Most people tend to see the first signs of aging on their faces. The hormone-sensitive tissues and thin skin around the eyes are particularly sensitive and prone to aging. This is typically the initial prompt that sends men and women to seek topical OTC remedies like an eye cream or toxin injections around the eyes and upper face. PRP and fillers are the next steps in rejuvenation; until surgical intervention is the only option to improving laxity, volume loss, or malpositioned tissue.

We pay so much attention to our faces, we often neglect the skin of the body. Many women report an almost “overnight” significant change in this regard; noting new onsets of skin changes around their knees, elbows, abdomen, and hands. Allow me to discuss some of the available options to combat the sign of aging we all inevitably face on the body.

Prevention and early intervention 

I know I belabor this point, however, I cannot overstate the importance of the pillars of good health: nutrition, good sleep, exercise, stress mitigation, minimization, or avoidance of toxic exposure from tobacco, alcohol, EMF, Blue Light, and stress-inducing situations. 

Wearing Sunscreen

I am in the camp of “use in moderation” with respect to sunscreens, especially chemical-based ones.  Getting some natural sunlight every day is imperative for optimal mental and physical health. Try to do so early or late in the day when the UV index is lower. Natural light and its array of spectrum have enormous health benefits to humans, including increasing your vitamin D level, strengthening your immune system, and providing natural antimicrobial properties. Obviously, from an anti-aging standpoint of your skin, there are times, especially post-procedure, you need to entirely avoid UV light to prevent hyperpigmentation or scaring.

If you are going to spend the day outside, be wise and apply sunscreen prior to leaving the house and reapply throughout the day.  If you drive to work in the direction of the rising sun and your chest gets blasted every morning, wear sunscreen as well as cover it with clothing or you will experience accelerated aging.  Health care is a partnership with your practitioner, do your part in making prudent decisions each day in this regard, find balance. You shouldn’t be lying out trying to tan for hours nor should you turn into an agoraphobic social recluse in an attempt to avoid the sun.

Genetics

Our genetics are a significant factor in how one ages. Sometimes despite our best efforts, that Double Helix described by Watson and Crick in 1953, has an incredibly strong impact on the manner in which we age.  Everyday women will say to me, they start to see their mom’s face or hands when they look at their own. I believe this is best approached by softening and mitigating the unflattering aspects while maintaining one’s unique facial characteristics.  Attempting to alter things too drastically can create an unnatural and off-putting effect.

While surgery is still the gold standard for the correction of facial aging, for the body, non-surgical interventions reign supreme.  Sculptra and Radiesse can be utilized for skin-boosting as well as volume-enhancing in difficult-to-treat areas such as the neck and chest.  I like to also utilize them to treat the wrinkles and crepe skin around the knees, bikini line, elbows, and upper arm; it works beautifully for areas in which a large scar to remove excess skin would be an unfavorable tradeoff.  I also use it to treat the natural lines on the abdomen which become pronounced after childbirth, weight loss, and general aging.  I like to use Clear and Brilliant laser a week or two after bio-stimulatory injections and have found that it potentiates and enhances the effect.  In the distinct and deep lines of the neck and chest, I also treat with a mixture of neurotoxin and hyaluronic acid filler.  The top of the hands can be smoothed and made to look plump and youthful with either Radiesse or HA filler as well.  I prefer blending Radiesse with a bit of saline as I find it provides the most natural appearance and avoids the Tindal effect that HA can create, which may potentiate the blue-green vascular appearance many are trying to conceal.  Please remember that the bio-stimulatory products are not fillers, they work very differently.  With HA fillers, you see an immediate improvement which lasts approximately 12 months. Bio-Stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse stimulate your own collagen and tissue growth, they take up 2 months to see a notable improvement and then continue to work for 6 months, lasting up to 5 years; up to four sessions may be required to achieve your result, depending upon the level of correction you are seeking to achieve.

Finally, exfoliation and topical skincare products are essential for you to do at home.  A daily application of an emollient suitable for your skin type goes a long way in maintaining a hydrated and glowing appearance.  Try to always apply post-shower or bath to moist skin.  In the evenings a product with retinol or a retinoid is best to perform while you sleep.

This week’s Instagram giveaway is a hand rejuvenation using HA or Radiesse. To enter: Must be following  @J_Derme  and  @SoCalMoments, like the @SoCalMoments Instagram post, and comment “smooth”. The winner will be announced in the next Beauty Guru IG post.

Author Bio: Heidi Lindner has been an aesthetics expert for over 17 years specializing in all aspects of non-surgical aesthetics and plastic surgery. She is sought out for her techniques that focus on a natural-looking approach to facial balancing, restoration, and beauty optimization. Follow her on Instagram @j_derme