Monday, August 30, 2010

Spa Week is back . . . Book Now and Save

Is the economy getting you down? Are you cutting back on non-essential services in your personal life? It's unfortunate that during a time of major financial cutbacks, when stress is at an all time high, services that help reduce stress and restore health go straight out the window.

Well, hold onto your heart monitors everyone, we have great news for you. Spa Week is just around the corner. During September 13 - 19th (West Coast) and October 11th - October 17 (East Coast), participating spas around the US and Canada will be offering a selection of full length signature services for a deep discounted flat rate of $50. Considering that most spa treatments run between $100 - $200, it's almost financially irresponsible to ignore. So go ahead, book yourself a relaxing, stress-busting massage, or facial, and save big time. In our opinion, Spa week is seven glorious days dedicated to guilt free, affordable luxury. And that, friends, is music to our ears.

Go to Spa Week, click on the region of your choice, select a spa and book your treatment. A word of warning - don't wait too long, appointment books fill up quickly.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Elemis Skin Care Debuts on QVC Tomorrow

Elemis is celebrating 20 successful years in the skin care industry by debuting on QVC tomorrow at 10:00 am EDT. A selective range of Elemis skin care products will also be available on QVC.com. As with any new launch there will be special price promotions. One of those promotions is a limited edition size jar of their award winning Pro Collagen Marine Cream, a whopping 3.38 oz at $168.18 . . . a substantial savings from the regular price of $248.

In this economy, there is nothing better than a good deal on an excellent product. Happy Anniversary, Elemis. Here is a great big thumbs up for helping everyone look great over the next 20 years.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - PROPEL FITNESS WATER


Pamper Yourself With a Spa Getaway
Enter by August 31st
Grand Prize: One winner will receive a luxury level resort spa package that includes accommodations, 3 meals per day and one spa treatment per day at the location of the winner's choice. The resort package will be booked through SpaFinder, courtesy of Propel Fitness Water. Approximate Retail Value $2,000

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Butt Seriously, Ladies!

Six women in New Jersey chose to do some renovation work on their behinds. The procedure, called "The J-Lo," (named after Jennifer Lopez) is on the menu in a new wave of underground plastic surgery. Low on cash and high on hopes, these ladies couldn't wait to boost their butts and reshape their booty. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty. All six women are in the hospital after being injected with . . . wait for it . . . bathroom caulk. Instead of a "low cost" buttocks enhancement procedure, what they got was a fast ride to the emergency room after developing serious deep tissue infections and abscesses. All six women were victims of dangerous, black market plastic surgery.

Last month, a 22 year old woman died after receiving injections of silicone into the buttocks that migrated to her lungs and led to respiratory failure. Back alley silicone injections are finding their way throughout the United States. The silicone used in these procedures is not medical grade silicone, but industrial silicone used for bathtubs and windows! There are no butts about it . . . under no circumstances should medical treatments be performed by anyone other than Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. After all . . . your life depends on it.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Say No to Botox and Dermal Filler Home Parties

Q. I received an invitation to a botox party at my girlfriend's house. Is it safe?
A. Botox and dermal filler injectable parties are a very popular trend. And, in our professional opinion, a very dangerous one. Consider this . . . an appointment in a physician's office will provide critical information about the doctor's background and credentials. It will offer an excellent opportunity to have a good look around to make sure the medical office is well equipped and one that follows a stringent sterilization process. A consultation will determine if you are a good candidate for a particular procedure and answer any questions you may have to make an informed and responsible decision.

Going to a "pumping up the volume party" is like playing 'russian roulette' or flying blind. The risk factor dramatically increases. The question is . . . are you willing to gamble your health and appearance just for the fun of it? We hope not.

Friday, August 20, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA MAGAZINE

Spa Magazine Northeast Sweepstakes
Enter by August 31st
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will receive 4 days and 3 nights, including luxury room accommodations, three meals per day and one spa treatment per person per stay at the Lodge at Woodloch. Includes taxes and gratuities, not available during holiday periods or sold out dates. Based on availability and non transferable. Approximate Retail Value $3,000

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

DERMALOGICA -Win Free Products For a Year!

Who would not like to win full year of free Dermalogica skin care products? No one, that's who. Dermalogica's contest details are simple. Go to their site, click on the contest page, create a brief video explaining why you can't live without Dermalogica, submit it before the end of the month (August 31st), and cross your fingers. The top 10 videos will be voted on by their corporate team, and the video that receives the most thumbs up, wins! Two runners up will receive $250 in Dermalogica products. So, . . . what are you waiting for?

