Healthy Life

Facial cosmetic surgery solves various deformation issues arising from injury, aging or disease. It has provided an ideal solution to these problems. Moreover, it solves the birth defects as well.

The trend has changed in the recent years and the facial cosmetic surgery has served other purposes as well. The individuals are using it to improve their looks as well. The cosmetic surgery has surved this purpose well and the individuals opting for these procedures have regained their youth and have enhanced their looks.

The modern day cosmetic surgery procedures are minimally invasive due to the advancement achieved in the medical field. The technology has improved over the years and now the risks have reduced as well. Cosmetic surgery was not safe in the earlier days and the people were afraid to go through facial procedures. However, the things have changed now and the people feel comfortable due to the minimal amounts of risks and excellent results that are being achieved.

The aging signs start appearing as the youth starts fading. Everyone wants to remain as good looking as they were during their young years. Cosmetic surgery makes it possible and that is the main reason for its popularity. The aging signs first appear on the face and hands and one has to get help from facial plastic surgery in order to get rid of those signs and regain youth.

It is a fact that humanity has been striving for youthful look right from the beginning. They have worked to get that look. Once the cosmetic surgery was invented, it was clear that the solution has been found. Although, it took some time to achieve perfect results, it was not too late. Men and women found it very fascinating to get rid of their scars, wrinkles and other signs that made them look aged.

There are certain risks of cosmetic surgery even with so much advancement in the technology. These are potential risks and one has to take care of them before going into the surgery procedure. These risks are often eliminated once the patient states truth about their current medical condition and history. They should reveal everything and should take advice of the surgeon regarding their condition and their eligibility for the cosmetic surgery procedures. The individuals should consult the doctors and should listen to their advice carefully. This will save them from trouble and they will go through the surgery without any problems.

Source : www.articlecity.com

You've probably heard about how lots of European women don't give a fig about underarm hair or hair on their legs. But many other women are not as accepting of body hair as their European counterparts. And throughout history, women have been employing various techniques to do this: from ancient Egyptian women's use of beeswax and sharp implements to eliminate leg hair up to the modern-day practices of waxing and the use of lasers to achieve a smooth and hairless complexion. Here, we'll take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of laser hair removal and whether it's the right path to take for a more hairless you.

Hair is removed via lasers in the following way: a series of low-level laser beams is targeted at hair follicles (or the root of the hair) in certain areas of the body. The hair then falls out and new growth is discouraged. Here are some of the reasons for the popularity of laser hair removal:

- Long-lasting results. The laser beams zoom in on hair follicles, either destroying them or significantly disabling them. Thus, hair is a lot slower to grow back and in some cases, they don't grow back altogether. And any hair that grows back tends to be finer, thinner, and less visible. Imagine the time savings you could realize. Finally, freedom from regular bikini waxes, leg-shaving, and facial hair-plucking!

- Broader and more convenient applications. Laser hair removal technologies and equipment have evolved in such a way that it is now possible to treat broad areas of the skin - such as the back and legs - in addition to localized areas like the skin above the upper lip and around the nipples. There is a wide variety of laser hair removal gadgets and equipment to suit individual cases.

- Increased safety regulations. Hair removal via laser is a process approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, the techniques used must meet stringent regulations. In addition, individual states themselves are issuing criteria that laser hair removal cosmeticians must comply with in order to practice their trade.

Laser hair removal may seem like a godsend to many a woman, but she would do well to remember that it is not a "one-size-fits-all" sort of technology. Like most other cosmetic procedures today, it does have its disadvantages, the following of which are just a few.

- Slower results for dark-skinned or tanned women. Laser hair removal procedures are most suitable for individuals with light-colored skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets dark material. Dark skin pigmentation can prevent lasers from reaching the hair follicles more rapidly. Evidence also shows that the lighter a woman's hair color, the less efficient the technology is in eliminating those problem hairs.

