Fade Stretch Marks: Is It Possible?
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Is there a method to fade stretch marks? A resounding yes! Make stretch marks disappear? Unfortunately this is still a no. Despite the many advances in skin care technology, no treatment has yet successfully made these often than not embarrassing stripes totally disappear. However, there are now many available treatments to make stretch marks appear less conspicuous and ease associated signs (such as skin dryness) that may arise with having these marks.
Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks
Causes
Our skin is generally a very elastic organ able to spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:
- Abrupt Changes in Weight - When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. - Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. - Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. - Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.
Appearance
- Stretch Mark Color - Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white - Shape - crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks - Texture - can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy
Associated Symptoms
- Dryness - Itchiness - Thickening or raised skin - Pain - Tenderness
Common Location
In general, stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:
- Abdomen - Thighs - Hips - Breast - Upper arms and axillary area
Treatment
Cosmetic
- Laser therapy and chemical peels - work by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature - Microdermabrasion - exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals - Skin removal - usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention - Topical medications - include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. Most of these topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). - Lifestyle improvement - healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one’s weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.
Find The Best Wrinkle Cream For You
December 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We don’t want to age. Of course we want to get older, the other option is not good, but we don’t particularly want to look older. There are products out there which will help you in retaining a more youthful appearance.
Wrinkle creams are one such a product. These creams are very much in demand and naturally there are many on the market. Some are more effective than others and finding the best one for you can be difficult. With a little effort on your part however, you can find something to help you smooth out those crows feet.
You can either buy wrinkle cream over the counter or purchase a prescription cream. The difference between the two is generally that the prescription cream has a much higher concentration of active ingredients. More does not always mean better however.
So, do your research. One thing to look for in a product is how long it’s been on the market and what kinds of testing has it undergone. Knowing these things puts you on track to finding a product most likely to be effective as well as safe upon application. Don’t use advertisements as the basis for your choice.
You also need to consider cost. Do not for one second think that since you are buying the most expensive name brand cream that you are getting the best wrinkle cream. There is often the same result shown for products that cost very differently.
You’ve come home with your selection and are ready to make the magic work. Just bear in mind that you’re probably going to have to use the cream each day, every day, for as long as you want to keep the wrinkles at bay. So you’ll need to discipline yourself to do just that. Once you stop, the wrinkles start their reappearing act.
Lastly, there are often undesirable side effects. It is important to find the best wrinkle cream that doesnat give you harsh allergic reactions or rashes. This can be a major concern for some whose bodies and immune systems are already deteriorating.
So, do your research and find what’s the best product for you. You may have to try more than one cream, but with a little time and effort you’ll eventually get it right. You may not look like you’re in your twenties again but you still may look much better
Questions & Answers about Body Waxing
December 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Body waxing has become one of the most requested services at salons across the country. Why? Compared to other hair removal methods, waxing is more affordable and very safe. If you have never experience waxing before, you are going to have some questions about what to expect. The following is a sample of questions most often asked before a schedule of body waxing is begun. The information applies whether you’re planning to have your bikini, your back, face, or legs waxed.
Q. What length does the hair on my body have to be to get a successful wax?
If you want good results, you’ll want to stop shaving for about 2 or 3 weeks, or until your hair grows to about 1/4″. This may be a bit irritating, just ignoring your hair growth, but the process works a lot better if the wax has something to hold on to. A little bit of discomfort while letting your hair grow will pay off with better results.
Q. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my skin for waxing?
You must have no sun exposure for the 48 hours prior to waxing. About 2 or 3 days before you come in for the waxing, lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed, using any exfoliator that you would typically use on your body. Don’t over-scrub, just as you would gently exfoliate your face. On the day of your waxing, be sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed, but do not exfoliate, and do not apply any oils, lotions, powders, perfumes, etc.
Q. How much discomfort or pain will the actual waxing procedure cause me?
To be perfectly honest, there will be some pain and discomfort during the first waxing visit. However, each appointment after that will become easier, due to the simple fact that there is less hair to remove each time. Pain threshold is different for each person, so it is hard to estimate the degree of discomfort that any one person will experience. It is certainly not extremely painful, but your level of pain tolerance will be something that you and your esthetician can and should discuss before beginning the waxing procedure. Avoid waxing during times that your skin is stressed for whatever reason. One such time is during your period, which has been shown to be a time that your skin is more sensitive.
Q. If I’m having a bikini wax, can I leave my panties on?
Your panties can remain on, if you choose. However, your esthetician will provide you with disposable underwear if you would like to be covered, but don’t want your own panties to accidentally come in contact with any wax. Ask your esthetician before you begin what you need to know about a bikini wax and what to expect during the waxing procedure. Before you begin is the time to discuss the actual bikini line you want the waxing to follow on your body. Keep in mind that any time you feel uncomfortable during a bikini wax procedure, you should let your esthetician know that you’ll need to stop for a moment. If you feel uncomfortable with the procedure or your esthetician isn’t willing to listen to you, you’ll want to stop the waxing service and find another, more professional, esthetician.
Q. After the waxing is over, do I need to baby my skin?
Treat your skin to a little rest and relaxation for about 48 hours after the waxing. As before the waxing, avoid the sun for at least 24 hours, and definitely stay our of any tanning bed for 48 hours or more. Just like before waxing, stay away from any lotions, powders, perfumes, and especially any product that contains scents and/or alcohol. They both will set up a real burning sting on your delicate skin.
