How Honey Can Help You Stay Young

Honey is a great antioxidant. Studies conducted on the beneficial properties of honey have established that it protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Honey also helps in the rejuvenation of the skin. Free radicals resulting from the metabolism in your body when oxidized are responsible, along with other things, for aging. Being a natural and superb antioxidant, honey fights the free radicals and decelerates aging. You can either consume honey or apply it topically to reap its many benefits.

Honey has a high sugar content, moderately high acidity and therefore low pH and low protein quantity. Add to these its antioxidant property and the presence of Hydrogen Peroxide in it, and you have a wonderful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial agent in honey.

To stay, feel and look young, you should have to maintain your face, your skin and your hair. They must have a good and young appearance. Honey will help you do this extremely well. You may not have either the time or the mood to spend a lot of money to go to a spa but that’s okay because honey provides you with an easy and effective alternative.

Honey in history
Legend has it that even since the times of Cleopatra, honey has been used for enhancing and maintaining one’s youthful looks and beauty. As you grow in age or when affected by exposure to unfavorable environmental factors, your skin tends to lose its elasticity, softness and supple character. Honey is a good natural product with excellent properties for restoring these very qualities to the skin. It has the capability of retaining and maintaining the moisture in the skin. Honey inhibits scaling and smoothes the wrinkles on the skin. Because of this, the skin looks naturally young.

Uses for honey
Mixed with some other things, honey can work as a facial mask, a hair conditioner and a skin clarifier. To make dry skin smooth, apply a mixture containing four tablespoons of honey and three tablespoons of milk. After about ten minutes, rinse the skin for a smoother look. Mashed apple mixed with five tablespoons of honey is good for tightening your skin. These mixtures can be topically applied anywhere, face, neck, arms or anywhere you need a healthy skin boost.

Of course, you can use also honey alone. Apply it directly on your skin when it is rough, scaly or dry. Leave it in place for a few minutes and then wash it off to find revitalized skin.

Home facial
A recipe for a home facial consists of two egg whites and about three to four tablespoons of honey. You can make a paste out of these with the help of a little flour. Liberal application of the paste on your face and washing it off with lukewarm water after ten minutes or so will leave your face look squeaky clean.

Honey can be used as a hair conditioner too. Combine ½ cup of honey with ¼ cup of olive oil and add a few drops of the oil of rosemary. Apply this to your hair and hair roots. Leave it for about 30 minutes and then rinse well. You may also use a good shampoo to wash your hair. You will be left with excellently conditioned hair.

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The Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea

A substantial proportion of the diseases and illnesses which accrue as we get older are considered to be caused by years of living with elevated stress levels. One of the best stress reducing remedies we can take to fight the ongoing effects of our stress filled lives are herbal products called adaptogens, which possess many curative properties.

One such adaptogen is Rhodiola Rosea. Amongst the many benefits attributed to it are improvements in memory, concentration and attention span; reduction of anxiety and panic attacks; the alleviation of depression; and a decrease in mental and physical fatigue.

Rhodiola Rosea is a plant that is native to the world’s colder regions, including the Arctic, Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains of North America, as well as certain mountainous locales in Western Europe.

Rhodiola Rosea, as a stress-retarding adaptogen, has the potential to enhance brain function and mood. Stress interferes with memory functions and, over time, causes deterioration in memory systems. In addition to enhancing cognitive functions, learning and memory, Rhodiola Rosea may exert positive effects on memory and cognition by improving resistance to physical and emotional stress. Thus, the dual action of cognitive stimulation and emotional calming creates benefits for both immediate cognitive and memory performance and for the long-term preservation of brain functions. And, as an antioxidant, Rhodiola Rosea may help protect the nervous system from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

The systematic study of the pharmacological effects of Rhodiola Rosea began in 1965. Since then, various studies, predominantly in Russia (where it has for decades been taken by the military, cosmonauts and athletes as an effective anti-aging remedy) and Germany, show that it can be used in a number of beneficial ways:

• As a stimulant for the symptoms of asthenia (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, headaches, and fatigue).
• In healthy individuals to relieve fatigue, increase attention span, memory, and work productivity.
• Overall, in small and medium doses, Rhodiola Rosea enhances norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and nicotinic cholinergic effects in the central nervous system.
• Fights the physical and mental effects of stress and lowers cortisol levels.
• Promotes the synthesis of ATP (cellular fuel).
• As an antioxidant, Rhodiola Rosea may help protect the nervous system from oxidative damage by free radicals.
• Increases physical work capacity and dramatically shortens the recovery time between bouts of high-intensity exercise.
• Rhodiola Rosea has the potential to help patients with depressive syndromes, mental and physical fatigue, memory loss and cognitive dysfunction from a variety of causes.
• Helps with sexual dysfunction, and menopausal-related disorders.

Rhodiola Rosea is the premium choice to counteract the mental and physical effects of stress. It is a potent herb that helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol while enhancing levels of key brain chemicals involved in regulating mood. Plus, Rhodiola works naturally to promote the synthesis of ATP, the primary energy source for all cells in the body.

So Rhodiola Rosea can provide a great way to conquer the mental and physical challenges of our stressful times. The other good news is that Rhodiola Rosea has shown few occurrences of side effects, has low toxicity, and there appear to be little if any contraindications with prescription medicines. However, like many other supplements, it should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Adult Stem Cells And The Science Of Aging

For those seeking to exercise greater control over their own aging process, science has made considerable advancements in it's research, and more importantly, in actual human results.

The most exciting results and advancements have come from the stem cell branch of study. Specifically, adult bone marrow stem cells.

Recent presidential debates have publicly opened the door to the amazing power discovered in adult stem cells. How do these discoveries effect human aging?

The two grades of aging

Science tells us that there are two distinct measurements of aging, chronological and biological. There is nothing that can be done to halt, or even slow down chronological aging. Chronological aging is based and measured entirely on the passing of time.

If you were born forty years, ten months and twenty seven days ago, chronologically that is your age. However, chronological aging is not nearly as important as biological aging. Biological aging details how the body, or more specifically, the organs are functioning based on a measure of years.

For instance, a person may be thirty five years old yet have the lungs functioning at a performance of a twenty year old. The opposite may also be true. A person can be in their early thirties yet have their body and organs functioning at a much older age. Therefore, understanding the difference between chronological aging and biological aging is of key importance in the control and suppression of aging.

But what determines the rate in which biological aging occurs? The body's ability to renew itself.

Stem cells and the aging process

Interestingly enough, adult stem cells seem to be effected by chronological aging. Science has proven that at a certain age, usually between twenty five and thirty five, the body's adult bone marrow stem cells dramatically reduce their circulation within the body. This in turn significantly reduces the body's renewal process, leading to organ degradation, a breakdown in function and the advancement of aging.

A key point to be aware of is that the adult stem cells are in fact still within the body. Every human being has millions upon millions of healthy, genetically intact adult stem cells within the bone marrow. However, there is a point in time when the body significantly reduces it's release of bone marrow stem cells.

As this release is slowed down, aging begins to speed up. The key question now is, is there anything we can do to stimulate the release of bone marrow stem cells?

Here are four specific steps you can take to put the brakes on the aging process. 1.Rigorous exercise; Numerous studies have shown conclusively that rigorous exercise has a positive effect on the body's aging process. Exciting new studies also indicate that exercise stimulates the body's release of bone marrow stem cells.

