Aromatherapy Goes ‘High Tech’

New methods of essential oil extraction are entering the mainstream of aromatherapy, offering new choices in oils never before available. With the new labels of ‘CO2′ and ‘SCO2′, along with the traditional ‘steam’ and ‘hydro’ distillations, ‘absolutes’, and ‘cold pressing’, a little education for the aromatherapy enthusiast can go a long way in essential oil selection. Is one process better than another? Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with greater aromatherapeutic value? It turns out that essential oil production, like winemaking, is an art form as well as a science. The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is important, and has it’s place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.

Steam and Hydro Distillation

Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed. The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a ‘hydrosol’, can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it’s mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it’s pleasing floral aroma.

A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure, and the quality of the distillation equipment. Essential oils are very complex products; each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most oils benefit from a long, slow ‘cooking’ process.

The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber’s pressure. Lavender essential oil, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure 3 psi. Higher temperatures andor pressures result in a ‘harsh’ aroma more chemical than floral and lessen the oil’s therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil’s components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.

Despite the drawbacks of aggressive processing, high temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. These oils are usually destined for use in cosmetic and processed food manufacturing, but are sometimes sold to final consumers as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, but are of limited therapeutic value, and the difference is apparent when the aromas are compared side-by-side.

Absolutes

Some plants, and particularly flowers, do not lend themselves to steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences cannot be completely released by water alone. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes’ and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value. Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who’s oils are often found in ‘absolute’ form.

The processing of an absolute first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50 wax and 50 volatile oil. The concrete is again processed using ethyl alcohol the same alcohol found in beer, wine, etc. in which the wax is only slightly soluble. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, sometimes 2 or less of the ethyl alcohol may remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.

CO2′s and SCO2′s

And now for the most modern technologies, Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide extraction. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the ‘solvent’ which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material. The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55 degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at about 1000 psi. The carbon dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction SCO2 involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at around 8,000 psi under these conditions, the carbon dioxide is likened to a ‘dense fog’ or vapor. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.

These carbon dioxide methods have a couple of advantages Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example. The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood oil less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.

Cold Pressing

Finally, there is the ‘cold pressing’ of citrus oils from the peels of fruit, as is done with Bergamot oil, Orange oil , Lemon oil , and the like. This method involves the simple pressing of the rind at about 120 degrees F to extract the oil. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original state occurs these citrus oils retain their bright, fresh, uplifting aromas like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.

Which Method is Best?

CO2′s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. Oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the ‘spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeautic properties.

Producing essential oils of aromatherapeutic grade is skill requiring years of experience. It takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step, from growing and harvesting to fine-tuning the distillation process, to produce a truly fine oil. The making of a fine essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are, however, legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil, and the oil needed for a particular application may only be made by one process. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.

Everyone wants to look great during the holidays. Its the time they see their family and friends. For some people, thats means to drop a few pounds. Many of us want to lose weight. The equation of losing weight is simple; take in fewer calories than you burn. But we all know it isnt that easy. Our bodies arent math problems. We are very complex organisms. Each one of our bodies differs in some way. You cant exactly pin point a diet to work for everyone, but here are some tips on helping you lose a few pounds. You can use these tips just for the basis of the holidays or you can use them all year around.

1. Put the kettle on

Green tea is a great way to lose weight. It also is very healthy for your body.

2. Drink water

Water is one of the main elements of your body. You need it. Drinking water helps regulate your body system. Besides being healthy, water makes you feel fuller. Everyday, you should drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example if you weigh 180 pounds, you should drink 90 ounces of water. Dont try to drink this all at once; spread it throughout the day.

3. Stop drinking sodas

Sodas are no nos. Sodas dries your body out. There are approximately nine packets of sugar and close to one hundred and fifty calories in one twelve-ounce can of soda or juice, says Netty Levine, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. They just arent healthy.

4. Eat healthy

Start eating healthy. So many of us exercise and look over the simple fact that we do not eat healthy. Eating healthy can improve your look as well as your attitude. Some ways to eat healthy are to

Eat food rich in monosaturated fats

Eat a fiber-based breakfast. Fiber helps you stay full longer.

