Get a New Face on Your Lunch Break
Pricey, painful facelifts are no longer the only option
Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick ON Oct 5, 2010 at 11:08AM
http://www.ivillage.com/get-new-face-your-lunch-break/5-b-287988?nlcid=sw|12-28-2010|#287989
It's Electric
Microcurrent technology -- aka, the "non-surgical facelift" -- is one of the hottest treatments in today's anti-aging industry, says Jaclyn Peresetsky, clinical esthetician and president of Skin Perfect Clinic in Worthington, OH. "Safe, painless, microcurrent facial toning machines send impulses to your face muscles, helping overly tightened muscles relax and underworked muscles regain strength," she explains. Circulation is improved, which stimulates collagen production and improves or eliminates fine lines. Just one microcurrent facial (about $110) instantly lifts, tightens, tones and firms for a more youthful appearance. "The results are permanent as long as you maintain it once a month," says Peresetsky -- it's crucial to keep up that muscle memory! However, the micro-circulation and collagen/elastin stimulation is permanent.
Swing Low No More
Your cheeks and lower jaw are sagging like a turkey's wattle, but a surgical jowl lift -- with its associated pain and swelling -- is not an attractive option, either. During a non-surgical jowl lift (about $800), a Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) filler is injected into the space in front of the jowl, restoring the jaw's youthful contour, explains Dr. Alexander Rivkin, founder of Westside Aesthetics, a non-surgical cosmetic practice located in Los Angeles. "This method doesn't require general anesthesia and relies instead on powerful numbing topical creams," he says. Patients can see the results as the virtually painless procedure occurs (usually in less than 30 minutes). "Most can go back to work immediately." The results typically last one-and-a-half to two years.
Eye Love You
Frustrated with under-eye circles? Aging causes fatty tissue loss resulting in hollowness under the lower eyelid, explains Rivkin. If you're not up for an injectable filler that would set you back a grand, consider a favorite of celebs like Blake Lively and Ginnifer Goodwin: Elizabeth Grant's The Socializer ($40 at ElizabethGrant.com). Massage in the pen -- there's one for a.m., one for p.m. -- to hydrate, cool and de-puff the eye area, while erasing dark circles. Ulva Lactuca is the key ingredient here -- a unique algae that helps improve the skin's elasticity and support fibers.
Plump Those Wrinkles
If your skin complaints include wrinkles, loss of firmness and dullness, try Vichy's LiftActiv CxP Total Serum ($41 at Vichy). An innovative formulation of Vitamin C is combined with Monosaccharide R, which enables the serum to latch onto the fibroblast receptors (the cells that produce fresh, young fibers) and deliver the treatment directly to the afflicted area of the skin for a quick boost. Micro-pigments and mother-of-pearl smooth and firm skin within one minute of application.
From Old Cheek to New Cheek
The loss of perky cheeks is one of the first signs of aging. "Only injectable fillers can re-volumize the face to a youthful appearance," explains Rivkin. "Your own cells grow around the injection 'scaffolding' and don't move from the area." Hello, apple cheeks! Though there's a small risk of bruising and mild swelling, there's no significant recovery time with non-surgical cheek enhancement (from $800 to $1,600); most people can return to work immediately.
Firm Up, Buttercup
Another safe, non-invasive under-eye treatment is Collagen Firming Eye Pads ($35 at ElizabethGrant.com). "Collagen is the natural fiber in our skin that keeps it plump, youthful and hydrated," explains Margot Grant, beauty director of Elizabeth Grant. These eye pads tone and hydrate the delicate under-eye skin, minimize bags and creases and help you look rested and refreshed.
Ions, Oxygen, H20, Oh My!
"Pollution and environmental aggression make the skin dull and tired," says Peresetsky. "The oxygen facial (between $75 to $90) helps cells breathe and accelerates the cell renewal process from the usual 28 days to just 14 days," she explains. "The result? Perfectly moisturized, revitalized skin." Or, consider an ultrasonic facial (between $95 to $115) to deep-clean pores and stimulate collagen growth.
Lose a Decade
Skindinavia's 10 Years Younger ($12.50 to $39 at Skindinavia) is a makeup-finishing spray that turns foundation into a secondary moisturizing treatment. By preventing makeup from sliding and settling into the cracks in your skin, and reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles and age spots, it helps skin look dewy -- and several years younger.
