Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Easy Ways To Help You Look As Young As You Feel
Restylane was approved by the FDA in December 2003, and has since been used in more than 1.5 million treatments worldwide. Restylane is a cosmetic dermal filler made of a crystal clear gel called Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid, or NASHA. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body, and can be used to provide volume to the skin.
How does Restylane work?
Restylane is applied in a similar manner to other non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and is injected into the area of choice. When it is injected into the lip, wrinkle or fold, it works together with the body's own hyaluronic acid, and joins forces to create volume, giving a more youthful and healthy appearance.
What type of results can I expect?
Just like other forms of injectables, Restylane will have an immediate affect. It also has long-term temporary results, and can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The results will vary, depending on your lifestyle, age, and skin factors.
What are the side effects?
One of the reasons Restylane is growing in popularity is because of its safety. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, the skin and body do no react to the material. In fact, very few reactions have occurred in people electing this product. The reported reactions do include temporary redness, bruising, swelling, itching or tenderness, and may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. This makes Restylane very appealing and a convenient solution for reducing fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the face and neck.
What is the recovery time?
Restylane injections can be administered anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on how many areas will be injected. Immediately after the treatment you may experience slight swelling, tenderness or redness, but you should easily be able to return to your normal routine.
As a precaution, you should also avoid alcohol and exercise for six to ten hours following the procedure, and avoid sunbathing or cold weather activities until all redness and swelling disappears.
What do I need to do before a Restylane treatment?
The best part of this procedure is it requires no pre-testing. Because hyaluronic acid is present in the human body, there is no need for skin tests to determine allergic reactions.
Who is the ideal candidate for Restylane treatment?
Restylane is most effective in correcting wrinkles and folds around the nose, lips, eyes and cheeks. It also provides natural fullness to the lips when used for lip augmentation. The ideal candidate is a person who is looking for minor correction, and is aware that periodic treatments are required to retain the necessary results.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Skin Care, Sun Damage and Why I'm Feeling Pretty Smug Today
At a party last night I was told by a few people I looked considerably younger than I actually am and I don't think they were all drunk at the time either.
This came as a pleasant observation to me as over the years I have certainly not been kind to my skin.
Up until my early thirties I abused it terribly. I coated it in baby oil, carrot oil and coconut oil , not all at the same time I hasten to add, and fried in the sun. My quest for a tan led me to spend more time on sunbeds than is now deemed safe and generally I took my skin for granted.
Not surprisingly my misspent youth has caught up with me and I've had numerous questionable spots cut off or frozen from my arms, legs and shoulders. According to my doctor they were all attributable to "sun damage".
What I didn't realise until far too late is that there's no such thing as a safe tan.
Any tan is a sign of skin damage and if you go out in the sun and burn you damage your DNA which makes you more susceptible to skin cancer. Once you start to go red it is a sign that you are doing some damage so the current advice is to limit your exposure to 15 minute intervals.
That's probably the amount of time I used to stay out of the sun, but not any more. With climate change, the thinning of the ozone layer and generally being older and wiser I realise the importance of sun protection.
Each year there are more and more cases of skin cancer reported. In UK just last year (2006-7) there were 75,000 new cases and apparently many people didn't even realise the sun could be a factor.
Most people have now heard the advice of Slip-Slap-Slop which refers to slipping on a tee-shirt, slapping on some sunscreen and slopping on a wide brimmed hat which are all very sensible suggestions.
However, it seems that even these may not be enough to protect us from the damaging UV rays of the sun unless we are a bit more conscious about things.
The sun gives off UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The A ones are ageing, the B ones are burning and the C ones are not quite so specifically defined. Sunshine also promotes the production of Vitamin D which is vital for healthy bones and reducing the risk of cancer. It gives us that feel good factor.
We are advised and encouraged to use sunscreens with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 (SPF 15) and in some shops that is the minimum protection you will find. It is also recommended we reapply them frequently. However, whilst this should provide protection from the harmful UV rays there could be a downside.
Most of our vitamin D is made in the skin when we absorb sunlight so if we block the absorption with sunscreens we can reduce our ability to produce it. Some of the higher SPF sunscreens block the absorption by as much as 95%.
Also, some sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemical such as PABA and Oxybenzone which can cause allergic eczema and photo sensitivity in some people.
Another ingredient, titanium dioxide is now being blamed for the rise in skin cancer for users who stay too long in the sun.
