About the Book
What do you see when you look in the mirror—a face with a healthy, youthful glow or a complexion marred by fine lines, blotchiness, or a dull and tired look? No matter how old you are, you can have healthier, better-looking skin that can help you look ten years younger—and you don’t need surgery or costly treatments to get it.
In The Youth Equation, renowned dermatologist Jeffrey Dover gives you the knowledge and tools you need to make big changes with just a handful of products. The first step is understanding that it’s not your chronological age that matters—it’s your Skin’s Virtual Age (SVA), which reflects your skin’s current health and status—that counts. To determine your SVA, you’ll take a simple quiz that factors in everything from your sun-tanning habits to your personal lifestyle to your genes. Once you know your SVA, you’re ready to start lowering it with a customized six-week plan that will make your skin look smoother, firmer, and more lustrous. Dr. Dover guides you through a three-part cleanse—treat—prevent program with a range of easy-to-find products at all price ranges that can be picked up at any drugstore or department store. He also offers some options available by prescription if you prefer to work with a dermatologist.
You’ll find everything you need to know about the lotions and creams that live up to their promises—from cleansers that brighten the skin to serums that reduce sun damage and fight acne. You’ll navigate the skincare aisle with confidence once you learn to read product labels and understand more about ingredients such as:
• Retinoids and retinol
• Matrixyl, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and other peptides
• Growth factors, one of the most potent—and little known—anti-aging tools around
• Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids
• Antioxidants, such as co-enzyme Q10, botanicals, soy, and green tea
If you’re interested in supplementing topical formulas with more aggressive treatments, you’ll also find information on procedures such as Botox, cosmetic fillers, light-source devices, and plastic surgery.
Today’s advanced skincare products are more potent and effective than ever. Start using them to encourage your skin to act and look younger. All you need to know is your SVA and Dr. Dover’s simple cleanse—treat—prevent equation to add up to a fresh, healthy-looking, and radiant new you.
