Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s (any readers over 50?), we all – at one time or another – struggle with scars, dull skin, wrinkles and unwanted hair. For visible, long-lasting results, why not give some of these procedures a go (to be administered by professionals only!):

Laser Hair Removal
Shaving and waxing work, but the results don’t last as long. Laser, on the other hand, has a 90% success rate of permanent hair loss after about three to five sessions. How it works: beams of highly concentrated light penetrate the hair follicles, the light is then absorbed by pigments in the hair follicle which destroy the hair within the follicle. The pros of laser – it doesn’t damage skin and has permanent results – far outweigh the cons… it can be quite painful, and it’s rather pricey. Since it’s a medical procedure, make sure you go to a trained professional for this.

Botox
Although botox has many fans and foes, you can’t deny the benefits. It treats excessive sweating, wrinkles and even helps with lazy eye. Preferably administered by injection, botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles and causes them to stop contracting. Weakened muscles respond well, but wrinkles from sun damage and age won’t respond. Botox should be done by a professional doctor or surgeon (not by a personal assistant ala Mark in Ugly Betty), and the results should last up to six months.

Chemical Peel
This technique, usually done by a dermatologist, skin clinic or doctor, is used to improve your skin’s appearance. A chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes skin to blister mildly and eventually peel off. This is great for mild scarring, fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, wrinkles caused by sun damage, age spots and types of acne.

Microdermabrasion

Also known as the power peel. A specialised instrument sprays micro crystals onto the skin like a mild sand blasting. It removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin super soft and polished. The ultimate exfoliation!