2.Breathing exercises: Deep, systematic breathing exercises such as chi kung or yoga have shown very positive results in the areas of aging. Deep diaphragmatic breathing oxygenates the blood, which in turn helps to maintain cellular health.

3.Proper nutrition: obviously this is not a new concept, but certainly worth mentioning. Properly feeding the body with essential nutrients is elementary in slowing down the aging process by simply keeping organs biologically sound and healthy.

4.Stem cell enhancers: In recent years science has discovered specific nutrients that greatly help the body release it's own bone marrow stem cells into the blood stream. These enhancers facilitate the circulation and travel of adult stem cells throughout the body. This has shown to be a massive advancement in adult stem cell science.

Science has proven that we are not as vulnerable to aging as we once thought. There is a certain measure of control we can exercise if we decide to. The stimulation, release and circulation of your own adult bone marrow stem cells can literately be the passage to the fountain of youth.

Take care Of Your Oily Skin

Do you have overproductive sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oily skin? The good news is this skin type is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The downside can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance. The following steps can minimize the negative effects.
Instructions


STEP 1: Stick with the basics: The experts suggest cleansing your face two or three times daily with good old soap and water. Pack a premoistened cleansing pad if you won't be around a water basin throughout the day.

STEP 2: Understand that dermatologists and aestheticians often disagree on which types of soaps or cleansers to use'but all agree that once you find a product that works well for your skin, you should continue using it.

STEP 3: Follow the recommendations of dermatologists and shower or bathe in tepid rather than steaming-hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.

STEP 4: Avoid using cleansers that tend to overdry skin. This paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.

STEP 5: Use only noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen products'this means they're oil-free and won't clog pores.

STEP 6: Talk to your dermatologist about a class of drugs called retinoids, which reduce production in oil glands and shrink their size.

STEP 7: Keep in mind that oil glands are very sensitive'stimuli such as hormones, heat and (some say) fatty food can trigger them.


STEP8:Remember that your efforts to keep your oily skin clear can only go so far, as some studies indicate that oily skin is hereditary.

12 Tips To prevent Your Skin From Wrinkles

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the sun is the major cause of wrinkles (www.aad.org). Protecting the skin from the sun and other ways to help prevent wrinkles are below:


12 WAYS TO HELP PREVENT WRINKLES

1. Drink Water: 6-8 glasses per day to keep the skin hydrated.

2. Wear Sunscreen: SPF 15 or higher

3. Wear Protective Clothing: wide brimmed hats and sunglasses when in the sun

.4. Don't sunbathe

.5. Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 3pm

.6. Moisturize Regularly

.7. Exercise Regularly

.8. Eat Healthy, especially foods high in anti-oxidants.

9. Take Vitamins: multi-vitamins, especially vitamins A, C and E.

10. Limit Alcohol intake

11. Avoid Smoking.

12. Get plenty of sleep.

Pycnogenol - The King of the Skin Antioxidants

Much has been documented about the health benefits of consuming the antioxidant, Pycnogenol, as a means of deterring premature skin aging. For one reason or another, the benefits of its topical application has received very little publicity, which is unfortunate, as it is far superior to other, more common antioxidants found in anti-aging skin care products.

Pycnogenol is the registered trademark for the unique extract obtained from the bark of French maritime pine trees. Extensive research has shown that it is a powerful antioxidant proven to have a significant effect on the skin when taken orally or applied topically. It is a super antioxidant in that it is 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in fighting free radicals. It is dramatically more effective than lipoic acid and grapeseed extract. Studies have shown that it is 98% effective in fighting free radicals in skin tissue. In addition to its potent antioxidant activity, Pycnogenol also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and supports microcirculation.

Wrinkles are a result of the breakdown of the fibers that support our skin, namely, collagen and elastin. Pycnogenol works by binding to these fibers thereby inhibiting enzymes and free radicals from breaking them down. As a result, the development of wrinkles is deterred.

One of the most profound causes of premature skin damage is photo-aging, that caused by the sun. Pycnogenol protects the skin from accelerated aging that results from exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. UV radiation damages collagen and elastin, creates free radical damage, and causes skin inflammation, . This extract contains substances that decrease the symptoms of chronic inflammation and protect the skin from sun damage, ozone, smog, pollution, and damaging free radicals. Consequently, it is an ideal ingredient for use in anti-aging and wrinkle creams. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and retained for as long as 72 hours while it neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidation.

As is the case with any active anti-aging ingredient, the concentration of Pycnogenol in skin care products must be sufficient enough to be effective. Token amounts that are there simply so manufacturers can claim its presence in the product just won’t do it. Very few products contain this potent antioxidant because it is expensive. Although no specific levels for it in topical applications have been determined, the most common amount used in skin serums and creams is typically 0.1 to 0.2%. The easiest way to determine if a product contains enough of the antioxidant is to look at its color. The extract is brown in color. Any product that lists it as an ingredient and is not brown, has an insignificant concentration of it. Its name should also be listed near the top of the ingredients printed on the package.

Sleep Wrinkles - Preventing and Repairing Them

As we age, the appearance of sleep wrinkles, those facial lines that develop from sleeping with your face against a pillow, becomes much more prominent. This should come as no surprise if you consider how much of one’s life is spent sleeping. If you are getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night, you sleep 1/3 of your life. Consequently, by age 60, you will have slept 20 years. It is obvious why sleeping on our face eventually leads to creases that become permanently etched in the surface of the skin. Sleep wrinkles are much easier to prevent than they are to repair. As a result, you should make every effort to keep from getting them in the first place.

The most effective and least costly method for preventing sleep wrinkles is to sleep on your back. People who sleep in this position simply do not develop these wrinkles. Chinese women recognized this fact ages ago, and always slept on their backs using concave porcelain pillows. If you are unaccustomed to sleeping in this position, you might try placing a pillow under you knees to decrease stress on the lower back and increase your comfort.

If you are unable to sleep on your back, using a pillow that minimizes facial wrinkling is another possibility. Sleep on a big, soft, non-synthetic pillow that you are able to fluff and squish. Those with natural fill, such as down and feathers, offer the most comfort, long-term performance, and adjustability. This type of pillow supports the head while providing softness, eliminating pressure points, and increasing facial circulation to reduce squashing and sleep wrinkles. There are also pillows available made specifically for preventing sleep wrinkles. They support the head while keeping the face and eye tissue away from the pillow.

Choosing the correct pillowcase on which to sleep can also deter the formation of sleep creases. If you awaken with these unsightly lines in the morning, your cotton pillowcase may be to blame. Instead of cotton, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase that allows your face to slide across the pillow thereby minimizing skin wrinkling. Another option for not only preventing sleep lines, but also repairing those which you already have, is to use a copper technology pillowcase. It is imbedded with copper micro fibers which serve to repair your skin as you sleep. Copper has been proven to stimulate collagen production thereby helping reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Unfortunately, if you already have sleep wrinkles, they may be difficult to alleviate. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. When the skin becomes creased while sleeping, it no longer readily snaps back when the head is not resting on the pillow, as it did when we were younger. Since these wrinkles are not the result of muscle contractions, such as worry lines or crow’s feet, products with Botox-like benefits are ineffective. In order to correct them, new collagen needs to form under the wrinkles to push up the skin from below. There are many skin care products on the market that contain various peptides that promote the formation of collagen. If topical formulations are ineffective, you might want to consult your dermatologist about a wrinkle filler such as Restylane.

