This book should be on your summer reading list
I miss my Botox desperately, but even more, I miss the opportunity to spend time with my doctor, who is always a treasure trove of industry gossip and little-known info that beauty geeks like myself love. I was happy to get a bit of a fix yesterday on a Zoom with New York City dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, when we talked about his new book, The Pro-Aging Playbook (which I read cover-to-cover last weekend).
Although an office visit isn’t exactly on the agenda at the moment, Dr. Frank’s second book made me feel like an actual patient from my poolside lounge chair. Sure, it’s filled with all the must-know info about the professional treatments that can help us look our best—but that’s just the beginning. Dr. Frank takes a holistic approach to aging that includes wellness, and especially emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, sleep and managing stress. And he includes advice from experts from a variety of fields, including celebrity aesthetician Georgia Louise, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Apa, SoulCycle’s Stacey Griffith and more.
Yesterday’s conversation was like getting a bonus book chapter, and there were a few takeaways that I’d like to share with you. First, Dr. Frank believes the biggest change we’ve seen in terms of “beauty” is how we look at aging. “Beauty” and “wellness” used to be on two ends of the spectrum, but they have become intermingled to create a greater sense of self-care. Another point Dr. Frank emphasizes is that unlike a few decades ago when “rejuvenating” procedures like facelifts and aggressive skin resurfacing were considered a “one-time” thing, the modern approach to aging well involves ongoing maintenance. And finally, he makes a point that we should all be aware of the marketing myths and scare tactics associated with “anti-aging”—and just so you know, Dr. Frank is a fan of keeping skincare simple. He’s all for a robust routine if that’s something you enjoy but doesn’t believe it’s necessary.
Since we’re all experiencing some degree of personal-maintenance summer slide, this book is a great refresher that can help you get back on track with tips and advice you can heed from home—at least until you schedule an appointment. I’ve already started a list of everything I need (and want) to get done… What about you?
