Cosmetics Industry Overview

Cosmetics have been around in one shape or form for many years, the earliest documented use of cosmetics is around 4000BC way back in ancient Egypt days where eye decoration and scents became common place. From then to now, very little has changed in the use of cosmetics, they are still used to contour and highlight the skin and features and to mask any body odour, although odour issues are not as big an issue now as it was back in those days.

The word "Cosmetics" is a rather broad term targeted towards many market sectors, its dictionary definition is;

1. A powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.

2. Cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive.

A sub category of "Cosmetics" is "Makeup" this encompasses most modern day beauty products and is targeted to Facial cosmetics such as Eye Shadow, Lipstick, Mascara etc.

Today's Cosmetic market place is a huge global economy worth approximately $40 billion, mostly generated in the western countries but it is ever expanding into other global markets and these develop. One of the best known and oldest cosmetic providers is L'Oreal. L'Oreal first started in 1909 specialising in hair colouring products in France, this grew rather rapidly and eventually caught the eye of some now established cosmetics companies in the USA. The year 1910 was when the likes of Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein began their global domination of this now lucrative market. These companies were not joined by any others till Revlon joined in shortly before WWII and Estee Lauder just after WWII.

The cosmetics industry has developed rather rapidly since these early days of limited products as the quest for beauty has become ever more important. Brands are now represented by key celebrities around the world in a bid to increase the market share of this $40 billion industry. The modern Cosmetics range includes: Skincare, Lotions, Powders, Perfumes, Lip Colour, Nail polishes, Eye Makeup, Face Makeup, Hair Colour, Hair Care, Baby products, Bath Products, Party Makeup, Special FX makeup.

As with any growing industry using chemicals, the Cosmetics industry has been in resistance with Governing bodies from the word go as it brought into question the chemicals in use with these products. Most countries now have a governing body controlling the quality of allowable ingredients used within cosmetic products; the USA has the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). The FDA is a government Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for the safety regulation of many things including Cosmetics. Because of the involvement of this regulation it has forced many companies to look at the ingredients used and eliminate some of the synthetic ingredients, thus the trend of the new "Good for you" makeup.

Many products now available boast not only a visible benefit to the skin but a nutritional one also. In terms of development cosmetics could be viewed as take a step back in the history timeline to ancient Egypt times. For years synthetic ingredients have replaced natural ones due to their ease to work with and the visible results. With that in mind these governing organisations have benefited the consumer, giving them better products using Natural or Organic materials. Natural products contain mineral and plant ingredients and organic products are made with organic agricultural products.

So when on the next makeup shopping spree bear a thought for what is on sale and weight up the price verses the benefits, as Natural Mineral makeup may have more of an impact on the wallet, but will come with the added benefit in protecting and nourishing the skin.

How to Choose the Best Anti Aging Cream?

As we become old, the skin renews itself much more slowly than when you are young because the production of collagen, natural proteins that provide the firmness of the skin begin to fall, causing dehydration of the skin and wrinkles.

When you reach 30/40 years, a regular moisturizer will not be enough for your skin, you should start using anti-wrinkle cream (anti-aging) to slow the signs of aging.

Fortunately, there are now a range of anti-aging products designed for every skin type, for all ages and for different needs.

There are wrinkle creams, serums, masks, creams around the eyes, neck, hands, face, etc..

The advantages of using anti-aging creams

- Gives a brightness and youthful glow to the skin
- Eliminate and reduce wrinkles
- Strengthen and firm the skin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Check and neutralize free radicals
- Moisturize and nourish the skin
- Rejuvenate and firm the skin
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
- Harmonize the pigmentation of the skin
- Stimulates cellular activity and firm the skin
- Prevent the appearance of new wrinkles
- Helps rebuild the skin texture
- Redefine the skin of the cheeks and neck
- Helps repair signs of loosening around the neck and chin
- Renouvelent the elasticity of the skin by stimulating its natural healing processes
- Satisfies wrinkles

How do anti-aging creams?

Most anti-aging products contain retinol, collagen, alpha hydroxy acid, minerals and vitamins. These elements are known for their power to stop the signs of aging and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Once the anti-aging cream is applied to the skin, the components therein inhibit muscle movement and to reduce wrinkles and prevent their further training.

