Regain youthful skin at home and at the spa.
Original Article on VenusVixen.com | Written By: Ilona French
Ilona French January 24th, 2011
Facial lines can really put a wrinkle in your plans to retain youthful-looking skin. Sun damage and time are well-known wrinkle accelerators, but less-hyped factors that produce wrinkles include smoking, chronic stress, and repetitive facial expressions, such as scowling and squinting. Unfortunately, lines from repetitive facial expressions can appear as early as the teen years. "The frown lines between the eyes and forehead wrinkles can start appearing very early," says Lorrie Klein, MD, president of Lorrie Klein, MD—Dermatology & Laser Center and Euro Day Spa in Laguna Niguel, California.
Lucky for us, there are a variety of over-the-counter and professional products that help reduce wrinkles, especially around the eyes, which tend to be most noticeable at an early age. "My favorite is the Clarisonic Opal, a small, handheld ultrasonic device that is used at home and that incorporates an eye gel that is diffused in by the Opal," says Dr. Klein. "The eye gel both tightens the skin immediately and also gives long-term rejuvenation gradually."
Dr. Klein also likes Vivite, NeoStrata, Obagi and SkinMedica eye creams, all of which are available through physicians or medical spas. To find wrinkle-busting ingredients in over-the-country products, look for glycolic acids, retinols, and anti-oxidants. Individuals can see the hydrating effects of products right away if skin is dry and the products moisturize or if the products used temporarily tighten the skin—but that is only a temporary "hiding" of the wrinkles. "The true effects on the skin take at least four weeks to see," she says.
Recapturing Your Youth
A specialized esthetician can help you combat wrinkles. Professional, wrinkle-fighting services may include microdermabrasion, light glycolic acid peels, and enzyme facials.
"At my spa, Euro Day Spa, we combine microdermabrasion with an Epicuren enzyme facial in the "Ultimate Facial," Dr. Klein says". "Other wrinkle reducers that are more powerful, but available through dermatology offices and medical spas, include Botox Cosmetic (probably the No. 1 most popular medical wrinkle-reducing treatment in the world), temporary fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse, to name a few), Artefill (lasts at least five years), lasers (Fraxel is one of my favorites), medical microdermabrasion (more aggressive than the spa version), and deeper peels, such as trichloracetic acid peels."
Even with all the products and services available to regain your youth, applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and staying in the shade are still the biggest weapons against getting more wrinkles. "All the anti-aging products in the world won"t help you if you keep going in the sun without protection," says Dr. Klein.
