Whether you’re looking to fill-in wrinkles, plump up sagging skin, or just get rid of that double chin, there are a variety of options available to you. Facial fillers are injections of various materials that are used to treat facial lines and wrinkles. The most common types include: hyaluronic acid, collagen, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Some people use fillers to improve the appearance of their lips.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found throughout the body in skin, joints and connective tissue. Collagen is a protein in our bodies that supports our bones and skin. PMMA is a synthetic substance used in many dental procedures as well as other medical uses such as eye surgery because it works as an alternative to glass ionomer cement for filling root canals.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on What to know about face fillers, chemical peel at home for hyperpigmentation. Read on to learn more.
What to know about face fillers
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They’re the popular choice for getting plump, youthful and smooth skin. But are they safe? Here’s our guide to face fillers for beginners
Face fillers. If you’re thinking about getting them, or have heard them mentioned and want to know more, then this is your comprehensive overview of the cosmetic procedure. It’s designed to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing.
We spoke to Dr Terry Loong of W1 Knightsbridge to get the lowdown on facial fillers, from what happens during the procedure to possible side effects and cost.
What are face fillers?
Face fillers, otherwise known as dermal fillers, are small injections of gel, typically made up of hylauronic acid, that fill in wrinkles and add volume to soft tissue. You can have dermal fillers in different parts of your face: around the eye, cheeks, mouth and jawline, as well as lip fillers administered directly into the lip tissue.
How do they work?
Fillers basically restore lost volume to your face and plump areas, so that deep-set lines are smoothed. Why is this needed? As we get older our bodies stop producing collagen and elastin, both of which contribute to the youthful look.
Experts argue over when we start losing collagen, but the generally agreed age is 25. Pretty young, right? Your collagen and elastin levels then decline at a rate of about 2% per year. Your body will have stopped producing it altogether by your late twenties.
How long do face fillers last?
It depends how your body reacts and which hyaluronic acid is used, but most face fillers will last between six and 18 months.
Do face fillers have side effects?
‘It’s easy for clients to confuse side effects to reactions, so it’s extremely important to understand what side effects can be expected,’ says Dr Loong. ‘Temporary side effects – those that are completely normal after facial injections – can include; swelling, redness and tenderness.’
‘It’s completely normal to experience a little bit of discomfort, redness and bruising after the procedure. Reactions generally occur immediately after the needle injection and can include; redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising and tenderness at the injection location.’
‘These reactions are generally mild to moderate and usually disappear shortly after injection, usually resolved a few days after the injection into the skin.’
Do face fillers hurt?
‘There may be a slight discomfort whilst the filler is being injected into the face. But we minimise this by applying an anaesthetic cream before treatment. To provide further relief and alleviate as much pain as possible, our fillers contain a pre-mixed local anaesthetic.’
Are there different types of face fillers?
As we said above, the most common type of facial filler is hyaluronic acid, the natural substance found in many areas of the body including eyeballs, joints and skin, that can hold 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic facial fillers helps to maintain shape, even out depressions in the skin and provide hydration.
‘Poly-Caprolactone (PCl), or Ellanse, is another popular filler that acts as a collagen stimulator,’ the doctor adds. ‘When injected in strategic places in the face, it triggers the body’s natural response to produce collagen, which provides you with a much longer lasting result.’
Is there a difference between Botox and dermal filler?
‘Yes, there is 100% a difference between Botox and fillers! Botox stops the small muscles in your face from making the movements that cause wrinkles. Dermal fillers plump from below the wrinkles to smooth them out and promote the youthful look.’
How much do dermal fillers cost?
So how much do dermal fillers set you back? Well, that depends entirely on how much you’re going to have done, which fillers you opt for and who you pay to administer them.
‘Obviously every clinic differs, but the general starting price for facial fillers is from £500 per syringe,’ Dr Loong tells us.
Where should you go to get dermal fillers?
The first thing you need to know, above all else, is never ever consider having any kind of injectable treatment at a beauty spa or salon.
For some inexplicable reason, here in the UK we’re unable to regulate who is able to inject filler into someone’s face (the same goes for Botox). In the rest of Europe you have to be a qualified doctor to perform the treatments. But that doesn’t mean it’s OK or safe to see any old person to get your filler fix.
Dr Loong expands on this: ‘The face has many underlying sensitive structures, for example nerves, vessels and eyes, when treating wrinkles. If the person administering fillers is untrained and not careful, there’s risk of damage, infection, artery occlusion – leading to tissue death and scarring. Hence why it’s so important to see a registered medical professional who understands the anatomy of the face and knows the areas to avoid.’
So, just to be clear, see a qualified doctor or forget about having fillers altogether. Consult the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Dermatologists website to find a qualified practitioner.
We hope we’ve cleared a few things up about dermal fillers.
