How can I reverse damage/skin texture changes? (Photos)

Question

I'm in my mid-20s. I had a few chemical peels a year ago, and recovered well. Afterwards, I've been overusing AHAs (15% Mandelic Acid, and Lactic Acid) and 5% Benzoyl Peroxide every night for the past 1+ year, and my skin texture has completely changed. My skin used to be baby smooth but now it has a weird leathery texture to it - there are small lines, wrinkles, and boxes across my forehead and cheeks, and it looks like I aged several years. How do I reverse this damage?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

1) Skincare with products and microneedling/PRP
2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors
3) Laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Moxi, Viva, CO2, Erbium, Halo) a few times per year
4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill
5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting
6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest

Best, Dr. Emer.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

The best way to combat and slow the aging process is through medical grade skincare, SPF and a variety of skin rejuvenating treatments. Some of our office favorites are Laser Genesis and Microneedling with PRP. Be sure to seek out an experienced provider. Best of luck in your treatments!

How can I reverse damage/skin texture changes? (Photos)

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How can I reverse damage/skin texture changes? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.