Saving Face: A Cheapskate's Guide to Anti- Aging

The "Eyes" Have It! Semi-Permanent Lush Lashes

2012-07-05T19:34:00.002-07:00

Imagine a young ingénue, the starlet. She saunters around the room in the most glamorous dress. She then looks seductively at her love interest and bats her full, lush eyelashes.

Thick lashes are another signifier that we are youthful. WebMD states that we all initially start out with a set amount of follicles. As youngsters, our eyes are relatively bigger in our tiny head, so we can see these thick lush lashes. Once we grow into our size, the same amount of lashes spread out.

As we age we also we rub our eyes, we spackle on mascara, we have poor diets etc. All of these aging practices also pull out our poor fragile lashes that leave us with puny, pitiful lashes.

For hundreds of years women have been trying to capitalize on the “look” of full lashes. In Rome and Egypt, women spread kohl around their eyes to extend the lash line. While Victorian women dyed their eyelashes with the fatal “Lash-Lure” made with and acid known for removing corneas!

So what can we do that’s effective, cheap and SAFE!? I came across something recently that is making me go- duh! Why haven’t I been doing this before? With my teaching in Milwaukee, I come across the most gorgeous made-up women with the highest maintenance routine: nails, hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. This one woman with obviously fake lashes told me she got fake lashes applied monthly at the salon once a month. $250.00!

I thought “too much money for too fake a look”, until I saw individual lashes sold at a Sallys or WALMART for 7.00. Andrea Perma-lash is the brand cosmetologists use for their clients, and we can do it for ourselves. Now because I am not an expert, it took me about a half an hour to figure out what I was doing. I did watch a video online and practiced on my neighbor. But the results are startling. I can shower with them and NO MORE MASCERA! I have already taken them off and reapplied to see how that went, just fine. Now when I get out of bed, I look like I’ve had an eye lift, and am wearing makeup. I can now not worry about mascara for one month- outstanding.

I encourage anyone else tired of mascara and want a semi-permanent eye lift to give it a try… or wait for me to come over and I can do it for you;)

Here is some TLC for your new lashes:

For the first 12 hours avoid getting the lashes wet to allow the glue to completely dry
Do not use a steam room or sauna for the first 48 hours to allow glue to cure
Be gentle and respect your new lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes and do not pick and play with your lashes
Resist the temptation to touch or pull at your stunning new lashes as this will pull out your own natural lashes
Avoid getting them caught on clothes and towels
When drying your face do not rub instead blot your face and apply a gently pressure to your closed eyes then allow the extensions to dry naturally. Don't try to dry them with the towel or hair dryer.
Do not perm or curl the extensions using a clamp eyelash curlers
Avoid wearing mascara as this will lessen the life of your extensions
Do not use eye make-up remover that contains any type of oil products such as petroleum
Do keep the eye area clean. This is very important. Some ladies love their lashes so much they don't even want to get them wet at all. Avoiding proper hygiene can result in an eye infection whether wearing eyelash extensions or not
Try and sleep on your back to avoid crushing your extensions in the pillow

http://www.eyelashboutique.com/FAQ-Eyelash-Extensions.php

Less is More: Using makeup to fake a younger look

2012-06-18T18:25:00.001-07:00

Hello all- hope you’ve been enjoying your summer. I have, and I’ve been thinking about quick techniques to maintain our youthful glow during the sweaty, warm days of summer.

Think about your own makeup routine. We’ve all been there; you’ve got your makeup routine down pat. You’ve gotten tons of compliments on your shade of lipstick and you could put your eye makeup on in your sleep. Then one day your eye liner is smearing, melting, and your foundation is breaking down and settling into your lines by 10am. It is now is taking you twice as long to look half as good.

I want to talk about probably the cheapest way to appear younger, with makeup techniques. I need you to think like an artist does. When an artist starts to sketch an object, they always look for the “light source”. Is the light coming from straight above? From the right? From below? When you know where it comes from, you can see or draw the shadows and the highlights. In my theatre/college days, we would spend a whole semester practicing making ourselves look older, younger, monster-y just with white and brown eyeshadow.

We were taught that when you apply your makeup you need to be conscious of the same light source principle, creating shadows and highlights and can therefor “fake” higher eyelids, slimmer neck, etc.

So first we need to understand what a youthful appearance looks like biologically:

· full lips
· tight neck
· high eyelids (no drooping)
· smooth skin, no wrinkles
· same skin tone, no blotches or broken blood vessels
· nose is turned up
· cheek bones are prominent
· eyes are wide, lashes are lush

So now how do we fake these youthful features?

Good skin care-you can only cover up so much
The older you get, the less makeup you should wear.

a. Less foundation- replace with a tinted moisturizer

b. Less eyeliner- pencil over liquid. And if you do wear eyeliner, only wear it on the top- going out above the eye- it will make your eyes look bigger

c. NEVER put mascara on the lower lashes- it draws attention to your crows feet.

d. No glitter eyeshadow- wear matte or shear. Glitter sneaks into the wrinkles and ages you ten years.

e. If you are wearing a powder, make sure it’s not matte; try a mineral bronzer or highlighter.

