Six weeks to lovelier looking skin
Submitted and written by Deborah Francesconi, RN

We pamper, exfoliate, protect and slather on the latest anti aging cream on our face yet too often ignore the skin on the rest of the body. The hands, neck and chest seem to be the most neglected areas of the body. These areas are often exposed to the sun without protection making them more vulnerable to more damage. Brown spots on the hands, redness and discoloration of the neck, and poorly textured chest are reminders that we are not taking a few extra moments to include them in our daily and nightly routine. These various body parts are a telltale sign of our age. The few extra seconds it takes to include them in our routine is well worth the effort.

Continue reading for various tips and treatments that will help reverse skin damage, prevent further damage and restore youthful looking skin.

The Neck

Most women notice the signs of aging on the neck long before the face. The face has more oil glands as well as fatty tissue, which lends to firmer support.
The lack of oil glands and less tissue of this delicate area warrants gentle care. 
If you use AHA, BHA or retinol products on your face, use them on your neck as well. However it is best to dilute the strength with a plain moisturizer or apply them every other night to decrease the risk of irritation.

Poikiloderma is a condition that manifests as variegated red spider veins and dark spots usually due to sun exposure. I observe more damage on the left side of the neck than the right on my patients who are frequent drivers. Sunscreen and clothing will help prevent this. I also recommend no perfume or cologne on the neck, as the ingredients in some perfumes can cause brown discoloration when exposed to the sun.

Skin tags are a common problem and can easily be treated with the laser or liquid nitrogen. One to two treatments may be necessary. New ones will develop if you are prone to them and necessitate a treatment once every year or two.

Botox is a popular treatment used for the aging neck. The vertical muscles that protrude from the neck are treated with Botox causing the area to tighten slightly and appear more toned. This treatment typically does not work for those with excess fatty tissue or with excessively sagging muscles.

In addition to a daily sunscreen, add antioxidants to your daily routine to ward off free radical damage. Try SkinCeuticals Vitamin C, E and Ferulic serum or Almay SFP 15 with Grape Seed extract.

The Chest

Sunspots and discoloration are the most common problems due to over exposure to the sun. Cover your chest while driving with a scarf or clothing. This area is not protected by the sun visor and is often left exposed. One application of sunscreen in the morning is not sufficient and sunscreen is not 100% protection, especially if you are a frequent driver.

Fraxel laser is a fabulous treatment for the chest, as well as the neck and hands. The Fraxel laser is beneficial for dark spots, sun damage and fine wrinkles. The down time is minimal, typically 2-4 days. For more information visit www.fraxel.com

Have you ever noticed vertical wrinkles on your chest? This is due to sun exposure and sleeping on your side. It isn’t easy, but if you can sleep on your back.

Seborrheic keratoses are raised brown or tan areas about the size of a dime. These can be treated with liquid nitrogen. Ask your dermatologist to treat them during you annual skin exam.

Cherry angiomas are superficial spider veins that manifest as small red dots about the size of an average mole. They often occur on the chest and abdomen and can be treated with the laser. More than one treatment may be necessary.

The Hands

The hands are a hardest working body part and probably the most abused. The signs of aging include chapping, dryness, red, brown spots, and loss of fat, which results in protruding veins.

Use lotion after cleansing while hands are still moist and keep an emollient hand balm at the kitchen sink, bathroom and your bedside to apply at night before retiring.

Age spots can be kept under control with lightening agents (the same ones that are used on the face) such as hydroquinone, kojic acid or licorice extract. For stubborn spots a professional treatment may be indicated. Either liquid nitrogen or a laser treatment that targets brow spots are viable options. See a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatments. Keeping sunscreen in the glove compartment of your car is a convenient way to remember to apply or wear gloves while driving. Trader Joe’s brand with 10% zinc oxide is perfect and cost effective. Apply it as soon as you get into the car.

Lose of fat or genetics may cause veins to protrude. For many years, dermatologists have been using the patient’s own fat (fat transfer) to restore volume to the backs of the hands. Recently, the latest hyaluronic acid fillers, FDA approved for naso-labial folds (smile lines), have been used to treat the back of the hands. This is considered an ‘off label’ procedure and is not FDA approved for this area. The most common fillers are under the trade names of Restylane®, Juvederm® and Perlane®.

Let’s not forget the arms and legs

Use scrubs or AHA several times per week to exfoliate the arms and legs. Some suggestions include a Loofa sponge, Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily scrub, or Philosophy Sweet Coconut milk salt scrub. Lac-hydrin or AM Lactin, which contain 12% lactic acid and use to be available only by prescription, is a good daily lotion for the body.

Daily sunscreen is helpful for preventing dryness, brown spots and aging skin. Try Banana Boat for Babies--its great for adults too!

Maintaining good tone through exercise is beneficial for both the heart and the         
Skin. Good circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin lending to a healthy glow.

And just like exercise, consistency is the key, if you want to see results. Integrating a healthy skin care routine into your daily habits will result in smooth, even toned and youthful looking skin.