QUESTION: A friend recently told me about a process called photo rejuvenation as a treatment to reduce fine lines and sun spots. Does it actually work? -Katie, via E-mail

ANSWER: Photo rejuvenation is a fairly new technology that dermatologists can use to treat aging skin - including discoloration, fine lines, and sagging. Intense pulses of multiple wavelength light are flashed across the face and into the skin without any heat or burning sensations. The penetration of the light causes the release of precursors of collagen that skin cells then turn into new collagen, tightening and firming the skin. The treatment also heals abnormal and broken blood vessels, as well as discoloration.

The biggest advantage to photo-rejuvenation treatments, as opposed to laser resurfacing, is that there is no downtime after the procedure (which lasts 20 to 30 minutes). You may experience mild redness, but nothing that will cause you to cancel your dinner plans. It usually takes three to five treatments to see improvement in the skin - although the more damage you have to begin with, the longer it will take.

I suggest you start early, when you first see symptoms. There's no reason to fix something that isn't broken, but you do want to address the problem before it gets serious.

- Allure -