3. Skip the lipstick all together and go with a light colored gloss. Gloss gives the appearance of fuller lips. If you really want some full pout- put some highlighter (white eyeshadow, white pencil) on the bow of your lips and the middle of the bottom lip – we’re pretending that the light source is coming from above.
4. Have deep wrinkles or folds? Fill those shadows with highlighter (see illustration) I use Physician Formula Color Corrector.
5. Have a neck wobble? Use some bronzer and shade in your neck and make it “disappear”- not too much though, you don’t want to look like you have a flesh eating disease;)
6. As we get older, our nose gets bigger. To fake a smaller nose, put some shadow or bronzer on the sides of your nose, and a dot of highlighter on the bottom tip.
7. Get a youthful eye by curling your lashes and putting highlighter dots on both corners of our eye- this will make them expand. For a fancy night, put on natural looking fake lashes. I know that sounds like an oxy-moron but lashes have come a long way and it really is the “magic “ beauty tip. All mascara commercials have them wearing fake lashes and all tv shows have them wearing falsies.

This looks like a lot of makeup- but you will just barely graze your
bronzer/highlighter brush in these areas.

Make sure you blend, blend, blend! No masks or war paint stripes allowed.

All of these recommended highlights and shadows assume that your light source is coming at you overhead. If you go out to a place with nothing but flashlights on the floor, I can't promise you the same results. Maybe you'd have to switch your lights and darks? I'll defer to an expert on that one.

Most of the time you’ll see me out and about with Garnier BB(beauty bombshell) primer moisturizer,undereye concealer, curled lashes with waterproof mascara (non waterproof was starting to smear at the end of the day.... probably droopy eyes;), gloss and a smile. Does anyone out there have some killer makeup tips? Share!

Can You Smell "Younger"? Yes You Can!

2012-05-28T17:41:00.005-07:00

Can you really smell younger? Have you ever met someone that inexplicably was incredibly attractive? That certain “chemistry”? What about meeting someone who seemed so friendly you instantly felt at ease? Science can now confidently tell us that yes, like other mammals we create and release invisible “pheromones” that trigger responses for those around us. Pheromones tell others if we are friendly, unfriendly, our age, and if we’re fertile and of child bearing age or “young”

Pheromones are an external hormone meant for others to react to whereas hormones are meant for only us to react to. Scientists have debated for years as to whether or not we have pheromones and if we do, what does it make us want to do?

Dr. Cutler, biologist and endocrinologist in the 70’s knew that humans secreted pheromones and was able to prove women that had regular “relations” with their husbands had more regular menstrual cycles. By 1986, she was able to identify the actual compounds we release and was able to synthesize them. It seems for women to appear fertile (i.e.young) we produce (sweat, or urinate) copulins , oxytocin, and androgens right before we ovulate.

By the nineties Cutler, along with Revlon, was able mass produce pheromones for the public. I personally was introduced to pheromones by a woman in sales that swore by them in helping her increase sales. She said that women were more friendly and men would approach her. I had to try it!

I started off slowly with a “beginner” pheromone- meaning not too strong of a reaction- positive or negative. I bought “Scent of Eros”- unscented roll on as the scented made mine and several others noses itch. I was told to roll it on my wrist, by my ear lobes and underneath my nose. Within in seconds I got a “high” of euphoria that lasts about a minute. I’m not kidding. I noticed that I was much happier and easy going. I noticed a small amount of attention from men ( not that I’m looking). Women in lines would turn around and politely smile.

I then moved on to Primal Instinct, a more potent pheromone with copulins and androgens and is also unscented. With the Scent of Eros and Primal Instinct I noticed more of that "high”. I also noticed that women would turn around and instead of smiling; they would start chatting me up, all the time! I also noticed that men would come over and start talking to me wherever I was. Not “hitting on me” per say, but friendly. Did they think I was younger? Who knows but I did notice a huge difference when I used the pheromones and when I didn’t. It does seem to act as a social lubricant.

While a bottle costs on average 40.00 , it can last about a year, in fact it looks like it’s time for me to order some more! Try it and let me know your results!!!

Happy Young Smelling!

Boom, Your Time is Up. Stress and Aging

2012-05-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

It’s no mystery that stress, fatigue and anxiety takes a toll on us. We get baggy eyes, dull skin, dry lips and sometimes, hair loss.

None of this should be news to you. What is news is that science has finally been able to prove that there is an actual chemical change when are stressed that actually, physically changes our genetic makeup and shortens our lives. A study from Biological Psychiatry, studied our DNA and noticed that with age, our outermost DNA (or telomere) shortens as we age. Almost like a bomb fuse. When it’s gone, we’re gone.

So when that was established, scientist looked at several people with diagnosed depression or anxiety and found that their telomere (fuses) were shorter than other people their age.

“On this basis it has been suggested that telomere length is a measure of biological aging, and telomere length has subsequently been linked to age-related diseases, unhealthy lifestyle, and longevity. The research team shows that shorter telomere length is associated with both recurrent depression and cortisol levels indicative of exposure to chronic stress.” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093729.htm

So what does that mean for us? It means you cannot take stress lightly. Stress will shorten your life and make you ugly! Do everything you can to maintain your lifestyle with known relaxants: Exercise, yoga, prayer, eating right, wine.

Another method that you might consider is hypnosis. Self-hypnosis has shown to help those with severe stress trauma, such as PTSD. Some people are very successful with hypnosis and have used it to quit smoking, lose weight, you name it. I have several MP3s from Uncommon Knowledge for exercise motivation, and to release stress and relaxation. You can download them directly to your ipod or your phone. It gets me to sleep everynight! If I don’t have time for a nap- the 15 min recording will have you feeling revived, I promise.

