As the baby boomers age, the skin care industry continues to advance. The skin, like many other organs, requires care, maintenance and prevention.
Many new products promote the use of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. The use of antioxidants reduces the number of free radicals circulating which reduces the incidence of cell mutations leading to eventual cell damage. Moisture and elasticity are often compromised as we age. Sun spots, broken capillaries and wrinkles become more apparent. All of these conditions should be assessed and then a skin care plan can be implemented.
Consulting a skin care specialist is the first step in developing a skin care plan. After determining skin type and identifying any concerns or problems, an appropriate at home skin care routine should be outlined. This should be relatively simple with as few steps as possible to insure compliance.
Advanced treatments should be considered as well. Regular facials for hydration or problematic skin as well as sensitive skin can be very beneficial. The use of microdermabrasion and photofacial treatments with intense pulse light will address the texture and tone of the skin. Photofacial treatments are also appropriate for the treatment of rosacea and can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries.  Facial wrinkles and lines can become less apparent through the use of injectables.
Botox   is very effective in reducing the wrinkles associated with expression. This would include crows feet, the line in between the eyes, often referred to as the “11” and the lines of the forehead seen when raising the brow. If injected appropriately you will not lose the ability to express yourself but you will lose the wrinkling associated with the expression.
Fillers such as restylane and juvaderm are effective in filling in lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds) or from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines). The lips can also be enhanced with these products. Restylane and juvaderm contain hylauronic acid which is a natural product; therefore allergic reactions are not usually seen.
Technology and scientific advancements continue to provide us with procedures and products that are effective in maintaining healthy skin. For this generation, the less invasive and minimal downtime factors are very appealing.
Once you invest your time and resources into your treatments you will want to try and prevent further damage. The sun is the biggest culprit. UVA and UVB rays will stimulate the circulation of free radicals and cell damage.  Sunscreens are imperative all year long. Mexoryl recently approved by the FDA protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is now available in certain sunscreen products.
An individual’s self esteem is often affected by the way “they look.” With good skin care you can improve that “look “and greatly enhance your selfesteem.