If you did not nurture your skin in your 20s, your sins of the past and bad habits will show up in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. It is s a cumulative effect too. Every sunbathing session and every night you slept with your makeup on will come back to haunt you. One day, you’ll look in the mirror and see those age and sunspots, fine lines around the eyes, and loose skin near the jowls staring right back at you. Thank goodness for advancements in modern technology. There are outpatient skin resurfacing procedures that can help restore a youthful appearance and maintain skin’s long-term health. Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of Radiation) technology is so far advanced that all complexions can safely undergo these treatments with a qualified, licensed professional.

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, postgraduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC).Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant. A creator of two product lines, she is also a published author and sought-after lecturer at leading professional conferences worldwide. She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. She served as an educator on the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee to New York’s Secretary of State. She was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine. She is on the leadership committee of the ASCP Skin Care School Council (Associated Skin Care Professionals).