Everyone ages in their own way. In a recent article on Fstoppers.com titled “10 Incredible GIFs Showing How Aging Changes Our Appearance,” one photographer snapped pictures of men and women to mimic a photo of them 50 to 60 years earlier. Joel Schlessinger MD says the differences between their young and old photos are incredible.
“Clearly, these are some of the most impressive before and after pictures we have ever seen,” he says.
The signs of aging are unpredictable, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.
Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage are just a few things that come with aging. Joel Schlessinger MD says these signs of aging can be delayed by taking care of your skin and seeing a skin care specialist.
“Luckily, many of these changes are completely avoidable with sun protection and little tweaks such as Botox, fillers and Ultherapy,” he says. “Many of these individuals would have been easily treated with these simple options.”
These treatment options have become popular among patients who want to delay fine lines and deep wrinkles.
“The newest paradigm is to completely avoid the advanced aging processes by using Botox and fillers to forestall it,” Joel Schlessinger MD says. “We are fortunate to be living in such an age.”
Joel Schlessinger MD says proper skin care can also keep your complexion looking youthful.
The best way to prevent premature aging and sun damage is to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every day. Along with proper sun protection, Joel Schlessinger MD recommends finding products that cater to your specific concerns. LovelySkin carries a wide variety of anti-wrinkle treatments, skin brighteners and more.
Do you have a question for Joel Schlessinger MD? Let us know in the comment section.
Wearing sunscreen every day may help prevent photoaging of the skin, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine titled “Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging: A Randomized Trial.” The study found that regular sun protection helps prevent signs of aging, helping people look younger longer.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger isn’t surprised that sunscreen could be beneficial in more ways than one.
Daily sun protection is something Dr. Joel Schlessinger and other dermatologists have stood by for years, but this is the first large-scale study to support this advice.
The study had one group of participants use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day while another group used the product at their discretion. After four and a half years, the people who wore daily sun protection were 24% less likely to show more rapid signs of aging.
The importance of a daily sunscreen is something Dr. Joel Schlessinger stresses to all his patients. A broad spectrum sunscreen is essential because, while all sun protection products fight UVB rays that burn the skin, not all formulas protect against UVA rays that age the skin. Shielding your skin from both aging and burning rays promotes a more youthful appearance.
It’s also important to apply sunscreen correctly, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
UV damage can reach your skin even if you’re inside all day. For optimal results, apply sun protection to your face, neck, arms, hands and any other exposed areas every day. Additionally, most people only apply about 25% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. A full ounce, or the equivalent of a full shot glass, is enough to completely cover your skin. The product should also be reapplied after swimming, heavy sweating or whenever you spend more than a few hours outside.
Do you wear sunscreen every day? Share with us in the comments.
The national media has recently reported that women using skin care products that contain retinol should be cautious when it comes to waxing. Although this may seem like common knowledge to some, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says that this is very important to remember in order to avoid skin damage.
Retinol is found in many skin care products, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Retinol is a common ingredient found in both over-the-counter and prescription skin care products. It is commonly used to fight the signs of aging and treat acne blemishes. One of the side effects of this drug is that the skin cells become sensitive and are less likely to stick together.
Because the cells are less likely to stick together, the force of pulling wax off the skin would cause the skin to come off deeper than it should, causing irritation or even scarring.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger says waxing can cause pain and scarring to those that use retinol products.
“We advise all of our waxing patients to avoid retinol products,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “If you regularly use a retinol product, you should stop using it about 5 days before getting waxed.”
Waxing is commonly used to remove hair from the upper lip, eyebrows and other areas of the face where retinol products may be used. A thin spread of wax is applied on the skin and then ripped off against the direction of the hair growth in order to remove the hair from the root. While this form of hair removal is effective, it can be abrasive to sensitive and retinol-treated skin.
There are alternatives to waxing if you use retinol products. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends his favorite below.
“Be sure to tell your esthetician if you use any retinol products before you get waxed so they can choose the right form of hair removal for you,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Other forms of hair removal are readily available and some of them are even permanent!”
As an alternative to waxing, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends using the me smooth Hair Removal Device. This FDA-approved at-home laser hair removal device makes hair removal quick and easy. Learn more about the me smooth Hair Removal Device here.
Do you use retinol products? How do they affect your normal skin care routine? Share with us in the comments.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger performs cosmetic surgery daily at Skin Specialists PC. One of the most popular procedures is wrinkle-relaxing injections such as Botox, Dysport or Xeomin and wrinkle fillers like Restylane and Perlane. However, many patients are skeptical about the use of cosmetic injections and how long they will last. Many people want to know why use fillers and wrinkle relaxers when you can get a permanent facelift?
“The simple explanation is that facelifts are going to look good at one point in time and gradually, as you change, they won’t have the ability to change with you,” says Joel Schlessinger. “That’s the reason that most people can tell when someone has had a facelift.”
Injections like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines, wrinkles and other areas in the face. It leaves the skin appearing smooth and youthful. Results can last up to six months before another injection may be needed.
Other injections like Restylane and Perlane fill in lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking youthful and smooth.
With permanent plastic surgeries like a facelift, the skin is pulled tight across the face to limit the appearance of sagging and wrinkles in the skin. The results are dramatic and long-lasting, but as Dr. Joel Schlessinger pointed out, this can leave your face looking unnatural.
