The skin is the largest organ of the body. It regulates body temperature and protects us from dehydration and injury. It is radiant and flawless with even tone, radiant glow, full lips and utter lack of wrinkles. Beautiful skin is a valuable commodity and within reach.

There are two basic types of aging. The first type is chronological, laying within your DNA, so it is a good idea to glance at your parents to see what the future holds for you. The second type is environmental, smoking, pollution, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and exposure to the sun. Signs of aging include dry skin, wrinkles, large pores, redness, and decreased healing capability. In addition there is increased roughness, dark spots, excessive wrinkling, and sagging skin.

Start with analyzing your skin. Often wrinkles are the major factor, but they are not the only factor. Sunken cheeks, dark circles under the eyes, sagging skin, and loss of facial fat all play a role in the aging skin. Here is where “lunch time procedures” come into play. “Lunch time procedures” include Botox, collagen injections, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and various types of laser procedures. An advantage of these procedures is that they can be combined for an even more dramatic effect.

Botox is considered to be the greatest advance in cosmetic medicine. Botox has many uses. The most common is to smooth wrinkles resulting from different muscle motions, often found around the eye, across the forehead, between the brows, around the mouth and also in the neck. This procedure takes a few minutes, and effects can lasts up to 3-4 months. Whether you’ve never heard of Botox or have been contemplating it for a while, remember that Botox delivers maximum results with the least recuperation time. You will still look like yourself, only a more refreshed, more energized version.

Injectable fillers are the most effective way to improve a long list of skin woes. They can soften the appearance of wrinkles and scars, restore a youthful look to the face and give lips fullness. The most important thing to remember is that all of these procedures are meant to enhance the lips and face with an end result that is appropriate for your face.

The list of fillers material available today is long and ever-changing. There is bovine to human derived to synthetic. The most commonly used ones are:

• No-animal hyaluronic acid and genetically engineered hyaluronic acid. It binds with water to increase volume.

• Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm, which can last up to six months.

• Synthetic Ca hydroxyl apatite

• Radiesse, which provides a long lasting effect. Radiesse can last up to a year and there is some evidence that it can stimulate your own natural collagen production.

Please see next month’s Your Health Magazine as we continue to discuss additional anti-aging treatments available in Southern Maryland.