These 6 high-tech facials can improve your skin

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JZMML00/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;th=1th=1">Diamondbuff Microdermabrasion Exfoliation Tool</a> claims to solve a long list of <keyword id="6371970" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="skin">skin</keyword> issues.</li><li>It is meant to be more gentle than other exfoliating tools like the pore vacuum for example.</li><li><keyword id="79969" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="insider">Insider</keyword> producer Celia Skvaril decided to try it for herself.</li><li>She spoke to board-certified dermatologist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drshoskin/">Dr. Divya Shokeen,</a> who likens the tool to a Ped Egg.</li></ul>Following is transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>:Celia Skvaril: Today I'm trying this Diamondbuff <keyword id="1212498" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="microdermabrasion">microdermabrasion</keyword> tool from Bee Stunning. What makes this so special is that it claims to be encrusted with real diamonds that help to gently exfoliate your face. It also claims to be more gentle than other exfoliation tools, like the pore vacuum, for example. To me, this looks like a foot-exfoliation tool, and I am terrified to use this on my face. Especially in my more sensitive areas, like where I have really bad breakouts right now. The Diamondbuff by Bee Stunning claims to gently exfoliate your skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling refreshed and renewed.It claims to immediately provide a velvety-smooth appearance to the skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps even skin tone, help to firm and tighten skin, reduce and smooth <keyword id="29502" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Acne">acne</keyword> scars, reduce clogged pores, and help to repair sun-damaged skin. I haven't exfoliated my face in a while, so we should be seeing a lot of flakiness. So, the main areas of flakiness are, you know, where I'm having these breakouts right now. The tool can be used on a wet, damp, or dry face. Gently apply pressure with the wand and rub it back and forth in circular motions.Oh. This does not feel nice at all. Ah. Ow. I literally feel like I'm rubbing a foot scrubber on my face. My PedEgg. Like, this is a PedEgg on my face. But I am seeing some dead skin on here already. Oh, my God, there's dead skin flying through the air. [gasps] Its flying through the air. My face hurts, but there's a lot of dead skin on here. So I definitely think it's getting dead skin off. If it's good for me, I'm not sure. To see if this worked and to see if it's actually a more gentle exfoliation tool, I'm going to go over the microscope footage with dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen.Divya Shokeen: I think it's horrible for you for multiple reasons. One, because it's the same thing that you would use as a callus remover on the bottom of your foot, yet you're using it on actually very thin skin of your face. You can break blood vessels with it. You can cause a lot of irritation. You can cause, you know, damage to your surface of your skin, depending on how deep you're pushing it back and forth. Remember there's, like, microscopic blood. There's, like, skin and cells that are left in there. So if you're repeatedly using that in those small little crevices, you can cause infection. It's also claiming that it helps shrink your pore size. It can't. If anything, I would think it would make it worse, because you're rubbing a rough surface. You're sanding your face. The after appears to be... it's a lot more red, as you can see. I don't see any difference in the pores. I do see a few more broken blood vessels. And there's a close-up near the end where you can see that just kind of irritated one of your comedones, or one of your little pimples. Based on what it's claiming that it does, it just can't, because it can't go deep enough to change fine lines and wrinkles. You'd have to go down to the dermal layer. If you're going down to dermis, you're causing scarring. It's a pretty bad idea, frankly, unless you're using it on the bottom of your foot, which may not be a bad idea.Celia: We're getting a little red. Are we surprised? No, because I'm scrubbing my face.

This diamond exfoliating tool claims to eliminate blackheads

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I will pay extra for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/affordable-skin-care-brands-companies">quality skincare products</a>, but I've found some great ones at Trader Joe's.</li><li>Its zinc-oxide mineral sunscreen and facial cleansing pads with tea-tree oil are staples for me.</li></ul>As someone always searching for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flight-attendants-recommended-beauty-products-2019-10">game-changing skincare products</a>, I'm willing to — and have — spent the extra money on high-end stuff.I have sensitive skin and seek out products with high-quality ingredients that lean into clean beauty, get excellent reviews, or are ride-or-die recommendations by close friends.Fortunately, I've found that not every great product also has a high price tag. You can find some of them at grocery stores.Here are some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trader-joes-beauty-products-affordable-2018-9">affordable beauty products from Trader Joe's</a> that I love so much they've become part of my routine.<h2>Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub, $5</h2><div type="image" title="Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub on shelf" height="1280" width="960" msid="108114375" hostid="261"></div>I avoid harsh exfoliants, but I love the feeling of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/these-facials-safety-remove-dead-skin-for-healthier-looking-skin-2020-12">deep-cleaning spa facial</a> — and Trader Joe's microdermabrasion scrub feels like the happy medium between the two.At just $5, this 2-ounce tube packs a big punch. It has a light, cream base, and a fine grain. I can feel it removing dead skin cells even when applying it gently.I don't think it's oily, and I like that it doesn't have a strong scent. It's my go-to when I want my skin to feel smooth and seemingly appear brighter.I use this about twice a week, often as part of my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/simplify-skincare-routine-for-better-skin-2023-8">nighttime skin routine</a>.<h2>Trader Joe's SPA facial-cleansing pads with tea-tree oil, $5</h2>Makeup-removal wipes are the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lazy-girl-easy-skincare-routine-2023-8">lazy girl's skincare go-to</a>, but Trader Joe's facial-cleaning pads take easy cleaning to the next level for me.The textured surface of these soft, circular pads makes them ideal for removing grime and oil from my skin without stripping it.The pads stay moist in the little round container and have a gentle, natural scent from the tea-tree oil. Plus, I get 50 of them for $5.Using them leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, which makes sense since tea-tree oil is known for being <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil">antibacterial and anti-inflammatory</a>.<h2>Trader Joe's hyaluronic moisture-boost serum, $10</h2>As one of the most coveted product categories in skincare, facial serums can come with a hefty price tag, but many from Trader Joe's are $10 or less.I've probably heard the most people recommend Trader Joe's hyaluronic moisture-boost serum. The medium-thick gel glides on smoothly, and I think it hydrates beautifully, leaving my skin feeling plump and supple.It settles nicely on my sensitive skin when I use it at night, and it helps my makeup glide on when I apply it during the day.It's also a great travel serum because if I leave it behind, I feel better replacing a $10 serum instead of a $99 one.<h2>Trader Joe's SPA face wash with tea-tree oil, $6</h2><div type="image" title="Trader Joe's face wash bottle " height="1280" width="960" msid="108114377" hostid="261"></div>Trader Joe's SPA face wash with tea-tree oil comes in an 8.5-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser for just $6.It's become a staple for me, and I've found that I can use one pump to wash my entire face, neck, and decolletage.The product comes out as a thin liquid but offers a liberal lather from the start. Again, I like that it contains tea-tree oil, which gives my skin a refreshing tingly feeling that isn't too harsh.<h2>Trader Joe's zinc-oxide mineral-sunscreen spray — SPF 30, $10</h2>As a fair-skinned girl who's always slathering on SPF, I have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supergoop-vs-cheap-trader-joes-sunscreen-dupe-review-2023-6">tried a ton of sunscreens</a>.Though I don't love how mineral sunscreens often seem heavier than their chemical counterparts, I love that they reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them, as chemical sunscreens do. Mineral sunscreens feel more like a shield to me.Trader Joe's zinc-oxide mineral-sunscreen spray is the best zinc-based sunscreen I've found that still feels light and rubs in clear instead of white.I also give it points for being fragrance-free and including soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, grapefruit oil, and vitamin E.At just $10 a bottle, it's cheaper than other mineral-sunscreen sprays I've found, so I stock up whenever I'm at Trader Joe's.

