How to Get Perfect Skin from Head to Toe
The body's largest organ is a miraculous piece of machinery—and with our state-of-the-art troubleshooting techniques, it can be truly gorgeous.
By Jenny Bailly
Forehead
To soften horizontal lines above the brows and vertical grooves between them, try a retinoid cream, which contains a vitamin A derivative that helps your skin build collagen. With an over-the-counter version (retinol), you see improvement in about three months; prescription formulas (like Retin-A) can minimize lines in six weeks. For a more assertive approach, injections of a botulinum toxin (like Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport) block the nerve impulses that cause muscle activity, softening wrinkles within days, for at least three months. Lines still more noticeable than you'd like? Injections of a hyaluronic acid filler (like Restylane or Juvéderm) can banish them for up to six months.
If you've got discoloration—caused by sun or hormones—the topical bleaching agent hydroquinone can reverse it. (Over-the-counter formulas contain 2 percent; your doctor can prescribe 4 percent.) If the darkness persists after three weeks, a professional glycolic or salicylic acid peel should eradicate it, says Montclair, New Jersey, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD.
If you've got discoloration—caused by sun or hormones—the topical bleaching agent hydroquinone can reverse it. (Over-the-counter formulas contain 2 percent; your doctor can prescribe 4 percent.) If the darkness persists after three weeks, a professional glycolic or salicylic acid peel should eradicate it, says Montclair, New Jersey, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD.
Published 10/15/2013