Substances penetrate the outer layer of the skin and repair. They also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Other wrinkle operate by separating the upper layer of the skin, allowing healthy new cells of the skin to appear (that are generally products containing alpha-hydroxy acids).

You should know that all anti-aging products can remove wrinkles or fine lines after the first few days of use.These products gradually smooth your skin and the results are usually seen after a month or two.

How to choose the best anti-aging cream for the face to you?

Today, anti-aging creams are specially designed for specific skin problems: some creams treat crow's feet, dark circles around the eyes and fine lines around the mouth, others are designed to revitalize the skin, reducing the depth of wrinkles and firm the neck.

There are even anti-aging creams for the hands, neck and neckline.

There are anti-wrinkle products for each skin type: for those who are fat, dry or sensitive.

One of the most important rules when choosing the best anti-aging product for your skin is to look at the components of the product.

It is essential to choose an anti-aging cream that suits your skin type and needs.

If your skin has a lot of wrinkles around the eyes, you should consider buying an anti-aging cream for the eyes that treats crow's feet and dark circles around the eyes.

During the selection of anti-aging cream make sure it is not too hard or very greasy as it can clog pores and cause a problem if it is left on overnight.

It is essential to choose a product that offers good sun protection (SPF of at least 15 or more) to protect your skin from harmful sun rays that cause premature aging of the skin.

Today, most anti-aging creams available and contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals associated with excessive exposure to the sun can cause serious skin problems.

Common components of anti-aging creams

Retinol (vitamin A)

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that cause premature aging usually (Free radicals break down skin cells and collagen in the skin).

Retinol is also known as vitamin A, retinoic acid and retinoid.

Vitamin A is probably the most component used in anti-aging creams, serums and toners. It reduces wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration of the skin and stimulates collagen production. Vitamin A is also known for its ability to tighten pores and minimize sun damage.

Retinol is widely used to treat severe acne and rosacea.

The kinetin

The Kénitine a natural component that helps the skin retain natural moisture and stimulates collagen production.

It is a powerful antioxidant that can also fight against uneven pigmentation. It restores the function of the natural moisture of the skin, helps to preserve and soften the skin without side effects and provides protection for the skin against free radical damage.

?-hydroxy acids (AHA or)

AHAs are widely used in the cosmetic industry because they remove the top layer of dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of healthy new cells.

?-hydroxy acids work come exfoliating agents, they have a cooling effect on the skin and improve its overall appearance.

?-hydroxy acids generally used include: glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.
?-hydroxy acids act as deep into the dermis and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers which are essential for healthy skin.

You should know that all types of a-hydroxy acids increase susceptibility to the harmful effects of the sun and it is essential to use sunscreen daily to avoid sun damage.

?-hydroxy acids are present in a variety of products including skin care moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, and foundation.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance found in every human cell and that neutralizes free radicals (acts as an antioxidant) and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It prevents sun damage and skin discolorations.

Coenzyme Q10 is commonly used in anti-wrinkle creams and serums because it prevents damage to collagen and elastin production process and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Copper peptides

Copper peptides are widely used in anti-aging creams, because they stimulate the production of collagen.Copper peptides also enhance the action of antioxidants and enhance wound healing.

Copper peptides are effective against various forms of skin irritation, mainly because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Copper peptides also stimulate the formation of elastin and reduce sagging and wrinkles.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance and depth of wrinkles. It stimulates cellular renewal of the skin.

There are different forms of vitamin A: retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinyl linoleate. Lack of vitamin A can cause dryness and hardening of the skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant with a brightening effect of the skin.

It is a common component in products skin care as well as makeup products because it gives the skin a youthful and stimulates blood circulation.

Vitamin C also keeps the skin elastic and prevents premature aging of the latter.

When combined with vitamin E reduces the signs of aging: wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots and age spots.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E provides natural protection against harmful UV rays.

Vitamin E creates a moisture barrier and prevents the discoloration of the skin. It helps the skin to repair itself.

Antioxidants

The most common are vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging of the skin.

Many beauty products: the facial cleansers, moisturizing lotions, tonics, claim to contain antioxidants.

Antioxidants are added to cosmetic products containing fat such as lipstick and moisturizers to prevent rancidity.

Tea extracts

Tea extracts (green tea, black tea, white) are usually found in anti-aging creams, serums, masks and lotions.

The tea extracts act as antioxidants in the fight against free radicals. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help in repairing skin damage.