Chemical peel at home for hyperpigmentation
If you’ve ever been hesitant to reach for a chemical exfoliant to help fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, there’s a good reason. “In general, chemical peels are intentionally irritating and not essential to balanced skin, unless indicated otherwise by a board-certified dermatologist for things like acne vulgaris or melasma,” dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur tells Elite Daily, adding, “Self-directed treatment is rife with overdoing it.” When needed, the best at-home chemical peels for hyperpigmentation contain a lower concentration of chemical exfoliants to lessen the chance of irritation. “If you’ve ever experienced hyperpigmentation, as I have in my 20s from patches of melasma on my upper lip and face, you want to do anything bionic to remove it,” Dr. Marmur says of her own experience. “But slow and steady is the only way to conquer hyperpigmentation, so be patient,” she advises, while stressing the importance of checking in with your dermatologist before using any at-home chemical exfoliants.
In addition to taking things slow and consulting with a professional, Dr. Marmur advises that it’s best not to exceed a concentration of 5% of the active ingredient in question. “Mandelic acid and tranexamic acid tend to be slow and steady for hyperpigmentation treatment at home, along with proper sun protection and LED green light,” shares Dr. Marmur. She also adds that other AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are popular when it comes to at-home chemical treatments for hyperpigmentation.
As for the delivery method, Dr. Marmur confirms that mechanical exfoliants, like scrubs, should be avoided because they can worsen hyperpigmentation. “Liquids and serums applied and massaged into the skin with your fingertips work much better than pads, which increase waste,” she adds. “Never brush, scrub, or rub chemical exfoliants on skin that’s prone to excess pigment because this will backfire and put you back at square one,” she stresses. “Baby your skin, protect it well, and let your derm help you in your journey against hyperpigmentation.”
Keep scrolling to shop five of the best at-home treatments for hyperpigmentation, from serums to cleansers to face masks.
1. Best Tranexamic Acid Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
AMAZON
Tranexamic acid is typically a well-tolerated ingredient when it comes to fading unwanted hyperpigmentation and preventing new dark spots from forming. Naturium’s Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% gives you a potent concentration of the active ingredient, while other effective brightening ingredients like kojic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide bolster the acid’s skin-evening effects. This combination makes it one of the best hyperpigmentation treatments you can buy for $20 — while plenty of hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid prevent it from drying out your skin.
2. Best AHA Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Honest Beauty Resurfacing Serum
AMAZON
Honest Beauty’s Resurfacing Serum combines three AHAs to target unwanted hyperpigmentation: Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids. Additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe leaf juice all work to soothe and hydrate skin, while niacinamide offers double the skin care benefits by helping to treat hyperpigmentation and calm inflammation. At less than $25, it’s a great entry point into the world of chemical exfoliants. For best results, use it at night and don’t forget to apply sunscreen the next morning (as is the case with any AHA product).
3. Best BHA Exfoliant For Hyperpigmentation
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
AMAZON
Among the 40,000-plus five-star ratings on Amazon, you’ll find dozens of reviews that specifically mention how helpful Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. The tried-and-true formula uses a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to clear out congested pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, while green tea extract soothes and provides antioxidant protection. Because of salicylic acid’s pore-clearing benefits, this is a great choice if your primary skin concerns are hyperpigmentation and acne or blackheads.
Though it doesn’t have nearly as many Amazon reviews, the brand’s Discoloration Repair Serum, which features tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol extract, is another solid pick for treating hyperpigmentation.
4. Best Exfoliating Mask For Hyperpigmentation
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
AMAZON
If you like to use the occasional skin-pampering mask, Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask gives you a powerful chemical treatment in just 10 minutes. AHAs in the form of malic, glycolic, and lactic acids combine with the BHA salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and even out your skin. Bakuchiol and vitamin C give you more skin-brightening benefits, and aloe leaf juice, grape seed extract, and glycerin help with hydration. Though the mask is formulated with mostly naturally derived ingredients (many of which are organic), it still has the potential to cause irritation. Because of this, the brand suggests doing a patch test on your arm before putting the mask on your face.
5. Best Splurge
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
AMAZON
This multi-purpose treatment can be used as a leave-on serum morning or night, or as a 15-minute mask that you rinse off if your skin is hyper-sensitive. Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is a cult favorite for its ability to improve the clarity and texture of your skin, while still being pretty gentle. In addition to the AHA lactic acid, licorice root extract works to brighten skin and fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, while soothing and hydrating ingredients like squalane, arnica, aloe leaf, and prickly pear keep the formula balanced. It offers both immediate and long-term benefits, and has a lightweight texture that layers under other products beautifully.
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Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
AMAZON
Though not exactly a peel, a cleanser with chemical exfoliants, like Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser, is a great place to start because the active ingredient gets rinsed right off (as opposed to treatments and serums that are left on and therefore pose a higher risk of irritation). This cleanser uses glycolic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells, the buildup of which can contribute to hyperpigmentation. You’ll also find jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, calendula, and allantoin in here to help condition skin and calm any signs of irritation.
