Not a day goes by that a patient doesn’t say to me “I realized I’m beginning to look like my mother”. Now a new study confirms what we long suspected and the old saying commonly told to husbands-to-be is true, that if you want to know what your wife will look like, look at her mother. The faces of 10 mothers and their daughters were compared. The researchers found that the daughters’ faces were beginning to sag, wrinkle, and lose elasticity around the eyes in exactly the same patterns as their mothers’ faces. These findings help to predict how aging occurs and is particularly helpful when patients begin thinking about what they can do to help the aging of the delicate eye area.

The eyes are the windows to the soul – but all too often they seem to expose aging and exhaustion, so it should be no surprise that eyelid surgery is one of my most popular procedures. Today, I can even perform scarless eyelid surgery, where the tissue heals so quickly that there’s no need for stitches and hence, no scarring. Thermage® is another safe and non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency to help smooth and tighten skin for a younger looking appearance. Fast and easy, Thermage® can help treat wrinkles and fine lines to deliver natural looking results, all in a single procedure. A good skin care regimen can also prevent the effects of aging. Topical creams, such as my Rewind Eye Formula, help reduce lines and wrinkles around the eyes almost immediately, even without surgery. Click here to learn more about the Eye Procedures I perform and to see before and after photos of my patients.

62 year old before and 8 years after facelift

We concentrate on skin care because that is where age is so visible, and there is a lot we can do to improve its appearance. As a plastic surgeon I am also an expert in facial anatomy. A study done by the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that the future approach to facial rejuvenation may be a two step process, the first one being to restore the structure underneath before performing skin-tightening procedures.  This is why it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who is proficient in facial anatomy and skin enhancements when considering cosmetic procedures.

Hair and scalp care are often overlooked as an important part of looking younger and healthier. Styling, sun, pollutants and the aging process can result in dull, thinning hair. Nearly 60% of older adults notice thinning of the hair and some form of hair loss. Using the right hair care products can make a dramatic difference. It is important to look at the ingredients in hair care products; many contain harsh chemicals that can damage hair over time.

Dr. Michelle Copeland hair products are formulated to be gentle.  They do not contain dyes, parabens, and acrylites and are perfume free, allergy tested and color safe.  Rewind Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner restore hair through fortifying ingredients that make hair appear thicker and fuller. Ingredients include Coconut Oil and Lactic Acid which moisturize and nourish the scalp allowing hair to appear fuller, while Ginseng Root Extract along with Niacin and Apigenin promote normal, healthy hair growth. Anti-oxidants like Squalene, Avocado Extract and Oleanolic Acid provide intense nourishment and protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun.

SPF is a measure of how long a person can stay in the sun without burning. An SPF 30 means thirty times longer than if you went out with nothing on. It’s important to keep in mind that all skin is different. A woman with very pale skin, of Irish heritage, for example, may last only a minute or two before her bare skin turns pink, so an SPF 30 would give her 30 minutes before she needed to reapply.

UVA and UVB: SPF measures a product’s ability to block UVB (burning) rays. A product’s power to shield against UVA (aging) rays is not currently labeled. UVA rays break down collagen and elastin fibers supporting skin. It doesn’t matter what your nationality is, if you don’t want wrinkles you need to guard against UVA light.

Sunscreen vs sunblock: Sunblocks are physical barriers; they sit on top of skin and reflect the rays off of it. The SPF-40 Lotion Mist Sunblock is a high power, lightweight mist that helps protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The mist helps prevent sun induced damage, as well as soothes the skin with aloe to reduce inflammation. Sunscreens are chemical UVA shields. They sink into tissue and when light hits them, they create a reaction that neutralizes the radiation. The Sunless Tanning Bronzer is a safe tanner with SPF-15 which offers a beautiful and natural-looking tan all year round. Not only does this bronzer give you amazing radiance, it is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins to leave your skin smooth and supple.

Skin care Q & A with Dr. Copeland – over the next few days Dr. Copeland will answer frequently asked questions from her patients.

Do you have a skin care question for Dr. Copeland? Please email us: customerservice@drcopelandskincare.com

My pores are huge. How can I make them smaller?

Cleansing and toning will help minimize the appearance of your pores. They grow larger as we get older; it’s part of the natural aging process. Despite what you see in advertisements, pores are not valves that can be opened or closed. The holes do stretch, however, so if there is debris in one, it will be bigger. Empty the space of the large obstruction by washing your face, (not by picking) and the skin returns to its previous size. Excess sebum, which is an oily secretion, can also magnify pores. Regulating oil flow, which consistent cleansing, toning and exfoliating will do, helps the pores seem less noticeable. Using Clay Mask to draw dirt and oil out of large pores, particularly around the nose area will tighten your skin and absorb excess oil. The Clay Mask will leave your skin feeling purified and your pores minimized. I suggest using the mask once weekly if this is a concern of yours.