Retinoids

Retinoids are chemical compounds that are chemically related to vitamin A. They make the skin thinner and smoother and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids are widely used in the treatment of many diseases and are effective in treating a number of skin conditions such as inflammatory disorders of the skin, cancer, skin disorders in cell renewal and aging.

Retinoids reduce wrinkles, freckles, blackheads (whiteheads and blackheads), and stains caused by sunlight.

Topical retinoids are also effective treatments for mild acne and severe.

It takes about 3 months for the skin acclimates to a retinoid.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate the skin.

It is found naturally in the skin, its function is to hold water.

Useful tips related to the use of anti-aging creams

- Apply your anti-aging cream with upward strokes from the throat to the front.
- Do not forget: you may need to use an anti-wrinkle for several weeks before you notice improvement.
- Ask for samples before buying a face cream to see if it works for you.
- Try to use a facial cleanser with glycolic acid.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly (at least twice per week) with a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and accelerate cell renewal.
- Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin against the sun's harmful rays that cause premature aging of the skin and causes discoloration.
- Consult a dermatologist or esthetician to give you the product that best suits you.
- It is essential to get a good amount of sleep each night.
- Try to use a wrinkle cream that contains more natural ingredients, vitamins, essential oils, aloe vera and natural emollients.
- You can put on your sunscreen cream.
- Choose makeup: foundation, concealers, lipsticks, lip glosses that offer sun protection.
- It is essential to follow a strict regimen of skin care every day to keep your skin clear and healthy.
- Always remove your makeup at night with a mild cleanser that suits your skin type.
- Use masks or face firming moisturizer twice to keep your skin radiant mature.
- Drink plenty of mineral water at least 1.5 liters a day to keep your body and skin hydrated.
- Perhaps now is the perfect time to quit smoking: Smoking seriously harms health and damages the skin by destroying collagen and elastin.
- Compare different wrinkle creams and find out what works best for you.

Some Interesting Facts About Cosmetic History

Based on the evidences found globally, the history of cosmetics has beginnings which can be traced back as early as 4000 BC. Throughout the existence of cosmetic history, it was defined differently by different people. Its meanings also differ depending on what century a person was born.

Today, we should all know that makeup and cosmetics are two different words with different meanings:

Cosmetics are any product that you put on your face or body with the purpose of making your appearance better, and perhaps making your skin healthier. Cosmetics can include everything from lotions, powders, creams, oils, perfumes, gels, hair bleaches and dyes, mud packs, nail polishes, deodorants, and a lot more.

Makeup is just a division of cosmetics that makes the face look beautiful. This includes eye shadows, eyeliners, lipsticks, mascaras, blushers, foundations, pressed powders, moisturizers, lip glosses, etc.

The earliest proof of the use of cosmetics dates back to ancient Egypt. Both the Egyptians and Romans applied cosmetics that have white lead and mercury. Furthermore, the makeup tools of the earliest Egyptians were very extensive.

One of the cosmetic/makeup mixtures was kohl and this was commonly used for highlighting the eyes. Kohl is a chemical where the main ingredients are lead, soot, burned almonds, copper, and so on. Their other beautifying agents also contain another toxic element which is arsenic.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the eye makeup can protect them from evil spirits as well as make their eyesight better. And this explains why even the poorest people in ancient Egypt also wore eye shadows.

The Persian people also made great contributions to the history of cosmetics. Persia was what is now called the Middle East. It was known that one of the oldest cosmetologists was a doctor whose name is Abu a-Qasim al-Zahrawi, who is more popularly known as Abulcasis. He was born in 936 AD and died 77 years later. But during his prime, he was able to write a medical encyclopedia called Al-Tasrif. In that 30-volume encyclopedia, he devoted the whole part of the 19th volume to cosmetics. According to this man, cosmetics is a branch of medicine, thus he called it the "Medicine of Beauty."

In the early days of the 20th century, makeup turned out to be a fashionable trend around Europe and the United States. Though, the most significant development globally in the history of cosmetics, was that of the entertainment industry in Hollywood. Some people in Hollywood who saw the great potentials of mass-marketing the cosmetics were Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor.

In the 1920's, red lipsticks, dark eyes, red nail polishes, and suntans were the fashion statement and were popularized by a rather famous french designer. Until that time, suntans were the result of much time spent in the fields by farm workers. On the other hand, most stylish women wanted their complexions to be as light as possible.