I swapped my high-end skincare products for Trader Joe's finds under $10. Here's what I'm keeping in my routine. 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Beauty and skincare products are heavily advertised on social media platforms.</li><li>It's not always easy to tell what's worth buying or what's way overpriced.</li></ul>When it comes to buying almost anything, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/tiktok-beauty-trends-products-reviews">social media platforms largely influence what we splurge on</a>. There's just something about seeing a non-celebrity's enthusiastic video testimonial that makes us trust their retinol review more.Of course, platforms like TikTok and YouTube are rife with sponsored posts and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mikayla-nogueira-tiktok-mascara-controversy-james-charles-jeffree-star-2023-1">exaggerated claims</a>, and it can be hard to tell which expensive skincare items are actually as life-changing as people say they are. Nothing is sadder than swapping out your Cetaphil for a doubly-expensive skin cream, only to immediately break out and toss the sleekly packaged product in the trash.To help, we spoke to two dermatologists for their tips on debunking the overhyped drops from the time-tested cleansers.<h2>Skip anything with "overnight" benefits</h2>If it sounds too good to be true... you know the rest. "I am cautious when I see products that have immediate or overnight benefits," <a href="http://www.zeichnerdermatology.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Joshua Zeichner</a>, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Insider. "Most skincare products take several weeks or even months to exert their effects, and they don't give home-run types of benefits."Prescription-strength retinol or in-office microdermabrasion sessions usually take time to make a difference, so no over-the-counter serums or derma rollers will make that huge a difference that quickly.<h2>Avoid ingredients you've never heard of</h2>Scrolling through skincare TikTok or Instagram can lead to information overload, with conflicting advice and products on what to actually do with your skin.To declutter, it's good to have concrete goals on what you want to achieve besides "perfect" skin."I encourage patients to focus on active ingredients and whether the active ingredients align with their main skin concerns," Dr. Ivy Lee, a<a href="https://www.aad.org/public#" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> board-certified</a> dermatologist practicing in Los Angeles, told Insider. For example, if you have dry winter skin, you can gravitate towards products with <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-skin-flooding-tiktok-trend-hyaluronic-acid-2023-2">hydrating hyaluronic acid</a>.<h2>Be skeptical about high prices</h2>Here's some great news: High-quality products don't have to be expensive.For one, Zeichner said that cosmetic costs are just derived from the ingredients themselves — everything from the container to the manufacturing and testing fees determine the price of a product. So if you're just looking for effective, no-frills moisturizers, "there are many inexpensive brands available at your local drugstore that will do the trick," said Zeichner. <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-skincare-routine-order-according-to-dermatologists-2023-2">Some of the most recommended products from dermatologists</a> include ones from brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, and Aveeno. Even <a href="https://www.insider.com/skincare-products-celebrities-love-under-25-2023-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebrities can prefer low-cost products</a> to their pricier counterparts. <h2>Watch out for products that will overload your routine</h2>Despite all the eye creams and facial masks promoted, TikTokers are now opting for pared-down skincare trends like <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-skin-cycling-how-tiktok-trend-heals-routine-2023-2">skin cycling</a>.Dermatologists also emphasize <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-skincare-routine-order-according-to-dermatologists-2023-2">simpler skincare routines</a> over 12-step ones, which ironically can do more harm than good. "Both acne flares and irritation are a common risk of using too many or too much of skincare products," said Lee, who recommends taking a slow, cautious approach in incorporating new items in your regimen. "This is especially important for products that contain retinoids or exfoliating acids," she noted, which can cause irritation or redness.So if you want to swap your sunscreen for something less chalky, great. But if you're considering adding a third serum to your nighttime routine, consider skipping it entirely.<h2>Be wary of DIY procedures </h2>Both Zeichner and Lee cautioned against DIY hacks. "Just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe or better than traditional skincare products," said Zeichner. For example, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bondenavant/video/6813404268641488134?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microneedling kits are all over TikTok</a> but pose risks of injury or infection if used incorrectly.If you really want to give that at-home chemical peel a try, it never hurts to reach out to your dermatologist first. "I have my patients reach out to me virtually or keep a running list of questions to discuss when we meet in person," said Lee.When in doubt, get a second opinion (and save yourself from the possibility of a medical bill later).

Red flags that tell you a TikTok-famous skincare trend is not worth the hype

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates your <keyword id="11899253" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="skin" source="Orion">skin</keyword> by sanding off the outer layer of skin cells.</li><li>It may help treat sun damage, scarring, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and wrinkles.</li><li>The procedure comes with risks, including a painful recovery, infection, and bumpy skin.</li></ul><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dermabrasion</a> is a procedure that deeply exfoliates your skin using a sanding tool. It can treat skin conditions on your face including acne, scarring, sun damage, and wrinkles.But the procedure<a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/new-statistics-reveal-the-shape-of-plastic-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> has become less popular</a> in recent years, likely because the recovery <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion/recovery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be painful </a>and it takes months for your skin to heal completely. "For minor cosmetic touch ups, you may want to explore a less-intense procedure like microdermabrasion,<a href="https://www.insider.com/chemical-peel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> facial peels</a>, or<a href="https://www.insider.com/5-laser-treatments-to-instantly-transform-your-skin-2021-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> laser treatments</a>," says<a href="https://www.shaferplasticsurgery.com/dendy-engelman-md-facms-faad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Dendy Engelman, MD</a>, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic, NYC.Here's what a dermabrasion procedure is like and how it can help your skin.<h2>What is dermabrasion?</h2>During a dermabrasion treatment, a dermatologist or<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-find-a-qualified-cosmetic-plastic-surgeon-you-can-trust-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> plastic surgeon</a> will use a dermabrader to sand off the outer layers of your skin. This can help repair damaged or scarred skin by ramping up the production of new skin cells in the treated area, says Engelman. Medical term: Dermabrader: A <a href="https://www.medline.com/product/Surgical-Diamond-Dermabrader-Bur-by-Microaire/Z05-PF157096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dermabrader</a> is a rotating tool that has a rough exterior, often made with diamond tips. The rotating head is about half an inch wide and half an inch long. When your skin cells turn over, dead skin is shed and younger skin comes to the surface. This results in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479/">brighter</a> skin, smaller-looking pores, and can even reduce the appearance of dryness. <h2>Benefits of dermabrasion</h2>Dermabrasion can reduce the appearance of several<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8309-dermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> skin conditions</a>, including:<ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/forehead-wrinkles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wrinkles</a> and fine lines</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/sun-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sun damage</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scars</a> from<a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-acne" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> acne</a>, surgery, or an injury</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/hyperpigmentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyperpigmentation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stretch marks</a></li><li>Unwanted<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-should-know-about-tattoo-removal-2019-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> tattoos</a></li><li>Liver spots</li></ul>Dermabrasion is different from <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microdermabrasion</a> - a procedure that uses a less abrasive tool and removes fewer layers of skin. Dermabrasion is more effective to remove deeper skin imperfections like deep scars, but microdermabrasion has an easier recovery.On average, a microdermabrasion procedure costs <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion/cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about $170</a>, while dermabrasion costs <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion/cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener">around $1800</a>. There are also <a href="https://www.oglf.org/how-to-do-microdermabrasion-at-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at-home microdermabrasion kits</a> you can try.Note: Dermabrasion is<a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> usually a cosmetic procedure</a> to improve your skin's appearance, but it can also remove small<a href="https://www.insider.com/signs-symptoms-skin-cancer-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> precancerous skin spots</a>, says Engelman. This can help prevent cancerous growths from developing.<h2>The dermabrasion procedure: Before, during, and after</h2>A dermabrasion procedure must be performed by a <keyword id="11896780" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="skincare" source="Orion">skincare</keyword> professional. You can't do dermabrasion at home because the procedure requires surgical tools and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">carries risks</a> like infection and scarring if done incorrectly.<h3>Before the procedure</h3>To p<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repar</a>e for a dermabrasion procedure, you'll need to take steps to make sure you get the best results possible:A few weeks before the procedure:<ul><li>Stop smoking. You should stop<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-smoking-can-affect-your-skin-2019-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> smoking</a> for a week or two before the procedure. Smoking can limit the blood flow in your skin and slow down healing.</li></ul>A few days before the procedure:<ul><li>Take antiviral medications. Your doctor may prescribe you an antiviral medication to help prevent<a href="https://www.insider.com/infected-cut" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> infection</a>.</li><li>Get Botox injections. Your doctor may recommend that you get<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-botox" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Botox</a> about three days before the procedure to help prevent wrinkles during the healing process.</li></ul>Ask your doctor:<ul><li>Stop some medications. You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications like<a href="https://www.insider.com/aspirin-vs-tylenol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> aspirin</a> before having dermabrasion. <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8309-dermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ask your doctor</a> how long you should start discontinuing your drugs before the procedure.</li><li>Avoid sun exposure. Getting too much sun before dermabrasion can cause permanent spots of discoloration in your skin. Your doctor can advise how long you should take these precautions.</li></ul><h3>During the procedure</h3>Because it's relatively<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8309-dermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> low-risk</a>, dermabrasion is usually done in your doctor's office rather than a hospital. Here's how it usually goes: <ol><li>Your doctor generally gives you local anesthesia to numb your skin or put you under sedation for longer, more extensive procedures.</li><li>Your skin will be cleansed with an <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8309-dermabrasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antiseptic gel</a>.</li><li>Your doctor will move the dermabrader across your skin, removing the outermost layers of the epidermis and dead skin cells. Depending on how much skin you're treating, this may take just a<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> few minutes or more than an hour</a>. For example, a small scar removal might be a quicker procedure, while a full face procedure may take longer.</li><li>After the dermabrasion, your doctor will cover the treated area with a moist bandage to prevent your skin from crusting and delaying healing. You should keep the bandage on all day and your doctor will change the dressing in-office the following day, Engelman says.</li><li>You can go home right after the procedure, but you will need someone else to drive if you were sedated.</li></ol><h3>After the procedure</h3><ul><li>You should notice some improvement within a week or two, but it takes about three months for your skin to heal completely, Engelman says.</li><li>During the healing process, you may have<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> normal symptoms</a> like:</li><ul><li>Red and swollen skin</li><li>A burning or aching feeling</li><li>Itching as new skin grows</li><li>Scabs or crust forming over treated areas</li></ul><li>To treat any pain, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter<a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-painkillers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> pain reliever</a> or offer a prescription pain medication.</li><li>Don't use any makeup to cover redness until a new layer of skin has fully grown in. New skin generally grows back in <a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa59511">five to eight days</a> and should look pink in appearance.</li></ul><h2>The benefits and risks of dermabrasion</h2>Dermabrasion might help reduce the appearance of some skin conditions, but it also comes with risks.<h3>Benefits of dermabrasion</h3><ul><li>Scar reduction. Studies show that dermabrasion works well to reduce the appearance of scars from<a href="http://www.surgicalcosmetic.org.br/detalhe-artigo/230/Comparative-assessment-of-CO2-fractional-laser-and-dermabrasion-in-the-treatment-of-acne-scars" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> acne</a> and facial<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22268699/"> surgery</a>.</li><li>Post-burn treatment. A<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33068.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 2007 study</a> found that dermabrasion can help treat skin discoloration in people who have experienced burns.</li><li>Reduce sun damage. A small<a href="https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Citation/2008/06000/Dermabrasion_for_Actinic_Cheilitis.28.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> study from 2008</a> found that dermabrasion, along with surgery, helped improve skin discoloration in people with severe sun damage on their lips.</li><li>Reduce stretch marks. A<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14764172.2018.1444777" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 2019 study</a> found that getting 10 dermabrasion treatments made stretch marks appear shorter and thinner for women with stretch marks on their backsides.</li></ul>The results of dermabrasion are permanent, but you often need <a href="https://www.skinworks.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dermabrasion-Pre-Aftercare-Sheet-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three to six treatments</a> to get full results. If the treatment is meant to combat aging, you may need to have follow-up treatments to maintain your results.<h3>Risks of dermabrasion</h3><ul><li>Bumpy skin. Treated skin may develop <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tiny white bumps</a>, but these often go away on their own with regular face washing.</li><li>Infection. In rare cases, you can develop a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection on your skin.</li><li>Scarring. If dermabrasion is done too deeply, you can develop scarring.</li><li>Larger pores. Your pores may appear larger after getting dermabrasion treatment.</li><li>Skin discoloration. In rare cases, your skin can become permanently lighter or darker after treatment. People with darker skin tones are at greater risk.</li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Dermabrasion can be a great way to "reset" your skin by removing damaged skin, evening out your skin tone, and reducing scars. It can also be a non-invasive way to remove small but potentially dangerous precancerous spots."However, dermabrasion does have downtime and side effects like sensitivity and redness," Engelman says. 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Dermabrasion is a procedure that may reduce stretch marks and scars - here's how it works

