Skin 'resurfacing' is a technique used mainly to improve fine lines and wrinkles and 'blotchy' skin pigmentation often associated with excessive sun exposure. It is sometimes used to treat acne scarring and, less frequently, uneven scars from other injuries. It involves removing the surface layer of skin allowing 'new' skin to grow from beneath, which will be smoother than the previous layer of skin. This may be achieved by three different methods - mechanically using a type of sanding device known as a dermabrader, chemically using a chemical peel (typically trichlorocetic acid or phenol based) or using laser light. Professional debate continues about which is most effective and/or appropriate method. In my view, chemical and laser resurfacing is safer than dermabrasion.

Whichever technique is used to resurface the skin, the major potential downside is of changing skin pigment. Generally, this would be to a paler rather than darker colour. As a general rule, the deeper the resurfacing goes, the more wrinkles will be treated but also the greater the likelihood of changing skin pigment. There is therefore necessarily a compromise to be reached.

The general mode of action of each of these techniques is similar in that the treatment is designed so that it penetrates only a short distance into the skin leaving sufficient deep layers, sweat glands and hair follicles, for new skin to be regenerated. Since skin thickness varies in different parts of the face, the depths to which the treatment will be carried out varies also.

It is unlikely that any form of resurfacing will eradicate every skin wrinkle or blemish but it should improve them, i.e. reduce wrinkle depth. It is possible to repeat such a procedure once healing has occurred but it should be remembered that if resurfacing is too deep on any occasion then a scar will result which would be permanent.