Getting older sucks. It just does. Things change, they droop, they sag, they wrinkle. Aging wreaks havoc especially on your skin. I did a blog post a few months back, extolling the virtues of injectables like Botox. But what if you’re not ready for Botox??? Maybe its the money, it can burn up the budget. Maybe its the fear factor, needles in your face doesn’t sound appealing to you? Or maybe you have some moral objection to any sort of cosmetic procedure, (never say never, just saying.) Or, you might be knocked up and not allowed to get it. Whatever the reason, there are other options out there. Will any of them do the same thing that Botox does? Nope, not exactly, but it’s certainly worth trying!
I reached out to skincare expert, Kelly Wolff, of Charlotte Plastic Surgery, to find some alternatives.
Amanda: So what if you’re just not ready for Botox?
Kelly: Botox® is FDA approved to temporarily correct facial wrinkles and if injected by an experienced Injector you should have a completely natural look. If you are still not ready I would recommend a few simple steps to help soften your wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin (the following steps should be used even if you receive Botox®).
1. First, I recommend regular exfoliation. This can be accomplished with a daily exfoliating cleanser or product with Alpha Hydroxy Acid and or Beta Hydroxy Acid. Or with an in-office chemical peel. Or both. I personally use SkinMedicaAHA/BHA Exfoliating cleanser every morning and have a chemical peel applied every 4-6 weeks.
2. Second, I recommend using a retinol or prescription Retin–A. As our skin ages the natural collagen production slows down. Retin-A helps to speed up our skins natural exfoliation process increasing the production of collagen and ultimately thickening the epidermis
3. The third step is a daily use of an Antioxidant such as Vitamin C. Antioxidants are proven to help prevent photo aging of the skin. Photo aging can result in sun spots, ruddy complexion and of course premature wrinkles.
It is also important to eat properly, exercise and avoid the sun as much as possible. These are all proven to affect our skin and the aging process. Visit us at Charlotte Plastic Surgery for a complimentary skin care consultation.
Amanda: What are some specific products and facial services you recommend, and are they safe for pregnant women?
Kelly: We carry both SkinMedica and Revisions skin care lines. Both are safe to use while pregnant and breast feeding. However, we recommend not using Retin-A or Retinol products while pregnant. Patients will need to consult with their doctor when they can safely begin using topical vitamin A (Tretinoin or retinol). of course during pregnancy our skin can go through changes as well. Acne and dry skin are two common issues. Adjusting your normal skin care regimen may be necessary. In office procedures such as microdermabrasion are safe to have while pregnant and breastfeeding. There are also superficial peels and masks that can be applied as well. As always it is best to consult with your doctor prior to a treatment.
Thanks Kelly for all the great information! I, myself, love a good microdermabrasion facial. It’s an instant feel good service! With my weird, hormonal pregnant skin issues, I’m always on the hunt for new skin care products for anti aging. I’ll share whatever I turn up. I’m about to order some new things and I’ll give you my assessment after using them for a bit.