From the operating room to the natural skincare aisle, Dr. Anthony Youn is revolutionizing how we think about beauty and aging. As a board-certified plastic surgeon passionate about holistic wellness, Dr. Youn has dedicated his career to empowering people to look and feel their best without relying solely on invasive procedures.
His groundbreaking approach, which he calls "autojuvenation," harnesses the body's innate regenerative abilities through a synergistic blend of diet, supplementation, skincare, and non-invasive treatments. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore Dr. Youn's natural skin health approaches, the science behind his methods, and the practical strategies you can adopt to achieve a youthful, radiant glow from the inside out.
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Dr. Youn's Holistic Approach to Plastic Surgery
As a renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Youn has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of surgical interventions. However, pursuing a deeper understanding of aging led him to question the conventional wisdom that surgery and injections are the only path to a youthful appearance. In an interview with Dr. Kate Kresge on the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Youn shared his journey toward a more holistic approach to plastic surgery.
"I realized that what I was taught was missing out," Dr. Youn confessed. "I was taught all about how to use surgery and injections to help somebody look and feel their best. But there's so much more out there that I was never taught."
This realization sparked a profound shift in Dr. Youn's perspective, leading him to explore the underlying causes of aging and the potential for natural, non-invasive solutions to support skin health and longevity.
Understanding Autojuvenation
At the core of Dr. Youn's philosophy is "autojuvenation," a term he coined to encapsulate the body's innate ability to rejuvenate and turn back the clock naturally. He explained, "Autojuvenation is this belief that our bodies all contain immense regenerative abilities to turn back the clock naturally. But in order for our bodies to do that, we have to literally unlock it. We have to give our bodies the right information, the right environment, the right keys to do that."
Dr. Youn's autojuvenation approach revolves around five key pillars: diet, eating schedule, nutritional supplements, skincare, and non-invasive treatments. Harmonizing these elements, Dr. Youn believes that most people can achieve a more youthful, radiant appearance while enhancing their overall health and well-being.
The Growing Challenge of Maintaining Healthy Skin and Aging Gracefully
As Dr. Youn highlighted, maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin has become increasingly challenging due to various factors. One of the most significant culprits is the declining nutrient density of our food supply. According to a study cited by Dr. Youn, between 1950 and 1999, the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables in the United States experienced a significant reduction in six key nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, and protein.
"We have to assume it's even worse now," Dr. Youn remarked, referring to the study's findings from nearly a quarter-century ago.
This depletion of essential nutrients from our food supply can have profound implications for skin health and aging. Dr. Youn explained, "Our skin is made out of 70 to 80% of collagen. Collagen is a part of our skin that makes our skin feel tight and strong and youthful and firm. And as we get older, we lose about 1% of the thickness of our collagen every year after about our mid-20s."
The loss of collagen, coupled with other factors like oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, can accelerate the visible signs of aging, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a dull, lackluster complexion.
The Truth About Collagen Supplements
Dr. Youn strongly advocates supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides to combat the natural decline in collagen production. While some skeptics question the ability of collagen supplements to be absorbed and utilized by the body effectively, Dr. Youn cites compelling scientific evidence to support their efficacy.
"Studies have been found, they're actually meta-analyses now, huge. Because there's so many studies on collagen and supplementation, they're meta-analyses where you group all these studies together," Dr. Youn explained. "There was one in 2021 of over 1,100 participants, 90 days of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, a significant improvement in dehydration and wrinkles of the skin. And there was another one that was just published last year finding very similar effects in over 1,700 patients."
Dr. Youn recommends a daily intake of at least 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which can be easily incorporated into beverages like coffee or water. He also addressed concerns about the bioavailability of collagen supplements, noting that the hydrolyzed form breaks down the collagen into smaller, more easily absorbable peptides and amino acids.
How Chronic Inflammation Ties Beauty to Brain and Heart Health
One of the critical insights Dr. Youn shares is the interconnectedness of skin, brain, and cardiovascular health – all of which are profoundly impacted by chronic inflammation. He explained, "When you talk about neurology, and you're talking about cerebrovascular disease, then a lot of that can be due to chronic inflammation in our blood vessels. Our blood vessels basically have endothelium inside of them, and they're made of collagen."
Chronic inflammation drives many age-related conditions, including wrinkles, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease.
The 21-Day NEW YOU Jumpstart Program
To help individuals kickstart their journey toward a more youthful, vibrant appearance and improved overall health, Dr. Youn developed the 21-Day NEW YOU Jumpstart Program. This comprehensive program, outlined in his book "Younger for Life," combines dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and a simple skincare routine.
The program begins with a week of dietary cleanup, eliminating added sugars, gluten, dairy, and ultra-processed foods. Participants then introduce a targeted supplement regimen consisting of a multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, a probiotic, an antioxidant blend, and hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
In the following two weeks, participants incorporate intermittent fasting for two days per week, adhering to a 16-hour fasting window followed by an 8-hour eating window. Alongside these dietary changes, participants follow a streamlined two-minute skincare routine that includes cleansing, applying an antioxidant serum, and using an anti-aging cream or retinol product at night.