Place protein in your meals. Protein also makes you stay full longer

Eat more vegetables. Vegetables balance your meal out. They also contain fewer calories as other foods.

Keep track of calorie intake. Calories turn into fat.

Throw the chips away. Junk food isnt good for the body. They usually contain lots of saturated fat, which is not good unless it is polysaturated or monosaturated. Most of these foods are also high in sodium; this causes the body to become bloated.

Eliminated red meat. Its not healthy.

Eat soup, salad, and fruit. You just cant go wrong with these types of food. They are low in calories and fat.

Cut out fried foods. Fried foods taste good, but it isnt the best for our bodies. The oil causes our bodies to become slightly sluggish. Over time it can even start to clog your arteries.

5. Enjoy your meals

So many of us rush. We have to make a deadline, so we rush. We have to run some errands, so we rush. Dont rush your meal. If you rush your meal, you wont feel hungry when you are done. You will eat more and more because you feel that you arent satisfied. Take the time to savor your food; you will fill full faster.

6. Stop dining out. COOK!

When cooking foods you can control your calorie intake. You also tend to eat more healthy food; your food tends to have less fats.

7. Do not eat late!

Most people are more active earlier in the day. Eating late, one tends to lie down, sit down, or even go to sleep. If one is not active after they eat then the calories from the food turns into fat.

8. Dont try to starve yourself

Starving yourself is not healthy. All it does is break down your body. Most people should eat at least 1200 calories a day. When you starve yourself your body thinks that you are going through starvation periods. Because of this your metabolism is slowed to a crawl. Even if you lose weight, once you begin to eat once again you will gain it all back and more.

9. No emotional eating!

One of the worse things you can do is eat when you are emotional. We all are emotional at times. Eating when you are emotional might calm you down, but it also might place a tire around your waist or hips. Instead try using another outlet when you are emotional. Try running, aerobics, pilates, or yoga. If you dont want to get physical during that time, try writing poems. If none of those works for you, there are many other things you can try. Listen to calming music, or just write your feelings down. Whatever you do; dont pick up the dinnerware.

10. EXERCISE!

Exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight. Even though your weight wont come off immediately, your weight will stay off if you keep a healthy routine. Many people see exercising as a rigorous activity; it doesnt have to be one. Besides the aerobics, the sports, and the running, you can try yoga or pilates. You dont even have to do that. You can use the stairs instead of an elevator. You can park your car at the back of a store lot.

You can even sign up for a dance class. Youll get two in one; a fit body and some new dance moves. If you like to shop, go to the mall. Youll walk a lot while carrying bags. Take a stroll after dinner. All of these are workouts that can help you drop some pounds.

11. Prioritize your workouts

Exercising doesnt work unless you keep with it. Quitting exercising after two-weeks wont help you.

12. Inches not pounds

Dont worry if you step on the scale and you dont look lighter. Its not about the pounds; its about the inches. You should also keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat.

13. Say no to negative

Have courage in losing weight. Thinking that you will never lose weight will only discourage you. You will never get anywhere with a bad attitude.

14. Hide the scale

Looking at the scale will make you feel that you havent loss anything. It also makes us rush our weight loss. Looking at the scales is a quick way to gain discouragement.

15. Avoid fad diets

Do not use fad diets. Fad diets will only cause you to lose weight temporarily. As soon as you decide you want to get off the diet, you will gain all the weight back. If you want long-term weight loss, stay away from the fad diets.

16. Dont just think about it. Do it!

Thinking about what you are going to do to lose weight will not help you. You have to get up and do it. If you remain thinking about weight loss, it will remain at just that, a thought.

