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.