In this day and age many people are opting for natural or holistic products over their synthetic counterparts, and for good reason. Although this mostly applies to many household products, can many of our favorite cosmetic treatments also be replaced by natural alternatives? I’d like to consider both options here, as I am an advocate for using natural where possible, I still believe in products that work. So let’s look at some of the more popular treatment options and their natural counterparts.
Skin Treatment
This includes all kinds of skin treatment possible, including resurfacing, tightening, and general revitalization. For thousands of years people around the world have made different natural balms and creams which have served to keep the skin moist and fresh, the most commonly known herbal ingredients for skin are of course aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Within the world of modern cosmetic treatments though, the employment of technology, specifically lasers, has taken the reins with pico laser treatment quickly becoming the most popular method to reinvigorate skin.
So what is the comparison between the two kinds of treatment? Natural creams are not only better for you but also for the environment as they don’t require complex resources to be mined, but laser treatment can be done in quick sessions which give almost immediate results in comparison. Both need to become part of your routine, and generally many modern clinics that offer laser treatment will give you creams with natural ingredients to help restore your skin.
I believe over the long term the cost would balance out to be the same, so the main difference is then how quickly you’d like to see results.
Hair Removal
This is another treatment that has been worked on for many years now, with evidence that even as long as 5000 years ago the ancient Egyptians were finding different ways to remove hair. The methods and technology evolved very slowly in the years since, with people only today still using “miracle” treatments and scraping blades against delicate parts of their body in an attempt to look civil. The reasons for hair removal have always remained the same in that we as humans like to celebrate our skin, and in our evolution we still have aspects of our hairier ancestors that remain with us today.
The best-working natural hair removal still usually revolves around the ancient techniques of shaving or waxing, neither of which are ideal in maintaining skin quality. Whereas modern technology has again turned to lasers, and in my experience the best laser hair removal in Boca Raton not only gives me the immediate results I desire but also a great range of creams to use in between to support my skin.
When considering hair removal techniques there are a few concerns that will spring to mind: Will it hurt? How often do I need to do it? And how much will it cost? With waxing we know that it’s going to be painful, it needs to be done every few weeks, but it’s generally not so expensive.
Shaving should be pain free but depending on your razor and dexterity there can be some discomfort, it needs to be done more frequently as often as twice a week in some cases, although it is often the cheapest. And laser treatment is virtually pain free, usually sessions are between 4 and 6 weeks apart, although it is much more costly. Consider which of these three questions is most important to you, and you will see your best option.
Dermal Fillers and Botox
Since the discovery of Botox’s cosmetic value in the late 80s, many dermal fillers have gone from taboo to commonplace in the modern beauty world. While the modern market is saturated with synthetic fillers such as dysport and xeomin, there are some great natural options starting to hold their own such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. In my experience many of us use the filler restylane in Boca Raton but that’s more due to the accessibility and affordability of it here, things may be different elsewhere.
I believe the best point of comparison for injectables is how long they last for, so I will list some of the more common ones giving the length of their efficacy.
- Botox tends to last for 3 to 4 months, with many people needing boosters over that time to maintain their desired look.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), a temporary gel solution that lasts for 18 months.
- Collagen, a temporary material (which is naturally occurring) that lasts for up to four months.
- Hyaluronic acid, a temporary material that loses its effect after 6 to 12 months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Sculptra Aesthetic), a man-made material that lasts about two years
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads, the only permanent type of dermal filler available.
Facials
Getting a facial is a popular way for many women (and men) of today to visit somewhere like a day spa or beauty salon and receive an intensive face treatment which includes steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. It’s important to remember here that a lot of facials generally blur the lines between synthetic and natural, using both natural techniques and ingredients combined with synthetic ingredients to amplify the effects.
Attempting to create any division between synthetic and natural methods and technology here is somewhat void considering the necessity of both, although there are many clinics out there now which can offer au-naturale services.
I believe the only difference when going for all natural compared with partially synthetic facials is their effectiveness and longevity, while using natural products is considered both better for us and the environment. I think the main factor for many people is how often they can spend the time and money on going to a salon or spa and getting a facial, although I do highly recommend it as there is nothing like the fresh feeling of having your skin rejuvenated like that.
No matter whether you’re opting for natural or synthetic, make sure to weigh the pros and cons and consider what is best for yourself, and always do your research into any clinic you consider before investing the time and money in any treatment.