If you are considering having laser eye treatment then it’s important that you understand the differences between the 2 most popular procedures which are Lasik and Lasek. In some instances your laser eye surgeon may insist that you are only suitable for either Lasik or Lasek based on the findings of the tests carried out during your laser eye surgery consultation. In this situation, you have no option but to go with the procedure that is advised by your surgeon. However, if you are suitable for both types of laser eye treatment, then it is important to understand the key differences between the 2 techniques so you can make an informed decision.

Lasik and Lasek are both types of laser eye treatment and involve reshaping the surface of your eye (cornea) to eliminate the prescription in your glasses or contact lenses. The reason you need glasses in the first place is because the light entering your eye is not focussed precisely onto the retina, which is what is required for perfect vision. If you are long sighted, the light entering your eyes falls behind your retina, whereas if you are short sighted the light entering your eye falls in front of your retina. Both Lasek and Lasik reshape the surface of the eye to ensure that the light is refocused permanently onto the retina.

The key difference between the 2 techniques is the way in which the surgeon accesses the part of your cornea which is to be lasered. During the Lasik procedure, your surgeon creates a flap (thin layer of cornea) using a micro-keratome (surgical blade) thus enabling the surgeon access to the inner layers of your cornea that need to be lasered during the Lasik surgery.

There is however no flap created during the Lasek procedure. Instead, the epithelium (outer corneal layer) is loosened with alcohol and then gently moved to the side. This enables the surgeon access to the inner layers of your cornea that are to be lasered during the Lasek eye surgery. This layer is then replaced back over the eye and smoothed over.

The vast majority of people choose to have Lasik (7x more popular than Lasek) and this is primarily due to the fact that the recovery period following surgery is much quicker when compared with Lasek. Most people can return to work and normal activities the day following Lasik surgery, whereas with Lasek it can be up to 1 week. There is also more discomfort involved with the Lasek procedure which is another reason people usually choose Lasik. People involved in extremely physical jobs or who play contact sports are usually advised to have Lasek. The reason for this is that your cornea is slightly weakened during Lasik as a result of the creation of the flap. There is no flap created during Lasik meaning there is no weakening of the eye.

In summary, Lasik eye surgery is the most common procedure, mainly due to the quick and painless recovery procedure. Lasek may be advisable in certain situations but this will be discussed with you by your laser eye surgeon.

FDA classifies cosmetics into thirteen different categories, they are: fragrances, skin care products, baby products, sunscreens, manicure products, eye makeup, bath oils or bubble bath, shaving products, mouthwashes, deodorants, hair coloring and shampoo and other hair products.

Generally you do not get the appropriate information on skin care at a cosmetic counter. It is a myth many people have that more expensive the product, better it is. The fact is applying make up the appropriate way is the secret of looking good. The best of makeup products in the world cannot make you look your best if your lifestyle is unhealthy.

When you are buying cosmetics, there are a few things you should keep in mind as precautions. It is advisable to read the instructions on the label of the product carefully before purchasing or using it. Always test if you are allergic to anything. Always wash your hands before you use any cosmetic. In case there is any harmful effect of the product you should make it a point to complaint to the FDA and also the manufacturer.

When it comes to soaps many people have different views. The commons myths are the more you pay for the soap the better it is, that all soaps are different from each other, a few soaps give you better cleansing as compared to others and also that soaps with vitamins are good for the skin. Whereas the facts are that the cost of the soap is more only due to a better fragrance, but even fragrances don’t stay for long and they even tend to cause irritation in the skin, in case of sensitive skin. It is advisable not to get attracted to the advertisements and packing, preferably avoid soaps with very strong fragrances.

Moisturizers for the face also are available in plenty but you should know which one would suit you. Occlusive ingredients in the product tend to clog pores, water based moisturizer is preferable to an oil based one. Fragrances tend to cause irritations. Always opt for one with a sunscreen at least one with an SPF of minimum 15.

Products with ‘Alpha Hydroxy Acids’ tend to irritate the skin as they don’t suit everyone. They help in keeping the skin near the facade moister and newer. When you use AHA’s you are more prone to the sunlight as such a sunscreen is essential.

Body lotions with glycerin tend to lock in the moisture from air. Body lotions with occlusive or emollients help in keeping the skin moist. Skin of the hands tends to dry in case of excessive washing of hands. It is advisable to use a body lotion always after a shower.

