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When Topical Creams Don’t Deliver the Promised Results

Woman looking in mirror after applying skincare products.

Topical creams are often the first step we take to address skincare concerns, thanks in part to the bold claims they make about their effects. However, surface-level treatments often only create surface-level results. In reality, only cosmetic treatments such as facial fillers can help Manhattan Beach-area men and women achieve longer-lasting results when performed at our Torrance practice.

In this post, we’ll review a few claims topical creams make and offer some suggestions for deeper-level solutions.

Claim #1: They reduce lines and wrinkles.

Truth: Most creams primarily moisturize, which helps make fine lines slightly less noticeable.

Treatments to consider:

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic: This injectable neuromodulator temporarily immobilizes specific facial muscles to smooth wrinkles. These muscles contract when we change expressions and are responsible for lines such as crow’s feet and worry lines. BOTOX is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments in the U.S. and can also be used as a preventive treatment for people in their 20s.
  • Dermal fillers: Made of hydrating hyaluronic acid, these products replace lost volume to smooth wrinkles and folds. This method is often particularly effective for lines around the mouth. Learn about more uses for dermal fillers in this blog post.

Claim #2: They boost collagen.

Truth: Creams applied on top of the skin may slightly boost collagen production, but the results are nothing compared to the results of targeting under the skin.

Treatment to consider:

  • Laser skin resurfacing: CO2 fractional resurfacing uses deep level heating to stimulate the production of collagen fibers. This smooths wrinkles and produces strong, healthy, vibrant skin. It also reveals a new layer of cells that is less blotchy and damaged.

Claim #3: They brighten and even out skin tone.

Truth: Patients will need long-term exposure to an active ingredient in a skincare cream to reap any benefits.

Treatments to consider:

  • Chemical peels: Chemical peels cause the dead or damaged outer layer of skin to flake off, revealing new, healthy skin free of blemishes.
  • HydraFacial®: This powerful facial exfoliates and infuses the skin with a serum of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to boost elasticity and hydration.

Claim #4: They tighten and lift the skin.

Truth: Most creams don’t contain enough of an active ingredient to effectively tighten or lift the skin.

Treatments to consider:

  • ThermiRF®: This customizable treatment uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin in specific areas by improving the collagen structure.
  • PDO Thread Lift: This minimally invasive procedure is a less intensive version of a facelift. During the treatment, your doctor uses sutures in the skin to create a more lifted, youthful appearance.

To learn more about these treatments or other uses for facial fillers near Manhattan Beach at our Torrance practice, please contact us online or call (310) 784-0670 to request a consultation.

If you are interested in saving on regular skin care treatments, please check out our Healthy Skin V.I.P. Club for exclusive pricing.

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