Beauty Without the Surgery
By Ellen Moncton 


Our elders tell us that we should grow old gracefully. That's not bad advice by any means- aging is a natural process, and it shouldn't put a dent in our self-esteem. Still, it's hard to look in the mirror and see signs that we're not 20 years old any more. They say you're only as old as you feel, but when those fine lines start creeping up on us, we may start to feel older as well.

Sometimes the first thing that pops into our minds is plastic surgery. That's certainly an option, but it is an expensive (not to mention painful) one. And then there's Botox, which is temporarily effective, but it's also a neurotoxin. Fortunately, the early signs of aging rarely require such drastic action. There are treatments that can minimize fine lines and make our skin look younger without going under the knife. Our options include:

• Microdermabrasion - This is a process that removes dead cells from the skin, leaving it fresher looking and reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It also makes it easier for your skin to absorb topical treatments. Originally done only by dermatologists, you can now purchase home microdermabrasion kits.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids - AHAs are used in many skin care products. Like microdermabrasion, they exfoliate dead skin cells. But they are used to improve the pigmentation of sun-damaged skin as well. It is also thought that alpha hydroxy acids may increase the production of collagen and elastin, two of the things that our skin loses as we age.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing - Lasers are used for all sorts of things these days, and one of their newer applications is skin resurfacing. This non-invasive treatment can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It's also great for acne scars and other types of scarring.

• Over-the-Counter Treatments - There are all sorts of treatments available for fine lines and wrinkles. Some work better than others, and what works for your best friend may or may not work for you. When trying new treatments, be sure to give them at least a couple of weeks to see how well they work. Most do not produce visible results for at least that long.

Preventing Early Aging

When it comes to the signs of aging, it's more effective to be proactive than reactive. Treating your skin well will keep it looking youthful longer. Here are a few tips:

• Protect your skin from the sun. Sun damage is one of the most common contributors to premature aging, so make sunblock a part of your daily routine.

• Don't smoke. Smoking depletes collagen, and it causes the development of fine lines around the mouth. Besides that, it's bad for much more than just your skin.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins that will keep our skin youthful and healthy, including vitamin A and beta carotene.

• Keep your skin well moisturized. Dry skin is more prone to aging. Use a good moisturizer each day, and drink plenty of water.

Reducing the signs of aging is one of the biggest beauty concerns for women. But taking good care of our skin can delay and reduce the effects of time. And when the years do begin to catch up with us, we can make our skin look younger without resorting to surgery.