Shampoos are available in plenty, there is so much variety to choose from that the consumer is confused by the end of it. There are shampoos available for adding volume to the hair, shampoos for damaged and dry hair, shampoos which help in retaining hair color and may more.

The bottom line would be that the best thing you could do for your skin and hair and the entire body is leading a healthy lifestyle.

To Your Health!

In this article I will show you which ones work and which ones to avoid. Some ingredients, for example, will cause hyper pigmentation while others will cause de-pigmentation. Here is what you should avoid and what you should use.

Avoid These 3 Ingredients in Skin Care Products

1. Sodium methyl paraben (any type paraben)
2. Petroleum-based products
3. Chemical bleaching agents

*Sodium methyl paraben – One ingredient that is commonly found in skin care lines is sodium methyl paraben. It, as well as, all parabens have been found in breast cancer patients. It is best to not use any product containing parabens. Sodium methyl paraben can result in de-pigmentation that may be permanent.

Products with petroleum content also can cause hyper pigmentation. Dark spots may appear that do not match other skin tone. Also propylene glycol and wood-based alcohols have been known to cause darker spots to appear on the skin. The reason often stated why these ingredients are in black skin care products is that they relieve oiliness. However, the products most people are using cause the oiliness. Petrolatum, mineral oil and other products that are petroleum-based CAUSE the oiliness.

Chemical bleaching agents are often promoted to those who want to lighten their skin tone. There are safe skin lightening products. I’ll cover that also in a moment. Chemical bleaching ingredients can bring much harm to your skin. Avoid them especially if you have black skin or darker tones of skin.

Compounds That Work Safely
- Extra pone nut grass
- CoQ10
- Jojoba
- Natural vitamin E
- Functional keratin
- Wakame kelp

Extra-pone nut grass is a very good ingredient that will even out the skin tone. It usually doesn’t take much to give a noticeable difference.

Natural vitamin E is an antioxidant. Since it is an antioxidant it will usually help get rid of hyperpigmentation of skin. In other words, skin spots.

Sebum – The Natural Moisturizer

Sebum is our natural skin oil that also is our natural skin moisturizer. However, some of us have either too dry skin or too oily or some range in between. So skin problems can vary from one person to the next. But skin problems in general have nothing to do with black skin or any other tone. Skin is skin. Only the skin tone maybe different, but all skin is composed the same. What the problem usually is, is the product being used on the skin. Especially if it is petroleum based. Petrolatum feels good but it can do a lot of subtle harm. If you use a good moisturizer, like the one I use, you will have 90% of your skin problems solved.

Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. All skin, black, white etc have these glands. Sebum is the skin’s natural moisturizer. Jojoba and passion fruit extract work well with the sebaceous glands. These two ingredients will help moisturize skin that is very dry. What is nice about them they will moisturize the skin without causing any skin flareups.

Anti Aging Ingredients

Most anti aging products don’t even come close to working. Companies take advantage of the popularity of anti aging and promote skin care products that do more harm than anything else.

You don’t need any special african american anti aging product. Let me tell what you do need.

In my vast searching for some skin care products that really work I found one that I am ecstatic about. The reason is that it is safe and it works on all skin types and skin tones. It is called “Functional Keratin”. When mixed with Wakame Seaweed (Japanese) CoQ10 and Vitamin E it produces new skin cells and fibers. This results in a younger looking skin because of the skin firmness that is taking place. See my website for more information on this truly amazing skin care ingredient.

Functional Keratin is the most successful and effective of all the antiaging products I researched. Functional keratin combined with Wakame kelp extract and antioxidants CoQ10 and natural vitamin E promotes the increase of new skin fibers and skin cells. Wakame helps prevent sagging by increasing skin firmness.

What causes harm to skin cells and other body cells is what is called free radicals. They basically go on a rampage and hurt other cells. The antidote is antioxidants found in compounds like vitamin E. Remember this please, avoid any ingredient ending in paraben, (for black skin especially Sodium methyl paraben). Avoid all skin care and other products that list petrolatum as an ingredient. Don’t even think about using a chemical bleaching agent. Use the ones I recommend. See my website for my personally tested skin cream. – Thanks, Margaret Bell

That is why the major cosmetics companies have a large part of our population over a barrel when it comes to the products that they sell. The lack of general knowledge on the part of the public is what has allowed the cosmetics industry to continue to re-hash the same ineffective collagen and elastin products year after year, even though these products have been proven not to work.

