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Younger-looking skin, at a cost

Even non-surgical cosmetic therapy has risks.

A generation ago, people who wished to look younger relied primarily upon cosmetic surgery, such as face-lifts. Today we have far more options, including Botox, chemical peels, dermabrasion and collagen injections. These treatments are widely available, so it's wise for those seeking these services to be armed with good information.

For starters, know where wrinkles come from. As we age, the elasticity of our skin changes. The protein structures become less supportive, the skin dries out more easily, and wrinkles occur as a result. All this is accelerated by cigarettes and sunlight, so smoking and sunbathing are verboten for those who want healthy and wrinkle-free skin.

In addition, talking, laughing, yawning, squinting and frowning all cause wrinkling over time. And, as with other parts of the body, Earth's gravity "tugs" the skin toward the ground, leading to loose, saggy jowls and droopy eyelids.

Of course, not all wrinkling calls for the same therapy, and not everyone who offers the services is the same. Before you proceed with any non-surgical cosmetic therapy, discuss the basics with your physician and let her point you in the direction of someone reputable. The American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org) also has good information.

Finally, remember that even these non-surgical procedures involve some risk, and they are expensive and temporary. In the long run, your best bet is to have healthy skin habits.

Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.