Anti-Aging Treatments That'll Actually Make You Look Younger

Cosmetic Treatments

Anti-aging treatmentsSource: Antony Jones/Getty Images

When you’re investing in a new product or beauty treatment, you want to see results within a month, but in reality, how often does this actually happen? There’s literally nothing more frustrating than when a product promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, yet a month later there’s little to no signs of improvement. To guarantee you’re never left feeling underwhelmed on your quest for younger, brighter looking skin, we spoke to the gorgeous Dr. Lily Talakoub of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center, to find out her top five beauty treatments that deliver major results, every time!

1. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy PRP


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Results: Radiant, glowing skin
Suitable for: All skin types
Cost: $1,000 per treatment

The treatment: “After taking blood, the blood is spun, and the plasma separates. We extract your own plasma which is rich in growth factors and use it in so many ways. We apply it after microneedling treatments, we can inject it in areas that have lost volume or elasticity, or the most impressive results are seen when it is used along the hairline to stimulate hair growth.”

According to Dr. Talakoub, “Platelet-rich plasma therapy is the safest and one of the best anti-aging treatments I have ever seen.” It’s a great alternative for hyaluronic fillers, as it naturally plumps the skin leaving you with younger looking, brighter skin. Although, be prepared for some downtime: within the first five days expect some redness, and it’ll take approximately two weeks for your skin to fully respond to the treatment.

2. Microneedling

Results: Reduces acne scars, fine lines, and enlarged pores
Suitable for: All skin types
Cost: $500 per treatment

The treatment: “The treatments uses 8-12 fine needles on a manual or motorized device that penetrates the skin 0.5-2.5 mm in depth. Through repeated injury [it sounds scarier than it is] to the dermal layer of the skin, the wound healing process induces new collagen formation.”

Dr. Talakoub explains why microneedling is one of her fave treatments; “Microneedling, which is also referred to as dermarolling or collagen-induction therapy, will improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, and enlarged pores.” Dr. Talakoub recommends two or three in-clinic treatments for best results, although you can do microneedling at home and still experience similar benefits.

While in-office microneedling treatments are the most effective (as your derm will be able to use longer needles safely), it can be pricey. You can buy a derma roller on Amazon for around $10, and it can be used twice a month to reduce the appearance of acne scars and to your glow game. To find out how to microneedle like a derm, read our guide to dermarolling at home here.

3. Radiofrequency


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Results: Prevents wrinkles and fine lines from forming
Suitable for: Younger skin
Cost: $300 per treatment

The treatment: Radiofrequency uses energy to heat tissue, encouraging collagen production and the remodeling of elastin in the skin to plump and firm.

Radio frequency (RF) is another great in-clinic tightening treatment, Dr. Talakoub explains, “Radiofrequency stimulates collagen breakdown and skin remodeling [the skin’s structure]. This procedure is great for younger skin to help prevent the formation of wrinkles and loose skin.” More specifically, Dr. Talakoub recommends the treatment to tighten the jowls (the lower cheek area), under eyes, and loose belly skin after pregnancy. There are now different radio frequency devices; Thermage is the original and most common device. However, you can find devices that combine treatments like the EndyMed Intensif and the Pollogen Legend, which simultaneously uses microneedling and RF to enhance skin renewal and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

4. Fractional Resurfacing

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Results: Reduce the appearance of deep lines
Suitable for: Mature skin
Cost: 2/3 sessions $800-1,200

The treatment: The device uses radio frequency and ultrasound energy to tighten and remodel the deeper layers of the skin.

If your aim is to reduce the appearance of existing deep lines and wrinkles, fractional lasers are a great method of skin rejuvenation. Dr. Talkoub believes “Yearly treatments are the key to smooth skin and even complexion. Fractional resurfacing also induces the production of elastin and collagen while simultaneously decreasing signs of sun damage,” so if your skin is prone to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, you may want to consider fractional resurfacing.

5. Intense Pulse Light (IPL)


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Results: Clear and even skin tone
Suitable for: Sun worshippers!
Cost: $500 per treatment

The treatment: IPL lasers penetrate the skin with light, which is then absorbed into the blood vessels. The blood vessels are then dissipated and reabsorbed by the body, allowing for more even tone and less visible pores. 

If you’re invested in your glow up, you may also want to look into IPL. Dr. Talakoub refers to it as “An eraser for all the years spent sunbathing with baby oil.” Although, in general, “IPL is a fantastic and simple way to erase brown spots, freckles, age spots, and acne scars. One to two treatments will remove pigment and decrease the appearance of enlarged blood vessels on the skin.”

Let us know if you have experienced any of these treatments in the comments below.