From serums to creams to masks and even oral supplements, there are endless products on the market today aimed at anti-aging. But, when it boils down to it, if your goal is combatting deep wrinkles or stubborn skin laxity, there’s just no replacing customized in-office treatments.
Like most things, though, there’s no one-stop solution for anti-aging, and according to Long Island, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD, the best way to restore a naturally youthful appearance to the skin is by layering treatments.
What Does It Mean to Layer Anti-Aging Treatments?
“When it comes to anti-aging, think of layering treatments like building a solid foundation,’’ Dr. Papantoniou begins. “It’s not just slapping on products and treatments together—it’s about using them in a way where each one helps the other work better. For instance, we recommend combining Ultherapy and microneedling with radio frequency for optimal lifting.”
Combining anti-aging treatments not only allows for optimal lifting but also allows for deeper, more substantial skin rejuvenation. “Ultherapy uses ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen and lift the skin, while microneedling with radio frequency stimulates different layers of collagen,” Dr. Papantoniou explains. “This layered approach ensures a comprehensive treatment, addressing various aspects of skin aging.”
While addressing lifting and firmness are imperative to anti-aging treatments, enhancing and balancing the contours of the face is another important factor. “Facial fillers are used to replace volume loss in underlying structures, but when fillers are combined with skin-tightening treatments, it provides a much more natural result, maintaining a balanced and youthful appearance,” says Dr. Papantoniou.
“This synergy between volume replacement and skin tightening is necessary for achieving natural-looking results that don’t appear overdone. By using a combination of techniques to address different aspects of skin aging we achieve a comprehensive, natural and balanced rejuvenation of the skin.”
How Do Layered Treatments Vary From Person to Person?
“In the realm of anti-aging skin care, personalization is key,” Dr. Papantoniou begins. “Think of crafting your anti-aging routine as akin to selecting the perfect outfit—it needs to suit you perfectly. This means considering your skin’s unique needs and lifestyle factors. By meticulously choosing and layering treatments, we can tailor the approach to fit you like a glove.”
By creating a treatment plan that holistically addresses an array of anti-aging issues, from collagen loss to volume depletion, patients are left with “a treatment plan that enhances your natural beauty, ensuring the overall effectiveness is not just skin deep but also aligned with your personal aesthetic goals,” says Dr. Papantoniou. “It’s all about creating a balance that not only rejuvenates the skin but also resonates with who you are, delivering natural and harmonious results.”
Layering Anti-Aging Treatments: What It Looks Like
So, what does layering anti-aging treatments look like in practice? According to Dr. Papantoniou, one great example is the layering of neurotoxin and fillers. “When used together, they provide a dual approach to anti-aging,” she says. “Botox Cosmetic smooths out the wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while fillers address volume loss and static wrinkles. This combination can lead to a more complete and balanced rejuvenation, enhancing your natural features without the need for invasive surgery.”
Another more complex yet equally great example is the combination of fillers, energy treatments, and laser treatments. “First, fillers are used to volumize and restore lost fullness in areas like cheeks and lips, instantly improving the appearance of sagging and smoothing out static wrinkles,” says the doctor. “This step lays the foundation for a more youthful facial structure. Next, we incorporate Ultherapy or microneedling with radio frequency,” she continues. “These treatments are excellent for tightening and lifting the skin. The final layer involves laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel, which focus on improving the skin’s surface texture and tone, reducing fine lines, and addressing pigmentation issues, resulting in a clearer and more radiant complexion.”
Are There Any Risks to Layering Anti-Aging Treatments?
As with any cosmetic treatment, there are always risks to consider, which is why Dr. Papantoniou urges to patients to always consult with experts when considering any sort of anti-aging treatment. “While layering treatments can be highly effective, it’s so important to approach them with expertise, as over-treatment or incorrect combinations can lead to unnatural results. By understanding how different treatments interact and complement each other, we minimize potential risks and ensure a safe and effective regimen tailored to each individual.”
The Bottom Line
“We’ve really come a long way in understanding how exactly to layer treatments for the best effect,” Dr. Papantoniou concludes. “We’re now much more informed about which treatments complement each other and how to tailor them to different skin types and needs, which means we can get really specific and give people treatments that suit them perfectly, helping everyone achieve a natural, refreshed look without going overboard.”