For those of you who feel younger than the skin on your face, a solution to the problem may be close at
hand. Promising breakthroughs in skin care are changing the faces of youth-hugging baby boomers and
generations to follow. Exploring the possibilities is like being a kid in a candy store. However, with all of the
cutting edge skin care treatments and procedures and the plethora of lotions and potions designed to
reduce the visible signs of aging, how can you be sure which are effective and which are hype?

First, as an anti aging researcher, I would be remiss if I did not discuss preventative maintenance and the
important role it plays in how we look and feel. You can sustain a youthful presence and add years to your
life by making a few easy changes in your everyday routine. Battle the aging process simply by eating smart,
exercising, and keeping your stress level in check. Good skin care includes avoiding over-exposure to the
sun, not smoking and limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake. All of these factors influence the way your
skin looks.

With that said, let's cut to the chase and look at the exciting new products and treatments that are turning
back the clock and generating healthier and more youthful looking skin.
America's most popular cosmetic procedure for eliminating superficial lines and wrinkles is Botox injections.
Although Botox has existed for many years it was only recently approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes.
So what exactly does Botox do? It prevents the muscle from receiving the signal from the nerve to contract,
and try as you might, the muscle just won't budge. Many skin care professionals agree that this is one of the
most successful procedures for preventing wrinkles. Risk may include a little bruising and occasionally a
droopy eyelid. The good news (and the bad) is that it is temporary and will need to be repeated every 3-6
months.
The next technological breakthrough in skin care may very well be the light at the end of the tunnel - light
therapy. The Photo Facial is a new procedure that uses light therapy to soften the appearance of aging skin.
Your doctor gently delivers precise amounts of light energy through your skin's surface stimulating the
production of collagen, softening lines and wrinkles, and enhancing overall skin tone. Zen Aesthetics, a Los
Angeles based company dedicated to finding new technologies in skin care, has announced that the photo
facial is becoming increasingly popular due to its appealing results and reduced risk compared to laser
treatments.

I believe you can never replace a good old-fashioned facial. For those who are experiencing skin pigment
problems, the Precision Chemical Peel by SkinMedica may be the answer. This breakthrough chemical peel is
unique in that it is a blend of several different types of mild acids. It appears to be one of the safest, yet
most capable, skin peels on the market. With only a few applications, uneven pigment begins to fade away.
Furthermore, there is virtually no downtime and immediately following the peel your skin radiates with a
healthy glow.

The microdermabrasion procedure, has also proven to be extremely beneficial when it comes to exfoliating
the superficial dead layers of epidermis that are responsible for many skin problems. I call the
microdermabrasion machine the world's tiniest vacuum. Through a small hand wand, micro size crystals are
administered and then vacuumed up gently abrading the top layer of skin. The cost of a microdermabrasion
treatment or chemical peel is approximately $125.00 for each, and they are available through Doctors'
offices or skin care salons.

One of my favorite skin care products on the market is called Elastica Cream. This revolutionary cream has a
patent ingredient called "Elastin Peptides." Elastin is the rubber band fiber in our skin. As we age these fibers
begin to diminish. Elastica Cream is designed to stimulate the body's own production of elastin giving skin
back its snap and reviving it to a plump healthy condition. Other highly effective products designed to
produce a smooth complexion include Alpha Hydrox-AHA Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliants (available at local drugstores)
and Vitamin C or Retinol creams. All have shown to significantly reverse the signs of aging and repair sun-
damaged skin.

Everyone's skin is different, so doing a little personal research is always a good idea. Start by asking a
licensed aesthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon which products and treatments may be best for your
skin type... before you start tasting all the candy in the store.

(For more information on these products and treatments visit
www.stoptheclock.tv)