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The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful, Beautiful Skin
It’s not your age that’s causing half of those lines and crinkles. It’s your life. Now, Amy Wechsler, MD shows you how to de-stress your skin and take years—years—off your face. In 9 days. Liking the way you look is vital to your health and happiness. But that’s not easy when life runs at warp speed—you’re simultaneously coping with ever-increasing dependent kids, aging parents, or both; shopping; cooking; laundry; money pressures; and more, more, more. Good bet you’re super-stressed, tightly wound, sleep-deprived—and it shows. Sure, but your thirties you’ve accumulated the first signs of normal crow’s feet, a bit of safe, some broken capillaries. But stress aging—how the madness of modern life affects your physical features inside and out—is today’s biggest skin and health challenge. Happily, stress aging is very reversible. And it takes only a few days. While you may never be able to totally turn off all the pressure (if only!), Dr. Wechsler has plenty of combination strategies—from her own favorite stress buster to her number one wrinkle reverser—to help you turn back the aging effects of tension and time. She’ll also teach you how to slow down and, to some degree, reverse the natural aging process. This is your guide to feeling, looking, and living young. In her book, she shows you how -Find out your SkinAge with a groundbreaking test that reveals how old (or young!) you really look
-Personalize a 9-day renewal plan that’s right for your face, wallet, and psyche
-Understand the different cosmetic procedures and products available today
-Adopt a mind-beauty regimen that will keep your skin— your whole body—looking and feeling terrific—not just for now, but for life.
The mind-beauty connection is powerful and can dramatically affect how well—and how fast—you age. The rewards for soling it go far beyond a quick fix. They’re transforming. You’ll not only look better, you’ll also sleep better, feel better, and likely lose unwanted weight as you begin to feel healthier, less stress, and more alive. Ready for a whole new you? Open this book and let’s start! Amy Wechsler, MD, is a dermatologist and a psychiatrist, one of only two doctors in the country who are board-certified in both specialties. Evidence of the mind-beauty connection walks into her office every “Premature aging and adult acne are the two most common skin problems I see, and stress and exhaustion are often at the bottom of both,” she says. Dr. Wechsler practices in New York City, where she lives with her husband and two kids. She is a member of the RealAge Scientific Advisory Board.
-Personalize a 9-day renewal plan that’s right for your face, wallet, and psyche
-Understand the different cosmetic procedures and products available today
-Adopt a mind-beauty regimen that will keep your skin— your whole body—looking and feeling terrific—not just for now, but for life.
The mind-beauty connection is powerful and can dramatically affect how well—and how fast—you age. The rewards for soling it go far beyond a quick fix. They’re transforming. You’ll not only look better, you’ll also sleep better, feel better, and likely lose unwanted weight as you begin to feel healthier, less stress, and more alive. Ready for a whole new you? Open this book and let’s start! Amy Wechsler, MD, is a dermatologist and a psychiatrist, one of only two doctors in the country who are board-certified in both specialties. Evidence of the mind-beauty connection walks into her office every “Premature aging and adult acne are the two most common skin problems I see, and stress and exhaustion are often at the bottom of both,” she says. Dr. Wechsler practices in New York City, where she lives with her husband and two kids. She is a member of the RealAge Scientific Advisory Board.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 7, 2021
So, the title is bait, but I knew I found gold when the author stated that prescription vitamin A retinoids are the most effective topical anti-aging product while over-the-counter retinols aren't (because overpriced retinol serums and creams are overrated). That's honesty that I appreciate because I knew I wouldn't be marketed any ridiculous products.
Realistically, you can't look that much better in 9 days, but you can start a beauty routine in 9 days that will drastically upgrade your youthfulness and maybe your beauty after a month (it takes longer if you're older or really did yourself in with bad habits).
So while the book title is poo, the information in the book is pretty straightforward, true, and kindly blunt. It may be somewhat outdated since it came out in 2008/2009, and skincare and anti-aging technology advances, but it's still mostly relevant.