So what is the answer?
Well it seems the best way is to cover up and wear dense clothing where the fibres are close together. Linen and thin cotton are not sufficient as the UV rays can penetrate the material. If you do choose to wear light flimsy items of clothing it is highly recommended you also wear sun protection of at least SPF 10 underneath.
I take much more care of my skin now and don't sunbathe at all. Of course it's too late as the irreversible damage has already been done, but the natural organic products I now use ensure I am now treating it with the respect it deserves.
My skin care is 100% free of synthetic toxic chemicals which you find in most products and contains only purely natural beneficial ingredients. I figure I've done enough damage over the years without exposing myself to potentially harmful toxins which have never been tested either individually or in combination as well.
It must be working which is why I'm feeling pretty smug today.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Alternatives in Breast Enlargement
Unfortunately, surgery for many is out of the question. For some, it is the monetary cost. For others, the risk of surgery, possible leakage from implants and a host of other concerns is enough to make them reconsider breast implants as an option.
While there are many companies on the market today offering this cream or that appliance to increase breast size, herbal supplements offer the best and most effective results. Naturopaths have known for years which herbs to prescribe for breast enhancement and now those same ingredients are available together, in over the counter form, for all women to try.
While none of these alternative supplements will give a woman the breasts of a Hollywood starlet, using the right product can increase breast size by a cup or two, add firmness and allow for noticeable contours to the shape of the individual breasts.
The key is finding the supplement that works. While many of the companies claim success, the woman that is seeking this type of therapy has homework to do first.
Begin by finding a company that uses the highest-grade ingredients. The benefits of the best possible herbs include better body absorption and maximum potency. Both are needed to see the desired results.
The second thing to look at is whether the company offers a money back guarantee. If no guarantee is offered, skip the company altogether, no matter what promises it makes. All reputable companies offer a satisfaction guaranteed policy.
Next, look at testimonials for the product. Do they all sound like they were written by one person? Or, do they each sound genuine and written by happy customers? If they all read about the same, be leery.
Cost, as always is a factor, but price doesn't always determine which product is better. Many companies will try to give the impression that because their product is priced higher, it is better than the competition. This is not always the case and reading through all the available literature on the product can help in this decision.
Many women report additional benefits of herbal breast enhancement treatments including a more regular menstrual cycle, better moods and less premenstrual syndrome symptoms. The most common side effect is elevated PMS and those women should not take the herbal supplements.
Herbal breast enhancement should not be looked at as a quick fix. As with all herbal treatments, breast enhancement therapy can take months to achieve the desired results. But, with patience, the use of a good quality herbal breast enhancement treatment will boost the self-esteem of the woman and give her a better body image of herself, with an altnernate means of cosmetic enhancement.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
History of Tribal Tattoos
Neo-tribal tattoos are very popular nowadays. Celebrities and other famous people sport this type of tattoo merely because tribal designs are very striking. Mike Tyson has a tribal tattoo on the left side of his face and Angelina Jolie also has one on her tummy. Charmed, Alyssa Milano, has a tribal tattoo at the back of her neck and the list goes on and on.
Another reason why tribal tattoos are gaining unstoppable popularity is because they are easy to draw. Amateur tattoo artists who want to enter the body art arena do practice on tribal tattoo designs for starters. Tribal tattoos are one of the easiest designs to ink. They basically involved swirls, loops, crescents and sharp edges interlaced with each other. A tribal tattoo design is frequently symmetrical, one of the reasons why they are fairly easy to draw.
Looking back, tribal tattoos are actually part of traditions of certain cultures. Getting a tattoo is a symbolism that marks a person's passage to adulthood. In some tribes, if a girl cannot take the pain brought about by tattooing, she is considered a weakling and cannot bear the pain of labor during child birth, thus, making her unmarriageable. On the other hand, if a boy cannot take the pain of tattooing, he is considered a coward. This is one reason why he may be segregated from the rest of his tribesmen and the reason why he can is a danger as a warrior.
In some cultures, like in Maori tribe in New Zealand, tattoos are a sign of social status. The more elaborate your tattoos are, the higher your position is on the social ladder. Enhanced tattoos are symbolism of a shift from one status to another. The chieftain of the Maori people holds the most prestigious and most intricate tattoo design. Maori women are also known to tattoo their lips and chin.
