Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — As we age, our skin slows down its cell turnover rate and we start to feel bumps, dry spots and fine lines on our face. There are many things that factor into how well facial skin ages — such as sun exposure, smoking, alcohol abuse and hormonal changes — but no matter what the cause, most of us just want to slow the process down.
Most of the common ways people combat the look of aging skin are generally pretty expensive. They include:
- Chemical peels: a procedure where the face is treated with a chemical that causes the skin to blister and peel off. It can be painful and has to be repeated often.
- Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion: a procedure in which the skin is exfoliated to remove scars and discoloration. It also can be painful and has to be repeated often.
- Laser skin resurfacing: a procedure in which short laser beams are used to peel flawed skin, layer by layer. It can be painful and has to be repeated often.
- Photofacial: a procedure similar to laser resurfacing, where pulses of light are used to diminish the appearance of minor skin flaws. Too much light can cause sun damage like skin.
- Facial: a skin treatment where methods like exfoliation, masks, creams and massage is used. It can be expensive whether done by a dermatologist or at a spa.
- Various skin-care products: lotions and creams that work to reduce minor skin flaws. They may not work for everyone.
If you’ve tried all the above methods without getting the results you expected — or have simply avoided them due to cost or other concerns — I suggest the following at-home treatments:
Shaving cream and witch-hazel facial
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or non-fragrant soap.
- Use a mild facial scrub pad to wash your face, adding some friction to remove dead skin.
- Apply shaving cream to your whole face, but be careful around the eyes.
- Let the shaving cream set for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Apply some witch hazel to the skin with a cotton ball (witch hazel can be found at any drugstore).
Avocado and honey mask
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a face mask with these ingredients: 1 medium avocado, smashed and combined with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use extra warm water to remove mask.
- Finish by applying a lotion of your choice.
Remember, facials should only be done once a week. If done too frequently, your skin will sometimes become worse.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
