We Have In-depth Answers to Your Most Pressing Skin-Care Questions
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
In our semi-regularadvice column,“Ask the Strategist,” we answer your most burning shopping questions by surveying friends, calling up experts, and drawing on our personal experiences. In our Friday, October 24 edition, the Strategist beauty writers answered your Wrinkles Week questions live in the comments. Here are some of our favorite answers. To read all the queries,scroll to the comments here.And to be kept in the loop about our next Q&A,sign up for the Strategist newsletter here.
I’m 55. Where do I start? How much do I spend?
Our answer:
New! You can now save this product for later.
For products, save your money on cleansers and moisturizers, but I’d invest in a good vitamin C serum and a good retinoid. And, as always, invest your time in applying SPF throughout the day.
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Night Cream
https://skinbetter.com/products/rejuvenate-regenerating-alpharet-overnight-face-cream/
For devices, I’d recommend an LED face mask and a microcurrent device. I personally use theCurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2and theZIIP Halo.
As for supplements, those are tricky and probably a conversation for you and your doctor, but on the beauty front I’ve had derms recommendNutrafol Hair-Growth Supplementsto keep hair looking healthy and full. (I also take fish oil and probiotics for skin health.)
Now, on to treatments. This really depends on what you’re trying to treat. For basic skin maintenance, a monthly to quarterly facial is always a good idea (with add-ons like chemical peels/microcurrent/LED therapy/dermaplaning etc at your providers discretion). Cost: ~200-300 a pop.
For smoothing of wrinkles/fine lines/acne scars, microneedling (with or without PRP) is a good option. Usually starts at $400 a treatment and you would need 3-4 spaced apart for best results.
For more serious resurfacing or skin tightening, you can go with a laser (Fraxel, CO2, Aerolase, IPL, RF, Laser Genesis). The downtime for each of these really varies. And make sure you find a provider you trust who can point you to the right one, especially if you have melanin in your skin!!! These start around $500 a pop and can go up to $1,200.
And, of course, there’s always injectables like botox and filler which most people get one to two times a year. The price will depend on how much you need, but you can expect to pay around ~300-600 for Botox and $500-$1200 for filler.
Can you recommend a “cosmetically elegant” U.S.-made sunscreen?
Our answer:
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’m in my mid-40s, and my mouth is starting to change shape. What can I do?
Our answer:
New! You can now save this product for later.
What’s the most effective peptide?
Our answer:
New! You can now save this product for later.
Are laser facials worth it?
Our answer:
If you’re wanting to prevent moderate fine lines and improve overall skin tone and texture, it is, especially since these types of facials rely on consistency for long-term results. The caveat: if you’re dealing with deeper wrinkles or wanting a dramatic change, laser facials at Skin Laundry probably aren’t your one-and-done solution. They use non-ablative lasers, meaning they penetrate the top layer of skin but don't remove the top layer. You might need to look into a stronger laser type than the ones offered at Skin Laundry.
Where do I even start with in-office treatments?
Our answer:
More From The Strategist
- The Back-to-School Hall of Fame
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- Everything You Need to Outfit Your College Dorm
- The Strategist Summer 100
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
