You may feel on top of your game at 40 or 50. You know yourself better than ever before, you manage your time better, and you don’t settle for less than you deserve (at least that’s the goal, right?). But life continues to throw changes at you, and one example of a drastic change you may be experiencing is how your skin is behaving now compared to 20 years ago. Whether you are finding yourself dealing with a whole new world of adult acne or you are trying to combat excessive dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles, a few skincare tricks of the trade can help. Beauty experts agree: this one skincare trick is great for women over 40.
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
If you’re new to cosmetic procedures and assume everything is either botox or dermal fillers (which maybe scare you a bit), here’s some great news: there are numerous cosmetic enhancements that you can consider that provide totally natural results. Microneedling with platelet rich plasma (PRP) is one advanced technique that skin experts rely on to treat aging skin while helping the body replenish its own collagen for more youthful-looking skin.
“Microneedling with PRP helps with the texture of the skin such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scars, black heads, white heads, pores etc,” shares Lilian Alishaev, R.N., family nurse practitioner, and cosmetic nurse injector at Manhattan Laser Spa. “It also helps tighten and lift the skin naturally. PRP stimulates collagen production, while the RF and microneedling work on the texture of the skin. The RF microneedling treatment is FDA cleared and offers the most effective skin rejuvenation techniques, producing lasting, gorgeous results.”
Unlike certain lasers that are recommended for lighter skin only, RF microneedling works on all skin tones and types, Alishaev noted. “RF microneedling is less invasive, more comfortable, and requires less recovery time, than traditional microneedling,” she said.
The cost for a RF microneedling session can range drastically, depending on the state you live in and spa or doctor you visit (Real Self reviewers cited treatments that cost anywhere between $300 and $2500). Depending on your skincare needs, you may also require a few sessions to see the results that you want. Keep in mind that this is a procedure with some risks that can include burning, scarring, and indentation from the needles, so it’s incredibly important to visit a provider with credential who is well-trained — like a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Downtime after the procedure is fairly minimal. You can expect to see some redness, dryness, and skin shedding as the skin heals, but these usually resolve in about seven days.
If you are looking for ways to rev up your solid at-home skincare routine (which may include products like retinol, vitamin C serum, and sunscreen — all recommended for aging skin), consider a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that can boost collagen, improve skin texture — and can be performed on your lunch break.