Red Wine- Is this the Fountain of Youth?

While everyone has been searching for an anti aging pill or developing a formulation of a cosmetic cream, Lo and Behold, one of the most potent anti aging chemicals has been found in one of men’s favorite beverage. Researchers believe that they may have found the fountain of youth in red wine. For decades it was not understood why individuals who drank red wine regularly showed very beautiful and youthful looking skin. At first, everyone thought that this was simply genes, or perhaps the food or the French Riviera or perhaps the French were simply lucky. Little did anyone suspect that it was the red wine.



A few years ago the ingredients in red wine were analyzed and found to contain a substance called Resveratrol. This agent has been extensively studied in the laboratory and found to be a natural anti oxidant. Other studies have shown that many life forms studied in the laboratory were prolonged when minute amounts of Resveratrol was added as a nutrient.


Resveratrol is commonly found in the skin of red grapes and functions as an anti fungal agent in the vineyards. During the fermentation process, the Resveratrol is preserved and remains functional.


How Resveratrol functions as an antiaging agent is not fully understood but there is strong belief that it limits the calorie intake. It is known that individuals who eat less, usually live long. With Resveratrol life extension has been seen in rodents, monkeys and other primates. When the calorie intake is lessened, the blood sugar and cholesterol levels decline, the blood pressure drops and there is excess mobilization of the fat deposits. And this scenario is evident in the French.


When it comes to humans, the French who drink red wine predominantly live a lot longer than most people around the world. These individuals also have much lesser cardiac disease than their American counterparts. And when the skin of these French individuals is examined, there is very little evidence of aging and wrinkles are non existent.


So should we all drink red wine?

Yes, but even among red wines the concentration of Resveratrol varies. Wines from Canada generally contain more of this ingredient than those bought from California. The reason is thought to be the increased moisture and humidity in the north. The increased humidity allows the fungus to thrive and thus grapes produce more Resveratrol to kill the fungus.


How much red wine to drink to produce healthy aging is not really known. Currently some experts recommend drinking one glass of wine on a daily basis.


So the next time you lift your Pinot Noir to a toast, remember, besides friendship and a good dinner, you are also gaining your youth with a glass of red wine.

The Agony of Acne- Men’s Skin Care

Men are pretty hardy humans and ignore such subjects as men's skin care. They can withstand many things in life- like a nagging wife, obsessive girlfriend, snowstorms, ice, tornadoes, no car and so on- but one thing men fall apart is when it comes to acne. Acne is a terrible skin disorder and can create havoc in a man’s life.


Millions of individuals are affected by acne. Acne strikes men in their prime and no one is immune to this dreaded condition. Every race, culture and ethnic group gets affected by acne. The skin disorder is embarrassing, unpleasant to look at and often presents suddenly when you wake up in the morning. Some unlucky individuals develop many acne pimples over the face, neck, back, and chest. Current estimates indicate that at least 80% of men are affected by acne at some point in their lives. There is absolutely nothing worse than acute acne- then perhaps having a small penis.


In the majority of cases, acne comes and goes. However, for some unfortunate individual acne can be very disfiguring. It can impact self esteem, cause anxiety, lead to depression and even social isolation. Men skin care is the only solution - to take care of your skin.


Acne generally occurs soon after puberty and peaks around the later part of the 2nd decade of life. Acne is not seen after the 3rd decade of life.


When acne is not treated in a timely fashion or if one mucks around with the pimples, it can lead to ugly scars. And these acne scars are like herpes- they never completely disappear. However, all is not bad news for acne suffers. Today, we have a few effective medications that can improve the facial cosmetics.


Because no one knows what really causes acne (not even Dr Spock), there are a lot of myths surrounding this skin condition. Firstly, acne has nothing to do with poor facial hygiene. One can clean the face every single day with Dove soap and still get acne. Acne is not acquired from smog or from any environmental pollutant. Acne has not been linked to any genes and so it is very unlikely you got it from your parents. Every single type of food has been linked to acne but there is no scientific evidence that any food in particular can cause acne. Some individuals believe that acne can only be treated with herbs and nutrients. Buying expensive soaps and creams can heal acne is also another far fetched myth.


To treat acne one must understand the disease process. First, you must follow a process of mens skin care. Everyone has hair on their bodies and each hair follicle has a gland. These glands secrete oils that travel up the pores and cover the skin surface. When these pores get blocked, either from the excess oil or dead skin or other debris- acne results. Because the oil continues to be secreted at a constant rate, a pimple starts to form. This explains why when you squeeze a pimple; you extract fatty or oily junk. Sometimes the pimples get very large and rupture on their own. We also have a variety of bacteria which live on the skin. If the environment is great, these bacteria will start to grow in the pores, mix with the oil and produce the typical redness and skin rash that is common with acne.


To treat acne, one must follow a men's skin care routine and find a medication that will either clear the oils, kill the bacteria or do both.

Anti Aging Diet

If there is one way to sell a product, simple label it as anti aging and despite the bad economy the product will sell. There have been many diets in the past which have been hyped up to reverse or prevent aging. But what should the consumer look for in an anti aging diet? For one, it is important to make sure that it recommends that you eat lots of fruits, vegetables and drink a lot of green tea. It is claimed by the food experts that diets which are high in anti oxidants probably come closest to the ideal anti aging diet.


The question is can diet reverse aging? It is doubtful that there is any antiaging diet that can erase the fine lines and wrinkles, but there is every reason to believe that certain foods can help delay or prevent the formation of signs of aging. Even though diet is important, one must also lead a healthy life style, not smoke, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and drink ample water. There are lots individuals who have maintained a healthy life style and eaten right and not developed wrinkles or fine lines on the body. Diet is critical to delay the onset of aging.



Aging is part of nature and with time, our organs start to malfunction, our skin is exposed to more toxins from the environment and we tend to lose more water- all these eventually cause wrinkles to appear. While an anti aging diet can prevent some tissue alterations, there is never a return back to the younger and more toned looking skin.


