As we age, our body undergoes many natural changes associated with aging skin. Genes determine the natural aging process which cannot be altered. But, that said, there is a lot we can do to minimize the effects of premature skin aging which are caused by our environment and lifestyle.

There is intrinsic aging which is characterized by decreased production of collagen and elastin. This is what gives skin its strength and elasticity. Other characteristics include decreased skin cell turnover or shedding of dead cells and loss of fat beneath the skin. These changes are seen in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, thin skin, hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as sagging dry skin which may itch.

When it comes to intrinsic aging, you may want to think about Microdermabrasion or Facial Sculpting. In many cases, these treatments can provide some pretty dramatic results with regard to fine lines and wrinkles. Certainly a good skin care program will help as well.

Then there is extrinsic aging. This is usually caused by the effects of the sun. These changes resemble the natural aging of skin only they appear much earlier in life. I have to admit I have issues with this. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and was a sun-worshipper. I would spend day after day laying in the 110 plus degree sun. I loved it. My tanning oil of choice was baby oil and Iodine. For years I had the best sun tan you can imagine and never thought of having to deal with the effects years down the road. However, the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, meaning that your skin never forgets your tans and burns, even from childhood! I remember one time going to Mexico over Spring Break and getting the most severe sunburn I’d ever had in my life. I had second degree burns. The doctor who treated me commented, ” you don’t even know how much damage you have just done to yourself.” Of course being young and immortal, I just blew off his comments and once healed, was back in the sun again.

Your degree of premature aging depends on the total amount of sun you have received over the years. Of course smoking can also age skin by producing oxygen free radicals which cause premature wrinkles. If you don’t quit smoking for health’s sake, how about quitting for vanities sake?

While you can never start a good skin care program to early in life, I also believe it’s never too late to start a good program. Until they close the coffin there will probably always be things you can do to make a difference.

With modern technology and advances in skin care and makeup as well as all of the procedures we have today, we can turn back time somewhat which is a Baby Boomers dream. You would probably want to look at the non-surgical options first. If all else fails there’s always plastic surgery. However, there are some terrific non-surgical alternatives such as microdermabrasion and facial sculpting, both which are offered at Fantasia.