Valentine's Day Beauty Tips From Dr. Jason Champagne!

Valentine’s Day has a way of turning up the pressure to look and feel your absolute best. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or simply celebrating yourself, the holiday often shines a spotlight on beauty, confidence, and self-care. With that in mind, we turned to double board-certified celebrity facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Champagne for expert insight on the most effective ways to refresh your look and boost your glow… just in time for the season of love.

Skincare & Daily Habits

YH: What are the most effective daily skincare routines to maintain a youthful appearance?

JC: The most effective routine is a simple, consistent one. A gentle cleanser, a daily antioxidant like Vitamin C, a quality moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning form the foundation. In the evening, incorporating a retinol or retinoid helps support collagen and cell turnover. The goal is to maintain the skin’s barrier, protect it from environmental damage, and encourage gradual renewal.

YH: Are there specific ingredients we should look for (or avoid) in skincare products? 

JC: Look for ingredients with real evidence behind them, such as retinoids, Vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides. Avoid overly fragranced or harsh products that irritate or strip the skin, because inflammation accelerates aging.

YH: At what age should someone start using anti-aging skincare products?

JC: Anti-aging skincare doesn’t have a strict starting age. I usually recommend introducing preventative products like antioxidants and sunscreen in the early-20s, and retinoids in the mid-20 or early-30s, depending on skin sensitivity.

Lifestyle & Prevention

YH: How do factors like diet, sleep, stress, and hydration impact how we age?

JC: How we live shows on our face. Lack of sleep, chronic stress, dehydration, and a poor diet weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself. Sleep regulates many of the hormones tied to collagen production. A balanced diet with whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants supports the skin on a cellular level.

YH: Can regular exercise have a visible effect on aging?

JC: Exercise has a visible effect on aging. It improves circulation, reduces stress hormones, and supports overall tissue health. Patients who maintain regular activity tend to age more gracefully.

YH: Are there any specific supplements or vitamins that truly help maintain youthful skin?

JC: Some supplements can help, but they are not a replacement for good habits. Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and certain collagen peptides can support skin health, but their effect is subtle and works best when combined with a solid daily routine.

Non-Surgical Treatments

YH: What are the most popular non-surgical treatments to maintain a youthful appearance? How do Botox and fillers work, and when is the right time to consider them?

JC: Non-surgical treatments are excellent tools for maintaining a youthful appearance before major aging changes occur. Botox softens lines caused by muscle movement, while fillers restore volume loss and support facial structure. Skin-resurfacing treatments, such as fractional CO2 laser, help improve texture, tone, and collagen production, while advanced skin tightening technologies that use ultrasound-generated heat can stimulate deeper tissue support. The right time to begin depends on the individual, but many patients start with small, targeted treatments in their late-20s or 30s to slow the development of deeper lines.

YH: What’s the difference between preventative and corrective cosmetic treatments?

JC: Preventative treatments aim to slow or delay aging changes, while corrective treatments address changes that are already visible. Both can be effective when used appropriately, but they must be done thoughtfully and with a long-term strategy in mind. Subtlety and balance are essential.

Surgical Options

YH: When is surgery a better option than non-invasive treatments?

JC: Surgery becomes the better option when the deeper support structures of the face have shifted in a way that injectables or surface treatments cannot restore. A facelift, for example, addresses the architecture beneath the skin — something non-surgical options cannot replicate.

YH: What procedures give the most natural-looking results for facial rejuvenation?

JC: For natural-looking rejuvenation, procedures that reposition rather than pull always give the best results. My approach focuses on restoring harmony, not changing someone’s identity.

YH: How long do surgical results typically last, and what’s required to maintain them?

JC: Surgical results are long-lasting. A well-performed facelift can maintain its improvement for many years, with aging continuing naturally from a more youthful starting point. Maintaining results involves good skincare, sun protection, and small, strategic, non-surgical touch-ups.

Myths & Misconceptions

YH: What are the biggest myths or misconceptions about plastic surgery and aging?

JC: One of the biggest myths is that plastic surgery makes people look "done". In reality, poor planning or overuse of injectables causes that look, not surgery itself. Another misconception is that creams or non-surgical treatments can achieve the same result as surgery. They each have their place, but they serve different purposes.

YH: Is it possible to "overdo" anti-aging treatments, and how can people avoid that?

JC: Yes, it’s possible to overdo treatments. The best way to avoid this is by working with a surgeon who values balance, understands anatomy, and has a conservative philosophy. More is not better; the right treatment is better.

YH: Does having one procedure mean you’ll need more in the future?

JC: Having one procedure doesn’t mean you’ll need many more. It simply resets the aging process. What you choose to do in the future depends on your goals, not on any requirement created by a previous procedure.

Psychological & Ethical Aspects

YH: How do you help patients manage expectations about aging and cosmetic treatments?

JC: Managing expectations starts with honesty. I spend time helping patients understand what is achievable and what is not. A good outcome should enhance confidence and reflect your natural features.

YH: What would you tell someone considering cosmetic procedures for the first time?

JC: For someone considering their first procedure, I always recommend starting with a consultation rather than a treatment plan. Understanding your anatomy and goals determines what makes sense for you.

YH: If nerves pop up in a patient, what words of wisdom do you share?

JC: If nerves come up, I remind patients that feeling this way is completely normal. My job is to guide you safely, explain each step clearly, and make sure you feel supported throughout the process. Trust and communication are as important as the procedure itself.

Yes, Valentine’s Day has a way of shining a spotlight on love and putting your best face forward. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply treating yourself, feeling radiant starts from within — and sometimes with a little expert guidance. We’re grateful to Dr. Champagne for sharing his insights on the latest treatments and timeless tips to help women look and feel their absolute best. Because, at the end of the day, the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence!