Here are your choices and all the costs - physical as well as financial. For more beauty advice, visit www.goodhousekeeping.com.
A dramatic change
Muscle relaxer (Botox). Doctors inject patients with a purified substance from bacteria to help sagging lids, brow furrows and crepey skin look more taut. Afterward, you might experience mild soreness, a headache, slight bruising or a weird awareness that something is in your forehead. The procedure costs $300 to $600 for the eye area, and you'll see results for three to six months. (The longer you use it, the better your results.)
Hyaluronic-acid gel filler (such as Restylane or Juvederm). The synthetic version of a naturally occurring protein-sugar compound found in skin, hyaluronic-acid gel fillers bind to water and plump facial folds or fill in undereye hollows. Results last for up to nine months, and the procedure costs $500 to $1,000 per injection. Possible side effects include minimal discomfort, swelling and/or bruising, which makeup can disguise.
Targeted energy treatment (such as Fraxel or Portrait). Get longer-lasting results with this procedure, which uses infrared light, radio frequency waves or other forms of energy. The treatment goes deep into skin to boost collagen and diminish lines and wrinkles. You might feel a slight burning or prickling sensation during the treatment, and might experience redness or peeling for several days afterward. A series works best. If you have three to six sessions, results will last one year or more. The cost is $1,500 to $3,000, depending on how many facial areas you target.
Visible improvements
Microdermabrasion. This pain-free procedure uses micronized crystals to remove dirt, dead cells and discoloration from the skin surface, so eye crinkles and forehead lines look smoother. Ideally, you would do treatments in six to 12 sessions throughout a period of six months. Each treatment costs $100 to $300, and you'll see results for about a week. Repeat for lasting benefits.
A topical retinoid. The Vitamin A derivative speeds up cell turnover to diminish wrinkles and discoloration. Initial signs of improvement take about six weeks to appear, but the cream lasts indefinitely if you keep using it. Expect to pay about $20 for over-the-counter products and $50 to $100 for prescription brands. Try Renova (prescription only) or RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($19.99; rocskincare.com).
At-home peels. This treatment uses an active chemical (like glycolic acid) to remove the superficial layer of skin and promote collagen production. Peels are effective and painless, although you might experience a little tingling during the procedure and possible redness afterwards. If you use it monthly, your skin will glow and maintain a more even texture. Peels range in price from $15 to $250. One to try: Olay Regenerist Thermal Contour and Lift System ($24.99; olay.com).
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