Answering Your Questions

This book gives me the opportunity to answer the questions women have asked me for years, and I’ve structured the chapters to address these questions. Each chapter gives you the basic causes of a particular skin problem, the treatments for that problem, and a discussion of the problem in a question-and-answer format.

	Part I covers Wrinkles, from the early fine wrinkles of the late 20s and 30s to the frown lines, smile lines, and forehead lines of facial expressions, to the deeper wrinkles of our 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. These chapters also include detailed discussions of laser photorejuvenation, microdermabrasion, Botox, and collagen. The last chapter in Part I covers lasers in general and how to find a good cosmetic dermatologist and laser center.
	Part II covers Color Problems. Here you can read about brown spots and age spots, blotchiness, and skin that is too red or has rosacea. Treatments for these color problems range from lasers to bleaching creams to prescription medication to lifestyle changes.
	Part III discusses Texture Problems, including Lumps, Bumps, and Moles, Unwanted Hair, Scars, and Oily or Dry complexions that have different issues with pore size and texture. I also discuss cleansers and moisturizers here, along with some of the topical vitamin creams now available.
	Part IV focuses on skin health and preventing problems. Here I discuss nutrition, diet, certain health issues, and sunscreens.
	Part V concentrates on acne, rosacea, and sensitive and allergic skin, three very common skin diseases that I’m often asked about.

Since some of you may go directly to the topics that interest you the most, you may find some repetition. For example, some of the information on lasers in Chapters 1, 3, and 4 also appears in later chapters on brown spots and blotchiness. I want you to be able to dip in and read about the things they care most about –don’t worry about reading the entire book from cover to cover.

Please understand that this isn’t a book denigrating plastic surgery. I work with many excellent plastic surgeons whom I respect immensely. There are definitely certain problems for which plastic surgery is still the best option – for example, excess skin on the upper eyelid or skin that hangs down significantly below the jawline. But there are many skin problems for which there are other options besides surgery -- those that allow us to improve our skin while continuing our busy lives. This book is about all of those options.

I want to give you something far more substantial than the promise of some magic cream or lotion; instead, I’d like to give you the most complete, up-to-date information on how to look your best. Keep in mind that knowing about and caring for your skin is the first step to keeping it healthy – because healthy skin is beautiful skin, which can help give you confidence. Whether you’re a hardworking parent, nurse, doctor,CEO, entrepeneur, or teacher, appreciating the health and beauty of uor skin will translate into feeling better about yourself, which in turn will enhance every area of your life.

Styles change. But humans will always greet the world face first. Why not present your best face.

Brandith Irwin & Mark McPherson

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