A new kind of makeup is making waves in the fashion, film and cosmetics industries. It has been around for about three decades now and it is called mineral makeup. There is a beauty culture which is now coming into the fore and it is committed to better living. Mineral makeup is based on hypoallergenic loose powder which nourishes the skin naturally, unlike the conventional makeup products. Mineral makeup does not contain dyes, mineral oil, perfumes, talc, alcohol or preservatives. Dermatologists are pleased with it due to this reason.
Makeup artists feel that mineral makeup is the best product for the skin because
1. It is suitable for sensitive skin. A lot of women suffer from allergies, acne, clogged pores and dryness because their makeup is not compatible with their skin. Mineral makeup helps to take care of the skin while making it look beautiful.
2. It does not feel like a mask on your face. Traditional makeup is usually heavier than mineral makeup and ends up feeling like a mask. Mineral makeup is lighter in texture and even if a lot of area is covered with it, the skin can breathe more easily.
A majority of women are now switching to mineral makeup rather than sticking with traditional makeup. Since the popularity of natural food, lifestyle and remedies has emerged quite recently, the popularity of mineral makeup is also increasing only recently even though the products has been around for some time now. Thus, there is an increasing variety of lipsticks, foundations, tonic, etc. which are available in all kinds of prices and quality groups in answer to the growing demand for them.
When mineral makeup is applied carefully and correctly, can help to relieve many dermatological conditions. The makeup cosmetic minerals are non-comedogenic and non-allergenic and since these products rarely have any artificial preservatives, additives, binders and fragrances, these products can be used by those women who have skin problems, especially those who are prone to allergies. However, these products have to be tested out by each woman as there are no lists of allergens.
Moreover, sheer cover mineral foundation can be used as a cure for different issues coming from the trials to combine the need for flawless makeup and the busy modern style of living. Mineral makeup lasts much longer than traditional makeup. The fine particles do not crumble and fizz in the creases in the skin. You can even sleep while having your makeup on, if you need to do so, because your skin will be able to breathe through the natural layer of foundation. Another advantage is that you will not need to correct it after working out at the gym.
Products which are made from earth minerals which are ground finely can be applied on the skin even after strong skin procedures such as laser or peeling, as many of the common ingredients have anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties. The more expensive combinations are also often thought to be cheaper options to spa treatments, available in one’s own bathroom.
You have to take certain things into consideration before you decide on a certain mineral makeup product. The sudden hype over mineral makeup often causes manufacturers to put a sticker saying ‘natural’ or ‘mineral’ on the product, as there is no law restricting such a kind of labeling. Thus, you should read the ingredients carefully before you buy the product.
A large number of women are now going over to using mineral makeup due to the many advantages it offers. It is definitely worth trying out. Young women especially should try it because they can benefit from the natural healthy glow which mineral makeup foundation provides.

Cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, which makes it a pricey decision. Cosmetic surgery in Mexico can be undertaken cheaply and safely.

Cosmetic Procedures South of The Border

Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a big step. You need to carefully decide whether undergoing major surgery is necessary for you to feel better about yourself, and whether you think that surgery will do all you desire. If you’ve gone through all of the agony of choosing to have cosmetic surgery, you will soon be in for your second difficult decision – how do I get it done? Cosmetic surgery in the United States is quite expensive, and aside from a few reconstructive procedures, is not covered by health insurance. Many people need to save for years before they can afford the cosmetic procedures they want, but some people choose to go a different route. Some patients choose to get their cosmetic surgery done in a different country, where it will cost significantly less than here in the US. Specifically, cosmetic surgery in Mexico is popular.

When deciding on where to get cosmetic surgery, Mexico may seem to be a logical choice. It’s a nearby country, and you don’t even need a passport to travel there. Many doctors and facilities speak English in Mexico, especially near the border, which also helps to draw patients. The surgeries performed at hospitals and surgical centers in Mexico are often the same as those that are done in the US, but a lower cost of supplies and other medical necessities keeps the cost down.

One unfortunate aspect of cosmetic surgery Mexico is the number of people who return from that country with botched procedures and even infections and other life threatening problems. Of the thousands of people that travel to Mexico each year for cosmetic surgery, many are drawn by the price tag often less than half of what it would cost in the US and don’t do the research to make sure that their surgeon and facility is certified and skilled in cosmetic surgery. They are willing to allow procedures to be performed on their bodies with little to no knowledge of the doctor who will be doing the surgery. Some of these surgeons may not even have been trained in cosmetic surgery or even be real doctors!

That’s not to say that all of the cosmetic surgery Mexico handles is done incorrectly or at the hands of incompetent doctors. If a patient does their research and makes sure to choose a clinic and doctor who is qualified to do the procedure they want, this surgery can go well. Depending on the hospital and recovery centers available, you may be able to have treatment that is just as good or better than that in the US.