Monday, August 16, 2010

Dermal Fillers - Captique

Have you heard of Captique and where can I find it?
Captique was a plant based, hyaluronic acid dermal filler used for volumizing enhancements, deep facial folds and wrinkles. It had a relatively lengthy track record in Europe and found its way to the US when it was approved by the FDA in 2004. Even with its successful history, it just never seemed to gain in popularity. Long story short, Captique never really caught on and eventually found its way to the bottom of the HA dermal filler list. As far as we can tell, the product is no longer in production and has been replaced by Prevelle Silk, a soft dermal filler used in the smile lines and lips.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Teosyal® Product Range

Teosyal® Deep Lines is injected into the mid to deep-dermal layer and is a dense and voluminous implant used to treat deep nasal furrows, lip augmentation and the facial contours of the cheeks and jaw line. It is injected into the deeper layers of the dermis.
Teosyal® Ultra Deep is injected into the deep-dermal layer and is the Teosyal range's densest product, achieving an immediate volume-boosting effect. It is designed for creating or restoring facial volumes, resculpting facial contours, treating deep wrinkles in thick skin, erasing folds in the skin, correcting minor ptoses and restoring the face's original curves.
Teosyal® Global Action
is injected into the mid-dermal layer and is suitable for mild to moderate wrinkles of the face; nasolabial lines, glabellar (frown) lines and periorbital and perioral areas.
Teosyal® Kiss is highly viscous and boasts high filling power for the lips. It is designed for reshaping lip contours, increasing lip volume, treating wrinkles around the mouth, supporting lip corners and rehydrating the lips.
Teosyal® Meso is injected into the superficial dermis and is recommended for the rehydration of the dermis (of the skin), on the face, neck, hands and décolleté.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Dermal Fillers - Teosyal®

Teosyal® is the new generation of dermal filler made by the Swiss based company, Laboratoires Teoxane. This filler is made with hyaluronic acids that are quite viscous and dense and is said to offer more contouring and sculpting benefits that will last for a period of 12 months or more. It is reported to be one of the purest injectable fillers on the market, formulated with an extremely low protein content to reduce the risk of negative reactions caused by hypersensitivity. Teosyal® has also been carefully designed to ensure the filler stays in the targeted area and does not migrate to other parts of the face.

Teosyal® is designed to increase subcutaneous tissue in the contours of a face that has lost volume due to aging. It offers an immediate volumizing effect with the ability to sculpt the upper cheeks, cheeks and chin, as well as treat deep wrinkles and folds. The injections utilize a very thin needle that follows an application of xylocaine, both of which greatly reduce the discomfort during treatment. This procedure allows clients to return to daily activities immediately.

Monday, August 9, 2010

In The News: Dermal Filler Warning

Serious warnings have been issued regarding complications and adverse reactions as a result of dermal filler injections containing synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic fillers are the most popular form of injectable dermal fillers on the market, and to date the safest. These reports included Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Elevess, Revanesse, and Teosyal. The reported adverse reactions include pain, swelling, nodules, abscesses, pus/infections, skin discoloration, difficulty talking, swallowing or breathing. There was a disturbing report of gangrene and necrosis (death of tissue) of the lip after an injection of Restylane and another unsettling claim that reports a partial loss of vision after a treatment of Juvederm to the lower eyelid and cheek.

Allergan, the manufacturer of Juvederm, states that with its approval in 50 countries, and more than two million syringes distributed to doctors in North America since 2006, less than 0.27% of all treatments have resulted in adverse events. After reading all of the reports and responses from the companies in question we can offer one very solid piece of advice. Facial fillers, or any other injectables, should only be administered by doctors, or propertly trained medical specialists. Oh, yes, and one more thing . . . say no to botox and dermal filler home parties!

Friday, August 6, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA FINDER - DEAL DAYS

Spa Finder's Deal Days Sweepstakes
Enter by August 15th
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will receive 4nights/5days to Miraval, Resort and Spa, Tucson Arizona. Package includes: casita-style deluxe accommodations; 3 gourmet meals daily, including snacks, smoothies, non-alcoholic beverages; a $130 resort credit per person per night of stay to apply as you choose toward Chill-OutTM spa services, private sessions with Miraval Specialists, Chef’s Dinners, Zip-line adventures, trail rides or rounds of golf; full access to Miraval's extensive resort amenities including use of the Body Mindfulness Center featuring lap pool and state-of-the-art equipment, world-class spa facilities, full-use of the swimming pool oasis which includes a tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls, acupressure stone walk and whirlpool; unlimited participation (if you choose) in a vast array of Clue-InTM self-discovery and growth activities, including all fitness and yoga classes; lectures by Miraval Specialists; the Miraval Equine Experience®; Chef cooking demonstrations; outdoor adventure and challenge programs; access to tennis facilities; an experience guide, Miraval tote bag and sustainable, reusable water canteen upon arrival. Approximate Retail Value $4,300.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Don't Wear Moisturizers with SPF to Bed!

I love my moisturizer and use it day and night. Recently, I read that any moisturizer containing SPF should not be worn at night because it will block the effectiveness of the ingredients. What is your opinion?

What you read is true. Any product with a high dose of SPF will contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are great sun blocks, but they are occlusive on the skin and will prevent the other ingredients from functioning efficiently. It is also important to understand that these two ingredients will put weight on your skin at night which is believed to accentuate aging. Yikes! Our advise is to wear it only during the day when you need UV protection and find another good treatment cream formulated to benefit your skin during the night.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm are the fastest growing sector of cosmetic enhancement procedures. These "low risk" fillers plump up areas of the face that lose volume during the aging process. They work well in adding volume to the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth, lips, and smooth out those nasty wrinkles. They are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a non-animal substance, which ease the threat of allergies and 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.

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.