Want to try it for yourself? Simply email me, and let me know you’d like to try the relax/stress relief mp3, and I will email it to you right away, free!

Nutracueticals Part 2: Imagine Having Permanent Moisture

2012-04-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

Last week I talked about Nutracueticals, or giving treatment internally through foods/supplements. For the past 20 years the United States has focused on skin treatment using the quickest route- topically. Meanwhile Europe and Japan’s scientists at Lavipharm (France) have discovered more effective ways to combat ageing; internally. Ten years ago scientists figured out how to extract a much needed anti-aging compound:
Ceramides via Lipowheat ^tm . This patented supplement has made its way to the US only 9 months ago.

The best way to describe Ceramide’s purpose is to compare it to spackle or mortar (as in bricks and mortar). Our skin cells lie flat overlapping each other. Ceramide is the “glue” that seals the skin cells together, therefore locking in moisture. As we age ceramide production slows down and cannot keep up with evaporation of moisture which leads to dry itchy skin. Elizabeth Arden knew long ago that ceramides (like collagen and HA) are in the mix to help us looking great and had added this compound to several of their products. While these are great products, putting ceramides on externally has minimal results. Scientist Robert Haas MS says that it is virtually impossible to consume enough ceramides through our diet alone. However science now shows that taking ceramides orally through a supplement can restore hydration up to 90%.

Video explaining Ceremide’s Function

You can find ceramide supplements on the internet- but the company that seems to have the greatest market hold in the US is LifeExtension, with Lipowheat selling for 10.00 (I’ve seen it sold on Amazon for 15-20). Studies document improved moisture retention and some relief of skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. Wheat ceramides are identical to ours and ingesting them is supposed to help boost other topical cosmacueticals you already use.

I personally have been taking it every morning for three weeks and have noticed that I need less moisturizer in the morning to get that “smooth” feeling. I do have problems with eczema and so far, no outbreaks, but I’ll have to report on that later. I do notice a slight “aftertaste” after I take it, much like the omega 3 supplements I take. But for me- 10.00 is WAY cheaper than a 200.00 moisture cream with ceramides. Add me to the Lipowheat fan club!

Inside/Out: Nutracueticals for Internal Aging

2012-04-20T17:23:00.006-07:00

Part 1

For the last 20 years, the United States has been researching ways to slow the aging process ( notice I have not said “stopped”) topically, everything from the outside- actives that treat aging are called- Cosmaceuticals. These are anything from injectable to the higher potency actives I’ve talked about in early blogs. We spend 33 billion dollars on an industry based on magic creams and potions.

The next couple of blogs I want to bring you up to speed with what the rest of world has learned in anti- aging research. Japan especially has been researching how to slow the aging process internally- or as they say - with Nutraceuticals .

The first nutraceutical supplement is a “vitality “drink. My husband found this drink mix, as he has always had interest in health and vitality supplements; super food drink, anti-oxidants, green tea, etc. Since I’ve always had energy issues (and energy certainly declines with age), I’ve always tried the energy drinks, b-12, GNC, Herbalife, you name it!

I’ve finally found the “cure all” superdrink. It’s the Super C22 Dr. Pinkus drink mix, I add it to my Fresca. If I have a headache- I take a teaspoon of SuperC22, have a stomach ache , take a teaspoon.. low on energy... You get the point.

The drink makers claim that its high doses of Vitamin C (22 forms) may help: :http://www.drnewtons.com/super-c22-p-1500.html

Super C22 formula -Vitamin C helps to improve immune function, neutralize free radicals, restore energy, relieve stress, and support vital systems. What Important Health Benefits Could Your Body Be Missing

If you’ve used Vitamin C to defend your body against the common cold — or even stress — you already know it’s a vital ally in keeping your immune system healthy. But did you know that Vitamin C has anti-aging properties that encourage collagen formation? What’s more, the latest Vitamin C news suggests that it may be able to:

· Increase lung capacity

· Enhance mental clarity

· Lower blood pressure

I can’t speak to the science of this drink but I have had higher blood pressure readings the last four months, I just had one last week- it was perfect! I also notice if I mix this in with my workout water, I have a ton of energy, I feel refreshed. Placebo effect? Don’t care- it tastes great and it make anything you sprinkle it in a fizzy drink!

Next week- Japanese scientists have found nutracueticals that produce smooth skin!

Golden Band-Aids: When Temporary is Just Fine!

2012-04-15T14:50:00.004-07:00

I know that in the past, I’ve shied away from temporary fixes, like putting collagen on your face topically for a temporary plumper. Some of you have asked me is there is any “quick fixes” that are worth the time. There is! Most people already are familiar with an arrangement of this golden band-aide molecule for their joints- called glucosamine. While collagen is better taken internally, hyaluronic acid can be applied topically for cosmetic uses.

The “acid” part of the name is a misnomer- there is no burning or harshness sensation when applied. Derived from radishes (vegan product!), this natural plumper is found in the body around our collagen and is used in several injectable products (Juvederm, Radiesse). For cosmetic purposes you can also find, hyaluronic acid made out of powdered rooster’s comb (yuck!)

Hyaluronic acid acts like a giant sponge that

collects all of the surrounding water and keeps around its molecules for about 8 hours depending on the potency. Hyaluronic acids can absorb between 500 to 1000 times its weight- that’s a lot of plump!

