Every decade there is a celebrity who sets the bar for beauty. Dr. Manish Shah, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon based in Denver, takes nostalgic look at these classic beauties through the decades and points out what today’s women would critique about them given today’s beauty standards. We also have an interesting look at predictions for what the beauty ideal will be as we approach 2020. We already see a shift taking place to a strong body, smaller breasts and a more natural facial aesthetic. Let’s look forward by first looking back.

1950’s Marilyn Monroe, the Ultimate Icon

Marilyn Monroe is still a beauty icon and despite transforming from brunette to the ultimate blonde bombshell, she is still the embodiment of sex appeal. “Marilyn Monroe was infamous for her hourglass physique, sexy lips and dreamy eyes. Today’s women would consider her “curvy” and would suggest Marilyn get inner thigh liposuction to achieve “thigh gap,” which became a thing over the past few years. I say Marilyn was gorgeous, feminine plus she knew how to dress for her frame. At 5’5” 120-130 pounds she was proportioned and looked lovely,” says Dr. Shah.

1960’s Raquel Welch, the Glamazon

Raquel Welch embodied the exotic bombshell. With a Bolivian father and an Irish mother, Raquel’s features were unique and stunningly beautiful. “What’s interesting about Raquel Welch is that she was all natural and women of today would want her body. She wasn’t skinny at all with beautiful full breasts, athletic legs and beautifully symmetrical facial features. She’s also aged gracefully over time, and still looks elegant well into her 70’s,” Dr.  Shah points out.

1970’s Farrah Fawcett, the Girl Next Door

In this decade we see a shift from the voluptuous to the slender with a more girl-next-door approachable look. “Farrah’s lips are actually quite thin by today’s standards yet, they work perfectly with her other delicate facial features. Her megawatt bright smile was what supercharged her look. In the 70’s, plastic surgery wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. Women simply went to the hair salon for the Farrah Fawcett feathered hairstyle. At 5’7” Farrah had a 34B breast size which we are seeing a return to,” explains Dr. Shah.

1980’s, Brooke Shields, Endless Beauty

Time magazine put her on its cover with “The Face of the 80’s.” During that decade Brooke was known for her natural bushy eyebrows. According to Dr. Shah, “Brooke’s facial symmetry was and still is exceptional, her nose is perfect for her face and everything just worked together. One thing I can see today’s women suggesting for the 80’s version of Brooke, would be breast enhancement, something she never had nor wanted. Brooke now 53, looks radiant and relies on diet and exercise to maintain an age appropriate, classy look minus the need to overdo it with fillers and unrecognizable facelifts. Brooke looks like an older, gorgeous version of herself.”

1990’s Kate Moss & Pam Anderson, The Waifs vs. The Beach Bunny

The early 90’s beauty aesthetic was highly driven by the Grunge Rock music scene. The “waif” which was embodied quite controversially by Calvin Klein model Kate Moss and actress Calista Flockhardt, known for her popular TV character Ally McBeal. Both were scrutinized and shamed for being “too thin” pressuring other Hollywood celebrities to keep up. On the other extreme was bombshell, Pamela Anderson of the iconic Baywatch TV Show of the same era. A favorite of Hugh Heffner, who considered her to be the ultimate bombshell, put her on the cover of Playboy a total of 13 times in the 90’s and first decade of the 2000’s. “Pamela Anderson absolutely boosted demand of breast implants in the 90’s and made it much more mainstream to look more like an exotic dancer than a fashion model. I’m glad to see that Pamela, now in her late 40’s, didn’t overdo it with any facial plastic surgery and opts now for a more elegant look,” offers Dr. Shah.

2000’s, Livin’ LaVida Lopez

In February of 2000, Jennifer Lopez and her ample derriere got massive global attention for the infamous green Versace dress she wore as Grammy presenter. She was already turning heads on the red carpet as an actress and singer. “Jennifer Lopez was the first woman to bring attention to a curvy fuller butt. The Brazilian Butt Lift came into popularity to meet the demand of more women wanting a curvier, fuller, yet lifted bottom. What’s great about Jennifer Lopez is that she’s now in her late 40’s, with a packed schedule which demands that she is in excellent physical shape. Her physique is very athletic and muscular yet, feminine at the same time. This is a woman who did a triathlon months after giving birth to twins. Jennifer has maintained herself exceptionally well through the years with facials and lasers which can help women ward off any need for a face lift,” says Dr. Shah.

2010 – Present… Keeping Up with the Kardashians

“The Kardashians were the tipping point to both surgical and non-surgical treatments going to another level and they built an empire out of all of it,” says Dr. Shah. If you watch old episodes of the show you see Kim, sisters Khloe and Kylie and momager Kris radically changed their appearance. Plus, they are always touting procedures such as Kim did with the “Vampire Facial.” Kylie Jenner looks like a totally different person than she did as a teen just 4 years ago. Her admitted lip injections gave her a new facial appearance that now has her at the top of the family income chain.

