Saturday, February 9, 2008

Thread Face Lift

A thread face lift can be an affordable and convenient solution for those looking to improve their appearance Read on to learn all about this modernday time rewinder and how it can work for you. Known as the official alternative to traditional face lifts a thread lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure considered to be much less invasive Geared toward those aware of the early signs of aging appearing on their skin a thread lift can help to relieve these symptoms especially facial sagging on the jawline and cheeks. Able to be performed in just a couple of hours many patients go through a thread lift without the need for any anesthesia and can even return to work immediately following the procedure During surgery the surgeon injects very thin threads into the facial tissue through small incisions that have been made in the area to be affected The threads attach themselves and the cosmetic surgeon then lifts and pulls them back causing them to smooth out the face Many patients notice immediate results and look younger and more vibrant than they did presurgery. Fortunately for many women who cannot afford to miss much time out of their real lives in the name of beauty there are very few side effects to a thread lift As mentioned above these procedures even allow people to return to the office that very same day This is how the slang term lunch hour face lift was coined in reference to thread lifts The main side effect of such a procedure is a soreness and tight feeling in the face either in the affected areas or throughout During the procedure patients can choose to have an anesthetic though many doctors have found it to be unnecessary in many cases You will be conscious during the surgery and are often encouraged to critique the doctors work in progress and be an active voice in what you do or do not like about your altered skin One thing people getting a thread lift should NOT expect is an extreme alteration If you have been battling signs of aging for quite some time this operation may not work well for you It is not designed to reverse years of skin damage but rather be a cosmetic enhancer for those just beginning to experience fine lines wrinkles and facial sagging A consultation with your cosmetic surgeon should tell you what your options are and whether or not you are a good thread lift candidate

You should also expect not to pay a fortune for this procedure The noninvasiveness and outpatient aspect of a thread means you save not only time but expense as well In fact this is considered one of the most costeffective treatments available making it appealing to those still in their younger years who are drawn to its benefits As a general rule the best prospects for a thread face are those between the ages of 30 and 60 who do not have many cosmetic issues on the face Just the beginning signs of loose skin should be visible and if you have experienced a large amount of drooping in your face or neck then you will probably need a more aggressive cosmetic procedure Many seek out a thread lift due to its low cost and convenience however you are still out time and money if it was never designed to work for you in the first place You may have heard the term contour in regards to this type of lift Put simply a contour thread lift is a thread face lift that uses the patented Contour Threads These are manufactured out of clear polypropylene which means the threads do not absorb into the skin and are capable of reaching the target area much more easily with only one incision They are inserted above the hairline and can work to make long term improvements to your aging skin This procedure can be ideal for many people so if you have found youre becoming uneasy about the condition and or appearance of your skin consider visiting a cosmetic surgeon for a preop consultation today

Following a simple anti aging skin care regimen can keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful for years to come

Keeping your body well hydrated is a basic tenet of anti aging skin care Studies indicate that Americans are dehydrated over 75% of the time. Since your body is made up of over 75% water a lack of this substance can have a negative effect on skin cell function When your cells function at optimal level your body sheds dead skin more quickly This gives your skin a healthy glow Lack of water coupled with rising caffeine consumption produces a diuretic effect that can result in serious health problems and negative cosmetic results

Eating right is another way to keep the wrinkles at bay Eating a wholesome diet with plenty of fruits vegetables and whole grains is a sure recipe for beautiful skin

Think of your body as a finelytuned machine for which you want to provide the best fuel Your skin in particular needs certain vitamins and minerals to look its best For example vitamin A reduces sebum production to prevent blemishes vitamin B contributes to even skin tone and vitamin E reduces acne scarring

Avoid the Sun

A certain amount of sun exposure is necessary to create vitamin D which regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood However excessive exposure can lead to long term damage premature aging age spots and even skin cancer

There are two types of light generated by the sun UVB rays and UVA rays UVB rays are what cause your skin to burn UVA rays penetrate deep into the second layer of the skin causing elasticin and collagen fibers to break down This is how skin can acquire a tough leathery appearance

Wearing sunscreen is a very important part of anti aging skin care Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher If you are active take care to reapply the lotion every few hours Remember that sunscreen is not just for the beach but also for everyday use Direct exposure to midday sunlight especially for fair skin can lead to cumulative skin damage

Exfoliation and Moisturization

Exfoliating dead skin cells is a very important part of an anti aging skin care regimen The older you are the more often you need to exfoliate On average your skin cells renew themselves approximately every three weeks As you get older the natural aging process can slow this renewal down To accelerate the turnover of dead dull skin you need to exfoliate or remove the uppermost layer of your epidermis

Be sure not to choose a product that is too rough or harsh on your skin Also take your skin type into consideration Individuals with dry sensitive skin should only exfoliate once or twice a week However people with oily skin should exfoliate daily

After you exfoliate take care to apply a quality moisturizer formulated for your skin type The moisturizer will be absorbed more readily by the newer fresher skin cells

