Skin ExpertsSkin ConditionsAging Skin

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Aging Skin

There are two primary factors that cause skin to age: 

  • The natural aging process
  • Damage from the sun

 

True Skin Experts Instagram Live "Latest Treatments for the Aging Face" With Drs. Drs. Mathew Avram and Elizabeth Houshmand

Tina B. West, MD, explains optons for preventing and reversing age-related changes to the skin.

What you should know

The natural aging process generally produces lines and wrinkles, age spots, splotches and pigmentation problems, broken capillaries, dull skin texture and color, and other skin flaws. 

Aging skin can cause previously attractive features, such as a mole or birthmark, to become unattractive. Likewise, previously unnoticeable features such as scars can become more apparent as wrinkles form around them.

Sun damage compounds the aging process. Ultraviolet light from the sun penetrates all the layers of skin, including those that fortify it and lend it resilience.

Anti-aging creams and topical products only treat the milder symptoms of aging, such as damage to the skin's uppermost layers.

Do's and Don'ts

Do…

  • Protect your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade when outdoors.
  • Shave carefully. Use a cream, lotion or gel to protect and lubricate the skin.
  • Pat dry after bathing to allow some moisture to remain in your skin, and apply a moisturizer that works for your skin type.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Make sure it includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
  • Rest. Make sure you get a full night’s sleep.
  • Avoid stress. Try exercising, meditating or other forms of relaxing to help stay stress-free. 

Don’t…

  • Tan.
  • Over-cleanse. Avoid taking long hot showers or baths, which remove essential oils from the skin. Likewise, try to stay away from strong soaps and harsh cleansers. 
  • Smoke.
  • Drink excessive amounts of alcohol. 
  • Put your skin at risk. Avoid coming into contact with strong chemicals or toxins.

Why treat aging skin?

Although it is not possible to turn back the hands of time, the effects of aging can be dramatically slowed down and improved. Physical, emotional and social reasons for treating aging skin include: 

  • Promotion of better skin health.
  • A need to appear younger and healthier for work or social reasons.
  • Enhancing self-esteem.

 

 

 

Aging skin expertise

Because ASDS dermatologists are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, they can evaluate and select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient.

General questions to ask before the procedure

  1. Is a doctor on site?
  2. Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology or in another specialty with equivalent training and experience?
  3. Was my medical history taken?
  4. Was I given an initial evaluation to determine if the technique or procedure is appropriate for my skin type?
  5. Did the doctor show me before-and-after photos?

Questions to ask the dermatological surgeon

Aging Skin Questionaire

  1. Which aging skin treatment is the correct one for me?
  2. What is the estimated cost of the procedure?
  3. How long is one appointment?
  4. How often do I need to receive treatment for my condition?
  5. How far apart are the treatments?
  6. How long is the recovery time associated with my procedure?
  7. Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect?
  8. How can I prepare for the treatment/procedure?
  9. Will someone walk me through the process before going in for the treatment?
  10. What are the common side effects or complications associated with the procedure?
  11. Will the treatment hurt?
  12. What are my pain management and anesthesia options?
  13. What should I expect after the procedure is performed (i.e., short-term and long-term effects; activity restrictions; expected recovery period)?
  14. Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect?