If you dream about younger looking skin that’s free of blemishes, scars and wrinkles, both natural skincare products and facial rejuvenation procedures offer lasting benefits.

Facial rejuvenation has quickly become one of the most popular ways to reduce the signs of aging and even manage acne; still, many skin experts encourage using all-natural skincare products instead of resorting to harsh chemical treatments and lasers.

Do natural skincare products really work better than facial rejuvenation treatments?  Here are some of the benefits and limitations of both options:

Benefits of Natural Skincare Products

Natural skincare products are made with herbal extracts, botanicals, and even organic ingredients; makers of these skincare products often claim that these are naturally absorbed more readily by skin cells. Natural vitamins and minerals applied topically to the skin may help enhance the skin’s appearance, replenishing it with vital nutrients and moisture. Ingredients such as coconut oil, sesame oil and wheat germ oil are common in today’s most popular natural skincare products, and can quickly penetrate the pores to bring lasting results. Other benefits of natural skincare products include:  

• Improved circulation to deliver nutrients with ease
• Low risk of toxic buildup and clogged pores
• Reduced risk of rashes and breakouts
• Natural sun-protecting properties
• Free from chemical preservatives and additives

Drawbacks of Natural Skincare Products

Since chemical preservatives and additives are removed from natural skincare products, these products do carry the risk of contamination. Some products may need to be stored in a refrigerator for preservation, while others can only be used for a limited period of time before they become rancid and acidic.  Other drawbacks of natural skincare products and treatments include:  

• Skin allergies and sensitivities more common
• Limited research on whether vitamins are actually absorbed from topical treatment
• Cocoa butter can aggravate acne or acne-prone skin
• Vitamin E can clog pores and irritate some skin types

Natural skincare products run the gamut from anti-aging treatments to pore minimizers, but do have some limitations. If your skin is breaking out frequently, is not responding well to moisturizers, or you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles at a faster rate, a facial rejuvenation procedure may be offer more benefits.

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Facial rejuvenation procedures have become a popular way to improve skin inside and out, and cosmetic dermatologists use a number of innovative technologies and treatments to make the process as easy as possible. From laser resurfacing to chemical peels, you can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and can even manage skin problems after only a few treatments.

Benefits of facial rejuvenation procedures include:

• Deep penetration into skin layers for a fast and effective treatment
• Reduced likelihood of skin outbreaks
• Allergy testing completed by a doctor

Drawbacks of Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Your dermatologist will go through a complete post-surgery recovery process with you, and this may involve ongoing use of various products.  Most doctors use only a few select brands of products, and some of these may be costly.  As a result, your total cost of treatment will need to include the maintenance costs.  Other drawbacks of facial rejuvenation procedures include:  

• Higher risk of complications and skin problems
• Not recommended for patients who are very sensitive to pain
• Risk of skin pigmentation with some laser treatments
• Risk of increased skin sensitivity after treatment, especially after powerful chemical peels and laser resurfacing techniques
• Risk of side effects with cosmetic enhancements such as dermal fillers

Bottom Line:  Natural skincare products are a valuable way to enhance the skin’s appearance, but dramatic results will take time. Since the products are only applied topically to the skin, there is a lower chance that all nutrients and vitamins will be absorbed on every application. Ongoing use and using a variety of products may help achieve the best results.

Facial rejuvenation offers a more powerful treatment for skin conditions and treating wrinkles; results may be for the long-term, but maintaining results with chemical-based products is typically required.

Your skin can benefit from both options, but testing for allergies and considering all risks involved will help you make an informed decision.  Contact your dermatologist to find out what will be the best treatment plan for your skin type, budget, and long-term goals.