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A dermatologist said that skincare must adapt in the fall as the change in weather can affect the skin.</li><li>Dr. Julia Tzu, medical director at Wall Street Dermatology, makes three changes to her routine in the fall.</li></ul>A dermatologist has shared the three changes she makes to her <a href="https://www.insider.com/skincare-routine-for-glowing-skin-dermatologist-advice-2021-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skincare routine</a> during the transition from summer to fall to help ease the effects of the changing weather."Our skin directly interfaces with the environment constantly, and changes to the environment will directly impact the skin," Dr. Julia Tzu, the medical director of <a href="https://www.wallstreetdermatology.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wall Street Dermatology</a>, told Insider.Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/can-you-get-sunburned-through-a-window" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ultraviolet rays</a> from the sun makes the skin more prone to being dry and sensitive during this season, Tzu said.Tzu has combination skin where the forehead, nose, and chin have more oil glands and thicker skin than the rest of the facial skin. Generally, people with <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-figure-out-your-skin-type-2019-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">combination skin</a> should prioritize an effective skin cleanser and avoid oil-based skincare, thicker creams, and ointments, <a href="https://www.insider.com/dermatologist-skincare-routine-summer-clear-skin-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she previously told Insider.</a>She said there are no "hard cut rules" for what to choose or avoid during the fall because skincare is highly individual, but she makes three key changes to her own routine:<h2>Tzu uses more moisturizer in the fall than in the summer</h2>As <a href="https://www.insider.com/dermatologist-skincare-routine-summer-clear-skin-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider previously reported</a>, Tzu uses a light moisturizer in the summer. In the fall, Tzu changes to a cream moisturizer to compensate for the drier air.As well as changing to a thicker moisturizer, moisturizing more often can also help counteract the drier air.She said that people who generally use no moisturizer during the day and a lighter one at night during the summer can start using a light moisturizer during the day and a light or heavy one at night during the fall.Tzu said that what constitutes a "heavy" or "light" moisturizer can vary, but generally lotions are lighter than creams. Knowing which one to choose depends on the environment, as well as a person's skin type, skin tone, any sensitivities or allergies, and medical skin conditions.<h2>Tzu exfoliates less in the fall </h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/how-to-exfoliate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exfoliating</a> can help to remove sweat, oils, or dead skin cells that can build up and cause break-outs. Generally, people should aim to exfoliate more during the summer, less during the fall and spring, and even less during winter, Tzu said.During the fall, Tzu uses a chemical exfoliator called Bye Bye Pores from IT Cosmetics every other week, and a topical prescription retinoid every night, which is stronger and more irritating than an over the counter version. Tzu <a href="https://www.insider.com/dermatologist-skincare-routine-summer-clear-skin-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously told Insider</a> that people with dry skin need to be careful when using retinoids.Tzu, with combination skin, doesn't usually use physical exfoliants like <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/dermabrasion">microdermabrasions</a> or scrubs."I am careful to not over-exfoliate because there is a delicate balance between preserving the integrity of the skin barrier and shedding off unwanted dead skin cells," she said.<h2>Tzu lowers the SPF of her sunscreen in the fall</h2>During the day, Tzu mostly uses an SPF that is moisturizing enough so that she doesn't need an additional moisturizer.She wears SPF 40 and above during the summer months, and reduces this to SPF 30 in fall. <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/beauty/can-you-get-sunburned-through-a-window">UV radiation</a>, which causes irreversible sun damage, such as discoloration and wrinkles, is present all year round, just in lower amounts in the fall, she said.Tzu said that people can continue to use a higher SPF all year around, which would afford a higher protection, but a higher SPF may feel thicker or less "cosmetically elegant."

A dermatologist shares the 3 changes she makes to her skincare routine in the fall to keep her skin clear

<ul class="summary-list"><li>It's not necessary to get rid of <keyword id="95673" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stretch-marks">stretch marks</keyword>, as they are an extremely common and harmless skin response to rapid growth during times like <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> or puberty. </li><li>You also can't get rid of stretch marks completely, as topical lotions and creams will not penetrate the skin deeply enough to remove them. </li><li>If you want your stretch marks to fade over time, you may be able to reduce their appearance with in-office dermatologist treatments like microneedling, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. </li><li>To help prevent stretch marks, you can also moisturize your skin twice daily, apply hyaluronic acid, and try to manage weight gain or fluctuations. </li></ul>Stretch marks are extremely common. In fact, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924406/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about</a> 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females, and 40% of adolescent males have them. While there are plenty of treatments out there for stretch marks, it's important to note that stretch marks do not indicate that anything is wrong with your skin or overall <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>.Feeling beautiful is about what makes you happy, and stretch marks should not impede that. They are a completely normal and harmless skin response to rapid growth — whether you're having a baby or going through puberty.If you are interested in removing stretch marks, there's a lot of misinformation around the process. Moreover, it's not likely that you'll be able to make them disappear entirely.Here's what you need to know about the few processes that are proven to help minimize stretch marks. <h2>What are stretch marks? </h2>Stretch marks, also known as <a href="https://www.aocd.org/page/Striae#:~:text=Stretch%20marks%2C%20the%20medical%20term,of%20cosmetic%20concern%20to%20patients." target="_blank" rel="noopener">striae distensae or stria atrophicus</a>, are scars caused by tears in collagen and elastin fiber, which support the structure of the skin. Stretch marks form in the dermis, the second layer of skin that contains connective tissues. They occur when your skin stretches, usually <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during times of rapid growth</a>, including:<ul><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Weight gain</li><li>Weight loss</li><li>Growth spurts </li><li>Rapid muscle growth, like with weight training</li></ul>Stretch marks usually look like red, pink, or purplish raised lines across the skin when they first appear, says <a href="https://www.michelegreenmd.com/meet-dr-green" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michele Green</a>, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. Over time they will often fade and appear white. Anyone can develop stretch marks, but they are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more common in women than in men</a> and can be more prominent in dark-skinned individuals. You are also more likely to get stretch marks if others in your family have them, due to genetics. <h2>Can you get rid of stretch marks? </h2>Contrary to popular belief, there really is no cheap, easy way to get rid of stretch marks, says <a href="https://www.sperlingdermatology.com/about/dr-sperling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shari Sperling</a>, DO, a dermatologist with her own private practice in New Jersey."Exfoliation or topical creams are typically not effective as they just work on the surface of the skin and do not penetrate deeper into the skin to have a noticeable difference," Sperling says. Some studies have found that prescription <a href="http://insider.com/vitamin-a-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin A</a> derivatives, like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26486318/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tretinoin cream</a>, may improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the results are mixed. In general, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28551068/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no topical solution</a> has been shown to be completely effective at getting rid of stretch marks. Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, Green says, but certain dermatological treatments may make them less noticeable. <h2>Treatments that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks </h2>Many of the treatments available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks focus on strengthening the skin and rebuilding collagen. If you're interested in stretch mark treatments, talk with your dermatologist about the best course of treatment for you. Here are some of the most popular treatments: 1. Laser therapy Laser therapy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directs light</a> at certain components of the skin, like pigment and blood vessels, to increase collagen production and restore elastin fibers. One type of laser, the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921736/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fraxel laser</a>, is an FDA approved therapy designed for:<ul><li>Scars</li><li><a href="http://insider.com/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyperpigmentation</a></li><li>Acne marks</li><li>Sun spots</li><li>Leg veins</li><li>Stretch marks</li></ul>The Fraxel laser makes microscopic cuts in the skin stimulating new collagen production while leaving the surrounding tissue intact, Green says. "It is recommended that stretch mark treatment begins at the initial onset when the likelihood of successful stretch mark removal is much higher," Green says. "It is much easier to remove the red stretch marks with laser treatments, than the later stage of scarring or white stretch marks."The number of sessions you may need depends on how old (and pronounced) your stretch marks are, Green says, but most people need at least three to five. Stretch marks that are <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">red, blue, or purple</a> in color are typically newer and easier to treat with laser therapy than those that are white and silver.2. Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion <a href="http://insider.com/how-to-exfoliate-face" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exfoliates</a> dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Because stretch marks are deep in the skin, this treatment can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reduce their appearance</a>, but not eliminate them. Exfoliation can also help stimulate collagen production and promote new skin growth, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. A 2014 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24612027/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> found microdermabrasion to be as effective as a daily application of topical 0.095% tretinoin cream in reducing the severity of early stretch marks. Microdermabrasion has few side effects and is well-tolerated by people with many different skin types, Green says. But using microdermabrasion to treat stretch marks is a lengthy process and could take a dozen or more treatments to see results. 3. Microneedling <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556180/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microneedling</a> uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. As the skin heals, your body produces new collagen which repairs damaged fibers and fills the lines caused by stretch marks. Side effects are usually temporary and include redness and swelling at the site. In a 2008 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18349665/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>, researchers found that microneedling could reduce the appearance of stretch marks in one to four treatments by as much as 60% to 80%. A small 2016 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27074497/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> found three microneedling therapy sessions were more efficient than microdermabrasion in treating stretch marks. <h2>How to prevent stretch marks</h2>It's impossible to completely prevent stretch marks, Sperling says, but there are some ways to minimize the chances of developing them, including:<ul><li><a href="http://insider.com/best-moisturizing-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moisturize</a> your skin with lotion twice a day. This helps maintain skin hydration and optimize skin elasticity and strength, so it's less likely to tear when stretched. </li><li>Manage weight gain and try to prevent rapid fluctuations in weight. This allows the skin to gradually adjust without overstretching and disrupting connective tissue. </li><li>Apply <a href="https://www.insider.com/hyaluronic-acid-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyaluronic acid</a>, which helps hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production, which may <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057295/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prevent the appearance of stretch marks</a>. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Stretch marks are scars that form when your skin stretches and tears, and they are a normal part of rapid growth during times like pregnancy or puberty. These marks are harmless and extremely common, so there's no reason to worry about needing to erase them from your skin. Plus, because the scars occur deep within the skin, they will likely be permanent. If you'd like to rebuild some of that collagen and strengthen your skin, dermatological treatments like laser therapy and microneedling can do this, and may help your stretch marks fade over time. <h2 id="related-articles-from-our-health-reference-library:">Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-facial-cleanser-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best facial cleanser ingredients for each skin type, according to dermatologists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-moisturizer-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">These are the best, most effective ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-anti-aging-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best anti-aging ingredients for skincare, according to dermatologists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-exfoliating-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best exfoliating ingredients, according to dermatologists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-exfoliate-face" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to exfoliate your face based on your skin type, according to dermatologists </a></li></ul>

