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 According to a recent study in "Evolution and Human Behavior", blotchy pigmentation can add up to 12 years to your perceived age! With the myriad of skin care products and non-surgical treatments available today, blotchy, uneven, and poorly textured skin need not be your problem. Read on to discover how you can erase a number of the tell tale signs of aging.
The Face Begin by incorporating lightening agents into your daily skin care routine. Look for the ingredients Kojic acid, hydroquinone, licorice extract and antioxidants such as Vitamin C or Co Q enzyme. Boost your skin care routine with a professional chemical peel to exfoliate the dull outer layer of the skin and even out skin tone, soften fine wrinkles and improve the overall texture of the skin. If you are concerned about prolonged redness and constant peeling, ask your dermatologist about light chemical peels, however more than one peel may be necessary. Tip: If you wear a foundation, try one with the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral makeup is ideal to help camouflage blotchy pigmentation and also offers great sun protection. The products you use will help maintain the integrity of the skin and reduce brown spots, however when skin care isn't enough there are other options. There is an armamentarium of light based and laser treatments available The Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL) is a viable option for brown spots as well as spider veins. The IPL is a light based treatment that breaks up brown pigment, coagulates spider veins and promotes the growth of collagen for firmer skin. Three to six treatments are average for best results. The Fraxel, Active FX and Pro-Fractional lasers are fabulous treatments for the face, as well as the neck, chest and hands. These lasers resurface the skin to treat dark spots, sun damage and wrinkles. The down time is minimal, typically three to seven days. We pamper, protect and slather on the latest anti-aging cream on our face yet too often ignore the skin from the neck down. Take a few extra moments to include your neck, chest, and hands into your daily skin care routine. The Neck The reason that most women notice the signs of aging on the neck long before the face, (e.g. "I Feel Bad About My Neck" by Nora Ephron), is that the face has more oil glands as well as fatty tissue, which lends to firmer support. The lack of oil glands and less tissue of this delicate area warrants gentle care. If your neck becomes irritated with the same products used on your face, simply dilute them by mixing them with a moisturizer. Botox, the number one non-surgical treatment for facial wrinkles, is beneficial for the aging neck as well. The vertical muscles that protrude from the neck create a "turkey neck." Botox is a popular treatment to tighten and toned the neck. The Chest Sunspots and discoloration are the most common problems due to overexposure to the sun. To reduce sun exposure while driving, cover your chest with a scarf, as this area is not protected by the sun visor and is often left overexposed. One application of sunscreen in the morning is not sufficient and sunscreen is not 100 percent protection, especially if you are a frequent driver. Have you ever noticed raised brown or tan areas about the size of a dime? These are Seborrheic keratoses and commonly occur on the chest, back and abdomen. SK's are easily treated with liquid nitrogen. Ask your dermatologist to treat them during your annual skin exam. The Hands The hands are a hardest working body part and probably the most abused. The signs of aging include chapping, dryness, brown spots, and loss of fat, which results in protruding veins. Steps to remedy this begin with the application of lotion after cleansing while hands are still moist. Keep an emollient hand balm at the kitchen sink, bathroom and your bedside to apply at night before retiring. The age spots can be kept under control with lightening agents and laser treatments as recommended for the face. Tip: Storing sunscreen in the glove compartment of your car is a convenient way to remember to apply or wear gloves while driving. Trader Joe's brand sunscreen with 10 zinc oxide is perfect and cost effective. The loss of fat from the back of the hands causes veins to protrude making them appear old. The same fillers used to treat facial wrinkles, scars and enhance lips can beautifully restore youthful plumpness to the back of the hands. Commonly used fillers include Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse. The Rest of the Body To prevent chapped dry skin, use scrubs or AHA several times per week to exfoliate the arms and legs. Try a Loofa sponge, Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily scrub, or Philosophy Sweet Coconut milk salt scrub. After cleansing use Lac-hydrin or AM Lactin lotion, which contains 12 percent lactic acid (use to be available by prescription only). Daily sunscreen is helpful for preventing dryness, brown spots and aging skin. Tip: Does sunscreen irritate your eyes? Try Banana Boat for Babies - it's tear free and great for adults too! Maintaining good tone through exercise is beneficial for both the heart and the skin. Good circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin lending to a healthy glow. As with exercise, being consistent in your skin care routine is the key to success, if you want to see results. Integrating a healthy skin care routine into your daily habits will result in smooth, even toned and youthful-looking skin. Deborah Francesconi has had a diverse 25-year career in many aspects of nursing from psychiatric nurse to medical surgical nurse. She has been an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist specializing in cosmetic treatments of the skin since 1991. She is a member of The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists and also trains registered nurses and physicians in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. She is a frequent guest on the popular No. 1 talk radio show, "The Joanie Greggains Show" on KGO Radio 810 Am in San Francisco, Calif. Deborah manages, researches and writes all of the material for her website. |
