Sometimes things age gracefully—fine wine, blue cheese and that vintage Chanel clutch you’ve been eyeing at your local boutique. And sometimes, things don’t get better with time, like what used to be youthful skin. We spoke with Dr. Marcie Ulmer, board certified Cosmetic and Medical Dermatologist at Pacific Dermaesthetics in Vancouver, to find out which dermatology treatments are best for keeping fresh, youthful skin and to learn how to slow the aging process with DIY skin care tips.

SKIN CARE: The best anti aging secrets

Anti aging skin care: The treatments

Taking advantage of all that your local dermatologist has to offer is the first step toward youthful skin. “Medical practitioners have used neuromodulators (skin injectables) to soften or eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes and mouth and on the neck to reduce the signs of aging,” says Dr. Ulmer. Although the injections need to be done by a medical professional, the results are long lasting and rejuvenating for fresh, glowing skin. “There is evidence that shows repeated, regular use of neuromodulators not only softens and eliminates wrinkles over time but may also prevent them from developing if started early,” Dr. Ulmer adds. In addition, injectable fillers often accompany neuromodulators because they diminish the look of wrinkles and help to smooth the skin’s surface.

For improving the skin tone of your face, neck and chest, lasers are a popular option for anti aging. “Lasers and light-source based devices, such as intensed pulse light (IPL), can be very effective at targeting and removing unwanted pigmentation, age spots and dilated small blood vessels, resulting in improved overall colour and appearance of skin,” says Dr. Ulmer.

Easy ANTI AGING MAKEUP TRICKS

You can also try a non-invasive, heat-based treatment to improve your skin’s appearance. “Radiofrequency devices are used for tissue tightening to improve skin laxity and wrinkles,” says Dr. Ulmer. The treatments are used on the jaw line, eyelids and neck for smooth, soft skin. “These devices deliver targeted electrical energy that heats the lower layers of the skin, contracting collagen and resulting in skin tightening,” adds Dr. Ulmer.

Discover more breakthrough anti-aging secrets.

DIY tips for maintaining youthful skin on the next page…

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Anti aging skin care: DIY tips

Keeping up with your skin’s aging process between visits to the dermatologist can be a challenge. You want to start with the basics, doing the little things necessary to keep skin bright and youthful 24/7. “I recommend the application of an SPF 30
broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB) each morning on the face and neck year round,” says Dr. Ulmer.

Try a topical antioxidant like Vitamin C for a natural remedy against sun-damaged skin. “Use of topical Vitamin C has been shown to improve fine lines, course wrinkles, skin laxity, skin tone, and yellowing and roughness of the skin,” says Dr. Ulmer. Antioxidants will reverse the signs of aging and increase the brightness of aging skin. “It is important to remember that topical antioxidants must be applied prior to UV exposure to be effective. Ideally, apply a few drops prior to application of your broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning,” says Dr. Ulmer.


SLIDESHOW: The best ANTI AGING RETINOL CREAMS

You can also try an external retinoid (over the counter cream with ingredients like Vitamin A) to improve the look of youthful skin. “Tretinoin (a trans-retinoic acid) is a well-known product amongst dermatologists that can help to ‘turn back the clock’ by improving the appearance of photo damage including wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation,” says Dr. Ulmer.

Lastly, the easiest way to keep that fresh, youthful glow in your skin is to maintain a balanced lifestyle. “A healthy diet, adequate exercise, limited alcohol consumption and avoidance of smoking and tanning salons will keep you and your skin looking and feeling your best,” says Dr. Ulmer.

Discover more breakthrough anti-aging secrets.

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