Toxic Cosmetics - What's In Your Cleanser?

You may think that the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over cosmetics and skin care products. Unfortunately that's a myth. While there is a law that requires a warning label be put on products that have not been approved for safety, the FDA has no power to enforce this law.

Many of the most popular brands of skin care products contain chemicals that are known toxins and carcinogens. Examine the label of your favorite shampoo and you'll almost surely find it contains parabens which are linked to breast cancer.

If you look at the label of your antiperspirant, it most likely contains the chemical aluminum chlorohydrate. Aluminum is widely recognized as a toxin that is linked to Alzheimer's disease, organ dysfunction, and learning disabilities.

While you're in the medicine cabinet you might as well look for sodium lauryl sulfate. That's another common chemical in personal care products. It's also used to clean grease and oil from engines.

Consumers are very savvy and realize that their skin, the largest bodily organ, is too precious to abuse with toxic chemicals. This realization has started a new trend--buying personal care products at the health food store.

What sounds better to you--methylparaben or tea tree oil? Consumers are all too aware of the incomprehensible list of chemicals on the labels of their personal care products. They are opting to go for organic products found in their local health food stores. The products there are made from ingredients found in nature and are, at least, understandable. It's much easier to understand shea butter than it is to wrap your mind around aluminum chlorohydrate.

Among the brands that have become popular are--

• Zia - one of a few merchants that make a micro dermabrasion kit without aluminum oxide
• Dr Hanuschka - all natural products
• Jason Natural Cosmetics - makes a great buttery line of skin care products and a wonderful makeup remover.

Give the organic brands a try. They're becoming popular enough that they may start appearing in the mainstream stores.

Natural Skin Care for Dull Complexion

Beauty is one of the topics that attract almost all the women and today every one is conscious of their look and presentation. Women usually bother about their dull complexion as today it is meant that fair complexion adds an inner confidence in you.

Some women also think that it affects their career success and future prospects. It also greatly influence in marriages as men always make their preferences for girls possessing fair complexions. But you need not to worry more for all such issues any more because there are many effective natural beauty tips for dull complexion.

• Apply mashed apricot on the face for instant shine.

• Mash leaves of spearmint with little water. Apply on the face both morning and evening. Face starts glowing within a week.

• Apply gram pulse flour in the morning. It will make even rough skin soft and the color becomes fair.

• Immerse four almonds in water in the morning. Peel in the evening and grind with two teaspoonfuls of milk to form a paste. Apply on the face at night and wash the face with cold water in the morning. Use for 15 days and the complexion will become fair.

• Daily application of fresh cow or buffalo’s milk also makes the skin fair.

• Add two teaspoonfuls of raw milk in one teaspoonful of flour of gram pulse. Do not wash the face with soap. Apply this paste for 15-20 minutes and then wash it. Do this twice or thrice a week.

• Eat fibre rich diet. Also take green leafy vegetables to retain youth and freshness.

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. It is also very effective natural cure for dull complexion and other skin ailments.

Even morning walk, yoga or meditation also contributes a lot to improve your beauty and complexion.

Disclaimer: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

The Hair Loss Treatment 5 Point Plan

No hair loss treatment can guarantee results as every individual responds differently to medications and natural herbal remedies. Even a very popular remedy such as the over the counter drug Rogaine mentions in the promotional literature that no results can be guaranteed and it appears to work best on younger men who have experienced hair loss less than 10 years.

If however an individual changes the mindset toward hair loss treatment from looking desperately for a magical cure to developing a holistic approach involving lifestyle factors in addition to physical hair loss products, significant results can often be seen.

This 5 point plan incorporates an outside and inside approach. The first 2 factors deal with external hair loss treatment strategies and the last 3 factors deal with a strategy from within:

Point 1: Avoid unnecessarily damaging your hair

Be careful with the use of a hair dryer not directing heat to any section of the head for too long. Keep your head or the hair dryer moving.

Dab or pat your hair dry with a towel after a shower, don't rub vigorously. Wet hair is fragile hair. For the same reason use a comb, never a brush on wet hair.

Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or alkaline based hair shampoos which claim to give body and bounce to the hair. They can actually damage it.

Point 2: Use carefully chosen hair care products

Deep cleansing shampoos with special formulations can neutralize DHT, a main factor which causes hair loss in men and women. (See resource box below)

Hair care products with a pH factor between 4.5 and 5.5 are best.

Point 3: Give attention to diet

New cell creation which goes on to form hair takes place in the hair follicle. Hair follicles rely on a supply of blood to perform well. The quality of our blood is greatly affected by what we eat!

So pay attention to a properly balanced diet in order to get the full variety of vitamins and minerals the body needs. Make sure your daily intake includes:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Grains and cereals
• Proteins
• Dairy products

Supplement your daily diet with vitamins E, C and B. (See your medical practitioner first if you are taking other medication)

Point 4: Pay attention to your breathing

Deep breathing can not only relax the body but also make sure the blood is well oxygenated. As oxygen is crucial to cell creation and development, the bulb shaped papilla at the base of the hair follicle needs a good supply of oxygenated blood in order to perform well. The new cells created move upwards pushing older cells toward the center of the hair follicle where they die and harden to form the central shaft of a new hair.

Educating oneself on how to breath properly and engage in deep breathing exercises regularly can have a very positive effect on the whole body and of course the scalp.

Point 5: Exercise

Daily or regular exercise keeps the body's circulatory system in good running order. This in turn means the delivery system is healthy for making sure the hair follicles are given the nutrients they need from the blood supply.

There is an abundance of information available on how to make your own balanced exercise plan. Even walking for 30 minutes or so every day or 3 or 4 times a week can yield very positive results.

When it comes to searching out a hair loss treatment, these factors are often not even considered. The public at large is desperate for a quick fix when it comes to the problem of hair loss.

However, the solution is not so easy. On the other hand, effective hair loss treatment need not be elusive either.

Using the 5 point plan above will go a long way in stopping hair loss and promoting new hair growth. If you want to delve further into this 'whole body' approach to hair loss treatment, I strongly recommend the inexpensive ebook "Hair Loss No More" by Jonathon E. Phillips. He has put together the elements above into a Hair Power Regimen which is simple and easy to understand.

Hair Loss From Stress - The Mind Body Connection

Hair loss from stress has been observed under certain circumstances including childbirth and menopause in women, as well as sudden shock and trauma from serious illness in both men and women.

Could it be that the mind can exercise influence over the body in the matter of hair loss? While not suggesting that hair loss from stress can be stopped or cured simply by 'mind over matter' it is important to evaluate the evidence which suggests the mind certainly can play a part.

The Placebo Effect

Pharmaceutical companies test new medicines and drugs by using control groups. Some participants are given the actual drug or medication, others are given a placebo, a medicine or treatment that performs no physical function but it may affect a patient psychologically.

As the patients do not know which of their number is actually taking the drug and which ones are taking the placebo the true effectiveness of the drug can be determined.

While the group of patients taking the drug and seeing improvement in their condition may be larger than the group taking the placebo who also see an improvement, the very fact that a percentage of the placebo group see an improvement provides evidence that the mind indeed exercises a powerful influence over the body.

How can this information be utilized when considering hair loss from stress?

Evidently in addition to considering medication or exterior treatments, attention should also be given to relaxation techniques and mind calming exercises. A calm mind can soothe a stressed body. The whole body then benefits including the scalp and the condition of the hair follicles responsible for hair growth.

Numerous stress relieving strategies are available as a brief search on the internet will reveal. However, in his groundbreaking ebook "Hair Loss No More" (see resource box below), leading hair loss analyst Jonathan E. Phillips, lays out a plan for a structured approach to stopping hair loss and promoting new hair growth.

In addition to proper attention to diet and nutrition, simple breathing exercises are very important in relaxing the body and oxygenating the blood. Regular exercise is also crucial in maintaining a healthy mind body connection.

Mr. Phillips has put together what he calls a revolutionary Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen. In this way, whatever exterior treatment is chosen in the way of properly balanced hair shampoos to neutralize DHT or herbal supplements to promote healthy hair growth (See resource box below), working from the inside out by paying attention to diet, nutrition, exercise, and deep breathing, can have a major impact on controlling hair loss.

If you feel your hair loss is from stress to some degree then take positive action by analyzing your lifestyle and identifying the main stressors in your life. Combat the effect of stress by taking a little time to learn simple techniques and strategies you can use daily to calm the mind and the body. I found the information in Mr. Phillips book gave me a rounded out program which I use regularly.

Consider The Mind Body Connection

While the idea of hair loss from stress may be dismissed by some as just an unprovable theory, there is a consensus among many in the medical community that proper stress control can have a very positive effect not only on a person's general state of health but also on the condition of the scalp and hair growth.

The mind body connection is one important factor that needs to be taken into consideration when deciding what course to take to stop hair loss.

Find The Best Hair Treatment Center For You

It is very important that you take your time to find the very best hair treatment center for you. Here is a helpful list of items you will need to help you find the center that is perfect for you. Start by making sure you are very comfortable with the doctor who will perform the procedure. It is a good idea to bring someone you trust to the consultation with you. This gives you someone to discuss the information with who will give you honest feedback.

Before you go in for a consultation, write down any questions you have so you don’t forget to ask something. If your questions aren’t answered directly then you should not work with that particular center for the procedure. Pay attention to how willing the doctor is to discuss all hair transplant options with you.

Take note of how business is conducted in this particular office. If you feel pressured to start paying for the hair transplant or to schedule appointments, then keep looking for someone else. A great doctor will provide you with the necessary information and then encourage you to take some time to think it over. Find out if the doctor works alone or with other doctors. You want to ensure who will be doing the procedure as well as seeing you for any follow up visits.

Always ask the doctor about their experience with performing hair transplants. You need to know how many procedures they have been involved in. This will help to distinguish their level of expertise as well as their abilities. Ask about the training they have had in this area. While any doctor has a degree you want specific information relating to hair transplant procedures.

Trust your instincts. If you aren’t completely satisfied with how a consultation went then seek one elsewhere. These tips will help ensure you find the very best doctor to perform your hair transplant. It will also give you the best chance for obtaining the results you are seeking.

You can also find more information at affordable permanent hair and top permanent hair. MedicalHairTransplantation.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals with hair loss identify treatment options such as hair transplant.

Hair Loss Cause #1 And What You Can Do About It

What is hair loss cause number 1, the single most common reason for hair loss in men and women the world over?

Answer: HEREDITY!

Due to genetic factors passed on from our parents or from further back in the family tree, an individual may have a predisposition towards baldness.

At a certain time in life, hereditary factors can kick in so that hormonal changes in the body create what is called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a substance which causes the hair follicles to stop creating new cells which eventually die and harden to form new hair shafts.

In men, there can even be early indications of hereditary baldness in the teen years although the vast majority develop pattern baldness later in life.

As a group, women in their forties seem to show noticeable signs of hair thinning, although it must be said their number is considerably less than men.

A Variety Of Manifestations

This main cause of hair loss also produces a great variety of manifestations.

In some, the balding process starts early in life and progresses rapidly. In others, signs of hair loss appear later and very gradually increase. Some individuals develop bald spots on the scalp within a matter of months.

Then again, there might be rapid hair loss to start with which then gradually tapers off so the rate of hair loss stabilizes while in other cases the rate of hair loss is almost unnoticeable for a long time until it finally starts accelerating at an alarming rate.

Not All Depressing News

At first glance, it might seem that hair loss cause number 1 has the upper hand. After all, if genetic factors are involved what chance does a person stand?

But the facts presented above do not constitute a totally depressing picture. There is some good news.

While an individual may not be able to stop a hair loss cause due to heredity from finally having some effect, the onslaught of hair loss can be delayed and minimized by paying close attention to lifestyle.

For example, many responsible medical practitioners point out that healthy hair growth is sustained by a proper diet, good nutrition, and frequent exercise to keep the body in good working order.

Hair follicles depend on proteins and nutrients from a healthy blood supply that circulates easily around the scalp. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and you stand a much higher chance of staving off the effects of hereditary pattern baldness.

A Desperate Public

This advice may not sit well with some. The public in general has manifested an almost desperate attitude in wanting various medications and treatments to work. The amazing public response to Rogaine when it first came on the market, (and since) is an indication of that.

While there is no doubt Rogaine works for some in stopping hair loss and promoting new growth, the results have limitations. Even the makers of the drug point out it works best with younger men who have experienced hair loss less than 10 years. A member of the advisory board that appeared before the FDA before it gave its approval also stated that he did not regard this medication as a medical breakthrough.

Jonathon E. Phillips in his interesting ebook "Hair Loss No More" puts together a whole body approach including diet and nutrition guidelines, an exercise regimen, and ways to oxygenate the blood, all of which can have a profound effect in delaying the number 1 hair loss cause. (See resource box for details)

Final Thoughts

Hair loss cause number 1 may seem formidable. However, with proper education and a willingness to implement certain lifestyle changes for healthier living, the effects can be delayed and minimized in many cases.

Hair Loss & Hair Growth- Are You Aware Of These 5 Key Factors?

While many of us are not overly concerned with the inner workings of the human body until something goes wrong, when it comes to our hair growth or unfortunately hair loss, we generally maintain a high level of interest all through our lives.

Hair is one of those factors that can have a huge impact on our emotional health and how we feel about ourselves.

It is important then that we at least get a rudimentary education in what affects hair loss and hair growth. Five key factors are set out below as a starting point for further research. Two factors are beyond our direct control, three are certainly factors we can control.

Heredity

Whether we suffer from hair loss or whether we are blessed with healthy hair growth through most of our lives depends to some extent on the inheritance left us by our parents in the genetic code.

Consider for example the condition known as Alopecia Areata in which small round bald patches start appearing on the scalp. One in five sufferers of Alopecia Areata has someone else in the family with it.

Additionally, if any family members suffer with conditions such as vitiligo, atopic eczema, asthma, some auto-immune diseases, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, there is a higher chance you may suffer hair loss.

Obviously we have little control over our genetic inheritance.

General Health

This is another factor that may not be under our direct control. If we are afflicted by a disease or if we get involved in an accident and suffer a serious injury, hair growth can be affected.

Chemotherapy treatment for cancer and a variety of medications for other serious diseases can of course result in hair loss which might be temporary or in some cases permanent. Rate and density of hair growth can be affected thereafter.

Diet & Exercise

What we put into our bodies obviously affects every aspect of our daily lives and how well our bodily organism functions. Although hair in itself is not living tissue, it can be an indicator of how much attention we give our diet and the nutritional value of foods we eat. Hair follicles need proteins and nutrients supplied from good healthy blood that circulates well around the body.

