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The Face of 2010

What's in store for you in 2010? How you take care of your 
physical and mental well-being will directly affect the trajectory of good
 things coming your way. A study not long ago measured the response
 subjects received when they smiled versus when they frowned in the
 course of day-to-day activities. The smilers received good cheer and 
more positive feedback in return, whereas the frowners saw more negative 
responses. The message? How you face the world directly shapes your
 experiences, your successes, and happiness itself.

 Taking care of our skin is part of this. When we care for
 ourselves, we honor the beauty we've been given and influence how others perceive us. Maintaining the face is
 like polishing the windows of a lighthouse, so the light can shine its
 brightest. I believe in getting started on a preventative 
skin care regimen early on, in one’s 30s if not before. Sunscreen is 
an obvious cornerstone of the regimen, as are antioxidants (like
 vitamin C-containing products) that provide further protection and
 enhance new collagen formation (thereby reducing blotchiness and
 wrinkles, respectively).

In the 40s and 50s, skincare is ever more important. You are not just
 enhancing your complexion day-to-day, but encouraging your cells to act younger, which is a great New Year’s resolution. With that said, let me wish you a happy 
2010 filled with health, happiness, and, of course, beauty. Dr. T's Prescription:


 By day, focus on protecting your skin. Start by cleansing with a non-irritating, soothing cleanser such as Lancôme Galatée Confort or Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser. For an extra invigorating boost, use with the Clarisonic Mia or Pro Brush, which will also help exfoliate. Follow with an antioxidant serum (I like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF) and a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30 (Neocutis Journée is a good one). At night, repair your skin with a retinol- or retinoic-acid based product (we customize formulations for our patients at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery) and a DNA-repair product. If your skin needs extra moisture, follow with a hyaluronic acid-rich cream such as Hyalogy.