According to Dr. Youn, the results of this program have been nothing short of remarkable. "Almost everybody said that their skin looked significantly better to the point where people would make comments to them who'd even know that they were doing the 21-day jump start of like, 'Wow, your skin looks so much better. What are you doing?' Unsolicited comments like that. It's been. It's been really amazing."
The Real Impact of Diet and Skincare on Your Skin's Health
While many assume that diet and skincare have minimal impact on the visible signs of aging, Dr. Youn's approach challenges this conventional wisdom. He emphasized diet's critical role in establishing the foundation for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
"The first thing is going to be following a lot of the things that you have recommended on this podcast about eating a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables, about eating healthy sources of protein, about eating healthy sources of fats, omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish, same things with monounsaturated fatty acids, nuts and seeds and olive oils and avocado," Dr. Youn advised. "So a lot of those things that people don't realize that people recommend for heart health, for metabolic health, that actually can be very healthy for your skin as well and for overall longevity."
Additionally, Dr. Youn highlighted the importance of a strategic skincare routine, even for those who may have previously neglected this aspect of self-care. His two-minute regimen, which includes cleansing, applying antioxidant serum, and using retinol or anti-aging cream, can yield significant visible improvements in a relatively short period.
"We did this. Very simple, you know, it literally takes two minutes a day. We had people with kind of average skin do it, and then two months later, we took photos of them before and after, and then we actually put it on Instagram and quizzed people like, 'How much younger do you think they look?' And we got an average of about five years younger," Dr. Youn revealed.
While the results may not be as dramatic for those already diligent about skincare, Dr. Youn's two-minute routine promises noticeable improvements in skin brightness, radiance, and overall youthful appearance – without harsh chemicals or invasive procedures.
Revitalize Your Skin in Two Minutes
So, what does this game-changing two-minute skincare routine entail? According to Dr. Youn, the key components are:
Morning:
- Cleanse with a gentle, skin-type appropriate cleanser
- Apply an antioxidant serum (vitamins C and E are synergistic)
- Use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when going outdoors
Evening:
- Cleanse to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants
- Apply a retinol or anti-aging serum/cream
- (Optional) Moisturize if your skin tends to be dry
Once or twice weekly:
- Exfoliate with a gentle scrub or alpha-hydroxy acid peel
"It's super simple, super easy," Dr. Youn assured. "If it's good hydrolyzed collagen peptides, it will typically dissolve pretty easily. And oftentimes they don't really have any taste to them."
This routine's simplicity and affordability make it accessible to virtually anyone seeking to enhance their skin's health and appearance without breaking the bank or subjecting themselves to harsh treatments.
From Traditional Surgery to Revolutionary Supplement Protocols
While Dr. Youn's expertise lies in plastic surgery, his holistic approach extends far beyond the operating room. In a fascinating revelation, he shared his journey toward developing a comprehensive supplement protocol to support optimal healing and recovery after surgical procedures.
"For many years in my practice, when people would ask me, 'Dr. Youn, I'm on these supplements, what should I do?' I mean, I went through all this training and never learned anything about supplementation. Zero," Dr. Youn admitted. "And it didn't even cross my mind, honestly, that, oh, maybe you could take certain supplements that would actually help you heal better."
Motivated to provide the best possible care for his patients, Dr. Youn embarked on an extensive research journey, exploring wound healing studies and consulting with functional medicine practitioners. The result was a revolutionary supplement protocol designed to support optimal healing, reduce inflammation, and promote overall recovery.
The protocol includes:
- Arginine and glutamine (amino acids to prevent muscle breakdown)
- Probiotics (to support gut health during antibiotic use)
- Bromelain and curcumin (anti-inflammatory herbals)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (introduced after two weeks to avoid bleeding complications)
- Daily multivitamin (to prevent nutritional deficiencies)
"For many years, I used that for my own patients. And I found that the amount of complications that we had dropped, people seemed to heal faster," Dr. Youn shared. "I had a lot of patients who would come to me. We would start them on this protocol after surgery just to help them heal faster. And then they would come back and they would buy the probiotic from us or they would buy the multivitamin because I said, 'Geez, I've never felt so good. I just had surgery. I feel great.'"
While Dr. Youn initially hesitated to publicize his protocol due to liability concerns, the emergence of companies offering similar products has validated his pioneering approach, underscoring the growing recognition of supplementation's role in optimizing surgical outcomes and recovery.
Affordable Skin Care Procedures
For those seeking professional treatments without the hefty price tag of invasive procedures, Dr. Youn recommends several affordable and effective options that can be performed at med spas or dermatologist offices.
Microneedling: This technique involves creating controlled micro-injuries to the skin using tiny needles. As Dr. Youn explained, "When that skin heals, it heals in a tighter fashion, in a smoother fashion." Microneedling treatments can often be obtained for $100 to $300, depending on the area treated. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be applied topically after microneedling to enhance the skin's rejuvenation process further.
