Pure Skin BrowTox Wrinkle Relaxer

This is an interesting cosmeceutical serum offering relaxing properties to muscles, which translates to wrinkles with less depth. It contains Argireline®, also known as acetyl hexapeptide-3. This peptide has gained a reputation for triggering muscles to relax making it an excellent ingredient for smoothing out those lines around the eyes, the forehead, or wherever your expressions have created wrinkles. It gives an immediate effect that is cumulative with continual use. The formula combines the peptide with Curare Extract, known for its muscle relaxing properties and intensified action. It does not inhibit the muscle from functioning, but makes the contractions less severe.

There are some other great ingredients in this serum. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, an incredible hydrator and collagen protector, along with an extract from the mushroom family (Beta glucan) used to boost dermal hydration and reinforce the skin's defense. These ingredients ensure that the skin's hydration is secure. It's important to remember that hydration is one of the first essentials lost in the skin, and this loss causes degradation of the skin and its defense. Galangal root is present to help firm and tone the skin while complementing the other active ingredients.

This product is an easy to use serum on clean skin. Simply apply it on areas of concern and follow with your cream. Use it twice a day for the first month and then maintain your results by using it once a day. Hmm, . . . maybe that injection can be put off for a bit. You will be impressed.

Dermed Anti-Oxidant Rich Cream

DerMed is known for its high quality cosmeceutical ingredients. This cream is a great product for preparing the skin’s defence before a medical procedure, or for expediting the healing process after a procedure. Its focus boosts the anti-oxidant arsenal in the skin by helping the skin defend itself against free radical damage and repair damage that has been caused. Whenever the skin is traumatized in any manner, free radical activity is promoted, resulting in cellular damage and aging or degradation of the skin. Not exactly a desired effect, particularly after undergoing cosmetic enhancement surgery to improve one's appearance. Sun damage is another example of trauma that negatively affects the skin.

The active ingredients in this cream offering anti-oxidant properties are extracts from Black Tundra Moss, and of course, Vitamin E. The Vitamin A promotes new, healthier cell renewal and has receptor sites on almost all of your body cells, which means it is well received and utilized in cellular functions. The allantoin and lecithin are anti-inflammatory ingredients that minimize any potential irritation to the actives, allowing better reception and results. Hyanluronic Acide has been included in this skin boosting cream to control the dehydrating properties Retinol (Vitamin A) sometimes causes. All in all, Dermed has offered a cosmeceutical cream that is one to seriously consider.

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm are the fastest growing sector of cosmetic enhancement procedures. These 'low risk' fillers help plump up areas of the face that lose volume during the aging process offering immediate visual results. They work well in adding volume to the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, the corners of the mouth, lips, and smoothing out those nasty wrinkles. They are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a non-animal substance, which offers comfort from the threat of allergies, or the concerns of disease transmission from animal sourced products. No skin testing is required.

During the treatment, a very thin needle is placed into the skin underneath the targeted area. The filler is injected in a slow, steady movement as the needle is being withdrawn. A jelly-like substance (the filler) is left adding fullness to the specific area. Since there is increased control with this type of procedure, the sculpted end result will offer a predictable desired effect, . . . dramatic or subtle. The results will last longer than collagen injections and can last from three months to three years, depending on the product used.

Redness and swelling will be noted at the injection site lasting for two to three days, but nothing that will require downtime. Lips can take more time to recover. Cold packs may be used, but refrain from using ice. The skin may feel a little lumpy at first, but this will smooth out as the swelling reduces. Gentle massage can be helpful. Avoid using aspirin, Vitamin E and other medications prior to the treatment as they may cause bruising. Pump up the volume!

Cosmeceutical Skin Care

Cosmeceuticals offer something a little more advanced than regular skin care. These products are not just skin care and they are not quite a pharmaceutical. They are incredible tools to give your skin the extra triggers it needs to regenerate, defend and protect itself. Ingredients like retinols, vectorized peptides and amino acids (targeted delivery), and specific anti-oxidants are all created to influence certain receptor sites on specific cells, which will give definitive results.

