Why do we age
The subject of skin aging is indeed a very complex one with host of internal and external factors responsible for the aging process. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by various factors such as UV rays, pollution, stress, nutrition etc.

How do we age
As time passes by, you will probably notice that your skin does not look as it did when you were younger. In fact, it feels thinner and less elastic than ever. Gravity, along with UV rays is the main culprit that causes aging. It tends to pull skin downwards, which can weaken the collagen and elastin in the epidermis.

The commonly performed anti-aging procedures are:

1. Microdermabrasion (skin polishing)
Microdermabrasion, which is better understood as ‘skin polishing’ by some, is a quick way to get a healthier, clearer and more youthful skin. It helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun. By precise exfoliation with fine aluminium oxide crystals under vacuum pressure, these treatments whisk away the years off your face, revealing a more beautiful skin. Skin polishing is often called an excellent lunch-hour rejuvenation treatment.

Cost: Rs 1,100 onwards
Time: 45 – 60 min

2. Muscle-relaxing injections
Injections like Botox and Neuronox are used to soften the dynamic action lines like frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, bunny lines etc. Regardless of the steps taken to preserve youthful-looking skin, it is inevitable that wrinkles and lines will eventually develop. The process takes 3-5 minutes and the effects last for 4-6 months. The procedure is totally painless with no downtime and shoos away the wrinkles for a good 6 months.

Though Botox has been an all time favourite of female clients, I have large number of men coming for it too. Botox has a high satisfaction level, especially after the final effect that takes 1 week to appear. I call it magic in a bottle!

Cost: Depends on the units used. Costs Rs 250 – 350 per unit
Time: 2 min

3. Wrinkle fillers
Wrinkle fillers can be collagen, your own body fat, those containing hyaluronic acid such as Restylane, Esthelis, Juvederm or permanent fillers like Aquamid. These again can be used for filling laugh lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, plumping up lips, cheek lift, chin lift etc. and takes only 15 – 20 minutes for the procedure. The results are instant. They can also be used for receding chins, sunken cheeks, and hollow under-eyes.

Fillers can be used satisfactorily to ‘fill-up’ defects anywhere on the face in a few minutes. It is ideal for flat cheekbones, lip augmentation, wrinkles, acne scars, and nose corrections.

Cost: Rs 8,000 onwards
Time: 15 minutes

4. Chemical peels
This procedure involves the use of acids to remove the outer layer of skin, thus reducing fine wrinkles. AHA, BHA, as well as a combination of both are used in varying combinations. Depending on the colour of the ingredients, these have been popularised as the blue peel, green peel and the latest, the Yellow peel.

Cost: Rs 1000 onwards
Time: 10 min

5. Lasers
Light based technologies are to stimulate skin collagen and reduce fine lines. Lasers are used for hair removal, wrinkle reduction, pigment reduction, skin tightening as well as reversing other signs of aging. The latest ultrasound and radio frequency dual technology called Accent ultra causes skin tightening much more effectively in fewer sessions. The Q-switched NdYAG 1064 nm is the good for fine hair, blemishes, fine lines and open pores, it works by increasing collagen content as well as reducing the pigment in the skin.

Cost: Depends on the treatment
Time: Depends on the treatment

6. Laser peel
The new fractional Erbium Laser (Pixel) technology is a non-surgical non-ablative skin rejuvenation procedure, which is good for the Indian skin type. It is termed as the weekend Peel as there are a few days of peeling-off period for the skin. It is good for skin that has been damaged by the sun, stress and pollution over time. However, you will need to strictly avoid direct sunlight for 1-week post peel. The procedure causes skin lightening as well as skin tightening. The results last very long and have almost no side effects.

Cost: Rs 8,000 onwards
Time: 45 min

7. Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is the science of injecting minute quantities of various vitamins, minerals, herbal ingredients and other ingredients directly into the middle layer (meso) of the skin. This is done either by using a meso gun or by using a thin 30-31G needle. This procedure is done over a few sessions. The main indications for mesotherapy in skin are cellulite, double chin, love handles, flabby arms and facial rejuvenation. This treatment gives better results when combined with other therapies.

Cost: Depends on the area
Time: 10-20 min

8. Dermaroller (Micro needling)
Often laughed off as a poor man’s laser, dermaroller is an excellent treatment for scars (acne or chicken pox), fine lines and skin rejuvenation. Dermaroller gives excellent results in just 3-4 sessions. Younger people tend to show good results. Filling of scars is good and there is minimal downtime, just few hours of redness and swelling.

Cost: Rs 4,000 onwards
Time: 40 – 60 minutes