- Q Three months ago I took a close look at myself in the mirror and GASP!, I had fine lines around the lower outer perimeter of my eyes/upper cheek bones. When I wear makeup - liquid or powder - it's even more prominent. A few things to consider: 1) This all started when I used Proactiv for about two weeks; while it cleared up my skin, it also made my skin dry and taught, revealing the fine lines. The moisture has since returned to my face, but the fine lines have not returned to their hiding place. 2) I incorporate Retin-A into my skincare regime a few days a week for adult acne. 3) In the past year I have lost about 10 lbs, which has left my cheeks less full than they were before. Apparently, I missed eye cream 101 and did not know that I should have been using it for years. My dermatologist thinks I'm overreacting and should wear sunglasses (yes, I think I need a new derm). A spa skin analysis showed that I have above average fine lines for my age and recommended chemical peels (chemical + peel = scary concept). Questions: Could the Retin-A, Proactiv or weight loss have contributed to this sudden onset of fine lines? Is it too late to correct that damage that's been done? Should someone my age really be considering a chemical peel? I'm not even sure if this is an eye cream or general face cream issue since it's on the border between my eye and cheek bone. Please share your opinion and recommend any products that you think will help. I’ve been using eye cream for the last three months and no results.
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Yes I believe the combination of weight loss, the Proactiv and the retin-a could have contributed to this premature wrinkling. Many times retin-a is actually prescribed as an anti-aging treatment, however if you are overly dry then fine lines and wrinkles are going to show up more so. Preventing fine lines and wrinkles is much easier done then reversing such issues, however you can still address these concerns-it is not impossible. I recommend considering the peel, however I feel it depends on what kind of peel. Major cosmetic peels would be a bad idea at your age and also due to the concerns you described to me. Keep in mind though that you may want to consider a lower grade peel, such as a 20% glycolic peel or a series microdermabrasion treatments. I do recommend you put your skin on a daily skin care regimen. I think an everyday vitamin C serum underneath your daily sunscreen would be good, one such as Cellex-C High Potency Serum. I also recommend an eye cream daily, I like Dr. Brandt Lineless Eye Cream. At night I recommend an anti-aging face cream one that will help fight and prevent wrinkles such as Pevonia Botanica Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. Best skin care wishes. Meagan, Esthetician
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