After this designer had popularized suntans as another beauty statement, counterfeit tan products started to flood the market. But in the Asian region, skin whitening products were more preferred because for Asians, pale skin epitomizes beauty.

In the 60's and 70's, Western women who were won over by feminism, chose not to use any cosmetics. The 70's marks the year of the "natural look" where women wore no makeup during the day and were fully made up in the evening.

All through the years, both men and women have used cosmetics for a lot of reasons. Today, makeup and cosmetics are either used or not used by individuals who would like to make a statement in one way or another.

Safe Weight Loss Is Not a Myth, Use Only Natural Weight Loss Supplements

From expanding waistlines to bulging stomachs, people are grappling with their weight and struggling to lose it.

An addiction to convenience based diets is further adding to the damage that is already done due to a sedentary lifestyle and desktop jobs.

As a result, obesity has reached epic proportions now and it is a precursor to a wide range of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and other cardiac problems which can prove to be fatal if left untreated.

But most people look for quick fixes rather than looking for a stable and long term solution to the problem. Surgical methods like stomach stapling and bariatric surgery which were only done for extremely obese people are today being done for cosmetic reasons.

On the other hand, there is a billion dollar industry for synthetic fat burners which is driven by the six pack fad which has gripped an entire generation.

Losing Weight Safely

Safe weight loss is not a myth. It is something that can be achieved with proper planning, correct dietary support and of course, exercise.

If you try to cut corners and skip any of these, then you are opting for a short cut. And short cuts usually lead to short term results only.

The problem with using fat burners is that the entire method by which they work is flawed.

Some fat burners increase the core temperature of the body in a process called Thermo genesis. They are loaded with caffeine which helps boost body temperature. This triggers the metabolism to increase as well and a person can lose weight when they club it with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Other fat burners suppress the appetite fooling the body into thinking that it isn't hungry. So, naturally the person eats lesser and hence loses weight.

Then there are the third kind which are carb blockers or cheaters.

But there have been increasing incidences of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of fat burners. In simple terms, it is very toxic for the liver and unregulated use of these synthetic fat burners can even cause complete liver failure in the long run.

Herbal Fat Burners

Now let's talk about Natural Fat Loss Supplements that are derived from herbs.

In the recent times, the awareness about the effectiveness of herbs in treating a variety of diseases has increased.

Clinical studies have proven that herbs like tulsi, turmeric, Fenugreek, Bitter Melon and many others may offer a lot more benefits to human health than what was earlier known about them.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other herbs also with potential use in fat loss.

Vrikshamla: Also known as Malabar Tamarind, Vrikshamla has been used since ages as a culinary souring agent in Indian cuisine. But it was recently discovered that a compound called HCA which naturally occurs in Vrikshamla can help people lose weight in a safe manner. Since then, this herb which was used since centuries in Ayurveda has become an overnight sensation around the world.

Gymnema sylvestre: This herb was used in Ayurveda to reduce sugar cravings in people suffering from high diabetes. But very few people know that insulin secreted from the body is a signal for the body to store fat. By reducing the insulin levels, this herb allows your body to burn more fat.

Guggul: Guggul helps the body metabolize fat faster while also improving thyroid function. In a clinical study, people who used Guggul lost almost 6 pounds in 6 weeks when they clubbed it with exercise.

If you are looking to lose fat, then always use a proper diet, exercise and if you wish to use dietary supplements, use only natural weight loss supplements.

Should Your Try Facial Treatments?

Different people have different skin types and a lot of them react to various changes in the climate, medicines and lifestyle choices. And everyone wants flawless skin, especially on their face. But in order to get the perfect look, it is necessary to treat your skin well and take care of it properly.

What Causes the Damage?

Skin gets damaged with all kinds of chemicals, heat, dust and a number of other substances. A lot of substances that you have to tackle with daily could collectively lead to bad skin. This may include the detergent in the soap you use, it could include the pollution from traffic on the roads and it could include all the cosmetics that are applied on to your lips, cheeks and eyes.

The surface of the skin has a number of pores. The body uses these pores to breathe. The pores also have a habit of collecting sweat, dirt and foreign particles. These particles cause a layer on your skin that prevents dirt from exiting the body properly. This in turn leads to acne, blemishes, blackheads and other problems.

