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While aging is something that cannot be avoided, many advances in skin care have allowed men and women to slow the signs of aging. The aging process is different for each individual – intrinsic aging, also known as ‘natural’ aging, takes on many forms, and the rate at which you age greatly depends on family genes.

Some of the most common signs of aging include:

• Dry skin
• A loss of fat in the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks
• Lines and wrinkles, most prominent in the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth
• Thinning skin

While the aging process is natural, several factors cause the skin to age at an increased rate. This is called extrinsic aging, or external aging, caused by environmental factors such as:

• Unprotected sun exposure
• Smoking

Various skin treatments and procedures help minimize the appearance of wrinkles or lines on the skin – one of the most common being Botox injections. In Los Angeles and surrounding cities, men and women use Botox treatments frequently to keep skin looking youthful and supple.

How Botox works:

Botox, also known as onabotulinumtoxinA, is used for many reasons; one of the most prevalent is for the treatment of moderate to severe lines in the forehead. Since deep lines and wrinkles develop in the skin over time with repeated movements, Botox is injected into various sites on the face to relax muscles and prevent them from contracting. While Botox is often used to minimize the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles in the brow, doctors are also using it in other areas of the face, such as around the eyes.

Botox injections are administered quickly and have very little discomfort – so you can be in and out of the office in a short time. It’s essential to remember that Botox provides a temporary solution to wrinkles, so additional treatments are needed approximately four months after the initial injection, but with frequent use, injections may be spaced up to six month.

While complications of Botox use are not very common, there are some side effects to be aware of, including:

• Discomfort at the injection site
• Headache
• Itching
• Redness

Speak with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days. It’s important to have Botox administered by a certified and skilled doctor – ask for a referral from your primary physician, or research reputable skin care centers to ensure you find an experienced doctor.

There are many environmental factors that increase the rate of skin aging – with one of the most common being sun exposure. While many people spend time tanning early in the teen or young adult years, the results of unprotected sun exposure develops later in life. Too many years of sun exposure leads to skin changes – also known as photoaging. Changes include:

• Deep, thick wrinkles

• Skin patches, known as actinic keratosis

• Dryness

• Freckles or liver spots

• Changes in skin color

Sun protection is one of the easiest ways to prevent any number of these skin-related conditions. Health experts suggest wearing an SPF of 15 or higher when going outside, and reapplying every two hours if you are perspiring or swimming. Avoid long periods in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as that is when the sun is at its peak strength. Finally, wear a hat when going outside to protect delicate facial and neck skin.

For those who have developed sun spots or deep wrinkles, an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial targets many signs of aging, especially in relation to sun exposure. An IPL treatment improves the look of the skin and may be used to treat any number of the following:

• Pigmentation of the skin

• Sun spots

• Wrinkles

Found throughout Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, IPL photofacials are also effective for treating signs of aging – such as bags under the eyes or an early onset of wrinkles. Depending on the appearance of wrinkles, age spots or other skin discolorations, several IPL photofacial treatments might be required to rejuvenate the skin fully.

Before undergoing an IPL facial, there are a few instructions you will need to follow to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Prior to the treatment, it’s important to avoid sunbathing for two weeks – sunbathing or excess sun exposure can hinder the procedure. Also, avoid wearing any skin care products or makeup on the skin when you come in for the IPL treatment – clean, fresh skin on the face and neck (or anywhere you will be having the procedure) is ideal.

These quick treatments are ideal when you want to erase years of sun exposure from the skin. In Southern California, many enjoy the coastal lifestyle without protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. Though your ideal result might take more than one treatment, a noticeable improvement is seen after each appointment.