2018 and Beyond… All Eyes on Kendall Jenner

Kendal Jenner is the hottest model right now and the face of Estee Lauder. While part of the Kardashian clan, she’s an actual model with extraordinary bone structure, long legs, and a body for high fashion. “I predict we will see a new crop of beauties like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Kia Gerber (daughter of Cindy Crawford) set a new more fashionable aesthetic. I’m hopeful that the over-done lips, the over-filled faces and over-sized breasts will fall away with a shift to preserving ethnic features and body type for a more interesting, less generic “done” look, says Dr. Shah who prides himself on delivering a more natural look.  

We all know that cosmetic-plastic surgeons and dermatologists earn their living by operating or non- invasive procedures. Most of these endeavors are costly for patients.  It’s rare that any aesthetic surgeon will let us in on things we can do daily that don’t require us to visit them!  We are fortunate to have Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board -certified plastic surgeon share secrets with us, that in many cases cost nothing or less than a gourmet cup of coffee.   

DR. MANISH SHAH’S TOP BEAUTY HACKS

1. Cleaning your phone screens- Dr. Shah offers that, “A great way to avoid blemishes is to routinely clean the makeup and bacteria off of your phone screens. It is easy to spread harmful skin bacteria from the surface of your phone. Washing your hands goes a long way to avoid skin contamination as well.”

2. Make your own exfoliating scrub at home- Dr. Shah shares that, “A woman I consider my second mother taught me how to create my own organic exfoliating scrub. She would dry peeled skins of oranges, lemons, and limes in the sun. She would then finely grate the white inside rind of the peel and then mix it with any facial cleanser or even add it to fine facial oils. Using the scrub would exfoliate the skin, treat it with Vitamin C, and prevent over-drying of the skin because of the fruit oils.”

3. I recommend treating the enlarged pores of the T-zone with over the counter hydrogen peroxide. The bacteria in the pores create inflammation that increases pore size, and this leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Dr. Shah explains that, “These bacteria can’t survive in high oxygen environments. 3% hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter quite inexpensively. Treating only the T-zone at night kills the bacteria, reduces pore size and  blemishes. Because it can be quite drying, takes breaks from its use every now and then.”

4. Avoid fake nails.They harbor tons of bacteria that are easily transferred to the face when you touch your face. Instead, focus on growing your own nails with the help of oral vitamin C and any good quality hair, skin, and nails vitamin like Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails.

5. For teens, especially, it is so important to wash their pillow cases routinely. Dr. Shah is the father of three teens. From his first-hand knowledge he says that, “Teens aren’t very compliant when it comes to skincare and they suffer from hormones in a bad way. This 1-2 punch makes acne and blemishes the bane of most teens’ existences. Going to sleep at night on clean pillow cases after washing your face goes a long way to reducing bacterial burden and allows blemishes to heal.”

6. If you suffer from puffiness around the eyes, a quick trick is to use black tea bags. Wet them in ice water and lay them onto the eyes to soothe. The caffeine in the black tea causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing edema or swelling in the delicate, thin eyelid tissues.

7. Add baking soda to your toothpaste to easily polish away stains to keep your teeth white. Instead of bleaching your teeth, baking soda actually breaks the molecules that stain the teeth. It is less irritating to your gums as well, and way cheaper than teeth whitening strips.

8. Eat the rainbow- A white bread-based diet does not for clear skin make. That’s why Dr. Shah makes sure his diet is packed with brightly-colored fruits and vegetables.  He says, “Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which give glow to the skin.” Specifically, research suggests that pigments called carotenoids—found in foods like carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, and tomatoes have been linked to good complexions.” Adding fish oil to your diet also improves skin compliance and radiance.

9. Avoid Hot Showers- Disappointing as it may be, Dr. Shah says, “Hot showers remove too much of your natural oils and brings blood circulation to your skin, creating inflammatory reactions that result in rashes and aggravate those with eczema or dry patches.”

10. You may just need a brow wax instead of a lift- “I had a patient who wanted a brow lift because she thought she looked angry all the time. I sent her for a brow wax instead. It took 15 minutes, she looked great, and she saved herself thousands.” Other brow techniques like brow tinting can change how your eyebrows frame the eyes, improving on your looks.

 

 

It’s something every woman fears: Waking up on the day before or day of a big holiday party with an unsightly skincare emergency. How many women have cancelled an invitation because a cold sore erupted? How about cystic acne on your chin that appears New Year’s Eve? While neither of these are “life threatening” conditions, for a woman, they might as well be. There are solutions. Dr. Manish Shah is a Denver Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. As a father to girls, he can relate to these skincare 911s and shares his expertise on what can be done to mitigate various conditions.

