Friday, May 30, 2008

Anti-Aging - Top Five Things Part 2

3. PROPER SKIN CARE AND BODY CARE
Select proper skin care for your face and body and reap the healthy benefits of glowing skin. Always wear a good sunscreen. Protect your skin from moisture loss by using a good hydrating cream. Moisture loss causes the surface layers to thicken (duller complexion) and contributes to an older appearance. Find products that offer anti-age actives, such as anti-oxidants (a must), peptides or ingredients to promote regeneration. Change up your skin care products a few times a year for better results. Don't forget to indulge in regular exfoliation treatments. Exfoliation helps keep the surface of the skin in good health, promotes new cell regeneration, and allows for better penetration of your skin care products.

4. MEDITATION - No matter what method is chosen there is no doubt that meditation frees your body and mind from stress. Stress is one of the main contributors to free radical activity in our bodies, (degeneration of tissues, mutation of cells, disease). Meditation is a big key to anti-aging because of the biochemical changes that occur in the body as a result. The deep relaxation associated with meditation provides many proven benefits, such as lowering stress hormones (epinephrine), lowering blood pressure, promoting an elevated state of healing, lowering pain thresholds, strengthening the immune system, boosting heart function, lowering cholesterol, keeping the arteries clear, reducing pain, dealing with fatigue, and offering a longer and happier life. EEG studies of the brain show a boost in the intensity of the alpha wave while in a relaxed, receptive state which kicks into gear good mental health and creative concentration. Is it any wonder why meditation is an enormous part of the anti-aging movement? A perfect inner state of peace is beauty personified. A beauty that doesn't diminish with time or age.

5. LAUGHTER
Laughter is considered the best medicine there is. Mark Twain said, "the human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter."A hearty laugh relieves stress-releasing b-endorphins giving the, I feel re-energized, I feel great feeling. Scientifically proven, good laughter can instantly lower blood pressure in hypersensitive people. The Dr. Lee Berk reveals a healthy connection between laughter and wellness and reports the evidence is "mind-blowing." He says that, "laughter brings about a state of eustress, which in psychological terms is the right opposite of distress." Laughter enriches blood vessels with oxygen enhancing the body's blood circulation. Blood circulation gives the skin a glow, boosts your brain function, and enhances a sense of wellness. The one who laughs the longest, laughs last.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Anti-Aging - Top Five Things Part 1

What are the top five things I can do to combat the aging process and have a more youthful look?

A youthful look, . . . well, other than your genes (and we don't mean your Levis) that will definitely depend upon how well you take care of "all" of you. Having a young face on an old body just simply does not work. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Serious anti-aging programs do not singularly focus on wrinkles and sagging skin, but address the very 'heart' of your health. In keeping with that thought, here are our top five things you can do to fight the age bomb . . .

1. DIET
There is no question that an anti-aging diet offers a 'live longer, live healthier' life. A healthy diet needs to be well thought out and balanced in concert with your body type and should include all of the food groups, preferably in variety. Fruits, veggies, green tea along with foods that are loaded with anti-oxidants are a good bet. It has been suggested that eating small amounts 3 to 5 times a day is the best way to go. Foods rich in anti-oxidants, or phytonutrients, neutralize the free radicals that are responsible age related troubles, such as memory loss, heart disease, cancer, and help win the battle against oxidative stress (too many free radicals) that are responsible for these conditions.

Dr. Perricone, a board certified clinical and research dermatologist reports that, "age related changes may be reversed by consuming foods and beverages that are rich in a variety of compounds, including antioxidants, and are anti-inflammatory, such as cold-water fish and richly colored fruits and vegetables." He goes on to say, "foods classified as pro-inflammatory can accelerate aging such as, saturated or trans fatty acids, sugars and starches, insulin levels surge and trigger a response that accelerates the aging process."

Also, your body needs 1 gram of protein for each kilogram of body weight, and preferably complete proteins (offer the 8 essential amino acids), amino acids are the building blocks for the proteins in our body, and proteins are the building blocks for most of our body tissues (collagen, elastin, fibroblasts, antibodies, skin cells included.) If you work out you may need to increase the amount of protein. The six essential nutrient constituents needed for healthy tissues are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. If the nutrient requirement is not supplied there will be cellular atrophy, which promotes free radical activity and accelerates aging.

Last, but certainly not least, drink lots and lots of water each day. A good guide for this is to remember your body needs half your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 130 lbs. you will need to drink 65 ounces of water per day, which is approximately 8 full glasses, . . . and no, that does not include the water in your coffee.

