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 The human pursuit of rejuvenation and beauty is not new. It dates back to ancient times when women bathed in sour milk and applied irritant chemical to soften their skin. Poultices containing caustic minerals and spices, as well as fire to singe one's skin, were used to produce exfoliation. Women later wore hats and gloves and carried parasols to protect their skin from the deleterious effects of the sun. So, in each generation, in every culture, throughout history, physical appearance has been valued. However, the concept of beauty is valued and defined differently in various cultures. Is beauty skin deep? I hope not, for there is no truer and greater beauty than inner beauty, than sense of self, that graciousness, empathy and goodness that creates energy and glow in each of us. This beauty is to be valued and cherished, for it is something we are all able to develop, and it becomes greater as the years go by. But what of physical beauty? Unfortunate but true, people and society initially judge us by our appearance. Well, we are aging. The "blush of youth" seems to have been replaced by the "flush" of hormonal flux. We may be 40 but often we feel like we're still 20. So here we are aging physically, but not in spirit. Where do we find the happy medium and compromise between the two? I think the answer is by doing one's best to maintain and maximize what we still possess - a good attitude, diet, exercise and lifestyle, as well as products and procedures that can help rejuvenate us, help us our best possible "self". Dr. Lenora Felderman practices adult and pediatric medical and cosmetic dermatology in Manhattan. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University's Weill College of Medicine. She is an attending physician at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Felderman has been honored with a number of awards including New York Magazine's 2006 and 2007 “Best Doctor.” Dr., Felderman is a dermatologic consultant for major print media and has been a pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry consultant and spokesperson. Her latest project is the development of her own skin care line. Send your questions to lenora@smartnow.com. |