Without becoming paranoid about what we eat, just common sense guidelines such as minimizing the amount of sugar we take in, drinking plenty of water, and making sure we have a balanced intake of carbohydrates and proteins included with a variety of fruit and vegetables can do much to keep our blood healthy.

Additionally, regular exercise, something as simple as 30 minute brisk walks a number of times each week, can contribute to a healthy blood circulation in the body with subsequent benefits to the scalp and hair follicles.

Personality Traits

While we may not be able to dramatically change the personality or character type we were born with, we can to a certain extent control how we react to stressful situations. There is no doubt that prolonged stress can have a disastrous effect on hair growth and subsequent hair loss in many individuals.

Learning how to cope, perhaps by using relaxation techniques, or by learning deep breathing exercises, can balance the body and keep the scalp healthy.

Hair Care

This factor perhaps is the easiest of all to control. Just being aware of things that can damage hair and knowing how to treat your hair can contribute to healthy hair growth and minimal hair loss.

• DO use a quality hair shampoo with a pH balance between 4.5 to 5.5 (alkaline based shampoos, while giving the effect of body and volume can cause the hair to become brittle)
• DON'T vigorously rub your hair with a towel after a shower. Dab or pat dry as hair is fragile when wet. For the same reason use a wide tooth comb not a brush on wet hair.
• DON'T pull your hair as a nervous habit, or put any attachment on your hair which results in high traction and pulling.
• DON'T keep a hair dryer in one spot. Rather move either your head or the hair dryer to avoid heat damage on your hair.

Jonathon E. Phillips, a leading international hair loss analyst, has put together an intriguing, inexpensive ebook under the title "Hair Loss No More." In it he provides a well rounded education on all aspects of hair loss and hair growth, debunking some of the myths that surround the lucrative market associated with hair loss.

He sets out what he terms a revolutionary Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen which combines principles of good diet, nutrition, exercise and ways to oxygenate the blood. (See resource box below)

Keep these five factors in mind when considering any problems with hair growth and hair loss in your family and concentrate on the three aspects that are well within your control.

Hair Restoration Procedure

Hair restoration is the surgical procedure aimed at permanently correcting male pattern baldness. It is a generic term to define a number of methods used to restore hair to balding areas. Hair restoration methods involve topical, oral and surgical treatments.

Various methods of hair restoration surgery

There are various methods of hair restoration surgery for you to choose from. The two chief methods that you can opt for are – a.) Scalp Flap Surgery and b.) Scalp Reduction Surgery.

A. Scalp flap surgery – It entails moving a flap of skin and underlying tissues from one scalp area to the other. The surgeon first cuts out a section of the scalp where there is no hair growth He then replaces it by a flap of hair-bearing scalp. The size and placement of the flap will depend on your requirements. You do not need to worry about the scar. It will be covered by the relocated hair.

The objective of this hair restoration method is used to rectify a non-traumatic cosmetic defect. It is also used to repair a traumatic injury site and restore its functionality and cosmetic appearance. Another use of scalp flap surgery is repairing a skin defect caused by congenital malformation. The advantages of this hair restoration surgery procedure include natural frontal hairline, proper hair placement in temporal areas, hair pattern distortion avoidance, etc. However, it runs the risk of certain side effects. They include permanent hair loss at donor sites, scarring at donor or recipient sites, blood supply failure to the flap, etc.

B. Scalp Reduction Surgery – Scalp reduction surgery is the hair restoration procedure usually meant for people with posterior baldness. It is into removing bald scalp and bringing the half-bearing scalp closer to it to fill in the bald area in the scalp. In this hair restoration surgery the surgeon reduces the baldness by cutting out a segment of the bald scalp skin. The hair restoration process in scalp reduction surgery has two parts. The first part includes the surgical removal of the bald portion of the scalp. The other part entails hair-bearing scalp being upwardly stretched to replace the bald scalp that has been removed. You many need the scalp reduction surgery to be conducted in combination with the surgical procedure called brow lifting. This procedure removes the frown lines from the forehead and crow’s feet from around the eyes. In your case this surgical procedure can be carried out through scalp extension or scalp expansion device. In this technique the hair-bearing scalp skin is stretched causing better coverage to bald areas of the scalp. This hair restoration surgery is often combined with hair transplantation. What’s the objective? Well, one possible objective is to “fine tune” hair restoration in your anesthetically sensitive areas. One example of such an area is your frontal hairline.

The scalp reduction surgery can be conducted before, during or after hair transplantation. The appropriate time will be identified mainly on the basis of your need. How to decide which scalp reduction technique is correct for you? That depends on various factors like your hair loss degree, laxity of the scalp, donor hair amount, etc. The possible complications and side effects that you may face include scarring at the suture lines, scalp skin “stretch back” at the excised bald area and central midline scar called slot deformity.

C. Recent advances in hair transplantation – The emergence of some relatively recent advances in hair transplantation techniques offer better surgery outcomes for pattern baldness. These new hair restoration techniques are less complicated and painful.

Follicular Unit Transplantation – At present it is considered to be the most reliable hair transplant technique. Its success rate is almost 10 per cent. A follicular unit is a physiological unit that needs to be extracted and transplanted as an intact unit. Its advantages include natural looking hair, more effective surgery due to the use of stereoscopic microscopes for dissection, avoidance of damage to the follicular unit, etc. However, it is a time consuming procedure.

Direct Hair Implant (DHI) – The minimally invasive hair transplant procedure for follicular hair transplant, DHI is free from the use of scalpel, stitches and a donor strip. The technique is based on the transportation technique named Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUE exemplifies the latest extraction procedure for follicular unit transplants procedure. FUE includes the use of custom-made, precise micro-surgical tools. There is direct extraction of follicular units one by one, instead of dissection. One main advantage of FUE is possibility of quality control during the transplantation procedure. Besides, it is a simple and painless procedure.

Choosing the right clinic

Be very careful while choosing your hair restoration clinic. A standard clinic will successfully help you realize your hair restoration dream. On the other hand the selection of a wrong clinic will lead to a faulty service. The various factors that determine the credibility of a clinic include the feedback of former patients, legal status (i.e. whether any lawsuits are pending against the clinic), the professional kills of the surgeon, etc.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Still Ideal for Anti-Aging Skin Care?

Would you like to see a cat fight? Just ask two cancer researchers whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes cancer. This question certainly provoked several arguments in the medical community this week.

The first feud started once a report in the New England Journal of Medicine linked the decline in breast cancer rates in 2003 to reduced usage of hormone replacement therapy.

After that announcement, the International Menopause Society (IMS) attacked the report’s credibility by pointing out shortcomings like “a transient decrease in breast cancer incidence was observed also around 1987–9.” And so for the IMS, the ultimate cause of cancer remains questionable-not a definite HRT side effect.

The next tiff to take place over HRT happened once The Lancet unveiled findings from the One Million Women Study. The United Kingdom-based study followed almost 950,000 postmenopausal women for five years to investigate the link between ovarian cancer incidence and HRT usage.

According to the researchers, women who use HRT are at an increased risk of both incident and fatal ovarian cancer. Then in true fighter spirit, the International Menopause Society discredited this HRT study as well. This time the IMS argued that the Lancet study skewed its numbers and that such ill-derived results, “will inevitably cause further unnecessary distress to the many women who are benefiting from HRT.”