How to get rid of stretch marks and prevent them, according to dermatologists

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sunspots are permanent, dark flat spots that appear on areas of skin frequently exposed to the sun.</li><li>Sunspots are harmless but may be mistaken for a more serious symptom like skin cancer. </li><li>Check the asymmetry, color, diameter, and how the spot changes over time to ensure it's not cancer.</li></ul><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunspots</a> are flat, dark spots that appear on parts of your skin that you frequently expose to the sun, such as your face, hands, arms, shoulders, and feet.While anyone can develop these spots, they are particularly common in people with light skin over <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001141.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the age of 40</a>, especially those who spend a lot of time in the sun.<a href="https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-conditions/age-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Genetics</a> also play a role, so having a family history of sunspots can make you more likely to get them.Note: Sunspots are also known as age spots, solar lentigines, and liver spots although they don't have anything to do with liver function. Sunspots are <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/liver-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permanent</a> marks that are <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001141.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">harmless</a>, so you don't need to remove them for <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> reasons. However, if you don't like their appearance, there are steps you can take to lighten them. Here are some tips on how to prevent sunspots and reduce their appearance, as well as how to differentiate a sunspot from something more serious like skin cancer.<h1>How to get rid of sunspots</h1>There are topical treatments and dermatological procedures that can lighten sunspots' appearance; however, it's always best to consult a dermatologist to determine which approach is best for you, says <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/specialists/kathleen_suozzi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kathleen Suozzi</a>, MD, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale Medicine</a>. To understand how the following treatments work, it's important to mention how sunspots form in the first place. They appear darker than the surrounding skin because what you're actually seeing is a concentrated patch of a natural skin pigment called melanin, which gives your skin its color.Darker people typically have more melanin. You can ramp up melanin production by spending time in the sun or a <a href="https://www.insider.com/are-tanning-beds-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tanning bed</a>.With that in mind, here are six common treatments for reducing the appearance of sunspots:<ul><li>Topical creams: Suozzi recommends prescription or over-the-counter topical creams containing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C</a>, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tretinoin-topical-route/precautions/drg-20066521?p=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tretinoin</a> (aka retinoic acid), <a href="https://www.aocd.org/page/Hydroquinone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hydroquinone</a>, a bleaching agent, azelaic acid, kojic acid, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid. These ingredients can gradually lighten existing spots and reduce the production of <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-melanin">melanin</a>. Suozzi says you can expect to see results in one to three months. </li><li>Laser treatments: "Laser treatments are very helpful for minimizing the appearance of sunspots," says Suozzi. These treatments are performed by dermatologists. They work by targeting and destroying cells under the surface of your skin that produce melanin. You can expect to see <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">results</a> after two or three sessions.</li><li>Cryotherapy: <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/think-beauty-spots-arent-cute-heres/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cryotherapy</a> is a procedure where your dermatologist will apply liquid nitrogen to the pigmented areas for a few seconds. The nitrogen freezes the area and destroys the excess melanin, causing the skin to look lighter once it heals. </li><li>Dermabrasion: This <a href="https://nyulangone.org/conditions/aging-skin/treatments/laser-therapy-dermabrasion-for-aging-skin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">procedure</a> involves using a mechanical brush to sand off the age spots, allowing new skin to grow in their place. Your dermatologist may need to do the procedure a few times before you see results.</li><li>Microdermabrasion: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microdermabrasion</a> is less aggressive than dermabrasion. You may need to do it repeatedly over several months to reduce the appearance of sunspots. It can be <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/get-rid-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more effective</a> if combined with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/chemical-peel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemical peel</a>.</li><li>Chemical peels: This <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/think-beauty-spots-arent-cute-heres/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">procedure</a> involves applying a chemical solution to your skin to remove the top layer, aka epidermis, allowing new skin to grow in its place. Suozzi says you can also do glycolic acid peels at home to lighten sunspots; however, they are not as powerful as a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist. Both <a href="https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/chemical-peels/chemical-peels-for-age-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">light</a> and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medium</a> peels will likely take a few sessions before you see results. But light peels can be done every one to four weeks whereas you should only get a medium peel every 6-12 months.</li></ul>You may also find other "remedies" by casually browsing the <a href="https://brightside.me/inspiration-tips-and-tricks/16-tips-to-get-rid-of-sunspots-with-natural-remedies-518310/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">internet</a>, but keep in mind that there's no scientific evidence to back the effectiveness of applying any of the following to your skin for sunspots: <ul><li>Apple cider vinegar</li><li>Buttermilk</li><li>Green tea</li><li>Papaya</li></ul><h1>Sunspot vs. skin cancer</h1>Sunspots can sometimes resemble cancerous growths. The <a href="https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/how-to-spot-skin-cancer.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABCDE rule</a> can help you differentiate between the two and identify potential signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer: <ul><li>Asymmetry: If one side of the spot looks very different from the other, it could indicate melanoma.</li><li>Borders: If the borders of the spot are uneven, irregular, or blurry, it could be a cause for concern.</li><li>Color: Sunspots are usually all one color. If your spot has multiple colors or shades, it could be a cancerous growth. Melanoma patches can include shades of black and brown, or have red, pink, blue, or white patches.</li><li>Diameter: If the spot is over six millimeters in diameter - roughly the size of the pencil eraser - you may need to get it checked out, although cancerous spots can sometimes be smaller than this.</li><li>Evolving: Suozzi recommends seeing your dermatologist if the spot appears to be growing larger or changing color, as that could also be a sign of skin cancer. </li></ul>To rule out the possibility of cancer, your dermatologist will probably perform a skin biopsy, where they collect a small sample of the skin for lab analysis of any cancerous cells.<h1>How to prevent sunspots</h1>Related Article Module: The 7 best sunscreens of 2021 for every skin tone and typeSince sunspots are more common with age, you may not be able to prevent them entirely.However, you can reduce your risk of developing a lot of sunspots by minimizing your exposure to UV rays.Here are some helpful tips:<ul><li>Wear sunscreen: Suozzi recommends opting for a mineral-based <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-sunscreen-to-wear-on-your-face-according-to-dermatologists-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sunscreen</a> that contains zinc or titanium and is SPF 30 or above. Instead of getting absorbed, the active minerals stay on the surface of your skin and act like a <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/is-sunscreen-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical shield</a> that deflects the sun's rays.</li><li>Avoid the midday sun: Try to avoid being outdoors between <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 a.m. and 2 p.m.</a>, when the UV rays of the sun are most intense. </li><li>Cover up: If you are going to be out in the sun, wear <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/insider-picks/news/the-best-womenaposs-sun-protection-clothing-with-upf/slidelist/76823972.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sun-protective clothing</a> like lightweight long-sleeve shirts, full-length pants, closed shoes, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. </li><li>Avoid tanning: Tanning ramps up melanin production, thereby increasing the probability of sunspots.</li></ul>It's also important to note the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21151-age-spots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">risk factors</a> that may make you more prone to developing sunspots: <ul><li>Spending a lot of time in the sun or getting a bad sunburn</li><li>Being over the age of 40</li><li>Having lighter skin</li><li>Using a tanning bed regularly</li><li>Undergoing a medical procedure, such as radiation therapy</li><li>Having a family history of sunspots </li><li>Being a person with a vagina</li></ul><h1>Insider's takeaway</h1>Sunspots are small, dark spots that you may see on your skin, particularly if you spend a lot of time in the sun. They are harmless and don't require treatment. However, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate them, if you prefer.You can prevent sunspots by avoiding tanning and shielding your skin from the sun. "Sun protection is the best prevention," says Suozzi.<a data-type="60c0ff25e5224e648d2a72bf">Dermatologists explain how to find the best sunscreen for your face based on skin type</a><a data-type="5edd55a14dca683c08280514">How to treat a sunburn: Debunking the coconut oil, vinegar, and shaving cream myths</a><a data-type="5f91fa20bf96b9579c12a108">The best exfoliating ingredients for brighter and clearer skin, according to dermatologists</a><a data-type="5f77322de155cf643d4ce1c9">How to exfoliate your face based on your skin type, according to dermatologists</a>

