OK, this doesn’t really exist. Well, not yet. But skin care and the beauty industry are becoming increasingly high-tech. The latest beauty breakthroughs include lasers and technological instruments, as well as creams and lotions, that may take years off of your face and reshape your body. Best of all, there’s relatively little down time for you.

Beam Me Up

Lasers have been used for years to remove hair and zap broken capillaries, but recent upgrades mean tremendous improvements for patients, according to Dr. Anthony Krausen of the Skin Center of Wisconsin in Glendale. "The carbon dioxide laser has been in use for 15 years or more, but the latest version can eliminate deep grooves and lines and achieve significant tightening of the skin without a prolonged recovery period," he says.

The new generation of lasers uses fractional technology in which the laser light passes through pixel optics. "This breaks up the laser beam into pixel dots, something like a Roy Lichtenstein painting. When you break up the beam, you get a resurfacing that is much less invasive but achieves great results," Krausen explains.

The fact that there’s little down time compared to earlier laser resurfacing procedures makes it even more appealing. "There‘s a relatively short recovery period. You can have it done over a long weekend and go back to work the next week," Krausen says. "We can achieve a significant rejuvenation in areas like the pruney lines around the mouth, and lines around the eyes and forehead." The laser also works to reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

HydraFacial

"One facial treatment that really is a breakthrough in aesthetic technology is the HydraFacial," says Gail Lerman, director of Mequon Thiensville School of Esthetics. "This is a form of microdermabrasion that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection in one treatment. It has the ability to moisturize the skin, which separates it from other microdermabrasion procedures."

HydraFacial is designed for all skin types. Even sensitive skin can tolerate this treatment, according to Lerman. "It takes as little as 15 minutes. You can put on makeup and return to normal activities right after because there is no down time."

Lerman also recommends a pharmaceutical skin care line of products called Skinceuticals. "This is an entire line of products, but I specifically want to mention two; one is C E Freulic, a revolutionary antioxidant serum applied to the skin that delivers advanced protection against photo (sun) aging. It builds collagen and provides antioxidant protection for more youthful looking skin," she says.

A.G.E. Interrupter is another in the Skinceuticals line. "This treatment crème is specially formulated to improve the thinning appearance of mature skin. I have even seen some good results after only one treatment," Lerner says.

Replenish, Restore

For women who suffer from uneven facial texture and ruddiness, aesthetician Diana Krueger recommends a beauty product called Replenish. "This is a new chemical-free product loaded with 12 super antioxidants that repairs and replenishes the skin. It is very kind to the skin, which is something very important to me as a breast cancer survivor," says Krueger, who owns the Skin Care Center inside Sharon’s Unique Salon in Brookfield. "In fact, I have used it myself and been very satisfied with the results. I custom blend every product for each client," she adds.

Another treatment that is not entirely new, but not recognized as widely as it could be is known as the microcurrent facelift, says Krueger. "Microcurrent uses gentle electrical stimulation to lift the muscles of the face, giving it a more youthful appearance," she says. The microcurrent facelift procedure takes about one hour to complete and is virtually painless. It requires no anesthesia, no recovery time, no time off from work and has no irritating side effects.