Choosing cosmetic surgery in Mexico offers can be a risky situation, so one needs to be sure of all the details before leaving for your cosmetic procedure. Find a qualified, trained physician and you should be fine.

A day spa is business that offers a number of personal care services to their customers. Some of these services include facials or massages. Unlike destination spas, people are only expected to stay at day spas until their treatment is complete. Waxing is another common service that is offered, and the body hair of the customers will removed by using warm wax. A day spa should be a place which is clean and comfortable. Each customer will have their own private room where they will receive treatments. If the customer wants to take a shower before their treatment begins, there are often showering facilities which will be available for men and women.

A high quality day spa will typically be operated by an esthetician who is licensed to work in the field. A day spa will also employ trained therapists who are skilled with massages or other products. Spa robes and shoes should be available in sizes that will match most clients. The massages that are available will fall under multiple categories, and some of these are Swedish, Deep Muscle, or Shiatsu. In addition to waxing, the facility should also have heat treatments, laser hair removal, or hand and foot treatments. As the name implies day spas will often have a hot tub or sauna. Some customers will be able to hire a personal trainer, and many establishments feature yoga as well.

A day spa is an excellent place for those who are looking to reduce stress. The workers in the day spa should give a warm welcome to their clients, and if you are new, they will explain to you the different procedures they use. Once they have explained the procedures, you will be taken to your private room where you can dress in a robe. Drinks may often be served in the form of water or juices. If you are a guest, you are expected to be on time for your appointment. If you are paying for body services, you will need to dress in a robe, and your therapist will expose the areas that will be treated. The goal of your therapist is to provide you with the treatments you need.

As you are treated, you will want to provide feedback to therapist on how you feel. The most important thing for you to do is relax. Let the therapist do the work, though you may talk to them if you wish. If you have children, it is best to leave them at home, because they can disrupt the quiet atmosphere and disturb other customers. Some day spas will require gratuities, while others will not. It is important to have this information available before you make an appointment. There are a number of behaviors which will not be tolerated at most day spas. A visitor who is drunk will be promptly removed from the facility. Customers are not supposed to be abusive to the therapists. It is also not acceptable to visit most spas without first making appointments, as many of them may be booked on any given day.

While it is true that a nose job is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery, there is more than just one procedure. This brings us to the subject of closed nose job.

Closed Nose Job Procedure

When choosing plastic surgery, it is important to have all of the information and options for your type of procedure presented to you beforehand. This is especially important with a nose job. A nose job is a procedure where the surgeon forms or shapes the nose to a desired position. In performing a nose job procedure, surgeons have two choices on how to proceed open nose job or closed nose job.

An open nose job is by far the most common technique used to cosmetically and medically correct issues with the nose. In an open nose job, a small incision is made in the columella, which is the small column of skin that separates the nostrils. When this incision is made, the surgeon is able to lift the skin off of the nose exposing all of the tissue underneath including the cartilage. Surgeons find this easier to work with than a closed nose job, as they are more easily able to see all of the nasal structures. They can also work on the nasal tip cartilage in its natural position, making it easier to see how the final result of the surgery will come out. The biggest disadvantage to this surgery is the little scar left on the outside of the nose in the columella, though it does heal to an unnoticeable size in most people.

A closed nose job, on the other hand, leaves no external scarring. All of the incisions made with a closed nose job take place internally through other openings in the nose, and some feel that it heals more quickly. A closed nose job is better for nasal surgery that requires less extensive shaping and work than someone who would need open nose job. It is not recommended for extensive reconstruction or surgeries that require a lot of work done on the cartilage at the tip of the nose. The two biggest advantages to closed nose jobs are the lack of any scars, and usually, a shorter surgery time.

Only your board certified plastic surgeon will know for sure whether an open nose job or closed nose job is the right surgery for your nasal needs. Be sure to consult with your doctor and weigh the options carefully before choosing a type of nose job. If you have your heart set on a closed nose job and your surgeon feels it is not right for you, a second opinion is always a good option. Just be sure to feel completely comfortable with your choice before proceeding.

