fountain OF YOUTH OPTIONS FOR MAINTAINING A YOUTHFUL LOOK

The wisdom that comes with age brings forth beauty of character unfortunately, it also brings with it some wrinkles. Today’s skin care is wrought with non-invasive procedures that tighten the skin, remove age spots and leave you looking as young as you feel.

As skin ages, it begins to lose its elastin and collagen and, therefore, its “bounce back” quality. Shea Boothe-Wood, CEO and founder of True Beauty RX and self-proclaimed “personal trainer of skin”, says the trick is using skin creams that stimulate these lacking proteins.“The more antioxidants the better,” says BootheWood.“You need vitamins C and E during the daytime and vitamin A at night.Vitamin A (retinol) causes skin turnover, revealing younger-looking skin. If a retinol is too harsh for your skin, try an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA or glycolic acid).”

Boothe-Wood suggests pairing antioxidant-laden, home skin care with in-clinic treatments like microdermabrasions, which slough away the surface layer of the skin, and chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to remove the damaged, outer layers of skin. The microdermabrasion should be performed about every 4-6 weeks, and one chemical peel is equal to approximately 4-5 microdermabrasions.These treatments can also lessen the appearance of age spots.

But forget about the pores. One myth Boothe-Wood would like to debunk: “You can change pore size” … False! As you age, your pores start looking bigger because the fibers in the skin start breaking down, but the pores are not actually getting larger.You can affect the appearance of pore size by exfoliating to make skin look tighter.

“Each person is an individual with unique skin care needs,” says Boothe-Wood. “I like to consult and educate each client before customizing a skin care regime that suits him or her. Invest in your skin; it’s what people remember.”

DID YOU KNOW?

“40 percent of people who are 20-40 years old have tattoos, and there is a demand for tattoo removal. The Pixel Fractional Skin Resurfacing laser works on these, but takes an average of 10 treatments.”

—Lynne J. Roberts, M.D.

“SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum ($250, 1 oz.) is the new Rolls-Royce of skin care. Until now, its powerful properties have only been used to help grow new skin cells for burn victims.“

—Shea Boothe-Wood, True Beauty RX

“The number of men looking to reverse the clock is increasing. The working world is competitive, and men and women who want to stay in it longer are looking for ways to appear younger.”

—Lynne J. Roberts, M.D.