How to get that celebrity glow

By Madeleine Marr/McClatchy Newspapers

How aging celebrities look like they're still in the prime of life is no big secret. Sometimes they don't go for the nip and tuck; rather, they visit a dermatologist on a regular basis. Even Jennifer Aniston admitted to Jay Leno recently that she was addicted to “laser porn,” reading about the latest skincare treatments.

The hottest out there? Laser resurfacing (directing short pulsating beams of light) helps with wrinkles, brown spots and other signs that the clock is ticking.

We spoke to Coral Gables, Fla., cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt, who just launched a skincare product called Glow, of which Kelly Ripa is already a fan, and has his own advice show at 1 p.m. Saturdays on Sirius XM radio.

Q: What's the most key thing we can do to take care of our skin?

A: The most important thing is to apply sunscreen every day - minimum SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection, rain or shine - and to avoid the sun whenever possible. A teaspoon of sunscreen should be used for the face, and an additional teaspoon should be used for each arm. Sunscreen should be re-applied when you are exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. People may not realize sun can affect you even when you are not outside. Just by driving your car or sitting on an airplane, sun damage can lead to decrease in collagen production, an increase in brown spots on the hands and wrinkling.

Q: What is the most popular treatment of the moment?

A: The most popular are, of course, fillers and Botox, as these are timeless treatments that never go out of style. One of the newer treatments is Ulthera, a device that uses ultrasound energy to tighten skin on the face and neck, delivering instant benefits as well as improved firming effects over the course of four months. If done properly, the one-hour procedure results in little pain and no recuperation time.

Q: What celebrities do you think are aging well?

A: Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow look great for any age. Michelle Pfeiffer, Courteney Cox and Susan Sarandon look fabulous as well.

Q: Madonna hides her aging hands in gloves. What helps that?

A: In-office treatments with injectables can also improve the appearance of hands. I like to use Perlane in the hands or Restylane because it lasts longer and gives a smoother result. The Gemini Laser, a non-ablative laser, as well as fractional lasers will improve texture. Q-switched ruby laser, which emits short, high-power pulses, is also used to eliminate brown spots as well.