2. EXERCISE AND SUFFICIENT REST
Exercise is essential for healthy tissues which equals healthy bodies. Exercise triggers the body cells to regenerate, giving us healthier cells, tissues, bodies, minds. Not to mention, exercise is a great way to rid stress and improve cardio vascular, which means your cells will get more oxygen and allow for better regeneration and detoxification. Consistency is key, so once or twice a month won't cut it. A little every day is great, or at the very least, three times a week is highly recommended.

Now, about the rest of the equation. Getting enough sleep every night is very, very important. It is a sacred time when your body restores its energy levels, repairs and regenerates tissue, builds bone and muscle, and works hard at strengthening your immune system. It is a time when your mind de-stresses and emotional healing takes place. Is it any wonder why medical professionals insist that sleep deprivation poses definite health risks? Everyone must pay attention to the nurturance of sleep and ensure a solid 7 - 8 hours each and every night, . . . no more, no less.

Part 2 - Friday

Monday, May 26, 2008

MORE SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

SPAFINDER SWEEPSTAKES - READER'S CHOICE 2008
ENTER BY JUNE 1, 2008
Grand Prize: 4 night vacation package for two (2) persons to Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany. Package includes: a superior double room with a wonderful view over the famous Lichtentaler Allee; Brenner's breakfast buffet (daily) in the Salon Lichtental; Welcome with flowers, fruits, sparkling water in your room; Lunch (daily) (3 course menu) in Brenner's Restaurant Wintergarten (beverages are not included); One (per person per stay) 60 minute Massage treatment in the Brenner's Spa; Use of the Brenner's Spa with spacious Sauna-land, Fitness-Centre, large roman style indoor pool. All taxes and gratuities for the above are included. Alcohol is not included. Transportation to and from Baden-Baden is not included. All other meals, spa services, alcohol, and all other expenses not specified herein are not included in the prize package and are the winner's responsibility. Approximate retail value of Grand Prize is US $4,100.

MY LIFETIME.COM
ENTER BY JUNE 1, 2008
Grand Prize: A four-day/three-night trip for winner and one (1) guest to La Posada de Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Grand Prize travel package includes: two (2) round trip coach-class tickets from the major U.S. gateway city airport closest to the winner's residence (in Sponsor's sole discretion) to an airport within the vicinity of Santa Fe, New Mexico; ground transportation to and from the airport within the vicinity of Santa Fe, new Mexico; one (1) standard hotel room (double occupancy) for a three (3) night stay at La Posada de Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and four (4) spa treatments (designated by Sponsor) for Grand Prize winner and his or her guest in the hotel spa (the "RockResorts Spa") (eight [8] spa treatments total), one (1) $40 breakfast voucher daily, unlimited use of the RockResorts Spa steam and fitness rooms and the hotel's outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and all resort and parking fees. The Approximate Retail Value of the Grand Prize is $3895.

MY LIFETIME.COM
ENTER BY June 1, 2008
Grand Prize: 1) One (1) One Hundred Dollar ($100) gift card from Applebee's to be used at most Applebee's restaurants in the United States; 2) One Thousand Dollars ($1000) cash in the form of a check; and 3) a four-day/three-night trip for winner and one (1) guest to the Mountain Grand Lodge at Boyne Mountain (the "Lodge") in Boyne Falls, Michigan. The Grand Prize travel package includes: two (2) round trip coach-class airline tickets from the major U.S. gateway city airport closest to the winner's residence to an airport within the vicinity of Traverse City, Michigan; double occupancy accommodations (one [1] deluxe king suite if available) at the Lodge for a three(3) night stay, a total of four (4) 50-minute spa services valued up to $110 each (two [2] spa services per person) at the Solace Spa at the Lodge, daily breakfast for two (2) at the Lodge and winner's choice of either a round of golf for two (2) or a day's ski lift ticket for two (2) at the Lodge. The Grand Prize Winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes, and any other expenses related to the Grand Prize and/or this Contest. The total approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $2400.

LUCKY MAGAZINE VENICE TRIP SWEEPSTAKES
ENTER BY JUNE 2, 2008
Grand Prize: Two (2) round-trip coach airfares for two (2) persons to Venice, Italy, from the major commercial airport near the winner's home in the continental United States (approximate retail value $2,000), one (1) four-night stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (ARV $3,500), and two (2) spa treatments at the Éspace 1898 Spa (ARV $400), with a total approximate retail value of $5,900.

Friday, May 23, 2008

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

Enter for a chance to win a glorious Spa experience, . . . and treat a loved one or friend.