The best prevention for aging skin is to eat diets consisting of fruits and vegetables. Red meat should be avoided and sea food is encouraged. Some of the foods thought to be have potent anti oxidant activity include fish, whole grains, legumes and olive oil. Legumes have few calories but have high protein content. Some of the other foods that are known to possess both anti oxidant and anti inflammatory activity include Acai berry, barley, buckwheat, beans, sprouts, garlic, onions, yogurt and kefir.


One of the key features of an anti aging diet is to drink lots of green tea. It is claimed that tea contains a variety of tannins and catechins- both of which are powerful anti oxidants and have other health benefits also.


Despite all the fuss about anti aging diets, one has to remember that aging is a part of nature. Everyone gets old, some faster than others. While eating proper may help delay the signs of aging, it is highly recommended that one avoid excess sun exposure and not smoke. These two factors are the major cause of premature aging and formation of wrinkles. Other important preventive factors include wearing sunscreen, regular exercise, decent amount of sleep and perhaps praying. While your prayers may not always be answered, it will give you inner peace and make you feel young at heart.

Anti Wrinkle Diet

Most people believe that the only way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles is to use creams, ointments and botox. Perhaps the best way to look young is to eat proper and look after the skin. Over the years, there have been many diets formulated which are healthy and nutritious. And there are many diets which have been developed strictly for the purpose of making one look young and beautiful. There is no one best anti wrinkle diet. Different people respond differently to different diets but in general, fruits and vegetables should be essential in all anti wrinkle diets.


Some of the anti wrinkle diets which has been touted to erase fine lines and wrinkles include the following:


Raw Food diet is based on foods which are not cooked. The diet includes lots of raw vegetables, fruits and almost no meat products. This type of diet contains a lot of anti oxidants, vitamins and minerals- all useful ingredients to keep the skin looking young.


The Perricone diet is also highly recommended for individuals who want to have a fresh smooth anti wrinkle skin. This 28 day programmed diet is also known as the face lift diet. The diet is rich in various fruits, sea food, yogurt and whole grains. The ingredients in the Perricone diet are readily available in most groceries and the foods are easy to prepare. Individuals who have been on the Perricone diet swear that the diet can make the face look younger in just over a few weeks.


Coconut oil diets have also been hyped up to make the skin look young, radiant and wrinkle free. Coconut oil has been studied for years and been shown to lower blood cholesterol and help to reduce weight. While coconut oil in small amounts is great, higher levels of coconut have been associated with a greater incidence of heart disease.


No matter what type of anti wrinkle diet you adopt, it is essential to drink enough water on a daily basis. Water hydrates the skin and prevents dryness. The amount of water one should drink on a daily basis is variable and there is no exact number of glasses that one should drink. If you are thirsty one should drink water. Water is also much better than drinking beverages containing sugar and artificial sweeteners.



Aging is a complex process and there is no one single remedy to reverse the effects of nature. Even though an anti wrinkle diet is helpful, there are other things one can do to prevent premature aging of the skin. Foremost among these interventions is to quit smoking; smoking can hasten the appearance of wrinkles and make you look much older than the stated age. There are many anti aging creams available and the majority work well as moisturizers and contain a fair number of anti oxidants.


Adopting a healthy life style, getting adequate sleep, exercise, keeping the skin moisturized and eating right is the key to keeping young and beautiful. Rather than relying on a single anti wrinkle diet, the best advice is to eat lots of vegetables, fruits and less of red meat. In the end, developing wrinkles like most things in life has more to do with luck than anything else.

Are There Such Things as Anti Aging Pills ?

Would it not be great if we could all buy an anti aging pill? Just pop it into our mouth and we look young again! Sounds far fetched but the cosmetic industry keeps on making “anti aging pills” every week and there are thousands of individuals who buy them.


The fact is that nature can not be reversed-no matter what the industry says. The best treatment we have today for aging is prevention. As far as reversing what you have on your face, everything we have today is an illusion. While botox injection will make you look young for a few months, there is as yet no anti aging pill that even comes close to it. Almost every type of ingredient has been formulated into an anti aging pill and hyped up to reverse signs of aging.


Pills containing DHEA have for years been touted to reverse or erase the signs of aging.
DHEA is a steroid precursor for the male and femal sex hormones. The industry claims that taking pills containing DHEA can make you feel and look young. Further athletes use DHEA to enhance performance. But do these pills work? Is there any individual out there who can come forward and actually claim that his/her looks have been altered by taking a DHEA pill? The simple answer is NO.



There have been many scientific studies carried out not only on DHEA but other anti aging pills. As far as DHEA is concerned, one French study found that the pills did not erase the wrinkles but certainly increased libido. On this side of the Atlantic, DHEA has been extensively studied. While the pills have not shown to have any harmful side effects at low doses, DHEA did not do much to the figure or skin texture. This industry claimed that no anti aging effects were seen because the pill was used at low doses. However, health care experts remain concerned that high doses of DHEA may increase the risk of certain cancers.


Asides from DHEA, HGH is also rumored to have anti aging properties. HGH is sold in various formulations in health food stores and is claimed to be the ideal anti aging pill. So far HGH and its anti aging benefits remain illusive as no one has any proof that it does anything.


There are many other products out in cyberspace touted to work anti aging pills. And in each and every case, the pills do not come cheap. Unfortunately, the majority of anti aging pills are infact marketed by health care workers who simply want to make money with exorbitant claims. For the present, the best anti aging pill does not come in a bottle or as capsule. Before you embark on a fruitless journey in search of Pandora’s box, use the following anti aging prescription- exercise regularly, eat healthy and avoid smoking. This free and cheap anti aging pill promises little but will deliver the results. Slow, sure and safe..

Staying Fit After Forty: A Guide to Midlife Health with Antiaging Exercise

It should be no surprise that exercise at any age is beneficial, but it might come as a bit of a shock to find out that leading a sedentary life is as dangerous when it comes to heart disease as smoking. Study after study proves that even the smallest amounts of daily antiaging exercise can lower the risk of death even if you don’t start until after you're forty.