How to Take Care of Your Skin

Your skin should be taken care of in order to feel good and look good. Considering your face is usually the most important part of your body, it is worth pampering yourself once in a while in order to get that perfect complexion you have always wanted. There are numerous facial treatments that are available for preventive care and curative care. Some of these treatments deal with getting rid of spots and blemishes while others aim to moisturize your skin and make it soft. Nowadays, there are also various treatments available that can help you look younger by reducing the spots and wrinkle lines on your face.

If you are planning on going for any kind of facial treatment, always consult a professional in the field to determine exactly what kind of treatment you will need. Most professionals suggest that you should get a facial done about twice a year. The most common steps that are followed during these facials are:

• An assessment by a professional
• Cleaning of the pores
• Removal of blackheads and other forms of dirt
• Exfoliation
• Moisturizing and application of masks/peels

A basic facial is the best way to take care of your skin. It will keep you fresh and great looking and over time it will slow down your aging process. Facials help to keep away lines and spots for longer. They relax the skin and moisturize it, making it soft and glowing. Basic facials usually cost around $75. However, if you go to a five star spa or a retreat, it will definitely cost you more.

What You Should Know About a Facelift

At times the way we feel within doesn't reflect the way we look on the outside. Lines and wrinkles, detached skin, absence of muscle tone and skin versatility are all indications of maturing that can make you feel hesitant to look at the mirror. With a typical leading lifestyle where a lot of factors like exposure to the sun, smoking and even huge weight reduction, have an impact on our face that can show up droopy skin, fine-lines and wrinkles. Numerous ladies now decide to have a facelift to bring back an energetic, fresher looking appearance.

A Facelift surgery is also known as Rhytidectomy. A facelift is an operation to tighten and lift the skin and delicate tissues of your lower face and neck. This will bring about a tighter and smoother look and more energetic appearance.

Various Types of Facelift Surgery:-

Traditional Facelifts: It amends the sagging skin. Facial skin is tightened, lifted and removed. The cosmetic surgeon/expert may consider re-suspending the fat and muscle all through your remedial restorative touch up surgery.

SMAS facelifts: It stands for Superficial Muscular Apo hypochondriac System. It is the most widely recognized sort of restorative surgery for facelift. In layman's terms, the SMAS is fundamentally your face's arrangement of muscles and tissue. Within overabundance of 98 muscles in the face, SMAS is the thing that allows you to smile, grimace and show a degree of articulations and advancement.

Mid-Face Lifts: It is otherwise called small lifts or smaller than expected facelifts. It is performed under general anesthesia and the focus is on the central portion of the face and around your cheekbones. For the most part less expensive than a general full nonessential facelift, small lifts have a shorter operation time and recuperation time.

How is Facelift Surgery done?

Facelift utilizing Vaser Lipo includes making two little cuts in the cranial zone close to the hairline. Local anesthesia is administered for this surgery. The scars get covered up in the folds of hair. In the wake of making the cuts the skin of the cheek zone is slackened with an instrument and pulled up, then sewed upwards under strain. The entry points are then sutured with a couple of fastens stowed away by the hair. For best results specialists recommend a weight dressing for 2 weeks.

Vaser lipo Facelift is ideal for untimely maturing with profound nasolabial overlap and hanging facial structures, yet still have a firm and overall shaped neck.

Despite the fact that this is a viable help to treat untimely maturing, it may not be useful in the event that you have lasting wrinkles especially those around the mouth line. Extra medications like dermabration and synthetic peel may be useful

Advantages of Facelift Surgery:

1. Helps to boost one's self esteem and confidence.
2. Looking more youthful.
3. Feeling more revived and fresh.
4. Helps to diminish wrinkles and fine-lines.

Therefore it has been acclaimed as a safe surgery by FDA. It is not connected with serious intricacies. You may encounter slight dying, wounding, scarring and swelling that is common with any sort of surgery, which will resolve soon. With abundance skin painstakingly trimmed and the facial muscles tightened, the face expect its prior energetic look without the indications of maturing. The cheeks and eyelids are made smoother, cheeks are evacuated, and wrinkles in the neck locale are uprooted. The fabulous stylish results help enhance your trust and self regard.

