Skin care at any age

A panel of experts suggest specific beauty treatments and surgery for specific age groups. Included for those in their 40s is Sculptra, a filler that promotes collagen production to replenish volume subtly over time.

A straightforward guide to skin care and plastic surgery at every stage of adulthood.

A straightforward guide to skin care and plastic surgery at every stage of adulthood.

By Angela Bobo

The Internet is hands down the most useful resource we have when it comes to learning how to maintain the appearance of our face and body. But with all of the information floating around, it’s easy to get swayed in the wrong direction on the strength of one ill-researched review. No matter what stage of life you may be in, it can be hard to decipher the good information from the bad. That is why we reached out to four local estheticians and plastic surgeons to help you maneuver all of the changes in your face and body that may come with age.

The Experts:

Dr. George Bitar, The Bitar Institute | Dr. Timothy S. Mountcastle, Mountcastle Plastic Surgery & Vein Institute | Ludmila Milic, lead esthetician at The Lorien Spa, Old Town Alexandria | Ashley Rawlley, spa esthetician at The Ritz Carlton, Tysons Galleria

Late 20s

What the Experts Say

Spa Treatments

Women in this age group tend to look for treatments that promote clear skin and smaller pores, which can usually be achieved with a standard facial with extractions. Ludmila Milic, the lead esthetician at The Lorien Spa in Old Town Alexandria, states that most women in their 20s seek out the Nourishing Facial and Cleansing Back Treatment at The Lorien Spa. The latter “is dedicated solely to cleansing and purification of the back with gentle exfoliation and a mask to draw out impurities, leaving skin clean, toned and nourished.” Spa esthetician at The Ritz Carlton, Tysons Galleria Ashley Rawlley recommends the European facial to balance and rehydrate skin.

Plastic Surgery Procedures

Dr. George Bitar of The Bitar Institute notes that many young people seek out the “correction of developmental aesthetic liabilities,” which includes rhinoplasty, chin implant, breast augmentation, breast reduction, gluteal augmentation, Brazilian butt lift, labiaplasty and laser hair removal.

“We find that most people in the 20s age bracket seek facial rejuvenation through medical-grade exfoliants such as microdermabrasion or Clear and Brilliant non-ablative lasers to resurface skin,” says Dr. Timothy S. Mountcastle of Mountcastle Plastic Surgery & Vein Institute. “We find they desire these procedures because they produce results with minimal downtime and are cost-effective.”

Skin Care Cheat Sheet

Problem: Clogged pores from sleeping in makeup and lack of exfoliation, which can lead to a dull complexion.

Solution: Focus on products with glycolic, lactic or salicylic acids to keep skin fresh and glowing.

Daily Preventive Measure: The best way to prevent future wrinkles and age spots is with daily use of a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or above.

30s

What the Experts Say

Spa Treatments

“At this age, fine lines and hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure become more visible,” says Milic. She recommends the Brightening Facial, which contains vitamin C, to even skin tone. Rawlley also notices that women in this age group tend to seek out the Restoring Vitamin C Facial with Seaweed at her spa. “This facial works effectively to improve aging skin and also stimulates the vital functions, repairs cell damage caused by sun exposure and environmental conditions,” she states.

Plastic Surgery Procedures

Dr. Bitar notes that time constraints from career and family commitments may cause women to search for less time-consuming options with noticeable results. “Botox and fillers [will help] frown lines and creases. Kybella may address weight gain that shows in the face and lipo and cool sculpting for their figure,” he says.

“The majority of our female patients in their 30s request breast augmentation,” says Dr. Mountcastle. “We aim to work closely with our patients to help them understand the benefits, risk and overall procedure.”

Skin Care Cheat Sheet

Problem: Skin can lose luster and elasticity during this time due to slow cell turnover. Fine lines around the eyes can also start to appear.

Solution: Exfoliants and peels with alpha hydroxy acids will remove dead skin cells faster and brighten sallow complexions.

Daily Preventive Measure: Boost collagen now and prevent wrinkles later with a retinol cream that can be used nightly.

40s

What the Experts Say

Spa Treatments

Both estheticians recommend an antioxidant-rich facial to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, which can become more noticeable in the 40s. The Lorien Spa offers an antioxidant vitamin C facial that includes “a multi-acid peel, mineral-rich spirulina mask and a vitamin C ampoule that’s activated during the facial for a fresh and potent amount of vitamin C,” says Milic. The Ritz Tysons Galleria offers an anti-aging facial with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Plastic Surgery Procedures

Laser liposuction is Dr. Mountcastle’s most popular procedure for women in their 40s. It tightens, sculpts and removes unwanted fat from the arms, thighs, love handles and neck. “The downtimes range from one to seven days, making lunchtime lipo a real expectation,” he states.

Dr. Bitar notes that there are many options to tighten the facial area: fat grafting and fillers for volume and shaping, as well as Sculptra, a filler that promotes collagen production. Eyelid surgery, Ulthera (a skin-tightening treatment that uses ultrasound technology), cool sculpting, sclerotherapy (for varicose veins) and the “mommy makeover” (tightening breast, tummy and thighs) are also popular.

Skin Care Cheat Sheet

Problem: Women may experience dryness and loss of elasticity within skin. Cystic acne can also develop.

Solution: Rich, creamy cleansers and overnight serums will hydrate skin, while a sulfur and salicylic acid solution will heal deep-rooted acne.

Daily Preventive Measure: Begin using a neck-firming treatment to combat sagging and crepey skin.

50s & 60s

What the Experts Say

Spa Treatments

Many women in the area in their 50s and 60s actively seek out facials that are aimed at reversing the loss of firmness and lack of hydration. The collagen facial at The Lorien Spa uses collagen sheets for a concentrated dose of nutrients and protein to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The Caviar Dreams facial at The Ritz Tysons Galleria combines caviar extract with a freeze-dry algae masque and co-enzyme Q10 to firm skin.

Plastic Surgery Procedures

Both plastic surgeons agree that many women in this age range tend to gravitate toward rhytidectomy, or face-lift. Breast augmentation, neck lifts, eye lifts and abdominoplasty are also popular.

Skin Care Cheat Sheet

Problem: A decrease in oil production can lead to dehydration within skin. Also, age spots and hyperpigmentation can occur.

Solution: Look for products with collagen and hyaluronic acid for moisturized, plump skin. A fade cream will help to even out skin tones.

Daily Preventive Measure: Choose an anti-wrinkle treatment that is created for sensitive skin to combat the drying effects of more heavy-duty products.