- Laser hair removal treatment costs. It takes several sessions to rid a body part of hair, and each session costs on average $300 up to $1,000. It really depends on how much hair needs to be removed and the type of lasers used. Some clinics' laser hair removal prices are calculated on a "per-pulse" basis and several hundred laser pulses may be needed to remove hair in just one area. Also, because hair grows in cycles, it's almost a sure bet that repeat sessions will be needed to ensure that all unwanted hair is removed - which translates to more cash out of your pocket.

- Potential side effects or no effect at all. All cosmetic procedures carry a risk of adverse effects, and laser hair removal is no exception. Patients have complained of first- and second-degree burns, blisters, and lesions. Others have noted that patterns of hair regrowth are patchy and unpleasant to look at. And still others have inexplicably experienced insignificant or no hair loss at all, despite their being ideal candidates for the procedure.

Laser hair removal is just one of the wonders of modern dermatology, technology that can make a woman look more beautiful in the shortest amount of time and in the safest way possible. Although procedures like this are constantly changing and improving, you shouldn't just rush blindly into it. It's important to consult your dermatologist and conduct your own research to determine whether you'll be getting the maximum benefits that medical laser techniques can offer.



Source : www.readbud.com

Idebenone (pronounced eedy-be-known), a super antioxidant, is now being used in select anti-aging skin care products. That's good news for you if you need to get rid of some extra wrinkles that none of us can avoid as we grow older.

While idebenone has been known for a long time as a pharmaceutical agent, it has arrived to the realm of skin care only recently. In fact, some skin care companies claim it as a new, cutting-edge discovery. But, can it really benefit your skin?

In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers had been studying the potential of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), including its ability to improve heart failure, reduce free radical damage and slow down certain neurological conditions. CoQ10, a vitamin-like natural compound found in all aerobic organisms, plays an important role in cellular energy production and is also an effective antioxidant. Trying to boost CoQ10's therapeutic effects, scientists synthesized and tested a variety of its chemical analogs and derivatives. Most of these derivatives were found ineffective or unsafe. However, one of the few exceptions was idebenone.

It is closely related to CoQ10 in its structure. However, idebnone is more effective than CoQ10 in protecting cells from the free radical damage resulting from reduced blood flow.

What does all this have to do with skin care? Recently CoQ10 has been shown to improve skin wrinkles. Not surprisingly, some skin care companies decided that CoQ10 analogs might do a similar or better job. So, they found out that idebenone was also a good anti-wrinkle remedy.

It's important to realize that free radicals that form in the skin in response to the sun's ultraviolet rays are largely responsible for wrinkling and other signs of aging. To fight these damaging molecules, cosmetic chemists developed this topical antioxidant that's even more powerful than natural antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

Results of a clinical trial were presented in February 2004 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. They wanted to find out which ingredient offered the best protection against free radicals. Well, it was idebenone that finished first against vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha-lipoic acid.
The benefits of this ingredient include shielding skin from environmental damage, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing dryness and smoothing skin texture.

Antioxidants help protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the environment. Free radicals are unstable compounds that occur naturally in the body and try to stabilize by attaching to the nearest normal cell. This results in a chain-reaction because once the free radical attaches to a healthy cell, it too becomes a free radical in search of stabilization causing cellular damage. Antioxidants, such as idebenone and others, stop this process by donating a molecule to the free radical making it stable.

But, you should know that although idebenone is thought of as a wrinkle reducer, it is more of a skin protector. It is a true antiaging phenomena because it blocks the causes of aging and treats its effects. For best results, use it in addition to a broad spectrum sunblock.

However, this all comes at a price. This wonderful ingredient is priced at up to $120 an ounce. As you know, nothing known to science will erase all signs of aging, but this formula helps with its ability to decrease collagen breakdown (which means less apparent wrinkles and lines) and reduce inflammation.

It's available in the following lotions:

-Prevage from Allergan.
-True Cosmetics Youth Revealing Complex.
-Radiance Revealing Complex.
-Revitol Anti Wrinkle Complex.

