When it comes to aging, there are those who “look” older and then there are those who are “aging gracefully”. You know, the lucky ones who seem to be getting better like a fine wine while some are just learning by trial and error. I’m learning the graceful agers aren’t aging better, they’re just aging smarter, so that is why I’m doing this series on the Secrets of Looking Younger. AND if you have any questions about skin care, please leave comments below and I will get some answers for you from our expert, Dr. Lori Stetler from The Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics.
For those of us who are learning the hard way to keep grace and age in the same sentence, we are going to learn so simple and inexpensive ways to maintain our youth, as well as discuss all the procedures available for those of you who want to take that route. And for those of you who are thinking “I’m not there yet…”, well it’s never to early to start taking care of yourself, so read on!
Have you ever noticed when I share pictures on my blog of myself that they are far away? That’s because I can’t stand looking at my CLOSE UPS! I think there is a reason your eyesight also goes with age… that’s because you can’t see the wrinkles and sags that come with age too (haha)! Age can sneak up on you SUPER FAST! I’m not gonna lie ladies, for me, aging stinks, big time! I love the wisdom I’m gaining, but the rest is ….BLAH! Not to mention, we are our own worst enemies. With that being said, please understand, I’m thankful for good health, a loving family and a wonderful life God has blessed me with.
But this series is about aging gracefully and with all the tools, products, procedures and knowledge available, why not fight it a bit if you can, right?
So I’m throwing vanity OUT THE DOOR! Here it is…
First we’re going to start with our skin. Your skin is unique; your skin care should be too so I’ve found who I consider to be one of the best in the DFW Metroplex. The Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics is a leading-edge cosmetic dermatology practice that integrates current aesthetic procedures with clinical dermatology treatments for a lifetime of health and beauty.
I will be consulting with the awesome Dr. Lori Stetler. She is very well-known in this community and frankly, “just knows her stuff!” See her bio below and you’ll be mightily impressed.
In the picture above you can see the trouble spots Dr. Stetler will attack. I have heavy forehead lines and crows feet. I’m starting to get “jowls” and I have sun spots… LOTS of sunspots.
When I went in for my first visit, I told Dr. Stetler I needed a “clean canvas”. With all this “wisdom” I’ve earned, I know how to properly take care of my skin now. I will openly admit, I was the kid who was the “sun-goddess”, using those silver blankets that attracted the sun & baby oil. I’m THAT OLD that back then we weren’t told to stay out of the sun or use sunscreen. Old habits die hard. Over the past 5-7 years I’ve actually used sunscreen but not like I should.
Dr. Stetler had me pegged and we discussed sunscreen. Before she could do anything to my skin I need to return to my normal skin color. Until that time, we’re going to do some botox next week. I’ll be checking back in with REALLY embarrassing pictures, but that’s o.k., I’m happy to be the guinea pig for all of us. LOL!
Lesson #1: If you’re wanting to do any type of treatments, get back to your original skin color
Lesson #2: Dr. Stetler advised in get “hooked” on sunscreens. The higher the number the better. She said SPF 30 is great IF you re-apply but many of us often don’t nor do we put it on well enough. Her opinion, go higher on sunscreen for added protection. For me, she suggested sunscreens with helioplex, for example Neutrogena, Aveeno an LaRoche Posey. For more information on sunscreen, you can read my post on How to Choose the Best Sunscreen here.
Lesson #3: Become one with an umbrella and hat when your out in the sun.
Lesson #4: Don’t just protect your face, protect your body and sun will damage and age other parts including your legs, hands, etc.
I’ll be checking back in with you and sharing before and after shots along the way and hope you will learn secrets to staying younger with Dr. Stetler right along with me!
Lori Stetler, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas whose career path began with an undergraduate education from Baylor University in Texas. She was a summa cum laude graduate and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed an internship in internal medicine and a dermatology residency at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She served as chief resident her senior year. She became board-certified in dermatology in 1993. Following her residency, Dr. Stetler began her private practice in dermatology in Dallas at Medical City. She moved her practice to its current location in Preston Center in 2001.
Training and Achievements
Dr. Stetler specializes in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, dermatologic surgery and general medical dermatology. Dr. Stetler is a Clinical Professor in the department of dermatology at UT Southwestern. She currently trains dermatology residents, fellows and medical students in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Stetler is a national speaker and trainer for several pharmaceutical companies in the proper use and injection techniques of neurotoxins and injectable fillers.
Dr. Stetler is active in a number of local and national organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She has served as president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Dermatological Society. Dr. Stetler has been named one of the “Best Doctors in Dallas” by D Magazine annually since 2001.