You can purchase just hyaluronic acid serum, or in most cases, look for it in the ingredients of our favorite moisturizing night cream. If you do use it long enough- it can “maintain” the plumped look over time.

If you look in the ingredients, Hyaluronic acid can be listed as Hyaluronan or Sodium Hyluronate. Over the counter creams including our magical plumper would be Neutrogena ‘s Ageless intensives (19.99-50.00). The price is right and I’ve heard good things. Also Olay includes HA in their array of products.

Currently I am using Life ExtensionDNA Repair cream for 19.60. This cream has lots of other yummy actives which I’ll discuss later, but it also has our famous HA, which I sometimes place on my smile lines and let it just soak in. This cream is a little heavy for me so I need to be careful or I would be breaking out.

The results, however, are miraculous.

Happy Face Saving!

The Guessing Game- How old do you really look? Technology can now tell....

2012-04-08T18:33:00.003-07:00

How old does your face say you are? I’m assuming if you are reading this that you are hoping your face is telling people your age is younger than your ID would admit.

With this blog I want to discuss what it is that actually signifies age, and where are you actually are on that scale.

Most of know what old looks like when we see it: wrinkles, droopy lids and skin. I have found an excerpt that is the benchmark for what cosmetic surgeons look to in determining how advanced a patient has aged dermatologically, not necessarily chronologically.

Read the types below and see where you think are, then put your assumptions to the test and really see what type of aging you are in.

The 4 Facial types were described as:

Type I: Mild (age 20s to 30s)

• Little to no wrinkling (even with animation) and no skin spots

• Minimal or no makeup needed by these people for a clear complexion

Type II: Moderate (30s to 40s)

• Early wrinkling (especially with motion)

• Loss of smoothness

• Early appearance of brown lesions, slight yellowish discoloration or brownish cast with increased freckling

• Makeup needed for uniform appearance of the facial skin

Type III: Advanced (age 50s)

• More visible wrinkles

• Sallow, yellowish skin discoloration with telangiectasias (spider veins, reddened areas)

• Obvious visible brown skin lesions

• Heavier makeup always worn to even skin color but can accentuate deeper wrinkles by flaking

Type IV: Severe (age 60s to 70s)

• Wrinkling heavy

• Almost no pink color at all

• Increased brown spots, becoming more elevated

• Heavy makeup worn that cakes and does not cover well

Where do you think you were? I would say I would say I’m between a type 1 – type 2. Starting to see some wear and tear, but can still get way with a powder for a complexion corrector.

So now the fun part- let’s put my assumption to the test!

Face.com is the originator of the face recognition software hopefully used to determine if Facebook users are the age they say they are. Currently Face.com has a “sandbox” for us to play in and hopefully get some us to build apps around their technology. Their software allows you to either play with the photos they provide, or upload your own. It is so intelligent – it can confidently determine your gender, your mood, and for our purposes, how old you look to the world.

I took this software for a spin for myself and several friends and family members. Sorry! Surprisingly it was pretty accurate. See below:

My daughter Madeline- actual age- 12...and usually happy:)

Myself- it says i am probably 23, at the most 33.

Actual age- 36- was happy with these results!!!!

Want to see if you’re fooling anyone? Give it a whirl,

Go to . http://developers.face.com/tools/#faces/detect

1. Step 1 :Click on the window saying “upload”, it will launch a window

2. Step 2 : Select picture

3. Step 3: Click on “Call Method"- then hover over your picture.

Have fun and enjoy! But don't take it too seriously- it thinks Justin Bieber is a female:)

Vegetable Soup:My Routine- You Asked. I'll answer

2012-04-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve been researching longevity for about 20 years now, so all of my information that I’ve acquired and all of my tips and tricks are so second nature to me, I forget how crazy or how confusing the information can be. So to answer one our contributing editor’s question- “ What is My Routine?”

Most of you know about cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, the three step process we all see from acne care to Avon. This is a fine solution for no fuss, no muss. As long as your moisturizer has 30 spf in the morning, you’d be fine. Don’t expect miraculous results, but it’s better than nothing.

Now on to my routine, I do probably have a little too many anti-aging products (like there is such a thing) But I’m always trying new things and most of these products take a few months to see cumulative effects- this is the exchange we make for non-invasive, non-medical spa cost.

I spend about the same amount a month as I would for a gym membership- about 50. 00 month. However consider that I do my own hair, my own nails, and have a treadmill in the basement. I figure I came out way ahead. Can you imagine the time and money spent for going to the Medical spa/ tanning bed, nail place and beauty salon? No thank you!

Each morning and evening I have my non-negotiables, and then a couple that I’m trying before I decided if it actually does anything. I use one *wild card* until it runs out, then I watch and see if I can tell a difference with or without it- I give about 2-3 weeks to tell. I use very small amount- about a pea size if that, it doesn’t take much. But when I have my little mixture in the palm of my hand- my daughter called it my anti-aging “vegetable soup”. This takes me about 5 min of my morning/evening routine.

