Dr. Karan Lal, DO

Dr. Lal considers laser resurfacing the single most impactful treatment for individuals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, noting that a single treatment can make a patient appear up to 10 years younger.

Dr. Lal emphasizes that how one protects their skin matters just as much as using sunscreen. He recommends choosing broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and water-resistant formulas, especially for swimming. It's preferable to use a cream or lotion over a spray alone. For the face, he suggests tinted mineral sunscreens with iron oxides if prone to hyperpigmentation or melasma, as these can also protect against visible light. Sunscreen should be applied generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating.

Dr. Lal emphasizes that preventing UV damage is the best anti-aging treatment, and sunscreen alone shouldn't be expected to do all the work. He recommends using a wide-brimmed hat as an easy way to reduce UV exposure to the face, ears, and neck. He also notes that Polypodium leucotomos, an oral supplement, can be a potential adjunct for sun protection, but it is not a replacement or substitute for topical sunscreen, protective clothing, or sun avoidance.

Dr. Lal encourages men to treat hair loss early, emphasizing that waiting until follicles are significantly miniaturized is not advisable. The goal of medical treatment is to preserve existing hair, slow miniaturization, and stimulate regrowth, with an individualized approach for each patient. He notes that early treatment can make a big difference. Common treatments include Finasteride, which has strong evidence for slowing hair loss, and Dutasteride, which can be effective when Finasteride isn't enough (though its use for hair loss is off-label in many countries). Topical 5% Minoxidil is commonly used, and low-dose oral Minoxidil is an increasingly utilized off-label option. Dr. Lal often recommends combination therapy, using an anti-DHT medication with Minoxidil to protect follicles and promote growth through different mechanisms. Patients should understand that consistency is key, hair growth takes time, and meaningful assessment typically occurs around 6-12 months. Results vary between patients, and all medications like Finasteride, Dutasteride, and oral Minoxidil have potential side effects that should be discussed with a physician. When reviewing before/after photos, it's important to consider treatment duration, photography, lighting, hair length, and styling.