Timeline For Uncovering The Fountain Of Youth

Juan Ponce de Leon was the 16th century explorer best known for his quest for the ever-elusive Fountain of Youth. Too bad there was no way for him to know that the fruits of his endeavor were not to be discovered amidst the lush landscape that is now the state of Florida, but rather by the hands of scientific researchers and medical practitioners of the early 21st century. These days, while most of us eventually succumb to pressures to act our age, there’s no need to actually look our age. But, like we’re discovering in the study results of all efforts to understand longevity, best effects are achieved when proactive measures are embarked on as early in life as possible. Still though, no matter how late you embark on your quest for eternal youth — at least when it comes to appearance — there are steps to take to capture that no-longer-unattainable Fountain of Youth.

TWENTIES
Most experts concur that this first decade of adulthood represents the heyday era of skin. By the early 20s, most have outgrown any problems with teenage acne; the complexion is even and skin elasticity taut. Ironically, the major problem at this age is grounded in this relative outer perfection — it is difficult to feel any sense of urgency about preventative skin care. Aging seems such a non-issue that carelessness abounds. But this is the best time, with the least amount of effort required, to guard skin against health threats and aging problems. Common advice from professionals includes recommendations to maintain a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.

One of the most important things to be done no matter what the age is apply sunscreen (SPF of at least 30) daily to the face, hands, and other areas of exposed skin. Says Dr. George Scheele, “Eighty percent of skin damage occurs before the age of 30 due to excessive exposure to intense sunlight. This fact underscores the need to begin anti-aging skin care as early as possible, preferably in the 20s and continue this care, with increasing commitment, through each successive decade of life.”

According to Dr. Dennis Bucko, plastic surgeon with offices in La Jolla and Poway, this age is also a good time to consider structural enhancements to the face or body, such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and liposuction. He says, “In the 20s, you are fully developed physically following puberty, yet you’ll still have a lifetime ahead to enjoy a more refined nose, a more prominent chin, or a better-proportioned physique. These changes can dramatically improve overall appearance and self-confidence as you enter the adult phase of life.”

THIRTIES
In general, the first signs of aging are likely to occur during the 30s. Common changes include drier skin and the first appearance of fine lines, discoloration, and wrinkles. This is the time to get serious and systematic about proactive skin care. Daily moisturizers — many of which include sunscreen protection — are now essential, and it’s probably time to invest in only the highest quality cosmetics. Also, consider adding a heavier nighttime moisturizer into your routine.

Barbara McCoy, C.R.N.A. and owner of the Center for DermaGraphics, further recommends that her clients start to consider Botox at this age. “Done in this decade, it will help to prevent the formation of lines and furrows from developing by prohibiting muscle contractions.” She also suggests people in their 30s evaluate the possibility of light chemical peels and laser IPL to stimulate collagen production, which begins to decrease in this decade.

FORTIES
During the 40s, noticeable changes begin to occur in the skin’s tone and texture: it’s no longer as tight as it used to be, facial tone is duller, and pores may appear larger. In this decade, you can expect signs of photo damage to become more visible: blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color. According to Dr. Jeffrey Schaffer, a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon in Coronado, “Dry skin is the root of many of these problems, so moisturizing is an important part of a skin care regimen in the 40s. Maturing skin may require more aggressive care, so make sure to explore anti-aging products available. Products with essential ingredients that can visibly decrease the look and feel of aging skin like retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids, are absolute musts.”

To meet these needs of aging skin, Scheele has formulated the NovaLife 5-Step Anti-Aging Skin-Care Regime. “These anti-aging products, which include a foam cleanser, skin toner, exfoliating formula, skin moisturizer, and skin rejuvenator, should be used as part of a broad skin-care and beauty philosophy, ” he says. “By using anti-aging skin-care products on a consistent basis, you will benefit from the effects of ‘molecular healing,’ or the reversal of skin damage and aging.”

FIFTIES
It used to be that 50 meant an inevitably more mature, more matronly appearance. But people like Goldie Hawn, John Travolta, even Hillary Clinton, stand as testaments to the fact that these days, life is really just getting into full gear at 50 — but unfortunately so are the external signs of aging. Continued changes include loose and sagging skin, pigmentary changes, and more noticeable collagen breakdown. These changes are exacerbated in women by a loss of estrogen. To counter these effects, Schaffer recommends regular facials with massage to help increase the skin’s circulation. “Firming masks and hydrating treatments with mild exfoliation will also help to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance — maintenance is now critical,” he says.

Bucko agrees with this assessment, going on to say that this is when you want to start to seriously consider more invasive procedures. “The only way to treat loose skin in the face, and neck area is to remove it. Tighten underlying tissues through the surgical face-lift, which has been perfected by plastic surgeons over time.” He also recommends that people keep using retin-A, take advantage of the Nlite laser for collagen rejuvenation, and use the revolutionary TNS recovery complex, a combination of naturally occurring proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants used by the body to help stimulate the skin to repair itself when damaged by the sun.

SIXTIES
Many people look forward to the 60s for increased personal freedom, whether as the result of retirement or the growing independence of adult offspring. That’s why these are known as the “golden years.” But this is also the time when, if you haven’t been kind to your skin, every error of your ways will be manifested for all to see. Of course, genetics also play a role in determining how well a person ages, but luckily, we don’t have to just live with the hand (or sagging face) dealt to us. Injectible fillers and deeper facial and laser peels can all be used to correct lines and furrows. For any problem areas that don’t respond to these types of treatments, plastic surgery — facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty — can make a dramatic difference. Bucko often performs an earlobe reduction on patients in their 60s. Also popular in this age group are “Nose reshaping and lip augmentation with Restylane or dermal fat grafts because, like the ears, the nose just keeps growing, yet your lips virtually disappear as you age.”

As aging advances, McCoy recommends the application of permanent cosmetics “as we lose eyesight and fine motor skills” to improve self image and self esteem. It’s also a lifestyle enhancer — imagine being able to retire from the hassles of the daily make-up routine.