Through sleepy eyes, I half watched the Oscars ritual last night. My personal favorites seem insignificant and on the whole I was pleased and relieved by the relatively short acceptance speeches.  Once again though, I was aware of how so few people seemed to age and have the faces of character that come with years. Time stands still for those who represent the growing age against graying in America.

I did find myself thinking that the stage was an endless ad for the keeping youthful trend in America. I barely recognized John Travlota with his newly constructed face and Tom Hanks never seems to age. Then of course there are the women, few of whom have crow’s feet or look as if they’ve frowned or smiled.

So for those of you who don’t feel like going under the knife: are willing to walk around with either no signs of having done anything or a few hours, days or weeks of red, bruised or scaly skin, the following may be your choice.

Here’s a quick Summary of less invasive methods used to erase lines:

Masks: Depending upon how much you choose to do, these can be done in the comfort of your own home or professionally. They tighten pores and smooth skin by peeling away unwanted dead cells and providing opportunity for new fresh cell growth.  (Cost and down time vary)

Dermabraison: Dermabrasion and dermaplaning help to “refinish” the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. The treatments soften the sharp edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother appearance. There are even d0-it yourself kits to use in the comfort of your own home.  Little or no down time.  (Costs significantly vary.)

Peels: of every sort: These range from superficial exfoliating of the facial skin, to deeper elimination of dead cells.  Some down time of days or up to two as the layers peel away. However, it’s not so bad that you can’t walk around

Laser: When in the hands of a professional, considered safe. Down time can be a few days as redness accompanied by and skin flaking off, heals. (Cost: Hundreds)

Injectables:

Botox: (Botulus Toxin Type A) is the grand daddy or mammy of fillers. Generally used on forehead, corners of the eyes and smile lines. Seems lately every spa in town is offering to help you out here. (Cost ranges from $200 up depending upon the number of vials used and the level of the professional who administers the injection.)

Juvéderm™: is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Manufactured by the makers of Botox, it is often used for similar purposes, but studies indicate it may last longer. Injectable site bruising can occur. ($400-800)

Collagen: Derived from Cows or humans, fill in fine lines, plump and soften the appearance of scars, plump lips which tend to thin as we age. Test for allergic reactions first. The results last from  about 3-5 months. ($400-$600)

Radiesse: Made from a form of calcium. It can smooth wrinkles for up to two years. But it may also shift and cause bumps beneath the skin. (Average cost $850)

Fat Transfers: from a part of your body that has excess fat such as your tummy to buttocks, to your face which by losing is flesh leaves you with lines. This requires minor surgery and can both last longer and be more costly.

Then there are natural ways such as exercises and natural cosmetics, creams, and masks.

In my own opinion, whatever choice you do or do not make, nothing improves on good eating, exercise and a loving relationship. One other thought to consider. No matter what you do to your outside, true beauty is internal and shows.

One word of caution, before you do anything, and I mean anything at all, investigate the product and the practioner. The scars and discomfort you save may be your own. But then, you may never look quite a smooth as those who walked the red carpet last night.

Previously Published in 2008