Anti Wrinkle Cream

The concept of anti wrinkle cream is actually quite controversial Wrinkles develop over time deep below the skin Since wrinkle creams only impact the top layer their benefits are mostly short term and superficial. The surface of your body is a reflection of how you have lived your life Skin is exposed to destruction from the inside and out

The skin is made up of three main layers the outer skin the fat layer and the muscle As we live our life the repeated movement of these muscles causes the creases we know as wrinkles Smiling and frowning are common sources but activities like smoking also create pucker lines around the mouth. The skin of the face is usually hit the hardest by the sands of time The main reason for this difference is the sun Facial skin is not weaker than other skin simply more exposed Comparing your face to places on your body like under your arms or behind your knees clearly demonstrates the effects of longterm exposure to the sun Little wrinkles on the surface of the skin are like scars from the sun. Youthful skin is actually not determined by the surface of the skin itself Wrinkles develop deeper within the muscle layer of the organ of the skin This is why concentrated wrinkles cannot be cured by anti wrinkle cream but actually need a more significant treatment like botox or a face lift. In general anti wrinkle creams gradually smooth the appearance of your skin Be wary of any manufacturer who claims to actually remove the wrinkles from your body Only surgical treatment can provide that service.The brand is not as important as the ingredients when selecting an anti wrinkle cream If the concentrations of the anti aging chemicals are too low they will not produce the necessary effect If they are too high they will cause irritation. These products naturally exfoliate the skin adding a nice glow to hide imperfectionsAntioxidants fight the progression of age conditions on the skin Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl acid relieve dry skin Exfoliation and antioxidant reactions reduce fine lines and age spots Look for a 510% preferred concentration of the acid ingredients Retinol or Vitamin A Based One of the best anti wrinkle cream ingredients if applied regularly Prescription strength is the most effective at smoothing the appearance of fine lines

You must avoid the sun when using The product can cause severe irritation so follow directions exactly

Vitamin C Ester The percentage of Vitamin C must be quite high to be effective This antioxidant is also an antiinflammatory which helps the skin to relax the creases of wrinkles The product stimulates cells that produce collagen naturally in the skin Vitamin C is the best type of anti wrinkle cream for sundamaged skin that is sagging and has lost firmness Antioxidant Based Vitamin C Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoid Acid are the three most common antioxidants found in anti wrinkle creams These compounds naturally breakdown and loose their effectiveness quickly

Its a good cream for smaller lines under eye bags and enlarged pores Collagen or Elastin

While collagen is a major component of skin youth it cannot actually absorb back into the skin Anti wrinkle creams that highlight this ingredient are basically worthless.

Acne Scar Treatment

From old wives tales to internet legends home remedies for acne abound Theyre easy enough to find but do they work Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules about home remedies for acne Some people have in fact had excellent results using common household ingredients Others however havent had the same luck Since there are no real studies done on home remedies it is difficult to measure their success Still certain ingredients are recognized as having acnefighting properties Menthol found in peppermint and spearmint has cooling and soothing properties It is also known for its ability to kill germs and is a common ingredient in mouthwash It can also be found in many cleansers and toners including Murads Clarifying Cleanser Witchhazel is a shrub that blooms in cooler months It also has highly effective astringent qualities Witch Hazel extract is available in bottle form at any drugstore This common ingredient is found in many toners including the one made by Proactiv Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes feature several ingredients that make them effective in the fight against acne Vitamin C a natural antioxidant is essential in the formation of collagen Citric acid is also an effective astringent and antioxidant In addition citrus fruits are a good source of flavonoids yet another naturally ocurring antioxidant Although not widely recognized for its uses beyond spicing and seasoning food cinnamon actually has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties This could explain the spices presence in many home remedies for acneDue to its natural sugar content honey acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial It also reacts with body fluids creating a form of hydrogen peroxide Even doctors have recognized the antiseptic qualities of honey using it to treat wounds and burns Since many common kitchen ingredients do have medicinal qualities perhaps some people will have success using home remedies to treat acne Keep in mind though that overthecounter and prescription strength acne treatments feature only small amounts of the natural ingredients Most have long and complicated lists of ingredients that have been formulated through years of scientific research Still as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients you have nothing to lose by trying Here is a partial list of recommended home remedies for acne

Honey and Cinnamon Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder Apply the paste to the face each night at bedtime

Toothpaste Simply apply a dab of mint toothpaste over existing pimples and allow to dry overnight Do not use gel

Orange Peel Mix pounded orange peel with water and rub the mixture directly on the acne

Lemon Juice Lemon juice can be applied directly on the blemishes

Lemon and Rose Water Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water and rub the mixture directly on the skin

Mint Rub mint juice over the skin

Witch Hazel Mix witch hazel with water Apply mixture with a cloth or cotton ball over the entire face

Cinnamon and Lemon Mix equal parts cinnamon powder and lemon juice Apply the mixture directly on pimples

Cinnamon and Milk Mix cinnamon powder with milk and rub on affected areas

Garlic Peel garlic cloves and rub over the skin

Aloe Vera Rub aloe vera juice directly over affected skin

Cucumber Grind cucumber to a paste and apply over entire face Rinse after 30 minutes

