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
