The tsunami of choices available (both surgical and non surgical) in the market to camouflage our biological years have made us eat our own words. Why only women, even men jump at such options and …what's wrong in looking youthful and attractive if the pocket allows. Stores are lined up with potions and lotions of all colours in the attractive jars that claim to prevent the onset of wrinkles and make us look young till eternity. The scientific research proves that though these are not permanent solutions but all are not sham and many of such options do have short and long-term effect on delaying or even reversing the signs of ageing. These only delay wrinkles but cannot prevent them.  It is different that few have minor side effects.
Collagen gives strength to the skin and makes it look young and supple. Age and other external factors like UV rays, stress, cheap cosmetics, and loss of moisture in skin reduce the production of collagen and are the culprits behind wrinkles. Cosmetics with ingredients like Vitamin C and serum work at repairing collagen and balancing oil and water proportion in the skin. Ask Nandita, the aesthetician and Beauty consultant from Beauty Zone about wrinkles and she vouches by Vitamin C Easter which is a commonly used ingredient in many night creams, anti ageing and anti wrinkle creams. The anti ageing facial which has Vitamin C Easter as a dominant ingredient has instant effect on the skin.
Serum: The serum actually reverses signs of ageing. It penetrates the three layers of the skin and repairs the collagen damage. The advanced anti-enzyme and anti-glycation technology protects the skin. The serum is used as it is or along with a facial.
Botox: The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin or the use of purified protein derivative, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows' feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. "Each Botox sitting costs Rs 3,000 and the effect lasts for 6-8 months" says Dr M K Shetty, a dermatologist and cosmologist who recently conducted an awareness program on Botox in Mysore. "Botox is beyond wrinkles; it is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes. There is a lot of demand for Botox in small cities." A visiting doctor at Alrimah Medical Centre Muscat, Dr Shetty is soon setting up a clinic at Mysore.
Chemical Peels: Also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, this is a technique to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to blister and eventually peel off. The new regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. It reduces fine lines under the eyes, around the mouth and treats wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging factors. However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing etc
Dermabrasion: This surgical skin abrasion is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to 'sand' the skin. This abrasive action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, small pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, spots, wrinkles and skin lesions. The procedure should always be performed by a dermatologic surgeon.
Laser resurfacing: This is a relatively new treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer, resulting in lightening of skin. This popular procedure is also known as lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization. The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes superficial, damaged skin cells and reduces the risk for the patient because they limit the amount of heat absorbed by the skin.
"It is difficult to pinpoint the best anti ageing treatment is as the choice of the treatment depends on the skin type, texture, life style and stress levels. For best and lasting results the ideal option is to combine two treatments like botox and anti ageing facial or anything else,” says Nandita.