Rufus R. Noble “I want to be older.”
No one has ever said that (no one more than 20).
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 skincare products. To find out what works, I asked my two favorite dermatologists, Amy Kim, MD, a dermatologist at MetroDerm, Atlanta, founder of Baby Pibu Products, and Brian Raphael MD, a dermatologist and fellow at Skincare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
This is your a-la-carte menu to get skin smoother than a baby’s you-know-what.
What to do at Home Sunscreen: This is a simple one. 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 with SPF to touch up your makeup. I keep mine in my purse, and this reminded me to reapply. ).
2. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives available in gel or cream form. Every dermatologist I know swears to retinoids. Retinoids are known for preventing collagen breakdown and stimulating 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.
3. Basic Moisturizers – Moisturizers can be great for skin hydration and become more important as we age. Most of the claims made for high-tech/expensive moisturizers are not worth the extra expense.
Treatments to Consider At the Dermatologist
Here are some of the best ways to improve your skin’s appearance, including reducing wrinkles, fading brown spots and brightening dull skin. Not all of these are necessary to achieve positive results. You don’t have to do them all.
4. Chemical Peels: Dermatologists recommend that you have a “medium-depth peel” at least twice a year to reduce the appearance of lines and improve your skin’s texture. The downside is that you’ll feel and look like you have had a severe sunburn for up to five days. This should be avoided before important events. It would be best if you considered a chemical skin peel in winter. After treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure for at least a few days.
5. Laser Treatments: Although these treatments are more recent and more 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 older skin. Your dermatologist can recommend the best treatment for you.
6. 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 instead visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s office.
7. Fillers: These can be used to rejuvenate the lower face, Dr. Raphael says, particularly around the nose, mouth, and undereye area. They can last from six months to up to two years, depending on what type of filler they are.
These cosmetic treatments can make you look better from the outside but don’t forget about healthy skin’s effects on your body. Even in the ER, I can tell a person’s health status by their 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’ll love and be loved.