It appears the struggles over the safeness of hormone replacement therapy will endure ad infinitum. Meanwhile, should adults continue to use hormone replacement therapy in the mist of possible cancer risks?

If eradicating wrinkles and maintaining your skin’s elasticity as long as possible are important to you, then hormone replacement therapy will help you to meet this goal.

For example, postmenopausal women who use hormone therapy for five years or less typically had fewer wrinkles and firmer skin than women who opted not to use the treatment.

Similarly, a study in the journal Dermatology recommended using hormone replacement therapy to counteract the natural loss of facial tissue, or plumpness, which occurs with aging.

Moreover, results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey discovered the after examining nearly 3,800 postmenopausal women, those using hormone replacement therapy had significantly less wrinkling and skin dryness.

While hormone replacement therapy may sound like a cosmetic redeemer, the battle over the safeness of this controversial therapy continues on a number of fronts. You have your choice of natural, synthetic and bioidentical hormones. Likewise, you have passionate professionals evangelizing the virtues and evils of every variation of estrogen.

Ultimately, the choice to use hormone replacement therapy resides with you the consumer, your health history and your budget. Because, while you are busy browsing over hormones, researchers will still debate whether you are taking cancerous risks or slowing the aging process.

Sources:
Beral, Valerie; Million Women Study Collaborators. Ovarian cancer and hormone replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. The Lancet Early Online Publication; April 19, 2007.

Dunn, LB; M Damesyn, AA Moore, DB Reuben & GA Greendale. Does estrogen prevent skin aging? Results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I). Archives of Dermatology; March 1997, vol 133, no 3, pp 339 - 342.

International Menopause Society. IMS Reaction to Report on Breast Cancer Incidence in 2003 in US. April 17, 2007.

International Menopause Society. Response to Lancet Paper on Ovarian Cancer in the Million Women Study. April 18, 2007.

Ravdin, Peter M et al. The Decrease in Breast-Cancer Incidence in 2003 in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine; April 19, 2007 vol 356, no 16, pp 1670-1674.

Sator, Paul-G; Jolanta B Schmidt, Thomas Rabe & Christos C Zouboulis. Skin aging and sex hormones in women – clinical perspectives for intervention by hormone replacement therapy. Experimental Dermatology; December 2004, vol 13, no 4, pg 36-40.

Wolff, Erin F; Deepak Narayan & Hugh S Taylor. Long-term effects of hormone therapy on skin rigidity and wrinkles. Fertility and Sterility; August 2005, vol 84, no 2, pp 285-288.

Anti Aging Skin Care

As we age, our skin begins to show the signs of time. All of a sudden normal facial muscle movement such as smiling, chewing and squinting become enemies. Not to mention that gravity and years of sun exposure (for those hard core sun bathers) reflect an image you may no longer recognize. In essence aging skin is caused by the fact that underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up during our teens, twenties, thirties and forties begin to break down. Once the signs of time start to manifest themselves we quickly start seeing laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where repetitive muscle movement occur.

Until recently, signs of aging were synonymous with wisdom, experience, character and sage advice. In other words, aging meant getting better at figuring life. Today, we still want to get better at figuring life as we age, we simply don’t want to look like we’re older on the outside than we are on the inside.

It seems we are more determined now than ever in history to sip, drink and gulp the elixirs or potions of eternal youth. Did you know that men and women living in western countries spend several billions (yes, billion with a “b”) of dollars each year on anti aging skin care products and treatments that promise to tighten the skin, smooth out wrinkles, lighten age spots, remove excess fat, eradicate cellulite, tuck tummies and erase 20 years off of our smiles.

Looking 10 years younger no longer means going under the knife because there are so many other options that can make you feel great with a minimum amount of pain. Another bonus to these new procedures – the cost is far more affordable than plastic surgery.

Are you looking to find out more about treatments that change the cellular metabolism of your skin and that can combat fine facial wrinkles and blotches from sun damage? You can search the web for hours for information on non surgical rejuvenation options or simply visit our site: www.mybeautymatch.com

Get the facts about collagen or fat transfer, Botox (™)injections, injectable fillers, removing acne scars, non facial surgery options, Restylane (™), facial fillers, face lift creams, skin resurfacing, laser removal facial veins, natural skin care products glycolic acid, photofacials, anti aging skin for men and the many anti-aging skin care products.

At Least I Have My Original Face

Now more than ever before facial plastic surgery along with paralyzing and plumping injections has gripped the world. Frozen faces, overly inflated lips and the now familiar wind-tunnel-look has become a multi-billion dollar business with more and more teenage girls being lured into the trap as they watch their movie and TV idols morph into the senseless abyss of "cosmetic surgery."

According to a recent article, casting directors and other Hollywood types are not exactly thrilled with how their male and female stars have begun to rely on innumerable injections as well as nips and tucks. The celebrity faces are no longer easily recognizable and the actors certainly cannot emote or provide certain facial movements, expressions or characteristics when their faces are immobilized.

The popularity of high resolution, high definition television has caused major alarm for those in front of the camera. Scars are noticeable, botox paralyzed foreheads look super unnatural and face lifts are definitely easy to spot. These so-called enhancements do not always produce the desired results of youthfulness; rather, the surgeries and the injections just make the viewer realize how desperate the acting community has become to look younger no matter how risky or preposterous the procedure.

Dissecting how a person's face is aging is easy and believe it or not, there is a non-surgical remedy that works better than surgery and injections. It is totally risk free, affordably priced and there is only one result: the user looks refreshed, younger and vibrant.

An aging face is all about sagging – sagging muscles and sagging skin. The medical community would love to have everyone believe that aging can only be stopped or remedied with plastic surgery or injections. This is not true.

Gravity continues to affect the muscles making them sag; no matter if you have had injections, surgery or laser, the downward slide of muscles and skin continue. That's why injections of Botox, Restylane, Collagen and others must be repeated regularly.

Same with surgery; if you have your upper eyes surgically altered, the downward slide of the forehead muscle will continue to depress the obicularis oculi muscles – the circular muscle surrounding each eye. After a few years, the same procedure will need to be repeated because surgery does not stop the cause of aging or sagging facial muscles.

Do not be fooled; it takes a lot of money to fuel cosmetic procedures. In addition to large outlays of cash that most insurance companies will not reimburse, there is the aspect of risk that must be addressed.

Every cosmetic procedure has an element of risk attached to it. Whether that risk is infection, pain, scarring, disappointment or financial, cosmetic procedures are not child's play. Frankly, choosing any injection or surgery should be the last resort.

Why cut into perfectly healthy skin when there is an all natural remedy to facial aging that is 100% natural and without risk?

That's right! Sagging facial skin and muscles can be remedied with isometric contraction and resistance exercises. These unique movements can reverse the signs of aging in faces and in just minutes a day using your thumbs and fingers your face can look younger.

Exercise technology for the face makes perfect sense. Just as exercising your body creates toned tightened muscles and skin, the very same principles can be applied to the face. Every area of the face and neck can be lifted and made to look younger without injections, drugs, risk or surgery.

Imagine your upper eyes lifting, nose to mouth folds flattening, jowls disappearing and that younger you becoming more visible day by day.

After a few weeks of exercise, you can turn to the camera (or mirror) and say, "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!"

Green Tea, Can It Actually Reverse The Aging Process?

Lately there has been a lot of talk about green tea and its superior antioxidant abilities or effects. Numerous products are now hitting the shelves from vitamins to nail polish treatments all with hints of green tea advertised all over them. The question though is can green tea really reverse the aging process?

