The Adversaries:

• Conditions from the past decades have fully developed
• Capillaries, broken blood vessels and veins are noticeable on the skin's surface
• Lower estrogen levels
• Decreased hydration
• Loose and sagging skin
• Wrinkles on the cheeks

The Rx:

• Laser Vein Therapy
• Collagen and Elastin Stimulation
• Intensive moisturizers that pack soy, green tea, retinol, glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids
• Dermal Fillers
• Mineral Cosmetics
• UVA/UVB Sunscreen with nothing less than 30 SPF, every single day

Being 60 is better than ever. In fact, CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" recently aired an entire segment on the topic, entitled, "Sixty is the New Sexy." And we're not about to argue with one of the world's news leaders. Look at Diane Keaton, Sophia Loren, Susan Sarandon and Sally Field (all sixty-something). At 60, we're fit, and full of life, and yes, we still want to look our absolute best.

As for those tiny blue spots on our legs that suddenly appear... welcome to the world of "vascular legions." Spider veins, reticular veins, broken blood vessels and more unsightly (and sometimes painful) veins have begun to speckle our 60-something legs and, oh the horror, even our faces, necks and chests. Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Removal to the rescue.

Laser Therapy treatments are very safe and effective on veins and can also be used to remove birthmarks and tattoos. They are non-invasive, have very few side effects and literally no downtime. The laser specialists at Chicago's Lincoln Park Med Spa Laser Center call on the CoolGlide® Laser System to treat both tiny superficial face veins, spider veins and larger blue veins as well as "port wine stains" or blood blisters on men and women of all skin tones.

Eye on Elastin

By the time we reach 60, we're well aware of the importance of collagen. But at this stage of the game, simply being aware isn't enough. Now it's time to use a collagen-inducing product that also produces elastin, which is what makes those crow's feet get up and run. Skin Thera P Medical Cosmetic Spa's Dr. William Greenberg of New York says elastin is what returns elasticity to the skin around the eyes and recommends Obagi's ELASTIderm. Obagi ELASTIderm Night Eye Cream & Gel Obagi's patent-pending, revolutionary bi-mineral complex combined with malonic acid and rich emollients helps replenish both elastin and collagen, resulting in skin that not only looks and feels younger but also acts younger with a new thickness and resiliency. For a list of physicians who carry Obagi, log on to www.obagi.com.

Skin-smart Cosmetics

It's time to stop covering up skin with thick, pore-clogging make-up. As we age, the pigment in our skin ages too, which means dense foundations and powders can now make our faces appear ashy and dull. Women of a certain age are also losing hydration, so heavy makeup looks and feels dry. Reevaluate what's in that cosmetic bag and opt for a lightweight skin-brightening foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Then swap out the old blush, powders and shadows with mineral-based products. They're all the rage and the reasons are well justified.

Mineral Maverick

Jane Iredale's revolutionary Iredale Mineral Cosmetics was the first full makeup line to offer not only color enhancement, but healthy benefits for the skin. Based on micronized minerals and made without fillers, binders, chemical dyes or preservatives, Iredale's collection is a preferred brand of renowned plastic surgeons, dermatologists and medical spas around the world as women can use them following laser and microdermabrasion treatments. It was Iredale's prior profession working with actresses and models in film and television that inspired her true calling. "Working with women whose careers depended on clear complexions allowed me to see how skin disorders and sensitivities not only threaten careers, but can destroy self-confidence," Iredale says. "I wanted to develop a makeup line that could contribute to the lives of women by aiding the health of their skin." Iredale Mineral Cosmetics are available at salons, spas and medical offices around the globe. To find a retailer near you, log on to www.janeiredale.com or purchase on-line at www.janeiredaledirect.com.

A Model Approach

"Most makeup available today is formulated for younger women. The textures are heavy, the colors saturated, and they're filled with shiny particles that act like airport runway lights in every line, wrinkle and pore," says Lauren Hutton. "As we age, our faces demand different makeup and different ways to put them on." So at 46, Lauren Hutton began researching, experimenting and blending her own products to create lightweight, sheer, shimmer-free formulas that enhance a woman's features instead of masking them. But the right products are only half the equation, she says. "The application technique and the right tools are just as important." To that end Lauren Hutton's professional collection of foundations, powders, pencils, lipsticks, moisturizers and brushes include instructional DVDs and brochures on application techniques. Learn more and purchase products at www.laurenhutton.com

Mature Beauty

"As a woman matures less is more when it comes to makeup," says Tomi Gion, the creator of her namesake line of anti-aging skin care products and cosmetics. "Your cosmetics should never be used as something to hide behind, rather your makeup and skin care should be used to enhance and accent the mature beauty that you have become." Gion's cosmetics contain nourishing ingredients like aloe, emollients, Vitamin E and natural minerals to improve the health and texture of the skin. The line's "Beauty Pack" for Mature Beauties is a great find and packs all the essentials in one convenient pouch: Aloe Liquid Foundation, Camouflage Corrector, Translucent Loose Powder, Pressed Powder Blush, Half Moon Blush Brush, Eye Shadow, Conditioning Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Pencil, Lipstick, Lip Liner, Eye Gel, Facial Cleanser, Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover and Vitamin E Lip Moisturizer Treatment and Skin Cream. Learn more and purchase products at www.tomigion.com.