Economy Down - Demand for Plastic Surgery High

The economy may be sagging, but that is not the case for those seeking a little help to remain youthful. Approximately 10 million plastic surgeries were performed in the United States during 2009. 46% of these patients were between the ages of 35 - 50 (5.4 million). Those between the ages of 19 - 34 had 21% of the procedures, age 51 - 64 had 25%, age 65 and older 6%, and age 18 and younger had less than 2%. Men have stepped into the plastic surgery arena and are responsible for 900,000 procedures in '09, showing an 8% increase over 2008. Neck tightening procedures are increasing in popularity for both genders with 70% women and 30% men (used to be 99% women). Facelifts have also seen a surge in popularity, 94,294 procedures, with results lasting for a period of six to eight years.

The top 5 procedures were:
Breast Augmentations - 311,957 procedures
Liposuction - 283,735 procedures
Eyelid Surgery - 149,943 procedures
Rhinoplasty - 138,258 procedures
Adominoplasty - 127,923 procedures

Good Thoughts . . .

Dry Lips

Why is it that the more you lick your lips, the drier they get? The answer is simple. Saliva contains digestive enzymes which will wreak havoc on the natural protective coating of your lips. The more you lick, the drier and more uncomfortable your lips will become. The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to help protect them from the environment.

Drink lots of water, use a humidifier at home, apply a waterproof lip balm that contains natural beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E (break open a capsule and apply to your lips), almond, jojoba, or coconut oils. Petroleum jelly works well, but it is a bit messy. Chapped lips, or those nasty little sores at the corners of your mouth, may indicate a deficiency in B-complex and/or iron.

Take care of your lips, . . . after all, they frame each and every word you say.

Fall and Winter Skin Care

Ah, . . . winter. Colder temperatures, cooler air, and depending on where you live, the possibility of rain and/or snow. When this happens we turn on our furnaces, start to use the heaters in our cars, and cover up for warmth. All of these things greatly affect our skin. The cooler temperatures cause a drop in the humidity leading to increased moisture loss, and the dry warmth of the furnace pitches in to finish off the job by robbing your skin's moisture levels. Did you know that sitting in your car with the heater blowing may feel warm and toasty, but it puts your skin into panic mode?

It is normal to have moisture move through your skin and evaporate from the skin's surface to some degree, but when the skin loses too much moisture it responds with defensive actions. For instance, oil production increases in an attempt to trap more moisture as it plays a large role in holding, or linking, moisture in the skin. The surface layer of the skin begins to thicken in an attempt to lessen the moisture loss. The result? A thicker, duller complexion with more dehydration lines, accentuated existing lines, and a definite feeling of tightness. If that is not bad enough, dehydrated skin is more susceptible to free radical damage accelerating the aging process.

During the fall and winter months it is paramount to switch up to a new day cream that will provide a little more emolliency and protection, and one that will boost hydration, . . . big time. If you cannot bring yourself to change your day cream, boost it with a serum day and night. Exfoliation will help address the thickening, minimize the lines and pore depth, increase the healthy color of the skin, and give a renewed look of vitality. Bring out the hydrating masks, daily if you need to, and don't forget to go and have a professional deep hydrating facial. Your skin will radiate with appreciation.

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.

This is the perfect time of year to incorporate 20 minutes of yoga into each day. Why now? November and December are the busiest times of the year when we have the least amount of energy to burn. Unfortunately, the physical math does not work. Winter is considered the 'yin' season, one that is cool, wet, slow, feminine, and quiet. Summer, on the other hand, is the 'yang' season and is the exact opposite with warm, dry, fast, masculine, and 'anything but quiet' energy.

Winter should be dedicated to storing energy. The winter solstice, three or four days before Christmas, are supposed to be the quietest days of the year, but instead we burn the candle at both ends while taking part in 'yang' activities. We are clearly at odds with our nature adding a great deal of stress to our lives. Stress turns itself outward by accelerating the aging process and causing illnesses.

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-m . . .