So what's the real deal behind antiaging exercise? We know that it's good for us and even that some sort of exercise program is being followed by millions of people worldwide, but we might not know exactly why. Of course it's all about the heart and how it pumps blood, but it's a proven fact that the heart that exercises has less strain that one that doesn’t. So it stands to reason that some kind of antiaging exercise program leads to a longer life. With that out of the way, it becomes important to know what kinds of exercise is appropriate for people over forty.


Backs And Abdomens


One of the first things that we need to do is define what manner of antiaging exercise is best for people in this age bracket. There are several areas that each age group needs to focus on, and with those over forty the experts suggest that they keep their backs and abdomens strong. Therefore, sit up and crunches are a great way for these people to maintain their health.


Another area that they might not be familiar with is balance. As people age, they lose part of this sense but a little practice can keep this important characteristic sharp. Remember too that the focus for the mid lifer should be moderation. There's no need to push too hard anymore; in fact, some of the more strenuous activities can be harmful rather than beneficial.


Biking

You might need to change a few activities as well. Some mid lifers that are particularly concerned with their health give up the more strenuous sports like tennis and take up something a little more mellow like mountain biking. It's important to remember that no matter what you decide to do as part of your routine at this age, the preparation work at the beginning becomes important. Stretching is one of the things that you'll need to take more seriously so that you don’t wind up hurting yourself no matter what low impact antiaging exercise you decide on.

Collagen Injections for Lips

Collagen is one of the original dermal fillers and was once widely used in cosmetic surgery. Collagen injections can be used to plump up lips, erase wrinkles and diminish acne scars. Collagen injections lips are something many people wish to have.


Collagen injections essentially replace the missing or broken down collagen in the body. Once the collagen is injected, it fills up spaces in the tissues and supports the skin. This leads to a decrease in the wrinkles and fine lines. When the lips are injected with collagen, they appear plump, sexy and luscious.


The currently available collagen lip injections products used in cosmetic surgery include Zyderm and Zyplast. Both are derived from bovines and widely used. Other bioengineered collagen lip injections include cosmoderm and cosmoplast. The major difference between the bovine and the bioengineered collagen is that the former do not require an allergy skin test.


Collagen lip injections are typically done by a physician who has been trained in the field of plastic or cosmetic surgery.


Sometimes the surgeon will use your own body’s collagen to inject it elsewhere. Autologen is extracted from other parts of the body – the major benefit of Autologen is that there is no risk of an allergic reaction.


Another collagen lip injection product is dermalogen which is collagen extracted from human cadaver. It is also widely used but there is always a risk of an allergic reaction. Collagen injections lips are not for everybody.


A recently developed collagen lip injection product is ArteFill. This dermal filler is a hybrid gel made with bovine collagen and synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA).


Prior to the collagen lips injection, the physician will cleanse the face and mark the area. To numb the pain, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. All collagen lip injections provide a temporary cosmetic benefit. The lips will appear luscious but future injections are required to maintain the cosmetic benefit.


After the procedure, there is mild discomfort, swelling and bruising which subsides in 48-72 hours. The lips may remain red for about 24 hours but this can be hidden with some lip make up.



Even though the lips appear swollen, the final cosmetic result is more obvious after a week. In almost all cases, the lips may appear overfilled but this is only transient. The injected lips will appear sexy and erotic for about 2-6 months.


For those individual who are allergic to collagen and wish to get collagen injections lips, there are other options available to augment the lips.

What to Eat to Get Glowing Skin

Olive Oil Moisturizer: Cut down on skin-clogging saturated fats and use healthful olive oil instead. Olive oil moisturizes skin naturally from the inside out. This nutrient-packed oil is full of essential fatty acids and is said to help minimize wrinkles and give skin a fresh, glowing appeal.



Healthy Bottled Water: Well, you drink water, not eat it, but it has to be mentioned because many people still don’t drink enough of it. The body needs eight glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration can cause an ashen appearance to the skin – the total opposite of a glowing look!



Oily Fish: Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel have essential fatty acids the body needs. Fish is great for the skin and should be eaten at least once or twice a week. This is easy to do if you cook enough fish for a main meal once a week and then use the leftovers in a salad or sandwich for a lunch.



Nuts and Seeds: The fat in nuts and seeds is healthy as long as you keep portion sizes small. Nuts and seeds are thought to contain antioxidants that help combat the effects of sun and pollution on skin. For a great dessert or snack, top unsweetened applesauce with some toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans.



Fat-Free Natural Yogurt: Fat-free natural yogurt contains healthful bacteria that promote good digestion and great skin. You can mix yogurt with salmon or egg to make healthy sandwich fillings. Fruit blended into yogurt can make delicious smoothies.



Vegetables and Fruits: All types of fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent for glowing, healthy skin. Avocados provide good fats that moisturize dry skin. Mangoes, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and berries have many vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and the skin.



Whole Grains: Eating whole grains is an important part of keeping skin healthy and glowing as fiber helps eliminate waste properly from the body. Waste build up may affect the skin in a negative way. Choose whole wheat bread and pasta over the white, refined types of these foods. Enjoy tasty whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice for nutrition that promotes health throughout the body including the skin.

Collagen 101

Mankind has always been in search of a remedy to stop or reverse aging. While we still do not have the magic bullet, there are some who believe that collagen may be the molecule to help us look young. What is collagen you may ask?



Well, collagen is natural substance in our body and is vital for maintaining support and integrity of the tissues. Collagen also plays an important role in wound healing. If collagen is absent, wound healing can never occur. Further collagen is vital for bleeding to stop after a cut on the skin. The collagen molecule is also a good absorbent of water and maintains hydration.


When collagen levels decrease for whatever reason, the underlying tissues will shrink, the skin will sag, fine lines and wrinkles will develop. Collagen does disappear with age but why collagen levels shrink prematurely in some individuals is not known. Smoking is known to cause a premature decrease in collagen levels and this results in the appearance of wrinkles much early in life. So how does one increase the levels of collagen in the body?


