Throughout life, the body undergoes many changes. Many of the changes are most obvious in the face. Infants tend to have soft, supple and smooth looking skin. By the time we reach old age, many of us are sporting wrinkles, sags and bags and dry skin.

The process of skin aging actually starts around 20 (even though the signs won't be visible for many years to come). Collagen, the substance that provides strength, and elastin, the elastic fibers that enable the skin to snap back into shape, gradually deteriorate and weaken. Skin becomes thinner and more lax. Underlying fat pads shrink and the skin becomes less plump and smooth. Dead skin cells don't shed as quickly and the production of new skin cells slows. This leads to the development of dry, itchy skin. At the same time, the effects of gravity take their toll - pulling on the skin and causing sags.

How quickly the signs of aging appear is largely determined by heredity. Some people keep their youthful looks well into mid-life and beyond. Others develop wrinkles at a much younger age. Wrinkles and other signs of aging skin can also be influenced by environmental factors, like sun exposure and cigarette smoking.

Turning Back the Clock

There are many different types of cosmetic procedures to reverse some of the signs of facial aging. BOTOX® injections are the most common non-surgical procedure. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 3.2 million BOTOX injections were performed in 2005. Other popular facial treatments include: injectable fillers (more than 1.5 million procedures), microdermabrasion (over 1 million procedures) and chemical peels (over 550,000 procedures).

Among the surgical options, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) was most popular (about 231,000 procedures). It's followed by rhinoplasty (nose reshaping, more than 200,900 procedures), facelifts (about 150,400 procedures) and forehead lifts (more than 71,700 procedures).

Microcurrent Facials

Many people like to get facials because they are relaxing and make the skin look and feel better. One type of facial provides more than a massage and deep cleaning. It's called the microcurrent facial toning system, and it uses low frequency microcurrent stimulation.

During a session, an ionizing solution is placed on the skin. Then the technician applies two probes or electrodes to the skin. The probes emit low levels of electrical current. According to Myotonology® Inc., the treatment increases circulation and metabolism in the skin. In turn, the process oxygenizes and energizes the skin and underlying muscles, improving skin tone and color. The treatment also plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A single session of a microcurrent facial lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. Initially, two to three treatments a week are recommended. Most people start to see results after three sessions. However, more noticeable changes appear after 10 to 15 sessions. Follow-up every three to four weeks is recommended to maintain the effects.

Cost of the treatment varies and may range from $50 to $100/session. The microcurrent facial is not recommended for pregnant women or patients with pacemakers or heart problems.

For information on microcurrent facials:

Myotonology®

For general information on aging skin and treatments:

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

American Academy of Dermatology

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgeons