anti-aging

Here’s to Beautiful Skin!! Top 30 List

Looking for the best anti-aging skin care products?

I first wrote this post in 2009- 10 year ago. As we approach the holidays and winter, I thought this is a perfect time to update my list and add some cautionary tips.

Since buying skincare products is very confusing let’s first look at how to read skincare product labels to ensure that you are buying effectively.

Read to to the end. The first 5 ingredients are the bulk of the formula. However low-levels can also be effective, but don’t expect much
Watch out for alcohol listed as one of the first three ingredients – buy another product
Some of the ingredients have long names which refer to their chemical structure
Most brands add additional ingredients for the uniqueness of the brand, that does not mean it is more or less effective

Look for these ingredients when buying anti-aging skin care products. You can find many of these ingredients on your dermatologist and plastic surgeon’s shelf.

You can also find many of these ingredients in OTC products sold in Sephora or on websites like The Dermstore.

Keep in mind that many OTC products have some of these ingredients- however strengths differ. Professional skincare products sold through aesthetic practices usually contain higher strengths of some of these ingredients especially Retinol.

Look for clinical trials

Here’s is my updated list of 30 good healthy skin ingredients.

Retinol- Vitamin A and Tretinoin (prescription) best anti-aging ingredient
Also available Retinol in none-prescription strength
Vitamin C ester- the most stable form of Vitamin C Anti-oxidant
Cerimides- seal in moisture
Collagen- benefits your hair, skin and nails
L-Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – also Vitamin C
Tacapherol and Tootrienol AKA Vitamin E- helps fight wrinkles and fines lines
Alpha lipoic acid-superior anti-oxidant reduces the sign of aging
Ferulic acid- antioxidant and anti-aging
Hyaluronic acid-hydration. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water
Vitamin K- helps with dark circles under the eyes
Squalane- hydration
Jojoba oil- rich in Vitamin E, zinc and B-vitamins
Vitamin F– linoleum acid – Omega rich for heath looking skin
Kojic Acid-brightens and is an anti-oxidant
Niacinimide– brightening and hydrating
Mandelic Acid– exfoliating sensitive skin
Marula Oil– good for dry skin, anti-microbial
Lactic Acid-caution it can be drying
Coenzyme -Q-10– powerfull anti-oxidant and boosts collagen
Kinetin- reduces signs of aging and uneven pigment
Glycolic and other alpha and beta hydroxy acids-powerful exfoliants to boost collagen and elastin
Argirelene, GHK, and cooper peptides-antibacterial and anti-infammatory
DMAE– this ingredient is banned in Canada- anti-aging and fine lines
Idebenone, thiotaine and other anti-oxidants- improves fine lines and wrinkles and prevents cell damage
Peptides- are short chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins for texture, strength and resilience
Green Tea– anti-aging
Resveratrol- powerful anti-oxidant
Waglerin-1 a peptide found in Temple Viper- helps fight against sagging
Growth Factors- help to maintain height skin structure and function
Plant Stem Cells-help to renew your skin

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, 1.12 Oz Skinceuticals Retinol 1 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, 1 Fluid Ounce SkinCeuticals Ce Ferulic Bottle, 1 oz.

And watch out for product containing Parabens, Sulfates, Artificial Dyes, and too many acids with vitamin C.

To Beautiful Skin!!!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may make a commission.

Love,

Review: Skin Tightening Without Surgery Thermage FLX- Five Months After

I had my first Thermage treatment for a loose neckline in 2009, as I was a long way away from any surgery. Ouch! The treatment was not only very painful, I saw no results.

So when Dr. Vic Narurkar , San Francisco dermatologist and Laser King asked if I’d like to try the new Thermage treatment for training purposes, I said yes. For years, Thermage has been called “the gold standard” for skin tightening.

Thermage FLX delivers radio-frequency energy deep below the surface of the skin were the collagen is produced. The energy heats and smooths out the existing collagen and creates new collagen. It also heats up the skin faster. FLX is the newest version and a big game changer as it produces more predictable results. The tips are 33% larger so larger treatment surface areas can be treated, allowing for faster treatment times. A face and neck can be done under 60 minutes, making all the treatment areas more comfortable. You will see immediate off the table results but optimal results are generally at the 3 to 6 month mark . Retreatment is done every 1 to 3 years.