Collagen Creams

There are many collagen creams and lotions available today which contain collagen. These collagen based creams are said to be effective moisturizers and supposed to reverse aging. Anecdotal reports indicate these collagen containing creams – antiaging creams can erase stretch marks, smoothen out the fine lines and help the skin recover after an injury. The internet is inundated with website that make exorbitant claims about such collagen containing creams and helping you fight the signs of an aged skin. The big question remain how effective are these collagen creams? One has to remember that aging is not only dependent on levels of collagen but there are many other substances like hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans, elastin, copper, vitamin C and so on. The other problem is that not all the collagen in the creams can penetrate the skin and enter the deep layers. Most experimental work reveals that collagen containing creams have little effect in reversing signs of an aged skin. Further, these collagen creams are relatively expensive, the majority have never ever been tested and there is no clinical evidence to back up the claims made by the dealers of these antiaging creams.



So what is the other option?

Collagen Injections

For about 3 decades, collagen injections have been used as dermal fillers to erase wrinkles, lines and even plump up the lips. The injections of collagen do work but of course, they are much more expensive than the creams. There are many types of collagen injectables available today. Because of the possibility of an allergic reaction, all individuals have to undergo allergy testing before the injections can be done. This takes about 4 weeks and the injections are only done if there are no signs of an allergic response. The collagen injections lips are done with a very fine needle and can help make you look young and have sexy luscious lips.



The majority of individuals who undergo collagen injections lips procedures are in their middle ages and would like to erase the wrinkles, fine lines and frown lines. The injections are done in a spa or a clinic and have some downtime. All individuals get some degree bruising and swelling which subside in 4-9 days. Most individuals get a decent result but there are many who do not. The collagen injections lips process are not entirely pain free and they are expensive. And finally, collagen injections do not maintain the cosmetic changes forever. Most of the cosmetic benefits of collagen injections disappear anywhere from 3-6 months. Collagen, today, is not a commonly used dermal filler as there much better and safer fillers available.


So is there a way to stimulate collage synthesis in the body?

Yes, there are some ingredients that can promote synthesis of collagen. The most commonly used agents include the following:

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen. In the old days, deficiency of vitamin C was known to cause severe depletion in collagen, bleeding gums and sagging skin. Augmentation of the diet with vitamin C in these individuals rapidly led to reversal of these skin ailments. Thus, if you are going to buy any skincare product to increase your collagen, make sure it has vitamin C.


The other key ingredients which are also important in the synthesis of collagen is
Copper. In the past decade, there has been a lot of data indicating that copper peptides can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and erase some of the signs of aging. Formulations containing copper peptides are available but they are also expensive.


Collagen supplements

There is a lot of hype about collagen supplements and their role in treating aging and many other medical disorders. Today supplements containing collagen such as collagen pills, antiaging creams – collagen creams are widely sold in many spas and health stores. When it comes to skin care, there is a lot of controversy about collagen supplements. The vast majority of collagen taken as a supplement is immediately broken down in the stomach and very little is absorbed in the body. Plus, no scientific data has ever shown that taking supplements of collagen can reverse aging. The majority of supplements containing collagen sold in spas do only one thing- clean your pocket.


Conclusion

For those of you who are looking for something to fight nature, just remember that collagen is only component among the myriad molecules which are involved in aging. All the collagen pills, collagen creams – antiaging creams ,lotions, potions and injections have one thing in common- they cost money and a lot of it.


If you plan to look young and remain beautiful, this involves a more comprehensive multistep approach. Besides taking vitamin C and eating a healthy diet, stop smoking and walk or do antiaging exercise regularly. Adopting this simple cost free method of skin care will keep you young and beautiful, and of course, praying a little every now and then would not be a bad idea. God may listen, but whether he/she will make you look young is another story.

Doesn't she look happy and healthy in this photograph?

Fractional Laser and Aged Skin

Today, the availability of fractional lasers has been a major boost towards the treatment of photo aged skin. Several lasers have been developed in the last decade which are now showing great promise in reversing many skin disorders.


Unlike the previous lasers, fractional lasers have one common theme. They are selective in their effects and cause very little harm or damage to the surrounding normal skin. Even though there are several fractional lasers available, they all essentially perform in a similar manner and produce excellent results.


Lasers which penetrate the skin less are usually less painfully compared to lasers which penetrate deeper into the skin. However, deeper penetrating lasers also have a longer lasting cosmetic effect.


None of the fractional lasers have a permanent effect. All can cause temporary reversal of the fine lines and wrinkles.


Fractional lasers can be used to treat the following skin conditions:

- reversal of fine lines and wrinkles
- remove pigmented or skin discolorations
- reduce melasma (skin changes seen during pregnancy)
- reduce pore size
- reduce or improve the texture of scars
- smoothen out traumatic scars
- reduce signs of photo aging

All fractional lasers work in a similar way. The lasers generate a beam of energy which penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. The heat produced results in destruction of old pigmented cells and stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastic. The collagen then adds to tissue support, fills up hollowed spaces and retains moisture. The end result is a skin which appears smooth, fresh and much younger looking.

The currently available fractional laser devices include

- Fraxel®,
- ActiveFXTM
- Lux 1540TM
- AffirmTM,
- ProFractionalTM

Most individuals need 4-6 sessions to get the optimal cosmetic benefit. Individuals who have deeper scars and wrinkles may need a few more sessions. The fractional lasers have minimal downtime and the side effects are mild. The most common side effects after the fractional laser treatment for aged skin include

- mild redness
- swelling
- bruising

These side effects are transient and usually disappear within 2-4 days. One can conceal the skin side effects with mascara or make up.


Because there are many people who perform fractional laser skin resurfacing to reverse the signs of aging, it is essential to choose your therapist well. The lure of money has numerous non health care professionals performing laser treatments all over the country. While complications are rare, they do occur and may be irreversible. So in the end, buyer beware. Before you go and get the signs of nature reversed it is important to read about the procedure, know what you want and have an estimate of what your budget is. Looking young does not come cheap- especially when it comes to lasers.

