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Serious Anti Aging Skin Care
By Lara Tallman

We are bombarded everyday - infomercials, celebrities' endorsements, pop-up web ads-with new products that claim to remove wrinkles, tighten skin, erase lines and remove fat, add fat. From the almost believable -to the unimaginable. What's a savvy consumer to believe, orto buy?

Serious anti-aging skin care, is there such a thing? Could there really be a miracle in a bottle? I know that I would love to wake-up in the morning and pour on that one special product that would keep my skin looking ageless, smooth and even like a child's. Medical science continues to research and improve unfortunately thatproduct doesn't exist-yet.

But if you are serious about anti-aging skin care, there are products and procedures that can slow the effects of aging on your skin. The first step is a visit to your Dermatologist or other medical skin care specialist, for a yearly check-up. This is important to insure that there are no underlying medical problems with your skin, such as pre-cancerous lesions, rosacea, or acne. This is also an excellent time to get some expert advice for your specific skin type. They are the experts and they have access to all the current medical research, but make sure to find a doctor that specializes (and is well trained) in cosmetics. Seeing a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is a good place to start. Be sure to express your concerns and bring a list of questions, so you don't forget anything. They can help you wade through the piles of information, lotions, serums and creams, and help you formulate a plan of action that willwork for you and your skin.

Sun Protection

The first and most important step in keeping your skin looking young is protecting it from the sun. Sun damage is cumulative; we all got too much exposure as children and tanning youth. Now, as adults, every small amount counts, so wear sun block every day and avoid exposure during the suns peak hours between 10 am and 3 pm. Many of the anti aging products include SPF for just this reason, but make sure you are using an SPFof 15 or higher.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is simply the removing of the outer, dead skin cells. As children our skin renews itself more often than when we age. Exfoliation helps speed that process again, uncovering new skin and encouraging new growth. Chemical exfoliation can be achieved with glycolic acids, gentle acids derived from sugar beets or fruit. Micro dermabraision is a form of manual exfoliation-think sandpaper or sandblasting-only much gentler of course. There are also products you can use at home, both the chemicalvariety and the manual type.

Antioxidants

Sun damage and exposure to environmental factors cause free-radical damage in the skin. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the skin. Antioxidants protect the skin against free radical damage. Many naturally antioxidants exist, including Vitamins C, A and E, selenium, grapes seeds, pomegranate green tea, with vitamin C being the most common and effective to be usedtopically.

Topical Creams and Serums

Besides topical anti-oxidants there are several products that improve the skins elasticity, texture and fine lines. Retinols, kinetin, idebenone, peptides. These products all have research to back-up their claims of effectiveness, but talk with your health-care provider to determine which ones will work the best for you. They may not be a one-stop fix, but they can offer small improvements, which certainly beats just letting naturetake its course.

Lasers

There are so many lasers, with so many miracle claims. The bottom line is some work, some don't. Unfortunately, is a spa or medical practice owns a particular laser, it may be recommended just because it's available. Again, talk about the research, look at before and after pictures and talk to someone who's had it done, but don't believe everything you readon the web.

Facials

Who doesn't love a facial? They are relaxing and wonderful, but they also have some benefits. You can add prescription ingredients if you go to a medical spa, for exfoliation and tightening. A facial will definitely improve you skins texture, and as a bonus you can quiz your esthetician about what's new and what they like (make sure they are experienced and well trained). You'll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed, and that will certainly make you look younger, at least until your five-year-old spills her grapejuice on the carpet.

Now you're ready to get out there and conquer the world of serious anti aging skin care. Do your homework and don't expect a miracle, but do take advantage of the treatments and products that will give you somebenefit.

Lara Tallman is a marketing consultant, designer and writer that specializes in healthcare and the automotive industry. A partner in BLaST creative, Brenda Segna and Lara Tallman write and design for optimal web pageranking.

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