MY THOUGHTS
i want the "eye love you" and the collagen. it's expensive to be beautiful. on the outside. good thing being beautiful from the inside will probably not cost you anything. no amount of make-up can hide what you really feel. or who you really are. and if you're ok from the inside, you would know that growing old will come. and fighting it is not only costly. it's frustrating. just don't use the mirror too much. and avoid cameras. haha
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
How to Treat Dry Legs
How to Treat Dry Legs
By Valerie Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | December 01, 2007
http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Treat-Dry-Legs
Q: What's the best way to treat my Sahara-dry legs?
A: Though your parched legs could be the result of any number of things, including too many hot showers, harsh soaps, atopic dermatitis, or, rarely, kidney disease or a thyroid condition, the most common cause is a combination of chronological and sun-induced aging, says Joshua Wieder, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. As we get older, our oil glands don't function as well as they used to, and coupled with sun damage, skin becomes dehydrated (which can be exacerbated by winter weather). Avoid overcleansing, and apply a rich moisturizer after you shower while your skin is damp. The over-the-counter lotion AmLactin XL, with 12 percent lactic acid, is very effective, says Wieder. If you've tried all the above and your legs are still reptilian, see a dermatologist.
Bottom line: You know the drill. No long, hot showers or harsh soaps. And try a body lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to peel off dry skin and allow moisturizers to penetrate more deeply.
MY THOUGHTS
very timely. scaly legs turn up when weather is cold. (because of the long hto showers of course). this is the only season i bring lotion wherever i go.
By Valerie Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | December 01, 2007
http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Treat-Dry-Legs
Q: What's the best way to treat my Sahara-dry legs?
A: Though your parched legs could be the result of any number of things, including too many hot showers, harsh soaps, atopic dermatitis, or, rarely, kidney disease or a thyroid condition, the most common cause is a combination of chronological and sun-induced aging, says Joshua Wieder, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. As we get older, our oil glands don't function as well as they used to, and coupled with sun damage, skin becomes dehydrated (which can be exacerbated by winter weather). Avoid overcleansing, and apply a rich moisturizer after you shower while your skin is damp. The over-the-counter lotion AmLactin XL, with 12 percent lactic acid, is very effective, says Wieder. If you've tried all the above and your legs are still reptilian, see a dermatologist.
Bottom line: You know the drill. No long, hot showers or harsh soaps. And try a body lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to peel off dry skin and allow moisturizers to penetrate more deeply.
MY THOUGHTS
very timely. scaly legs turn up when weather is cold. (because of the long hto showers of course). this is the only season i bring lotion wherever i go.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Real Causes of Dark Undereye Circles
Real Causes of Dark Undereye Circles
By Valerie Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | October 13, 2009
http://www.oprah.com/style/Undereye-Circles-Beauty-and-Makeup-Advice_1
Q: Dark undereye circles make me feel exhausted.
A: I see you were too tired to ask me a question. You need to determine the cause of your dark circles before you can treat them. The main cause for shadows under the eyes is rubbing provoked by allergies—both seasonal and product induced, says Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, medical director at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, D.C. The second most common cause is excess pigment that may be hereditary, and the third is visible veins.
If your problem is due to allergies (your eyes are itchy and watery; rubbing them causes shadows), you'll want to use a mild, soapless cleanser and a moisturizer for sensitive skin. You might also need a .5 percent hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching.
Dark circles due to excess pigment (press down on the discoloration—if it doesn't disappear, it's pigment) can sometimes be lightened by lotions or creams containing hydroquinone, arbutin, or kojic acid. Three or more treatments with the Fraxel re:store or Fraxel re:fine laser are also an option.
And visible veins can be treated with the Nd:YAG 1064nm laser; several treatments are usually necessary. (You might also try the simpler solution a curious reader asks about at left.)
Keep in mind: Judicious application of concealer can work very well to hide your discoloration. Use a creamy concealer the same shade as your complexion, lightly tapping it on and then blending over the dark areas.
