Many of us pick and choose to what degree we are willing to care for our skin, selecting skin care products that appeal to us through advertisements. All of us, including men, are jumping on the "skin care band wagon" using numerous different creams, washes, lotions, and serums. All of these products promise to give us more radiant, glowing, younger looking skin. However, are you aware of the natural alternatives?

Once we reach our late 20's and early 30's, skin care seems to become a focused priority more than ever. When we see television and magazine advertisements for skin and anti-aging products, it leaves us under the impression that beauty and our appearance is of the utter most importance. We're made aware, through the media, of celebrities and movie stars that have undergone Botox and plastic surgery.

All of us are guilty of striving to maintain a healthy, beautiful appearance. However, most of us would never even dare to consider the idea of going under the knife or having to undergo medical treatments.

Just recently a new form of skin treatment has emerged - "Beyond Botox Facial Treatment. A 7 step strategy for Sexy, Ageless Skin Without Needles or Surgery." This new advancement in skin care takes a different approach to the skin through a two-part process that is comprised of a facial treatment and an educational book. The treatment focuses on alternatives to invasive and sometimes risky procedures such as Botox.

Instead of "quick fixes" to improve skin, "Beyond Botox" suggests new strategies for skin care such as a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, exercise, and adhering to a proper skin care regimen.

Canadian pharmaceutical and dermatological chemist Ben Kaminsky and his son Howard, authored the book "Beyond Botox: 7 Strategies For Sexy, Ageless Skin Without Needles or Surgery." The book and facial treatment are quick becoming a popular and healthy alternative to the sometimes-risky procedures of Botox.

The facial treatment consists of a vegetable cleanser and skin care analysis that identifies your skin type, i.e. sun damaged, well hydrated, moisture deficient etc. A "high frequency" treatment is than performed by using high frequency electric currents to sterilize the skin and enhance the skins metabolism. To finish up, your face is then polished under a steam with a vitamin face cleanser containing jojoba beads.

The 7-step strategy suggests that we can achieve healthy more youthful looking skin by adhering to a few simple and natural alternatives to surgery. Consuming vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins - broccoli, collard greens, cantaloupe, kale, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries will help reduce the signs of aging. As well, nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts will aid in the process of achieving more beautiful skin.

Although omega-3 fatty acids may help in the rejuvenation of our skin, it is wise to be cautious of any salmon or fish based diets due to the risk of mercury and other toxins in fish. Consume seafood in moderation.

There is no "one" particular food that will save your skin. An assortment of various things is necessary.

Emphasized in the 7-step strategy is regular exercise - at least 30-40 minutes a day, five times a week and not smoking as key factors that contribute to healthy skin. Smoking restricts blood flow to the skin causing yellow discoloration and halts the regeneration of collagen fibers.

Yes, skin care products and pampering may help us look great; however they can only do so much without our determination and drive to stick to a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make proper health choices.

Skin treatments work in collaboration with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If we continue to partake in carelessness that accelerates our skins aging process, then a facial alone is not going to benefit us. Without lifestyle changes we won't notice the longer lasting effects we're longing for.

Skin Treatments

• Chemical peels - Discolored, irregular outer layers of the skin are removed through an application of a chemical solution.
• Microdermabrasion - top layers of the skin are rubbed away using special instruments. A smoothing of the skins surface is noticeable.
• Botulinum toxin - In very low doses, this toxin is carefully injected into the skin by dermatologists. Botulinum paralyzes the affected muscle; softening crows feet, frown lines and wrinkles.
• Wrinkle fillers - Surgically placed or injected fillers are placed into the skin reducing wrinkles, furrows, and hollows in the face.
• Non-ablative skin rejuvenation - Pulses are delivered by means of light to affected areas of the skin, creating no wound with minimal down time.

Prevent Aging

1. Regular exercise
2. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
3. Consuming a well balanced diet high in antioxidants
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Make sure to get plenty of sleep
6. Set out and stick to a proper skin care routine based on your skin type
7. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize the skin using the right creams and cleansers
8. Don't smoke - restricts blood flow and stops the regeneration of collagen fibers
9. Occasionally, take a trip to the spa
10. Refrain from the use of non-medically prescribed drugs and alcohol