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Dr. Anson Answers: How to Prolong the Effect of Anti-Aging Treatments
Aging is one of those things in life you can count on, just like taxes. Aging gracefully, however, does not necessarily mean aging without some intervention! As a plastic surgeon, it makes absolutely no sense to me when a patient will spend thousands of dollars on injections, laser or surgery, then not use sunscreen or decent moisturizer!
Intrinsic aging are the changes that occur in your skin due to time and your DNA; intrinsic aging is inevitable. Extrinsic aging are the changes that occur due to outside influences including sun exposure, smoking and toxins. Yes, your skin will age and change with time, but why not do what you can to minimize it?
The most basic and essential way to protect your skin, and your investments of time and money, is the use of sunscreen. Of the extrinsic factors that worsen skin aging is UV exposure. Most people don’t use sunscreen the way they should.
“Skin care” can mean different things to different people. A qualified aesthetician will perform mild peels, microdermabrasion and many other treatments. The more important role they serve is to provide guidance. It’s unfortunate to see patients on the same skin care regimen they’ve used for many years. A good aesthetician will vary their recommendations based on the condition of your skin, which changes with age, hormone status and local environment. There are many new active cosmeceutical ingredients that can help maintain skin quality. Changing periodically or rotating ingredients may be useful to maximize the benefits of different mechanisms. Most skin care regimens should include a good anti-oxidant and an ingredient in the retinoid family. Of course, those with sensitive or problem skin may not be candidates.
I also place Botox (or other muscle relaxant) and fillers (Voluma, Juvederm, Restylane, etc) in the category of both prevention and treatment. Botox injection stops the injected muscle from contracting and so decreases wrinkling at that site. Regular use of Botox will improve existing wrinkles but also can prevent development or worsening of those wrinkles. My advice to patients is consider Botox when you can see the frown line/crowsfeet when you’re not making that expression. The hyaluronic acid fillers are great options for volume enhancement and reduction of certain wrinkles. If you think of a wrinkle as a ‘fault line’, filling in that wrinkle can replace support and improve wrinkle appearance.
Since you are on the JuveRest site, it should go without saying that you must avoid distorting your skin at night -- one of the easiest ways to achieve and prolong beautiful-looking sking.!
-Dr. Goesel Anson
Have a burning question for Dr. Anson? Post it in the comments section below or send it to JuveRestInfo@gmail.com. Your question may be addressed in a future post!