Cosmetic treatments can work wonders, and the best surgeons can make it look as if you’ve had nothing done at all. But you don’t necessarily need to subject yourself to needles to look and feel better—just ask Anthony Youn, MD, the self-described “holistic plastic surgeon” who knows a thing or two about how to fix aging skin without going under the knife. Here are four non surgical treatments that won’t break the bank, according to Dr. Youn.
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Tretinoin Cream
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Dr. Youn highly recommends the benefits of Tretinoin cream, which is a type of retinoid medication usually used for acne, dark spots, and wrinkles. “The most powerful anti-aging cream out there is Tretinoin,” Dr. Youn says. “If you can get a doctor to prescribe it for you, your insurance may even pay for it.” Win-win!
IPL Treatments
ShutterstockDr. Youn recommends Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) treatments for clear, glowing skin.
“IPL treatments are great for getting rid of unwanted sunspots and they're less expensive than most traditional lasers,” says Dr. Youn. Check your local clinics for professionals who provide the treatment.
TCA Peel
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Dr Youn is a huge proponent of the TCA peel, a chemical peel used for wrinkles, lines, discoloration, and blemishes. “The results of a moderate depth TCA peel can rival that of certain fractional lasers, but they're hundreds if not thousands of dollars cheaper. In my office, we do the ZO Controlled Depth Peel,” he says. The ZO peel is more intense than doing a peel at home, which is why it’s best to let a professional take care of it.
Intermittent Fasting
ShutterstockIntermittent fasting is very trendy right now for health reasons, but it’s also beneficial for anti-aging cosmetic qualities. “Intermittent fasting can stimulate the process of autophagy, and this is intracellular renewal,” says Dr. Youn. “This is a process where your body gets rid of used and unwanted intracellular organelles and proteins, making the way for better functioning cells overall. So remember to auto-rejuvenate before you operate.”