How to differentiate harmless sunspots from skin cancer

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="48701" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cellulite">Cellulite</keyword> and stretch mark creams often promise to reduce or remove the appearance of these skin conditions, but a dermatologist said the majority of these products can't do that.</li><li>Caffeine and retinol are the only two topical ingredients scientifically proven to reduce cellulite and <keyword id="95673" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stretch-marks">stretch marks</keyword>.</li><li>Non-surgical procedures like microdermabrasion and Velashape could also help.</li></ul>Stretch marks and cellulite, two skin conditions that are the result of body changes, are often considered undesirable so it's no surprise there's an entire class of topical creams dedicated to removing the marks from a person's body.But the majority of these products, which are marketed as cures for cellulite and stretch marks, promise to "deliver the impossible," according to Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board-certified dermatologist at <a href="https://www.riverchasedermatology.com/">Riverchase Dermatology</a> in Miami Beach, Florida.That's because both cellulite and stretch marks are mainly the result of genetics, and the formation of these marks happens under the skin, making topical solutions, for the most part, ineffective.Cellulite occurs when a person's body fat and their connective tissue, which has fibers that hold fat in place, become entangled below the skin and create a dimpled appearance in the skin's surface, Insider <a href="https://www.insider.com/injectable-for-treating-cellulite-will-be-available-next-spring-2020-7">previously reported</a>.And stretch marks are the result of the skin stretching during puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain. According to Chimento, when body growth due to these events happens quickly, the inner layer of the skin rips, and "the layers beneath it will fill in the cracks, causing the marks to appear."Chimento told Insider there are a few scientifically-proven exceptions to the ineffective swath of products, like those that contain retinol and caffeine. She also said certain minimally invasive doctor's office procedures can reduce the appearance of these markings.<h2>It's normal to have stretch marks and cellulite</h2>For most people, stretch marks and cellulite are part of their genetic code and are, to an extent, unavoidable.Between <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25940753/">80% and 90% of women have cellulite</a>, according to the National Institutes of <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword>."Cellulite formations start in women during puberty as a result of hormonal changes. Commonly women over age 18 have already experienced some degree of cellulite," Chimento said, adding that a person doesn't have to be overweight to develop cellulite in the first place.A person's metabolism, circulation, and fat distribution, all genetic factors, have also been shown to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03556.x">predispose a person to cellulite</a>.Similarly, <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-08/2i-2ct082113.php">stretch marks can be the result of genetics</a>."If your mother or grandmother had tissue scars, you are more likely to get them as well," Chimento said. She also said most pregnant women will develop stretch marks by their third trimester.<h2>Diet, exercise, and smoking habits could contribute</h2><keyword id="15482" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle">Lifestyle</keyword> factors can also increase a person's chances of developing cellulite or stretch marks, Chimento said.She said people who eat too much salt and carbohydrates and not enough fiber are more likely to develop cellulite because <a href="https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/tips-plans/foods-that-cause-cellulite">these types of diets can lead to bloating</a>, which makes the skin dimples more prominent.Smokers and inactive people are also more likely to develop cellulite, according to Chimento.When it comes to stretch marks, "being overweight or obese can lead to higher odds of developing stretch marks," Chimento said. Rapid weight gain, and even rapid weight loss, could cause stretch marks because the skin is being stretched quickly from underneath, and therefore rips.<h2>To reduce cellulite and stretch marks, look for creams with retinol or caffeine</h2>According to Chimento, there are two topical <keyword id="110679" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="skincare">skincare</keyword> ingredients that have been scientifically proven to reduce cellulite: retinol and caffeine.Retinol, a pure and potent form of vitamin A, can strengthen and thicken the skin to reduce skin dimples, according to Chimento."<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11702613/">Research shows</a> that applying topical 0.3% retinol for at least six months can aid in improving the appearance of cellulite," she said.And caffeine, an antioxidant, can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3933246/">reduce swelling</a> and tighten cellulite-containing skin when used daily, according to research.You can also apply a daily moisturizer to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, "but there are no studies to show that any creams can help prevent stretch marks," Chimento said.<h2>Minimally invasive procedures are also an option</h2>And the FDA recently approved a first-of-its-kind <a href="https://www.insider.com/injectable-for-treating-cellulite-will-be-available-next-spring-2020-7">treatment for cellulite called Qwo</a>, Insider previously reported. The injectable, which will be available in spring 2021, is injected into a patient's butt cheeks up to 12 times and over three sessions to dissolve connective-tissue fibers that cause cellulite.For stretch marks, <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion">microdermabrasion</a>, where a dermatologist gently sands away the skin's top layer, chemical peels, and laser therapy can reduce their appearance, Chimento said. Another option is <a href="https://www.dianewaldermd.com/cosmetic-procedures/velashape">Velashape</a>, a procedure that involves gliding a special lotion over the skin using an infrared device. Doing so can promote skin elasticity, according to Chimento, which makes the skin less susceptible to stretches and tears."The infrared light discharges heat to target fat cells, which helps increase their metabolism and leads to smoother skin and an overall reduction in the appearance of fat and cellulite in the treatment area," she said.Lastly, you should never tan in an attempt to reduce stretch marks, Chimento said, because doing so can make them look more pronounced."Stretch marks are comprised of scar tissue that does not respond to tanning. The result is that as the areas surrounding the scars darken, the stretch marks themselves become bolder," she said.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-skincare-routine-dermatologist-approved-2020-8">A dermatologist on why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 4-step skincare routine is so good</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/injectable-for-treating-cellulite-will-be-available-next-spring-2020-7">The FDA has approved an injectable to reduce cellulite, and it will be available in doctors' offices next spring</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/dermatologist-told-me-everything-im-doing-wrong-in-shower-routine-2020-8">A dermatologist told me everything I'm doing wrong in my shower routine, and how to fix it</a></li></ul>