Daily	Am: non- negotiable	Syn-ake (synthetic snake venom) drops in smile lines, forehead
		3 drops of copper peptide
		3 drops of apple stem cell
		Olay SPF 30 spf
		Finish with 1 squirt of emu oil
		Platinumskincare- eye cream
	Wild card- can’t decide	Finishing Platinum Skin Care- GABA- featured on Dr. Oz
	Nights out	Arbonne- 8 hour face lift
	PM	3 drops of copper peptide
		3 drops of apple stem cell
		Afirm Retinol /eye cream
		Finish with 1 squirt of emu oil
	Wild card- can’t decide	Avon’s Gentix..
Weekly	Jessner Chemical peel- 3 min	Very mild peel
	Microderm abrasion	In shower

Every 4-6 Weeks	TCA 30% Peel	3 day weekendJ

Am I a crazy woman ? Perhaps. But this crazy woman thinks longevity science is pretty cool and just got carded at the liquor store last week.

An Ounce of Prevention

2012-03-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

This latest blog I’m dedicating to my cousin, who at the young age of 36 yrs, was just diagnosed with stage four melanoma cancer. My cousin is fair skinned and blue eyed and loved to be outside and snowboard.

I’ve already talked about smoking – on a vanity level. So let’s talk about the sun and our obsession with a “healthy glow” .Historically tan skin has been in and out of fashion. For the last 5000 years, a tanned person meant low-class because they were outside laborers- think "farmer tan". Upper class ladies went to great lengths to keep fair skin; lead paint, arsenic, and layers and layers of clothing.

Since the industrial revolution, the lower-class suddenly went inside to the factories. The tables turned and only the very rich were able to have the luxury of time. Time to lay about outside, time to go on exotic and expensive vacations in the tropical south.

Fast forward a few decades to now; where we still long for the tan look and not caring about the consequences- just watch an episode of Jersey Shore and watch them obsess about their darker-the-better mentality. Listen to popular music on the ipod advocating not caring about the future, just about having fun “…and all that counts is here and now, “ I’m glad you came, The Wanted

So what happens when you don’t care about the future , and just caring about looking good and having fun? Science shows us that:

· One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than double a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.²⁴

· A person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.²⁵
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#treatment

And if science doesn’t do it for you- Take a look at these ladies:

Pam shows signs of her years of topless bathing, Lindsay is only in her twenties , but her fair skin just can't take it.

So what should we do- we all know what to do, slather up in sunscreen. But after a little research, it’s a little more complicated than I realized. I can sum up new research in a few bullet points:

- You need 30+ SPF 30 min before you go outside- not 15 minutes like we've been told
- You need to pay attention to both UV and UA rays.
- There is no such thing as sweat proof or water proof, it just stays on a little longer.
- You need to reapply every 2 hours in full sun, and after going in the water.
- Moderate exposure in sunlight (with protection) is good for you.
- You can still get UV/UA rays on a chilly, cloudy days, so just suck it up and put it on anyway!
- You need to put on enough sunblock to fill a shot glass.
- 70% of people do not put enough sun-block on.

What do I use?

I got the Olay Regenerist 30spf for $18.00- at Costco

Cheap, effective, preventative.

Happy face-saving, and life-saving,!

Not Going Down Without a Fight! Herbal Hormones and Longevity

2012-03-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

When I’m not teaching or caring for my family, I work at my second job as a CNA- working with elderly people in their own homes. It’s a blessing to work with these wonderful people but also gives me some pointers on how I want to be when I’m their age. It seems that those who do not actively care for themselves spend the last 20 years of their life in a “Groundhog Day” like routine in their favorite recliner barely able to walk around. Then I see the 96 years olds that are still moving around and getting out there, what are they doing?

I am determined to be that active 96 year old living their life to the fullest to the very end. Part of that anti-aging goes beyond vanity of course. I do exercise, and eat right. But one other proactive anti-aging activity that I do I learned from my mother ( we’re all natural born wildcrafters I swear). I found many don’t know about taking herbal hormone supplements.

I’ll take you back…

We have not been living past forty until the turn of the 1900 century. Menopause is something new for all of us- women were bearing children in their late teens and early twenties. It’s only the last hundred years us women have decided to hang around another 40 years while our bodies have not caught up. Our hormones begin to slow down when we get to 30 years old- our hair thins and our cells do not turn over as quickly. Around 20 years ago it was common for menopausal women to take Premarin to put symptoms at bay, unfortunately that led to increased breast cancer.

So now what? And what about young women and other pre-menopausal women? There has been significant research at Mayo Clinic done about using herbal supplements as an alternative. Another buzzword is called “Bioidentical” hormones. You can pay large amount of dollars to swab your mouth to get the right balance of what you’re lacking. This helps ease the aging process and keeps you healthy and active longer. However studies are not clear yet about its safety- so please proceed with caution, this is truly cutting edge.

Since I turned 30 many years ago, I noticed I was experiencing peri-menapausal symptoms and added Estroven and DHEA to my morning supplement. Taking them early on decreases the severity of aging you would have experienced.

Estroven has Black Co-hosh and mimics a VERY mild form of estrogen- the hormone that keeps us girls! I notice that my body feels like it did, cycle wise, when I was 24 years old. DHEA is a hormone that is found naturally in a human’s body that makes either estrogen or testosterone. In low doses in can increase lean muscle, energy level, sex drive- woohoo, and vitality. This vitamin is my exercise motivator in a pill. Seriously.

I purchase mine from Swanson Health products, I trust their safety processing and their price- 3 month supply for DHEA 3.99 plus shipping. I can buy Estroven there as well or at Wal-Mart- both cheaper alternatives than Bioidentical “doctors”. Safer too.

