Anti-Aging Skin Treatments That May Work

CBSNews
NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2008
Anti-Aging Skin Treatments That May Work

Study Shows Their Effectiveness In Treating Sun-Damaged Skin, And Fine Lines And Wrinkless

Dermatologist Diane Berson explains the science behind skin products that actually help make you look more youthful. ..

...three types of wrinkle treatments are actually effective, in varying degrees. The study "showed that these treatments will stimulate collagen production,

"Collagen ... basically gives strength and support to the skin. ... It makes the skin supple and elastic. With age, you produce less collagen, and the collagen that you have becomes destroyed, and of course this is accelerated with chronic exposure to the sun." The study, which appeared in the Archives of Dermatology, looked at injectible fillers containing hyaluronic acid, among other treatments. The study also says the acid fillers seem to stimulate some collagen production. Both results can improve your appearance. This treatment involves a few visits to the office, about two-to-three times a year, and can cost $600-1000, total. Examples of such fillers are Juvederm and Restylane.

Another apparently effective treatment class, Berson says, is prescription-strength retanoids, such as Renova and Tazarac. These also seem to improve the appearance of "photo-damaged" skin -- skin damaged by the sun, as well as early fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists have observed, she says, that regular use of prescription-potent retanoids can spur some collagen production. Also, she says, over-the-counter retanol creams have the ability to do prompt some retanol production and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, but again, not as much as prescription-strength items do. They're the least expensive way to go.

Finally, there was carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. That destroys the skin's outer later, prompting the skin to produce collagen to heal the wound. But patients should know there's more downtime involved. It could take a couple of weeks to recover and the cost could run into the thousands