Topical collagen and elastin products are not at all what the best skin care is for aging people. These formulas are ineffective, because the primary ingredients are incapable of penetrating your skin. They are too molecularly dense for the skin to be able to absorb them, and are therefore totally useless as ingredients in an anti aging skin care product.

The thing that you really need to be aware of is the ingredients in these skin care products that your body does readily absorb. Due to lowered manufacturing costs the major cosmetics companies like to use chemical agents as the foundation of their skin care products. These chemicals are dangerous, and they can cause you to develop a myriad of health problems.

What is the best skin care for aging people is not a product laden with chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalances, nerve damage, organ toxicity, and cancer. What you need in order for to maintain both your skin’s youthful appearance, and your health are all natural ingredients in your skin care products. Natural ingredients will safely give you the results that you have been looking for.

You need to be using products that contain ingredients such as Functional Keratin, and Phytessence Wakame. These ingredients are a mixture of keratin proteins, and an extract derived from a variety of kelp that can only be found in the Sea of Japan. These are the ingredients that you need if you are going to attain the younger looking skin that you are after.

What is the best skin care for aging people are the ingredients that allow your own body to correct itself. By that I mean that you need to use products that contain ingredients that will raise the production rate of your collagen and elastin, and that will cause the levels of your hyaluronic acid to rise. This is what you get from products containing Functional Keratin, and Phytessence Wakame.

Make no mistake about it. What is the best skin care for aging are products that allow your body to correct itself. We do not have to look older as the years go by. Instead we can rely on those products that provide us with the ingredients that we need in order to naturally change our appearance for the better. These are the products that you need to be using.

To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you’ve probably never heard of, visit my website today.

When looking at whats in your product, there are three things to avoid, that unfortunately, are all too common. Petroleum, parabens and mineral oils are commonly found in both high and low end anti-aging products, but they have few positive benefits. These chemical ingredients that are added to creams and lotions are not especially effective, and can actually cause problems for sensitive skin.

What’s the alternative? More and more, people are turning to natural ingredients that are proven to be beneficial, even for those who have sensitive skin. Ingredients such as grape seed oil, vitamin e, and jojoba oil are being incorporated into the latest skin care products.

One of the major concerns that cause people to start using skin care products is to try to minimize wrinkles, sagging and fine lines. One of the most powerful ways to achieve these goals is to increase the production of collagen and elastin.

Two newer discoveries that have shown encouraging results are Cynergy TK and Phytessence Wakame. Instead of just providing filler, they actually help the body produce elastin and collagen, two compounds that break down as we age. As a result, skin is healthier, firmer and more youthful in appearance. By creating healthy skin from the inside out, the effects tend to be longer lasting.

Know that you are armed with more knowledge, its time to find out what’s right for you. If you aren’t seeing results from your anti aging skin care, it may be time to reevaluate what is actually going into your product. Is it helpful or harmful?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring caused by rapid stretching of the skin due to pregnancy and weight gain, or rapid growth during puberty or muscle building. The glucocorticoid hormones in your body prevent the fibroblasts in your skin from forming collagen and elastin fibers which are necessary for keeping rapidly growing skin taut. This causes there to not be enough supportive tissue within the skin to keep tearing from occurring.

Acne scar skin care is necessary due to the marks formed by the inflammatory strain of acne vulgaris, which tends to mostly affect areas of the skin that have the densest population of sebaceous follicles. The comedones, inflammatory pustules, nodules, and papules that develop due to the inflammation in the philosebaceous units often result in unsightly scarring. Let me tell you how you can treat both stretch marks and acne scarring.

Jojoba oil has been proven to be very effective in the reduction of stretch marks on the skin, and it has been shown to lighten and heal scarring caused by other problems as well. This effective skin softener and moisturizer is beneficial in treating acne, and is even used in the treatment of more serious skin ailments such as psoriasis. Jojoba has been used for hundreds of years for its ability to heal the skin, and it even reduces wrinkles.

Shea butter is an exceptional emollient, which has shown positive results when it comes to soothing inflammation, and reducing scarring, blemishes, and brown spots on the skin. Regular use of products containing Shea butter will help with itching, eczema, insect bites, sunburn, and other skin conditions. As in the case of Jojoba, Shea butter has also been proven effective for wrinkle reduction.

No acne scar skin care formula would be complete without the inclusion of grape seed oil. This compound is an extremely powerful antioxidant, which has proven especially effective for repairing the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes. Grape seed oil significantly reduces stretch marks and scarring on the skin, and is useful in protecting yourself from a variety of other problems unrelated to the skin.