These types of products are not usually recommended for long-term use. They are usually used as a "cure", which means using the products daily for a specific period of time. Incredible results, and repair, can be achieved with this type of product. They can also be a great way to prepare your skin before having a surgical procedure. In fact, you may even decide to put the surgery on hold for awhile to see what kind of results these products can offer. Having said that, cosmeceuticals can also be used as a great tool to reinforce surgical results and increase their longevity. Whether you are thinking of medical intervention, or not, cosmeceuticals are worth adding to your health and beauty repertoire.

Quick Fix Beauty

The economy is serving up new statistics with respect to plastic surgery. Not surprisingly, the financial roller coaster is being blamed for reports of an overall decline in major plastic surgery. Consumers are tightening their belts by saving money instead of spending money on liposuction. Face lifts and other fairly radical surgeries are easily placed on the back burner by their more affordable, non-invasive 'sister treatments' that require no downtime. Plastic surgery may indeed make a huge difference in one's appearance (if done properly), but forces patients out on the sidelines of life while they heal in privacy. Who can afford that?

Lunch hour quick fixes, on the other hand, require no down time (if done properly) and have the ability to shave off a few years without losing life's momentum. Non invasive procedures like botox, dermal fillers, dermabrasion and IPL (intense pulse light) are the new super stars of the plastic surgery world. They are easier on the pocket book, easier on the patient, and fulfill a quest for youth enhancement.

A successful treatment will reveal a healthy, rested, youthful glow. If the purpose is to remain competitive in the workplace and in the game of life, . . . then let the games begin.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA FINDER

Spa Finder 2009 Readers' Choice Awards
Enter by May 31, 2009
Grand Prize: One winner will receive a 5 night vacation package for two (2) persons to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland, Australia. Package includes 5 nights in twin/double Deluxe Orchard Suite accommodation, all organic meals, snacks and beverages; 3 classic massages and 1 facial per person during the duration of the stay, lifestyle workshops, an organic cooking demonstration, health and wellbeing analysis. Transportation to and from Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is not included. Courtesy transfer from Gold Coast airport at set times is included.
Approximate Retail Value $3,800.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is considered a "minimally invasive" medical treatment used to treat cellulite and eliminate its unmistakable orange peel appearance. The procedure is carried out by a doctor who will customize a specific formula for each patient after a thorough consultation. Each formula is made up of different injectable medications that are effective in blocking fat storage and promoting the fat to breakdown. Mesotherapy also promotes the restructuring of the collagen that has been degraded during the cellulite progression leading to healthier, firmer, smoother skin.

As with most medical procedures, there are a few side effects. The injections can create a burning sensation that lasts for about 15 minutes. The treatment may leave you with some bruising and soreness for a few days. The sessions are given weekly or bi-weekly and are approximately 45 minutes long with no downtime.

Lipo Laser Treatments

Lipo Laser . . . now that sounds interesting. A laser that melts those fat cells and helps to reshape your body. It is considered a non-invasive treatment that can treat specific areas to give better body contouring. It is painless; you simply relax and let the laser do the work. Usually, the area to be treated is measured. You are asked to lie down and elastic straps are used to hold the pair of lasers in place. While you relax, the laser causes the fat cells to release some of their contents (triglycerides), which is then converted into free fatty acids and glycerol that can be eliminated by normal tissue functioning.

Each area treated is exposed for 10 minutes, then the laser wands are relocated to an adjacent or different area. After the laser treatment is finished most centers will recommend a gentle work out for ten to 20 minutes to enhance the elimination from the tissues. Like other non-invasive laser, or light therapies, a series of treatments is recommended, the number depending on the results you are after. You are measured again after your treatment, and you should see an immediate improvement. This is an interesting approach to shrinking the fat cells, which will mean less cellulite as well.

Great results can be achieved, but it will take time (number of visits) and will cost between $100.00 - $150.00 per treatment. This type of laser can be used almost anywhere, under the chin, thighs, abdomen, upper arm etc. and there is no bruising or downtime. Don’t forget the home care, especially if your focus is eliminating cellulite.

