No matter how humble, spiritual, or psychologically liberated we may be, few of us feel happy about the effects of aging. Most of us want to look better, feel better and, if it were possible, turn back the hands of time. Dr. Mariana Boneva suggests that a multi-faceted, holistic approach creates the most natural looking, luminous and long lasting results.

You prefer a natural and gradual approach to skin rejuvenation rather than artificially “plumping” skin with injectables. Why do you advise against injectables—and can one get comparable results with light-based and laser therapy?

The speed of our skin’s aging process is mainly determined by the level of collagen production, which slowly begins to decrease after the age of 25. It's an inevitable and fundamental process. It cannot be stopped, but we can slow it down.

As of late, injectables have been the most popular way for practitioners to help their clients fight the effects of the aging process. In my professional experience, I have found that this approach has some major disadvantages. Once started, the injections must be repeated every 1, 2 or 3 years (or even as soon as 6 months later), depending on the injectable. Not only is this expensive, painful, and “high-maintenance,” the effectiveness of each session tends to decrease, which warrants an increase in the amount of filler used each time. The worst part is, after 6-10 years, long-term, regular use of injectables results in a drastic change in the biochemistry and histology of the skin. It no longer looks as radiant and alive. Instead it tends to look artificially swollen, which definitely does not make you look any younger (or prettier).

I think it is very important that this be explained to young women in their early 20’s, who are asking for injectables to prevent wrinkles.

What are some of your tried and true skin care tips that anyone can incorporate into their for better skin?

Start your day with a glass of warm water and the juice of half a lemon to balance pH. Minimize dairy products and spicy foods in your diet. Always wear sunscreen, preferably a natural zinc oxide formula. Keep your colon clean. These are just a few general guidelines, but remember, everyone’s skin is different. This is why I make recommendations based on individual analysis of my patients’ skin. The most important thing everyone should know is that every aspect of our lifestyle influences the condition of our skin. As Christian Hufeland, a famous German scientist in the 19th century, wisely said: "... we should not look at our skin only like a shield against rain and sun, but first and foremost look at it as one of the most important organs in our body, without whose constant effective function and support we will not be able to live a healthy and long life."

Dr. Boneva’s practice is located at 353 Lexington Ave, Suite 1603 in New York City. For more information on how to receive personalized care for your skin, call 212-371-6097 or visit BeautyPlusAesthetics.com.