Anti-Aging Skin Care

112
Anti-Aging Skin Care
Donna McMickens

Most of us know that signs of aging start to show up near our 40’s. You don’t have to show the effects of early aging now as there are ways of fighting the aging process. People can remain active, healthy and youthful through the “middle-aged” years and well into their “senior years”.

Some signs of aging are due to gravity.  But most are due to volume loss.  Age spots become more noticeable and the skin takes longer to recover from stress and fatigue. Bags under the eyes begin to form and the neck jowls sag. Fat pads drop around the eyes, mid and lower face. Fat builds up in other parts of the body and refuses to leave. Moles, warts and other skin flaws that were barely there years ago show up with glaring effect. These small imperfections are easily ridded with a visit to your surgeon.

Lines, wrinkles and bags can be taken care of with fillers like Restylin, Perlane, Radiesse, and Juvederm. Fillers are a common way of contouring or removing deep lines, acne scars and wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic is a great treatment to smooth the forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause repetitive creasing in the upper facial skin.

Chemical peels are used to remove the outer layer of skin cells, allowing new skin cells to develop and revitalizing its collagen.  Chemical peels are proven treatments to help with sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, and acne scars on face, chest and back.

Laser resurfacing and rejuvenation has emerged in aesthetic medical practices and has been a wonderful way of refreshing aged, weathered, pre-mature ageing skin. With little to no “down- time” you can have a fresher, younger, revitalized complexion.

You can also retain the health, vigor and beauty of youth by slowing the aging process with products. The use of retinols (Roc), Retin-A, alpha and beta-hydroxys, Q-10 and other antioxidants can help to turn over skin cells and refresh them giving your complexion a brighter look and smoother feel. These antioxidants help stimulate collagen production, accelerate cell turnover, rebuild elastin fibers, improve fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tones and uneven skin pigmentation, minimize pores, improve smoothness, sun damage and are helpful in the treatment of acne.

Wrinkles and blemished skin tends to come along with aging, and it’s almost impossible to completely stop them. But by using the proper skin treatments, you can round out your anti-aging solution nicely.  A good skin care regime starts with a cleanser that won’t dry or irritate your skin. Wash your face twice a day—morning and night. Cleanse with warm—not hot—water and wash towel. A wash towel helps to buff off dry, dead skin cells. Never go to bed with make-up on. Use a moisturizer to benefit your skin type. Gels are usually better for oily skin.  Apply retinols, at night to repair, renew, and smooth your skin.  Apply sunscreen daily, and always remember to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and exercise for your all around health.

Skin cancer is a real danger at this time of your life. Most cancers are easily ridded with early detection and intervention. Skin cancers can be treated with several different treatments or procedures. The decision concerning the best treatment options will be between you and your physician.

Should you have any questions on your skin care health, call Donna McMickens, L.P.N., Medical Aesthetic Specialist, to learn proper skin care techniques and get suggestions for products customized for you at (318) 487-2020 or by e-mail at [email protected].