Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Also known as ascorbic acid, alpha hydroxy acid is used to improve oily skin, prevent acne, and help slough off dead skin cells, making your face look more radiant. You'll find alphy hydroxy acid in many over-the-counter skin care products that can be used in your home.

Possible Side Effects Include:
Mild irritation
Sensitivity to sunlight

Chemical Peels
Chemical peeling is a technique used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, as well as age spots, sun-damaged skin, mild scarring, freckles, and skin discoloration. In this treatment, the physician applies a chemical solution to small areas of the skin, which causes it to blister and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. During a peel, patients may experience a warm or hot sensation for about 5 to 10 minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.

Possible Side Effects Include:
Sunburn-like reaction, usually lasting 3 to 7 days
Skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun
Swelling
Water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days
In extreme cases, temporary or permanent skin discoloration

Deep-Cleansing Facials
Deep-cleansing facials are used to unclog pores, control oil, reduce blemishes, and normalize the skin. During this treatment, usually administered at spas and salons, the face is cleansed and gently exfoliated to remove dull surface skin cells. Moist steam is directed towards the skin to unclog pores and clear blemishes. The face is usually massaged and then treated with a mask to stimulate circulation and revitalize skin tissue.

Laser/Light Therapy
Laser treatments work by applying intense heat or light to vaporize skin tissue and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and blemishes. During this relatively painless procedure, the dermatologist uses a wand-like handpiece to zap the skin. There are several different types of laser methods, including:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Lasers are the latest invention in laser technology. This type of laser delivers short bursts of extremely high-energy light to the skin and vaporizes the tissue one layer at a time.

Erbium (ER) Lasers penetrate the skin, scattering the light's heat through water molecules in the body. This type of laser treatment is commonly used on patients who have superficial to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars, or splotchy skin discolorations.

Nonablative Lasers work beneath the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. This technique improves skin tone, removes fine lines, and repairs mild to moderate skin damage.

Possible Side Effects Include:
Skin discoloration, typically redness or pinkness lasting several days to several months
Crusting
Mild swelling
Pigmentation loss, particularly with the CO2 laser

Dermabrasion
This resurfacing technique is used to treat age spots, skin lesions, wrinkles, sun damage, and tattoos. During the procedure, the surgeon freezes the patient's skin with a special spray, then removes or sands the skin with a machine that has a high-speed abrasive wheel or brush. Anesthesia may be given to the patient prior to surgery.

Possible Side Effects Include:
Pain, burning sensation
Pinkness, generally lasting 8 to 12 weeks

Microdermabrasion
With this technique, doctors use a vacuum device to deliver a pressurized stream of fine, sand-like aluminum oxide crystals that exfoliate the skin. The vacuum then sucks up the dead skin cells, which helps smooth fine lines and eliminate age spots. The procedure is noninvasive and lasts about 30 minutes. Microdermabrasion is provided in a series of five sessions, given at one- to two-week intervals.