How can I slow down the signs of aging?

We wish more people would ask about treating wrinkles as soon as they start seeing them – at least by age 30 – because once those lines are deeply set into the skin, we can improve them, but reversing them altogether becomes difficult. Early intervention with proper cosmeceuticals and small concentrations of neuromodulators, like Botox, can literally prevent lines from developing. See, we treat wrinkles in two ways: First we strengthen the skin foundation with collagen-building retinoids, so the skin can better resist wrinkling. Healthy, plump skin bounces back after being folded. But with age and sun exposure, the collagen and elastin proteins that keep skin smooth and firm begin to weaken, the skin folds more readily, and lines get etched in. The second way to thwart wrinkles is to stop skin folding at the source by injecting key muscles with neuromodulators. By preventing the muscles from contracting, we keep the overlying skin smooth, staving off creases. And the earlier you treat, the better your results will ultimately be.

How do I know if I'm aging well or not?

To determine how well you're aging is really about assessing how much sun damage you have. So, if you are more of a sun worshiper, then you probably aren't aging as well as someone who avoids the sun. Aging skin woes like wrinkles and splotchy-ness are really just results of sun damage. However, things like Retinoids, Botox and fillers can counter signs of aging (if you're open to going that route).

Are the products I'm using at home okay to use along with the products and/or procedures that a dermatologist gives me?

Basically, you want to make sure that your at-home regimen and the products and/or procedures that your dermatologist gives you work together – not against each other. So, if your dermatologist has given you topical and/or oral medication, or if you have been given a procedure, make sure you let him/her know what you're using at home. For example, some acne treatments make your skin extra sensitive to the sun, so you want to make sure you're using sunscreen along with it. Or if you received something like microdermabrasion at your dermatologist’s office, then you want to make sure to not be using an exfoliating face wash at home too soon after – since you would be over-exfoliating your skin.