Problem: Cold Sore

Solution: Dr. Shah offers cortisone injections to patients who want to look better faster. “Very diluted cortisone into the cold sore, this can bring the inflammation down quite rapidly,” he says. If you are afraid of needles, call your doctor and ask him/her to call in a prescription for Valtrex, Famvir, or Acylovir, Dr. Shah says. You can pick up Abreva, an over-the-counter medication. If you can’t make it to the pharmacy, you can try some old-fashioned remedies: Visine will help take the red out. You can also use a cold compress and Tylenol or ibuprofen. 

Problem: Allergic Reaction

Solution: The first thing you need to do is stop eating or using whatever is causing the allergic reaction. If the reaction happens a few days before an occasion, Dr. Shah recommends using hydrocortisone cream twice a day and taking Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec which are longer acting and less sedating than Benadryl. Try a whole-milk compress for 10 minutes twice a day. For allergic reactions, use the hydrocortisone cream and then cover up redness by canceling it out entirely. The opposite of red is green, so apply green tinted concealer on the red area. The combination will create a flesh-toned hue. A good quality tinted moisturizer naturally has green/yellow undertones and also provides moisture to dry skin. “If this type of reaction is something you have never experienced before, go immediately to your dermatologist,” says Dr. Shah. 

Problem: Cystic Acne Breakout

There are some people who use a lancet or small knife to cut into a cyst and fish out the clogged part of the pore. “Cutting open a cyst is extremely risky. You not only run the risk of getting an infection, but you also run the risk of scarring, as in a permanent skin indentation or protrusion,” says Dr. Shah. And what if you cut open a cyst but can’t squeeze out the root clog? You don’t know where the root is or how deep it resides inside your skin. You can’t even be 100% confident that you will be able to completely remove the hardened plug of the cyst. If any remnants of the clog remain, the cyst is likely to get re-inflamed and come back even worse. It’s also not exactly good to cut open skin and dig around and squeeze the wound. Doing so will only make a bloody mess, increase the chance of skin scarring, and prolong the time it takes the cyst to heal. 

Solution: Here’s a secret that many a supermodel or actress use: Steroid shot. Dr. Shah explains that, “when we discuss treating acne with cortisone or “steroid” shots, we are referring to the process of gently placing a very dilute quantity of a “glucocorticoid” steroid into the cyst. Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid molecules that are naturally produced by our bodies and have numerous functions including the regulation of human metabolism, immunity, and inflammation. They have very potent anti-inflammatory effects, so they are often used to treat inflammatory diseases in medicine. They can be formulated as creams to treat skin rashes or as pills to treat systemic disease. They can also be injected directly into local areas of inflammation such as in arthritic joints and inflamed acne cysts. Within one or two days of injection into a cyst, the steroid will shrink the inflammation producing relief of pain and almost immediate cosmetic improvement.” 

Problem: Puffy Eyes

Solution: The key to reducing the puffiness of puffy eyes is having something cool applied to them. “A cool compress or cooled cucumber slices applied for 5 to 10 minutes can constrict blood and lymph vessels,” says Dr. Shah. You can also use cool tea bags, which contain tannins that will help reduce swelling. And since puffy eyes can be caused by a high salt diet or alcohol, try to cut out both before an important occasion.

Problem: Sunburn

Solution: Take a cool bath or shower. Set the water to a cool temperature that’s just below lukewarm and relax for 10 to 20 minutes. The temperature will ease the pain, and the water will stop your skin from becoming as irritated. Repeat as often as you need to. Avoid using soap, bath oils, or other detergents as you bathe – they’ll irritate your skin and possibly make it even worse. If you have blisters forming on your skin, take a bath instead of showering. The pressure from the shower might pop your blisters. When you get out, don’t rub your skin dry with a towel. Instead, let yourself air dry, or pat the towel over your skin in small, gentle movements. Apply cold compresses to your skin. If you’re not in a situation where you can bathe, or you’d just prefer not to, you can instead apply cold, wet compresses to your skin. Dampen a washcloth or other piece of fabric with cold water and lay it over the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. Re-wet it as often as you need to. Apply aloe vera to burned skin. Using the pads of your fingers, gently apply the aloe to your sunburn. Don’t “rub it in” all the way, like you might with a regular lotion. Leave it a bit goopy and moist on top of the burn – this helps prevent the skin from drying out and becoming more irritated. Reapply as often as necessary. Treat inflammation with cortisone cream (optional). Cortisone creams contain a small dose of steroids that can work to reduce inflammation to your sunburn.

