The bad news is, really - that is, REALLY - rolling back the years takes serious effort.

It's not a Do-It-Yourself project. It's not rubbing on creams or swallowing supplements. You need qualified professional help. 

The good news is, dermatologists are there for you.

Laser resurfacing of your skin is an extensive but effective procedure for removing many forms of skin cosmetic and health problems:

1. Fine lines

2. Acne scars

3. Age or liver spots

4. Sun-damaged skin

5. Uneven skin texture or tone

6. Warts

7. Birthmarks

8. Scars from birthmarks

9. Blotches

10. Tattoos

Factors that May Disqualify You

1. Active acne

2. Deep wrinkles

3. Darker skin tone

4. Excessive sagging skin

5. Weakened immune system

If you have any questions, consult your local dermatologist.

Laser resurfacing "fixes" your skin, but it has its limits. Therefore, don't wait too long. See your dermatologist as soon as you can.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing

It uses focused laser beams to remove skin cells layer by layer. 

It's also known as laser peel, lasabrasion, and laser vaporization. The action of the light in destroying skin cells forces your skin to respond with healing. 

That's how it can help your skin look younger and tighter. 

From 2000 to 2018, the number of laser resurfacing procedures performed in the US increased by 248% - from 170,951 to 600,000.

Possible Risks of Laser Skin Care

All laser resurfacing of your skin can cause side effects. You are, after all, using lasers to burn your tissue.

The side effects of nonablative procedures are usually milder than with the ablative procedures.

1. Infection

Skin resurfacing opens your skin, so it's no longer a barrier to viruses, bacteria and fungal pathogens.

2. Scarring

Laser resurfacing of your skin is a wound, and all wounds come with risk of scars.

3. Changes in skin color

After resurfacing, skin can become even lighter or darker than it was prior to the procedure.

4. Inflammation

After ablative skin resurfacing, your skin may look inflamed for several months. It may also swell, itch or burn.

5. Burns

The lasers work by raising the temperature of your skin cells. 

6. Reactivating herpes cold sores

Laser Skin Resurfacing Reduces Skin Cancer Risk

Nobody is quite sure exactly why, but laser skin resurfacing procedures appear to reduce risk of skin cancer by up to 20%.

One factor may be that the procedure activates genes of skin cells that are still youthful but had become quiescent.

The procedure may also reduce cancer risk by eliminating mutations. Degradation of DNA, plus the mutations caused by it, is a major factor in cancer.

The Two Major Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing

1. Ablative

These procedures vaporize the entire top layer of the skin. Therefore, they are more extreme. 

The recovery period is around two weeks, though reserve a full month for full recovery. You'll probably also want pain relievers. Your doctor's staff will apply a thick ointment and watertight dressing. You'll also need ice packs.

Experts suggest getting this procedure only once every five years.

The heat these devices give off also stimulates the production of new collagen in your skin.

Types of ablative lasers may include carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, erbium lasers and combination systems.

These sessions take from thirty minutes to two hours.

If your dermatologist is using a fractional laser (which is preferred), you may need two to four sessions (spread over weeks or months).

If your dermatologist is not using a fractional laser, you may finish in just one session.

2. Nonablative

These devices are a lot less aggressive than ablative lasers. Therefore, the effects are weaker, but the recovery time is shorter. 

Nonablative lasers also stimulate more production of collagen, which strengthens and firms your skin.

Two types of nonablative lasers are erbium and intense pulsed light (IPL).

Nonablative devices target and burn off your skin's epidermis.

Therefore, recovery doesn't take as long as with ablative devices. Your skin will likely be swollen or will change color, but will recover quickly. You may want ice packs, but you can quickly resume your usual activities.

You can have a nonablative procedure done around once every one to two years.

Comparison

Ablative and nonablative procedures have similar effects, although ablative is more effective because more comprehensive.

However, that's also why most patients now prefer nonablative resurfacing. It's almost as effective as ablative, but it has a far shorter recovery time. You can get it done and soon return to work.

It's resurfacing by fractional, nonablative techniques that a study run by Harvard recently found reduced skin cancer risk by 20%.

Advice for Resurfacing Procedures

1. Quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after the surgery

2. Avoid sun exposure up to two months prior to the procedure

Sunlight exposure can result in permanent changes in skin color.

3. Take an antiviral medication.

Talk to your doctor about this.

4. Arrange for a ride home.

You need someone to help you get home.

Plan to Recover

It's normal for your skin to swell. You'll need to cover the affected areas with a thick gel, and bandage those areas.

After the first day, you'll need to wash the treated skin four or five times a day, and apply an ointment such as petroleum jelly.

You'll likely feel itching or stinging. This could last from twelve to seventy-two hours after the procedure. 

Five to seven days later, your skin should be dry, and begin peeling.

After surgery, your skin will be lighter than before. It will be particularly vulnerable to radiation from the sun, so use a broad spectrum sunscreen on that surface of your body.

Look for a screen of at least 7% zinc oxide and a Sun Protection Factor (SBF) of at least 30.

Remember, the best sunscreens are solid. An umbrella and a cotton t-shirt block the sun better than any cream you buy over the counter at a medicine store.

If you use Retin A or similar products, you can resume that about six weeks after your procedure.

Keep your skin moisturized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgUjIRtote8&t=1307s

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11015-laser-skin-resurfacing

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/laser-skin-resurfacing

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-resurfacing/about/pac-20385114

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/laser-resurfacing-better-skin-9-things-you-must-know/