Get Microdermabrasion
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Beginners Guide To Anti-Aging Skin Care
As with most things in life, prevention is better than a cure. However, for those who have not had eight hours sleep every night, moisturized regularly, stayed out of the sun and never touched alcohol what is needed is to reduce further aging and regain a more vibrant appearance. Where to start?
SUNSCREEN
Whether you're 18 or 58 it is vital for women to protect their skin from the damage of the sun. While the dangers were not as well known years ago (or so severe) it now the responsibility of everyone to safeguard the sensitive skin on their face from the harsh damage caused by the UV rays from the sun.
Your skin is exposed to the sun no matter what the weather so use a moisturizer or foundation with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher every day. UVA and UVB rays contribute to wrinkles and burns not to mention the possibility of skin cancer.
MOISTURIZER
As skin ages it tends to become drier. Dry skin will show more wrinkles than well hydrated skin. Moisturizers create a barrier that keeps the skin from losing essential water.
The moisturizers available today are far more luxurious than the cold creams of yesterday. Starting a moisturizing routine will help your skin retain hydration which contributes to a supple texture reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Moisturizers also prepare the skin for the application of makeup which will apply smoother and create a fine finish without cracking or flaking.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Pollution in the air and chemicals in our food release free radicals into our bodies. Free radicals break down the collagen and elastin in your skin which leads to wrinkles and sagging. Using antioxidants in your facial products or in supplements will protect the collagen and elastin which keeps skin firm and supple.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
AHA comes in many forms, from store bought creams to dermatologist applied formulations. The AHA sloughs off skin in what is commonly called a 'peel'. A mild formula used at home can treat fine lines while harsher peels can be performed during a short office visit.
NUTRITION and HYDRATION
As many people are aware, what goes inside will show on the outside. The best prevention from aging skin is to provide your body with a proper diet of healthy fresh foods as well as sufficient hydration. Alcohol and caffeine cause dehydration and should be limited.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will improve the texture of your skin and fight dry skin. Healthy foods can provide the vitamin C and E that are so rich in antioxidants. Add to this a good nights sleep and the steps noted above and you are on your way to getting the fresh, vibrant skin you desire!
Cosmetic Surgery - Now Safer and More Effective
In recent years the growth of cosmetic surgery has increased due to the procedures becoming much safer and more effective. There are now limitless possibilities for the improvement of the human figure, whether it is in the face, body or limbs. If your body sags, bags, wrinkles or pouches or if you feel something is too big, too little or even the wrong shape, cosmetic surgery will probably fix it.
Cosmetic surgery is not only for those who are dissatisfied with their natural looks. It is used to correct certain faults that may be present either from a birth defect or illness and which have contributed to the persons ill health or prevented their social well-being. Bat-ears is one problem that has caused many youngsters to go through the agonies of taunting from those less kind. Otoplasty is the form of cosmetic surgery that will correct this problem. The results are almost immediate and dramatic in their impact upon the happy recipient. After surgery that takes only about two hours, a full head-bandage is worn for 24 hours, followed by a single ski-type band around the head for a few weeks until the small incisions heal properly.
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery to correct sagging of the eyelids due to age or genetic inheritance of fatty deposits. Drooping eyelids can cause eyes to become irritated and vision to become impaired. Excess skin is cut away and fatty deposits treated at the same time. In some cases the condition may be due to thyroid or allergy problems, in which case medication for these problems may be a preferred alternative.
Many cosmetic surgery procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and can be considered as serious an operation as one that is necessary to save a life. Therefore, it should never be undertaken lightly. Always be sure to ask your surgeon every detail you can think of about the operation and dont be afraid to find out whether he is fully qualified for the job.
Other forms of cosmetic surgery such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and injections are less invasive and most effective in solving some health problems. These procedures can be used to reduce scarring from acne and other causes, to remove some precancerous lesions and to plump out wrinkles.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery promotes and encourages the art and science of cosmetic surgery in all its forms and can supply reliable information about various procedures to enhance the prospective patients decision making.
Cosmetic Surgery for Skin Treatments
Chemical peel is a treatment that uses chemicals to peel the surface layer of the skin. This is not as horrible as it sounds, the amount peeled being so minute that it can hardly be seen, but it certainly improves the skin it has been damaged due to certain conditions.
Pre-cancerous keratoses is one condition that may improve with the use of the chemical peel. Irregular skin pigmentation is another. Wrinkles due to age or heredity or sun damage can be smoothed out and the skins tolerance to acne and external irritations can be increased.
Chemical peel treatments may be purchased over the counter, but if this course of action is followed, make sure you read the label carefully and start with the weakest mixture first. There is no point treating your skin harshly if its not necessary.
Dermabrasion is similar to chemical peeling in the results, but fine diamond tipped rotary instruments are used to sand the skin to a certain depth, much like a carpenter sands his new furniture smooth with glasspaper. After the skin is healed, fewer irregularities are found and the surface is much smoother. A surgeon must perform this procedure. A light sedative and local anaesthetic are used.
Sometimes dermabrasion in used in conjunction with chemical peeling in order to treat deeper wrinkles or scarring. Cold packs are often used before the dermabrasion and very little discomfort should be felt during the procedure, though the skin is often swollen and tender afterwards. Some redness may persist for several months, while small white dots can be a side effect, but will disappear shortly. Make-up can be used after about a week. Other side effects of the treatment may be a darkening or lightening of the skin. The darker areas can be successfully treated with special creams, while the lighter area is untreatable, but mostly hardly noticeable.
Laser resurfacing surgery is sometimes used to minimize facial wrinkles. A special beam of light energy can be used to make precise surgical incisions or to significantly improve the lines of the face. It is done under sedation and local anaesthesia and redness persists for several weeks, but make-up may be used to camouflage it seven to ten days.
Make sure you educate yourself on the options out there before you do anything. Every person is different and they will react differently. Interview your Doctor to see if he is paying attention to you and your skin.