How to Get Rid of Age Spots

Age spots, or liver or sun spots, are small, brown flecks on the skin – often on the hands, arms and face. They are caused by both aging and exposing the skin to sunlight. Age spots are harmless and known medically as senile lentigines. There are many different types of treatment methods available today to lessen, prevent or eliminate age spots. Here are some of the most common options:



Laser Treatments – Laser treatments are often considered the most effective treatment to reduce or eliminate age spots, but they can also be the most expensive. There are different kinds of laser treatments. Some work to get rid of age spots from the first layers of skin, while others reduce pigment in sun spots, birthmarks and freckles. Not all types of laser treatments work on all types of dark spots. Some laser procedures may produce bruising that may last about a week.


Microdermabrasion Treatments – Microdermabrasion is a medical procedure that basically takes off the surface layers of skin to remove age spots. Some microdermabrasion techniques use high speed blasts of crystals to remove superficial skin layers, while other machines are gentler. A suction device or vacuum type of tool is used to remove the dead skin cells. The microdermabrasion method is said to encourage the growth of new skin cells.


Bleaching Products – Bleaching products work to fade age spots by breaking down the pigment, or melanin. It usually takes a few months of regularly using the bleaching product to notice a difference in the reduction of spots. Sometimes, these products may leave white areas on the skin.


Bleaching products containing hydroquinone may leave dark spots on darker skin and are recommended for use on very light skin only. Products made with kojic acid, a natural substance found in foods such as mushrooms, are more versatile and may actually prevent age spots by stopping melanin production.


Chemical Peels – Chemical peels remove superficial or shallow layers of skin to get rid of age spots. The amount of skin layers removed depends on how dark the pigment is and light, medium and deep chemical peels are available. Doctors perform chemical peeling procedures and there are also some over-the-counter chemical peels on the market. Alpha hydroxy acid often is only effective to remove age spots on very light skin colors.


Retinin A Treatments – Retinin A, or tretinoin, is usually applied to the age spots daily for six months. Many people notice a difference after a month of regular use. Some Retinin A treatments are combined with bleaching techniques. Retinin A may dry the skin and this may lead to an increased amount of age spots unless moisturizing products and sunscreen are also used. Studies of Retinin A suggest it reverses aging and promotes better-looking skin.

Image courtesy of Oprah.com

The Magic of Copper Peptides as Anti Aging Agents

In the last decade, there has been a trend of adding copper peptides to many cosmetic creams to reverse aging. The manufacturers who add copper peptides to these creams also charge exorbitant amounts for the postulated anti – aging benefits. But does copper really work as an anti-aging cream?


Copper is a heavy metal and a decent anti oxidant. In experimental studies it has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis and also has the ability to heal wounds. Copper is an essential element for collagen to form properly. A few clinical studies have shown that application of copper peptides can increase collagen synthesis. This was proven by performing biopsies of the skin. Copper was much more efficient than either vitamin C or Tretinoin at reversing wrinkles and lines on the face and neck.


Currently copper peptide formulations have been shown to erase fine lines, increase the tone of the skin by stimulating elastin synthesis and reduce skin sagging. Copper is also a potent anti oxidant and has been shown to protect the skin from many environmental conditions including extremes of cold and heat. Copper peptides have also been shown to retain water, thus maintaining the skin hydrated.



The daily recommended allowance of copper is about 2 mg per day. For the majority of individuals this is adequate and easily obtained from the diet. However, free copper does not easily get to the skin. Simply buying copper and applying a solution does not guarantee access to the deeper layers. The copper has to be specially formulated with peptides to ensure that it will penetrate the skin and reach the lower layers where it can stimulate the synthesis of collagen.


Today there are many types of copper peptide formulations for the improvement of skin. For those who want to treat the wrinkles and fine lines, Copper based products are available all over cyberspace. It is important to read the labels to ensure that copper peptides are present if you want a cream which as anti aging properties.


The prices of copper peptide based formulation are also expensive.


Finally, aging is a complex issue and there is no one mineral or element which can turn back time. While copper peptides may not be the ultimate panacea for aging, the creams will certainly bring back some youth and beauty

Atkins Diet- Low Carbohydrates and High Protein

The Atkins diet has been around for more than 30 years. Even though it has been associated with a lot of controversies, it still remains a very popular diet. The Atkins diet plan is thought to be followed by millions of people globally. The diet is essential low in carbohydrates and divided in to four phases.


Dr Atkins believed that eating too many carbohydrates is the reason for getting fat. Our body does burn fats carbohydrates and proteins, but the carbohydrates are always used up first. By reducing the intake of carbohydrates, the body is then forced to burn off the protein and fat stores.


By reducing carbohydrate content in the diet, the body breaks fats into ketones which are used for energy. The accumulation of ketones in the body also leads to appetite suppression. One also develops a distinct ketotic breath and constipation. With time all the fat from the body starts to disappear.



The Atkins diet has four phases.

In phase 1, the induction phase which last 2 weeks, one eats a very restricted diet which is low in carbohydrates. The weight loss is quite fast.


In the 2nd phase, some foods can be eaten and the weight loss is gradual.


In the 3rd phase, the pre maintenance phase, one eats just enough carbohydrates to allow the body to get used to this diet. Also some other foods can be eaten to maintain health.


In the 4th phase, the diet is moderated to maintain your target weight. This is the diet for the rest of life.


In the first stage, one can only eat about 20 g of carbohydrates a day. Later the carbohydrates are increased but only slightly. You can forget about eating sugars, rice, bread, pizza, hamburgers, pudding, desserts, potatoes, pasta or anything made from flour.


A typical Atkins diet is as follows:

Breakfast

1st phase - beverage, bacon, ham
2nd phase- egg, crisp bread, beverage, tomato juice
3rd phase- egg, fruit, thin bread, beverage
4th phase- egg, fruit, thin bread, beverage

Lunch

1st phase- bacon, cheese without bread, salad, water
2nd phase- salad, beverage
3rd phase- potato, beverage
4th phase- chicken salad, beverage

Dinner

1st phase- red meat, fish, poultry, dessert with no flour
2nd phase- salad, sea food, some vegetables, dessert
3rd phase- salad, vegetable, fruits
4th phase- shrimps, salad, meat/fish/poultry, potato, vegetable, beverage


The Atkins diet severely limits carbohydrate consumption and has rigid guidelines. Dieters are encouraged to maintain a low carbohydrate intake until they reach their target weight. Dr Atkins says to prevent weight gain; individuals should take in no more than 60g of carbohydrates day for the rest of life.


