I have several bucket lists. I have a travel one (Bali is at the top of that one), a things-to-do one (belly dancing anyone?), and an anti-aging treatment bucket list.
Let me explain: I do a lot of research for my blog. Sometimes I get encouraged by the bajillion options available to us ‘hanging on to youth’ women. Sometimes, though, I get overwhelmed. There is so much I want to try. But I only have one face and I have limited funds for youth — sadly. Though I would gladly and willingly volunteer to eat fresh goat testicles if I knew there was a chance those youthful balls would make me look younger. (That was actually an anti-aging treatment in the 1920’s — except they implanted the fresh goat testicles in the scrota of middle-aged men.)
My goal: To look like I’ve been kissed by a unicorn or bitten by a vampire…or both. But in order to achieve that look, there are a few (a lot?) of treatments I need to have done as time progresses. We all do.
So other than going under the knife — not the ideal option for a spring chicken shit — these are just a few of the treatments on my youth radar…
Sculptra: This product acts as a filler but, unlike regular hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane or Juvederm, Sculptra is made of a synthetic biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid based sugar. It only stays around under the skin for about two months because the material degrades. During those two months, the body creates a foreign body-like reaction as it tries to engulf the product. The result is the expansion of collagen and elastin. Clinical trials have shown that the effects of Sculptra can last up to 2 years.
This product had me at “expansion of collagen,” which is why I’ve already had it done. But…it’s been about three or four years and I’m thinking I need more collagen — yes, please, more, thank you. I’m keeping this one as a regular contributor to my list.
Laser Genesis: This is a quickie laser – only takes around 15 minutes or so. It gently heats the dermis and gets rid of any redness It also boosts collagen production and gives the skin a youthful glow. There’s no downtime which makes it a great one for a special occasion. I had this one done once and I found that it also tightened my pores and overall skin. It’s back on the list.
Fraxel Laser: This one is a mega rejuvenator and one I have yet to try. Although I’ve seen the results on other women and I’m sold. Considered by some to be the best for wrinkle removal, reversal of sun damage, and overall skin rejuvenation. There is some downtime (about a week) in which time you will look like you have a severe sunburn, but after that, your skin will look younger, tighter, and brighter. Sign me up!
Fractional CO2 laser – This is not a treatment for everyone. But I’m not everyone. It’s got severe downtime and the cost is a little on the espensive (as my mom says) side. But…I’m not taking it off my list. I know that eventually, I will probably (most certainly, fo sho) bite the bullet and just basically burn my face off to reveal the skin kissed by my pet unicorn.
The CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser used to resurface the skin. It’s similar to a chemical peel except that it uses vaporization to remove the skin layers instead of chemicals. it pokes tiny holes deep into the skin to regenerate collagen and fill in areas where you have acne scars.
I know, I know, it sounds extreme. But like I said, this isn’t for everyone. But if you have severe sun damage, this may be your jam.
IPL: I love IPL and have had it done several times to zap my sun spots. This laser attacks the melanin in those dark spots and after a few days those annoying spots flake off and disappear. You should only do it in the winter though when your skin won’t be overexposed to the sun. It’s tricky for me because we have no winter here in the 305, but come November, I’m getting re-zapped.
Vampire facial: I have been dying to have this done and it will probably be the first thing to get checked off the list. If you don’t know what this is, it’s has nothing to do with a vampire bite. The official name is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and it basically uses your own blood to promote healthy activity within your skin cells.
Your blood is drawn and spun to separate the part of the blood that contains platelets which contain high levels of growth factors that stimulate cell turnover. This rejuvenating bloody concoction is injected into the skin.
This is what it promises to do…
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and stretch marks
- Rejuvenate the under-eye area
- Tighten pores
- Plump the skin
Now you: What’s on your anti-aging bucket list. I’ll gladly add more to mine. Let me know in the comments.
xoxo,
V