Aside from acne scar skin care, grape seed oil is useful in treating and preventing circulatory disorders such as varicose veins, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, and myocardial and cerebral infarction. It is also effective for wound healing, macular degeneration, cancer prevention, and the prevention of collagen breakdown associated with aging and collagen diseases.

Well, there are the compounds that I recommend for acne scar skin care, and fading stretch marks. Since all of these compounds have an anti aging effect on the skin you can double your benefit. Your skin can be free of unsightly scarring, and remain firmer and younger looking, which is a win/win situation if I have ever heard one.

To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you’ve probably never heard of, visit my website today.

Patients who are good candidates for liposuction have ideally limited areas of excess of fat. These people they tend to be otherwise in relative good physical shape, have a relatively normal weight to height ratio, and are concerned about some areas of localized excess of fat.

Patients who are likely to benefit from suction are enjoying good health, have the right expectations, and are aware of the limitations of this technique.

Liposuction with body jet (relatively one of the new techniques), coupled with laser liposuction (such as the 1444 nm by lutronic), done on the ART (articulating, reclining, tilting) table offers significant improvement contour for most of our body areas.

Patients benefit by looking better, feeling better about their appearance, enjoying an improvement in clothing, as they will have now better body image. When combined with a program of good nutritional diet such as (ideal protein) and correct exercises, these patients will have a long term of success.

Let’s take an example of suction of the abdomen:

When considering excess abdominal fat, it is important to remember that the ideal abdominal shape is determined by the relationship of the upper, mid and lower abdomen and the love handles. It is important to evaluate whether or not posture abnormality exists. By pinching skin of the abdomen the amount of subcutaneous fat is noted. In some instances it appears as if the belly is fat but it is possible that that fat is not a subcutaneous but rather intra abdominal (omental fat), in which case losing weight first (with ideal protein) and then pursue with the suction later. The obvious common subcutaneous fat collection is where liposuction will make dramatic improvements.

Cosmetic tattooing  is a procedure of adding color to the the dermis layer of the skin to enhance appearance like make-up with long-lasting results. This procedure goes by many names; it may also be referred to as permanent makeup, tattoo makeup, cosmetic tattoo makeup, micro-pigmentation, color implants, intra-dermal pigmentation.

What is the Purpose of Permanent Make-Up?

There are a number of possible reasons to opt for cosmetic tattoos, such as: 

• convenience.  Some women with a clear and established idea of their make-up needs just desire for a faster and more permanent means to achieve desired make-up effects.
• individuals with impaired vision may get permenent makeup since applying make-up is problematic when they can’t properly see what they’re doing
• individuals with allergies to cosmetics may find intra-dermal pigmentation a more viable and less agitating method of enhancing their appearance..

Cosmetic Tatoo Process These tattoos are created with the use of a tattoo pen. Ink from the pen is injected into a deeper layer of skin where it will last longer. Cosmetic tattoos should be done by a skilled technician in such venues as Naturally Yours Studio in West Vancouver. I learned about it myself, when I was at a juice bar chatting with the owner that I learned that first learned about the concept of cosmetic tattooing (I know it’s common, and it is weird that I hadn’t heard of it, I know), who happened to be one of the owners of the Naturally Yours Studio in West Vancouver, as well.  Skilled studios can safely “paint” them on with great-looking results (without doing harm), employing disposable needles and stringent sanitation standards. 

How Long Do Color Implants Last? Cosmetic pigments last from a year and a half to five years before their appearance begins to noticeably fade. When they do fade, follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain desired.  Injected tones may initially simulate the exact colour and tone desired, they will not always remain a perfect match due to changes in your natural skin tone.  

Eyebrow Tattoos Recipients of eyebrow tattoos who have more hair around their eyebrows, whatever the color of the hair, will see more natural-looking results than individuals with little or no hair around their eyebrows. The usual purpose of eyebrow tattoos is to make them look darker or fuller.  

Lipline Tattoos The thickness ans shade of a lipline tatoo can be thick is decided on by the client, usually through a careful consultation to clearly establish preferred shades. shade.  

Is Cosmetic Tattooing Painful? The way the process of intra-dermal pigmentation for a person depends on their particular level if skin sensitivity. It is relatively painless for most recipients of the procedure, but some may experience higher sensitivities than others. The sensation is significantly numbed by topical anaesthetics is applied to the regions of the face where the tattoo is going to be done. 

