Botox for beginners: When to get it, how to get it

Wrinkles. A word that most women do not like to hear and most definitely do not want to see on their faces. Basic facial movements, like smiling, frowning, and squinting, can eventually lead to having wrinkles, and they can make you look tired or angry even when you’re not.

One of the well-known treatments to reduce facial wrinkles safely and quickly is Botox or Botulinum toxin. An injection of Botox blocks muscular nerve signals. This in turn weakens the muscle so that it will not contract, therefore diminishing the chance of unwanted wrinkles.

Plastic surgeons at Manila Doctors Hospital’s Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology Center explain the three most common Botox procedures and when you may need them. 







Excessive Underarm Sweating

Do your sweaty underarms irritate you and make you more self-conscious?

Excessive sweating is mostly caused by metabolic, neurologic, and other systemic diseases, but healthy people without any medical history of such can still experience excessive sweating. Strong bursts of emotion, like anxiety, and extreme heat can trigger hyperhidrosis, or the abnormally excessive sweating condition, but there are some people who suffer from hyperhidrosis all the time.

The procedure lasts for 45 minutes or less for both armpits and the results will be seen between 3 to 7 days after the procedure.

Crow’s Feet Botox

Most people also call crow’s feet as “laugh lines.” These eye wrinkles are inevitable signs of aging that begin to form at the corners of your eyes when you reach your mid-twenties. These lines appear because the skin loses its elasticity as we age. The body’s production of collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for the skin’s elasticity, lessen as the one age.

Frowning, laughing, and even smiling can cause these eye wrinkles to appear. It would be impossible for one to avoid smiling and laughing just to avoid these laugh lines on your eyes.

One way to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet is through Botox. It helps reduce eye wrinkles and relaxes your eye muscles so they will not contract. It blocks the chemical signal in your nerves that tell your muscles to function. The appearance of crow’s feet is minimized three to seven days upon the procedure.

Forehead Botox

Most people, especially women who are 30 and above, would periodically check their foreheads looking for signs of wrinkles. These fine horizontal or vertical wrinkles, commonly known as frown lines, start to appear across the forehead and eyebrows. Aside from the decreased production of collagen, other factors that contribute to the appearance of forehead wrinkles are smoking, too much sun exposure, and stress.

Botox can help reduce the appearance of these fine lines in the forehead. In crow’s feet, for instance, the botulinum toxin in botox relaxes the muscles and prevents them from contract that results in wrinkling of the skin.

Side effects of this non-surgical cosmetic procedure are minimized if done by a doctor. The Manila Doctors Hospital’s Aesthetic Surgery & Dermatology Center (ASDC) takes a holistic approach to cosmetic procedures. With reputable board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists, ASDC offers multiple services for your health, beauty, and wellness need in a hospital environment that’s both safe and responsive.

This month, for a limited period, ASDC offers discounted botox procedures. For more information, visit the MDH website, on Facebook, and Twitter. Or, call (+632) 524-3011 local 4527.

ASDC is located at the Ground floor of Manila Doctors Hospital, 667 United Nations Ave. Ermita, Manila.

 source: interaksyon.com

Six easy makeup tips for pregnant and busy moms

I have approximately an hour and a half to write this article. I have just put my three-month-old daughter down for a nap and her next feeding is in less than two hours. Half of my lunch is sitting on the dining table, and maybe I’ll get to that after this story. I still have a couple of other household and work things to juggle afterwards, a dinner party, then my last feeding for the baby and putting her down for the night. Such is the life I have been thrust into since giving birth to my first child a few months ago. I realize that I’ve humbly joined the ranks of many time-conscious women who are really superheroes-in-disguise.

Gone are the days when I could plan out and think about my look for a particular day, from my clothes, to my accessories, to my shoes, to my hairstyle and makeup. Even in the middle of busy weeks closing a magazine or covering Fashion Week, I would have energy to put thought into most of my appearance and cheat the rest. These days, my criteria is basic: whatever works. I might have a few extra minutes to think about my look—if my baby decides to feed, burp, and take a nap efficiently. But more often than not, I probably won’t have the energy. Not to mention the other more important concerns I can use my brain cells for during those pockets of extra time.