Problem: Too much filler

The Solution: Dr. Shah suggests doing fillers no sooner than 1 month before a big event to allow time for healing and touch ups. One of the reasons Dr. Shah leans toward hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane is because they are easily reversed with Hyaluronidase. This product dissolves and degrades the Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane so as to reverse the results of the initial injection. It’s a great insurance policy when choosing a practitioner. Make sure yours has it at his/her disposal. Most patients find the immediate results of soft tissue filler treatments very satisfying. If an undesirable result occurs, your treatment provider should be able to discuss and carry out all of the treatment options. Removing the effects of a “filler” treatment can be difficult. This is why any filler treatment needs to be done carefully, conservatively and only by very experienced and Board-Certified specialists. Hyaluronic Acid based dermal fillers have the additional benefit of being partially or completely reversed with time or with the injection of a commercially available enzyme known as Hyaluronidase (Hylenex).

Many people in their 20’s are stressed out about high post college student loan debt requiring side hustles to pay it off. They’re noticing tired eyes and premature wrinkles as they turn to filters to optimize their social media photos. There is pressure to keep up with celebrities their age not to mention the countless millennial “social media influencers” who are setting the new standard for beauty and youth. Bottomline, millennials are stressed, and they don’t want to look it. Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver, Colorado Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery urges the under 30 crowd not to overdo it with expensive treatments and procedures that can actually make them look older and put them further into debt.

 Here is Dr. Shah’s of 6 things millennials can do to maintain their youth.

1. Use sunblock every day.

“The best way to make sure your face is protected from the sun is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF of no less than 30,” explains Dr. Shah. He also suggests applying creams to your neck and chest to postpone wrinkling and sagging in these areas. “The sun protection done daily in your 20’s will pay off greatly in your 40’s,” he says.

2. Get your Vitamin C.

“Vitamin C is a huge collagen booster and it also reduces pores and brightens skin, and these are the exact things women in their late 30’s and 40’s complain about most,” he reveals. Foods such as cantaloupe, mango, pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, and berries are all packed with this antioxidant which, when eaten regularly does wonders to sustain a youthful glow. 

3. Ditch the fast food and eat more fish.

Those late night post partying fries and pizza are to be expected and at 25 are difficult to avoid. Perhaps your metabolism can handle it, for now. Offset these weekend indulgences by eating fish during the week. “Fish oil has fatty acids can erase early wrinkles you may notice. It prevents inflammation which can only make wrinkles more noticeable and deeper over time. Many millennials who are picky eaters and avoid seafood can get Omega-3’s via supplements but getting it directly from eating fish is best,” Dr. Shah suggests.

4. Quit smoking.

Nothing will age you quicker than smoking. “It is possible for a 25-year-old to look 8-5 years younger, within just 3 months after quitting smoking. This number increases after age 30. Women over age 40 who don’t smoke typically look up to a decade younger than their counterparts who still smoke,” says Dr. Shah. There are a gazillion reasons to quit smoking. Linking it to vanity is a pretty powerful motivator.

5. Decrease your sugar intake.

You really want to start getting mindful about your sugar intake in your 20’s for many different reasons. “Sugars and carbohydrates are a beauty killer because they are pro-inflammatory. Pasta, ketchup, candy, ice cream, and fruit juices are often dietary staples for those under 30. Any inflammation in the body will show up on the face in the form of adult acne, sagging and wrinkling not to mention sallow skin tone,” warns Dr. Shah. 

6. Maintain your glow with facials and peels.

While many millennials are starting off with “Baby Botox” which can postpone wrinkling, Botox isn’t cheap. It also can be a “gateway” treatment which leads to lip injections and fillers that often have a reverse effect making younger women appear older, cautions Dr. Shah. “Lasers and peels have come very far, offer an excellent solution for sun damage, skin texture, pores, acne scarring and cell turnover to stimulate collagen growth.

Dr. Shah concludes that millennials who get into a good solid habit of taking care of themselves both inside and out, will create a lifestyle of longevity. “Millennials raised by mothers who may have had breast implants, Botox and lip injections may feel that getting things “done” is normal. This is exactly why I am always very honest when advising patients under 25 on procedures they’re considering.”

As luck would have it, most women seem to experience skin care problems just when they want to look their best. Every woman can relate to waking up with a huge zit right at the tip of her nose, or huge dark circles under the eyes, and the list goes on. There are pre-emptive measure one can take with less than two weeks until the New Year to ward off these skin care evils. We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board certified plastic surgeon for guidance on what to do without breaking the bank or having invasive surgery.

Facial Extractions by a licensed aesthetician– Dr. Manish Shah says, “When done correctly extraction facials can clear closed comedones (AKA those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that never come to a head, yet never really go away), remove whiteheads and blackheads, and give your skin a newer, fresher foundation for your skincare products to penetrate. Basically, extractions can be the kiss of life for your lifeless broken out skin.”

