In the world of skincare, there’s no name more recognized than Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh. He’s responsible for getting and keeping faces like Cindy Crawford gorgeous—but we also love that this pro values aging gracefully and preventative measures more than following fads and nipping/tucking. We were lucky enough to sit down with this skincare guru and ask him to share his top tips for products (yes, he has a line of his own and it’s amazing!) and how to put your most beautiful and healthy face forward.

The Chalkboard Mag: The science behind skincare can seem daunting to so many people. Can you share your advice for people with dry skin and aging skin in layman’s terms?

Jean-Louis Sebagh: “For everyone, it is essential to ensure that you keep your skin well moisturised, protecting the skin’s lipidic.  However, there is little point in moisturising if you do not also ensure that the skin is well hydrated – the moisturiser will help to retain the moisture in the skin’s upper layers.  In addition to maintaining a healthy consumption of fluids, the application of hyaluronic acid under your moisturiser will help retain plumping moisture in the skin.”

TCM: What is your philosophy when it comes to skincare and aging gracefully?

JLS: “I believe that the key to aging gracefully and well for anyone is to ensure that you do everything that you can to make sure your skin looks healthy and glowing – this is the most important anti-aging tip that any woman can follow. It is not about fullness or firmness; the first consideration should be skin that looks healthy.”

TCM: What is the biggest misunderstanding when it comes to skincare and treating anti-aging skin?

JLS: “I often fear that people can be misled by the claims that some skin care brands make – a good skin care regime will ensure that the skin looks good but it will not turn back time.  The sooner you start an effective skincare regime – the longer you can enjoy the benefits before needing to resort to selected medical treatments.”

TCM: What new products can we look forward to from Dr. Sebagh?

JLS: “In 2012, I will  be adding three new products to my range:  two new serums (about which I am passionate about as effective skincare delivery treatments) and a hydrating mask – watch this space!”

TCM: There’s obviously a connection between skin and body. What do you recommend for people looking to eat for anti-aging skin and optimal health?

JLS: “I would not want customers or patients to become overly obsessed about their diet – a sensible, well-balanced diet coupled with a healthy lifestyle will have a great impact on the skin and how it looks.  However, it will have limited benefit if you begin later in life, so the sooner anyone adopts a healthy lifestyle (including diet), the greater the benefits in the long term.”

TCM: Can you discuss Vitamin D and its effects on your skin?

JLS: “There are many benefits to the skin by maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels.  However, unlike other vitamins such as Vitamin C or Vitamin E, Vitamin D does not receive the consideration it deserves, even though it is essential.  Vitamin D is fat-soluble and acknowledged as an effective antioxidant and anti-carcinogen – available in different forms, Calciferol is the most dynamic. Once produced or ingested, the liver and kidneys act on Vitamin D to create an active form that the body can assimilate.”

TCM: What’s a new innovation you are bringing people through your clinic or products?

JLS: “I am always striving to discover new treatments and ingredients to introduce to my patients and customers, but only if they are effective and beneficial.  My most recent new product was Supreme Night Secret, my first night cream, which I launched once I was able to introduce the ingredients that made it different from anything else available.  Similarly, in my London and Paris clinics, the treatments that I and my team of doctors offer treatments that are effective and will produce the results that make them worthwhile.  The latest treatments that are proving popular are:

PRP and Fraxel combined – Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP,  is blood plasma with concentrated platelets and other growth factors. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signalling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration, as well as stimulate the rejuvenating process. The PRP signals the body to send in stem cells to repair the designated area. As the plasma is extracted from the patient’s own blood (just a small file, as if having a blood test), there is no risk of any reaction and in fact, the benefits are increased many times over.  Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh and his team have developed a treatment that combines PRP with Fraxel laser treatment, which has shown remarkable results in the rejuvenative benefits and healing process.”

Fractora – This new treatment has proven particularly effective in addressing loose skin and wrinkles around the eyes and face.  In cases where eye surgery is not a viable option (e.g., where there is not enough loose skin to lift the eye area), Fractora is an alternative treatment that can produce results that are as good, if not better, but without the need for general anaesthetic or an extended recuperation period.  Using fractional radio frequency, the treatment uses very fine comb-like needles to deliver the fractional radio frequency that gently heats the skin, in effect delivering the benefits of laser resurfacing with a noticeable yet natural lifting and tightening effect.

Fractora has been developed to help firm the skin and the eye lid, face, neck, décolleté and even the hands and laser technology called fractional radiofrequency.  An instrument is placed against the heat to heat it and radiofrequency energy is transmitted through a series of small bipolar needles, heating the skin, resulting in miniscule pin pricks, which the body then heals, resulting in tighter, firmer and younger-looking skin.  It is effective in diminishing and even eradicating fine lines and wrinkles, reducing pigmentation (including sun spots) and addressing thread veins.  There is an initial recovery/downtime of 7 – 10 days, when initial bruising and swelling can be expected, but the natural results are extremely impressive and are evident after the initial recovery period.

FaceTite  – FaceTite is a major advancement in achieving an effective anti-aging result without having to resort to invasive surgery, with the additional benefit of faster recovery time and a more natural-looking result, as well as the avoidance of the risk of damaging nerve endings which may occur during surgery. The procedure gently but effectively softens and draws out excess fat in specific small areas.  Moderate deep heating results in a contraction and firming of the skin, making it an excellent treatment for skin that has lost its elasticity and will benefit from tightening and shaping. It can work equally well where there is no need to remove fat deposits, especially around the eyes, forehead, brows and mouth.

It is common for liposuction in the neck area to leave the skin loose and maybe worse than before treatment, but with FaceTite, the heat from the procedure tautens the area treated. This is a less traumatic process with a more natural appearance. Carried out under a local anaesthetic, patients are able to leave later the same day, though a compression garment is required.  The final result is visible after 6 – 12 weeks.”

Learn more by visiting Dr. Sebagh’s site.