A renowned dermatologist will be visiting the Island next week to speak at a fundraiser for the Family Learning Centre.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is the author of the best-selling books "The Wrinkle Cure" and "The Perricone Prescription", which advocate that, rather than plastic surgery, diet may be the key to maintaining a youthful appearance.

Dr. Perricone will be speaking at a luncheon and lecture for the centre on Wednesday in the Tiara Room of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

In a world where injecting paralysing poison into one's skin to minimise wrinkles has become commonplace, Dr. Perricone's natural approach has garnered remarkable attention.

He was recently included in a National Geographic feature on skin, the body's largest organ.

"Perricone argues that you can make your skin more healthy and keep it from ageing by changing diet, taking the right supplements and vitamins, increasing exercise and drinking lots of water," the article said.

The National Geographic reporter tested Dr. Perricone's three-day, jumpstart diet to better skin which includes drinking 10 glasses of water a day and eating numerous portions of Omega-3 rich salmon.

His results: "After three days, I'm not sure how much more salmon I can eat, and I understand why some people tell Perricone that they'd rather smear the salmon on their face than continue with his programme.

"But I feel great, and my face looks firmer and more alive, with better colour."

Dr. Perricone believes that inflammation occurs at a cellular level and actually leads to sags, bags and wrinkles.

Poor nutrition, pollution, sunlight and irritating skin care treatments can add more damage.

But the good news is you can fight ageing from the inside out and if you want to learn more about how, attend The Family Learning Centre's luncheon and lecture on Wednesday.

Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased at Trimingham's cosmetics counter and Miles Market.

For more information please call The Family Learning Centre at 295-1116.