Plastic surgeon reveals ‘single best method’ to reduce signs of aging – but ignore an ingredient with ‘marketing hype’
JUST because you act your age doesn’t mean you have to look like it — as long as you follow some simple steps from a plastic surgeon.
Who says you have to appear as a mere mortal when one change to your routine could reverse the signs of aging?
THOU SHALT STAY AWAY FROM UV
Plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Forley has shared his top crepey skin combatting commandment.
“Protecting the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage is the single best method to maintain skin tone,” he told The U.S. Sun.
He said this will “reduce the onset of wrinkles, lines, and pigmentation changes that occur as we get older.”
You’re also never too young to follow another skin-saving step — use sunscreen.
“The consequences of photoaging occur gradually, but often counter our best efforts to maintain a youthful appearance,” he said.
You can also smooth your skin with some of the products he has in his anti-aging arsenal, such as SkinMedica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator.
Adding this befor moisturizer enhances skin hydration by promoting the absorption of water, he explained.
“A moisturizer will then help to maintain the hydration within the skin cells, ultimately improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” he said.
FORGET ABOUT THIS FAD
Dr. Forley wants to forbid you from following a fad that he doesn’t think has any skin-boosting benefits — collagen.
He described collagen as a structural protein composed of amino acids that is commonly found in the skin and connective tissue throughout the body.
It might seem to be all the rage, but you better save your money because it doesn’t rewind the clock.
“It has recently gained popularity as a dietary supplement, or topical cream, to reverse the natural decline in its production by the body that occurs with aging,” he said.
“Unfortunately, most of the claims regarding the benefits of collagen supplements or creams are unsubstantiated and amount to marketing hype,” he continued.
“The molecular size of collagen makes it unable to penetrate the outer layer of the skin when applied topically.
“Collagen is altered by stomach acids when ingested, making its benefits for the skin uncertain.”
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the key building blocks for your body, including your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
“Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look,” dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz told Cedars-Sinai.
While the body naturally produces collagen, these levels decrease as we age, starting from the time we hit our mid-20s.
“For women, we can lose up to 30% of our collagen production in the first five years of menopause,” she added.
RADICAL APPROACH
To be better equipped for the battle against aging, he advocates for a two-pronged strategy to “improve the qualitative aspects of the skin and prevent further damage.”
It all comes down to carrying out a radical approach to combat free radicals, the molecules that can damage the structural support of the skin by negatively affecting the integrity of collagen.
“They can be the byproduct of sun exposure or skin inflammation that is frequently related to dry, poorly hydrated skin,” he said.
For your best age-defying defense, he suggests using products containing anti-oxidants.
His favorite finds include Skin Better’s Science Alto Defense Serum and Phloretin CF from SkinCeuticals.
Buy it now
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SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $184, SkinMedica
Skin Better Science Alto Defense Serum, $170, Skin Better Science
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, $182, SkinCeuticals
Defenage 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-Aging Cream, $95, Defenage
Skin Better Science Alpha Ret Overnight Cream, $140, Skin Better Science
“Smoothing of existing lines and wrinkles and an improvement in skin tone and texture can be attained by the use of Defenage,” he said.
He said the brand offers products that promote skin regeneration by stimulating stem cells with the topical application of defensins, small peptides that are part of the immune system.
“It also makes the skin appear more radiant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation,” he said.
If you want a “scientifically proven” way to reduce lines and wrinkles by accelerating the renewal of skin cells, you’ll want to reap the benefits of retinoid products.
He even has a solution for those struggling with skin sensitivity — Skin Better Science sells an AlphaRet Overnight Cream.
“[This] has been formulated to enhance the benefits of retinoids but decreases the irritation that has been known to occur in some patients who use retinoids regularly,” he said.