Rufus R. Noble Six weeks after my daughter’s birth, I saw them. Lines! Crow’s feet! How did this happen? These lines are a result of my life experiences. However, that doesn’t mean that I won’t fight for them. There are many options available now, from simple to complex treatments. There is a lot of hype surrounding anti-aging products and skin care products. To find out what works, I asked my two favorite dermatologists,
What to Do at Home- This one is a no-brainer. Daily use helps prevent wrinkles and age spots. The truth is that most people don’t use it correctly. You should use only a nickel-sized amount on your face to get full protection. You must reapply every 1 to 2 hours. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended. Do you not want to ruin your makeup? You can use a mineral powder that has SPF to touch up your makeup. I keep mine in my purse, and this reminded me to reapply. ).
Retinoids- Every Dermatologist that I know swears to retinoids, a vitamin A derivative in cream or gel form. Retinoids prevent collagen breakdown and stimulate skin cell turnover. Dr. Kim calls it the “Retinoid Glow.” They can also be used to treat and prevent acne. Who thought that was possible? The prescription form, also known as Retin-A or tretinoin, is much more effective than the over-the-counter versions. Most insurance companies do not cover retinoids. They can also be very expensive. One tube of retinoids will last at most for two to three months, and it is a much better investment than the most expensive over-the-counter creams. You should expect your skin to peel initially. Only use as much as you need. Some people with sensitive skin might find they cannot tolerate this product every other night.
Basic Moisturizers – Moisturizers can be used to hydrate the skin as we age. Most claims made for high-tech/expensive moisturizers are not worth the extra expense.
The Dermatologist- Here is some of the best options to improve your skin’s appearance, diminish wrinkles, and reduce brown spots. Not all of these are necessary to achieve positive results. You don’t have to do them all.
Chemical Peels- To reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, dermatologists recommend that you have a “medium-depth peel” at least twice a year. The downside is that you’ll feel and look like you’ve had a severe sunburn for up to five days. Make sure not to schedule it before important events. It would help if you considered a chemical skin peel in winter. After treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure for at least a few days.
Laser Treatments- Although these treatments are more recent and may be expensive, they can smoothen the skin’s surface and reduce wrinkles and lines. Many laser treatments have similar effects to peels and some with greater intensity for those with older skin. Your dermatologist can recommend the best treatment for you.
Botox – Dr. Raphael stated that Botox injections can be used to treat wrinkles and prevent them from ever happening. Botox works best between the eyebrows, around your eyes, and forehead. It will require repeat injections every three to six months to maintain its effects. Botox can change the appearance of your face (have you ever seen people permanently “shocked?” by it? If you decide to go this route, avoid “Discount Botox” shops and visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or Dermatologist’s office.
Fillers -These are useful for rejuvenating the lower half of the face, Dr. Raphael says, particularly around the nose, mouth, and undereye area. They can last from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler.
These cosmetic treatments can make you look better from the outside but don’t forget about the effects that healthy skin has on your body. Even in the ER, I can tell a person’s health status by the skin. It reveals how healthy they are, their diet, exercise habits, and whether or not they smoke. This is the most important one. Being beautiful doesn’t guarantee that you will be loved and happy, but it does ensure you will be happy and loved.
