When it comes to skincare, people tend to think of “anti-aging treatment” and “expensive” as synonyms. It’s common to think that the more expensive the treatment is, the more likely it is to work. However, treating fine lines and wrinkles doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give all your savings to a cosmetic surgeon. There are many products and treatments available that won’t break your bank account. Read this article to learn more about nine anti-aging treatments that deliver a bang for your buck.
1. Tretinoin works by altering the skin’s process
Although tretinoin is known for treating acne, it is also used as an anti-aging agent. Tretinoin works by altering the skin’s process for removing skin cells, thus unclogging your pores and replacing irritated areas of the skin. This helps create a reduction in wrinkles and an improvement in rough skin and spotty discoloration. If your skin has varying pigment levels, tretinoin helps by reducing hyperpigmentation too. You can purchase topical creams with high levels of tretinoin for as little as $30.00 per month.
2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
One of the best ways to make your skin look ageless is by protecting it from the biggest skincare enemy of all, the sun. While a temporary tan can make your skin glow, unprotected exposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to your skin. Raw exposure to the sun causes a process called photoaging, where ultraviolet light from the sun permanently damages the skin’s structure. This process can lead to rough, leathery skin. Use inexpensive moisturizers with SPF included to leave your skin hydrated and protected.
3. Vitamin C
Not only is vitamin C a brightening ingredient, but it is also a potent antioxidant for your skin. Pollution and UV rays can cause harm by speeding up aging and causing long-term damage. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, help counteract these effects to protect skin from premature aging. Vitamin C boosts collagen and helps fight off harmful chemicals. You can find products that include high levels of vitamin C for as low as $15.00 online or in-store.
4. Retinol
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has many uses in skincare. This over-the-counter product increases skin cell production, unclogs pores, and can even exfoliate your skin. Retinol also increases collagen production, which reduces unwanted lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a younger, refreshing glow. Retinol comes in many forms, including creams, gels, ointments, and serums. You can find retinol serums for as low as $10 at Ulta and on Amazon.
5. Microdermabrasion
Procedures for anti-aging may seem pricey, but options that are worth the cost are available. Microdermabrasion refines skin texture by removing dry skin, sun damage spots, and bumps created by excess oil. A textured wand acts as an exfoliant to remove old skin during microdermabrasion therapy.
Instead of any at-home body scrub, this exfoliation lasts for two to three weeks. Depending on where you go, this process can cost as little as $100 per session. When you consider how long the treatment lasts, the cost can be worth it.
6. Injectables
Cosmetic surgery is one of the most popular ways to reverse aging. Injectables, such as botox, are most often used to eliminate wrinkles and unwanted creases on the face. These injections block specific chemical signals from the nerves, which prevents your muscles from contracting under your skin. This lack of movement helps reduce wrinkles around your forehead and between your eyes. Although prices fluctuate depending on your surgeon, some places offer injectables starting at $150.
7. Latisse
Aside from wrinkles, another sign of aging is hair loss. Depending on your family history, you may even start losing your hair by your mid-30s. Latisse is a prescription-only formula that stimulates eyelash hair growth. It’s able to cause growth because of the ingredient bimatoprost. For a monthly supply, you can buy Latisse for around $150. Depending on your needs, this can be an affordable, worthwhile product.
8. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy, also known as varicose or spider vein treatment, uses saline injections to eliminate large veins visible on the skin’s surface. Although smaller veins can be removed by laser therapy, this treatment repairs skin by injection. After injecting the treatment, veins turn into scar tissue and fade away, leaving clients with smooth, younger-looking skin. Depending on the number and size of veins being treated, prices can vary from $150 to $1,000 per session.
9. Fillers
When we are young, our bodies produce collagen, which naturally keeps our skin firm and full. As we age, our bodies run out of collagen to produce. This can cause volume to be lost in some regions of our face, most often around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Cosmetic fillers work like natural collagen to help lift sunken areas via injection. Depending on location, injections can cost $400-$1,000 per vial. The results can last up to one year, giving you the long-lasting confidence you deserve.
The Bottom Line
While you can’t physically stay young forever, looking and feeling your best doesn’t hurt. Luckily, plenty of products and services are available to help you age flawlessly and affordably. The anti-aging treatments above may just provide you with the fountain of youth you have been searching for. Speak with your doctor to see which option is best for you!