If your daily life sounds similar to mine—or makes mine look like it’s a walk in the park—here are six realistic beauty tips to keep you looking polished and presentable. Because as much as we’d love to look as put-together as mom and fashion icon Victoria Beckham 24/7, we know not everyone has daily access to professional help like she does.




1. Prioritize good skincare.
We don’t always have time to do the full shebang of primer-foundation-concealer-loose powder to correct our skin, and we all know the cornerstone of beauty is pristine skin. Make sure to find a regimen that works for you, and be faithful in applying it every day and every night. That way you can easily get away with very minimal makeup, which will save you lots of time.

2. Expectant moms, learn how to contour and highlight.
Pregnant women will attest that even if they haven’t gained weight on their faces, they still think they have because they feel bloated. Makeup artist for Shu Uemura and mom Cathy Cantada-Dizon says she went through this, which led her to heavily contour her own cheeks. Get yourself a good contour kit or matte bronzer that’s two shades darker than your skintone. Contouring minimizes parts of our face and can create depth. So if you’re feeling extra chubby, try brushing bronzer from the middle of your ear down towards the corners of your mouth, but only until halfway of your cheeks. You can also brush bronzer on your temples, jawline, and create a noseline (from the inner tips of your eyebrows down to the inner portion of your nostrils), when you feel your nose starts looking like a tomato.

Complement contouring with a bit of highlighted cheekbones to really give your     face      more depth and ditch that feeling (or actuality) of a wider face.

3. Cut back on products, too.
“During the course of pregnancy our body temperature changes. Pregnant women feel so hot and sweaty most of the time, so if you’re used to wearing layers of makeup, lessen application so as not to feel irritated,” advises MAC Cosmetics makeup artist and mom of three, Pong Niu. If you can get away with just concealer and pressed powder, do so and save yourself the trouble of that melting feeling under makeup layers. Or switch to a light BB or CC cream in the meantime.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of mascara.
If you literally only have a minute or less, try curling your eyelashes and loading up on black mascara. This will wake up your eyes and make you look like you’re ready to face the day, even if you have yet to get caffeine in your body! If it’s all you have time for, curled eyelashes amplified with mascara already does a lot for your look.

5. Decide on your instantly polished makeup item.
It could be a bold lip, serious eyeliner, or flushed cheeks, this is that one item that makes you look presentable with very little effort. Cantada-Dizon says “[Mine] will always will be eyeliner and mascara. Lots of it. I look tired and haggard without it. Somehow it does brighten up my face and I feel more confident with eyeliner on since my eyes are very chinita.” It all depends on your facial features and your style. When you are pressed for time, this is your go-to look which you won’t have to think about.

Fuchsia, coral, or red lipstick is another easy item you can slick on to instantly look presentable. This is Niu’s pesonal makeup uniform. She recommends MAC lipsticks in Ablaze, Heroine, Silly and Embrace Me. “Nice skin and an outstanding lip color will do the magic,” she says.

6. Get a good concealer and champagne eyeliner.
By lining the inner rims or waterline of your lower lids, it extends the white parts of your eyes and makes you look more awake and alert. Couple that with a creamy, blendable concealer set with loose powder for your eyebags and you’ll hardly have traces of waking up during wee hours of the morning on your face.

Cantada-Dizon’s advices women is to “first know your face.” Know what to hide and what to play up in order to create your fail safe makeup look. And Niu emphasizes, “Do not neglect yourself. It doesn’t mean that if you have a baby, you have the license not to look fabulous anymore! Look for a home-service mani-pedi, spa, etc. Everything now is convenient and just a call away.”

source: interaksyon.com

Teens with acne told not to wash often

A U.S. dermatologist advises teens plagued with acne not to wash their faces too often -- in fact, that may make it worse.

"Don't wash your face too often," Dr. Kent Aftergut of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas said in a statement. "Acne isn't caused by dirt, so frequent washing won't help, and scrubbing instead may irritate your skin to make acne even worse."

Those affected should wash no more than twice a day using a medicated face wash containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide -- available in products purchased over-the-counter -- Aftergut recommended.

However, a dermatologist could prescribe more powerful treatments for acne that doesn't clear up, Aftergut said.