Many scientists and doctors are currently researching this perplexing situation. It is well believed that green tea has antioxidant polyphenols like ECGC that do display the ability to ward off and even retard certain cancers and precancers like actinic keratoses.

I have to say certain cancers because only a few types of cancers have been scientifically tested to date. This is due to the continuously growing astronomical costs of medical research and the fact that this sort of testing takes years before results are accepted as proven. Many stages of research will also be required before much human testing can be done.

From the current research, though we can elucidate that green tea has remarkable antioxidant properties and has been proven to prevent and retard mouth and laryngeal cancers. This is due to the fact that the polyphenols contained in green tea inhibit the free radicals produced by cellular activities and environmental damage (like from UV radiation). These free radicals when left on their own actually cause aging.

Various antioxidants from fruits like Goji and acai berries, blueberries and grapes to black, white and green teas have been found to exhibit excellent abilities in slowing down or stopping the damage caused by these free radicals.

Only one antioxidant, however, has actually been proven to reverse free radical damage, the polyphenols of green tea. Some people say that to experience the great antioxidant and free radical quelshing properties of green tea that one must drink large, copious and unrealistic amounts. This is not true.

In one experiment it was shown that just chewing the leaves has the ability to ward off and reverse or retard oral cancer. In another experiment in Japan a salve was prepared from minced green tea leaves and applied to patients that were burned from radiation exposure. The salve was found to promote healing, reduce scarring and retard cancerous and precancerous cellular growth.

That should be enough to state that green tea does exhibit great antioxidant abilities and that since free radicals are what bring on the aging process that green tea polyphenols like ECGC can inhibit these free radicals and quite possibly inhibit the aging process. There is even a story of a Chinese herbalist whom lived 252 years because they ate Goji berries every day. Goji berries are revered for their high levels of antioxidants.

Now, since this story cannot be proven and is just lore we cannot accept that as fact, but green tea has one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any natural food or supplement and therefore should be seen as a great antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-aging treatment with great potential whether it be in the form of hot tea, leaves for chewing, or a salve for exterior application.

What to Expect Before and After a Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty, as you already may know, is a surgical procedure in which a patient’s nose is reshaped. Just as every face is unique, every rhinoplasty is also different. Some patients seek rhinoplasty in order to change the size or shape of their noses. Other people choose to undergo rhinoplasty surgery in order to repair their noses after accidents, or in order to improve their respiratory capabilities. A deviated septum, for example, can make it quite difficult to breathe properly. Rhinoplasty can remedy such a problem.

Before Your Rhinoplasty

Before the day of your rhinoplasty, you will have at least one in-depth consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will closely analyze the shape and structure of your nose. Be sure to be completely candid during this consultation, sharing all pertinent medical history with your surgeon. Also, make sure to share your goals regarding surgery. It is important for you to be on the same page with your doctor. Remember, the more specific you are during this consultation, the better your doctor will understand your intentions for your nose. At this time, your surgeon will give you important information about what you can realistically expect from the surgery, how long it will take to heal and what your responsibilities as a patient will be.

After Your Rhinoplasty

Most surgeries create at least a mild amount of discomfort. Rhinoplasty can be particularly uncomfortable, especially if your surgeon has to work with the bones in your nose and face. In the first day after your surgery, you will experience puffiness in your face, an ache in the area surrounding your nose, and possible a headache. Your doctor should prescribe pain medication to help you through this pain. Be sure to spend the first day after your surgery relaxing in bed with your head propped up.

In the two to three days following your surgery, the bruising and swelling around your eyes will increase. Be sure to use cold compresses to reduce these effects. While the pain will be minimized, you will literally look like you have been beaten about the face. You may also bleed during this time period and feel stuffy. It is important, however, not to blow your nose during the first week as you may damage the inside of your healing nose.

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty that you receive, you may have surgical packing in your nose as well as stitches, and possibly splints. Within two weeks these will likely be removed and the bruising should be gone. You might, however, still have some minor swelling. Very subtle swelling may remain around your nose and eyes for a number of months after your surgery. While this will most likely be evident to you, it will probably be unnoticeable to almost everyone else.

For the weeks and months following your surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders regarding the kinds of physical activities in which you can engage. Be sure to stay away from any activities that could compromise the results that you achieved through your rhinoplasty.

Insurance and Rhinoplasty Cost

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty you get and your reasons for having the procedure, your insurance company may cover some or all of the cost. If the surgery can be billed as a medical procedure that is meant to reconstruct your nose after an accident or to improve your respiratory system, you will have a better chance of receiving financial assistance from your health insurance provider. Be sure that you completely understand the rhinoplasty cost before going through with the procedure.

Before and After: The Physical Evidence

Be sure to take photos before your rhinoplasty, a few weeks after and then a year after. Buy putting each rhinoplasty picture side by side, you will be able to most accurately see the results of your surgery.

5 Do's and Dont's regarding prevent aging skin

Maybe you're in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can't possibly have (gulp) aging skin yet. Well, you're wrong. Your skin's 'youthfulness' has less to do with age than how it's been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start ‘acting old,’ losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop and pores can seem more pronounced.It's easier to prevent damage than to repair it but the good news is you CAN reverse skin damage.

Here are 5 dos and 5 don’ts to help slow down and reverse the aging process and leave your skin glowing at any age.

• Do stop smoking. Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin. Not good things.
• Do use an AHA or BHA (also known as retinols) every day. A daily application of a one percent prescription retinoid lotion (such as Retin-A or even better, Tazorac) can erase years from your face. AHAs used properly not only take off lots of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do NOT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don't believe promises of permanent reduction). Over-the-counter options such as RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (see compare link below to buy) are good, but prescription creams work the best. Extra tip: You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids. You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.
• Do exfoliate once a week. Choose a formulation that's best for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators (glycolic or salicylic acid) are best for oily or combo skin, while scrubs found in microdermabrasives work best for sensitive skin. Some tried-and-true products we love include Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jaror Lancome Resurface C Microdermabrasion
• Do use an eye cream daily. Eyes are one of the first places to show aging. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you'll want to protect it from the sun with eye cream with SPF. A great one is: Clarins Eye Contour Care SPF30.
• Do invest and ingest antioxidants. 'Antioxidants' is a huge word in aging prevention. A huge proponent of antioxidants (found in green teas and beta carotene) is dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD. To get the best possible protection against free-radical damage, Baumann suggests in Elle magazine that you take both oral and topical antioxidants. Get antioxidants in pill form by taking Heliocare vitamins.

Now coming to Donts:

• Don’t pull and rub your skin. Aging skin has been under attack by UV rays, stress and carbon monoxide so don't stress it more by pulling on it.
• Don’t forget to moisturize. While it's a myth that wrinkles are caused by dry skin, moisturizing can improve the appearance of lines by temporarily plumping them up. Dennis Gross, MD, the creator of MD Skincare, swears by lotions that contain ultrahydrating hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids (also known as EFAs). Look for these in Gross's MD Skincare Auto-Balancing Moisture Sunscreen SPF 10:
• Don’t ignore your neck and chest. The neck and chest are first to show the signs of aging (they have fewer oil glands than the rest of your body), yet most of us ignore them. Look for moisturizers that have age-fighting ingredients like vitamin A (retinols), kinetin, copper or vitamin C.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen. This is a no-brainer. You’ve had it ingrained in your head since youth, but seriously, even in winter it can take just 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage the skin. By the way, it's a MYTH that 80 percent of your lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, according to the April, 2006, issue of O Magazine. Katie Rodan, MD, adjunct professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, says in O that this myth stands officially debunked and studies indicate we get only 23 percent of total UV exposure by age 18. Of course it gets worse as we age. So you CAN prevent sun-induced aging by wearing sunscreen.
• Don’t tan. Even if wrinkles haven't shown up yet, you need to stop tanning now because they will. Once signs of aging appears, you'll be spending a lot of money to reverse it. So if you do have sun damage? You can reverse the damage with photorejuvenation such as pulsed light treatments. Many spas and dermatologists provide these pricey fixes.

Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging process?

If you're willing to pay thousands, some doctors promise to reverse the signs of aging with human growth hormone (HGH). Before you sign up, get the facts.

Your body naturally makes growth hormone to help fuel growth during your childhood and to help maintain your tissues and organs throughout your life. Beginning in your 40s, your pituitary gland — the pea-sized structure at the base of your brain where growth hormone is made — slowly reduces the amount of the hormone it produces.

Some people believe the dwindling level of growth hormone is responsible for the frailty that typically comes with getting older. And that's prompted some who are concerned about growing old and losing independence to turn to injections of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age. But there's little evidence to suggest human growth hormone is the Fountain of Youth.

Who needs to take human growth hormone?

Synthetic human growth hormone is available only by prescription and is administered through an intramuscular injection. It's currently approved to treat adults with true growth hormone deficiency — not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging. Growth hormone deficiency can be caused by pituitary tumors and radiation or surgery to the pituitary gland, among other causes.
Human growth hormone is also approved for:

• Children with short stature
• Children with kidney failure
• Children with Prader-Willi syndrome
• Children with Turner's syndrome
• Muscle wasting associated with AIDS and HIV

Studies of adults with growth hormone deficiencies show that injections of human growth hormone can:

• Increase bone density
• Increase muscle mass
• Decrease body fat
• Bolster the heart's ability to contract
• Improve mood and motivation
• Increase exercise capacity

Because of those results, some people believe that synthetic human growth hormone can help healthy older adults who have naturally low levels of growth hormone regain some of their youth and vitality.

What can human growth hormone do for healthy older adults who don't need it?


Studies of healthy older adults taking human growth hormone are limited. Many involve a small number of people followed for a short period of time. The studies that have been conducted have found that human growth hormone injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults.


That increase in muscle doesn't translate into increased strength. Though the study participants gained muscle, they weren't any stronger. One study compared older men who took human growth hormone with older men who went through strength training programs. The bottom line: Strength training can increase both your muscle mass and your strength, making it cheaper and more effective than taking human growth hormone.

It isn't clear whether human growth hormone can provide other benefits, such as increased bone density and improved mood, to healthy adults. Most of the research into human growth hormone has focused on people with true growth hormone deficiencies.

Are there any risks to taking human growth hormone if you don't need it?

Taking human growth hormone can cause a number of side effects, including:

• Swelling in your arms and legs
• Arthritis-like symptoms
• Carpal tunnel symptoms
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Muscle pain
• Diabetes
• Abnormal growth of bones and internal organs
• Hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure

Some evidence shows that side effects of human growth hormone treatments may be more likely in older adults than in younger adults. Also, because the studies of healthy adults taking human growth hormone have been short term, it isn't clear whether these side effects could eventually dissipate or become worse. For instance, though human growth hormone produced arthritis-like symptoms, it isn't clear if this would progress into arthritis. More study is needed.

Does human growth hormone come in pill form?

Some Web sites claim to sell a pill form of human growth hormone that produces results similar to the injected form of the drug. Sometimes these are called human growth hormone releasers. There's no proof that these claims are true. In fact, if you were to swallow human growth hormone, it would likely be digested by your stomach acids and not absorbed into your body.

Web sites also sell homeopathic remedies claiming to contain human growth hormone. There's no proof that these work, either.

Talk it over with your doctor

Your doctor can explain more about how human growth hormone works in your body and whether it's something your body needs more of. If you have specific concerns about aging, such as gaining weight, your doctor can suggest ways to improve your health safely. Taking simple steps, such as eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and exercising daily, can help keep your body in shape and help you feel better about yourself as you get older.

TIPS TO GET GORGEOUS SKIN??

* Don't go to bed with makeup on. Makeup left on overnight seeps into your pores, clogs them, and congests your skin. Make sure that you wash your face twice at the end of the day. Once to get the makeup off. A second time to wash the skin itself.


* Exfoliate daily. After washing your face at night, be sure to exfoliate. Use a delicate scrub. If you don't have one on hand, a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal will work just fine.


* Use facial masks regularly. If possible, everyday is ideal. Again, if you don't have one on hand, make your own. Mashed banana or avocado is good. Plain yogurt also works well.


* Keep a treatment and moisturizer on your face, day or night. Put your skin first. After you wash it at night, put on some kind of skin treatment, whether it's alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any kind of special cocktail treatment. Let that sink in, then put a moisturizer over that. In the morning, do the same.


* Don't use the cheapest or most expensive cosmetics. Mom tells me that moderately priced cosmetics are the best. They get the job done, and the ingredients are usually pretty good. You have to keep trying various brands until you find something that works well for you.


* Hydrate your face throughout the day. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or rose essential oil, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup, frequently throughout the day.


* Treat your face gently. Never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Be very gentle when you clean it, moisturize it or makeup on it. This will lessen the chance that you'll damage your skin and get wrinkles.


* Keep your face covered when you're in the sun. As beautiful as she is, my mom never lets anyone see her face when she's in the sun. She'll slather on a high factor sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.


* Eat fresh foods and drink lots of water. My mom tells me to stay away from "dead food" food that's basically not fresh. She always eat lots of veggies, fruits, nuts, and drinks tons of water.


* Let go of stress. Stress can show up on your face, no matter how well you take care of your skin. Do something your enjoy everyday, whether it's watching TV or going shopping. Your face reflects what's going on inside of your mind.

Love To Stop YOur Skin Aging???

Research shows that there are, in fact, two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays.

Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic aging are:

• Fine wrinkles
• Thin and transparent skin
• Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
• Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
• Dry skin that may itch
• Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
• Graying hair that eventually turns white
• Hair loss
• Unwanted hair
• Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops

Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. Some notice those first gray hairs in their 20s; others do not see graying until their 40s. People with Werner’s syndrome, a rare inherited condition that rapidly accelerates the normal aging process, usually appear elderly in their 30s. Their hair can gray and thin considerably in their teens. Cataracts may appear in their 20s. The average life expectancy for people with Werner’s syndrome is 46 years of age.

Extrinsic reasons

A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking.

The Sun. Without protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratoses (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin), and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure.

“Photoaging” is the term dermatologists use to describe this type of aging caused by exposure to the sun’s rays. The amount of photoaging that develops depends on: 1) a person’s skin color and 2) their history of long-term or intense sun exposure. People with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure develop more signs of photoaging than those with dark skin. In the darkest skin, the signs of photoaging are usually limited to fine wrinkles and a mottled complexion.

Photoaging occurs over a period of years. With repeated exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin. Sun-weakened skin ceases to spring back much earlier than skin protected from UV rays. Skin also becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight.