Dr. Seckel's 6 steps for great skin

October 17, 9:57 PMWichita Beauty Treatments ExaminerJoanie Willard

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6 steps to great skin
blindmike/flickr.com

3rd in a series on Facial Rejuvenation

In the book Save Your Face, Brooke Seckel MD outlines a 6-step facial rejuvenation program that will keep you looking younger, longer. Some of Dr. Seckel’s advice recommends costly injectables and lasers. He also offers an in home plan using products aimed at preserving your skin.

Topical treatments can go a long way in preserving the good skin you have now. In past articles in this column the benefits of Retin-A and sunscreens have been discussed. The Save Your Face program takes it further. Dr. Seckel recommends particular products to use. He does concede that if you are using products that fill the six steps and you are happy with them, it is not critical to make a change for the sake of making a change. The products that he tells his own patients to use are typically found at a doctor’s office. A professional can offer higher percentages of key ingredients that you will not find over the counter, however I have also found the same products via the internet.

I personally gave Dr. Seckel’s plan a 6 month try. There were improvements in the quality of my skin during this period. The down side is that it takes more time to do six steps than it does to do the traditional wash and moisturize. It requires a commitment to change the way you provide skin care.
The products are not cheap, but they do last a very long time. If you can only afford to try one new product, make it prescription strength Retin-A. There is nothing on the market that comes close to what the real thing can do. Do not be fooled into buying expensive cosmetic counter versions of this product. They will probably cost you more than Retin-A and they will be unable to equal the results; this isn’t just an opinion, this is a fact. The FDA requires labeling on all other prescription creams other than Retin-A to state, “These products do not remove or prevent wrinkles, repair sun damaged skin, reverse aging due to sun or restore your more youthful skin.”

Over the counter creams and lotions cannot contain a high enough percentage of retinols to do the same job as Retin-A. As far as infomercials and advertised over the counter products? Beware of empty promises. “The most effective, proven skin care creams and solutions require a doctor’s prescription,” according to Dr. Seckel, ”Does this surprise you? I doubt it.”

This is Dr. Seckel’s Six Step Program for dry and wrinkled skin. Included are the products that Dr. Seckel recommends. (note other programs for other skin types are outlined in the book.)


Mornings
1. Cleanse-La Roche- Posay/Biomedic Micro Exfoliating Scrub
2. Tone- La Roche-Posay/Biomedic Conditioning Solution
3. Eye Cream-Innovative Skincare Eye Complex
4. Correct-Innovative Skincare Super Serum
5. Moisrturize-Innovative Skincare Moisture Complex
6. Protect- SPF 30 with moisturizer ( no brand listed)

Evenings
The evening routine is the same as the morning except for step 4, 5 and 6.
4. Correct- Retin-A, Tazorac or Avage (all by prescription only)
5. Moisturize- Innovative Skincare-Firming Complex
6. Protect- Innovative Skincare Moisturizing Complex