Many Hollywood stars of the stage and screen look as youthful and fresh in their 40’s and 50’s as they did in their 20’s and 30’s. Their skin is glowing and radiant and looks as if it hasn’t aged at all. What are the tricks and secrets that they use to minimize the wrinkles, age spots and generalized aging that seems to affect the rest of us mortals?

Whether you think you are too young to worry about it, or you have already started down the slippery slope of aging, now is the time to begin a regimen like the ones the celebrities use. The following good habits can help minimize the aging process.

• Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen – You don’t have to be a hermit and stay inside all of the time. The South Florida weather is the main reason we live here, right? Go outside and enjoy the weather, but before you go out, do what the stars do. Put on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before you leave the house. Eighty percent of the sun damage we receive is incidental—it occurs when we are walking the dog, sitting in the car, or going to the grocery store. So, apply the sunscreen early and reapply often. Celebrities learn this lesson early and strictly adhere to it.
• Exfoliate – Exfoliation is something you can do at home without breaking the bank. Celebrities may get facials every other week, which is great; however, daily scrubs strip off dead skin cells, unclog pores and helps prevent breakouts. Regular exfoliation also helps products to penetrate the skin and offer better results. Occasional facials, along with microdermabrasion and light chemical peels (VI peel) are another great way to rid the skin of old, dull cells and even out pigmentation problems.
• Retinoids – Every topical skin product proclaims to offer the latest and greatest results. But as you know, you are taking a leap of faith when you try the product to find out if it will deliver what it promises. However, one class of product has been scientifically proven and stands the test of time—the retinoids. Many of the Hollywood stars began using Retin-A for acne as teenagers. Later, it was discovered that the retinoids (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Renova) are actually providing anti-aging benefits by encouraging collagen production, reducing fine lines, improving elasticity and plumping the skin. There are over-the-counter products that have lower concentrations, but to obtain maximum effects, you will need prescription strength products obtained from your dermatologist of plastic surgeon
• Injectables and Fillers – Over the last decade, a huge number of new products that have become available. While these can be pricier than the other treatments mentioned, celebrities quickly released the improvement available through these minimally invasive procedures. These procedures often require little or no downtime. No longer is there a one to three week recovery period, such as there is with surgical procedures. Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, Radiesse® and Sculptra® are all used to offer a natural, revitalized and more youthful appearance without the side effects of surgery and anesthesia.

While many other treatments can be added to the armamentarium to assist in fighting the ceaseless aging battle, Hollywood stars and South Florida mortals can achieve outstanding results simply by undertaking these simple strategies. Follow these basics, and you will go a long way towards getting the clear, beautiful complexion and skin of your favorite celebrity.