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

If you plan on ringing in the New Year with a few glasses of bubbly, Dr. Shah recommends moderating your alcohol consumption leading up to the big day. He explains, “Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and cause it to appear less fresh and vibrant, which can certainly hinder your skin care efforts.”

Cleanse your Face Every Night- You have just arrived home at 2 am from a holiday Party. It may be tempting to flop into bed without washing your face. Don’t do it! Dr. Shah says that, “Sun damage isn’t the only environmental factor you have to worry about. Small micro particles from air pollutants might just hurt your skin, too. Play it safe by remembering to take a minute to cleanse your face to remove debris that could be weakening your skin. In addition, that foundation and pressed powder you have been wearing all night can clog your pores and cause breakouts.”

Start Exfoliating

Want brighter, younger-looking skin? It starts with a great at home exfoliator! Dr. Shah explains that, “As your skin replenishes itself, dead skin cells start to build up on the top layer, leaving you looking dull. Exfoliating regularly removes this layer, revealing fresh, healthy skin. Regular exfoliation also allows your moisturizer and other topical products to penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.”

Clean Your Makeup Brushes

You would not eat food on dirty dishes, would you? Applying makeup with dirty brushes is not so different. Not only will dirty brushes give you a spotty application, but they can harbor bacteria, dirt and oil, leading to acne and breakouts which necessitates piling on even more makeup to cover it up.

Don’t Squeeze Your Pimples!

Here’s a secret that many a supermodel or actress use: Steroid shots. Dr. Shah explains that, “when we discuss treating acne with cortisone or “steroid” shots, we are referring to the process of gently placing a very dilute quantity of a “glucocorticoid” steroid into the cyst. Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid molecules that are naturally produced by our bodies and have numerous functions including the regulation of human metabolism, immunity, and inflammation. They have very potent anti-inflammatory effects, so they are often used to treat inflammatory diseases in medicine. They can be formulated as creams to treat skin rashes or as pills to treat systemic disease. They can also be injected directly into local areas of inflammation such as in arthritic joints and inflamed acne cysts. Within one or two days of injection into a cyst, the steroid will shrink the inflammation producing relief of pain and almost immediate cosmetic improvement.”

Peels

Look for AHA/BHA/PHA peels that will exfoliate the skin and help release the top layers of dead skin cells allowing for a more radiant underlay to come through.

Microdermabrasion

This professional treatment exfoliates at a deeper level (similar to a peel), with a mechanical handheld device that buffs away the upper layers of the skin.

Add vitamin C to your routine.

Dr. Shah suggests applying several drops of vitamin C serum underneath SPF each morning to target free radical damage, help lighten brown spots, and even out your skin tone.

Moisturizer

It may seem obvious, but when it comes to dewy, glowing skin, moisturizing is essential. “When your skin is dry, it looks dull, so hydrating ingredients can help bring back that glow,” says Dr.  Shah. For skin types already prone to shine, adding moisture may seem like the last thing you need, but an oil-free hydrator with ingredients like hyaluronic acid could actually help reduce your sebum production and even out slickness into a sleek glow.

When it comes to your beauty routine, very few things are free, but sleep costs nothing and may be the closest thing to a fountain of youth. Dr. Manish Shah is a Board-Certified Denver, Colorado plastic surgeon.  A 2017 study found that two days of sleep restriction negatively affected participant’s perceived attractiveness, health, sleepiness, and trustworthiness. Dr. Shah explains that, “Your body repairs itself and recovers while you sleep, and that results in a long list of benefits for anti-aging and appearance.”  Most experts agree that 7-9 hours a night is ideal. It’s time to maximize your shut eye for anti-aging.

Here are Dr. Manish Shah’s Tips for Beauty Sleep

Sleep on Your Back

“Sleeping on your stomach or on of your sides means there is constant pressure on your face. Over time, this action will produce unwanted sleep lines. You can remedy this by sleeping on your back,” says Dr. Shah. This way you will not apply any pressure to your face. For many people though, this might be uncomfortable, and you can’t control your involuntary sleep movement leading you to a side or stomach position. You can practice and can get used to it over time.

Use an overnight product and put a glass of water on your bedside table

Washing your face can dry it out and sleeping can also dehydrate skin, especially if you snooze in a low-humidity environment. While staying hydrated by drinking water can help to some extent, what your skin really needs at night is a topical moisturizer. For a more supercharged product, try an overnight sleeping mask such as https://brazilianskin.com/collections/all-product/products/acai-triple-stem-cell-complex-mask This is an Acai Triple Stem Cell Complex for $59.99.  Potent Açai Triple Stem Cell Complex Mask is an overnight mask application crafted with an innovative, breathable, and nourishing film ingredient that functions as a transdermal penetration medium to facilitate the complete absorption of the “Grams Triple Stem Cell Complex.”