You can get these products containing idebenone from Dermatologists' or Plastic Surgeons' offices, Spas, Fine Salons, or online.

Your skin never had it so good!


Source : www.readbud.com

Whiter teeth are a staple in the health and beauty industry. Never would you see a model or celebrity with yellow or stained teeth. Let's face it, whiter teeth brings confidence. There are several ways for the average person to obtain a whiter and brighter smile, here are the most popular.

Dentist Whitening

We will start out at the priciest end of the spectrum with professional whitening in dental office. Most dentists use a Carbamide Peroxide in the form of a gel and provide customized dental trays molded by plaster casts of your teeth. These trays reduce the risk of whitening lines due to the fact they are made just for you. In contrast, most at-home-kits provide the same Carbamide Peroxide, just not the form fitting tray. Dentists charge up to $600 for this treatment, mainly to cover time and office costs.

At Home Whitening Gels

For a much cheaper price, we are able to obtain whiter teeth in the comfort of our own home by using at-home-kits. Most of these kits contain the same strength Carbamide Peroxide formula as your dentist or possibly a more powerful formula. Another benefit of at home whitening is the price. You're not paying a dentist or his employees, so you will find yourself paying hundreds less than you would at a dental office. Some quality kits can go as low as $39! The only real downside of an at home kit is the quality of the dental tray as it's typically a boil and bite mouthpiece. You may find these a little less comfortable than their dentistry counterpart.

Whitening Strips

The results from whitening strips are usually less than desired. Major brands and off-brands have been known to disappoint, showing a mild effect over the course of a month. The problem is that most pharmaceutical backed companies are looking for a way to make a reoccurring profit from it's consumers. Thus keeping a weaker product on the shelves keep you coming back until desired results are acquired. In some cases this could be months or years.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes seem to have little or no effectiveness. I myself recently tested a popular toothpaste brand, known for it's supposed whitening power. I realized that at most, one line of past could only contain a mild active ingredient and you would have to brush your teeth for an hour for any noticeable result over a period of a month. Whitening toothpastes seem to be a marketing ploy that sells more from us being so eager for improvement.

In conclusion, the real contenders here are Dental and At home Whitening Kits. They will provide you with your desired results in the shortest amount of time. Saying that, at home whitening kits allow you to save hundreds of dollars and the peace and quiet of your own home... and no eerie dentist offices.

Source : www.readbud.com

Cam*ou*flage (kam e-flaj) n. -- Camouflage is defined in the dictionary as a means of disguising things completely, so they appear a natural part of the surroundings. This holds true for the advanced camouflage make-up available today that conceals major to minor skin imperfections, with precision, yet with a perfectly natural look. This new technology, offers the convenience of a cover-up formula that works for both face and body without setting powder.

Application techniques have also become more patient friendly to accommodate the women and men who may not wear ordinary make-up, but need to cover unsightly skin flaws. According to the most recent criteria requested by Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and other skin care professionals, camouflage cosmetics should have these inherent qualities:

* Clinically Tested

* Allergy Tested

* Fragrance Free

* Non-Comedogenic

* Opaque Coverage

* Long Lasting

* Waterproof

* Non-Greasy

* Smudge-Resistant

* Appropriate For All Skin Types

* Natural Shade Selection

* Ease of Application

* Blendability

Serving as an adjunctive service to physician care, Camouflage Therapy helps people help themselves. Skin problems can range from pigmentation disturbances to post operative trauma to diseases of the skin. The camouflage material must be versatile enough to mask most skin imperfections including: Birthmarks, Post Laser Redness, Surgical Discolorations, Chemical Peels, Bruising, Hypo and Hyper Pigmentation, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Lupus, Melasma, Dark Eye Circles, Broken Capillaries, Cleft and Craniofacial Conditions, Acne Blemishes, Psoriasis, Sun Spots, Age Spots, Brown Spots, Varicose Veins and Spider Veins, Surface Scars, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines, Furrows, Freckles, and Tattoos.

