Wrinkle Relief
by Lindsey Grossman

With the New Year comes new methods and gimmicks for staving off those laugh lines and crow’s feet. Lured by celebrity endorsements and pretty packaging, it’s often difficult to discern which products and treatments are worth the money and which ones are leading you on a wrinkle-free wild goose chase. This isn’t a map to the fountain of youth, but the following guidelines clear up some common skincare concerns and give you one less worry to wrinkle your brow.

Doctor Recommended
Before beginning any treatment, it’s a good idea to consult with your dermatologist or aesthetic physician. A trusted doctor who specializes in skincare can determine which course of action is best for you, your skin type, and your ultimate goals. Dr. Donald J. Sudy, M.D., an aesthetic physician with Evolve Medical Associates in Charlotte, NC (formerly ReGenesis Medical Spa & Wellness Center), tries to get his patients on a prescription strength Tretinoin. Also known as brands Retin-A and Renova, Tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin A that helps your skin renew itself. “The nice thing is, Retin-A or Tretinoin is generic now, so it’s fairly inexpensive,” Sudy explains, “With $70-$80 you’ve got a product that’s going to last about three months and make a difference versus spending $300 on something that feels cosmetically elegant on your skin and may not make such a big difference.”

Sudy also recommends PREVAGE Anti-Aging Treatments to improve the quality of the skin and help with fine lines. Though not as corrective as Retin-A, Sudy says the two work well together. PREVAGE MD, the original, stronger formula is available only through your doctor’s office while www.retiresouth.com 7 you can buy Elizabeth Arden’s PREVAGE in department stores and online. The active ingredient Idebenone, found exclusively in PREVAGE products, is one of the most powerful antioxidants for correcting and protecting your skin.

Pore Choices
Pollution, stress, smoking and poor diet all contribute to aging. Dr. Sudy stresses the importance of eating low-fat foods as well as fruits and veggies rich in antioxidants. Basically, treat your body and mind well and it will literally show on your face.

Then, there’s the sun factor. “Retirees spend a lot of time in the sun,” Sudy notes – more time on the golf course, boating, and at the beach. “As we age our skin health starts to diminish,” he explains, “especially with the sun exposure. It’s not just what we’re currently doing, but what we’ve accumulated over our lifetime.” While you can’t take a time machine back to last July’s family beach vacation and slather on the SPF 45, you can make changes now. Altering your daily routine to include sunscreen and hats will help prevent further damage to your skin.

Other Options
If you’re looking for a drastic difference but are afraid or simply do not want to go under the knife, places like Evolve offer several nonsurgical options like Botox and filler injections, and laser treatments. Non-surgical procedures such as these can carry you further into your years with less risk for nerve injuries and infections, plus a significantly reduced recovery period.