Aftergut said recent data showed teens who eat a diet high in dairy products and sugar might worsen acne. High sugar consumption can also stimulate the body's production of certain chemicals that drive acne and milk contains hormones that can do the same, Aftergut said.

Teens need some dairy to provide calcium and vitamin D so dermatologists don't recommend stopping these, just consuming in moderation and maintaining a balanced diet, Aftergut said.

source: upi.com

Treat your skin to 'liquid gold'

MANILA, Philippines - In ancient Greece, olive oil was much more than a food staple. The poet Homer called it “liquid gold” and athletes ritually rubbed it over their bodies.

Today, olive oil is still used to treat the skin. Packed with pure extra-virgin oil with the added benefits of vitamin E and antioxidants, Palmer’s Olive Butter Formula and Olive Oil Formula restores and rejuvenates skin.

Palmer’s Olive Butter Formula SPF 15 body lotion combines the anti-oxidant rich moisturizing properties of certified organic extra-virgin olive oil with the added benefit of SPF15 UVA/UVB protection to help maintain skin’s youthful glow, while the Olive Butter Formula Cream Oil has deep hydrating benefits of an oil with the creamy, fast-absorbing properties of a lotion. Also included in the line are the Olive Butter Formula body butter, lotion, concentrated cream, and the replenishing shampoo, conditioner, and conditioning spray oil.

Palmer’s is available at Rustan’s Department Stores in Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Place, Gateway Mall, Cebu, and all major department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

source: philstar.com

J & J to remove harmful chemicals from products such as Neutrogena, Clean & Clear - NYT

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to eliminate several harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from its line of consumer products meant for adults by the end of 2015, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

The latest move comes after the company said in November it was phasing out formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from its baby products. The diversified healthcare company is extending the program to include well-known drugstore brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno and Clean & Clear, the paper said.

"We've never really seen a major personal care product company take the kind of move that they're taking with this," said Kenneth Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, one of the organizations that has been negotiating with company officials to change their practices, the paper said.

J&J previously said it had been reducing the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from its baby products since 2009 when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics first raised concerns with the company about its baby shampoo.

Formaldehyde is considered to be a possible trigger for some cancers and skin allergies.

Susan Nettesheim, vice president for product stewardship and toxicology for the company's consumer health brands, said the project was a major undertaking and would require extensive spending on research and development to find alternatives, the Times said.

The cost of the project was not revealed by the company, the paper said.

J&J officials could not be reached by Reuters for comment.

source: interaksyon.com

Summer Skincare Tips

The summer is right around the corner. That means longer days and more time spent outside. Summer is indeed a lot of fun, but people should make sure that they take the steps necessary to protect their skin from the harsh summer sun. Below are five of the most important summer skin care tips:

Avoid sun during its peak hours

Many people enjoy spending time outside, but the harsh ultraviolent rays from the sun can do serious damage to the skin. People who spend too much time in the sun also have a tendency to age more quickly. Studies have also shown that exposure to ultraviolent rays can also make a person more susceptible to developing skin cancer. The sun is at its peak during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sun exposure should be limited during those times.

Put on sunscreen

It is not possible to completely avoid the sun during the wintertime. However, people should always make sure that they apply sunscreen when they go outside. This includes the times before 10 A.M. and after 4 P.M. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from the harsh ultraviolent rays.

Cleanse the skin

This may seem like a given, but it is one of the most important things that people can do to keep their skin healthy during any season. Washing helps remove the toxins that can build up and rob the skin of its beauty. However, people should not bathe or shower more than twice per day. Over washing the skin removes many of its protective oils.

Drink plenty of water

Water also helps flush out toxins in the body and helps keep the complexion smooth and radiant. Drinking water also helps prevent dehydration, which is very common during the hotter months. People should carry a water bottle with them at all times to make sure that they are drinking enough water.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating diet that is filled with fruits and vegetables will allow a person to get plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that help keep the skin looking youthful. People should also make sure that they get plenty of whole grains and lean protein.

Limiting sun exposure, applying sunscreen, cleansing the skin, drinking water and eating a healthy diet are the keys to keeping the skin healthy during the summer.

Brian Rebula is a skin care writer and Skin Care Center consultant focusing on homeopathic remedies for facial rejuvenation.

Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051549487-1-summer-skincare-tips/