The Adversaries:

• Crow's feet may become glaringly visible
• Skin above the eyes and around the throat and cheeks (the jowls) starts to fold and becomes limp
• Biological and hormonal changes and can wreak havoc causing excessive dryness, acne and hair growth in new areas

The Rx:

• Aggressive MicroPeels and Photofacials/Skin Rejuvenation
• Alpha Hydroxy Acid cleansers to exfoliate
• Vitamin C for cell turnover
• Eat foods with Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids for healthy skin, heart and brain
• Laser Hair Removal
• IPL Acne Treatment
• Mineral Cosmetics

At the age of 50, our skin is considered "mature." Biological and hormonal changes can lead to adult acne and new hair where there was none before... just what we need on top of everything else, right?

Dr. Marsha Gorens, an OB/GYN and founder of SkinWize Medical Spa in Chicago's Medical District, understands a mature woman's ever-changing needs and issues and offers a range of state-of-the-art weaponry to win the war on aging.

To battle pesky problems like acne and unwanted hair, Dr. Gorens turns to Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT™), the latest development in pulsed light technology. "While other phototherapy devices deliver low doses of blue light, the AFT™ laser uses a much higher concentration of wavelengths and can target only the affected areas therefore minimizing the risk of injury to the surrounding tissue."

Dr. Gorens uses AFT™ Laser Therapy to treat a myriad of conditions in addition to acne and hair removal such as rosacea, sun damage, age spots, skin texture, acne scars, large pores, lines and dark circles around the eyes. "I prefer using intense pulse light therapy to treat these types of skin problems on my older patients because their damage is more profound," Dr. Gorens explains. "The laser is more intense and can work deeper into the skin's layers than the surface layers microdermabrasion and peels are able to reach." Dr. Gorens recommends Skin Rejuvenation with AFT™ particularly for those with fair complexions.

C the Light

Vitamin C does more than keep colds at bay. Vitamin C on the cellular level is a veritable fountain of youth. Dr. Gorens prescribes the cosmeceutical line BelleDerm™ to her patients because she's seen its results first hand. "I used to have extremely oily skin until I started using these products," she says. "The Vitamin C complex penetrates beneath the epidermal layer and builds and plumps up collagen, and for me, it stimulated a cellular renewal process that cleared up my skin completely." Created in partnership with renowned physicians, BelleDerm™ by MedSurge Skincare™ is a comprehensive collection of prescription-strength Vitamin C-based cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliators, serums, compounding acids and protective treatments. Each product is available in formulas specifically for oily, dry, sensitive and combination skin types. The line also features targeted products for acne treatment and anti-aging. For more information, visit www.belledermskincare.com

Skin-smart Cosmetics

It's time to stop covering up skin with thick, pore-clogging make-up, especially as we reach our 50s. As we age, the pigment in our skin ages too, which means dense foundations and powders can now make our faces appear ashy and dull. Women of a certain age are also losing hydration, so heavy makeup looks and feels dry. Reevaluate what's in that cosmetic bag and opt for a lightweight skin-brightening foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Then swap out the old blush, powders and shadows with mineral-based products. They're all the rage and the reasons are well justified.

Mineral Maverick

Jane Iredale's revolutionary Iredale Mineral Cosmetics was the first full makeup line to offer not only color enhancement, but healthy benefits for the skin. Based on micronized minerals and made without fillers, binders, chemical dyes or preservatives, Iredale's collection is a preferred brand of renowned plastic surgeons, dermatologists and medical spas around the world as women can use them following laser and microdermabrasion treatments. It was Iredale's prior profession working with actresses and models in film and television that inspired her true calling. "Working with women whose careers depended on clear complexions allowed me to see how skin disorders and sensitivities not only threaten careers, but can destroy self-confidence," Iredale says. "I wanted to develop a makeup line that could contribute to the lives of women by aiding the health of their skin." Iredale Mineral Cosmetics are available at salons, spas and medical offices around the globe. To find a retailer near you, log on to www.janeiredale.com or purchase on-line at www.janeiredaledirect.com.

A Model Approach

"Most makeup available today is formulated for younger women. The textures are heavy, the colors saturated, and they're filled with shiny particles that act like airport runway lights in every line, wrinkle and pore," says Lauren Hutton. "As we age, our faces demand different makeup and different ways to put them on." So at 46, Lauren Hutton began researching, experimenting and blending her own products to create lightweight, sheer, shimmer-free formulas that enhance a woman's features instead of masking them. But the right products are only half the equation, she says. "The application technique and the right tools are just as important." To that end Lauren Hutton's professional collection of foundations, powders, pencils, lipsticks, moisturizers and brushes include instructional DVDs and brochures on application techniques. Learn more and purchase products at www.laurenhutton.com

Mature Beauty

"As a woman matures less is more when it comes to makeup," says Tomi Gion, the creator of her namesake line of anti-aging skin care products and cosmetics. "Your cosmetics should never be used as something to hide behind, rather your makeup and skin care should be used to enhance and accent the mature beauty that you have become." Gion's cosmetics contain nourishing ingredients like aloe, emollients, Vitamin E and natural minerals to improve the health and texture of the skin. The line's "Beauty Pack" for Mature Beauties is a great find and packs all the essentials in one convenient pouch: Aloe Liquid Foundation, Camouflage Corrector, Translucent Loose Powder, Pressed Powder Blush, Half Moon Blush Brush, Eye Shadow, Conditioning Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Pencil, Lipstick, Lip Liner, Eye Gel, Facial Cleanser, Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover and Vitamin E Lip Moisturizer Treatment and Skin Cream. Learn more and purchase products at www.tomigion.com.