SPAFINDER SWEEPSTAKES
ENTER BY MAY 29, 2008
One (1) Grand Prize – A $2,500 SpaFinder Gift Certificate. Five (5) First Prizes – $250 SpaFinder Gift Certificates. Approximate Retail Value of all prizes is $3,750.

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH PAMPRIN
ENTER BY MAY 31, 2008
Grand Prize: One room, double occupancy, at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ; for three (3) days/two (2) nights to be provided in the period of September 2008 through February 2009 (certain blackout dates may apply), Spa Services for two (2) at Spa Toccare & Salon, (limited to a total retail value of $1,000 for Spa Services for the Winner and guest), plus roundtrip, domestic, coach class air transportation for two (2) people. Approximate Retail Value of Grand Prize is $3,000.00

NAME THE CACTI AT THE BOULDERS GOLDEN GOOR SPA
ENTER BY JUNE 1, 2008
This summer The Boulders Resort, along with the Scottsdale CVB, invites you to win a VACATION GETAWAY. Showcase your creative talents and name one, or all, of six individual cacti pictured on the website. Name the Cactus Contest. Submit a winning name and you'll be treated to a vacation getaway, including airfare, breakfast, and golf for two.

SHAPE MAGAZINE
ENTER BY JUNE 1, 2008
Prizes: One (1) Grand Prize consisting of one trip for the winner and a guest (double accommodation) including six (6) days/five (5) nights accommodations in a deluxe casita room at The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Carefree, Arizona, tax and service fee included. Airfare is not included. Two rounds of golf for two at The Boulders Club (includes cart and green fees); One 50-minute Golden Door Spa Treatments and access to all spa facilities (tax and gratuity included); Five continental breakfasts for two ($40.00 daily credit for Palo Verde Restaurant; meal, tax, and gratuity included). Must be redeemed by December 31, 2008. Approximate Value $3,000.00

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

How Long Before I Notice A Difference From My Skin Care Products?

How long does it take for a serum or cream to begin to work and show a difference in my skin? How will I know it is actually working and worth the money?

The answer depends on a few key factors. First, what type of skin condition are you treating? If you are using serums and/or creams to control oil secretion, repair blemishes, superficial dehydration, the results will be visible much quicker, and in some cases instantly. The repeated use will eventually bring the condition under control. If you are using skin care products to address deeper concerns such as aging, (deep dehydration, lines, lack of elasticity, asphyxiation), you must allow time for these products to work. The general rule is 3 to 4 weeks while allowing for cell turnover in the epidermis. You will certainly notice some more immediate changes, . . . improved hydration, less redness of the skin, and improved vitality.

It is also very important to consider what else you are doing that influences your skin. For instance, not keeping an oily skin hydrated triggers more oil secretion, smoking contributes to asphyxiation of the skin, tanning contributes to photodamage, using products to treat hyperpigmentation, and exposing the area to UV will not give you the results you are after, (not to mention the effects of diet and stress).

A big part of using skin care products is to prevent further damage and prevention is very hard to see. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

Monday, May 19, 2008

B. KAMINS Therapeutic Anti-Aging Moisturizer

B. KAMINS Therapeutic Anti-Aging Moisturizer addresses the need for different types of anti-oxidants to ensure minimal free radical damage in the skin and control inflammatory reactions, a precursor to free radical activity. One of its ingredients, alpha lipoic acid, boosts the anti-oxidant properties of this cream as it has the ability to regenerate and recycle itself and other anti-oxidants, vitamin E and lecithin, for example. The grape and safflower oil along with retinyl palmitate (ester of vitamin A), squalane, and lecithin will give much needed emolliency and softness to the texture of mature skin.

B. Kamins uses a Bio-Maple™ compound, a moisturizing and penetrating anti-oxidant extracted from maple sap using a patented process. Bio Maple™ also contains pure AHA's ensuring healthy exfoliation and combined with a little niacinamide (vitamin B3) the skin will regain a healthy look of vitality. Hydration is re-enforced and protected with key actives, including hyaluronic acid (holds 1000 x its weight in water). To top off the efficacy of this cream there are copper and zinc peptides, which are essential for the regeneration of collagen and elastin as well as expediting enzyme activity and healing.

All in all, this is a great cream for anyone concerned about aging, or for enhancing medical or para medical procedures. B. Kamins in noted for being a results oriented skin care line targeting problem skin, whether it is acne, rosacea, or aging. Is aging a problem? Well, that depends entirely on who is answering the question.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Press Releases: Product Launches

JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH announces Age Intervention® Enlighten face lotion with Retinol to "target stubborn facial discoloration and provide a more refined, resurfaced and illuminated facial texture."

