Monday, June 29, 2009

DOES A CHILD HOLD THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY OF AGING

A TV documentary medical report told about a 16-year-old who hasn't aged (she's still the size of a toddler).

The heart warming part is how much she is loved and cared for by her family in spite of the fact she will never grow out of infancy.

Scientists are wondering if studying her genes will unlock information about aging.

WAXING HAIR REMOVAL CAN CAUSE INFECTIONS

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

MANY PLASTIC SURGEONS DO GOOD WORK

I know I am sometimes a bit harsh about plastic surgery debaucles but rightfully so when it comes to some of the esthetic procedures. I wish more surgeons would just say
"no" to things like young teens undergoing breast enhancements or performing multiple repeat surgeries creating hideous faces.

I suppose there will always be another surgeon to step up to the plate if one does refuse. Some of the responsibility must go to the consumer and parents of consumers who are minors as well as the media who often present the perfect body. We are under such pressure to be perfect. Most people are not aware of the significant airbrushing done to make the models perfect.

But in order to present a balanced view, plastic surgeons have accomplished many ground breaking operations including limb reattachment.

Many plastic surgeons volunteer for overseas missions in third world countries, for assignments such as reconstruction of cleft lip and palet anomolies. They donate their time and money.

They generally are incredibly skilled.

If you have reached a decision to undergo esthetic plastic surgery just be sure you have been given the time to have all your questions answered. Do research from multiple sources to make sure you are aware of all the risks. It is not roulette. You have more to lose than money. Even if there is a 5% risk - be sure that if you are the one who is in the 5% that you are prepared to live with the consequences. Make sure you have considered less invasive alternatives and given it a good try. The quick solution is not the best.

A ethical plastic surgeon and his/her staff will be prepared to be honest and factual in answering your questions.

Friday, June 26, 2009

BEWARE FREE SAMPLES

You are inundated with ads everywhere and the Internet is no exception.

There are hundreds of anti-aging and health supplement products being advertised

You will be asked to pay a small shiping charge - no biggy right?

But what you are receiving is not a sample but the regular size. READ THE SMALL PRINT.

There is often a note that there is a money back guarantee and if you return the product before the timeline (usually 2 weeks and barely after you receive it) there will be no charge. But you have already given your credit card number for the small shipping fee - and guess what - you won't have returned the item (usually because you thought it was a sample) and your credit card will be billed. If can be for $75 to $150 or more and in addition you will have also missed the small print which gives you an automatic shipment and bills your card on a regular basis - often monthly.

A good deal for them but a lot of work for you to undo.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

ANOTHER INEXPENSIVE SKIN PRODUCT - HELPS RELIEVE ROUGH SKIN, SCALING SKIN AND GETS RID OF THE BUMPY ROUGH SKIN ON THE ARMS.

Several years ago I developed an unusual skin condition on my legs - great - now my best feature had to be covered.

Now I think I am fortunate that I had the skin condition because it netted a referral to the greatest dermatologist I had ever met. He was an esthetic dermatologist to boot.

That introduced me to his dermatologist trained clinical esthetician. So it kept getting better.

The skin condition - he told me was very common actually. It is worsened by sun and heat but it would burn itself out in several years. He was right. But the visit turned me into a regular client.

I have always taken excellent care of my skin and at 61 I was still cheating the plastic surgeon. I did not want to look 20 or even 40 but I did not want to prematurely age to the version previously accepted by society particularly when it can be prevented.

On that first visit he told me to use a very simple skin product called Dermalac 12% AHA (LOTION) - it would help my dry skin and help minimize the condition and perhaps help it burn out faster. I discovered, it also got rid of the bumpy skin on the upper arms that many of us have. It is not a prescription lotion but I did have to ask the drug store to order it in as it does not appear to be a stock item.

It costs about $10-$12 CDN for a 225 ml bottle. It goes a long way and is worth it. I order about 5 bottles at a time.

The other great use for this is to help skin cell turn over/exfoliation for a week or two to condition the skin before using self tanners. Self tanners tend to streak if your skin is not in great condition.

You don't need a lot. If you put on too much and it feels a bit tacky simply blot with a damp facecloth.

I tried other things during my visits and will share them over time.

It is good preventative practice to have a yearly exam by a dermatologist to check for any early signs of skin problems including unusual moles or pre-cancerous lesions. How often can you really check your own back!

Friday, June 19, 2009

SOMETIMES THE MOST SIMPLE SKIN CARE IS BEST

Years ago, when I was in my twenties I worked with a number of Canadian-Italian women in Toronto. They were always a fountain of information for natural and sometimes a bit far out beauty treatments. But they had beautiful skin and whether it was heredity, diet, or skin treaments, I am not sure.

The two that stand out in my mind (one of which I would never recommend) was
1. For acne - take the wet diaper of a newborn and apply to face. Ok since then I am wondering if it contains urea as I see some skin products contain urea.
2. For moisturizing use pure olive oil.

I can support # 2 - I have used it since and I have a few recommendations. I use it about every 2-3 days.

I keep it in the shower in a plastic squeeze salad dressing/BBQ sauce bottle - you know the type they use at wrap zone to squirt all the different dressings in wraps. I slather it on generously prior to shower being very careful NOT TO SLIP IN TUB! I rub it in well with an abrasive skin care glove which helps to remove dead skin and provides massage to improve the circulation. I suppose a bath brush would be another option.

Next shower it off with soap and water.

At other times, I apply a small amount after bathing to damp skin and let dry and surprisingly it is not oily.

You can also apply it to dry hair. Do this well before bed so the oil dries, but just in case place a towel on your pillow. Next day - shampoo several times, then condition. For added effect - warm it first by placing the bottle in a sink with warm water and/or putting on a shower cap and sitting under the dryer or wrapping a warm towel for 15 minutes or so.

Another great deep treatment is to use virgin organic coconut oil available in health food stores - same as above - it is also edible. It is pricey but it lasts a long time.

Tie your hair up, and it is not unattractive however, the only problem I foresee is your significant other may crave coconut cream pie all night long :)