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Since prevention is so much more effective than correction of a problem, it is key to know four facts in skin health. First, sun is bad for the skin, causing dryness and scaling and ultimately skin cancer. Second, chronic inflammation (like acne, eczema, contact allergies) is bad for the skin. Inflammation can cause the breakdown of collagen, create pigmentary irregularities (splotchyness), and cause scarring. Third, smoking will lead to premature aging; that is a fact. Fourth, healthy inside is healthy outside, and a healthy diet translates to healthy skin. Diet recommended by Dr. Memar for healthy skin:
Different age groups have different concerns: Twenty somethings: Most of the sun exposure in our lives is
before the age of 20, however, the sooner you stop sun damage, the better,
and this is the time to break habits of sun tanning.
Third, all acne and inflammation on the face should be treated, because this leads to chronic inflammation and scarring. One new form of treatment is lasers for inflammatory acne. Fourth, diet is key in healthy skin, and one should get in the habit of consuming a balanced diet. Diets rich in antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that might be induced by sun exposure or chronic inflammation. Fifth, monitor your moles. You can still get new moles in your early twenties, but if they change or darken, seek a dermatologist. Sixth, men with a family history of hair loss might start showing the signs of male pattern hair loss. Stopping the cause of shedding and addressing the male pattern alopecia is best done at this stage.
Thirty somethings: At this point, sun blocks are key. Second, you need to maintain a diet more
rich in anti-oxidants, including Vitamin C, E, Selenium, Omega-3 fatty
acids, beta carotene.
Third, start seeing a dermatologist for a complete skin screening. Fourth, if your acne is worst in the 30’s than when you were in your 20’s, then I find many such women actually have contact allergies, which only get worst with time, and not better. See your dermatologist. Fifth, give yourself regular self exams. Monitor all your moles, and look for any changes. At this point in life, you should not be getting any new moles, and if you do, show it to a dermatologist. Sixth, this is when our metabolism starts to change and fatty deposits start to show themselves. In men, the flanks ("love handles"), abdomen, and chin accumulate fatty deposits. In women, the thighs, legs, abdomen, arms and face accumulate fatty deposits. The newest technique in liposuction known as micro-cannular tumescent liposuction is a safe, effective, inexpensive procedure with minimal down time.
Forty somethings: Now is when you should be getting regular skin screenings. Second, you should be continuing your self skin exams. If a sore is not healing or a new black mole appears, you must seek a dermatologist. Third, skin imperfections, like benign
keratoses and sun spots (solar lentigos) start forming. It is a good
cosmetic measure to have your physician remove them. Your metabolism can change and persistent fatty deposits can form in the jowels, abdomen, hips. It is very reasonable and safe to have liposuction. At the same time, fat from certain parts of the mid face can diminish. With microlipoinjection and collagen, one can easily recreate the contour of the face, and prevent the shrinking of the mid face. Fifth, at this point, hair loss can become noticeable. Seek the help of a dermatologist in preventing progression and considering hair transplantation. Sixth, with more worries and work at this stage of life, lines on the mid eyebrows increase due to over activity of frown-muscles, giving a tired look. With the advent of BOTOX®, one can safely remove these lines, and with touch-ups, prevent the deepening of these lines. Most of these can be done over a lunch time.
This is the best time in our lives. Mentally we are mature, and no more burning the candle at both ends. However, we need to take care of our bodies. You should know your skin at this point and take good care of it. Self esteem comes both from inside and outside. The beauty of this age is we have mastered the internal component, and with the help of a dermatologist/cosmetic surgeon, you can maintain the outside. You deserve the best.
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Copyright © 2004 Academic Dermatology & Skin Cancer Institute of Chicago
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Secondly,
get in the habit of wearing sun blocks, with SPF 30 or more. I prefer the
Neutrogena line, due to the large selection. 