Most cellulite and stretch mark creams are promising to deliver the impossible. Here's what to use instead, according to a dermatologist.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Estheticians have different ways of safely removing dead skin for all skin types.</li><li>Some skin types react well to chemical peels, while others might react better to a JetPeel <keyword id="31791" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="facial">facial</keyword>.</li><li>A dermaplaning service can safely remove dead skin and light facial hair with a surgical scalpel.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Narrator: Here are six facial treatments that will safely remove dead skin.Of course, we have to start with the one and only chemical face peel. Estheticians all over the world, offer chemical peels to help improve hyperpigmentation and scarring on the skin. This one shown here is The Perfect Derma Peel. The treatment includes many acidic ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, and glutathione to help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. When applied you'll feel some stinging on your skin, and your face will start to turn red. The peeling solution is layered on a few more times, especially in areas where you might have a lot of scarring. And that takes about 20 minutes. The real fun happens after the treatment, as you follow the aftercare instructions. The first two days after the treatment, your face might be itchy, red, and a bit tight. Then on day three, you'll start peeling in a few areas. But day four is really when bigger chunks of dead skin start peeling off. It's important to let your face naturally peel, and not pull on the dead skin to prevent scarring. But you can carefully slice off some pieces if it's just hanging around. You'll need about five treatments to see the full results, but here are the results from one treatment.If a week-long peel isn't your thing, that's fine. You can try an instant peel, if you get the Red Carpet Facial at the Olga Lorencin Skin Care Clinic in Beverly Hills. A-listers like Halle Berry, Sophía Vergara, and Eva Mendes have all visited Olga for her facials that promise instant dewy skin The peel contains lactic, malic, and glycolic acids. Then it's neutralized with baking soda and green tea, to help steam clean your pores, as Lorencin says. This is when the pain goes up to a 10, but that lasts about 15 seconds. This burns, this burns so much! Ooooh! The peel instantly dissolves all the oil and dirt inside the pores, and leaves the skin ready for the rest of the facial, which includes microdermabrasion, extractions, a face mask with an ultrasonic spatula, and a hydrating sheet mask with a microcurrent. Here are the results immediately after one treatment.Another common way to exfoliate dead skin is with dermaplaning. Once the skin is cleansed, an <keyword id="9945373" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="esthetician">esthetician</keyword> uses a surgical scalpel and blade, to scrape off the dead skin. It also removes some fine facial hair, leaving your skin silky smooth. This treatment is not painful at all, but it is recommended to do this treatment with a professional to avoid cutting your skin, your eyebrows, or going too deep with the scalpel. However, some duller dermaplaning blades are sold for at-home use.If you have sensitive skin, or if chemical peels aren't really your thing, the JetPeel facial is another way to remove dead skin. This noninvasive skin treatment uses high-pressure air to remove dead skin cells, blackheads, and dirt. It also simultaneously pushes serums deeper into the skin. The treatment starts with lymphatic drainage, followed by an exfoliation step with 5% glycolic acid. If you choose to do the exfoliation without acid, it will cause less irritation and tingling. Then the esthetician neutralizes the glycolic acid. Next, the esthetician infuses multiple serums into the skin, which include a hydrating hyaluronic acid, followed by a Casmara mask for sensitive skin. And here are the results.Many facials include a step called Dermalinfusion. Soma Spa in New York City uses the technique in its custom Caviar Facial. The machine infuses skin with serums to unclog pores, and hydrate while it simultaneously sucks out buildup and dead skin. For proof, you get to see your jar of dirt that was extracted from your face. The treatment finishes with a customized mask for your skin concerns and some additions if your skin needs them.And lastly, you can try an enzyme mask by DMK. It's best for someone who's not claustrophobic and has a slightly high pain tolerance. Benefits of the mask include removing dead skin cells, promoting blood circulation, and helping with acne and pigmentation. Once your skin is cleansed and prepped, the mask goes on. It feels really soothing when applied, but don't get used to it, because once the mask dries and tightens, it becomes super itchy. When the mask hardens, the body is forced to increase blood circulation and oxygen to those areas. The mask is left on for 45 minutes. Once it's finally removed, you should instantly see dewier, plumper-looking skin.

Try these 6 facials to remove dead skin

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Forehead <keyword id="6453114" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wrinkles">wrinkles</keyword> are a normal part of aging and are due to the loss of collagen. </li><li>To get rid of forehead wrinkles, try retinol, moisturizing, and botox injections. </li><li>To prevent future forehead wrinkles, wear sunscreen daily, stop smoking, and manage stress levels.</li></ul>Forehead wrinkles and fine lines are a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004004.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">normal and unavoidable</a> part of aging. "As we age, we <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lose</a> collagen, and this can also contribute to fine lines and wrinkles becoming more apparent," says <a href="https://www.mdcsnyc.com/provider/marisa-k-garshick-md" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD</a>, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.mdcsnyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MDCS Dermatology</a>.Medical term: Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that keeps the skin firm. Although aging reduces collagen production in the body, environmental factors like sun exposure and cigarette smoke can also <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">damage</a> collagen fibers in the body, which <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/symptoms-causes/syc-20354927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accelerates</a> the aging process and causes wrinkles to develop.While forehead wrinkles shouldn't be something you're ashamed of, if you want to reduce their appearance, there are plenty of ways to do so.<h2>1. Wear sunscreen daily</h2>When you go outside the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun wreaks havoc on your skin - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299808/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accelerating</a> collagen damage and amplifying signs of aging."Studies have consistently shown the benefits of sunscreen use in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1180647/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decreasing</a> not only [the risk of] skin cancers, but also <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002?articleid=1691733" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skin aging</a>. Sunscreen should be applied <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">every day</a>, regardless of season, and should be reapplied <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">every 2 hours</a> throughout the day when outside," says <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/specialists/sara_perkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sara Perkins, MD</a>, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale Medicine</a> and assistant professor at the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a>.According to the <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Academy of Dermatology</a> (AAD), you should <a href="https://www.insider.com/sunscreen-for-face" target="_blank" rel="noopener">choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen</a> with an <a href="https://www.insider.com/spf-meaning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SPF 30 or higher</a> to have significant protection against the sun's harmful rays. It's best to use a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide of 9% or higher<h2>2. Stop smoking </h2>Nicotine - one of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099323/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 4000 chemicals</a> in cigarettes - <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/expert-answers/smoking/faq-20058153" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduces</a> oxygen flow and nutrients to skin cells, which speeds up skin aging and causes premature wrinkles.According to a small <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230126/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 study</a> involving smokers and non-smokers, smoking also makes the skin less elastic, particularly on the forehead. This loss of skin elasticity <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">causes</a> sagging."Smoking can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17951030/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead</a> to collagen breakdown, making forehead lines and wrinkles, in general, more likely to appear," says Garshick.The longer you smoke, the more you <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/expert-answers/smoking/faq-20058153" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase</a> the risk of premature skin aging. However, you can still <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/symptoms-causes/syc-20354927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prevent</a> wrinkles to some extent when you <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-happens-when-you-quit-smoking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quit smoking</a>.<h2>3. Manage stress</h2>Chronic stress may <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-stress-cause-wrinkles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause wrinkles</a> because the primary stress hormone, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-lower-cortisol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cortisol</a>, can <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decrease</a> collagen production.Related Article Module: 15 simple and effective ways to relieve stressIn addition, repeatedly making facial expressions associated with stress, like furrowing your brows, causes wrinkles to deepen, says Garshick.There is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no medical procedure</a> to prevent stress-induced skin aging, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-much-sleep-do-you-need" target="_blank" rel="noopener">getting enough sleep</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-start-eating-healthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eating a healthy diet</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-exercise-make-you-happy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exercising regularly</a> can help you <a href="https://www.insider.com/stress-relief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">manage stress</a> and prevent exacerbating skin aging.<h2>4. Use moisturizers</h2>Aging skin is <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10984-wrinkles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not as good at</a> retaining moisture. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated which causes fine lines and wrinkles to become <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more noticeable</a>.You can battle wrinkles from skin dehydration by regularly using <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-moisturizer-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moisturizer</a>, especially products with active ingredients that hydrate and soften the skin such as <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-choose-the-best-moisturizer-for-your-dry-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emollients and humectants</a>, says Perkins. Moisturizers or serums containing a humectant called <a href="https://www.insider.com/hyaluronic-acid-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyaluronic acid</a> can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">draw</a> water to the skin and create a plumping effect.Quick tip: It's best to apply moisturizers while your face is still damp - like after a face wash or shower - so the product can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/in-depth/moisturizers/art-20044232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trap</a> water in the skin.<h2>5. Try facial treatments</h2>You may be able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with in-office procedures like:<ul><li>Laser resurfacing, where a laser removes the outer layer of the skin and heats the underlying layer to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354931">stimulate</a> collagen growth. This procedure is proven to be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3580982/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">effective</a> in treating fine wrinkles.</li><li>Microdermabrasion, a minimally invasive procedure that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535383/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduces</a> the appearance of wrinkles by spraying abrasive crystals on the face and removing a fine layer of skin.</li><li>Microneedling, where a dermatologist uses thin, sterile needles to puncture the skin and create wounds, effectively <a href="https://www.aad.org/news/microneedling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boosting</a> collagen production. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122507/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> found that four micro-needling treatments administered one month apart improve fine lines and wrinkles in people aged 35 to 75 with signs of facial aging. </li></ul>To protect your <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> and get the intended results, make sure that you are being treated by board-certified dermatologists.<h2>6. Get a Botox injection</h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-botox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Botox injections</a> can effectively <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improve</a> the appearance of wrinkles. Small muscle contractions from facial expressions cause creases in the skin, which <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10984-wrinkles">develop</a> into wrinkles over time. Botox reduces wrinkles "by relaxing the muscle movement that leads to the [facial] expression, thereby preventing the lines from forming or becoming deeper," says Garshick.The cost varies depending on the areas of concern and the amount of product used, but it generally falls <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin/cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener">around $400 to $500</a> per treatment. Its effects aren't permanent and may wear off after about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three to six months</a>.<h2>7. Apply anti-wrinkle creams</h2>Over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams may be effective at reducing wrinkles, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depending</a> on their active ingredients and how long you use them. The best wrinkle-fighting ingredients to look for in <keyword id="110679" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="skincare">skincare</keyword> products are:<ul><li>Retinol: "The most potent wrinkle-fighting ingredient available is <a href="https://www.insider.com/retinol-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retinol</a>. It promotes skin cell turnover and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stimulates</a> the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Perkins. A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/412795" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2007 study</a> involving 36 elderly participants found that applying topical retinol can improve fine wrinkles caused by natural aging.</li></ul><ul><li>Antioxidants: "<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-antioxidants-good-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antioxidants</a> such as vitamin C, which help to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protect</a> against free radical damage, can also help to boost collagen," says Garshick. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improves</a> skin elasticity and moisture retention as well. Products with tea or grape seed extracts generally <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contain</a> compounds with antioxidants.</li></ul>However, the benefits of OTC anti-wrinkle creams are generally <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463" target="_blank" rel="noopener">minimal</a> and short-lived because they are cosmetic products that don't undergo rigorous testing for effectiveness. It's best to combine the use of anti-wrinkle creams with other practices that improve the appearance of wrinkles.<h2>Insider's takeaway </h2>Forehead wrinkles are caused by many factors such as aging, sun exposure, and stress levels.You can prevent wrinkles or make them less noticeable by applying topical products, managing stress, quitting smoking, or trying various facial treatments."Vigilant use of sunscreen and hats, regular use of moisturizers, and incorporation of a topical retinol or retinoid are great ways to prevent forehead wrinkles," says Perkins.<a data-type="5f6cdeff0afbe76ae82c13cd">The benefits of retinol and how to use it to fight acne, wrinkles, and dullness</a><a data-type="5c2e6a7bbd77304a0a17c4b6">The 7 best face sunscreens of 2021, according to dermatologists</a><a data-type="60dd28854ee35028c474b41f">5 anti-aging face yoga exercises that will reduce fine lines, puffiness, and saggy skin</a><a data-type="609d77337c964f6fc6386834">What Botox injections can do for you, from smoothing wrinkles to helping with teeth grinding</a>