Liposuction 101

Liposuction is considered medical treatment used for body resculpting by removing fat tissue, and in so doing, improve cellulite conditions. Depending on the area being treated and the amount of fatty tissue being removed, this treatment may be done under a local or general anaesthetic. A cannula, a small hollow tube like apparatus, is inserted through small incisions and manipulated under the skin to remove the fat tissue with suction.

There are different methods of liposuction used. Some involve injecting a fluid containing an anaesthetic, like Lidocaine, and something to contract blood vessels and minimize bruising like epinephrine. The solution used helps to free fat cells and facilitates their removal. Liposuction is not a replacement for dieting and exercise, it is most effective for relatively fit patients that have certain areas with a predisposition to fat storage and cellulite. There are many important things to consider with liposuction. It must be done by a well-trained practitioner, as the cannula must be manipulated to remove the fatty tissue in a manner that leaves the skin smooth and even afterwards, not dimpled and uneven.

Anticoagulants must be avoided before the treatment. It is recommended to avoid smoking for at least two months prior to the procedure. Post care may involve wearing tension garments for 4 to 6 weeks, which will depend on the area treated and how extensive the treatment was. Ideally after healing completely the area will be smooth, even in texture and color and there will only be the small scar where the incision(s) used to insert the cannula was. Liposuction can give great results but it is not a quick fix and will involve a financial and time commitment to enjoy the results.

Yoga - The Yin and Yang of Beauty

Yoga offers so many benefits it is no wonder it is sweeping the globe. It balances the body's system, improves vitality, relieves stress and tension, brings more oxygen to the body, controls hormone levels, increases sluggish digestion, flushes out toxins, offers a new level of mental alertness, and improves circulation leading to the reduction in wrinkle formation and producing a natural face lift. Long story short, yoga offers a healthy, more youthful way of living.

Yoga has the ability to correct the problem, and in doing so, create a more youthful and harmonious balance. It is said, "if you want to change your appearance, you must first change your thoughts, emotions, and habits where stress and aging originate." A stressed out body and mind will project the same in our appearances. Conversely, if we nourish ourselves by adopting a healthy lifestyle, we will age ever so gracefully. So, what are you waiting for? O-m-m-m-m . . .

Spas and the Swine Flu

"Considering what is going on with the recent outbreak of the swine flu, is it safe to keep my appointment at my local Spa, or should I rebook?"

It is a valid question. The Swine Flu, or H1N1, has certainly heightened health awareness. The truth of it is, the hygienic practices discussed in the media should be a part of our daily routine, not just when there is an epidemic, or potential pandemic. These kind of health matters are definite concerns of the Spa you visit, if you are in the right place of business. Spa management and their staff members are trained to provide a safe and sanitary haven to their clients. You may notice extra precautions such as gloves, masks, and stricter rules for employees (and clients) who must stay home if they are ill. Obviously, vigilant sterilization and hand washing play a key role.

Passing any type of infection is definitely not good for business. Plain and simple. If you are nervous about it, (and who would blame you), ask your Skin Care Specialist to address your concerns and inform you as to what they are doing for extra precautions. We are certain they will welcome your questions. If they don't . . . you need to look for another Spa.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - CANADIANS ONLY, EH!

In honor of our Canadian Readers . . .

LOVE THOSE MORNING SHOWERS CONTEST
Enter by May 24th
Grand Prize: One (1) winner will receive a Costa Rican Rainforest Spa Retreat for two (2) persons, two (2) round trip airfare tickets departing from a Canadian International Airport nearest to the winners’ residence to Costa Rica, 2 nights in town San Jose hotel, five (5) nights accommodation at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa and $500 Canadian spending money. Meals are not included in the prize package. The approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $10,000.00 CDN.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - DARPHIN PARIS

DARPHIN PARIS SPA RETREAT SWEEPSTAKES
Enter by May 19th, 2009
Grand Prize: One winner will receive two roundtrip coach class airline tickets to Paris, France from the closest International Airport to the winner's home zip code, 3-nights at a 4-star luxury hotel located in the fashionable embassy District of Paris, four (4) 60-minute Darphin Spa Treatments at the renowned Darphin Institute, and two (2) $400 spending money gift cards. Ground transfers in Paris from airport to hotel and from hotel to airport. Approximate Value of the Grand Prize is $3900.00 USD.