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Thursday, March 4, 2010

Y NOT

I refuse to grow old gracefully. In fact, I AM NOT going down without a fight!

If I may say so myself, I think I've done a pretty good job keeping the trough filled with magic potion from that proverbial fountain of youth. After all, at 41 I have nary a wrinkle. I would have to say fifty percent of that is genetic and the other fifty is what I do. Having extensive training in skin care from a medical perspective, I learned very early on the do's and the don'ts with regard to skin.

With that said, I would like to share some valuable information that will help you maintain or, in some cases, even turn back the hands of time.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I hate the sun! (How I managed to live in Florida for 15 years still amazes me.)

We are a very knowledgeable and informed people in this day and age, so I'm confident that most of you understand the importance of using sunscreen everyday. For those of you who haven't yet received the memo: You might just want to pick yourself up a tube the next time you're at the pharmacy!

Sunscreen is the only real skin protectant that is FDA approved for preventing premature wrinkles. It should be applied 30 minutes before you walk out the door. Women should apply it just before makeup; and men, right after your morning shave.

If I had to stress a single axiom in the art of skin management, it would have to be: Cleanse. Tone. Treat. Protect. In that order!

For starters, I love ROC Retinol products! They're absolutely essential for preventing and minimizing wrinkles. Retinol increases collagen production and collagen plumps the skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. I purchase mine at CVS.

It's important to remember that Retinol can only be used at night, so don't waste it during the day! Daylight makes most forms of Retinoic Acid inactive. You ABSOLUTELY must wear sunscreen in the AM when using any product that accelerates exfoliation. You will be sorry if you don't!

Now, here is the one topic people seem to dance around. They toy with the idea, but never seem to get around to making that appointment: INJECTABLES!

Yes, I have had them all. I've been getting Botox since I was about 29. It smoothed out my frown lines and prevented new wrinkles from forming. And no, my face does not look frozen. It never has. In fact, in most cases—unless I tell people—they don't even know.

I've also had the good fortune to have great doctors who do beautiful work with Juvaderm and Botox. I have had my smile lines filled for years. What can I say, I'm a happy camper and, well, I smile a lot!

For those of you who need a little lift and refuse to go under the knife, I would strongly recommend a visit to the master, Yan Trokel; creator of the Y-LIFT, a non surgical facelift with injectables. Dr. Yan is my personal Dr. here in New York, and one of the most talented docs I know.

You'd actually really be surprised how little you need to stay on top of this whole anti-aging thing. Little touches here and there and you will never have that wind tunnel face that you see on some of the women on Park Ave.

Here are some other vital behavioral tips that, when put into routine practice, can go a long way toward helping to maintain your youthful vitality:

• Sleep: Get it when you can! It is during that crucial down-time that your body rejuvenates itself.

• Go easy on the alcohol. It will age you! I personally don't buy into the whole notion that 'a glass of wine a day' is good for you. You get the same amount of antioxidants in a glass of pure grape juice―and your liver will thank you for it!

• Eat healthy.

• Take your multivitamin.

• Take 500 mg of Resveratrol daily.

• Remind yourself that too much of anything is bad! Practice moderation.

No Smoking! I quit years ago and it was the best thing I ever did! Within a month my face looked healthy. My cells were no longer being poisoned. Shocker, huh?

When you allow yourself to really stop and think about it, it is all very elementary. If you aren't sure, ask yourself, "Would my mom want me doing this???" Chances are the answer will be a resounding, 'NO!' She would not want you overindulging in toxic junk food; or having that 4th glass of wine; or that nasty, noxious cigarette.

For those open to a little 'fine tuning', below is a list of Top Docs, hopefully in your neck of the woods, should you so desire.

Dr. Yan Trokel 212-861-7787 39 East 67th Street
Dr. Anthony Youn 248-273-7700 755 W. Big Beaver Rd. Troy, MI
Dr. Grace Federman 203-797-8990 25 Tamarack Ave Danbury, CT
Dr. Jeffrey Hartog 407 678-3116 4355 Bear Gully Road Winter Park Fl.
Dr. Dean Manus 310-859-2627 9400 Brighton Way Beverly Hills California


I know all of these doctors personally and I highly recommend them for any cosmetic procedure.



Disclaimer: Please note that all text on this blog are for informational consideration only. The opinions, described methods, products, recommended links or individuals are not intended to take the place of, or for use in lieu of, consultation with an independent healthcare professional. You are advised to consult with your personal physician with any questions or concerns regarding any content on this website.

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