In the tribes of Hawaii, tattooing is also popular. Tribesmen have faith in in tattoo gods and those who want to have a tattoo initiate the session with a prayer asking the tattoo gods for a safe procedure that would not end up in injury or death. The prayers are also intended for the fast healing of the wounds and so that the tattoo design would come out as handsome and attractive.
Polynesian tattoos are thought to be one of the first tribal tattoos to reach the modern world. James Cook, who was the first explorer to land on the Polynesian Islands, was said to have seen the very first form of neo tribal tattoos way back in 1970's. When they sailed back to Europe, his men where already inked with tattoos similar to today's modern tribal designs. The tribal tattoos are worn on the sailor's chest area and upper arms.
Today, tribal tattoos have gone to a brand new level. The reasons for their existence are no longer primitive but they are worn as a symbolism of self expression and art.
Monday, June 15, 2009
What is Anime?
Anime games are getting more and more popular, however no many people know about anime. so, what is anime?
Anime is animation originating in Japan. The rest of the world regard anime to be "Japanese animation".Anime originated about 1917
In Japan, 'anime' would be any animated production, from Disney to Legend of the Overfiend. Anything that is animated, be it Japanese, English or French. Outside Japan, though, 'anime' tends to refer, specifically, to Japanese animation.
In Japan, anime is a rather popular form of entertainment. It comes in the form of TV shows, movies at the cinema as well as direct to video releases (OVA - Original Video Animation). Unlike in the west, anime has a huge variety of genres - it is not only for children. Nor, on the other hand, is it just sex and violence for adults! Anime is for everybody!
Anime, like manga (Japanese comics), is extremely popular in Japan and well known throughout the world.
Anime games for children consist of� Pokemon, Minky Momo, Dragon Ball, Card Captor Sakura and Sailor Moon. If you see the original versions, you'll probably notice there is a lot that has been edited for the western releases. From the anime, the Japanese version do not try to protect children from death - it actually happens in anime. For instance, in Sailor Moon, the senshi (scouts) die in the end of the first season. (In the American version, they were 'trapped' but got away.) This is not to say that Japanese children are happy with the concept of death - it's just that it is not a 'no-no' topic for even children's anime.
Anime for teenagers would include Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura (Lum), Marmalade Boy and Fushigi Yugi. Again, the 'no-no' subjects of the west are found in these anime. Fushigi Yugi introduces subjects like rape, and Ranma 1/2 has some nudity (though this is definitely not porn - the nudity is mostly kept to places like the bathroom, or as a laugh when the male Ranma changes into a woman and he's still acting like a male.) The different values tend to clash - if this sort of anime was to be put on television, it would probably only make it to pay tv (cable), or on a foreign language channel. But one can hope...!!!
There are also a multitude of anime for young adults and adults - Tenchi Muyo, Cowboy Beebop, Dirty Pair (not what you think!!), Dragon Half, Evangelion, DNA^2, Maison Ikkoku, Legend of the Overfiend, Dark City, Gundam, and Mononoke-hime to name a few. A number of these probably fit into the teenage category, as some of them tend to be fine for all ages.
These anime mentioned above are ones that are (or have been) popular in the west, not only in Japan. There are anime in all genres - romance, fantasy, science fiction, comedy, hentai (erotic anime), drama, action... just about any genre you find in the west, you'll find in anime! As you can clearly see, anime is not just for children!
An unfortunate part of the western mindset is that animation is for children. Parents will sometimes go to a video shop, and pick up Overfiend (tentacled monsters raping women, for a start!) for their kids to watch. Why? Because it's animated. They don't look at the rating, nor read the back cover. And so there are some groups of people totally against anime for this reason.
There is also the sad fact that certain companies put out anime that is only violence and sex related! Manga Video, unfortunately, projects the image that all anime is sex and guns. True, they put out Ghost in the Shell and, in the US, anime like Maris the Chojo ('The Supergal'), Firetripper and the Laughing Target... but most of their videos are Overfiend-like, and that is how they market the anime to the population. I think it's self destructive, but they obviously make money that way.
Recently, though, the foreign movie channel here (SBS) has been showing anime... dubbed, because that's what the Australian anime sellers have been giving them, but anime none the less! Most of the films, though, were Manga Video movies, but they have been showing Patlabour, Porco Rosso and the tv series of Evangelion. It was great to see Eva on regular tv! It's a step in the right direction - anime on tv, uncut and uncensored! (When showing things on TV, the American censors cut out or edit some of the silliest things, IMO!)