Acne is a problem that affects many people but fortunately there are a variety of acne treatment products and methods available to help

Mild acne can often be treated with overthecounter remedies Home Acne Treatment

For many people with mild acne or those who suffer from periodic breakouts or blemishes home remedies for acne can be very effective Everyday products such as lemon juice mint and cinnamon can be applied to blemishes to help diminish and dry them Aloe Vera and cloves of garlic may be able to help blemishes the composition of these plants promotes healing

Other home treatments include dabbing toothpaste on blemishes overnight or applying witch hazel over the affected areas As with any treatment the results of home solutions vary If your acne doesnt improve with home treatment you may want to try a stronger natural or overthecounter product

If you prefer natural skin care you may want to try one of the many products available today that are based on natural substances or a natural method of treating your acne

Tea Tree Oil

One popular acne treatment is derived from tea tree oil Found in both a concentrated form as well as in many acne facial washes and other products tea tree oil promotes healing and has natural antiseptic properties that have proven effective for a variety of individuals

Buying Natural Acne Remedies

Many skin care lines market and distribute natural acne remedies including the following

Arbonne

Burts Bees

ZenMed

Desert Essence

Treating Acne Through Diet

Although the claims that foods such as pizza and chocolate cause acne have been deemed as myths in recent times most skin care experts agree that a healthy diet rich in whole grains fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein sources is beneficial to those with acneprone skin

Drinking at least 810 glasses of water per day is also recommended to help flush impurities from your body this may have a direct effect on acne as well. For people with moderate acne overthecounter acne treatment can often clear their skin Drug store acne remedies are sold in creams gels sticks washes masks and other forms but typically contain one or more of the following ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is considered a very effective acne agent It is an antiseptic agent that has a drying effect which is beneficial for getting rid of blemishes but may not work for those with sensitive skin Overthecounter concentrations are typically found in 10 percent strength or less

Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid unclogs pores and breaks down the cycle of bacterial growth that causes pimples

Sulfur Sulfur is used in acne masks spot treatments and other products to heal and prevent acne without overdrying the skin

Neutrogena is an overthecounter brand that is recommended by dermatologists

For acne that is severe or persistent and certain conditions such as cystic acne medical treatments may fare better than overthecounter products Physicians can prescribe benzoyl peroxide in higher concentrations which may provide the effectiveness some acne sufferers need

Other medical acne treatment includes antibiotic creams or pills tretinoin brand name RetinA and isotretinoin brand name Accutane Be sure to discuss the side effects of any acne treatment with your doctor first Accutane in particular has a severe side effect it has the potential to cause birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while on the medication

Acne scar treatment is available to those who are plagued from unsightly marks from past breakouts The treatment you need will depend on the severity of scarring For light scars simply applying a concealer or using a noncomedogenic overthe counter scar treatment may be all you need

SkincareSince over 80% of the population suffers from acne there are many acne skin care options available to those in search of a clearer complexion Whether youre troubled by occasional breakouts or coping with a longterm skin condition there are skin care products available to help you look your very best

Acne is caused by dead skin cells and excess sebum clogging the pores in your skin The condition is thought to be hereditary If your parents suffered from acne youre more likely to be bothered by reoccurring blemishes than someone without this family history

While acne is most often associated with teenagers many adults suffer from this embarrassing condition In fact adults typically have a more difficult time treating their acne because they are more likely to have skin that is easily irritated by the harsh ingredients in some acne skin care products

Contrary to popular belief chocolate pizza French fries and ice cream do not cause acne However eating a wellbalanced diet rich in lean protein whole grains and fresh produce may help improve the look of your skin by reducing sebum production enhancing tissue growth and improving circulation

While a tan may temporarily minimize the appearance of acne the sun does not cure acne Sun exposure ultimately does more harm than good by leading to wrinkles and premature aging In addition some acne medications can make you more likely to sunburn in a short period of time

Since acne is not caused by dirt merely scrubbing your face will not improve your complexion In fact excessively rubbing squeezing or picking at your skin will only make your acne worse

Treating acne often requires a skin care regimen consisting of several different products For example you may use a cleanser to remove dead skin cells and an antiacne gel to control excess sebum production while fighting bacteria There are also acne treatment masks that can be used on a semiregular basis to open pores and clear debris

When youre shopping for acne treatment products look for medications that have been dermatologist approved These products are less likely to cause irritation flakiness or redness in your problem skin

Patience is a key component of acne skin care Generally it takes at least two weeks to see results from an acne treatment product In most cases a significant improvement requires several months of regular use Dont give up your acne skin care regimen until youve given the products a chance to work

Common Acne Treatment Options

Did you know that Americans spend more than $100 million each year on overthecounter acne skin care medications Clearly acne sufferers have a wide array of choices to treat their condition However there are two just common ingredients found in most nonprescription acne skin care products Benzyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing acnecausing bacteria However it often causes irritation and dryness in people with sensitive skin

Salicylic Acid helps remove the debris that clogs pores while destroying the bacteria that causes acne It also helps improve collagen production and skin thickness