Looking for Treatments to Address the First Signs of Ageing (Without Botox or Fillers)? Start Here
Main image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
Dr Sonia Khorana is a GP with a special interest in dermatology and Live That Glow’s own skincare agony aunt. She is passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin. In this month’s column, she advises about who can use CO2 lasers for signs of ageing.
I’m starting to see the first signs of ageing like dull skin tone and loss of elasticity but I don’t want Botox or fillers. I keep seeing these amazing transformations from CO2 lasers but I don’t know whether this is a treatment I can have as I’ve got melasma. I’m also worried about any potential scarring and how impressive the results could really be. Could you please tell me if this treatment is appropriate for me, how much it will really be able to help my ageing and what I can expect to see after the treatment?
Dr Sonia says:
CO2 laser is one of the most powerful devices we have for skin rejuvenation, but it isn’t suitable for everyone – especially if you have melasma.
CO2 lasers generate heat in the skin, and while that’s great for stimulating collagen, heat is one of the biggest triggers for melasma. For that reason, I don’t recommend CO2 resurfacing for anyone with melasma, as it can worsen the pigmentation significantly.
There are other options that can safely target early ageing changes like dullness, fine lines and mild laxity without risking your melasma.
Safer alternatives to CO2 when you have melasma:
• Pico laser
• RedTouch (a new collagen specific laser now available in the UK)
This is one of the gentlest collagen-stimulating lasers on the market. It uses a wavelength specifically absorbed by collagen rather than melanin, so it avoids heat build-up in pigment cells.It can even be helpful for melasma-prone skin.
Some non-laser options that still target collagen:
If you’re trying to avoid Botox and fillers, you can still achieve meaningful rejuvenation by focusing on skin quality.
• Profhilo – boosts hydration and improves elasticity
• Polynucleotides – excellent for crepey, tired-looking skin
• Sunekos – stimulates collagen and elastin in a very natural way
These are great for early ageing signs and pair beautifully with a good skincare routine.
The key with all collagen-stimulating treatments – laser or injectable is that results are progressive and natural, not overnight. But you absolutely need a consultation first. It’s impossible to say which treatment is completely appropriate without assessing your skin tone, melasma, degree of ageing and medical history. I always recommend seeing a cosmetic doctor with a dermatology or laser background, so you get the safest, most personalised plan.
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