Should you make the switch to all-natural make-up? There are plenty of companies, advertisements, and experts who could probably give you a very convincing argument either way. Dr. Roberta Palestine, who did her residency at the Mayo Clinic in dermatology stated, Natural isnt always better. Synthetic isnt necessarily worse. Poison Ivy is natural, but that certainly doesnt make it gooda chemical is a chemical, what matters is your skin type. There are certainly a lot of skin types out there, and you can bet for every type theres a number of make-up products for that particular kind.

Women who suffer from allergies and have been limited on their choices in make-up now have more options as more companies come out with products that are gentle on the skin and hypoallergenic. It should be noted that hypoallergenic has no medical definition, as it is yet to be determined what ingredients reduce allergens. So are natural make-up products all that they are cracked-up to be? A quick look at the ingredients list will tell the consumer what the main ingredients are on a product because they are listed in order of volume ratio. Often times, the ingredients will be listed on the packaging the make-up came in.

Often women will be allergic to a product and not even realize it. Over the years, women get used to dry, irritated skin that comes from repeated use of the kinds of make-up they wear out in public and to work. Women who wear a foundation make-up to even out the skin tone on their faces will dry out and aggravate their skin so each day is a little worse. Women with sensitive skin should avoid products with fragrances, mineral oil, formaldehyde, and alcohol. These chemicals will all dry out the skin and cause irritation.

When switching make-ups often times the skin will have to undergo an adjustment period. So women who are thinking about switching to natural cosmetics should go with it 100. By doing this, the skin only has to go through the adjustment phase one time. If you are thinking about making the switch, it is important to consider the ingredients in a product that claims to be all natural. Do some research before trying out a new make-up line to see if it is a reputable company that uses quality ingredients and stands behind the products they produce. So should you make the switch? Its a matter of personal choice but if you think the products you currently use are affecting your skin, at least consider it.

Mens Top 4 Fears Of Growing Older, And How You Can Have More Youth &Vitality.

There is no difference between Men and Women when it comes to wanting Youth & Vitality. Every Man & Woman alive on the face of this great earth wants to be Younger and have more Vitality. Where most of us fall short is, knowing what to do to get it. And, thats why youre reading this article. There are options that youre not even aware of. Options that can make you look and feel 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years younger and more active.

Four of the biggest topics in Mens Health today are;

Hair – Fear of losing your hair
Prostate – Fear of having an enlarged prostate & getting cancer
Anti-Aging – Fear of looking & feeling older
Sexual Vitality – Fear of losing your ability to have sex

We FEAR losing our HAIR for many reasons
Woman may not be Attracted to You!
People may judge You by the lack of Hair You Have!
You may lose confidence in yourself and, if you lose confidence in yourself, others may as well.

What about PROSTATE?
Prostate problems can lead to Cancer.
To Fear Cancer, is to Fear the loss of Life.
Or worse Lack of Sex Drive.

ANTI-AGING? Men Fear getting older just like women do. To help us with this Fear, weve even come up with our own clich Men Improve With Age. In truth, we still look older, and the fears are
Woman may not be Attracted to You!
You may be passed over for the promotion at work, because they think youre too old to handle the job.
The older you get, the more pain you get, your sex drive diminishes or stops altogether, you start falling apartYou know the drill.

SEXUAL VITALITY, is one of the MOST IMPORTANT fears men have about aging. Men are genetically programmed to think this is the most important function as a Man. So of course the FEAR FACTOR of losing Your SEXUAL

VITALITY ranks amongst the highest. Here are the 3 TOP reasons
FEAR that You will lose Your Lover due to Poor Sexual Performance.
FEAR of Sexual Inactivity.
FEAR that You wont be able to have SEX again.
Those are the 4 biggest topics and the reasons that sum up the Worst FEARS Men have today.I have compiled these 5 topics with information and recommendations that You will find extremely useful. So please read on and check back to this site often, as were adding new information all the time.

For more free health information and the best prices on vitamins and supplements please visit www.CarolBond.com.

To finish reading this article, please visit us at Free Online Health Reports

Ah, the joys of modern technology. Plastic surgery benefits from our advances in technology just like any other industry or medical field. This brings us to the subject of laser skin enhancements.

