Featured Dermatologists
Learn about Normal Skin from
Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.
Learn about Aging Skin from
Jeffrey S. Dover, M.D.
Learn about Cosmetic Dermatology from
William J. Paronish, M.D.
Aging Skin Basics
Most people could easily describe the outward appearance of an aging face: changes in facial shape; increased prominence of certain features, such as the nose; decrease in the vertical height of the mouth; recession of the gums and teeth; and loss of hair and skin color. In addition, you frequently find accentuation or wrinkling of the natural action lines of the face, sagging, jowl and pouch formation, generalized dryness (often severe), and laxity and inelasticity of the skin.
Dermatologic researchers and others interested in the aging process are actively investigating the precise nature of the structural and functional alterations in the skin that account for aging. Although we have learned much in the past decade, we do not, unfortunately, have all the answers yet. We do know that as skin ages, it tends to produce fewer new cells, and that damaged cells are repaired less quickly and less effectively. At the same time, cells in the horny layer lose some of their ability to adhere to one another. The epidermis and dermis become thinner, and the horny layer becomes less protective, dryer, and rougher. Furthermore, melanocytes become fewer in number, accounting for the development of patchy areas of skin-color loss.
The more you know about your skin and what happens to it as the years go by, the less likely you will be to fall for exaggerated or phony claims for skin-care products or services. Simply knowing something about skin basics enables you to be a more discriminating consumer, which in the long run can save you a lot of time, money, and dashed hopes.
Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. has developed a variety of innovative, non-invasive approaches to common cosmetic issues of the face, neck, breasts, and hands. Using a combination of botulinum toxin (Botox), dermal fillers (Restylane), and other advanced dermatologic procedures, Dr. Novick has created non-surgical treatments that provide a more youthful appearance.
Learn more about Aging Skin Basics, including changes in the fat distribution of the skin, changes in the dermis and the amounts of eccrine and apocrine sweat secretion, and changes in hair color and hair growth from Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. of New York City.
Your Skin's Virtual Age Quiz
These are the questions a dermatologists asks his/her patients when they walk into their office. There's no right or wrong answer. However, for such a simple quiz, it offers profound benefits. In less than three minutes, you'll know your skin's virtual age, or SVA. This is your tool for beginning to piece together your personalized anti-aging prescription—and start changing the face you see in the mirror every morning.
Directions: Write down your actual age, then add and subtract points according to your answers to the questions that follow.
My actual age is: _______
Lifestyle
1. I wear sunscreen
- A. Every day of the year (subtract 1)
- B. Sometimes (during the summer, on sunny days, or when I plan to be outside for several hours (add 0)
- C. Very rarely (add 1)
2. As a child, how many of your summer days were spent outside?
- A. Few (subtract 1)
- B. Some (add 0)
- C. As many as possible (add 1)
3. When I was a teenager, sun exposure was something
- A. I avoided (subtract 1)
- B. I didn’t think about much (add 0)
- C. I tried to get as often as possible (add 1)
4. Did you ever smoke?
- A. Never (add 0)
- B. I used to smoke, but I stopped more than ten years ago (add 0)
- C. I used to smoke, but I stopped less than ten years ago (add 1)
- D. Yes and I still do (add 2)
5. I eat several servings of fruits and vegetables
- A. Every day (subtract 1)
- B. Once a week (add 0)
- C. Do French fries and ketchup count? (add 1)
6. I exercise
- A. Three times a week or more (subtract 1)
- B. Once a week (add 0)
- C. As little as possible (add 1)
If your parents are living, answer the next two questions. If not, skip to question 9.
Finish the Skin Virtual Age Quiz from Jeffrey Dover, M.D. of SkinCare Physicians.
Health Information
Highlights
Learn more about...