Detailed instructions should accompany Corrective Cosmetics so that patients can master the cover-p applications that best suits their needs. They want instructions to be short, simple and easy to follow at home. Support services should ideally be provided at a toll-free number or on a dedicated website.

In today's society, where outward image and appearance are increasingly important, camouflaging is gaining speed s the practical solution. "Cosmetic cover-ups are desirable options for eliminating some of the emotional barriers caused by skin disfigurations, says Steven D. Shapiro, Board Certified Dermatologist, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He commends the fact that the new age concealers have become uncomplicated and satisfy his multigenerational patient base.

With the increased use of camouflaging to hide skin flaws, new application techniques have been developed by Aestheticians and Corrective Make-Up Artists, to provide gratifying results for their clients. Consider these case studies:

* Case #1. Linda K, was born with a large port-wine stain running from her neck down to her shoulder. As a twin, having this noticeable mark was very disturbing during her formative years. Until she discovered a concealer that would really last, she tried to live with it. However, she now applies a one-step formula that goes on creamy and dries to a matte finish and she wore a low cut dress to her daughter's wedding.

* Case #2. Angela E, was born with a hemangioma on her face that grew to huge proportions and seriously disfigured her physically and mentally. With the support of her grandmother and caring physicians, she underwent over 30 surgeries and grafts to give her a more normal appearance. Now that she is in her late teens, camouflage make-up has been a welcome solution to some of the scarring and uneven skin-tone that resulted from the reconstructive surgery.

Proven Application Techniques:

According to Christina Smith, Hollywood Make-Up Artist and Academy Award nominee, "I couldn't do my job without Camouflage Cosmetics. Most of the beautiful stars I work with have something to hide and I must give coverage that lasts under studio lights. Very often, I need to mix 2 or more shades to obtain the perfect match for my client's skin tone (there's no retouching in film photography). Although the shade mixing can be done on the hand, I prefer to use a Q-tip and blend the shades on a piece of wax paper… less mess and easier blending.

* Camouflage make-up is very opaque and should be applied gradually until complete coverage is achieved. Allow time for make-up to dry completely.

* Corrective Cosmetics should be formulated to be worn under make-up, over make-up or alone.

* For best results choose a camouflage make-up shade that closely matches your skin tone. Match the area that is being covered since the skin on your hand may be a different shade than your face.

* Use a light, non-greasy primer before applying camouflage products. This primer will help prepare the skin for a smoother application.

* Blending is the KEY to successful camouflaging on large areas. For a nice smooth finish, apply cover material and use a dry, wedge-shaped sponge to evenly blend make-up on face and neck. For targeted areas such as scars and blemishes use fingertips to blend edges.

* Try using camouflage products for contouring: use a slightly darker shade than your natural skin tone to minimize areas. For example, to minimize a broad nose, draw contour line down both sides of the nose and blend with a sponge. Contouring and highlighting can help minimize the look of swelling.

* Camouflage products are much more than ordinary foundations and concealers. They can be used daily as a foundation for uneven skin tones and to soften the redness associated with rosacea.

* For scarred areas use a camouflage crème slightly darker than skin tone since scarred tissue usually has a loss of pigment.

* For post surgery, use a concealing make-up that is creamy in texture so it won't pull on the skin during the application process.

* It is recommended that cosmetic surgery patients purchase their camouflage makeup before surgery in the correct shade since it is difficult to "shop post op."

* After procedures around the eyes, it may be simpler for the patient to use a highly pigmented cover-stick with a creamy consistency to get into corners and avoid tugging on the delicate eye area.

* A word of caution -- all cosmetic cover-ups should never be applied to open skin lesions or raw irritated skin. Seek the advice of a physician if you are in doubt about when it is appropriate to apply a concealer.

Source : www.readbud.com