skin aging - slowing

I am 39 and started to notice few lines around my eyes. I also have few blotches on the cheeks from prior acne. I generally use SPF 15 in daily makeup for sun protection. I have few questions regarding the care and how to slow down the aging procees.

1. Besides decreasing the sun exposure and damage, are there any scientifically proven products, procedures that decrease/slow the skin damage?

2. What products (brand names) are recommended by MDs for daily care of skin? I use dermalogica and skinceutical.... any proven benefit of vitamin C or A on skin?

3. Do you have to use the series of products (cleanser, toner, cream, eye cream) or can just daily moisturaser sufficient?

4. What surgical procedure (peels, abrasions..) are appropriate for skin blotches, minor face scars and wrinkles?

Thank you

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

It is impossible to provide a complete discussion of these topics in this forum.  Vitamin A (retinoids) and Vitamin C topicals do increase collagen formation beneath the skin when applied over an extended time frame and reverse the aging process to some degree.  As you mentioned, avoiding direct sun exposure and the use of proper sunscreens also helps.  Medical grade products (usually obtained through the recommendation of a physician or medical certified aesthetician) have the greatest concentration of active ingredients and are the most useful.  There are a number of brand names used, most of which are very effective, and should be recommended by the skin specialist following you.

Finally there are a whole host of additional procedures that are used to supplement the topical skin care products, including dermabrasion, chemical peels, non-ablative and ablative laser therapies.  The recommendations for any of these will depend the the training, experience, skill and technology available by the physician in your local area.  Specific advise can only be appropriately done by examining you directly.