Plant Stem Cells- Cellular Fountain of Youth

2012-03-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

As Shirley McClaine says in Postcards from the Edge “ I don’t mind getting old, I do mind looking old.” If science could find a way to stop the aging process, at least the in the epidermis layer (i.e. esthetic skin layer) I would be all for it! Thankfully we are living in a highly technical age where we are beyond moisturizing creams .

In my early twenties, I worked for a biotech company while they played with programmed cell death- or apoptosis. Our genetics are programmed when to start shutting down. What could happen if we could simply- “reprogram” our genes to stop aging? I do feel science is getting close to finding these answers because of progress in cancer treatments and with nanotechnology.

So what does this newfound research mean for us frugal gals looking for real answers that are also effective? Scientific articles in the Life Extension field have shown that plant stem cells as well as topical DNA technology are effective in anti-aging.

Let’s discuss the effects of using plant stem cells as a topical treatment. Miebelle Bio Chemistry in Switzerland discovered the use of a rare Swiss apple known for its ability to stay fresh for an extended period of time. Most of us know about stem cell research in the news- mostly from embryonic sources. Scientist wanted to know if plant stem cells would “show” animal cells how to not age, and help the new cells keep their longevity. Through research, it showed that there were some positive results. They measured line depth of the face in20 subjects over 28 days. All confirmed shallower line depth and each cell sample proved to be more effective in “rejuvenating” itself.

Are there any side effects? None so far, like any new technology long term effects are not documented yet.

I have been using Apple Stem Cell with 35% active for about a year now, three drops in my emu oil “medley” morning and night. I also put it directly on my face after a chemical peel to get it right to the new layer of skin asap. I have done a lot of research on the best product of apple stem cell and so far the product with the highest percent of active is… you guessed it, Platinumskincare.com at 35%. I’ve used Life Extension ($28.00)and other healthcare brands, as well as cream that cost about 130.00, and none of them disclose the amount of active in their formula. This product for me is a little pricey- 42.95 but it seems to last me about 4 months. I notice that before I used it my laugh lines would return about 10 days after a peel, now with the stem cell it is about 35 days for the lines to return.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Happy Face Saving!

Smoking is the Anti-Aging Deal Breaker

2012-03-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

I remember being in my 20’s when you could eat like crap and stay out all night but not have to pay too dearly afterward. Now in my thirties I recognize how little that time frame of “no consequences” really is. It’s only about 8 years that you can do “whatever you want” to your body and not seem to do any real harm to your body. Again I say “seem” to do any harm because none of us can look inside or readily do any screen tests on ourselves.

Let me be clear, I’m not talking about cancer in any form; however cancer can sure bite anyone’s efforts of looking young in the bud quickly! I will try, instead, to appeal to your vanity.

I remember watching an episode of Third Rock from the Sun, where Dick (the alien) discovers smoking. The female says” Dick- that can take ten years off of your life!” Dick replies, “but they only take it off of the end of your life, those are the crappy years anyway.” I know, I remember feeling that way in my twenties too.

We know sun exposure and smoking are the big anti-aging no, nos. However when comparing anti-aging, and not counting cancer, smoking seems to age a woman faster. In WebMD states that for a “social smoker”* middle age comes in their early thirties. We are "young" for about 20 years, and "old" for about 60+years if lucky. We are older longer than we are younger; we need to take care of ourselves!

The term “smoker’s face” is an actual medical term. The smoke literally suffocates the blood supply of oxygen causing wrinkles, sagging, dryness etc. You can see some effects of reversal if you quit- but sadly your skin will never be the same.

* ( meaning that they only smoke when out with friends)

And if this didn’t convince you, these stars were the hotties about 30-15 years ago. They smoked, tanned and drank:

Bridget Bordeaux- blonde bombshell, smoked and tanned ,
she was gorgeous....for about five years.

Kathleen Turner- She was famous for her Jessica Rabbit voice...

which came from smoking...

Poor Melanie Griffith, She battled drugs and alcohol, and smoking.

And now an example of someone who did NOT smoke:

This woman took care of herself. She has not smoked, tanned,

but does exercise and has eats well.

We love Helen Mirren!

I will now get off my soapbox but before I do I will apply sunscreen and thankfully not (or will never) light up;p

"Weaving" Yourself With Better Skin: Collagen.

2012-03-13T12:52:00.005-07:00

Remember being a child spending time with those weaving looms making potholders for your family? Do you remember those loop type materials you had to use? Those loops are essentially what collagen is, and the woven potholder is your skin.

Collagen is the most common type of protein found only in animals (ourselves included). This protein comprises about 30% of our skin, joints, cartilage, nails, etc. and is found everywhere! Think of collagen as the formed box that holds the cell in a shape! Without it we would be a gelatinous mess around our skeleton. Referring back to our potholder analogy, if I were to fold a potholder in half in the same place over and over again, the fibers would wear and eventually make a permanent crease.

That’s exactly what happens to our skin and other collagen dependent organs. So what are we to do? Several creams tout collagen ingredients, but does external delivery work(i.e. topical creams)? Science says “no”! Creams will only moisturize the area temporarily and look plumped for about 1/2 an hour. This would have the same effect as putting chap-stick on your face.

