Richard M. Foxx, MD
For years the medical profession has been aware of the benefits that accrue when patients take the time and make the effort to care for themselves. In the last few years, however, we have become increasingly aware of the improvement in general health when we take the time to improve our appearance.
Not long ago a group of physicians in the UK published several papers showing that patients who used effective cosmeceutical products and who underwent regular maintenance treatments were more likely to eat healthy foods and follow a workout program. The result was a general improvement in quality of life and a decreased incidence of depression.
Just recently, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark tracked almost 1800 sets of twins and found that perceived age was significantly associated with survival. Not only was there an association between perceived age and physical and mental functioning, they also found the bigger the difference in perceived age, the more likely it was that the older-looking twin died first.
That’s a good nugget to remember next time someone says that aesthetic medicine is all about fluff.
Richard M. Foxx, MD is the Founder and Medical Director of The Medical and Skin Spa in Indian Wells, CA. He may be reached at 760-674-4106 or at drfoxx@medicalandskinspa.com