Laser Skin Enhancements

If you think you might be in need of a procedure to rejuvenate your face and restore your youthful appearance, you might be considering facial plastic surgery. However, for some individuals, surgical intervention is not the proper choice due to medical conditions or the particulars of your situation. In such cases, laser skin enhancements offers corrective solutions not previously available.

A laser skin enhancement is performed by plastic surgeons using advanced laser technology. The laser is strong enough to burn the first layer of dead tissue and a few living cells on the surface of the skin, but does not affect the other layers of skin tissue. The laser also reaches down to the underlying collagen. Instead of removing the collagen, the heat results in a reduction of the collagen. This reduction results in the tightening up of the collagen and skin giving the patient a less wrinkled look. In practical terms, laser skin enhancements give you a bit of a lift and peel at the same time.

A laser enhancement is not the best procedure for all facial concerns. It does not work well on areas such as deep creases in the neck and cheek, creases around the lips and the upper eyelids. For smaller, fine lines and light wrinkles, however, it can be a less invasive choice than surgery. There are many advantages to choosing the laser procedure. There is less recovery time, general anesthesia is generally not necessary, and there is very little blood loss. There are also normally no scars following the procedure.

There are some potential side effects to having laser enhancements as there are with any cosmetic surgery. The recovery takes about ten days during which you can have very sensitive skin with some weeping. During this period, you will see a progression of skin color from red to pink to normal. There can also be a permanent lightening of the area treated, which can be a problem for some dark skin individuals. It is also not recommended for people looking to remove large quantities of skin or who have severe facial damage due to sun or age. If you are such a patient, laser enhancements can help but will not be a total solution.

Laser skin enhancements are a popular alternative to traditional facial surgeries. Make sure to speak with your doctor to find out your options and whether this surgery is appropriate for you.

For most women, part of the morning and evening routines involve a skincare regimen of applying creams, moisturizers, tonics, lotions, and the like. Why do women put themselves through this? They do it primarily to combat the signs of aging, and to maintain youthful looks and beautiful skin! It is a safe bet, however, that most women haven’t put much thought into what is in the products that they are using.

Some women probably do not realize that what they are putting on their skin may actually be undermining what they are trying to prevent to begin with. In fact the average woman puts twelve products on her skin daily, most of which contain harmful chemical preservatives. Dr. Myron Wentz, founder and chairperson of USANA Health Sciences, has this to say about beauty in the company magazine’s JuneJuly 2005 issue “Some say that beauty is only skin deep. Nonsense! I believe that true beauty is a reflection of true health, and true health begins deep inside each and every cell in the body. But true health and true beauty have an outer component, which is why we require protection from environmental insults such as solar radiation, pollutants in our environment and the drying effects of air. . . The fact is you simply cannot contain a healthy body if your skin isn’t healthy. And your skin can’t be healthy if your are subjecting it to toxic substances that are ultimately absorbed into your body.”

So, what can women do? How can they combat environmental pollutants, the affect of solar radiation, and the drying effects of air? How can they be sure they are using the very best products on their skin so they can be healthy inside and out? Here are 7 tips to assist in this process

1. Be very aware of what is in skincare products. Use products that are all natural as much as possible.

2. Look for products that contain Dermal Surface Renewal Technology. DSR smoothes away existing signs of aging such as laugh lines, crows feet, and dullness.

3. Use products that have regenisomes. Regenisomes penetrate the skin to speed cell renewal after sun exposure. They also use the light of photosomes to undo sun damage, and have ultrasomes to renew skin while sleeping.

4. Find products with Proteo-C and Proflavonol-T. These two vitamins protect the skin from premature aging caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. They also provide advanced nutrition to the skin to keep it appearing smooth and firm.

5. If possible, use products that are paraben free. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives that are widely used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, make-up, facial masks, skin lotions and creams, and deodorants. They also are typically ingredients in baby lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products for infants and children. In addition, parabens are in many foods and pharmaceutical products. Researchers are beginning to find parabens in benign and malignant human breast tumors. While some studies have challenged their toxicity in many products and question their long term affect on humans, using products that are paraben free can eliminate the risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.

6. Drink plenty of water! Water hydrates skin and hair as well as flushes toxins out of the body.

7. Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and physically. Find that stress reliever activity that works best and use it on a daily basis!

Follow the above 7 tips to true beauty and health.