Most of you probably already know just how obsessed with skincare I am. And let me tell you, my passion for it knows no boundaries. Therefore, it’s pretty unsurprising that one of my favorite pastimes is researching the history of skincare products, treatments, and procedures. And let me tell you — the advancements that we have made in these fields in the last couple of decades are absolutely incredible.
However, with so many options available nowadays, it can be easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t worry — I’m here to make things as easy for you as possible. I decided to go over the full evolution of skincare treatments and procedures, to finally tell you what’s worth it, and what’s absolutely not. So, let’s get started right away.
The Weird World of Historical Skin Treatments
Let’s begin by traveling back to ancient times. And let me prepare you right away — this will be a super crazy journey. You might be surprised to hear that the quest for beautiful skin is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were actually among the first to develop skincare routines. In fact, Cleopatra, the iconic queen of Egypt, was known for her over-the-top beauty rituals, which included things such as bathing in milk or using white clay face masks.
But ancient Greeks and Romans loved beauty routines just as much. They believed in natural ingredients such as olive oil and honey to give them soft, moisturized skin. But one thing that you’ll have to understand about these historical skin treatments is that they were very limited due to the lack of scientific understanding. Nevertheless, they are still proof of how important having clear and radiant skin was, even centuries ago.
The Rise of Dermatology and Cosmetic Procedures
So, when exactly did we see a rise in dermatology and cosmetic procedures? In the early 20th century. This time brought more scientific rigor to skincare, and we saw the introduction of more systematic treatments such as chemical peels and electrotherapy. Chemical peels, initially using potent substances like phenol and salicylic acid, were developed to exfoliate the skin more effectively than natural methods. These early chemical peels were quite harsh. However, they still paved the way for the safer versions that we have available today.
Electrotherapy was another innovative treatment of this time. This method used electrical currents to stimulate the skin, enhancing blood circulation, promoting healing, and boosting collagen production. Although these early treatments were groundbreaking, they were often invasive, carried significant risk, and required considerable downtime. Which wasn’t ideal, especially for the ordinary person.
Mid to Late 20th Century — Advancements and Innovations
The mid to late 20th century was a period of rapid advancements in skin treatments, and it brought us closer to the sophisticated skincare treatments and procedures that we have today. One of the most notable innovations of this era was microdermabrasion. Introduced in the 1980s, microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation technique that uses fine crystals to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This treatment was absolutely groundbreaking at that time. And it was also one of the most effective ways to reduce scars, fine lines, and pigmentation issues, while also being gentler than the abrasive chemical peels of earlier decades.
One thing that surprised me was that laser therapy also emerged at this time. Needless to say, the introduction of CO2 lasers in the 1990s marked a significant milestone in the world of cosmetic dermatology. These lasers allowed for deeper skin resurfacing, making them highly effective for treating wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. Unlike earlier treatments, laser therapy gave visible results with minimal downtime. Also, the precision of laser treatments meant that specific areas of concern could be targeted without affecting the surrounding skin, enhancing both the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
21st Century — The Introduction of Cutting-Edge Treatments
Finally, we have arrived in the 21st century — a time where everyone seems to be utterly obsessed with skincare — and hey, I’m not judging. I’m pretty obsessed with it too. So, let us go over some of the most popular skincare procedures of the present, and determine which ones are worth it, and which ones absolutely aren’t.
Worth It
You’ve probably noticed how dermatology has been on a high lately. The newest skincare technology is all about giving you the best possible results, while also being minimally invasive. The downtime is shorter than ever, and so are the risks. So, here are some of our favorite ones from this century.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments just had to be number one. They remain a gold standard for addressing a variety of skin concerns, from wrinkles and scars to pigmentation issues. Modern lasers, such as Fraxel and fractional CO2 lasers, are particularly great because there’s a lot less downtime when compared to their predecessors.
But how do lasers actually work? By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process, and boosting collagen production. So, if you ask me if they are worth it, I would say — absolutely yes. Their precision and effectiveness make them the perfect choice for almost anyone looking to improve their skin.
Microneedling
Of course, we can’t forget about microneedling. This procedure involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen and elastin production. When combined with radiofrequency (RF), microneedling becomes even more powerful, delivering energy deeper into the skin for extraordinary results.
The combination of these two technologies is particularly effective in reducing fine lines, and scars, and improving overall skin texture. Additionally, the minimally invasive nature of microneedling, combined with its incredible benefits, makes it easy to understand why it’s such a popular option amongst people looking for noticeable improvements without extensive downtime.
Chemical Peels
We have already mentioned chemical peels. However, the ones we are using today aren’t nearly as invasive and harsh as the ones that were used a couple of decades ago. In fact, nowadays they are highly customizable, making them ideal for almost anyone’s needs.
Superficial peels, like those containing glycolic acid, are excellent for regular maintenance and improving skin texture. Medium-depth peels, such as TCA (trichloroacetic acid), are effective for treating more severe issues like deep wrinkles and significant pigmentation problems. And you can even use at-home chemical peels that will give you gentle exfoliation.
Injectables
Of course, we couldn’t write this article without mentioning injectables. The rise of injectables like Botox and dermal fillers has revolutionized the cosmetic industry. Botox, a neurotoxin, works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines. Dermal fillers on the other hand, particularly those made from hyaluronic acid, add volume to the skin, filling in lines and enhancing facial contours.
Even though these treatments can be considered a bit more invasive and risky, they are the ideal solution for anyone looking for quick results and minimal downtime. So, it comes as no surprise that they are so popular amongst individuals looking to maintain a youthful appearance. Also, the safety profile of today’s injectables has made them even more attractive to a wider audience.
LED Light Therapy
Last but not least, let’s talk about social media’s favorite skincare treatment — LED light therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses different wavelengths of light to address specific skin concerns. Blue light is particularly effective against acne, as it targets the bacteria responsible for breakouts. Red light, on the other hand, penetrates deeper into the skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation. This means that there’s something for anyone, no matter what your skincare goals may be.
Generally speaking, LED light therapy is a gentle, pain-free option that can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other procedures to enhance results even further. Because it’s not invasive, and there’s basically no downtime at all, this could be a great option for anyone looking to enter the world of skincare procedures.
Skip It
While many modern treatments offer impressive results, some popular methods fall short or pose unnecessary risks. So, if you were wondering what you should skip, here are skincare treatments and procedures that we wouldn’t recommend.
Charcoal Masks
Despite their popularity on social media, there is little scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of charcoal masks. These masks can be overly harsh, stripping the skin of its natural oils and leading to irritation and dryness.
Also, they give almost no results, except for clearing your pores of sebum. And you can get much better results with something as simple as an oil cleanser. So, given the potential for irritation and the lack of substantial benefits, it’s best to skip these trendy products.
At-Home Microneedling
We have already mentioned microneedling. However, one thing that we want to make clear is that we absolutely do not recommend DIY microneedling devices. Improper technique and lack of sterilization can lead to infections and some serious skin damage.
On the other hand, professional microneedling treatments, performed by trained dermatologists or estheticians, are much safer and more effective. The controlled environment and expert application ensure better results and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Extraction Tools
While it can be tempting to use at-home extraction tools to remove blackheads and pimples, improper use can lead to skin damage and scarring. Professional extractions by an esthetician or dermatologist are safer and more effective, as they use sterile tools and techniques to minimize damage and promote healing. The controlled environment and expert technique ensure that extractions are performed safely, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing results.
