ASK THE DERMATOLOGIST - SPONSORED CONTENT

ASK DR. TINA

Posted

I am asked many questions about senior (age 55 plus) skin rejuvenation. I’d like to share my tips.

What are the best skin care products?
With a myriad of products available, thes are the three-must haves:
Retinoids (like Retin A) are vitamin A derivatives. They promote cell turnover so there are new cells to retain moisture. They minimize fine lines and brown spots.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant to help build collagen. This too will minimize fine skin wrinkles.

Sunscreens (at least 30 SPF) to protect against harmful UV rays that ages skin and causes skin cancers.

What does Botox (and other similar products) do?
The “toxins” prevent muscular contraction leading to the “number 11” lines on your forehead and around your eyes so you don't have a worried or skin weathered appearance. These products typically last 3-4 months and are very safe. Cleansers and moisturizers vary depending on if skin is dry or oil.

What are Fillers?
Fillers are hyaluronic based or calcium hydroxyl apatite based substances. They are injected to the skin to add volume to deflated and flat cheeks, skin folds from nose to lips (nasolabial), eliminate folds around mouth (marionette lines) and plump up lips and small lines above lips. As we age, we lose volume giving us a tired and older appearance. Many fillers can last up to one year. The fillers smooth out skin by adding volume.

What do lasers do?
Lasers and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treat red and brown discoloration as well as broken blood vessels. Some lasers treat skin lines all over the face that are deeply embedded.

What are energy devices?
There are many devices that perform skin tightening. These include radiofrequency, microneedling or a combination used to tighten skin as well as treat acne scarring that worsens with aging due to loss of collagen and elastic fibers. For more severe cases, fractionated ablative lasers can be used.

Your Winter Read: “The Doctor’s Secret”
My first novel — The Doctor’s Secret by Tina Funt, M.D. — details the journey of becoming a physician during the 1980s when medicine was not the career of choice for women. It addresses the importance of determination, resilience, and support from loved ones — all of which people need when undergoing challenges and crisis in their lives. So as New Year's approaches, we need to make resolutions to take care of our emotional and skin care needs. The Doctor’s Secret can be purchased on Amazon.com (hardcover or ebook). Proceeds are donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Dr. Tina K. Funt is a Board-Certified Dermatologist practicing in Garden City for 33 years. She works for Schweiger Dermatology Group, with 80+ offices throughout Long Island and the tri-state. Dr. Funt specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Her passions are medicine, the arts, golf and dogs. You can send Dr. Tina a question at Tfmdbook@gmail.com