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Health Review

Does the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids increase the risk of skin cancer?
There has been a fair amount of buzz, and perhaps a little bit of negative press, regarding AHAs and cancer. To date, no studies have found a credible correlation between products that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid and cancer. There is, however, the distinct warning that Alpha Hydroxy Acids may make the skin more sensitive to the sun, and everyone knows that too much unprotected exposure to the sun has the potential to cause skin cancer. A word of caution, however. High concentrations of glycolic acid are being sold on the internet in home exfoliation/peel DIY kits. If the concentration is too high, or the product is improperly used, there is a very real possibility of burning the skin which could result in permanent damage. As always, do your homework. Leave this type of skin care in the safe hands of your estheticians and/or dermatologists. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Happy Halloween - The Power of Pumpkin

Halloween is a perfect time of year to take a closer look at the pumpkin's contribution to the skin care industry. Many interesting specialized products are based upon this beautiful superfood. Other than the natural fruit acids (yes, the pumpkin is technically a fruit), it is high in Vitamins A, C, & E, several B's, potassium, magnesium iron, zinc and copper. Quite the list! In fact, some have said that, "the pumpkin contains one of the richest supplies of bioavailable carotenoids known to man."

In skin care, however, the pumpkin has a unique ability to efficiently exfoliate dead skin cells while cleansing, detoxing and promoting a healthy healing process. It enables other ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively, works on restoring the elasticity of the skin and offers moisturizing properties that leave the skin feeling silky smooth. Pumpkin skin care is most effective for dull, sluggish skin that screams for nutrition and the return of a long lost radiant glow. There are many great pumpkin products on the market that deserve your attention. It is clear that pumpkins offer so much more than just baking into great pies. Pumpkin power, indeed.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month : Ole Henriksen

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Ole Henriksen is donating 25% of the proceeds from each sale of their award winning, antioxidant rich African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

This cleanser was awarded as the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards. It is a terrific multi-tasking product that cleans, calms, soothes, moisturizes, purifies and brightens. African Red Tea, Borage Seed Oil, Vitamin C, Grapefruit, Orange and Tangerine Extracts.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month : Eminence Organics

Eminence Organics is a "proud supporter of Breast Cancer research and since 2007 has made an outstanding contribution of nearly $100,000 towards research efforts." During the month of October Eminence has dedicated $5.00 from each purchase of their Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer to the Canadian and American Breast Cancer Foundations.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Body Deli Grapefruit Scrub

The Body Deli introduced their Limited Edition Pink Grapefruit Botanical Butter Scrub in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The product is 100% chemical-free and formulated to impart an essence of healing through a true aromatherapy experience. This special scrub will only be sold throughout the month of October, with a portion of the proceeds ($6.00 per product sold) will be donated to Gilda's Club, a Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation dedicated to the memory of comedienne, Gilda Radner.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pomega5

Pomega5 sources most of their ingredients from biodynamic and organically farmed land and contains no parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. The products are made to order every week with unmatched purity and active ingredients. During the month of October and November, Pomega will be donating 10 % of all proceeds from the Pomega5 line to the the California based, "To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation," an organization committed to providing grants for support programs, early detection screening, emotional and educational services.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Decleor Aromatherapy Kits

Decleor is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 10% of the net proceeds of their Aromatherapy Aromessence ™ Sets to CEW's Cancer and Careers Program. These four kits feature full size 100% natural Aromessence ™ serums and 3 travel sized bottles of complimentary products tailored to specific skin types and concerns.

The CEW, Cosmetic Executive Women, was founded in 1954 and established their foundation in 1991 to help women better their lives. In 2001, the CEW Foundation developed the Cancer and Careers program, which empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their work environment by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Campaign

Until the end of the month, PrettyCity.com offers $31 signature spa treatments and beauty treats at a selection of participating "pink" spas across the country. The Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Campaign raises awareness for BeBrightPink.org, "a national non-profit organization providing education, support and a sense of community to young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer." This is a great campaign that donates a portion of the cost of each treatment to a very worthy cause. Kudos!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Spa For A Year Program

Mandarin Oriental Spas in New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Miami, Las Vegas and Bermuda are relaunching the "Spa for a Year Program" in honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The winner of the raffle will receive a two-hour signature treatment every month for an entire year. All of the proceeds will go directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Pevonia

"Over 1.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. With your purchase on shoppevonia.com, proceeds will be distributed directly to early detection education, free mammograms for underprivileged women, and breast cancer research.

Purchase a RS2 Care Cream and be rewarded for your donation with free travel size of RS2 concentrate ($33 value).