"Women often associate fine lines and wrinkles with aging but discoloration is an even more visual sign of the aging process," explains Jan Marini, President and CEO of Jan Marini Research. "Age Intervention® Enlighten is an exceptional brightening technology with de-aging agents that result in refined, rejuvenated and illuminated skin."

The Press Release further states that Age Intervention® Enlighten, "contains a combination of two exceptional topical agents that address the appearance of facial discoloration, . . . and includes Retinol, a superior retinoid that discourages the production of excess melanin and assists in resolving the appearance of existing facial discoloration." Poof, the end of facial discoloration and stubborn hyperpigmentation. Enlighten is offered in a 1 oz. pump bottle.

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EMINENCE ORGANICS will be launching their new Mango Night Cream on June 1st.

Eminence's new Mango Night Cream will help combat aging, especially for dehydrated, devitalized skin. Mango offers many great benefits for the skin as it provides a rich mixture of anti-oxidants, unsaturated fats, essential fatty acids (omegas) and phytonutrients, including vitamins and minerals. The Vitamin C, copper and amino acids offered in mango are part of the essential components needed for collagen synthesis.

Eminence combined the juice of the mango with the properties of Homeostatine® (marine algae, Tara Tree), inhibiting enzymes that degrade collagen, while increasing fibrolast activity responsible for the production of elastin and collagen activity and maintains the integrity of the skin.

The Biocoplex™ provides the rich anti-oxidant cocktail Eminence is known for. The shea butter and Vitamin A ensure healthy cellular regeneration and the healing white grape seed oil and coconut milk will keep the skin feeling soft and supple. This is an anti-aging cream to put on your radar.

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Please forward all Press Releases, Product Launch Information, and Comments to our Editors at: beautyeditorpost@blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

SYN-AKE Synthetic Snake Venom in Skin Care?

Sny-ake is a synthetic snake venom engineered to mimic actual snake venom for use in anti-age skin care in an attempt to reduce muscle cell contractions that cause wrinkles, and in doing so, provide botox-like results without an injection.

Syn-ake is manufactured by Pentapharm, a fifty year old Swiss pharmaceutical company, and is described as an 'anti-wrinkle peptide' found in some of the top anti-age products on the market today. According to our research, Pentapharm is the largest snake breeder and keeper in the world and breeds venomous snakes for the purpose of producing therapeutic and diagnostic products, such as anticoagulants and haemostatics. Their experience led them to investigate the venom in the Temple Viper (distant cousin to the rattle snake found in southeast asia), its paralytic properties for use in cosmetic applications, and narrowed it down to a combination of three amino acids bound together that inhibit, or block, the signals to the muscle to contract. Their active ingredient and findings won the 2006 Swiss Technology Award.

When all is said and done, one very big question remains. Is this a case of vanity insanity or is this a case of brilliant cosmetic science? While it all sounds interesting, and we have confirmed its presence in several professional products, our jury is still out on this one.

Monday, May 12, 2008

SONYA DAKAR Ultraluxe 9 Age Control Complex

SONYA DAKAR specializes in "beautiful faces with problematic skin" with a "beauty boot camp philosophy.” Boot camp, indeed. Initially, one of the ingredients in this formula jumps out and overshadows the others making it rather hard to ignore. The ingredient? Synthetic snake venom. Yes, synthetic snake venom, used for its botox-like effects. For obvious reasons, our next post will be dedicated to an exploration of this ingredient and its use. Stay tuned.

Synthetic snake venom aside, Ultraluxe 9 Age Control Complex offers a nice blend of different peptides to stimulate and promote elastin (firmness) and collagen (less wrinkles) as well as a bountiful concoction of plant oils that target nourishment and hydration. The plant oils also provide the essential fatty acids needed to ensure the health of every cell membrane, and along with Vitamin E, function as anti-oxidants. This is a very good thing. The addition of lecithin ensures better penetration of the ingredients while supporting the antioxidant function of vitamin E.

The source of vitamin C chosen for this cream is one of the best and works hard at reinforcing the Vitamin E’s antioxidant capabilities (by 50 times). Ceramides are used to maintain hydration, which is vital in the protection and well being of the skin. This cream may not offer sufficient emolliency for very dry skin, (or for those who like the feel of a cream on their skin), but it certainly offers powerful anti-age ammunition. If you are thinking of undergoing light therapy for your skin, this product may be one to consider using to reinforce your results.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Media Watch: LiveSpa Magazine


Live Happy.
Live Healthy.
LiveSpa.