Chemical Peels: Using specific acids to induce controlled exfoliation, chemical peels can improve skin texture, tone, and overall radiance. As Dr. Youn noted, "I can buy a bottle of acid for like $50 and I can treat 10 patients with that. So the amount of cost to the office is not that high. So then the cost of the procedure to the patient is low as well."
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): For individuals struggling with dark spots or hyperpigmentation, Dr. Youn recommends IPL treatments, which can often be obtained for a few hundred dollars per session. IPL targets and breaks down pigmented areas, allowing them to slough off over time, revealing a more even, radiant complexion.
Dermaplaning: A simple yet effective technique, dermaplaning involves gentle exfoliation by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz). While it can be performed professionally, Dr. Youn suggests that individuals can achieve similar results at home using affordable dermaplaning tools available online or in drugstores.
Insights, Controversies, and Alternatives to Breast Implants
No discussion of plastic surgery would be complete without addressing the controversial topic of breast implants and the growing concern surrounding breast implant illness (BII). With his characteristic balance and transparency, Dr. Youn provided valuable insights into this complex issue.
"Breast implant illness is a tough one," he acknowledged, outlining the historical context and ongoing debates surrounding the potential risks associated with silicone and saline implants.
While acknowledging the validity of some women's experiences with BII, Dr. Youn emphasized the importance of objectively examining the available scientific evidence. "Unfortunately, Kate, the studies are limited. There is no study and I would love it for there to be one that says this percentage of women who get implants develop BII symptoms. We don't know that number."
However, Dr. Youn did highlight encouraging findings from multiple studies indicating that for women experiencing BII symptoms, implant removal often leads to significant symptomatic improvement in 55% to 95% of cases. Notably, this improvement was less pronounced in individuals with pre-existing autoimmune conditions.
"If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you can feel it in your hands and your fingers, stuff like that, if you've got scleroderma, if you've got Sjogren's disease, if you've got any of these types of things and they're previously diagnosed and you're being seen by a rheumatologist, you're being treated and you get implants taken out, it's very unlikely that your symptoms are going to improve," Dr. Youn cautioned.
While the science surrounding BII continues to evolve, Dr. Youn's balanced approach encourages individuals to carefully consider their options, prioritizing their overall health and well-being. For those seeking alternatives to breast implants, he provided insights into less invasive methods, such as the now-discontinued Brava device, which aimed to expand breast tissue through controlled suction.
However, Dr. Youn expressed reservations about fat grafting procedures, citing theoretical concerns about the potential impact of stem cells on dysplastic cells and the possible increased risk of breast cancer. "One of the things I do discourage people from, as much as it may sound natural and be a great option, is fat grafting to the breast. Just be aware that there's a theoretical risk there that I don't think has been truly answered yet," he advised.
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Debunking Botox Myths
While some individuals express concerns about the safety and potential side effects of this neurotoxin-based treatment, Dr. Youn's extensive experience and research provide a reassuring perspective.
"It's been used. It really, it's the most studied and used cosmetic treatment probably in the history of the world," Dr. Youn stated. "We started using it in the late 90s or mid to late 90s. And every year here in the United States, you get like 7 million people have it done. In my practice, we've been doing it for 20 years. My guess is we have treated, I don't know, 30,000 people maybe. Maybe it's a guess. I have never seen a significant complication from it. The worst we've seen is a little bit of a droopy eyelid, I think, on two patients that went away."
While acknowledging the theoretical risk of systemic illness associated with Botox, Dr. Youn emphasized that such occurrences are extremely rare based on his extensive experience. "So I think the risk of that, unlike, let's say, breast implant illness, that risk, I think, is extremely low from what we can tell."
Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that create wrinkles, such as frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet. When injected strategically by an experienced professional, Botox can smooth these visible signs of aging without dramatically altering one's appearance.
"My recommendation, if you've never tried Botox, you want to try it, stay away from the forehead. That has the highest risk, in my opinion, of altering how your eyebrows look," Dr. Youn advised. "You stay away from the forehead. You just do the frown lines between the eyebrows or the crow's feet. And typically, that's not going to change your appearance all that much, except kind of smooth those lines."
For those considering Botox for the first time, Dr. Youn's guidance provides a reassuring and practical approach, emphasizing the importance of starting conservatively and working with a skilled practitioner to achieve natural-looking results.
Dr. Anthony Youn's holistic approach to plastic surgery and skin health represents a paradigm shift in the beauty industry. Through his comprehensive programs, informative books, and educational resources, Dr. Youn demonstrates that true beauty lies not only in physical appearance but also in a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you're seeking affordable skincare solutions, exploring non-invasive professional treatments, or navigating the complexities of surgical interventions, Dr. Youn's balanced, scientifically grounded approach provides a trustworthy guiding light. With his commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being, Dr. Anthony Youn has emerged as a true pioneer in holistic plastic surgery, ushering in a new era of natural skin health and radiant beauty.
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