“Many times, a facelift is the only option if people go too long without injections, but the new paradigm is to treat early so you can avoid the cost, risk and significant alteration of your appearance,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
“Botox, Dysport and Xeomin as well as fillers like Restylane and Perlane provide a much more natural appearance and they can be adjusted over time, which leads to a much more graceful way of aging,” said Joel Schlessinger.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that lifts and tightens skin. In the video below, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how this treatment uses ultrasound to improve the appearance of wrinkles on the face and neck.
When using Ultherapy, there is no need for injections as it is a non-invasive procedure that has little or no downtime! It is a very short and simple process with minimal pain or discomfort. Watch this video to learn more about the procedure from Dr. Joel Schlessinger and see real results experienced by his patients.
As we age, our skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. Wrinkles begin to appear as a result of facial expressions, sun damage, smoking, dehydration and genetics. These creases, folds and ridges are a common concern for many, but luckily, there are several procedures and treatment products available for those who want to maintain a youthful appearance.
Joel Schlessinger MD’s recent presentation on frequently asked questions about wrinkle treatments discusses wrinkle relaxer and filler options to help minimize these visible signs of aging. He also highlights a few recommendations for products proven to help you achieve a youthful complexion. For specific treatment options, you should make an appointment to see your local dermatologist.
What do you use to fight fine lines and wrinkles? Share with us in the comments.
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. Eventually creases and lines form in the skin. Similarly, when our skin is damaged by the sun, free radicals or other harmful environmental factors, furrows and folds begin to develop in the weakened skin. These creases, folds and furrows are also known as wrinkles.
To many, wrinkles can be seen as unsightly. While there are many cosmetic and plastic surgery options to fix these wrinkles, many people may want a less evasive way to treat and prevent future wrinkles. Joel Schlessinger MD tells us what topical products can be used to treat wrinkles.
What causes wrinkles? Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.
“Wrinkles can take the form of a crease or can simply be evidenced by accelerated sun damage,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Joel Schlessinger MD says it is important to note that what works is often dependent upon the patient.
“What is important for a 25-year old is clearly not the same for a 45-year old,” he said. “The region of the country matters, too – someone in Florida, with the humidity and sun, is going to be more concerned about sun protection than someone in Minnesota, for example.”
It’s very important to note factors that have caused wrinkles in people before selecting a proper topical treatment. However, generally speaking, there are several products that have been known to make a difference in wrinkles.
Joel Schlessinger MD shares his recommended topical wrinkle treatments.
“When I see a person with wrinkles in the office, I always encourage them to try Retin A or some form of it,” said the doctor.
Retin A is a prescription cream that improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other common skin ailments like acne and dark spots. It promotes the turnover of healthy skin and the growth of collagen, leaving your complexion looking younger and smoother.
“Additionally, if a patient has pigmentation issues such as brown spots, melasma (splotches) or roughness along with their wrinkles, I encourage them to try the Obagi regimen.”
The Obagi skin care line offers condition-specific skin treatments that work aggressively yet gently. With regular use of the regimen, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in skin texture and tone.
Have you ever considered getting Botox injections? If you’re still on the fence about this anti wrinkle treatment, watch the following videos and learn more about this quick and easy procedure.
There have been over 9,000 Botox injections performed since it hit the market in 2002. This proven treatment relaxes the facial muscles, resulting in minimized fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains pre-treatment and performs a Botox procedure
In this first video, Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses the preparation of Botox as well as the pre-treatment steps, which includes a consultation and photos. The consultation allows the patient to see their areas of concern as well as receive advice from the medical professionals on other areas that could benefit from an injection.
After the consultation, Dr. Joel Schlessinger will perform the Botox injections. As you can see in the video, the actual procedure is very fast and relatively painless.
Joel Schlessinger MD shows results from the Botox procedure
In the second video, Joel Schlessinger MD explains what to expect after a Botox injection. Gradually, you will fewer wrinkles and fine lines as your frown muscles begin to relax. Dr. Joel Schlessinger then goes over the photos from this patient’s treatment.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger and the LovelySkin retail store recently hosted an Ultherapy event. This informational session offered insight and knowledge on this groundbreaking cosmetic procedure, as well as skin care tips, special discounts, prizes, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Event attendees also received an Ultherapy consultation as well as a $50 store or cosmetic credit for use at LovelySkin. Dr. Joel Schlessinger also selected one lucky event attendee to receive a free upper face Ultherapy treatment, valued at $1750.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger would like to give kudos to the amazing staff that helped put on this wonderful affair. Without their organization, hard work and dedication, the Ultherapy event wouldn’t have been such a wild success.
Botox injections are used to stop muscle spasms, migraines and the progression of wrinkles. Dr. Joel Schlessinger uses Botox treatments in many of his patients who are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles.
Using Botox for wrinkles can make a major improvement in the appearance of mature skin. But many people have concerns about using Botox injections – and many people want to know, is Botox a poison?
Botox for wrinkles works by weakening the muscles that contract and cause lines. Without these muscles contracting, fine lines and wrinkles will not appear in the skin.
You can usually see the result of Botox treatments in 2 to 4 days and results tend to last 4 to 6 months.
The amount of Botox for wrinkles is small and diluted so it only affects select areas of the body.
“Many would consider Botox in the poison range only in huge doses that wouldn’t ever be injected for minor procedures like wrinkle treatments,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
So, are Botox treatments poisonous? The doctor says technically yes, but it isn’t something you should worry about.
“Yes, it is a poison, just as penicillin is a mold,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Medications often straddle the line between poison and savior. We treat almost all cancers with drugs that are nothing more than a poison, but the benefits are tremendous.”
