A More Natural Approach to Anti-Aging: My London, Paris & New York Influence

By Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, FAAD
As my patients know—not just from the occasional “gosh, that’s brilliant” or “rather lovely, actually”—I was born and grew up in the United Kingdom and Europe, where a slightly understated, “less is more” approach to beauty is practically second nature.

When patients come to see me for anti-aging, many expect an aggressive plan with layers of products and intense, high-downtime procedures. But my approach is more considered.

It is shaped by where I come from influenced by London and Paris, and refined through my training in New York City. I believe this exposure taught me that the best cosmetic results are significant but never obvious. As oxymoronic as that may seem, allow me to explain..

The European Foundation: Skin Before Everything

In London and Paris, there is a long-standing, almost unspoken philosophy:

“Take care of your skin, and it will take care of everything else.”

There is far less emphasis on:

• Over-treatment
• Constantly altering features

And far more emphasis on:

• Skin quality 
• Restraint
• Longevity

Or as the French often say:

“La beauté commence par la peau.” (Beauty begins with the skin.)

The Art of Subtlety

Parisian and Swiss dermatology share a similar elegance, precise, measured, and deeply respectful of natural structure.

“The best work is invisible.”

And in London:

“If someone can tell what you’ve had done, it’s too much.”

These are not just sayings, they are guiding principles.

The goal is never to look different.It is to look:

• Rested
• Refined
• Naturally yourself (I always ask my patients to bring in an old photo of themselves that they love)

Less, But Better

One of the most important shifts I encourage is this:

You don’t need more, you need better.

Rather than:

• 10-step routines
• Overlapping active ingredients
• Constantly changing products

I focus on:

• A few high-quality, evidence-based treatments 
• Consistency
• Protecting the skin barrier

My New York Training involved training with world leaders in Laser technologies , Energy-based devices , Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) , Advanced combination treatments

…And how to use them strategically. The mantra was “Use every tool available but use it intelligently.”

Technology, when applied correctly, can:

• Stimulate collagen
• Improve texture and tone
• Restore skin quality

All while maintaining a completely natural result.

The Often Overlooked Foundation: Diet & Lifestyle

One of the most important (and often underestimated) pillars of anti-aging has nothing to do with products, devices or procedures. It’s how you live!

In European culture, there is a consistent emphasis on:

• Whole, fresh foods 
• Clean, simple nutrition 
• Hydration and sleep
• Moderation rather than excess 

What I encourage my patients:

• Prioritize fresh, minimally processed foods 
• Maintain adequate protein intake to support collagen
• Include antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, healthy fats)

And just as importantly:

• Minimize processed foods 
• Limit excess sugar 
• Be mindful of alcohol intake, which contributes to:
  • Dehydration
  • Inflammation
  • Accelerated skin aging
• Limit artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, favoring more natural choices when possible

Lifestyle Matters Just as Much

Anti-aging is not just topical, it is absolutely systemic!

The habits that support long-term skin health include:

• Quality sleep: ideally minimizing blue light exposure in the evening to support natural repair cycles
• Regular exercise: improves circulation and skin vitality
• Getting into nature: fresh air, movement, and overall well-being (with consistent sunscreen use)
• Breathing clean air whenever possible
• Hydration: drinking adequate water to support skin function
• Stress management: reduces inflammatory impact on the skin

“Healthy living reflects on the skin.”

Bridging the Two Worlds

My approach today is a balance of both philosophies:

European + American

That means:

• Not over-treating
• Not under-treating
• Choosing the right intervention at the right time

Here is an example: A dietary collagen to support long-term collagen + Strategic laser treatments to refine texture + PRP to stimulate natural regeneration + keeping a food and hydration diary

Each step is intentional and the results will be significant and last longer.

Prevention Over Correction

Another principle deeply rooted in European dermatology:

“Protect early, correct less.”

This includes:

• Daily SPF (non-negotiable) 
• Early collagen support
• Avoiding unnecessary inflammation

Respecting the Skin Barrier

One of the most common mistakes I see today is overuse of active ingredients.

“Calm skin is healthy skin.”

When the skin barrier is intact:

• It reflects light better
• It holds hydration
• It ages more gracefully

Subtle, Strategic Interventions

When I do incorporate treatments, they are:

• Measured
• Layered over time 
• Tailored to the individual 

This might include:

• Light resurfacing
• Collagen-stimulating treatments
• PRP for regenerative support
• Laser technologies for refinement

The intention is preservation and enhancement.

Aging Well, Not Erasing Age

Perhaps the most important mindset shift:

“The goal is not to look different, it is to look really well.”

Features are maintained, not altered.Expression is preserved.

Final Thought

My approach to anti-aging is not about doing more, it is about doing what matters, and doing it well.

It is about:

• Thoughtful choices
• Respecting the skin
• Supporting the body from within
• Using technology with restraint

Patients are always encouraged to consult with me so we can thoughtfully discuss and integrate the treatments available in my clinic, always tailored to your skin, your lifestyle, and your goals- to help you achieve and maintain naturally youthful, healthy-looking skin over time.