The Treatment Options Available for Wrinkles and Loose Skin

Perhaps not given a favorable reputation, fat is an essential factor in a youthful appearance. On a very sharp timeline, with age the fat in the face begins to diminish. This results in skin around the face to wrinkle, droop, and sag. There are numerous treatment options that are available and will help in determining which will be most effective.

Face and neck lifts

Large amounts of loose skin in the facial area can have considerable response to a face lift. This cosmetic surgery also known as a rhytidectomy, involves lifting the soft facial tissue, removing excess skin, and sculpting or redistributing the underlying fat in your facial tissue. Fat is sometimes taken from another part of the body and added to specific facial areas. The area is then re-sculpted by repositioning the skin and stitching the area back into place. Neck lifts are performed in a similar procedure. Cases that facelifts can be helpful in include:

-Areas where large amounts of facial skin is loose

-Extremely sagging cheeks

-Deepening creases below eyelids, around chin and lower lip

-Excess skin hanging from the lower jaw line is forming jowls

-Visible bands of skin in the neck area

-A loss of definition in the neck from excess fat

LJO eye and brow lifts

If the skin around the outer part of your brow is sagging, this specialized procedure concentrates only on lifting the outer tail of the brow. This avoids over correction that can come with a traditional brow lift which involves also lifting the forehead skin. Often used in conjunction with the brow lift, is eyelid surgery also known as blepharoplasty, which can correct the sagging skin around the eyelid.

Not limited to the face and neck areas, body lifts can be done to correct sagging skin in various bodily areas. Specific procedures that target zones of loose skin are also available.

An opera lift

The opera lift provides a more economical and less invasive alternative to the traditional facelift. This procedure combines fat removal, facial tightening, and a stem-cell-concentrated fat grafting system. It produces the same types of results as a traditional facelift but without the extensive incisions and healing period. Offered in the Minor and Major varieties, the Major provides a larger volume of stem-cell-fat grafting and incorporates plasma rich platelets, or PRP's from the patient's blood to reduce the bruising and enhance the graft.

Wrinkle treatment alternatives

There are even more treatments that help smooth out skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Skin enhancement treatments like Botox or a number of other fillers can be used.

Botox: Botulinum toxin type A, is injected into the muscles to stop them from contracting giving the skin an appearance that is smoother and less wrinkled.

Fillers: Fat and collagen as well as other soft tissue fillers when injected deep into a wrinkle furrow helps to smooth out the skin.

Deciding upon the most effective treatments for wrinkles and loose skin will depend on the location and extent of the wrinkle and sagging. Multiple treatments can be combined to exact an individualized plan that addresses and corrects specific issues and produces your more youthful looking skin. Always seek consultation and information before considering any procedure.

How to Choose a Good Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Cosmetic Surgery is on the rise! The prime reason for this is that almost everybody wants to look and feel younger and more attractive. Of course there are many methods to enhance beauty and youth, like Makeup, Yoga & gym sessions and of course a good diet. Celebrities use plenty of cosmetics and apply make up expertly to enhance their look and personality. In addition, they work out in the gym regularly and have a healthy diet to attain that youthful glow.

As well as healthy lifestyle and proper diet, medical procedures focused on beauty and anti-aging include injectable treatments and facelift surgery. Today, there are many reputable and even renowned Cosmetic Surgery Clinics in UK and Ireland. In order to find a good and reputable cosmetic surgery clinic, there are certain factors that one should consider. A few of them are listed below:

Location: The location of the cosmetic or cosmetic surgery clinic you are considering is very important. The location should preferably be near to your home or at a convenient reach so that you can travel to and from the clinic easily before, during, and after your treatment. This applies to non-surgical wrinkle treatments or surgical procedures.

Quality; Quality is one of the most important factors when making a choice for a face surgery clinic. Investigate the quality & reputation of the Clinic, the qualification and experience of the cosmetic surgeons and doctors and if possible talk to people who have had treatments at the clinic.

Different Types of Procedures: Check out the types and range of procedures and treatments that the Cosmetic Surgery clinic provides. To this end, a good quality and reputable clinic is likely to offer a range of varied face surgeries and other treatments such as Wrinkles and Lines Treatment, Skin Treatments, Fat removal, Chin & Cheek Augmentation, Mouth & Lip Enhancement, Non-Surgical Nose Shaping, VASER Lipo Body Contouring, Kontour MD Skin tightening, 4D Sculpt, Breast Augmentation, Dark Circles, Male breast reduction, Skin acne & much more.