I took some notes, but it's better to read the entire book:
Topical Skincare:
-prescription retinoid like tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene (vitamin A): minimizes and prevents wrinkles, removes acne, removes oiliness, minimizes pores, increase college and production, prevent cancer skin cell mutation, minimizes dark spots (it's the best anti-aging skin product in existence)
-retinols (over-the-counter vitamin A) are better for people under age 30 because they are not as concentrated therefore less effective for wrinkling and sagging
-Serums that contain vitamin c, or caffeic acid or green tea polyphenol extract at least 90%
-Home microdermabrasion and chemical peel kits that contain either lactic acid or an enzyme peel made of fruit enzyme
-age 30 + monthly microdermabrasion or chemical peel
-age 40 + twice monthly microdermabrasion or chemical peel
-AHAs and BHAs products decrease brown spots and wrinkles but BHAs are gentler; AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid while BHAs are salicylic acid, willow bark, and birch tree (1-8 % concentration)
-Daily gentle skin cleanser
-Wash face twice a day
-day sunblock moisturizer at least SPF 30 with zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide (a good moisturizer is more effective than drinking water)
-separate sunblock and moisturizer? A good moisturizer has an emollient and humectant (the emollient keeps the moisture in the skin while the humectant attracts moisture to epidermis); emollients are lanolin, jojoba oil, isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol linoleate, squalene, and glycerol stearates while humectants are hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, sorbitol, glycerin, propylene glycerol, urea, and sodium lactate (ceramide is similar to an emollient)
-treat dry lips, dry elbows and knees, and dry heels with occlusives (silicone, mineral oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, domethicone, petroleum, and paraffin)
-Night time moisturizer
-Milk bath (protein whey and casein, amino acids, vitamin A and D, lactic acid)
-Wash your face with your hands only
-No face scrubs (never physically aggravate your facial skin)
-Moisturize your face before your body
-Use a different towel for your face (face towel, hair towel, and body towel)
-Always use moisturizer after washing
-acne? use 2% salicylic acid all over face and 2.5-10% benzoyl peroxide on acne spots (never use benzoyl peroxide while using a retinoid, use salicylic acid)
-treat acne by mixing clindamycin or erythromycin with a retinoid before applying to face
-erythromycin, azeleic acid, and salicylic acid are safe during pregnancy
-Botulinum toxin and collagen (or hyaluronic acid) injections every few months age 40+
Anti-aging Advice:
-Strength training and cardio (endorphins, blood circulation, balanced blood sugar levels, oxygen supply to cells and tissues increase)
-Regular sex (look 4-7 years younger; sex increases beta-endorphins, prolactin, and oxytocin especially during orgasm)
-Masturbation if sex is unavailable has similar results
-8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep (look 3 years younger); growth hormones are only active during sleep
-Deep breathing exercises
-Semen making contact inside the vagina (releases happy hormones)
-Regular cardio or walking 3 miles per day
-Laugh for no reason (self-generated laughter)
-Go for a walk outside
-Hum (nitric oxide production)
-Progressive relaxation technique
-Eating a complex carbohydrate with protein produces serotonin (pleasure hormone)
-Follow the Sun (Wake up at dawn and go to bed near sunset to balance cortisol and melatonin levels)
-Don't stress (lol) (ages 3 to 6 years or more); The hypothalamus releases crh which causes the pituitary gland to release acth which causes the adrenals to release cortisol (cortisol ruins everything because it breaks down all kinds of tissue, makes you hungry, increases weight gain, reduces cellular production, reduces metabolism, it breaks down collagen which makes up 90% of our skin, makes you want to eat high fat high sugar foods which race blood sugar, causes inflammation such as acne, raises blood pressure which causes you to gain fat visceral, immune system lowers its ability so skin can't heal and more susceptible to sun damage)
