Q&A: Put Your Best Face Forward: No Incisions Required

Do you want to experience all of the benefits of plastic surgery without getting a surgical facelift? If so, you’ll be glad to know that there are a host of less invasive options available today that are designed to help you look younger without having to invest too much time, pain, or expense in the process. For instance, if you have wrinkles, age spots, sagging eye lids, or thin lips and are desperate for a quick fix, there is sure to be an over-the-counter remedy available at your local drugstore. Or, if you want to take a more aggressive approach, consider the variety of simple out-patient procedures your dermatologists can perform right in his or her office.

One of the biggest challenges you may face, though, is that with so many products and techniques on the market today, it can be almost impossible to choose which ones to use. To help you navigate your way through the medley of choices, here’s a rundown of some of the popular anti-aging products and procedures worth looking into and a quick overview of what they can (and cannot) realistically do for you.

Q: So many of the latest anti wrinkle creams promise to make me look years younger with fewer wrinkles and smoother skin. Are these promises realistic, or are the manufacturers just trying to rope consumers in?

A: You’ve seen the ads that promise to turn back the hands of time and virtually erase your wrinkles, making you look decades younger. But do these really work? The truth is that there isn’t any miracle cure in a bottle, but there are certain products that can make small differences to help you look better. The results you will get depend on a variety of factors. First and foremost is the active ingredient that the product contains. Some of the popular, and effective, ingredients to look for when shopping for anti-aging products include antioxidants such as Retinol and Tretinoin, which have been shown to treat wrinkles; Copper peptides, which help your body produce more collagen; hydroxy acids, which exfoliate your upper layer of skin to reveal the smoother, newer skin below the surface; Coenzyme Q10, which can be effective in targeting some of those small wrinkles that form around your eyes, Kinetin, which improves the appearance of wrinkles by helping boost your skin’s moisture level; and tea extracts that help reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. You can also see your dermatologist for some recommendations on products that may be an especially good choice for your problem areas.

Q: Do anti-wrinkle creams, lotions, and other products pose any safety hazards?

A: In general, most anti-wrinkle creams and lotions on the market today are considered safe. One of the biggest dangers you may face in using them will be to your wallet, since the price that manufacturers charge can span a wide range. Furthermore, the experts warn that the benefit you will get is usually not related to the expense. But that being said, it is also important to know that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) classifies these products under the broader cosmetic heading, which means that they aren’t regulated as strictly as items that fall under the drug class. As a result, the safety and effectiveness has not been evaluated as it would be if it had broader health benefits. Some of the other potential risks to consider include whether the products make you more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage (as is the case with some products containing alpha hydroxy acids) or can be dangerous for pregnant women (which is true with Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives). Always read the labels carefully, and when it doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Finally, remember that no matter what topical remedies you select, they aren’t a substitute for good daily skin care. Most health professionals say you will still need to wash and moisturize your face, get enough sleep, avoid smoking, steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption, and use sunscreen every day.

Q: What is the difference between using an over-the-counter product and getting a procedure done in my doctor’s office?

A: While some of the over-the-counter creams and lotions may make some small changes to your skin that will make you look and feel younger, they won’t usually achieve results as dramatic as you might get from the products and procedures you can access through your dermatologist’s office. Your doctor may suggest a stronger prescription cream that can intensify the effects you will get. Or, you may need to go to the next level, which includes a host of non-invasive techniques that can often be performed right in the exam chair. This includes Botox injections, a treatment that consists of injecting small amounts of a bacterium directly into your muscles to prevent them from moving and results in a smoother, less wrinkled appearance. There are also a number of resurfacing techniques that are very popular. Laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are a few of the different professional techniques currently used to remove your upper layer of damaged skin to reveal the newer skin beneath. If you are considering any of these options, just be sure to talk to your doctor about what is involved, how long the effects will last (some procedures need to be repeated periodically to maintain the benefits), and what kind of recovery process you should expect.