Features
Gracefully AGING
Valley Boomers want affordable self-care BY CARRIE SNIDER
While we can’t stop our bodies from aging, there are many things Phoenix men and women ages 50 and older can do to look and feel better. It seems like there is always a new product or procedure to try. Plastic surgery, facials, Botox, hair styles—the list goes on. According to local beauty experts, Boomers tend to gravitate toward two main things: to look refreshed and not spend a lot of money. Those who are 50 and older definitely do not want to look like they’ve “had work done.” In fact, many Baby Boomers are focusing on that one thing about themselves they want to improve, and Phoenix-area professionals can revitalize those spots. Here are a few things that older men and women are doing:
Croton Oil Peel While plastic surgery is an option to help improve the look of the face, many Baby Boomers don’t want something that drastic or expensive. That was definitely the case with Sue
Donna Vanderlaan and Margie Bahm, owner of Amazing Lash Studio.
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Griffin, who at age 69 is still working and wants to look her best. She was searching for something to help her improve her overall look, but didn’t want to do anything drastic. She heard about a new procedure called a Croton Oil Peel from Dr. Andrew Wolin, of Wolin Plastic Surgery Center in Scottsdale. A Croton Oil Peel is a modified phenol peel that is deeper. As part of the natural aging process, our bodies produce less and less collagen, and the result is thinner, frailer skin. The Croton Oil Peel stimulates collagen production, which then helps the skin to look younger by smoothing it, reducing wrinkles, reducing age spots, etc. “It really helps to improve the quality of the skin,” Wolin says. He pointed out, however, it’s very important to have an experienced physician do the peel because the procedure is tailored to each individual and it takes skill. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and the patient is put under local anesthesia. The big commitment comes with the after care, because the
Donna Vanderlaan, right, swears by the services at Amazing Lash Studio. (Photos by Pablo Robles)
skin should not be exposed to the sun for about two weeks. “For me, it surpassed my expectations,” Griffin says. “Especially around my lip and jowl areas, the wrinkles are greatly diminished. I am happier smiling at others during my workday and feel invigorated.”
Eyelash extensions Not everyone may think lashes can make you look younger, but seeing is believing. Margie Bahm, owner of Amazing Lash Studio in Peoria/Lake Pleasant says she sees a lot of older clients who don’t want to spend a lot of money but want to improve their looks. Eyelash extensions are quick, easy, and don’t cost a lot. “People want that instant gratification,” she says. There are several options for eyelash extensions, including style, length and fullness. Some people come in to get eyelash extensions for a particular event, such as a wedding, but others want them as their everyday look to look refreshed. “Ninety percent of my clients don’t want to wear mascara, and they don’t have to with eyelash extensions,” Bahm says. Eyelash extensions give just enough oomph to your look that the change is noticeable, but it’s not overly dramatic. They typically last two to four weeks, depending on how the client cares for them. Donna Vanderlaan, 56, has been seeing Bahm at Amazing Lash Studio since it opened in August 2018.
“I want eyelashes because it feels good,” Vanderlaan says. “The experience is great. A few people have said, what are you using to look so good? I think it’s the lashes.” The visit takes about an hour, and Vanderlaan loves it because she takes a little nap during it. When she walks out the door, her lashes have a lot more length and volume.
Hormone therapy Sometimes a treatment on the outside of the body isn’t what is needed. That’s why Sarah Quinn at Arcadia Wellness Center, takes a whole-person approach. She offers many types of treatments, but one thing she likes to focus on his hormone balance—to help the body from the inside out. “We really want to help get those hormones optimized.” Clients come in with different symptoms that many experience as they age, such as lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, etc. She starts by asking questions and doing bloodwork. www.LovinLife.com