About aging skin

There are two primary factors that cause skin to age: 

• The natural aging process
• Damage from the sun

Why treat aging skin

Although it is not possible to turn back the hands of time, the effects of aging can be dramatically slowed down and improved. Physical, emotional and social reasons for treating aging skin include: 

• Promotion of better skin health.
• A need to appear younger and healthier for work or social reasons.
• Enhancing self-esteem.

What you need to know

The natural aging process generally produces lines and wrinkles, age spots, splotches and pigmentation problems, broken capillaries, dull skin texture and color, and other skin flaws.
Aging skin can cause previously attractive features, such as a mole or birthmark, to become unattractive. Likewise, previously unnoticeable features such as scars can become more apparent as wrinkles form around them.
Sun damage compounds the aging process. Ultraviolet light from the sun penetrates all the layers of skin, including those that fortify it and lend it resilience.
Anti-aging creams and topical products only treat the milder symptoms of aging, such as damage to the skin's uppermost layers. 

Aging skin do’s and don’ts

Do…

• Do use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade when outdoors. 
• Do shave carefully, using a cream, lotion or gel to protect and lubricate the skin. 
• Do pat dry after bathing to allow some moisture to remain in your skin. 
• Do moisturize dry skin with a product that fits your skin type. 
• Do eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. 
• Do get a full night’s sleep. 
• Do take steps to avoid excessive stress by exercising, meditating or other forms of relaxing.  

Don’t…

• Don’t go outdoors without sun protection.
• Don’t give in to the temptation of tanning.
• Don’t take long hot showers or baths, which remove essential oils from the skin.
• Don’t use strong soaps.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Don’t come in contact with strong chemicals or toxins.

Aging skin expertise

Because ASDS doctors are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, they can evaluate and select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient.

Questions to ask a dermatologic surgeon about aging skin treatment

(Download an Aging Skin Questionnaire to bring to your appointment)

1. Which aging skin treatment is the correct one for me?
2. What is the estimated cost of the procedure?
3. How long is one appointment?
4. How often do I need to receive treatment for my condition?
5. How far apart are the treatments?
6. How long is the recovery time associated with my procedure?
7. Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect?
8. How can I prepare for the treatment/procedure?
9. Will someone walk me through the process before going in for the treatment?
10. What are the common side effects or complications associated with the procedure?
11. Will the treatment hurt?
12. What are my pain management and anesthesia options?
13. What should I expect after the procedure is performed (i.e., short-term and long-term effects; activity restrictions; expected recovery period)?
14. Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect?

General questions to ask before aging skin treatment

1. Is a doctor on site?
2. Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology or in another specialty with equivalent training and experience?
3. Was my medical history taken?
4. Was I given an initial evaluation to determine if the technique or procedure is appropriate for my skin type?
5. Did the doctor show me before-and-after photos?