Payment: Apart from the above mentioned points, you should properly check for the ways of making payment. The mode of making a payment should be transparent. There should be a provision for direct payment at the time of treatment. This is the best in all respects from other methods like installments or making a payment through an approved bank loan.

These points are only a few of the important aspects of choosing a reliable Cosmetic surgery clinic. Before going to a surgery, one should look for and assess these aspects of a Cosmetic surgery clinic diligently. Hope these tips will help you. If you currently seek a good and reliable cosmetic surgery clinic in Dublin then look no further than Venus Medical.

Get Healthy Hormones

Medical science and the unraveling of the human genome have, and are, providing us with great insights into how our bodies work and how we are susceptible to diseases and the aging process.

Our new understandings now allow us to significantly increase our healthy longevity. And when we take advantages of these new findings we make ourselves available to take advantages of the even newer technologies being developed.

There are seven basic causes that combine to make us vulnerable to diseases and to aging. One of the major causes is that our endocrine system ceases to secrete sufficient quantities of certain enzymes and hormones to keep up with the cell's battles with the build up of contaminants.

Our hormones decline with age but we can do something about it.

Our hormones regulate and control most of the functions of our bodies. Testosterone and estrogen, the major sex hormones in men and women respectively, give us the urge and ability to reproduce and continue the survival of our species.

But once we're past our reproductive prime, our hormone levels drop. This results in a lack of sex drive, insomnia, impotence, weight gain, and countless other potential health problems that significantly decreases our quality of life.

So we see that our hormone system was designed primarily for reproduction for the survival of the species. Our bodies produce high quantities of certain hormones and enzymes during our youth. These give us our youthful vitality, strength, and endurance. They help in the battles against free radicals and they help provide nutrients for cell repair. They keep our cells cleansed of the ashes of metabolism and environmental toxins.

As long as our bodies produce sufficient quantities of these enzymes and hormones, we stay young. But we, and all plants and animals were designed to stay healthy until we have reproduced and reared our young. Mother Nature has little interest in us after we have passed our genes on to the next generation.

As we age past our prime reproductive years we are no longer capable of producing sufficient quantities of the enzymes and hormones required to keep our cells "young and fit." With too little of these substances our cells begin to lose their battles against the free radicals and other destructive elements.

The cells begin to age, and die. The organs of which they are a part become ineffective. We become frail, we die.

But we can now do something about our hormone decline.

To make sure you are around when new health discoveries are proven and available, you need to understand your hormones and what they do for you and what you can do to keep them functioning.

One of the most important hormones is human growth hormone (HGH). I'll limit the discussion in this article just to it.

The effectiveness of HGH to improve health and slow aging was proven by Dr. Rudman in 1989.

During a six month test of 12 men aged 61-81 (against a control group of 9 men), the men lost 14.4% of their body fat and gained 8.8% lean body mass. Their skin thickened, their bone density increased and their livers and spleens increased to youthful sizes.

Dr. Rudman showed that HGH could change flabby, frail old men aged 61- 81 back to their previous biological ages of 41-61. In effect, he reversed their ages by 20 years, over a 6-month period. He concluded: "The overall deterioration of the body that comes with growing old is not inevitable."

In his follow-on six month study with the same men, their muscle mass increased an additional 6% (over the original 8.8%), and they lost an additional 15% fat (after the original 14.4% loss).

Others have repeated Dr. Rudman's tests and got similar results. There was a cry for the FDA to approve it as an anti-aging therapy. But, the FDA has been reluctant.

Nevertheless it hit the black-market and began to be widely used by bodybuilders.

Then in 1991, Texas businessman Howard Turney opened El Dorado Rejuvenation Clinic in Mexico - beyond control of the FDA.

And in 1994, Dr. Edmund Chein found a loophole (he was also a lawyer) in the FDA restriction. He went to court and argued that since the FDA had approved HGH for stunted-growth disorder - then a certified physician should be able to prescribe it for any purpose he sees fit. He won his argument and opened his Palm Springs Life Extension Institute in California.

He has since treated thousands of people between the ages of 31 and 92 to slow, stop, or reverse their aging. He has reversed the aging of most. And, he reports that he has had no significant adverse side effects during any of his operations.

Chein's results in increased muscle mass were 10.0% and 8.0% increase for two six month periods, which are similar to Dr. Rudman's results.