MY THOUGHTS
i just hate dark undereye circles. makes you look sick. and of course, you are if the cause is allergies. i thought lack of sleep causes the darkness. i have a feeling mine is pigmentation. argh!!!
By Valerie Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | October 13, 2009
http://www.oprah.com/style/Undereye-Circles-Beauty-and-Makeup-Advice_1
Q: Dark undereye circles make me feel exhausted.
A: I see you were too tired to ask me a question. You need to determine the cause of your dark circles before you can treat them. The main cause for shadows under the eyes is rubbing provoked by allergies—both seasonal and product induced, says Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, medical director at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, D.C. The second most common cause is excess pigment that may be hereditary, and the third is visible veins.
If your problem is due to allergies (your eyes are itchy and watery; rubbing them causes shadows), you'll want to use a mild, soapless cleanser and a moisturizer for sensitive skin. You might also need a .5 percent hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching.
Dark circles due to excess pigment (press down on the discoloration—if it doesn't disappear, it's pigment) can sometimes be lightened by lotions or creams containing hydroquinone, arbutin, or kojic acid. Three or more treatments with the Fraxel re:store or Fraxel re:fine laser are also an option.
And visible veins can be treated with the Nd:YAG 1064nm laser; several treatments are usually necessary. (You might also try the simpler solution a curious reader asks about at left.)
Keep in mind: Judicious application of concealer can work very well to hide your discoloration. Use a creamy concealer the same shade as your complexion, lightly tapping it on and then blending over the dark areas.
MY THOUGHTS
i just hate dark undereye circles. makes you look sick. and of course, you are if the cause is allergies. i thought lack of sleep causes the darkness. i have a feeling mine is pigmentation. argh!!!
How Can I Make My Lipstick Last Longer?
How Can I Make My Lipstick Last Longer?
By Val Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | September 20, 2010
http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Keep-Lipstick-from-Fading
Q: How can I keep my lipstick from fading? I found a shade I love, but it won't stay on.
A: I'll tell you in a second, but first I'd like to share what the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus told his wife when she complained about fading makeup: "Everything flows and nothing abides," he said dolefully. "Everything gives way and nothing stays fixed." Okay, so he wasn't really talking about makeup, but you get the point, right? Life is so much easier when you go with the (impermanent) flow.
But there is a way to make your lipstick last at least through a passionate conversation and maybe even a couple of cups of coffee. Dab a bit of foundation over the lips and lip line, which helps to fill in fine lines and gives a lipcolor something to adhere to, says makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. Next, with the side of a lip pencil rather than the point, outline your lips, says makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo. Using the side gives a softer application that's easier to blend; look for a natural or nude shade that matches the color of your lips. (Restrepo likes the Prestige waterproof lipliner, $5.50; Ulta.com.) Then apply your favorite lipstick.
Keep in mind: The glossier or sheerer the lipcolor, the more quickly it will fade...
MY THOUGHTS
i should remember this. sometimes i think i eat my lipstick. nothing stays. not even the matte ones. gotta try tonight....
By Val Monroe
O, The Oprah Magazine | September 20, 2010
http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Keep-Lipstick-from-Fading
Q: How can I keep my lipstick from fading? I found a shade I love, but it won't stay on.
A: I'll tell you in a second, but first I'd like to share what the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus told his wife when she complained about fading makeup: "Everything flows and nothing abides," he said dolefully. "Everything gives way and nothing stays fixed." Okay, so he wasn't really talking about makeup, but you get the point, right? Life is so much easier when you go with the (impermanent) flow.
But there is a way to make your lipstick last at least through a passionate conversation and maybe even a couple of cups of coffee. Dab a bit of foundation over the lips and lip line, which helps to fill in fine lines and gives a lipcolor something to adhere to, says makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. Next, with the side of a lip pencil rather than the point, outline your lips, says makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo. Using the side gives a softer application that's easier to blend; look for a natural or nude shade that matches the color of your lips. (Restrepo likes the Prestige waterproof lipliner, $5.50; Ulta.com.) Then apply your favorite lipstick.
Keep in mind: The glossier or sheerer the lipcolor, the more quickly it will fade...
MY THOUGHTS
i should remember this. sometimes i think i eat my lipstick. nothing stays. not even the matte ones. gotta try tonight....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)