Supplements (Brain Boost and Anti-aging):
-1000 IU vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2
-Omega 3 DHA and EPA
-Multivitamin heavy on the magnesium (400 mg +), zinc (20-40mg), selenium, vitamin c, vitamin e, and folate (a vitamin B)
-biotin (a vitamin B) with keratin
-collagen
Foods:
-camellia sinensis plant tea with EGCG, L-theanine, catechins, and antioxidants
-70% + cacao dark chocolate
-gelatin (cooked collagen like in bone broth)
-squeeze fresh lemon juice into your tea (catechins)
Anti-aging Dieting Example (I came up with this based on what I read):
#1 pre-work: coffee and granola bar
#2 breakfast options:
- cheesy spinach tomato omelette (2 eggs) and berries or orange
-creamy scrambled egg and yogurt-banana-berries-spinach smoothie
-fried egg, yogurt-berries parfait, and vegetable powder shake
(Add chia seeds, toasted oats/granola, and toasted amaranth somewhere)
#3 lunch options:
-grilled or baked fish (mackerel, tuna, salmon, trout, or halibut) or poultry (chicken/turkey/duck) with big leafy salad
- fish or poultry stir fry with asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and onion
- wrap or burrito (same-ish ingredients)
#4 snack options:
-celery with nut butter
-hummus and bell pepper
-guacamole and bell pepper
(drink a green tea or oolong with snack)
#5 dinner options:
-whatever, just add red meat, cooked vegetables, and a grain/starch (brown rice, barley, quinoa, bulgar, sweet potato, beans, corn tortilla)
(Drink 4 oz red wine or a cup of fizzy pomegranate juice)
?dessert: grilled or baked apple-peach-plum-pear mix (a touch of whipped cream if you're a good girl)
#6 snack options:
-dark chocolate with nuts
-European-style hot cocoa (dark)
-peanut butter-oats-chia cookie
-decaf tea with cream
Tips:
-avoid processed sugar (not from fresh fruits)
-avoid trans fats
It takes effort to age well. It's possible to be youthful yet older. Stress sucks. I like this book.
Realistically, you can't look that much better in 9 days, but you can start a beauty routine in 9 days that will drastically upgrade your youthfulness and maybe your beauty after a month (it takes longer if you're older or really did yourself in with bad habits).
So while the book title is poo, the information in the book is pretty straightforward, true, and kindly blunt. It may be somewhat outdated since it came out in 2008/2009, and skincare and anti-aging technology advances, but it's still mostly relevant.
I took some notes, but it's better to read the entire book:
Topical Skincare:
-prescription retinoid like tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene (vitamin A): minimizes and prevents wrinkles, removes acne, removes oiliness, minimizes pores, increase college and production, prevent cancer skin cell mutation, minimizes dark spots (it's the best anti-aging skin product in existence)
-retinols (over-the-counter vitamin A) are better for people under age 30 because they are not as concentrated therefore less effective for wrinkling and sagging
-Serums that contain vitamin c, or caffeic acid or green tea polyphenol extract at least 90%
-Home microdermabrasion and chemical peel kits that contain either lactic acid or an enzyme peel made of fruit enzyme
-age 30 + monthly microdermabrasion or chemical peel
-age 40 + twice monthly microdermabrasion or chemical peel
-AHAs and BHAs products decrease brown spots and wrinkles but BHAs are gentler; AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid while BHAs are salicylic acid, willow bark, and birch tree (1-8 % concentration)
-Daily gentle skin cleanser
-Wash face twice a day
-day sunblock moisturizer at least SPF 30 with zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide (a good moisturizer is more effective than drinking water)
-separate sunblock and moisturizer? A good moisturizer has an emollient and humectant (the emollient keeps the moisture in the skin while the humectant attracts moisture to epidermis); emollients are lanolin, jojoba oil, isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol linoleate, squalene, and glycerol stearates while humectants are hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, sorbitol, glycerin, propylene glycerol, urea, and sodium lactate (ceramide is similar to an emollient)
-treat dry lips, dry elbows and knees, and dry heels with occlusives (silicone, mineral oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, domethicone, petroleum, and paraffin)