7 ways to get rid of and prevent forehead wrinkles, according to dermatologists

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Pore vacuums claim to extract <keyword id="90595" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Blackheads">blackheads</keyword> and clogged <keyword id="83180" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Pores">pores</keyword>.</li><li><keyword id="79969" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="insider">Insider</keyword> producer Celia Skvaril decided to try out the <a href="https://amzn.to/3bU493c">AsperX Blackhead Vacuum</a> with a built-in microscope.</li><li>Despite their popularity, pore vacuums are known to cause bruising.</li><li>Celia spoke to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?v=SmSsjuAxnXw&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTF6MW9DWE4za213eFo1MWdvSVlrVk4xQUFxd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSlJYY2VBYTlPcnpsbGJ3U3RGX2ZXSm56UkZBLUVYOEgwQmN0dnBfSzdYcHJLSmNBem5jU3dXM081SDlpZldTR3h3LUtXSFRjb29rWTZySEdoYWN5bDJMUU9xeFQxeXVReEZPSFJ4dnpOTzFKWlpqWQ%3D%3D&amp;event=video_description&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flabeautyologist%2Ftyologist%2F">licensed esthetician and YouTuber Nayamka Roberts-Smith</a> about the causes and consequences of the bruising.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Celia Skvaril: We are going to be trying this blackhead-remover vacuum. I have tried one of these in the past, and let's just say... it didn't turn out very well. [tense music] But you all have been asking me to try one, and I thought this one was super special because it has a built-in microscope. Obviously, I love seeing things get pulled out of the pores, or I would not be here right now. So, I'm very interested to see how and if this version works. It comes with one, two, three, four, five, six different heads. So, I think I'm gonna use the elliptical tip with large suction and the middle round tip, but I might switch them out as I see fit. First off, before I do anything else, I am going to steam my skin because it says to start with that. I'm so gonna be so excited if some of these suckers get pulled out. Bye-bye! Oh! That one's gotta go. The instructions say, they're pretty strict, "Stay no more than two seconds on one area." And I think that's probably where I messed up last time, because I was holding it in one area for a really long time. Oh. I think I went on that area too hard. Ah! Ow! OK, that hurt. [laughs] It sucked it in like an actual vacuum cleaner, like a Dyson! Ah! Oh, my God! Oh, my God, oh, my God. It was stuck! [gasps] Move it around. If I learned anything in high school. It does say your face might be red afterwards for a few minutes. I think I gave myself some hickeys on accident. It's really easy to do. You have to be super careful. Honestly, it's a good thing we're in quarantine right now, because no one's gonna see me like this. Besides the obvious, you know, hickeys, I'm actually very happy with how I saw it working. I saw it pulling out a lot of stuff. Hello. So, I wanted to come back once my bruising was completely gone, and it's been five days, and it finally went away. Now, I don't think that seems too healthy for you, but I really wanna get the opinion of an expert on if pore vacuums actually work and if you should be using them. Nayamka Roberts-Smith: My name is Nayamka Roberts-Smith. I am an esthetician out of Los Angeles. I have a studio here. I also do virtual consultations, and sometimes I tour when I'm not, when, you know, there's no pandemic. Celia: As you know, we're talking about pore vacuums, which, I just tried this one a few days ago, and I wanted to get your thoughts on them, because I thought... I got some bruises, and I thought maybe it was my fault, and of course I don't want it to be my fault. So I wanted to ask you about them and get your thoughts. Nayamka: Any handheld <keyword id="9889538" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pore-vacuum">pore vacuum</keyword>, I'm a very strong, it's a very strong no for me. [laughs] Pore vacuums, it's not your fault why you got bruised. That's just how they work. Even, so, what pore vacuums are, they're a at-home version of, like, a microdermabrasion machine that you'd use in a spa. But at-home ones don't really have any of that. It's just suction. [laughs] So it's very, very easy to get bruising and, you know, irritation on the skin, because, I mean, there's a lot of reasons, but one is just that it's difficult, like, to do yourself. If you have enough suction to, like, remove a blackhead, you probably also have enough suction to bruise and give yourself, like, hickeys. With a pore vacuum, because of the suction, you have a likelihood of bruising. So, bruising is just, like, blood vessels in the area... I don't wanna say, like, breaking. Sometimes, you know, they break, but oftentimes they're really just dilated. So, like, they swell up, and they look red. You know, they look really irritated. On people of color, that can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation. It's not uncommon that bruising leads to hyperpigmentation. So anyone with more melanin in their skin, that's really something that they wanna be careful about, because, you know, those marks may not go away for a while. You know, few months, sometimes up to a year. Well, you definitely have some, you know, your skin's congested. And it seems a little bit dehydrated. Like, you can tell by the way, like, you have some areas where it's flaking, but then you'll also see, like, the shiny areas where it's, like, oil being produced. You also have a little bit of redness. So that kinda lets me know that it's possible that your moisture barrier is a little bit impaired, meaning that, you know, your skin may be a little bit oily. So, I'm watching the suction. It is causing, you know, some of them to come out a little bit. But your breakout, the congestion in your skin is going a lot deeper than these are able to reach. For them to be able to even come out, you'd really have to leave the suction on there for a really long time or do, like, a very intense level. And that would absolutely cause way worse, way worse bruising than, you know, even that you have right now. So, after, I actually see some that are, like, more above the surface, like, it lifted them slightly, but not all the way. Overall, it mostly looks the same. You know, overall, it's not worth the risk. Like, you're not doing a huge benefit. And there are some areas where it did lift, but the skin around it is really red. [laughs] And, you know, I think it's important to note that the areas where it's bruised are likely areas that you had the pore suction tool on for a little bit longer, and it's not clearer. You know, like, the blackheads are still there. So, I don't think pore vacuums are, you know, something that people should be using at home. It's a tricky tool to master, and it's really important that it's left up to the professionals. So, the damage that you do with it is not worth just trying to get out, like, four blackheads. [laughs] It's really, like, overall, it's more of a loss than it is a win. Celia: My chin is too small. Oh, no! I have a hickey.

We used a pore vacuum with a built-in microscope to suck out our blackheads—here's what happened