Pigments Used for Color Implants Pigments may come from organic or inorganic compounds, or a combination of both, injected into the dermis layer of the skin thereby ensuring the long lasting effect of the procedure.  It is wise to inquire beforehand what pigments are being used and double check that it isn’t anything to which you might be allergic.  

Many people turn to plastic surgery in order to help improve areas of their body. Statistics show that more than 10 million people had some form or plastic surgery in 2008. Breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures.

Over 290,000 tummy tucks were performed on men and women in the United States in 2008 alone. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can enhance the appearance of a person’s body. Pregnancy and significant weight loss are reasons many people choose to have this procedure done.

Excess skin is removed as well as tightening the muscles of the stomach during a tummy tuck. Often, a person will also have liposuction performed to provide extra contouring. An abdominoplasty can help your body look as it did before weight gain or pregnancy.

A tummy tuck is normally performed in one of two ways – mini or full. The mini tuck is best for a person that has minor contour issues where there is a smaller amount of loose skin. A mini tummy tuck is recommended when the use of just liposuction will not provide the desired results.

During this form of abdominoplasty, a short incision that is u-shaped is made right above the pubic area. After the incision is made, the excess skin is removed. Finally, the muscles are tightened and the navel is positioned slightly down from where it initially was.

The full procedure is more common than a mini tuck because it provides more correction. During a full procedure, two incisions are made. One incision is cut from hip to hip just above the pubic region and the second incision to free the navel from the tissue. After the incisions are made, the abdominal wall skin is separated as far up as the rib and then lifted so the muscles can be exposed.

The muscles will then be tightened and sewn in place. Next, the skin is pulled back over the abdomen and the excess skin is removed. The navel is placed back in position and sutured. Abdominoplasty normally takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. A person is placed under general anesthesia while undergoing this cosmetic surgery.

Results vary and not every person will achieve the same look. In general, most people gain the look they are seeking to achieve with a tummy tuck. After a tummy tuck, a person will experience pain as well as swelling and bruising. Your doctor will discuss how to manage your pain and side effects. A mini tummy tuck will require you to be off work and for a least a week whereas with a full tummy tuck you will need to be out for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

The costs of abdominoplasty will vary depending upon the area in which you live as well as certain other factors. These factors include surgeon fees, time and effort during surgery, anesthesia fees, lab fees, etc. A person will most likely pay anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000. There are many financing options available for those who do not have the money to pay up front.

Since man first used basic tools to create fire, we have existed beyond ourselves. The way we use tools and technologies in our everyday lives affect us just as much if not more than the way our bodies look and act. Glasses allow the nearly blind to see, our cars allow us to travel greater distances than our feet ever could in day, and the internet allows many of us to make our living across the globe.

Yet, for most of us, there is still an ideal that strive for. The ideal is one of natural perfection, achieved almost exclusively through the strength of will and our bodies. We all want the perfect smile, the perfect hair, and the perfect body, naturally and without the use of any tools. However, for most of us, the ideal will always be out of reach.

Our lifestyles as well as basic genetics will always keep that ideal out of reach. Yet, with the use of medical technology, we can achieve the appearance of natural perfection. This is particularly true when considering the use of tummy tuck surgery to give us a slim, tight stomach. However, to maintain the appearance of natural perfection, we need to make sure that we eliminate any signs of surgery.

The first step to obscuring a scar following surgery is to make sure that your doctor does his or her best to make the incision as small and clean as possible. Thankfully, today’s tummy tuck procedure has been refined to such a scale that the incision made is often as small as is medically possible, thanks to the use of ultrasounds and advanced cameras and images.

If scaring is a particular concern to you, your physician can work to find the least prominent position possible to make the incision while still creating the overall slim look you are looking for.

However, some things are beyond their control. Incisions must be made. To lessen the chances of scaring, the first step is to follow doctor’s orders following surgery. Keep the area of the incision clean and covered.

Avoid any strenuous activity while you are in recovery, as certain activities may stretch the incision and do further damage. Make sure to maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule while in recovery. Eating nutritious meals will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal faster.

After the bandages are removed, you want to treat the still healing area with moisturizers to further speed up the healing. Today, there are a number of products on the market designed specifically to help one heal from wounds and restore the skin to it’s natural state.

Your physician may be able to recommend a particular product to aid in your healing. Otherwise, consult the internet or your local health and beauty expert to find just the right salve for your needs.

If you follow these simple steps, you can get the look of natural perfection with a little bit of artificial help.