I had to apply according to a strict schedule for the next three weeks. I had some peeling and tight skin during the first week. I did see more even skin tone and a reduction in the severity of dark spots. However - and this is major - the treatment is temporary - once you stop using the cream the pigmentation will darken again and you are right back where you started, less $750. Verdict: Not worth it.

Vitalize Peel

The Vitalize Peel was a bit more intense. It's a moderately strong peel and the treatment is applied in four sessions of increasing strength spaced three weeks apart. The application took only 10 minutes in the clinic. I'm glad the technician gave me a hand held fan because the fumes did burn my eyes and as I returned for my other three sessions that part only got worse as the concentration of retinoic acid was increased. I did experience some serious stinging especially on subsequent treatments, but it only lasted a few minutes during the application. Two to three days after each application the peeling began and lasted about a week. The first treatment did not product too much peeling, but the last three treatments produced significant peeling. My skin tone improved, my pores got smaller, and my skin just looks and feels much better even two months after the final treatment in the series. Verdict: Worth it.

Zoom

I promised myself when I quit smoking that I would get my teeth whitened as a present to myself. While you can get your teeth whitened at a kiosk in the mall or even at some beauty salons for about $100, these are my teeth and I do not trust them to anyone except a licensed dentist. Luckily, I found a dentist offering the in-office Zoom teeth whitening for $100 off so I spent $495 (that included custom made trays and whitening gel for at home touch ups too). I found out that teeth whitening strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes only work on superficial surface stains. To get teeth noticeably white, you need the strength of a professional application which whitens the inside of the tooth. After packing my mouth with cotton, putting a frame on my teeth to keep my mouth open, and putting protective shields over my gums (the whitening solution is so strong it burns the skin), my teeth were covered in gel and a light was placed in front of my mouth. After 15 minutes, the gel was rinsed off and replaced with new gel for 15 more minutes. After a third 15-minute session the gel was rinsed off, I was given a mirror and - WOW! My teeth were much, much whiter and I was thrilled with the results. The downside - my already sensitive teeth were almost excruciatingly sensitive for the next two days and in spite of all the protective measures, some of the whitening gel did get on my lips and the roof of my mouth and it burned. A lot. I could not eat properly for almost a week it hurt so much. If you have ever eaten a bite of too hot pizza and burned the roof of your mouth where the cheese stuck to it you'll have an idea. Now multiply that times about 10. Verdict: Worth it - pain and all - because the results are long lasting.

Here are the two non-invasive cosmetic procedures I would not try.

Fraxel

Fraxel seemed like the answer to my prayers. It offers many of the benefits of ablative laser skin resurfacing, but without the downtime and side effects. My skin tone will be even, fine lines will diminish before they become wrinkles, and my collagen will miraculously rebuild so my skin will be firmer. Why, after subjecting myself to three other non-invasive skin treatments did I stop short? Because Fraxel hurts. I assumed it hurt because the description indicated that each session (six are recommended) begins with the application of a topical anesthetic ointment. My esthetician has had the procedure and confirmed that it hurts. Fraxel is also pricey - about $3,600 for all six treatments. And one dirty little Fraxel secret that my esthetician told me that I will share with you is that Fraxel can actually make some skin tones more uneven and the skin texture rough.

ActiveFX

I decided that my main problem with Fraxel was the necessity of six painful treatments. If I could get firmer skin, smoother skin, and a more even skin tone with just one treatment, would I do it?ActiveFX seemed to be the answer. Better, younger looking skin, just one treatment, and slightly less expense - $2,800. Concerned about the pain and any downside I began an Internet search and found some fascinating reviews on RealSelf.com. Women who have undergone various invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures post comments about their experiences - some even post photos and updates. I had already decided against any other procedures because frankly, I'm going to get older, nothing I do will stop that, and at some point, I'll just look ridiculous (think Joan Rivers). What I read from real women just like me on RealSelf.com only solidified my view. Besides, all this focusing on myself is not an attractive character trait. I don't like turning into a high-maintenance narcissist.

Therefore, my mid-life crisis is over and I've settled on the perfect non-invasive cosmetic procedure for me - a really good sunscreen ($20), Cetaphil ($5) face wash, and a huge dose of self-acceptance.