UK researchers duplicated Rudman's and Chein's results. And, Dr. Bengtsson of Sweden showed vastly improved energy levels and improved mood.

The French - Dr. Thierry Hertogh - showed that his patients experienced a 23% to 30% reduction in the size of their "love handles."

HGH makes fat more available as a fuel. Fat cells have hormone receptors that trigger a host of enzymatic reactions when HGH is present.

HGH has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of the immune system. One major way it does this is to increase the thymus gland's output of T-cells (that destroy invading "germs"). This is especially important for people over 40. The thymus normally shrinks to the size of a raisin by age 40.

Tests also indicate that HGH can reverse heart disease by thickening the walls of the weakened ventricles.

Dr. Ronald Klatz, President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging summarizes the benefits of HGH replacement therapy:

"HGH is the ultimate anti-aging therapy. It affects every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, regenerating the heart, liver, lung, and kidneys, bringing organ and tissue function back to youthful levels. It is the most effective anti-obesity agent ever discovered, revving up the metabolism to youthful levels, re-sculpturing the body by selectively reducing the fat in the waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, and at the same time increasing muscle mass. It may be the most powerful aphrodisiac ever discovered, reviving flagging sexuality and potency in men and women. It is cosmetic surgery in a bottle, smoothing out facial wrinkles; restoring the elasticity, thickness and contours of youthful skin; reversing the loss of extra cellular water that makes old people look like dried-up old prunes. It has healing powers that close ulcerated wounds and re-grow burned skin. It reverses the insomnia of later life, restoring "slow wave" or the deepest level of sleep. And, it is a mood elevator, lifting the spirit along with the body, bringing back a zest for life that many people thought was long gone."

Dr. Edmund Chein is more succinct: "It's a slam dunk! This (HGH) is 100% effective!"

The Internet is filled with advertisements for HGH replacement therapies. The vast majority are sponsored by unqualified people and organizations.

HGH has been proven very effective but has not been proven safe.

You should talk to your doctor to see if he/she suggests HGH for you. In any event you should watch the progress of safety programs so you can participate when proven safe.

The Importance of Plastic Surgery Board Certification

Doctors have always been perceived as making a lot of money. What people don't realize is that it takes a lot of time and money to become a doctor. Most doctors spend four years in medical school followed by anywhere from two to eight years in residency learning their craft. During this time, they incur a great deal of debt. Once they are out of residency, they must spend even more money establishing and maintaining a practice.

When managed care first arrived on the scene during the Clinton years, reimbursement for medical services by doctors was severely cut, leaving doctors struggling to repay residency loans and also to cover the costs of running their practice. In addition to making much less than they previously made through insurance, managed care agencies would drag their feet in paying the small amount that they would allow. Some doctors would have to hire another person in their office just to bulldog these agencies if they wanted to get paid at all.

So what does all of this have to do with board certification? In order to make ends meet, many doctors take weekend courses in cosmetic surgery in order to supplement their office income. Cosmetic surgery is paid for in cash, so doctors don't have to deal with stubborn insurance companies. While this approach might help alleviate the financial problems of doctors, a weekend course does not make them terribly qualified to perform complex cosmetic surgery procedures. These are the procedures that take qualified plastic surgeons years of training to perfect. A plastic surgery residency is the longest residency of any medical specialty.

In this country, anyone with an M.D. degree can perform any medical procedure that they want to perform. There is no regulation over who does what. As a result, many doctors in specialties other than plastic surgery now tout themselves in their advertising as "board certified plastic surgeons." While they may be board certified in some medical specialty, it is not plastic surgery. There are twenty-four specialties recognized by the American Medical Association. Only the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is recognized for the training and certification of plastic surgeons. Only plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS have completed the rigorous training and certifying exams to make them qualified to perform such surgery.

With the advent of the internet and the age of information, we have the ability to research surgical procedures and the doctors who perform them. Still, I get patients in my office who opted to cut corners financially or simply didn't realize that the doctor who performed their cosmetic surgery was not, in reality, a "board certified plastic surgeon" as he advertised. Now they are paying even more to correct their bad result. Plastic surgery, like any surgery, is a life-changing event. It pays to get the most qualified doctor that you can which is why it is always good to make sure that the doctor doing the surgery is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Accept no others!