Pillowcases Make A Difference

Dr. Shah explains that, “While facial creasing has a lot to do with sleep positioning, a change in pillowcase might be the answer. There are numerous benefits of silk for good sleep. Silk pillowcases are a great way to wake up creaseless in the morning. The smooth texture of silk is gentler than cotton and may help prevent sleep wrinkles, as well as reduce skin irritation. Its tightly woven fibers also don’t draw out moisture and natural oils as cotton does, leaving your skin better hydrated.”

Stay away from salty foods and alcohol around bedtime.

If you’re craving a midnight snack or drink, be mindful. While some foods, a light, carb snack like crackers or an apple, can actually help your sleep, many others can disrupt your sleep and wreak havoc on your appearance. Alcohol and salty food can have a dehydrating effect on the body. To compensate, your body starts collecting natural fluids around the eyes, among other places, leading to that dreaded puffy-eye look. Dehydration is claimed to lead to formation of dark circles under the eyes.

Wear your hair up — but not in a tight bun.

It’s a good idea to keep your hair out of your face while you’re sleeping to keep its natural oils from wreaking havoc on your complexion. But avoid pulling it into a really tight bun or ponytail because that can cause hair breakage, especially around the hairline. Dr. Shah suggests wrapping it up in a scarf (silk would be ideal).

Keep makeup remover by the bed

“No matter how tired/drunk you are, going to bed with your makeup on will only be worse the morning after (clogged pores, irritated eyes, oily residue etc.). Make it less of a chore by keeping some good-quality face wipes by the bed for a fast, effective cleanse. It’s not ideal to rely on convenience cloths every night in place of a deeper clean, but on late nights they are skin saviors, says Dr. Shah.

Wear A Silk Sleep Mask

Avoiding light when you sleep is crucial to getting quality rest. Dr. Shah explains that, “An eye mask completely eliminates vulnerability to light, preventing it from interfering with your sleep. For the best results, use a silk eye mask. Since skin is susceptible to wrinkling, make sure that the material pressing against your face is as soft as possible.”

Keep the Temperature Low

At night, your body’s natural temperature declines. Keeping the temperature in your bedroom low is good for both your metabolism and your blood flow. Dr. Shah explains that, “This is important because improving your blood flow helps oxygenate your skin, keeping it plump and even-toned for the day ahead. Maintaining a cool temperature in your bedroom will also help reduce redness in your skin.” The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for an optimal night’s sleep.

We are all subject to marketing and advertising on a daily basis. Nowadays it seems like even thinking about skin care will get you bombarded with countless ads and sponsored posts on social media. But how trustworthy are some of the marketing buzzwords used to describe the effects of skincare merchandise? We reached out to an anti-aging expert and board-certified Denver Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah. Shah advocates helping consumers understand what this frequently used language means. Dr. Shah is also an ethical patient safety advocate.

“There are many ways marketers attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumer with empty phrases and jargon,” comments Dr. Shah. “A phrase such as ‘clinically tested’ and ‘doctor recommended’ is used to mislead consumers into thinking a certain product has more credibility than it actually does.” However, Dr. Shah explains, when these phrases are used it says nothing for the results of the clinical tests or what the products were tested for. In terms of products being “Doctor recommended,” Shah warns that “consumers don’t know what doctor recommended the product in most cases and if those doctors are getting some sort of incentive for endorsement.”

Dr. Shah shares common marketing jargon phrases used to mislead consumers.

1. A Product that claims “Patented Technology”

“Patents are not necessarily a foolproof sign that something is groundbreaking or effective,” explains Dr. Shah. “Marketers use this language to convey innovation and superiority that their product might not necessarily have over its competitors,” he says. Patents are sometimes authorized through technicality instead of breakthrough meaning any new combination of ingredients, methods or production process can be patented as long as it is new.

2. “Maximum strength”

This is a term used often by skin cleansers and moisturizers. “It’s a relative term and the consumer doesn’t really know what it is relevant to. It’s language that entices the shopper to make the purchase without really telling them how it accomplishes ‘maximum strength’ results,” says the Denver Plastic Surgeon.  

3. “Clinical strength”

From painkillers to hydrating serums, companies love to bill their products as having “clinical strength.” Dr. Shah says consumers should practice healthy skepticism with such claims. “A product that claims it has clinical strength, in many cases, could have been tested by the doctors developing it. If you think about it you can’t really pinpoint what that phrase means because it is relative and we have no context as to what the company considers clinical strength,” says Shah. The perception, explains Dr. Shah, is that the product is better because the world clinical makes it sound more credible.

4. “For All Skin Types”

“This is a difficult promise to deliver on,” says Shah who has practiced his specialty for 14 years. “Not all skin is the same. If someone has an allergy to an ingredient or some form of dermatitis they really should speak to their doctor about what products are best to include in their regiment instead of blindly trusting a label,” he says.  

