The skin is the largest organ in the body, and we need to take care of it for life.

A large part of a plastic surgery practice is dedicated to treatment of the face, as there is no other place where the signs of aging are more pronounced.

Facial rejuvenation surgeries, including facelift, eyelift, forehead lifts and neck lifts, are designed to reduce excess tissue and fat and re-drape skin to improve facial contours. These procedures do not, however, treat the fine wrinkling of the skin or improve skin texture.

Fortunately, there are many options to help to improve the way our skin looks. Resurfacing techniques vary depending on the condition of the skin, and can be designed for superficial or deep treatment.

The best way to keep your skin looking young is a healthy diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and especially water. Daily skin management with proper moisturizing and exfoliation using natural fruit acids - glycolic and lactic acids - can further help maintain youthfulness, and even reverse some of the changes that occur from years of sun exposure and daily stresses. Getting into a habit of daily skin care, just like brushing your teeth on a daily basis, will assure you are keeping your skin fit.

It is true that the earlier we begin to add nutrients to our skin, both topically (on the surface) as well as internally with food and supplements, the longer we can delay surgical procedures and the more effective the non-invasive procedures can be. We need to use antioxidants and natural moisturizers internally to slow down the degenerative effects of aging.

Three fundamentals of anti-aging management will help to delay the aging process:

- First and foremost is skin protection, with topical sunblock creams and internal and external anti-oxidants. Preventing damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays will do wonders to fend off the effects of aging.

- The second fundamental is nutrition. Our tissues go through constant stresses and need proper nutrition to build and repair. Our diet needs to be balanced with low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic, low fat, high-protein foods and good hydration. A diet that has low calories and plenty of nutrients, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins will assure us the best opportunity for health.

- The third fundamental is reversal of the aging changes, which can be accomplished with the use of topical skin products like retinols (vitamin-A based products), glycolic and lactic acid chemical peels, and the use of injectables like Botox, Radiesse and Juvederm. The newest techniques in age reversal for the skin includes the use of laser resurfacing, intensed pulsed light and facial treatments with massage therapy and iontophoresis/sonophoresis to maximize the benefits of the skin products applied to the surface.

Take the time to follow these three important fundamentals of good skin management and start to see the changes you are looking for!

Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr. is a board certified Plastic Surgeon in private practice with an office in Amherst, New York at the Aesthetic Associates Centre for Plastic Surgery and Dentistry, and a new office at the Aesthetic Associates Centre of Aurora in East Aurora. He performs all aspects of surgical and non-surgical procedures, and has wellness, nutritional, and customized, private labeled skin care products in his office. He has written countless articles on Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skin Care. He appears on the regular segment Great Look Monday on AM Buffalo Channel 7 - ABC, is the Official Beauty and Skin Consultant for the Buffalo Jills Squad and an active proponent of the holistic approach to skin care, nutrition and overall wellness.

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