One should note that the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates for healthy individuals is 300 g a day. However, despite what Dr Atkins says, there is evidence that high protein diets can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, lack of vitamins and mineral deficiencies. There is no doubt that the Atkins diet does reduce weight in the early period but the long term results are questionable.


All individuals who want to try the Atkins diet should also include exercise into their program.

Antiaging Wrinkle Creams: Fact or Fiction

Were you looking to buy an antiaging wrinkle cream? Everywhere on cyberspace there are people selling antiaging creams, lotions, potions and herbs to fight off aging. Almost every type of substance underneath the sun has been promoted to reverse the signs of aging. From the Great Wall of China to the Dead Sea- water, mud, soil, urine, eating polar bear's gall bladder, sea weed from California, eating sushi from Japan and so on .—all have at one point been claimed to get rid of your wrinkles and fine lines. The big question is do they work and has anyone ever become young again?


For the most part, the majority of ingredients in cosmetic creams have never been analyzed. There is no scientific proof that any ingredient can reverse aging. Face lift does not come in jar of jojoba oil, nor does it come as a liquid in bottle of avocado oil.


While some antiaging creams are relatively cheap, many are exorbitantly expensive. And the more fancy the bottle, the more costly it is. If you want to look better you may want to try an antiaging wrinkle cream . Also, there are some ingredients which may temporarily make you look younger.


For those who still would like to know more about anti-aging and creams, read on.



If you are interested in a younger looking skin, look for the following ingredients in the cosmetic product:


Vitamin A or Retinoids. There is a lot of evidence that vitamin A related products are strong anti oxidants and can lessen or reduce fine lines on the face. Retinoic acid is approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne and other skin related conditions. Retinoid acid is only available with a prescription and is not recommended for females who intend to get pregnant or are breast feeding. Because of its serious side effects on the fetus, most physicians are reluctant to prescribe Retinoic acid to this gender.


Peeling acids: There are several acids which are decent peeling agents. They all work in a similar manner and remove the superficial layers of the skin. The cleansing action stimulates growth of new skin which appears fresh, smoother and younger looking. The classic peeling acids include hydroxyl acid, phenol and trichloroacetic acid. Today, there are many other naturally acids extracted from fruits and plants.


Copper peptides have recently been shown to heal wounds and reduce the scarring. Copper peptides are now being added to various skin formulas and been claimed to reverse some signs of aging. There is some evidence that copper peptides may reduce fine lines.


Tea Extracts: There is a lot of literature that extracts of tea can help rejuvenate the skin. There are many ingredients in tea like phytonutrients and flavonoids that have potent anti oxidant activity. However, not everyone responds to tea extracts in a similar way.


The quest to reverse nature has never been so strong. Everyone wants to look young and pretty. While we have a lot of novel products on the market, the majority of antiaging creams should be viewed with caution. Good luck with your antiaging wrinkle cream.

Growth Hormone –Does it Reverse Your Age?

During the last 20 years, there has been a lot of hype in the media about human growth hormone (HGH) and its anti aging properties. There are people who pay thousands of dollars to find the fountain of youth- but can growth hormone actually reverse aging?

Growth hormone is produced by a small gland (the pituitary gland) in the brain and is released into the body in small amounts. The maximal secretion of growth hormone occurs during childhood and is carefully regulated . Growth hormone is a potent anabolic hormone and is important for the growth of bone, muscle and tissues. By the time most individuals reach their 40s, the amount of growth hormone starts to decline.


There are many people, especially in the medical profession, who believe that the decline of growth hormone at this time period is responsible for aging. Wrinkles, fines lines and saggy skin have all been attributed to the decline of growth hormone. Such claims have inundated the internet creating a frenzy among people wanting to reverse aging. This has resulted in a growth in the marketing of growth hormone. It appears no one wants to get old and many people are seeking growth hormone injections. However, the evidence that growth hormone is the fountain of youth is non-conclusive or non existent. Only anecdotal reports exist- and these come mainly the manufacturers of HGH who have a vested interest in the hormone.

In clinical medicine, Human Growth Hormone is only available with a physician’s prescription and is administered intramuscularly as an injection. Growth hormone is often prescribed for people with documented growth hormone deficiency and is never prescribed to reverse aging. Growth hormone deficiency is most often seen when the pituitary gland is destroyed by brain tumors, surgery or radiation therapy. Individuals who often receive GH injections are those with short stature with a variety of medical conditions.

Human Growth Hormone injections are known to increase bone density, muscle mass and improve physical endurance. There are many individuals who have received growth hormone over a period of many years and yet all of them have aged; there is no scientific evidence where an individual receiving growth hormone had not aged. While it is accepted to administer HGH to individuals who have HGH deficiency, HGH is almost never prescribed to healthy individuals because it has potentially strong side effects.

As far as its anti aging abilities, there are none. Today there are many websites which also sell growth hormone as a pill that is said to produce the same effects as the injection. These growth hormone releasers are heavily marketed all over the internet. In all likelihood, the pill is broken down in the stomach and the protein is digested by the acids.

As far as we know, there is no conclusive evidence that HGH (Human Growth Hormone) has any anti aging abilities.. For individuals who want to remain young, the only treatment is to exercise, eat a healthy diet and leave the rest up to Time.

More Information on Stimulating Collagen Production

I’ve noticed a lot of my readers took particular interest in my previous article on Collagen Production and I’ve noted there is a lot of interest in preventing aging of the skin. So I’ve done some more research for those of you interested in some more anti-aging tips.