5. “FDA Approved”  

The FDA has different protocols for skincare products that make cosmetic claims as opposed to those that make more medical claims such as promising to increase production of collagen in the skin. Since that is a body function the FDA treats those differently than normal skincare products. However the FDA just stipulates that the product being sold is safe to use in the manner in which it is directed to be used “FDA approval is not credential that shows the superiority of results,” says Dr. Shah. The plastic surgeon recommends that you not be sold on the sole factor of an FDA approval.

6. “Anti-Aging, Revitalizing, or Age Defying”

We’ve all seen these on the labels of some cream or serum or advertised in a commercial where beautiful models and actresses are displayed in all of their airbrushed and well-lit perfection. “These terms are somewhat misleading in that they give the perception of an unrealistic turning back of the clock,” says Dr. Shah. To many consumers viewing an advertisement, it might seem like buy and using that product will help them look like an ageless actress and that is not accurate.” Aging gracefully and maintaining a more youthful look has a lot to do with nutrition, exercise, genes, consistent skin care, stress levels, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. But according to Shah, people cannot cling onto just one aspect in order to look their best and no one product will reverse the clock.

7. Medical-Looking Packaging

Be wary of bottles that look like test tubes, labels or packages that include a medical or first aid cross, or feature type that looks like Rx suggesting that it’s a prescription-strength formula even though it’s sold over the counter.

8. “Botanical”

Dr. Shah explains that “An actual botanic is technically an ingredient that is derived from a plant. But, again, “botanical” may be used in advertising to refer to something that is synthetic but acts similar to a plant-based ingredient.”

9. “Instant Results”

Keep in mind that “instant results” aren’t the same as “long-term results.” Meaning, you may use a product that gives you instant moisture or has a quick-acting firming effect, but those results may fade after a few hours and require reapplication. Dr. Shah’s final advice: “Check a product to make sure it specifies whether its “instant” effects are long lasting or short term.”   

10. “Firming”

What you think it means: Proven to make skin look tauter.

What it really means: Essentially nothing. “There is no objective way to measure firming,” says Dr. Shah “When a brand says their product has been shown to firm your skin, that claim can only be based on very subjective consumer perception.”

According to expert Board-Certified Plastic surgeons, the goal of cosmetic surgery is to make a woman like look a refreshed, enhanced version of herself. While many seek cosmetic surgery to turn back the clock; (a respectable, personal choice) there is a downside. The eerie expressionless, puffy, distorted, look that makes people appear even older than they are. To help us understand and achieve a more maintained, elegant look, we tapped the expertise of Board-Certified Denver Plastic Surgeon Dr. Manish Shah.

 Most Common Culprit… Too Much Filler

 According to Dr. Shah, the best way to begin is to look at photos of the person decades younger to assess their aging progression and facial symmetry. “You want to look at the facial features to see where there is drooping or volume loss as not to run the risk of over filling the face. When too much filler is used, facial balance is thrown off.”

 Dr. Shah explains that today we’re seeing young women in their 20’s trying to look like they’re photo filtered in real life. “They start Botox too young, or overfill their lips, breasts, and derrieres. The odd consequence is that that end up looking older. There are several celebrities who are under 25 and look 30, and 35 due to the work they’ve had done. The lips and cheeks are often the first facial features to be overdone in younger patients.”

 Facial Breakdown

 Cheeks: Dr. Shah says, that “Over-suctioning cheeks through liposuction can make you look older. Stiffness or “puffy cheeks” can also occur if there is unnecessary fat transfer or filler injections are overdone.”

 Brows: A highly arched eye brow, or a brow without any arch can instantly age you. “Getting the eyebrow height perfect to achieve a natural look is one of the most challenging techniques plastic surgeons face with Botox, be sure to find someone who specializes in brow area Botox.”

 Chin: “The overall balance of your face can be thrown off if a chin implant is too large,” says Dr. Shah. He adds, “Facial structure goes from more of a heart shape to a square shape. Also, the softness of your face gets lost.”

 Neck: Removing too much fat from the neck can result in an excessive deep and sharp angle that gives more of a harsh look.

 Midface: Some women get a facelift before it’s needed. Think of many of the stars of Bravo’s Real Housewive’s franchise. “When it’s unnecessary or not done properly, the underlying facial tissues give an unnatural fullness in the cheeks that makes the face look aged, explains Dr. Shah.”

 Eyes: Fat removal under the eyes is popular in younger patients. The problem is that removing too much fat can really make a patient look hollower rather than refreshed.

 Injectable Toxins: The Frozen Look

Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are all effective in reducing lines by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles to stop movement. Problems arise when they are overdone. The face can look very severe and certain facial features can become exaggerated. It is strange to see a woman over 50 with fewer forehead and brow mobility than a pre-teen!

