
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and we may notice more fine lines and wrinkles. Although we can’t halt the process of ageing itself, we can, thankfully, reverse its effects.
Modern advancements in aesthetic technology have been designed to rejuvenate the skin and restore our youthful appearance. Some popular procedures include laser treatments and microneedling, which target specific ageing-related skin concerns such as wrinkles.
How are laser treatments and microneedling procedures different, how do they combat signs of ageing, and what’s best for you? Read on to find out more!
What Is Laser Anti-Aging Treatment?
Anti-ageing laser treatments are minimally invasive procedures that utilise targeted light energy to treat ageing skin concerns, such as reducing fine lines, improving skin tone and texture and enhancing overall skin firmness.
An anti-ageing laser treatment is based on the science of selective photothermolysis, where concentrated beams of light are used to create controlled thermal injury to various layers of the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin which are integral to maintaining our skin’s structure.
Types of Laser Treatments
Laser treatments offer solutions for a vast range of skin concerns. They can be broadly categorised by the depth and areas of skin targeted:
- Fractional lasers — Common fractional lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and fractional erbium lasers. They involve short pulsed light energy delivered in a column pattern, targeting a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, making them effective for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin damage, scars and other superficial skin imperfections.
- Ablative lasers — Ablative lasers offer more intense and immediate results, resurfacing the outer layer of the skin. By ablating or removing the outer layers of the skin, newer younger-looking skin is revealed.
- Non-ablative lasers — Non-ablative lasers are able to target deeper layers of the skin without damaging the outer layers of the skin, resulting in less downtime compared to ablative lasers. Similarly, non-ablative layers penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production to tighten and lift sagging skin. It can also treat vascular issues effectively.
Fractional and ablative lasers can only be found at aesthetic clinics, where such procedures must be performed by a trained doctor. Gentler, non-ablative ones that utilise IPL technology like the Lumenis M22 laser can be found at our medspa, where we incorporate it with our facials.
How Laser Treatments Work
Different types of laser treatments work at different depths and wavelengths to target specific ageing issues. They generally work to treat common signs of ageing, such as:
- Sagging skin — Laser treatments can target deeper layers of the skin to restore firmness and elasticity, lifting the skin for a more younger-looking appearance.
- Fine lines and wrinkles — Laser treatments can target the outermost layers of the dermis to resurface skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles for more even tone and texture.
- Hyperpigmentation — Age-related pigmentation, such as liver spots, can be treated with laser technology. At the right wavelength, laser light can target excess melanin in the skin, breaking down the pigment and reducing its appearance.
- Vascular issues — Some laser treatments can address vascular lesions, like spider veins, by coagulating blood and collapsing the blood vessels, which eventually get reabsorbed by the body.
Laser treatments can offer benefits beyond anti-ageing, such as acne-control and even hair removal. Generally, you will experience noticeable changes right after your laser treatment procedure and your skin will continue to improve over time.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of very fine needles to create strategically placed “pricks” or micro-injuries in the skin. This trigger’s our body’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which are crucial for maintaining youthful and healthy skin.
A microneedling procedure typically takes about 30 – 60 minutes and is carried out using a specialised microneedling device. The results develop over time as collagen and elastin production continues to increase, leading to a lifted face and refreshed skin.
During a microneedling treatment, specially formulated serums are often applied to enhance the effectiveness of the procedure and optimise your results. As microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin, this allows for more efficient absorption of the topically applied serums, which are often rich in active ingredients that target your skin concerns.
Anti-ageing benefits of Microneedling
When used at the right needle depths and treatment areas, microneedling can offer a variety of benefits for anti-ageing, such as:
- Improves skin tone and texture — By encouraging the production of new collagen, microneedling can smoothen skin and even out skin texture, addressing large pores and damaged skin.
- Tightens skin — Microneedling can restore the skin’s firmness and elasticity, hence improving its structure. This, in turn, reduces sagging skin around the face and neck.
- Lightens age spots and pigmentation — As microneedling encourages skin turnover, it lightens age spots and sun-damaged skin, evening out skin tone and revealing newer, refreshed skin.
- Improved absorption of anti-ageing productions — Microchannels created during microneedling enhance the absorption of other anti-ageing serums applied during the treatment, boosting your results.