My previous article mentioned some of the ways you can boost collagen production in your skin to help fight aging and I thought I’d write more about collagen because there seems to be a lot of questions about how to help your skin build up its collagen supply. Because we all know the facts – as we age, we lose both collagen and elastin and the skin becomes susceptible to wrinkles and loss of volume which contributes to our faces looking older than they should.



The aging of the skin is based on a few factors, including photo damage by the harmful effects of the sun rays and decreasing available amounts of collagen and elastin as time goes by. Both of these factors lead to our skin aging.



What can help with collagen production is the use of the bioidentical hormone Estradiol applied to the skin. A study was done at the University of Michigan Medical School using postmenopausal women and andropausal men with the average age of 75. Estrdio was applied every day on skin near the hip and on the forearm (one area is usually unexposed to the sun and the forearm which usually has sun damaged skin due to lifetime exposure). The participants also applied a moisturizing cream which contained estradiol to the face twice a day for a two week time period. It was found that in the biopsy samples of skin removed from the test participants, It was found that there were increased levels of collagen and compounds that increase the production of collagen in the skin biopsies. It appears that the bioidentical hormone estradiol helps with the production of collagen. It is more than a coincidence that declining levels of hormones in men and women as they approach menopause and andropause also coincides with the decline of collagen production and results in the look of aging skin.


Vitamin C is another big booster to collagen production as well as highly beneficial to your overall health. However, I will not elaborate on the other health benefits of vitamin C here as we are here to discuss collagen. As a popular additive to many anti-aging skin care products, it plays a major role in collage production. Vitamin C interacts with amino acids in the collagen cells. By adding hydrogen and oxygen to the amino acids, Vitamin C helps with collagen production. By not taking vitamin C, not only are you negatively affecting your health, you will also be causing your levels of collagen production to decline. In your late 40s, you should be taking about 500 mg of vitamin C a day. On your 50th birthday, it may be time to start taking 1000 mg to help boost the rate at which your body makes collagen. Consult with your anti-aging doctor or naturopath to discuss the correct dosage of vitamin C for you to take.


Applying collagen as an ingredient in a skin cream will not help much because the problem with most anti-aging creams is that the collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the top layer of skin. Antiaging moisturizing creams do help keep the skin soft and moisturized, and help plump up the skin temporarily. I am not telling you to stop using a good moisturing cream at all. We are discussing things here that will help boost collagen production internally.


Key amino acids and copper peptides help to stimulate collagen synthesis. However, these must be used with the greatest care because over use can be dangerous. Again, I must emphasize that you work with an anti-aging doctor and/or naturopath to discuss the nutrients your diet might be missing and see what you can supplement with safely to enhance collagen production.


Other supplements which can help with boosting collagen production are Hyaluronic Acid and Genacol which has a highly concentrated amino acid base, can boost the production of collagen throughout the body when used on a regular basis. Not only does it improve the elasticity of the skin and help reduce the look of wrinkled, aging skin, it can reduce pain throughout the body, most specifically in swollen and tender joints resulting from injury. It can also increase the strength and endurance of the joints. It has also been recommended for fibromyalgia, arthritis, muscular and joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. You can buy Genacol online or at the local health food store.


Another way to boost collagen production is to use a cosmetic filler such as Restylane, or Artecoll or Perlane which actually helps stimulate collagen cells in the site of injection. These injections which fill wrinkles pushes up the indentation of the wrinkle and also promotes collagen. See my articles on Restylane, Artecoll and Botox to find out more.

Artecoll

A Better Anti-Aging Cosmetic Filler


Looking for a cosmetic surgery which takes the years off your face? I will share with you this great anti-aging tip – a process I am definitely a fan of. Another anti-aging cosmetic filler like Botox is a product called Artecoll, made by Canderm Pharma Inc. One of the benefits of Artecoll is that it is a much longer lasting filler than either Botox or Restylane. Since the 1930s, it has been used for eye lenses, dental work and bone repair, so it has a known safety factor for quite some time now.


As an anti-aging treatment, it is used to add volume and structure to your skin as it ages. It is used by clinicians as a solution for acne scars, frowns, laugh lines (nasal labial folds) and thin lips. It is quite successful in building up lost volume in the face.



This bio-compatible solution is made of collagen and microscopic PMMA beads and added lidocaine to help with the pain of the injection site. By stimulating natural collagen production, it “binds” with the collagen building volume and structure to your face where required, this whole process takes from two to three months to be activated. Occasionally a patient will require two or three applications to get the results you are looking for as an anti-aging treatment.


How long will this antiaging procedure last? Artecoll will last for 10 or more years. To get Artecoll, you must have an experienced doctor inject Artecoll. One in a thousand people can be allergic to Artecoll so if you are worried, you can have a sensitivity test performed on your skin. If Artecoll proves to be the option for you, then you may experience some redness, swelling, bumps, bruising and itchiness which you can deal with by using cold compresses and acetaminophen, These side effects will disappear in a few day. Another bonus besides getting lost volume replaced in your face is that there is no downtime with Artecoll. If you want you can have this done on your lunch hour and return to work that afternoon. However, I would recommend having it done on a Friday and if there is any redness of bruising, you have the weekend in front of you so the redness or bruising will subside.


Consult with your antiaging doctor to find out if Artecoll is the solution for you. As a booster to collagen production in your skin and an excellent way of giving back lost volume to your face, even though it is slightly higher in price than Botox, I highly recommend Artecoll injections.

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CLEAN & CLEAR makes a day SOFT with a new Moisturizer

So today I want to talk a bit about my new favourite accessory. No it’s not the latest iPod gizmo. It’s not a new watch or neclace. And it’s definitely not a new handbag. Because the most beautiful thing out there, as far as I’m concerned, is the simple and natural things in life. And what could be more natural than your own skin? You’ve had it since you were born. Nope. My new favourite “carry-along” is my bottle of, believe it or not -- skin moisturizing lotion.

