7 effective ways of slowing the skin aging clock

There are so many creams and gadgets available today that promise youth. However, there are only a few treatments that have been shown in clinical studies to be safe and effective when performed by a board certified physician such as a board certified dermatologist. The recommendations here are primers to help you start the conversation about slowing the skin aging clock with your board certified dermatologist.

1. Sun protection: wear sun protective clothing (wide brimmed hat, sun glasses, Rash guard), broad spectrum sunscreen. No matter what your age is or how far along the skin aging process you are, you will benefit from making this simple change. It's never too late to start sun protection!

2. Retinoid creams: topical retinoid creams are derived from vitamin A and are available over-the-counter as Retinol. Prescription strength retinoids such as Retin-A, Differin are very effective in diminishing fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. They also slow the skin aging process down at the molecular level by plumping up collagen in the skin. Prescription strength retinoids are much more effective that the over the counter Retinol. Visit your board certified dermatologist for a prescription of a retinoid cream.

3. Anti-oxidant cream: use a moisturizer with anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E daily. New scientific research suggests that the combination of infrared and visible light causes about 10 to 20 percent of sun damage. Infrared radiation may also release free radicals and accelerates aging. While UV rays account for only 6.8 percent of solar light, infrared, which we mainly experience as the heat of the sun, makes up 54.3 percent (the rest, called "visible light," is what we see as the colors of the rainbow).

4. Chemical peels: excellent choice used to address mild fine lines and wrinkles and skin discoloration. Chemical peels remove the outer layers of the skin and encourage the growth of new, smoother, radiant skin with even complexion. Chemical peels can range from superficial, medium to deep peels. The benefits of superficial peels last for a few months, while results from deep peels can last several years. Your board certified dermatologist can discuss which chemical peel will be best for you.

5. Botox and Dysport: repetitive movement of muscles of facial expression cause lines and wrinkles. Injection of neuromodulators such as Botox or Dysport can relax the muscles and smooth out the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

6. Dermal fillers: injections of dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid can add volume and smooth out wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring in the skin. Sun exposure, smoking can accelerate the breakdown of hyaluronic acid and lead to volume loss, fine lines and wrinkles.

7. Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing uses high-intensity light energy to improve the look of wrinkles and scars by tightening loose skin. The benefits of laser resurfacing usually last between two and five years or longer provided you follow the skin rejuvenation regimen prescribed to you by your board certified dermatologist.

Join me again next week as I discuss another interesting topic in this series.