-Night time moisturizer
-Milk bath (protein whey and casein, amino acids, vitamin A and D, lactic acid)
-Wash your face with your hands only
-No face scrubs (never physically aggravate your facial skin)
-Moisturize your face before your body
-Use a different towel for your face (face towel, hair towel, and body towel)
-Always use moisturizer after washing
-acne? use 2% salicylic acid all over face and 2.5-10% benzoyl peroxide on acne spots (never use benzoyl peroxide while using a retinoid, use salicylic acid)
-treat acne by mixing clindamycin or erythromycin with a retinoid before applying to face
-erythromycin, azeleic acid, and salicylic acid are safe during pregnancy
-Botulinum toxin and collagen (or hyaluronic acid) injections every few months age 40+
Anti-aging Advice:
-Strength training and cardio (endorphins, blood circulation, balanced blood sugar levels, oxygen supply to cells and tissues increase)
-Regular sex (look 4-7 years younger; sex increases beta-endorphins, prolactin, and oxytocin especially during orgasm)
-Masturbation if sex is unavailable has similar results
-8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep (look 3 years younger); growth hormones are only active during sleep
-Deep breathing exercises
-Semen making contact inside the vagina (releases happy hormones)
-Regular cardio or walking 3 miles per day
-Laugh for no reason (self-generated laughter)
-Go for a walk outside
-Hum (nitric oxide production)
-Progressive relaxation technique
-Eating a complex carbohydrate with protein produces serotonin (pleasure hormone)
-Follow the Sun (Wake up at dawn and go to bed near sunset to balance cortisol and melatonin levels)
-Don't stress (lol) (ages 3 to 6 years or more); The hypothalamus releases crh which causes the pituitary gland to release acth which causes the adrenals to release cortisol (cortisol ruins everything because it breaks down all kinds of tissue, makes you hungry, increases weight gain, reduces cellular production, reduces metabolism, it breaks down collagen which makes up 90% of our skin, makes you want to eat high fat high sugar foods which race blood sugar, causes inflammation such as acne, raises blood pressure which causes you to gain fat visceral, immune system lowers its ability so skin can't heal and more susceptible to sun damage)
Supplements (Brain Boost and Anti-aging):
-1000 IU vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2
-Omega 3 DHA and EPA
-Multivitamin heavy on the magnesium (400 mg +), zinc (20-40mg), selenium, vitamin c, vitamin e, and folate (a vitamin B)
-biotin (a vitamin B) with keratin
-collagen
Foods:
-camellia sinensis plant tea with EGCG, L-theanine, catechins, and antioxidants
-70% + cacao dark chocolate
-gelatin (cooked collagen like in bone broth)
-squeeze fresh lemon juice into your tea (catechins)
Anti-aging Dieting Example (I came up with this based on what I read):
#1 pre-work: coffee and granola bar
#2 breakfast options:
- cheesy spinach tomato omelette (2 eggs) and berries or orange
-creamy scrambled egg and yogurt-banana-berries-spinach smoothie
-fried egg, yogurt-berries parfait, and vegetable powder shake
(Add chia seeds, toasted oats/granola, and toasted amaranth somewhere)
#3 lunch options:
-grilled or baked fish (mackerel, tuna, salmon, trout, or halibut) or poultry (chicken/turkey/duck) with big leafy salad
- fish or poultry stir fry with asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and onion
- wrap or burrito (same-ish ingredients)
#4 snack options:
-celery with nut butter
-hummus and bell pepper
-guacamole and bell pepper
(drink a green tea or oolong with snack)
#5 dinner options:
-whatever, just add red meat, cooked vegetables, and a grain/starch (brown rice, barley, quinoa, bulgar, sweet potato, beans, corn tortilla)
(Drink 4 oz red wine or a cup of fizzy pomegranate juice)
?dessert: grilled or baked apple-peach-plum-pear mix (a touch of whipped cream if you're a good girl)
#6 snack options:
-dark chocolate with nuts
-European-style hot cocoa (dark)
-peanut butter-oats-chia cookie
-decaf tea with cream
Tips:
-avoid processed sugar (not from fresh fruits)
-avoid trans fats
It takes effort to age well. It's possible to be youthful yet older. Stress sucks. I like this book.