I’m talking about my Clean and Clear soft DAY oil-free moisturizer. Now, don’t get confused. There’s a NIGHT version too. And I’m not talking about that one! It’s too thin to work the magic my DAY moisturizer does. And that, my friends, is a fact. Ask anyone and they’ll agree. The night one doesn’t come with the additional SPF 15 either. And actually, that’s the reason it’s not strong enough and up for the job. It’s why you have to put it on your skin at night -- no one can see your skin at night!


But for anyone looking for anti-aging tips -- I’ve got one for you: TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN. A good anti-aging skin care program is essential to the well being of the average citizen. You don’t want to speed up the aging process do you? And that’s why I love my Clean and Clear Soft Day Moisturizer. It keeps me feeling fresh and young -- even when you’re I’m ready for what life throws at me. And, let me just be clear -- by soft, I mean SOFT!! Like a silk scarf or a tiny kitten. Try it and you’ll know that the softness is imaculate...

All you have to do is take a quick wiff and I assure you, you will fall in love. At least I did. Love on first sniff.

Also -- it doesn’t just work with anti-aging properties that create softness. And it doesn’t just smell good. It also protects you from harmful rays and wind damage.

And it looks good too.

Let me tell you what I love about even just the packaging. Johnson and Johnson, the folks who bring you the soft baby bottom, may only have a small logo on the bottom of the white bottle, but stands strong and bold. On a rounded purple square reads the title -- written in white -- that catches your eye but doesn’t blow it away with wasteful ferocity: Clean and Clear. The rest of the lettering is an almost aqua blue, and it gives the sensation of being alive -- the spray of a fountain, the caress of a lover, the fresh breath of the morning -- just by even looking at your little bottle. Even the smallest detail of the skin-hydration product is tailored with care. Now the best part about my Clean and Clear moisturizer is its size. Just bigger than your thumb, you will have no problems finding a space for it in your bag, purse, jacket or jeans. It really is a transient multi-purpose accessory.

Ever have a friend say -- “OHHHH -- I hate when this happens to me. I’m so dry! This is terrible.”? Well, now you’re all the sudden their new BEST friend! Just whip out your little oil-free product from the zipper pocket you keep it in, unscrew the cap, and dole out some glistening white lines of blissful perfection. She’ll rub it in with a tender caress and feel complete and utter release. It works every time. You may, eventually need to reapply -- but the ecstasy you will feel just by using this product will be worth it, I promise you.

When I tried the soft day moisturizer it was an experience to remember. The sun shone down with a playful touch. There were children playing in the park. And the world moved on and on around me -- but I didn’t notice the rush, the endless hustle and bustle. I was caught up in my own bliss. The new taste life I sensed upon applying just the very least amount of lotion I could. Clouds soared overhead, as if they moved to their own rhythm. Buildings glistened with power. Men and women smiled as they moved along their paths. Because when you take care of yourself you find a place for yourself. Sheer satisfaction. I felt like I had just given my coarse skin fillet mignon. I got up from where I was lounging, ready for desert.

I’m sure they must have spent FOREVER figuring this gem out in the lab. Have you seen all the unpronounceable words on the back? They use sugar cane and sugar maple and bilberry and water -- plus all the other unpronounceable ones (like Arachidylglucoside, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Threonine for example) and somehow turn it into something that’s safe and fun.

I hope you like it too. :)

Microdermabrasion

One of the best anti-aging procedures you can get for assisting your skin against the effects of time including wrinkles, blemishes, shallow scarring, and discoloration and used with great success is microdermabrasion. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure is best done in a salon though you can purchase at at-home kit manufactured by Neutrogena. You can also purchase any number of microdermabrasion formula but neither of these are as effective as a treatment done by a salon because of the tool that is used in a salon. You can try these at-home procedures or formulas but if you then try a salon treatment, you will see and feel the effectiveness and the difference when the procedure is done by an anti-aging esthetician. What I will discuss here is the very successful salon procedure microdermabrasion.

The esthetician in a salon uses special equipment for the process. It will feel like a very strong, small vacume which distributes the crystal formula that performs an abrasive rotating action against the skin and then powerfully “vacumes” up the used crystals and old dead skin cells. These crystals used can be such ingredients like sodium chloride, aluminum oxide or bicarbonate.

How does this all work? How much does microdermabrasion cost? Well, it can be compared to an inexpensive “facelift” with immediate results. Microdermabrasion works on the top layer of the skin called, the stratum corneum where the blemishes , wrinkes and fine lines are formed. Unlike Botox or Restylane or Artecoll or any other variety of cosmetic fillers, It is not an invasive process Microdermabrasion is not a cosmetic filler to replace loss of volume in aging skin. What does it cost? You can get this procedure from anywhere between $50 - $175 a session. Some salons offer package deals. The esthetican will determine how many treatments you will need to get the results you are looking for...

Why is microdermabrasion so successful? The tool and formula and strength used by the esthetician will actually breakdown the upper layer – the stratum corneum. This is interpreted by the body as an injury and reacts with crythema and mild edema (swelling). This can last for a duration of an hour for up to two days What the body is actually doing is now creating new skin cells and a smoother surface.

Microdermabrasion is able, by this process to repair fine lines and wrinkles, repair sun damage skin and blemishes. The anti aging moisturizing creams used after the treatment can then access the deeper layers of your skin . With repeated treatments and over a period of time, it can also fix minor acne scarring. The microdermabrasion procedure creates new healthy skin cells which is why as an anti-aging procedure it is so successful.

You can use microdermabrasion for any of the following problems dull aging skin, sun damaged skin, brown age spots, superficial acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone and melasma (hyper-pigmentation).

However, microdermabrasion is not a good idea if you have any of the following skin conditions on your face: Erythematosis, Psoriasis, Active rosacea, Diabetes mellitus, Herpes, Dermatitis, Lupus, Vascular lesions, broken capillaries, open sores, warts, Eczema, severe acne, skin lesions or if you are taking anti-coagulants.

Microdermabrasion is one of the best antiaging procedures for the cost of value of the treatment. You will see the results and your skin, though it may be red for a short time after the treatment, will feel brand new, fresh and super clean. Follow your esthetician’s recommendation for follow up treatments to get the results you are looking for.