Reference:� http://www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/anime.html
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Tips for Taking Care of High-Quality Fashion Accessories
1.Look after your bag and store it in its dust bag cover or use a natural fiber soft pillow cover. Never use a plastic bag.
2. Stuff your seasonal bags with your soft-knit scarves or gloves, but make sure to not overstuff the bag.
3. If the weather is really bad and raining, consider using a less special handbag.
4. Keep your cosmetic products and pens in pouches inside the bag to avoid any staining.
5. Handle your bag with clean hands.
6. Avoid handling the designer bag after applying beauty products, face foundations or hand creams.
7. Apply a good quality leather protector spray to clean dry leather. This can keep the leather from drying out and cracking over time. It will also reduce the tendency of the leather to stain.
8. Clean your bag if it gets dirty by simply wiping it with a soft, damp cloth.
9. Avoid using a leather cleaner that contains oils to clean natural leather (leather that is dyed rather that painted), as cleaning oils can trap moisture and dirt, and stain the leather. Ink marks, grease and oil stains are unfortunately not removable and should be left alone.
10. If the bag is stained, take it to a professional leather cleaner who will have the expertise to remove the stain.
Now on to fashion jewelry. Fine quality fashion jewelry pieces can remain with you for a long time. Jewelry of all kind, fine or fashion, should be treated gently and stored properly. Especially pearl or glass jewelry items should be stored separately to avoid scratches to its surface.
I also recommend that you protect your fashion jewelry pieces from contact with hairspray, make-up and household cleaning products. Substances in these products attack the surface of your fashion jewelry. I always accessorize with fashion jewelry after applying make-up, perfume or hairspray. Also, always remember to remove your jewelry before taking a shower/bath, swimming, exercising or sleeping.
With the frequent wear of your fashion jewelry and contact with your skin, your jewelry's surface will change over time. I recommend that you carefully rub your pieces with a soft cloth to remove any build-up. Please do not use any cleansers.
Copyright (c) 2007 MMC Lifestyles, LLC, dba MMC Style
Friday, June 12, 2009
Plus Size Fashion for Teens: An Overview
Growing up as an over weight teen, I remember very well that I had a very hard time finding clothes which I liked which also fit me! I am sure this will sound very familiar to many plus size women all over the world.
Teenage years are rough and tough. You find yourself trying to figure out who you are, whilst also trying to fit in. The last thing any teenage girl needs is the extra hassle and the added feeling of being 'different' just because of body size and weight.
Wider shopping options
Thankfully times are changing and things are very well improving and looking brighter for plus size teens. There are many more curvy fashion options available to the plus size teenager, both online and in regular store you find at malls or on the high street.
1. Suggested option: Torrid
Perhaps you are lost and need a little guidance to find stylish curvy fashion for teens, then we suggest you start your search at Torrid. Being a store created exclusively to cater to the needs of younger plus size women, Torrid offers a very vast selection of fashion items. From casual tops, to formal dresses, to denim and also swimwear, this shop will prove to be a nirvana for all plus size teenagers.
2. Suggested option: B&LU
Although the selection of items found at this store could perhaps be described as a little narrow, the style and quality of fashion being offered at B&LU definitely make it a chart topping store. If you're a teen looking to find something stylish and chic, definitely pay B&LU a good visit.
3. Suggested option: Sydney's Closet
One definitely cannot comment on full figured teen fashion without mentioning Sydney's Closet; the only store to cater exclusively to providing plus size teens with formal wear, gowns, bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses. Prom night is no longer that dreaded night as help is now at hand, with Sydney's Closet delivering gorgeous gowns for curvy teens in the sizes they need.
Baby steps with the media
The media is also improving, if only slightly, at depicting a much more normal body image to our children and teens. Advertising campaigns, similar to the one Dove carried out, are greatly needed and should be encouraged if we want to remove the stereotype that one needs to be skinny to be beautiful. Full figured beauty pageants like Miss Plus America, and Mo'nique's FAT Chance, again should become more commonplace.
The future does not look bleak at all for plus size teens. With several fashion options already available, more exciting things will soon come our way. All I hope is that all these positive changes help young plus size women feel beautiful and happy with their image and body size.