You can get collagen injections (from cows) as line filler to help boost your collagen fiber and get that plump firm look again. Those can cost anywhere from $200.00-$600.00 a treatment. You can also get laser therapy and “rough up” your skin so it forces itself to rebuild the collagen. This treatment costs about 400.00-600.00.

So what should value conscious ladies do? The best method, science states, is to feed collagen to yourself internally. I currently take Neo-cell collagen +C (you need vitamin C to correctly convert the proteins) supplements every morning, Wal-Mart $9.00-ish. I’ve noticed my hair growth to be otherworldly! I also know that my chemical peeling helps “rough up” my skin and build up collagen. And, honestly, I’ve seen the ad on my blog, the collagen “You” mixture from GNC, if anyone ever tries this please let me know:)

Go Retinol or Go Home; The Magic Molecule

2012-03-10T14:25:00.003-08:00

As I sit here slathered in emu oil, with my smile lines still slightly tender from my tca peel, I’m thinking about what is really working in my morning and nightly mixture “medley” of products I’m trying. That’s right, I try new products, then stop, then start again to see if I can tell a difference. Why? Because I have no life, but we digress…

We already know what really works in wrinkle creams; Mayo Clinic says that the ingredients that do work are:
Hydroxy acids, Coenzyme Q10, Copper peptides, Kinetin, Tea extracts and… Retinol! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrinkle-creams/SN00010

Retinol is another name for Vitamin A. We can get it from our leafy greens, our carrots and now in our face products. This is the “bottom-feeding-carp” of skin activity. It cleans your skin so your skin can do its job better ie: create more collagen, fight free radicals etc.

I’ve used retinol for acne- that is essentially what Epiduo is. My face is shiney, more firm and bright. But the down side is it does “sting” at first and you need to stay out of the sun as it can become unstable.

LOTS of skin care boasts retinol and all its forms: retinoids,tretinoin (prescription only), and the whole compound- retinol. But which skin products are effective AND cheap. I have tried:

o All of the big box and over the counter lines

o Olay, Neutrogena, Roc .- minimal notice of any effects, I did break out from the moisturization

o Prescription, etc.: great results

o Platinum Skincare- ok, not as potent as prescription and 3x for me

o Afirm 3x- Awesome!! Comparable to prescription.

I am currently using Afirm 3x and it’s only 30.00-ish and it will last me a year I’m sure. You can’t use more than a pea size or your skin will scream! There are also other strengths available. Below are some guidelines, I know some of these will sound like bomb instructions but it’s worth it.

Guidelines when using something that is potent:

DON’T use if you are pregnant or nursing

DON”T buy the product in a jar, sunlight breaks it down. Pump or small cap with opaque cover.

DO put it on at night so the sun does not have the opportunity to break it down.

DO wear sunscreen as you are now more vulnerable to sunburn which is counterproductive. Spray-tan if you must girls! Elise- are you listening?

Remember we are old longer than we are young! Happy Face Saving!

Mad for Melaleuca

2012-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

This blog entry I thought we’d get a perspective of a mature woman’s needs in a beauty line. Vee Dub from the mid-west has the prettiest, fairest skin and prefers to use a natural line called Melaleuca: a natural line of products at a reasonable cost. Without further ado:

"A bit newer to the whole anti-aging issue, I’ve finally decided that at 50-something I NEED to do something. If I don’t my jowls are going to need a bra! What I don’t like, though, are face preparations that are harsh on your skin, or have chemicals in them that I have no business absorbing into my body. A recent find is Melaleuca’s Sei Bella line of beauty products, including skin care solutions. Their products do not contain sulfar, and are made from pure and natural plant extracts like the goji berry, with lots of Vitamin C and E added to protect your skin from the environment. The solution has a wonderful citrusy scent and costs roughly $20 (if you are a Melaleuca member, a little more if you’re not) for a fluid ounce-size container (goes far).

You can get it at :

http://www.melaleuca.com/

VeeDub"

Why Did You Have Be So Good? When only the best will do...

2012-03-05T18:16:00.002-08:00

Sometimes you can’t avoid it. Only the good stuff works. Deep down we all want to believe that the good (i.e. expensive) products are just over-marketed, over-hyped, Vaseline in a jar. But as most of us know, that isn't so. Sometimes that miracle in a jar is worth the price. So what is a cheap (broke) girl to do?

My secret weapon- www.ebay.com! Let me clarify “the good stuff”. I am not speaking of the la prarie ($10,000 per jar) in a Hollywood star’s home; I’m talking about the products that you would find in a medical spa.

For example:

Murad Skin Care,
Dr Brandt
Perricone
Obagi
MD Skincare,
Skin Medica,
Skinceuticals

Unfortunately, Dr. Perricone has the best eye cream this side of the Mississippi, and his new Acyl-Glutathione, works so well on any lines, it gets rid of any creases. However at full price, they are $95.00 and $175.00 respectively.

On ebay I’ve been able to buy the travel sizes for anywhere from $12.00-$25.00. I recently just purchased 12 “trial size” Arbonne lift gel (it is an eight hour face lift) for $12.00.

The only negatives are neighbors commenting on how often the ups truck stops at my door ;p.

So happy ebaying and remember to never pay more than $40.00 of a trial/travel size anything! Some people can get taken for a ride.