 Dr. Shah offers a tip and reminds us that injectable toxins are not permanent, and the result will fade away in time. “It’s best to let the product completely wear off before getting injectable toxins applied to the face again. It’s always best to start off with much less because you can always work your way up to more,” he advises.

 Too Large Breast Implants:

Implants that do not fit a woman’s frame and are overexaggerated, are never a good idea at any age. The older a woman gets, the more this is going to scream, “look at me” and be incongruous with the rest of her appearance. Jane Fonda is a perfect example of a woman in her 80’s with implants that match her body in a flattering way.

 Ignoring Your Hands and Décolleté:

So many women make the mistake of obsessing over their face, legs, derriere, breasts, and abdomen that they completely forget their hands and décolleté. The latter are a dead giveaway of age, no matter how young the rest of you looks.

 Examples of Elegance:

According to Dr. Shah, here’s who he feels has “gotten it right” when it comes to aging gracefully whether they have had plastic surgery or not include, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Katie Couric, Raquel Welch, Kathie Lee Gifford, Kris Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jayne Seymour, Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon Stone, and Padma Lakshmi. Use these celebs for inspiration when contemplating cosmetic enhancements. 

As women age, they will notice changes to their body- especially their breasts. While it is normal for breasts to sag a bit over time, it is certainly something women don’t want. The good news is that there are several things ladies can do to prevent breast ptosis (the fancy medical term for breast sagging). Dr. Manish Shah, MD a board-certified Denver, Colorado  plastic surgeon, and Vince Sant, a Certified Fitness Trainer and Co-Founder of V Shred.com, an incredibly popular online fitness portal share tips and insights with some uplifting solutions for breast sagging.

Understanding sagging.

“Forget about the old beliefs of poor-quality bras, going bra-less, or breastfeeding being the cause to sagging breasts,” says Dr. Manish Shah. “There are ligaments in the breasts that stretch out over time. Gravity is certainly a culprit but there are others such as multiple pregnancies, menopause, breast motion from exercise, high body mass index, deficiencies in collagen, estrogen, rapid weight fluctuations, and of course smoking,” he explains.

Beware of the expensive hype.

When women are unhappy with breast sagging and want to lift their breasts; they want to do it quickly, painlessly and affordably. Dr. Shah says that while advancements are being made with procedures involving things such as stem cell therapies, radiofrequency, and fat transfer; right now, the science just isn’t there when it comes to delivering ideal lift, shape and significant restoration to warrant the investment.

“The last thing you want to do is get sold on a $4000, procedure done over the course of several visits spread out over several months that does very little. People want visible improvement. It’s important to ask questions about anything seeming too good to be true,” cautions Dr. Shah.

Clearly, there are a lot of factors that can explain away breast sagging in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and beyond. What options do we have in this very tough battle with gravity?

Quit smoking.

“We know that smoking accelerates aging in the face due to oxygen deprivation to your skin. When it comes to the breasts, smoking destroys elastin which is what maintains suppleness,” says Dr. Shah.

Manage menopause.

When perimenopause begins usually in the mid-’40s, you really want to revamp your diet and have a look at organ function and get a hormone test. “Drops in estrogen, a natural occurrence during menopause reduces collagen in skin tissue. Some supplements or phytoestrogens that boost estrogen levels naturally can have a positive effect on breast shape. However, this is certainly something to discuss with a specialist,” explains Dr. Shah.

Pump Up with weights or resistance training.

“A lot of women focus on their lower body when exercising. While this is great to blast cellulite and keep the thighs, legs, and butt shapely and strong, the upper body can’t be neglected. Doing various exercises using 5 -10-pound weights that strengthen and tone pectoral muscles (the muscles under the breasts) shoulders and back are key for preventing breast sagging,” says Vince Sant.

Many women fear losing their breast size or looking bulky or masculine. When you use less weight and do more repetitions, you get a nice lean, strong upper body. This raises everything up. According to Sant, who created a workout specifically targeting women’s trouble zones, it takes a lot of weight and many hours of training to get that thicker bulky look. “Doing combinations of exercises such as, plank rotations, shoulder presses, dumbbell pullovers, chest fly’s and standing raises are easy and can be done right in your living room,” the expert trainer with over 700,000 Instagram followers suggests.

Update your sports bra.

“While exercise is great, exercising with an old stretched out sports bra can lead to sagging especially for you Cardio Queens,” out there says Vince.

Quicker solutions…

What if you’re working out, not smoking and despite being tight and toned your actual breasts still sag? “Then you may want to consider a breast lift that factors in your frame, current breast size and desired shape, says Dr. Shah. “Nothing delivers a result as significant and long-lasting as the breast lift. The procedure does require 6 to 8-weeks of full recovery time and, depending on region and doctor, can be anywhere from $6000 to $25,000,” says Dr. Shah.