Anti-Aging Skin Treatments That May Work

(CBS)  You may be able to turn back the hands of time's impact on your skin, after all.

Research done at the University of Michigan indicates that three types of wrinkle treatments are actually effective, in varying degrees.

The study "showed that these treatments will stimulate collagen production," Dr. Diane Berson, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Hospital, explained on The Early Show Wednesday. "Collagen ... basically gives strength and support to the skin. ... It makes the skin supple and elastic. With age, you produce less collagen, and the collagen that you have becomes destroyed, and of course this is accelerated with chronic exposure to the sun."

The study, which appeared in the Archives of Dermatology, looked at injectible fillers containing hyaluronic acid, among other treatments. That acid, Berson says, is normally found in the skin. It retains fluid, hence "plumping up" the skin. The study also says the acid fillers seem to stimulate some collagen production. Both results can improve your appearance. This treatment involves a few visits to the office, about two-to-three times a year, and can cost $600-1000, total. Examples of such fillers are Juvederm and Restylane.

Another apparently effective treatment class, Berson says, is prescription-strength retanoids, such as Renova and Tazarac. These also seem to improve the appearance of "photo-damaged" skin -- skin damaged by the sun, as well as early fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists have observed, she says, that regular use of prescription-potent retanoids can spur some collagen production.

Also, she says, over-the-counter retanol creams have the ability to do prompt some retanol production and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, but again, not as much as prescription-strength items do. They're the least expensive way to go.

Finally, there was carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. That destroys the skin's outer later, prompting the skin to produce collagen to heal the wound. But patients should know there's more downtime involved. It could take a couple of weeks to recover and the cost could run into the thousands,

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For much more on this topic, click here to read a New York Times piece on it.

[dandjcook]

This story was poorly reported. It was slanted toward people with money. The majority of the small time alotted was focused on items needing a doctor''s intervention to use, either by injection or by prescription. The people who have money ALREADY KNOW about these items that have been on the market for years. No new ground was broken by reporting on these products. The camera then showed the consumer that there are over the counter alternatives, but these were not discussed. I then signed on to the web site to find out EXACTLY which item of the brands shown were tested to be the most effective and the web site doesn''t offer the names. Worthless. A complete waste of time. I can''t wait for the Olympics to be over so I can go back to watching the Today Show.

[walt1944-2009]

Upon learning of the discoveries made by scientists in treating old-age wrinkles, "Bagdad John McBush" McCain has instructed his campaign manager to divert a few millions of worthless dollars towards buying pallet-fulls of those medications so that both he and his wealthy wife can supplement their regimens of Geritol, almonds and blueberies with the anti-wrinkle treatments.

All this so that "Bagdad John" can present a "younger image" to the younger base of neocon Fascist Nazis and undecideds still our there, and thus compound his supposed lead in the polls over Obama by more than 5 points.

Besides, McCain is still "smarting" from Paris Hilton''s calling him a "wrinkly, white-haired, old man" and intends on proving her wrong!!!!

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!!
sig heil, "WRINKLES", McCain!!!!!

[berkshirerez]

Avoiding ''sins'' like drinking and smoking may be a cure for wrinkles but it sure isn''t a cure for plain ignorance.

[dagrandma]

To paraphrase something I once read in a book: The best thing you can do for yourself when you get old and your looks go is to wave goodbye to them and get on with your life. There''s not one thing on the market that''s going to make you 19 years old again and all those trips to the plastic surgeon are just going to make you look hideous (Victorian Principal, Priscilla Presley).

[krotec54]

I have to agree with "gop_forever". that secret must be true, my girlfriend looks 20 years older. She smokes two packs of cigarettes a day and drinks 24 cans of beer in four hours. As far as sexx, once a month if I am lucky. I don''t drink and don''t smoke cigarettes.

[rushlimpdrug]

My anti aging secret is not sinning. People who drink liquor and smoke cigarettes always look older.
Posted by gop_forever at 11:05 AM


It isn''t working.

My prediction is that you will die.

Especially if you''ve had ssexx.

You have had ssexx haven''t you?

[whatsup49]

gop_forever: you''re such a bufo . . . since when is it not a sin to sit and judge others: People who drink liquor and smoke cigarettes always look older. sure sounds like you''re judging someone there. when did god die, and who appointed you to take his place?

[neenga]

"My anti aging secret is not sinning."

Hey, honey ... we''re ALL sinners. So are you.

[haoli25]

Try it on Barbara Bush. If her old face looks less like a roadmap, THEN I will be convinced!