August 23, 2019
I appreciated the raw advice but was hoping for some clean, organic beauty product options instead.
January 21, 2024
I thought this was a really good book which covered a lot of good advice and easy to read
November 26, 2020
Psiquiatra y dermatóloga. Justo lo que necesitaba para entender por fin la relación de mis granitos con el estrés. Con un estilo bastante cercano, esta doctora te explica cuánto tiene que ver tu mundo interior con lo que dice tu piel. Un llamado y una invitación a cuidarte, tenerte en cuenta y recordar que todo va de dentro hacia fuera. Me gusta mucho la idea del título (ya dijo el sabio Salomón que el corazón alegre hermosea el rostro) y también las propuestas diarias que hace la autora para que en pocos días puedas ver una diferencia notable en el aspecto de tu rostro.
Pd: Puedes ver mis citas favoritas en https://www.xn--nlectora-o5a.com/
Pd: Puedes ver mis citas favoritas en https://www.xn--nlectora-o5a.com/
March 19, 2009
I've enjoyed reading a book by a person who is both a licensed psychologist and a practicing dermatologist! Interesting angle. Nothing she says is anything I might not have known inately from a common-sense standpoint, but there are lots of interesting details about beauty products (and she does a nice job of debunking the products that are 100% hype and not effective) as well as the 9-steps she recommends that can have a huge impact on one's skin without any beauty products at all (or supplementing them). Would that we all could learn these (for example, getting enough sleep, de-stressing one's life, etc.) but at least the author does offer a realistic and sympathetic primer to how to make the best of life & beauty in a world obsessed with perfection. Nice info. and an interesting read.
May 14, 2009
Excellent book about skin care. The primary audience is female, but men could get a lot out of this primer too. An incredible amount of science is provided to explain the functioning and problems of the skin. The author has a 9 day plan that is fairly predictable but helpful for those who have not had a healthy lifestyle. Wechsler provide a few helpful product suggestions and I know use a sunscreen she uses. (Neutrogena for Sensitive Skin SPF 30) While I have read quite a few books on skin care, I still managed to learn new techniques in managing sensitive skin.
October 30, 2009
This book is dear to my heart since Amy Wechsler has been my dermatologist for a couple of years now. She's the only doctor who's been able to clear my skin to a state of glowing perfection, so I take all of her advice to heart. She definitely knows what she's talking about and reinforces advice that is foundational to leading a healthy life.
I'm currently doing her 9 day program and loving it so far, it's really simple and helps you alleviate stress from your life in an approachable and inspiring way. Pick this up if you haven't yet, I promise you won't regret it!
I'm currently doing her 9 day program and loving it so far, it's really simple and helps you alleviate stress from your life in an approachable and inspiring way. Pick this up if you haven't yet, I promise you won't regret it!
May 2, 2013
Solid advice. I wish someone had told me when I was younger that if you have acne, you should stop trying over-the-counter products after two or three of them and just go see a dermatologist. It would have saved me a lot of money. Thankfully I am finally seeing one now and my skin is improving.
January 15, 2011
Liked the list of beauty recommendations that you can purchase from the drugstore.
July 24, 2016
This is a very good book from a dermatologist. Sensible advice.
April 16, 2013
It was full of interesting science information, and her program is do-able (and affordable!).
March 30, 2009
yeah, yeah.... use moisturizer, drink green tea, sleep, I get it already!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews