If you’re serious about anti-aging facial skin care, you owe it to yourself to investigate all the alternatives. While cosmetics might seem to be the logical solution, over time their cost might prove prohibitive. Botox injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion can give superior (and more immediate) results that often justify the additional cost.

Botox injections relax the muscles that create wrinkles like the “frown lines” on your forehead. The treatment lasts three to six months, and lines and wrinkles either disappear or dramatically diminish during this period. Besides frown lines, Botox is effective on crow’s feet, laugh lines and forehead wrinkles. A medical doctor must administer Botox injections.

After several treatments, some doctors report that the period of effectiveness is extended.

Chemical peels are meant to improve skin appearance and diminish wrinkles by removing one or more of the skin’s outer layers. Like Botox, chemical peels are done by a medical doctor and usually consist of phenol, TCAs (trichloroacetic acids) or AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). Phenol is the strongest of the chemical peel agents and provides the most dramatic results. TCAs are the next strongest, but several treatments are usually required. AHAs are the least strong and are generally used for skin brightening and smoothing, rather than wrinkle removal. Phenol and TCAs will remove wrinkles and blemishes, and even out skin tone.

Microdermabrasion does not require a medical doctor. It can be performed by a trained aesthetician.

In this procedure, tiny crystals are sprayed against the face with a device similar to a sand blaster, producing a gentle polishing action that removes the dead outer layer of skin on the face. Microdermabrasion is less harsh than chemical peels and works well for women with sensitive skin. Treatments must be repeated for maximum effectiveness.

While not for everyone, Botox injections, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are all valid methods of anti-aging facial skin care. If you want fast results and are willing to spend the money, these treatments can provide significant improvements in skin texture and appearance.