At home chemical peel vs professional
Dullness. Dark spots. Acne scars. Fine lines and wrinkles. What do all of these skin concerns have in common? They can be treated with medical-grade chemical peels. Depending on your aesthetic goals and needs, chemical peels are available in an array of potencies and have the ability to resurface the skin for more even tone and texture. For those looking to achieve glow-inducing results at-home, less concentrated chemical exfoliators can slough away dead skin cells for a more radiant complexion. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about in-office chemical peels and at-home chemical exfoliators.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Professional chemical peels employ chemical solutions of varying strengths to target and remove the outer layers of the skin. “The benefits of a medical-grade chemical peel are endless,” says Lizette Ludwig, RN, an aesthetic nurse and injector in southern California. As she explains, they are a good option for anyone looking to address skin imperfections. “Chemical peels allow you to remove dead skin cells and address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone in a safe and effective way,” she shares.
Professional chemical peels can be broken down into three categories:
- Superficial chemical peels
- Medium chemical peels
- Deep chemical peels
These classifications are based on the potency of the peels and the ingredients used in the chemical solution. “Ingredients found in medical-grade peels usually include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol,” Ludwig says. Below is an overview of each:
SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELS
The lightest and gentlest of the group, superficial chemical peels remove the epidermis (i.e. top layer of the skin) and are generally tolerated by most skin tones. “These peels are usually made from alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, but they can also include enzymes or other natural exfoliating ingredients,” Ludwig notes. Because they focus on the epidermis, superficial peels provide a slight improvement to the skin and usually require a series of treatments for best results. Some mild dryness and flaking are a part of the healing process and can last for three to five days.
MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEELS
Falling in the middle of the scale, medium-depth chemical peels produce a more dramatic result in a single treatment than light peels. “Skin will be significantly smoother with an even tone and blemishes removed,” Ludwig says. This type of peel usually contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate the skin and remove layers below the epidermis. Peeling, redness, and swelling are all to be expected post-peel and can last three to 10 days.
DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS
Needless to say, deep chemical peels are the strongest and most invasive. They usually involve a potent formulation of TCA or phenol that can penetrate the deep layer of the dermis. As Ludwig shares, the depth allows them to produce “drastically smoother” and “youthful-looking” skin. “Deep peels can achieve amazing results for sun damage, scarring, and wrinkles,” she says. Due to their strength, however, deep peels can be painful and healing requires patience. Several weeks of downtime is needed, and full recovery could take weeks or months.
Professional Chemical Peel Treatments
Medical-grade chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the face and (possibly) neck. The chemical solution is either applied lightly or rubbed more vigorously onto the skin using a gauze pad. During the application, you may experience a slight tingling (superficial to medium peels) or burning (deep peels). “I like to give my clients a mini fan which helps the tingling or burning sensation,” Ludwig shares. With certain types of chemical peels, the solution may need to be ‘neutralized’ after the appropriate time has elapsed, though most chemicals neutralize on their own.
Regardless of what strength peel you choose, patients are usually sent home with post-care instructions. “Make sure to discuss with your provider how to care for your skin after the peel,” Ludwig says. Even for the lightest peel, you’ll likely need to make changes to your skincare routine for a few days pre- and post-treatment. If you’re planning on a medium or deep peel, antiviral medication may be prescribed beforehand.
CHEMICAL PEEL SAFETY
Professional chemical peels are meant to be performed in a doctor’s office or a medical spa by a licensed skincare professional. As we’ve reported, the DIY dermatology trend that’s fueled by social media and social distancing had led some to try medical-grade treatments (like TCA peels) at home with dangerous and damaging results. “Beware of chemical solutions sold online, as they are usually sold illegally and can cause permanent damage to your skin,” Ludwig warns. “Chemical peels should be applied by a licensed professional.”
Professional Chemical Peels vs. At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
The main difference between a superficial in-office peel and chemical exfoliators or treatments you can find at, say Sephora, is that at-home solutions do not provide the same chemical concentration as their professional counterparts. While similar active ingredients may be found in both versions, the potency is quite different. As Ludwig explains, at-home percentages of glycolic acid, for example, max out around 10 percent, while medical-grade glycolic acids (applied by a professional) can reach as high as 70 percent.
At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
If you’re dealing with mild cases of uneven skin tone and texture or wish to maintain your complexion in between in-office appointments, at-home chemical exfoliators and enzyme treatments can impart a subtle and sustained glow with regular use.
When it comes to choosing a treatment, Ludwig suggests reading the label closely. “I recommend looking for brightening ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and active enzymes such as pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple,” she explains. “Every ingredient serves a purpose, so do your homework when it comes to the ingredient list.”
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATOR SAFETY & RESULTS
While your skin likely won’t peel or flake the way it will after a professional treatment, irritation is possible with at-home exfoliating products. “Read all instructions carefully when it comes to at-home peels,” Ludwig cautions. “Most will ask you to wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes of application and gradually build up to leaving it on overnight.”
Another way to ensure your skin ends up radiant, not ruddy? “I recommend skipping out on ingredients like retinol and other active serums on days you choose to exfoliate at home,” Ludwig shares. She suggests exfoliating one to two times per week and alternating days with any actives already in your routine. “Less is more, in my opinion,” she says. “Over-exfoliating can disrupt our skin’s microbiome.”