New year, new tech: Advancements in skincare treatments and technologies
The new year brings the promise of new opportunities to better oneself. It could mean taking on a new fitness routine, reorganizing a messy closet or keeping a closer eye on making mealtime healthier. Additionally, many take the start of a new year as an opportunity to shift their mindset and work towards bettering themselves and their bodies.
One area of potential improvement during this vibrant time of change is our skin. An important part of our appearance and our health, our skin can play a key role in both our confidence and overall well-being.
You can take advantage of the promise of a new year to jump into the world of professional skincare and treatments to effectively set yourself up for the radiant, healthy complexion of your dreams all year long. To help you take your skincare to the next level, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeon Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, and her practice's aesthetic nurse practitioner, Emily Sespaniak, NP.
Popular skin treatments at the start of a new year
Whether you have bought into the idea of the "new year, new you" concept or not, many are drawn to new methods and techniques to better themselves, boost their confidence and advance their health when the calendar reads January 1.
"The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess personal care goals, including aesthetic goals," said Dr. Horton. "During this time of year, we see many patients who are looking to either improve their current skincare regimens or establish new ones."
It's ideal to try a new professional skincare treatment in the winter months because colder weather gives you the opportunity to recover indoors.
"Since wintertime is the perfect time to undergo skincare procedures due to less sun exposure, we're busy with requests for skin rejuvenating treatment like the IPL photofacial to target sunspots and the Clear + Brilliant laser for collagen promotion," said Sespaniak.
Noninvasive options are typically the treatments requested by patients and suggested by surgeons most often.
"Our most popular skin treatment is neuromodulator treatment," said Dr. Horton. "We use injectable products like Botox and Dysport to smooth lines of the upper face, lower face and neck, as well as other uses outside of skincare, such as treatment of teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues."
Professional treatments that promote collagen production are also a favorite for those looking to up their skincare game in the new year.
"We also frequently perform microneedling to the face and neck, which is a quick in-office procedure with minimal downtime that promotes new collagen deposition by the body," said Sespaniak. "By inducing new collagen production, we target the fine lines you can't address with neuromodulators, as well as restore a nice glow to the skin that can last for months."
Advancements in professional skincare treatments
More choices will soon be available, and the latest innovations are looking bright. There is plenty to look forward to in the years ahead including new injectables that visibly boost the appearance and feel of the skin and other innovations.
"We are anticipating the release of more 'skin booster' treatments in the coming year," said Sespaniak. "At the end of 2023, we saw the release of SkinVive by the makers of Juvéderm. This product was the first of its kind to be approved and released in the United States, despite a long track record of success with similar products overseas. Injectable skin boosters are hyaluronic acid-based treatments that promote more hydration in the skin with minimal downtime. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, skin boosters don't add volume to the face but instead increase the hydration within the skin for a fresher appearance."
Advice for patients new to professional skincare treatments
For any patient who is considering taking the plunge on a new skincare routine or a new skin treatment, it can be daunting to take that first step, especially if you don't know where to start. It may seem to be an impassable hurdle to overcome, but there are a few easy steps any individual can take to set themselves up for success.
"The first step for most patients is to establish a daily skincare regimen that includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen, an antioxidant and ideally a prescription-strength retinoid or medical-grade retinol," said Dr. Horton. "Once a holistic skincare routine is in place, the next step would be to assess the patient's specific skin concerns."
You should understand that not every skincare treatment is going to be a fit for every patient. Just because one treatment worked great for your friend doesn't mean it will treat your specific skin concerns. Be sure to highlight any specific problem you experience with your skin during your consultation so your physician can tailor your treatment specifically to you.
"If uneven skin tone and/or visible signs of sun damage are an issue, the IPL photofacial is a great way to target brown and red pigment for a more even appearance with minimal downtime," said Sespaniak. "If irregular skin texture is more the concern, microneedling or in some cases the Clear + Brilliant laser would be a good minimal downtime option. We always recommend minimally invasive (non-ablative laser) treatments to start if we feel it will help the patient reach their goals. This minimizes the risk of side effects or adverse reactions, as well as cuts down on the required downtime."
Maximizing your results with professional skincare treatments
While many skin treatments and skincare products are noninvasive in nature, it's important to take the right steps both before a treatment to prepare and following a treatment to get the best results.
Undergoing the right skincare treatment is just the first step to obtain radiant, healthy skin.
"We are believers in the power of living a healthy lifestyle and believe in a holistic approach," Dr. Horton. "Truly healthy skin happens from the inside out. If you aren't staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet full of whole foods, skincare products and treatments can only take you so far. Your results from treatments can be optimized by the healthy lifestyle choices made between appointments."
Not only is it important to stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy and glowing, but it's also important to keep an eye on what you eat.
"A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and natural foods, limiting alcohol, staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest and downtime is vital," said Sespaniak.
Exercise is another important component to achieving healthy skin. Not only is physical activity good for your mind and body, but it also can help improve the tone and texture of your skin.
"Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise are invaluable ways to refresh your mind, body and spirit, while at the same time producing natural endorphins and positive neurotransmitters in the brain," said Dr. Horton. "We recommend patients exercise three to five times a week, and to find something they actually enjoy doing, rather than making exercise a punishment. Personally, we love barre classes, yoga and Pilates – and skiing in the winter!"
From establishing a fitness routine to getting more sleep to taking better care of one's skin, there are plenty of steps to take along the path to self-betterment. Taking a more active interest in professional skincare and skin treatments, from neuromodulators like Botox to noninvasive technologies such as microneedling, is a great way to get a glow that lasts all year long. With advancements promised in the near future, it's exciting to consider what the new year has in store for us – and our skin.
"The secret to maintaining healthy skin as we age is to establish good habits and a good regimen with guidance from a skincare professional," said Dr. Horton. "The sooner you learn about your options, the better. There are now many preventative treatment options available, so if you've been considering products or treatments to achieve your best skin, 2025 could be your year!"
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
