March 2009

The skin on your face and neck is delicate, and age and lack of care will be noticeable in those places first. We can’t do much about age, but we can influence how we care for our faces and necks – really, don’t forget the neck!

Q: I have tried many wrinkle creams, but none of them seem to work. Why?

A: There can be many reasons why wrinkle creams don’t seem to work. If you smoke, no cream can undo the damage to your skin. Smoking causes biochemical reactions in the skin that accelerate aging. Stopping smoking is the single most powerful “anti-aging” strategy there is. Aside from that, there could be other factors:

When it comes to acne, there’s a world of information out there that doesn’t square with the truth. That’s likely not shocking because most acne sufferers are intensely engaged with the condition and have tried everything to treat it. Many believe common myths about acne and repeat them to others, perpetuating the myths and misinformation. Here are a few examples of “common wisdom” that many share about acne.

Q: I feel like I am looking older and have never done anything about it. Do I have to use expensive products to improve the appearance of my skin? Where do I start?

A: Aging skin, or “looking old,” is the result of two distinct causes – intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process that begins in our mid-20s.

Q: My acne has improved, but now I’m left with scars. How do I get rid of them? 

A: The only key approach to acne scars is prevention. Treat acne promptly and for as long as it takes to clear. That’s 20/20 hindsight, of course, but it’s an important lesson. You will benefit from working closely with a knowledgeable dermatologist to treat your scars, and your condition might require multiple approaches. The best treatment for you depends on the type and severity of your scars.

Q: I’ve been thinking about trying Botox, but I’m afraid.

A: When we evaluate elective cosmetic procedures like Botox treatments, we should carefully consider the pros and cons. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a physician-provided treatment derived from a bacterial toxin, Clostridium botulinum, which paralyzes muscles. It has been used for decades to treat spastic muscle conditions (such as cerebral palsy), following trauma and injury, and even the symptoms associated with cluster headaches. 

Do you appreciate your skin? If not, you should! We’re here to help you learn more about your skin – the biggest part of you, a vital organ. Skin is an amazing design of breathing armor that literally protects our fragile interior “operating systems” from harsh elements outside the body. Take care of your skin, and it will take care of you – by shielding you and radiating good health. 

By its very nature, skin is visual. So a picture truly is worth a thousand words. That’s what makes our site different: our images. We bring professional-level medical imagery directly to health care consumers to help them learn more about skin health, conditions, and diseases.