How old do you look? How old do you think you look? If a simple Q&A test in front of the mirror could tell you what your physical age is — regardless of your chronological age — what do you think it would reveal? You are about to find out. In the very first chapter, you’re going to take three quizzes, one of which is revolutionary. Designed by RealAge, the SkinAge test will tell you exactly how old you really look. It will mark your starting point for a step-by-step program outlined in this book that will transform you from the inside out, and it will get everyone to notice.

If you have been frustrated or unhappy with your appearance — whether you are twenty-two or sixty-two — then this is the book for you. Chances are, you picked up this book for a reason. Maybe it’s the unprecedented acne, the deep lines and shallow crinkles, the lack of a healthy glow, the thinning hair and brittle nails, the extra ten pounds you didn’t have a year ago, or perhaps it’s the accelerated aging in general that is evident everywhere you look when you step in front of a mirror. And maybe you avoid the mirror at all costs now. No matter what your personal issues are with your appearance, I am here to show you how to change all that. After all, loving the skin you are in is essential to personal well-being. In fact, in my practice, how you look is a vital sign of health.

There is so much you can do with great results without taking radical action or going under a knife. My approach is uncomplicated, effective, and empowering. No frills. No gimmicks. You’ll be shocked to learn my easy daily practices that can bring out radiant, natural beauty. And for you busy moms who feel as though you are not allowed to look fabulous, listen up. I’m a mom, too, and I can’t express how important it is to nurture yourself with today’s cutting-edge strategies to maximize health and, of course, beauty. Your whole family will benefit.

When RealAge approached me to do a book, I was thrilled at the opportunity to get the message out about what it takes to stay looking and feeling as vibrant as possible, with a focus on the very skin that wraps us up so wonderfully. Some people will stop at nothing to find the secrets to maintaining their youthful looks and heightening their attractiveness, and throw thousands of dollars at the beauty industry. If only they knew that the secret is learning one powerful principle, and following a plan that abides by it.

This principle is the mind-beauty connection, and it lies at the heart of achieving the most beautiful skin (and, I might add, body) possible. On a most basic level, the mind-beauty connection is about the powerful force that exists between our inner minds and outer appearances, which is based on proven biochemistry. Astonishing new science is revealing just how our minds affect how well, and how fast, we age physically. This includes not only how we think and our behavior, but also how we cope with the madness of modern life, and how we preserve our bodies’ self-healing and inherent beautification capabilities. What’s more, scientists continue to uncover incredible insights into how our skin, in addition to our brains, is also an extraordinary command center for communication, and is able to effect change in our inner bodies and outer appearance in ways we never thought possible before.

the sensitive and simple approach

This book will inspire you to make a few small shifts in how you take care of yourself with practical and doable recommendations. I’m not here to sell you expensive products, or tell you to use anything that hasn’t been clinically proven to work on people. You see, so many of the lotions, potions, and so-called must-haves that line the drugstores’ shelves and beauty counters overclaim and underperform. Promising laboratory studies don’t always translate into real-world effectiveness in humans. I will not only dispel myths in the beauty-market circles, but I will also give you sound advice to help you distinguish the hype from the truly helpful. I will state plainly what you can do starting today to improve your appearance (and strengthen your self-confidence, too!) without falling prey to great advertising. And for those who do choose to explore more aggressive procedures like Botox and resurfacing, I’ll give you the guidance to find the right solution for you, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

Premature aging and adult acne are the two most common skin problems I see, and I often find that I have to get to the bottom of exhaustion or emotional issues in order to treat these symptoms of modern life. There are plenty of combination strategies that can help reverse the effects of tension and time. I was a psychiatrist for seven years before I became board certified in dermatology and switched specialties. I put my old hat on every day to untangle the psychological from the physical and find sensitive, simple, solutions for both.

the front line of defense

My experience in psychiatry complements my current practice like no other specialty could, and has also made me a much better mom, wife, friend, and doctor. A lot of patients come for help with their appearance and end up talking about myriad life issues. For example, if someone sees me for upper-lip laser hair removal, I like to talk about how it feels as a woman to have excessive hair there. Skin care can be so emotional; people cry in my office every day. I certainly don’t let them leave crying, but I know it’s a positive experience for patients.

When it comes to beauty and a sense of self, these two fields of medicine coalesce brilliantly. So much of how we think affects how we look, and vice versa. I have always believed in treating the body as intrinsically connected to the mind. By virtue of my specialty, I keep up with a lot of other fields of medicine. I refer to ear, nose, and throat doctors all the time, as well as ob-gyns, in vitro specialists, massage therapists, a good spot to get a manicure and pedicure, and even the places to go for the perfect shoes.

Courtesy of Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.