Temple Viper Anti-Aging Technology:Science and Nature at its Best

2012-03-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

This specific product is why I get so excited about anti-aging technology. The Swiss scientists at Pentapharm (now DSM Nutritionals) have developed a way to synthetically reproduce a snake's venom for several medical uses such as anti-coagulants. Along the way, they found ways to use a viper's venom for cosmetic reasons in a product called "Syn-ake". One of them is producing a paralyzing -like effect of venom. Much like botox. A quote from the manufacturer :

SYN®-AKE’s mode of action is similar to that of Waglerin 1

which acts at the postsynaptic membrane. The peptide

is an antagonist of the muscular nicotinic acetylcholine

membrane’s receptor (mnAChR). As the muscular

nicotinic ACh receptors are blocked, the ion channel

remains closed. There is no uptake of Na+ and the muscle

cells stay relaxed.

In lay terms, Syn-ake keeps your muscles from fully contracting or relaxing and therefor leading to less wrinkling. This is an actual botox alternative. In fact, botox users use creams with syn-ake included to extend botox benefits. I have used this product for years and your first few applications feel like you've applied novocaine. During a "Holes" By Loius Sachar unit, I brought my SynAke for the kids to try to experience being bitten - they thought it was pretty cool. So teachers- yet another application ;p

I need to remind you that I have tried all of the botox alternatives (I buy the expensive stuff off of ebay to try it... more about that later) and this is the only product that works.

You can find creams with syn-ake for 130.00 and up. I buy mine (in pure form) for 35.00 and it lasts me for about 6 months.Of course you know where I buy mine; platinumskincare.com with 5% active ( I swear I get no kickbacks from them- although a discount or two would be nice) But you can google Syn-Ake and find several sources.

Happy Face Saving!

The Magic Cure All Oil. No not snake oil but...

2012-03-01T14:21:00.002-08:00

This wonder oil I have been using for eight years- Emu Oil! It’s been referred to as the “the aspirin of the modern days”. It’s been known to help treat burn victims to anti-inflammatory issues. The magical component to this oil is that it mimics the same lipids as humans and therefor can truly replenish moisture.

Emu oil is the only moisturizer that can push below the subdermal layer. This can be two- fold: 1) it can deliver excellent moisture and 2) it can “push” other active ingredients below the subdermal layer as well. That’s why I use it after a chemical peel and I use it last after my serums and whatnot.

Make sure your emu oil is certified, so it won’t be contaminated (yuck!). My mother complains she feels too “greasy”. I do leave it on my skin from about 5 minutes before I put on any makeup. I also have used platinumskincare.com version so I’m not sure that made any difference. This can be used on any skin type as it is non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic as well. The price ranges from 15.00 for 2 ounces to 30.00 for 8 ounces.

Here are some proven uses and effects emu oil:

· Moisturizing

· Anti-inflammatory

· Non-comedogenic

· Wound healing

· Topical enhancer

· Burn treatment

· Skin thickening

· Acne treatment

· Wrinkles...

Stranded on an Island. Now What?

2012-02-25T10:48:00.004-08:00

So I'm getting my morning routine done and I'm thinking about "stranded island" situation. Of course my family, faith and all that wonderful substantive stuff. Now living in vapid land, what would I not be able to live without? Besides the two products that I posted about prior, the next item is something I found eight years ago and I've tried EVERY other product that claims to be able to do the same thing. Ladies: Line Fillers!!!

I‘ve been using Avon’s Solutions Line Filler and I swear by it. It’s only $6.00 at from MY local Avon Lady and the tube lasts about 2 months (with as much as I use it, that’s a lot). Here’s what I’ve tried that does NOT work:

· Heidi Klum’s: In an Instant- this, I found out, is face primer-like. Nothing magical, L’Oreal studio primer does the same thing and it’s much cheaper.
· Olay’s Fill and seal- nope and it crumbles after you put your makeup on.
· Neutrogena- minimal results. If I pile it on and let it “seep” in, small result. Not better than Avon however. Told you I was OCD.

Again I want to go the cheapest route to get the best effects- my husband is a penny pinching German;p. I can buy line filler for $200.00 or get injections.

6.00- for lines gone for over 5 hours=good value!!

My Main Go-To Anti-Aging Products That Solves All Problems

2012-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

These two babies are what started it all. I remember going to a restroom at midnight when I was thirty and seeing two laugh-lines and thinking "what the hell are those?!" After that I did a lot of research. I found a lot of DIY info- some of it pretty scary (do it yourself botox???) some not so scary. Did you know that the only thing a vet legally HAS to do is inject rabies vaccine? Otherwise you can do the rest yourself. I thought that there has to be something that we can do ourselves that doesn’t legally HAVE to be done by a Dr. NOTE: I will not take responsibility if you act like an idiot and hurt yourself. That's on you! Again I have fair skin so it’s more beneficial for my skin tone anyway. I don’t smoke and I’ve been wearing sunscreen since I was sixteen.

At-home chemical peeling and Dr. Pikard’s Super Copper Peptides. You can find these anywhere on the internet but I have been ordering from Platinumskincare.com for seven years with NO problems.

I started out slow with a glycolic peel and over 7 years am now on to a tca 30 % every month, and a mild jessner for a weekly exfoliation.

The supercop formula will have you smelling like pennies for the first few minutes but it’s the same formula they give to burn victims to pull and tighten the skin.

At a salon this would be about 100.00 – 200.00 for 1 time, I paid 34.00 and 84.00 but it will last me a whole year. It pays for itself in 2 months.

More to come- happy face saving!
Jo