Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all? According to most 30 to 50-year-olds, the answer is "me."

Rose colored glasses
Nearly seven in ten 30 to 50-year-olds think they look younger than their actual age and about two-thirds say they have fewer signs of facial aging than other people their age, according to the fourth annual Wrinkle Report survey from RENOVA. More than 1,400 men and women participated in the annual national survey which, for the first time in its history, was conducted on the Internet.

"Their 'aging' clock is ticking, but in the minds of most 30 to 50-year-olds, the second-hand has either stopped or is moving very slowly," says Robert Leitman, President and CEO, Harris Interactive, Inc., the polling firm that conducts the annual survey for RENOVA. "This age group is clearly in denial about their aging physical appearance. It is statistically impossible for two in three people to look younger than their actual age to others."

Taking matters into our own hands
But, while today's attitudes about individual appearance virtually mirror those sentiments expressed by 1,200 U.S. Baby Boomers in the first Wrinkle Report (1996), the collective 30 to 50-year old mind-set about dealing with aging has changed. Compared to three years ago, today's 30 to 50-year old is less likely to believe "people should allow nature to take its course and not try to change the way they look," and more likely to believe "people should do whatever they wish to slow down the signs of aging."

Women versus men
Women are more apt than men to worry about a changing appearance as they age, more likely to be bothered by having wrinkles and/or brown spots, and more likely to consider seeking assistance from a dermatologist for facial signs of aging. Nearly five out of ten women with wrinkles or brown spots say they would consider seeing a dermatologist to discuss possible treatments, compared to about three in ten men.

Professional opinion
When it comes to treating these conditions, more than half of 30 to 50-year-olds are skeptical that there are successful remedies for treating wrinkles or brown spots. This finding offers a marked contrast to dermatologists' views on the subject. Nine out of ten dermatologists surveyed in 1998's Wrinkle Report III survey said there are effective ways to treat both these conditions. "Consumer confusion and uncertainty is understandable given the countless number of products that claim they can magically fix these conditions," says New York dermatologist Deborah S. Sarnoff M.D.. "The good news is that dermatologists have access to a vast array of medically proven treatments to help reduce or eliminate wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of skin."

For most of their patients interested in treating wrinkles, nearly three in five (58%) dermatologists said they recommend a prescription wrinkle cream, such as RENOVA, according to last year's Wrinkle Report survey of 201 dermatologists. Over-the-counter wrinkle creams, including alpha hydroxy acids (22%) and retinol (19%) were the next most widely recommended treatments, followed by chemical peels (12%), cosmetic laser surgery (6%), collagen injections (3%), cosmetic plastic surgery (3%), and Botox® injections (2%).

For most patients interested in treating brown spots, at least half of the dermatologists said they recommend bleaching creams (58%) and a prescription wrinkle cream, such as RENOVA (51%). In many instances, dermatologists said they use a combination of treatments for wrinkles and brown spots. "A dermatologist has been trained to identify the most effective treatments for these conditions and will work with you to find the treatments best suited for your skin and lifestyle," notes Dr. Sarnoff.

Other key findings of Wrinkle Report IV

• Facial wrinkles and brown spots far outrank gray hair, hair loss, and extra weight or love handles as the leading indicator of a person's age. As they get older, however, 30 to 50 year-olds are more likely to worry about gaining weight (74%) than getting wrinkles (45%), brown spots (40%), their hair turning gray (36%), or losing their hair (36%).

•Although only a small percentage says they have a lot of facial wrinkles, two-thirds admit to having at least a few wrinkles. Only one in five (21%) say they have at least a few brown spots on their face.

•Women are more likely than men to believe they appear younger than others their age and that they have fewer signs of aging than their peers.

•Women spend an average of about 19 minutes a day on their facial appearance. Men, on average spend about 11 minutes. Close to half (45%) of women, but only a quarter (24%) of men aged 30 to 50, say that they have devoted more time to their facial appearance as they have grown older.

• Nearly half of 30 to 50-year olds say they do not use sunscreen or a moisturizer on their face. Women are more likely than men to use both products.

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