THE CONCERN: FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

Topping the list of most-asked-about skin concerns is fine lines and wrinkles. Lines typically start cropping up when we’re in our mid- to late 20s and are a natural part of getting older due to collagen and elastin production decreasing with age. Crow’s feet around the eyes, a furrowed brow and expression lines along the forehead are a few of the most common wrinkles people first see form.

$500 AND UNDER NEUROMODULATORS (often referred to by the brand name “Botox”)

APPROXIMATE COST Typically about $10 to $16 per unit, with the average number of units needed ranging from 30 to 70, depending on a patient’s age and the area being treated

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED One, with up to four treatments per year

RESULTS LAST FOR Three to four months

DOWNTIME None (aside from needing to be careful not to touch your face for a few hours post-treatment)

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Yes

HOW IT WORKS The injectable neurotoxin blocks certain chemical signals from nerves that cause the muscles to contract, which “relaxes” wrinkles and irons them out. This price point would typically allow you to treat one to two areas of the face, says Wong. With a higher budget, two to four areas could be injected. Neuromodulators approved by Health Canada include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and the recently greenlit Nuceiva, and while each treatment’s ingredients vary slightly, they all produce similar results.

MICRONEEDLING

APPROXIMATE COST $300 to $500 per session

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED One to three

RESULTS LAST FOR Six months to a year, once the bulk of treatments has been completed

DOWNTIME Redness and irritation for 24 hours up to a few days

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Yes

HOW IT WORKS Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to prick the top layer of the skin, which helps stimulate collagen production. The treatment is often teamed up with certain topical actives, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, depending on the desired results, as the micro-channels created by the needles increase ingredient penetration.

CHEMICAL PEEL

APPROXIMATE COST $100 to $300

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED One to six

RESULTS LAST FOR A few weeks to a month

DOWNTIME You may experience redness and flaking for a few days post-peel

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Yes, but modifications might be necessary for deeper skin tones

HOW IT WORKS A peel uses a chemical solution to remove the dead cells sitting on the outer layer of the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles look softened. Each session will also help to even out the skin’s texture and tone. A peel won’t give you the same results as using a neuromodulator to smooth out wrinkles, but it will give the skin an overall “freshened up” look.

$1,200 AND UNDER RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) MICRONEEDLING

APPROXIMATE COST $850 to $1,200 per treatment

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED Three treatments are typically recommended

RESULTS LAST FOR Six months to a year

DOWNTIME Redness and dryness are typical for a few days up to a week after each session

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Yes

HOW IT WORKS Differing from regular microneedling, this treatment adds in the benefits of radiofrequency energy, which helps deliver even more impressive results. An RF device uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat, which penetrates deep into the skin to encourage collagen production. Additional treatment option: Neuromodulators injected into more areas of the face or more units injected per session

$4,000 AND UNDER CO2 LASER RESURFACING

APPROXIMATE COST $1,500 to $3,500

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED One to four

RESULTS LAST FOR Three to five years

DOWNTIME A few days to two weeks, depending on the strength of the treatment

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Not recommended for deeper skin tones due to the risk of developing hyperpigmentation

HOW IT WORKS CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing uses beams of light to precisely remove the top layer of skin while heating the deeper ones. When the skin is injured, the body is prompted to produce healthy new cells, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion. These lasers can be used to target specific or broader areas of the skin.

ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY

APPROXIMATE COST $2,500 to $4,000

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED One session annually

RESULTS LAST FOR One to two years

DOWNTIME None

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES? Yes

HOW IT WORKS Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves and energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which will give the skin a plumper, tighter look. The depth of the treatment depends on the device used. Sofwave and Ultherapy are two popular options that differ slightly, with the former using waves and the latter using energy.