Stopping time with anti
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
We no longer exist in a time where celebrities and the cream of society are the only privileged ones clued in to the secrets of virtually ageless skin. From New York and Los Angeles, to the less frequented towns scattered across the US, skin care products proven to stop wrinkles dead in their tracks are now readily accessible via the internet, high-end salons, and retail beauty stores. However, with a plethora of anti-aging creams and a variety of in-house procedures, how do you separate the best from the rest?
While compelling research has paved the way to a multitude of anti-aging treatments, people should continue to focus on prevention, as opposed to addressing their skin after the damage has occurred. Dermatologists agree that the best defense for preventing signs of aging is a broad spectrum sun block packed with UVA and UVB protection. When shopping for a sun block, remember that it is considerably different from that of a sunscreen, which only offers protection against UVB rays. Older sun blocks can be greasy, comedogenic (clogs pores), and leave traces of a white residue. However, the latest formulas are cosmetically appealing while remaining effective. Your best sun-shielding friends include SkinMedica Daily Sun Protection SPF 20 sSkinstore.com), Sunbar UVshield SPF 48 from B. Kamins, Chemist (888-252-6467), and Cosmedix Serious Protection (cosmedix.com).
It is important to opt for anti-aging products according to your age and skin type. For instance, the face of a twenty-five year old may battle breakouts from the same rich, luxurious cream that her grandmother swears by. Determine the problems you wish to target, such as, wrinkles, hydration, discoloration, and firmness. Newer products are multitasking and often include a SPF. Leading the pack are StriVectin-HS $153 (sephora.com), SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex $145 (skinstore.com), and Crme de la Mer from La Mer $220 2 oz. (Saks Fifth Avenue).
Visible signs of aging may first appear around the eye area, showcasing not-so attractive crow’s feet, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Close the door to these uninvited intruders by applying an eye cream twice daily. Keep an eye out for Freeze 24-7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum $115 (Norstrom.com), G.M. Collin Bota-Peptide Eye Contour $79 (800-341-1531), and Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream $59 (kinerase.com).
No pain, no gain? Today, medical spas and clinics deliver noninvasive anti-aging facials, chemical peels, LED light therapy, and, of course, the revolutionary Botox. Chemical peels range from a light glycolic to a medium peel, such as the Jessner’s Peel, and extend to a more aggressive TCA (Trichloreacetic Acid) peel. Light glycolic peels gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a smoother appearance, while intense TCA peels penetrate to the outer layers of the dermis to diminish lines, wrinkles and discoloration. LED light therapy for anti-aging uses an infrared light to painlessly reverse the signs of aging and rejuvenate the skin. Always a fan favorite, Botox temporarily eliminates wrinkles by injecting a chemical which paralyzes the muscle. One wrinkle-free face will last for a minimum of three months!