I’m always a little skeptical about skin tightening devices. Patient selection is key, as not everyone will benefit. Since my last Thermage in 2009, I’ve had a face and neck lift. However, my neck was never tight enough, so I was willing to give this a try.

I expected to get numbing cream before the treatment, even though I knew it could not hurt as much as the first time. I was told that I did not need numbing cream and that it would not hurt. My anxiety level went up 100%. However, I put my faith into Dr. Narurkar’s skilled hands and trusted him. Once we started the treatment, I was incredibly surprised to feel almost nothing. I was dozing off. Amazing!

Dr. Narurkar used a setting of 2.5 to 3.5 on my face and 1.5 to 2 on submentum and 0.5 to 1 on my neck. 900 count tip. About 4 to 6 passes per anatomic area.

Sadly, Dr. Vic Narurkar suddenly passed away in late January this year. He is greatly missed.

Right after my treatment, my face had a nice glow and I could see it looked tighter.

It’s been five months since my treatments. I see a little lifting around my jaw line. My brows do look elevated. It’s hard to tell if there is any improvement in my neck, but I was not expecting much.

In conclusion, Thermage FLX is extremely comfortable. As results improve over time, you have to be patient. It’s not a quick fix. Results take 3-6 months. The treatment is a great adjunct after a facelift. If I had a Thermage treatment soon after my facelift, my facelift may have lasted longer than it did. As I said, patient selection is important and you have to manage your expectations. Combining Thermage FLX with Botox and Fillers helps in maintaining a youthful appearance. Keep in mind, if you really need a facelift and have lots of loose, sagging skin you may not be happy with the results. Results are different with each person. Before you decide, please seek the advise of a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who has a lot of experience in treating patients of all age groups with Thermage.

Before Thermage FLX

Sadly Dr. Vic Narurkar passes away suddenly in January this year.

Plastic Surgery Preparation and After Care Tips

As a plastic surgery coach I work with many clients throughout their plastic surgery journey, which also includes post-operative after care services.

It is very important if you are considering any plastic surgery procedure regardless of how small, that you prepare for the surgery and prepare for after care services. You may think that your friend or family member can take care of your needs after your surgery, however, it has been my experience time and time again that this is not a wise choice.

It is important to think about your plastic surgery recovery, even if your plastic surgeon says you will be fine. It is in your best interest to fully prepare for your after care with a Plan A and Plan B. Your recovery depends on this. Think of after care as part of your plastic surgery costs. You are protecting your investment. Budget for between $350.00 – $1200 for your after care, not including any costs for accommodations. The cost will depend on if you are staying at an after care facility, hotel or Airbnb. The cost per day or per hour for after care services, your geographic location and whether you hire an RN. An RN is more costly and not really necessary unless you need IV meds or your surgeon insists you stay in the hospital overnight.

Preparation

Prepare your body and mind for surgery. Take vitamins, increase your protein, hydrate and rest the days leading up to surgery.
Purchase everything you need in advance. Don’t wait until the day before surgery.
Line up a surgical buddy for emotional support, either a friend who understands or hire a plastic surgery coach.
Arrange for time off of work. Always add on a little more time as everyone heals differently.
If you are out- of- town, arrange for a hotel stay near the surgeon’s office. Ask the hotel if they provide room service and let them know you will be recovering from a surgical procedure.
If you have small kids, arrange for a baby sitter in advance.
If you have animals, arrange for a dog walker or even kennel you animals for the first few days.
Arrange for after care services with your surgeon’s office or go online to find a reputable service. Friends and family are not the best after care people as they usually have no prior experience in taking care of a recovering plastic surgery patient. You may have drains, leaky body fluids, bruising and swelling. You will be emotional and in some discomfort. You are doing yourself a disservice by not planning for the proper after care.
Always have a Plan B for your plastic surgery recovery. Don’t wait until the day of surgery.
Remember you need to rest for a successful recovery.