Q. How long will I be able to go between waxings before I see hair growing in again?
Depending on how long you’ve been maintaining a waxing routine and how fast your hair normally grows, you could be relatively hairless for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. The longer you’ve been waxing at regularly scheduled visits, the longer your hair will take to reappear. However, during the first 3 sessions, most people experience rather unnerving hair growth that was not expected. Hair actually grows in cycles; so the hair you see today is removed but there is hair under the surface that is waiting until tomorrow or the day after to make an appearance. After about the 3rd waxing, you’ll notice that we’ve caught up with your scattered hair growing intervals, and now all the hair has had a chance to be removed at least once. Now each waxing should result in fewer hairs, and longer times between waxing appointments.
Still deciding if you want to start waxing instead of shaving? Do you find yourself constantly wondering when you shaved last, or have way too many occasions when you wanted to wear shorts but had to wear slacks because you forgot to shave? When you’re at the beach or pool, do you find yourself constantly readjusting your swimsuit to hide those stragglers that keep peeking out? Waxing may be your answer. Once you establish a routine with your esthetician for waxing, you won’t ever want to see a razor again. Give your esthetician a call today to schedule a consultation.
Herbal Treatment For Acne And Scars
December 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
There are at least hundreds of different kinds of acne treatment products available on the market today. Everyone of them claims to be superior than the other. There are always pro and cons to any methods of treatment.
In recent days, more people are looking for natural treatment or natural healing. Therefore many people are becoming more interested in herbal acne treatment. Herbal treatment for acne has become more popular than ever before.
What’s wrong with pharmaceutical treatment?
Antibiotics is the most commonly used drug in pharmaceutical treatment for acne. In fact many of the prescription drugs for acne are using antibiotics.
One of the disadvantages of treatment using antibiotics is that the treatment becomes less effective when the body becomes more tolerant to the drug. Another thing is that you have to go through many hit and miss trial until you find the product that works for you.
Compared to the treatment using prescription drugs or pharmaceutical products, herbal acne treatment are normally have less side effects.
There are a lot of talks centered around a very controversial drug known as Accutane. Accutane is a very strong vitamin A based medicine.
Accutane will prevent body pores from clogging by closing the pores. Clogging of the pores which is the cause for acne will not happens when it is close.
Despite of its effectiveness, Accutane on the other hand has some very serious side effects. It could cause liver damage and major birth defects. Patients who are on Accutane are required to take blood test on a weekly basis.
There could be a very serious risk involved when using this drug. For example there are cases of mental instability and even suicides.
Why is acne herbal treatment become so popular?
Herbal acne treatment also are not completely free from negative side effect. On the same token there is no 100% guarantee on effectiveness. By and large people tend to like herbal treatment because it is from herbs.
Herbal treatment has been practiced for thousands of years. People also tend to believe that herbal treatment is safer compared to prescription drug. Since it is plant base treatment most people are ready to accept it.
Rid yourself of Wrinkles
December 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Who does not want to look younger? Wrinkles on the skin always prevent a person from looking younger. Wrinkles tell us that old age has set in. Taking into consideration the fact that the human body requires the optimum amount of nutrients, it is obvious that a lack of these nutrients or vitamins result in aging of skin and formation of wrinkles.
The right amount of nutrition gives the skin a well toned look. A wrinkle or age line is a noticeable crease on the facial skin. It is the result of aging and improper nutrient intake. Wrinkles in combination with folds of the skin make the facial features unappealing.
Today, people are caught up in the rat race, and as a result they fail to take care of their bodies. A young skin tends to have enough fat tissue to make the face well-rounded. But as a person gets older, the shrinking fat tissue cannot keep up with the growth rate of the skin, giving the facial skin a shriveled look.
As a person grows older, the skin gets thinner. Moreover, the worries of life and the physical exertion that one goes through take its toll on the skin. Creases begin to appear and the skin no longer remains flexible. The cheekbones show through the thinning skin.
In response to the movement of facial joints during activities like chewing, the face muscles move and tend to subject the facial skin to expansion and contraction, thus causing wrinkling. A less tedious schedule in combination with proper recreation will give your facial skin proper space to revitalize.
To counter aging, there is a vast array of beauty products in the market. Sunscreen not only protects your skin as you move around, it also prevents aging that occurs due to harsh weather conditions. Skin cleansers clean the pores that can gather substances that irritate the skin. The dull look of an uneven skin due to dryness can be countered by a moisturizer. Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA) or fruit acids detach dead skin deposited on the surface leaving your skin smooth and glowing. Apart from all these cosmetics, one thing that really helps wrinkles to stay away is facial exercise. Facial exercise keeps the face muscles well toned giving the skin a firmer look and a younger feel.
According to scientific research, our cell refresh rate decreases as we grow older. This means that the rate at which our cells renew themselves, reduces with age. Due to this slowing renewal rate, the skin becomes dull, dry and uneven. It holds less water and therefore gets dehydrated and develops wrinkles.
Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, and one cannot do much to retard their formation after a particular age. But medical science has been quite successful in formulating creams to smooth off or even retard the formation wrinkles. Beauty creams are available with DNA and RNA ingredients to optimize skin tone and give it firmness. Some companies have developed creams with collagen and elastin in order to fill wrinkles and give the facial skin a lift. Collagen and elastin being natural proteins which help build skin structure; these skin-care products actually stimulate the production of natural collagen and elastin, thus rejuvenating the skin. Some products also use ceramides for hydrating the skin and hyaluronic acid to give the skin volume, avoiding shrinking and wrinkling of the skin.