by Alexandra Edwards

Even though the aging process begins the moment we are born, it does not become a concern to most people until they reach the age of thirty.. Anyone who has passed this magical milestone is sure to remember the emotions of dread they felt of suddenly becoming "old." It seems on reaching the dreaded 3-0, most people become more aware of what they eat, they start taking vitamin and mineral supplements and take up more serious forms of routine exercise to help keep physically fit and fight off the aging process.

No matter how well we take care of our bodies, the clock of aging ticks on whether we like it or not. Fortunately though, in the US today, the availability of good nutrition education, and the help of new cosmetic science technologies, people in their thirties, forties and fifties are looking younger than they did in previous generations. This generation of baby-boomers and their now aging children are refusing to get old  passively and will do all it takes to stay young looking. Both men and women alike have so many more options today to keep them from looking over-the-hill.

Several years ago it seemed only Hollywood stars and the wealthy elite  could

afford to indulge  themselves with luxuries like manicures, pedicures, tanning beds, make-overs, facials, therapeutic massages, and face lifts but those days are behind us. Today, pampering oneself is much more affordable. Services once reserved for upscale neighborhoods are now available in most towns and cities and are becoming as common as supermarkets and Laundromats.
As well as the body pampering services, cosmetic surgery is also more readily available to the average person. Lasik eye surgery has enabled many to see better without eyeglasses. It is easy for cosmetic dentistry to make a whiter, brighter smile. Even tummy tucks and plastic surgery are becoming much more

Before and after the treatment of frown lines with Botox injections.                 
Photos courtesy of Berywood Aesthetics

universally popular in the quest for a younger appearance.

"Looking good on the outside usually promotes a better feeling on the inside and looking after your skin is an important first step," says Rose Stanbery of Berywood Aesthetics Medical Spa, on Berywood Trail in Cleveland. She warns that studies have proven that direct sunlight is a major cause of premature wrinkling. "Even if you like to work or relax outside as I do, you should always protect your face from the sun with a good sun block,"she said.

Stanbery, who is a SRN, explained that there are now many ways to delay the aging process but unfortunately, as of yet, nothing will prevent it entirely but most procedures are effective with periodic maintenance.

Botox is an example of a non-surgical procedure that can dramatically reduce wrinkles, crows feet, smoker's lips, forehead lines, and frown lines. The procedure consists of painless injections that paralyze the muscle under the skin and can remain effective for several months. Botox injections are also used as treatment for excessive perspiration.