Heads up everyone, a new spa magazine is in the works. LiveSpa Magazine will be launched next month by ISPA, (International Spa Association), the elite association for Spa Professionals. ISPA, recognized worldwide as a centrifugal force in the spa industry, is what we would accurately describe as the expert's experts.

LiveSpa is a magazine for “real people who are looking for real experiences.” Under the competent helm of the Executive Editor, Julie Wilson, we are expecting to see a comprehensive publication focusing on spa education, spa etiquette, spa experiences and expectations, all dedicated to the quest of embracing a peaceful, healthy life.

Regardless of the economy, one thing is certain, everyone in this fast paced world needs a place to catch their breath, gather themselves, get centered, and stay healthy for the long term. Spas, whether local or destination resorts, offer safe havens where we can immerse ourselves in relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal in order to be more effective as we multi-task our way through life, . . . with an inner glow. A great spa experience can help realign the way we look at our world.

LiveSpa magazine is dedicated to you, the consumer. We are looking forward to the first issue and know it will be a gem that will light up the spa industry and its readers.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Media Watch: Organic Spa Magazine

Organic Spa Magazine is an innovative quarterly publication presented to the reading public in an interesting dual format (print and web based digital edition). The first issue debuted last year with rave reviews, and as a result, the magazine has been named as one of the top magazine launches of 2007. Impressive.

The two visionaries and founders, Mary Bemis and Beverly Maloney-Fischback, brilliantly merged their extensive spa and business expertise with the organic spa lifestyle. Together they created a well thought out magazine that is not only a pleasure to read, but one that offers insightful information on four important aspects of our lives, at home, at work, at play, at rest. The magazine is full of well written articles offering an enlightened awareness on how we can all live more responsibly and gain a renewed sense of respect for our environment.

We believe the conscious consumer cares deeply about sustainable living and will find Organic Spa Magazine an informative, visual treat. Spiritual and physical wellness, healing, and mindful living never looked so good.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Media Watch: Allure Spa & Luxury Spa Finder

Media giant Conde Nast, announced their plans to launch a new annual publication, Allure Spa, a guide to luxury spas around the world. The launch slated for September 2008, will involve the distribution of 200,000 complimentary issues of Allure Spa to a broad base of spas and salons.

We were interested as to why Conde Nast chose Allure to host their new luxury spa guide. After a little digging we found that Allure Magazine has a paid circulation of just over one million readers, 91% of which are female with a median age of thirty-something and a household income of $61,450. According to Allure's media statistics, 88% of their readers act upon advertisements seen in the magazine. Very impressive numbers and a perfect demographic audience for Conde Nast's latest greatest. Allure Spa will join the winning cast of publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Modern Bride, Gourmet, and Bon Appetit.

On that note, Luxury Spa Finder announced last month its intention to exit the world of print in July and enter a web based, interactive one. A bold move into a brave new world. The over-the-top costs of production, printing, and distribution combined with a solid commitment to a green initiative led Spa Finder's executives to steer their publication in this new direction. The online version of Luxury Spa Finder will have a much broader reach in six languages, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, as well as the immediate connection to their reading public. This move should pay-off in a very big way.

Congratulations to both publications and to their reading public. The more information and imagery placed at our fingertips makes spa finding, spa going, and spa dreaming absolutely delightful.

Friday, May 2, 2008

MURAD Intensive Wrinkle Reducer

Serum Category: Anti-Age
Anti-age protection and repair in a bottle! Who better than Dr. Murad, a Board Certified Dermatologist, to go beyond environmental aging and dig right down into the genetic mathematics of aging.

DR. MURAD states that, "skin cells are regenerated at night," and recommends applying this serum under a night cream. Why? We are bombarded with stress, pollutants and other environmental issues while the body is revved up and in movement all day long. At night, the body goes into a state of rest and everything slows down. It is a perfect time for healing.

This is an ideal serum containing a non-irritating, low concentration of glycolic acid (AHA), and other notable ingredients to ensure hydration and encourage collagen and elastin production, the two gatekeepers of youthful skin. Glycolic acid also gradually refines and brightens the skin giving it a healthier glow. The bountiful cocktail of vitamins promote collagen synthesis and add antioxidants to win the war against free radical damage, and as a result, ensure the well being of skin cells and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Intensive Wrinkle Reducer is definitely worth trying. It will convince you that it is possible to improve your skin and turn the clock back, . . . just a little. What more could you ask for in an anti-aging serum? Nothing.