- Encourages cell renewal — Micro-injuries created by the microneedles help speed up the skin’s natural cell turnover process. This, in turn, leads to the shedding of old skin cells and the production of new, refreshed ones.
- Minimises pore size — As microneedling causes skin tightening, pores are also shrunk in the process, improving overall skin texture.
Comparing Laser Treatment and Microneedling
Both laser treatment and microneedling are effective in treating age-related skin issues. However, they do have their differences, as seen below.
- Mechanism — Although both laser treatment and microneedling generally work by stimulating the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin, they differ in mechanism. Laser treatment utilises targeted light energy, while microneedling utilises a specialised device with fine needles to create microchannels in the skin.
- Depth of treatment — Generally, laser treatments, specifically non-ablative lasers, can reach deeper layers of the skin compared to microneedling.
- Skin concerns and goals — Both laser treatment and microneedling can treat ageing-related skin issues, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation. However, laser treatments can treat a broader range of skin issues, such as vascular lesions and severe skin sagging. As microneedling can only reach certain depths of the skin, it primarily aims to enhance skin texture and firmness.
In some cases your therapist may even recommend both laser treatment and microneedling for a holistic approach, targeting various layers of the skin for optimal results.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
There is no “best” treatment. However, there is one that’s best for you and your specific skin needs. When deciding on an anti-ageing treatment in Singapore, it is important to consider the following:
- Skin type and sensitivity — Consider your skin type and its sensitivity to certain treatments. For example, people with photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light, should avoid laser treatments and opt for microneedling instead.
- Downtime and recovery — Consider how much recovery time you have and if minimal downtime is a priority. If you seek immediate results with significant downtime, ablative lasers may be more appropriate. Conversely, non-ablative and fractional lasers provide minimal downtime with gradual improvement.
- Cost and accessibility — Evaluate the cost of each treatment and the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results.
- Treatment goals — Consider the severity of your skin condition, concerns and goals. This is why a skin analysis with a trained therapist is crucial, as it allows them to tailor your treatment specifically to your needs.
Here at SkinLab, we prioritise personalised care and start every treatment with a comprehensive skin analysis to find the most suitable treatment for your individual needs. Our experienced professionals will assess your skin type, concerns and goals in detail, while making sure your treatment plan is in-line with personal preferences.
Anti ageing treatment options at SkinLab
SkinLab is a medispa dedicated to offering doctor-approved treatments for all your skin needs, including anti-ageing solutions. Some notable treatments you can consider are:
Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling Treatment
The Iyashi Exosome Nano Needling Treatment is an enhanced microneedling treatment that involves the use of IYASHI exosomes, which are pure bioactive exosomes synthesised for skin repair and regeneration. Produced in Japan, these exosomes are safe with zero immunity rejection. This treatment’s main benefits include:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Smoothes skin and improves skin texture
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Supports wound healing and skin repair
Peptide Peel Facial + Lumenis M22 Laser
This specialised treatment involves a peptide peel that consists of 6 different acids to gently exfoliate and renew skin, and the award-winning Lumenis M22 IPL photorejuvenation laser. These work synergistically to provide the following benefits:
- Deeply hydrates skin
- Improves and prevents skin congestion
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightens hyperpigmentation
- Brightens the skin
- Restores the skin’s natural pH
Laser Lift Facial
As its name suggests, the Laser Lift Facial is the perfect option for those looking to lift sagging skin and boost collagen production. This treatment utilises 660nm low level laser therapy and galvanic currents to encourage skin regeneration and boost hydration levels. Additionally, the Laser Lift Facial can reduce acne and pigmentation and provides lymphatic drainage to treat water and waste retention. Its benefits include:
- Firms and lifts sagging skin
- Reduces active acne
- Lightens pigmentation
- Reduces facial bloating
- Deeply hydrates skin
- Boosts absorption of active ingredients
Anti-ageing Treatment in Singapore
It’s never too late to start caring for your skin and signs of skin ageing, like wrinkles and sagging skin. The first step to achieving youthful looking skin starts with a thorough understanding of your skin’s needs and getting the right treatment.
Book a consultation with our professional therapists for a comprehensive skin analysis and tailored treatment plan to help you turn back time and achieve rejuvenated skin and a younger-looking appearance.