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Olga Lorencin's <keyword id="6360359" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Red-carpet">Red Carpet</keyword> <keyword id="31791" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="facial">Facial</keyword>, which costs $400, is a <keyword id="6355064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Celebrity">celebrity</keyword> favorite for instantly supple, dewy skin.</li><li>The treatment includes a light to medium noninvasive peel, a moderate to deep muscle-stimulating massage, light to moderate extractions, a lactic acid hand treatment, a hydrating mineral mask, and a green tea or caviar antioxidant ampoule.</li><li>Insider producer Caroline Aghajanian received the treatment from Lorencin herself and was pleasantly surprised by the results.</li><li>Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Caroline: Oh my God.Caroline: Today I'm going to Olga Lorencin's Skin Care Clinic in LA to try her Red Carpet Facial that's a favorite among celebrities like Halle Berry, Sofia Vergara, Eva Mendes. And this treatment claims to give you immediate glowy results. So I'm curious to see, is this treatment better than any of the other facials I've had and how immediate are these results before a big event? So let's go find out. Hi! Oh my god.Olga Lorencin: How are you?Caroline: Good, good.Olga: How are you doing?Caroline: I'm good. I'm so excited!Olga: It looks like you're ready for your facial.Caroline: I am.Olga: What I'm doing right now is just cleaning. And I'm using rehydrating cleanser, which is super mild, but will also clean really deep. I'm just gonna clean the skin and we're gonna go straight into a little massage. Because your skin is a little bit congested, we're going to use combination of seaweed and aloe, with just a little bit of marula oil. So in a massage there's no reason to have any active ingredients, I like to keep it really simple. And then as we go move forward you will see that the peel, and exfoliants, and anti-aging ingredients are all clinical grade. So when you're talking about clinical ingredients and more of a clinical brands the results are very different than, what I call it, a "steam and cream" kind of facial. Which is just like, "massage me, and give me a little steam, and I go home," no. I'm talking about complete transformation of your skin. Now unfortunately, you will go through a little bit of pain.Olga: She's like, what?Caroline: Pain?Olga: Yes. So now we're going to do the Red Carpet Peel. And this is what we're so famous for. So the peel is consist of lactic acid, and malic, and a little bit of glycolic. It's a special formulation, it's proprietary only to us, clearly. And this goes first on your face, for about minute or two. And then I will neutralize it with baking soda and green tea. And the chemical reaction between peel and a neutralizer in this particular peel creates something called steam cleaning your pores.Caroline: Oh. Olga: It's pretty amazing. Caroline: I will say the pain went up to a three and you didn't put anything on yet.Olga: But now it will probably go up to 10.Caroline: Oh.Olga: But just for a minute.Caroline: Okay, okay, I'm ready, I'm ready.Olga: Are we ready?Caroline: Oh my god! Oh!Olga: Just hang in there.Caroline: Oh my god! This burns, this burns so much. Ooh!Olga: All done. Done. You survived.Caroline: Why did that hurt so much? Oh my god, I feel like I'm gonna cry. Wow, that was like instant pain and then went away. I'm sweating.Olga: So your skin is just so slightly pink. So what this peel did, it dissolved all the oil, and grime, and dirt inside your pores. It took away all that superficial dead skin. And now your skin is already glowing 10 minutes into your treatment, I'm not even done. I'm just gonna cover your eyes and do a little bit of microdermabrasion, which is basically further exfoliating your skin so slightly. So I'm gonna do extractions, very light ones. So this is rebalancing toner. I just like to put a little toner and leave it there.Caroline: To just soak it in?Olga: Soak it in and clean it. Kill that bacteria.Caroline: Yes.Olga: This is a Red Carpet Mask. And it has a lot of minerals and vitamins. It has a whole mineral complex of vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and copper, which is really important for the skin.Caroline: Ooh. A warmish mask.Olga: Yes.Caroline: That is different.Olga: I always warm up the mask underneath the steam, specifically this one, so it can really penetrate into the skin. So what I'm gonna do now, I'm just gonna take an ultrasonic spatula to penetrate a little bit of the mask and then exfoliate. So now, this is just a hydrating sheet mask. And we're going to do a little micro-current running through the face to detoxify and tighten. This is lactic acid hydrating serum. This is one of my first products that I ever made. Okay, well now you're beautiful.Caroline: This is it?Olga: This is it.Caroline: It's over?Olga: It's over.Caroline: No.Olga: It is overCaroline: But I can't wait to see my face.Olga: Yes!Caroline: I feel, I feel, I feel fresh. Moment of truth, okay. Oh my god. Oh, it's so soft. And shiny.Olga: And plump, right?Caroline: It's so plump!Olga: That is the kind of the <keyword id="6354629" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="beauty">beauty</keyword> of this facial. It's super active facial that actually makes a difference, but it's also non-irritating and doesn't have any downtime.Caroline: So it's one day post Red Carpet Facial and there were two things that I really wanted to know. One, how immediate are the results? And two, is it worth the price? So for the results, a lot of facials that I've gotten do give immediate dewy results, and so did this one. But the biggest difference with this facial is that afterwards I wasn't red, my face wasn't too creamy with a bunch of products, I didn't feel lightheaded. I was ready to go. And my little pimple here was smoothed out. I know it's a little red now. But I think it did give immediate results. Something that you could definitely do that day and then go off to a big event, or go off to a big event the next day. Your face will be ready and glowy. So worth the price for celebrities? I think it's worth it for them if they're gonna do this constantly and have their face seen by millions of people. For an average gal like me, yeah it's on the pricier side, so I would consider this on a very rare occasion, like a wedding, or a big event that I want my face to be super, super glowy.

Actresses swear by this celebrity-approved facial before red carpets

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Picks</a> team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c13da9856cdcf14d3647c3d-1200/ec vision facial steamer.jpg" border="0" alt="EC Vision Facial Steamer" data-mce-source="EC Vision" />EC Vision</div></div></div></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>Aestheticians and facialists frequently rely on facial steaming to remove toxins from the skin. </li><li>At-home facial steamers like the $30 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer</a> I bought from Amazon make it easy to utilize the technique on your own.</li><li>Steam softens the skin and opens the pores, releasing the built-up bacteria, sebum, and impurities that often lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Facial steaming also boosts circulation to give you a natural glow, and adds much-needed hydration to dry winter skin.</li><li>These at-home steamers run on filtered water, making them an easy addition to any skincare routine, even for those with sensitive skin.</li></ul>As a sensitive-skinned beauty editor, I sometimes feel like I'm leading a double life. It's my job to stay on top of the latest skin-care products, buzzy ingredients, and at-home tools, but I can't actually use many of them myself. I long to take a mini microdermabrasion machine to a few lingering acne scars, or at least try the LED light therapy masks taking over Instagram. My reactive skin requires a gentler approach, though. To avoid irritation and unnecessary breakouts, I rely on a handful of simple, natural ingredients… like, really simple. Water, pure jojoba oil, and the occasional application of aloe vera kind of simple.I had all but accepted a life devoid of trendy skin-care devices when I came across something called a facial steamer: A gadget not unlike a clothing steamer; except instead of releasing wrinkles from fabric, it releases gunk from pores. And considering the fact that facial steamers utilize a single ingredient - water - the tool seemed safe enough to test on even the most delicate skin (i.e., mine).If you've ever had a facial before, you've likely experienced the benefits of a good steam. "Steaming the face softens the pores, helps enhance the penetration of products, and increases circulation in the skin," <a href="https://www.destinationhotels.com/terranea/spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sharon Holtz, the spa director at Terranea Resort</a> in Southern California, tells Business Insider. Aestheticians usually begin each facial treatment with a professional-grade steamer, thereby guiding dirt and impurities out of the pores and prepping the skin for product application. But who says you need to shell out for a fancy facial to experience the #postfacialglow that comes from steaming?I scooped up the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer</a> for $30 on Amazon, and it's quickly become my favorite skin-care must-have for a couple of reasons. For one, it's incredibly easy to use. The back of the device features a removable water cartridge that you fill with filtered water (that's important - you don't want to treat your pores with any of the bacteria or minerals found in tap water) and pop back in place. It takes less than a minute for the water to get steamy, at which point you simply hold the tool about six inches away from your face and allow the steam to do its job. A full cartridge typically lasts for 10 minutes or so.The second reason I'll never give up my at-home skin saunas? I swear my blackheads and whiteheads are almost non-existent after two months of consistent use. That might sound like an exaggeration considering there are no acne-fighting ingredients or cutting-edge creams involved here, but facial steaming proves that a little bit of water goes a long way.As Holtz says, steaming softens the skin - and this seemingly small action sets off a chain of skin-saving events. As the skin softens, pores open and loosen their grip on any substances that may be "clogging" them, like excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. These impurities are then gently released from the skin. At the same time, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener">steaming</a> provides hydration to dry skin while heat dilates the blood vessels in the face, aiding in circulation and oxygenation. With fresh oxygen and nutrients flowing through these blood vessels, the face appears fresh and glowing. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c13db3ed4beaf177d759d13-1200/ecvision facial steam.jpg" border="0" alt="ECVision Facial Steam" data-mce-source="ECVision" />ECVision</div></div></div></a>Finally, steam moistens the skin, transforming it into the perfect canvas for product application. Since skin cells are more permeable when they're damp, your favorite serum or moisturizer will penetrate more deeply when applied directly after a steam session and thus, deliver better results.I'll let you in on my dirty little steaming secret, too: It's the perfect first step for safely popping a pimple. I know, I know - you're never supposed to pop a pimple! But we all do it at some point, right? All I'm saying is that if you do your popping after a steaming session, it's so much easier: Whatever is clogging your pores is drawn closer to the surface of the skin, and your pores are primed to release it quickly and painlessly.All of that being said, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener">steaming</a> does have its risks. "It is very important not to overdo it," Holtz says. Holding the steam too close to your face or steaming too often can aggravate sensitive skin, and even lead to burns or flare ups of rosacea and eczema. "You would not want to do it too often, perhaps once or twice a week," the aesthetician recommends.Holtz suggests making an at-home spa day out of it by following your facial steaming with a clarifying or hydrating face mask. The result? The kind of fresh, clear skin and next-level radiance previously only found in your aesthetician's office - all thanks to a $30 Amazon find and plain old water.<h3><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CLYNJV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_121418_ecvision-warm-mist-facial-steamer-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B076CLYNJV&amp;linkId=6f7d5a90fe5c373274ad2a57f0336c39" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the ECVISION Nano Ionic Warm Mist Facial Steamer for $30.99</a></h3><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

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