AVRIL O'CONNOR'S ANTI-AGING DIARY

FREE ENERGY DRINK - TARGET GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY

2009-10-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

500 cans of Gorgeous Fruit to giveaway

Target Gorgeous is bursting with flavour, packed with energy and targeted for girls with a busy lifestyle who want to make the most of their day and nights!When one solution really does fit all just take Gorgeous Fruit and live life to the full.Target Energy contains a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids and essential nutrients. It contains zero sugar, zero herbal stimulants and only four calories. Target Original 5-Hour Energy contains as much caffeine as a cup of premium coffee. So if you're driving, exercising or just working hard and you want a sustainable burst of 'Fruit and Energy' take Target Energy shots (and keep a spare one in your purse!)

ELIXIR HAS 500 OF THESE GREAT DRINKS TO GIVE AWAY - go to www.elixirnews.com

ACTRESS HELEN MIRREN TO FRONT BOOTS NEW ANTI-AGEING RANGE?

2009-10-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

BOOTS is to launch a new range of anti-ageing skincare aimed at the more mature woman in the New Year.

Boots is planning a huge TV and print campaign for No 7 Lift & Luminate which will be fronted by a new celebrity. The product is due on the shelf on January 27.

Though officially lips are sealed until near the launch date, a Boots insider let slip this week that it is a "really good actress." In that case it would mean the lovely Helen Mirren (pictured below) must be the front runner!

The insider said that lovely actress Keeley Hawes (below right) who is the current face of Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect, is too young at 33 years. This is surprising as the product has flown off the shelf, with most purchases being made by older women, after it was given top scientific acclaim on TV for its ingredients.

Life & Luminate is the name of the new range and it contains several of the key ingredients from the Protect & Perfect range including an extract of lupin.

Boots say the difference between P & P and L & L is that the latter not only reduces wrinkles but also firms and brightens skin - and it does it in just four weeks. It also contains a patented mix of "energising" ingredients including Hawaiian Algae and vitamin C that help to make it feel younger.

There are four products so far in the skincare range - the Lift & Luminate Day Cream - pictured below (50ml, £19.50), which also contains at SPF15

Night Cream - pictured below (50m, £20.50) which also contains shea butter and glycerine

Eye Cream - below (15m, £16.50) with peptides

Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler - right- (30ml, £16) with particles fill in lines to deflect light and "blurr" wrinkles

The original Protect & Perfect Serum (30ml, £18).

Ingredients in Perfect & Protect:
Contains ingredients:Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone corsspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone copolyol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium sulphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Retinyl palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylene glycol, Lupinus albus, Carbomer, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Panax ginseng, Morus alba, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3.

SPA SECRETS - AUTUMN IS PERFECT FOR CYPRUS

2009-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cyprus is an all year round destination that really comes into its own in the autumn when the sunshine is dwindling in rest of Europe.

But there is more to this island than just sun, sea and beach. Recently the Government and the private sector have got together to push other areas of tourism to interest a more discerning clientele such as wine and gastronomy tours.

Cyprus is virtually self-sufficient when it comes to food and most of it is grown on the island, including bananas – and it’s cuisine is a culinary adventure of meze using fresh produce and blending flavours of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Yes Cyprus does have more than its fair share of cheap and cheerful, even a tacky side as a result of tourism from the former Soviet Union. There are pole dancing clubs and Russian prostitutes and large sprawling hotels that would suit footballers’ wives on a hen weekend.

But you don’t have to go far off the beaten track to see the unspoilt rugged mountain scenary, charming villages and to sample delightful food and the hospitality of friendly locals – most of whom seem to have a relative back in Blighty.

Cyprus is now part of the European Union and the Euro and has a healthy economy thanks to tourism. And if you are looking for something special either in rural tourism or five star classic luxury then Cyprus has it.

Elixir took a look at three of the finest resorts on the island:

Columbia Beach Resort

The five star Columbia Beach Resort at Pissouri at the Paphos end of the island is a discreet and classy resort of low-rise luxury bungalows right on the beach. Some suites even have their own plunge pools.

It has a stunning outdoor lagoon-style pool which flows inside to the Spa – so swimming even in winter is possible as its heated.. Cypriot honey, local salt and herbs are used in treatments. The sage, oregano and lavender herbal wrap is a signature treatment to help relaxation and the lymph glands work more effectively.

The spa has six treatment rooms, a spa bath, plunge pool, sauna and steam room. There are tennis and squash courts and a gym. The spa recently introduced a range of Molton Brown products and treatments.

We tried the Lifeforce Facial, a 60-minute rejuvenating treatment for dry and mature skin. This treatment starts with a deep cleanse and a polish ritual featuring a potent fusion of raspberry seed oil and fruit enzymes. Once the skin is buffed and cleansed,you can relax while your therapist uses Hungarian carrot and Moroccan cedarwood oils to supercharge your skin with moisture. You come out looking relaxed and dewy! Costs $113 (€99.10,£58)

The overall atmosphere is intimate and discreet. And with great dining in two restaurants – one offering local cuisine and the other international – it’s a great place for couples who want to get away and relax. There are three championship golf courses nearby.

Coral Beach Hotel Resort

This is a five star resort in a superb location, overlooking the golden sandy beaches and the sparkling blue waters of Coral Bay.

It is right next to the Akamas peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO-protected heritage site. So it’s perfect for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, whether by horse or jeep. You can also ramble, bird watch, scuba dive or cycle. There are also lots of ancient Roman ruins nearby – Pafos was the Roman capital of Cyprus.

Esthisis, is the name of the hotel’s lovely spa and it is the Greek word for senses.

The spa has an indoor heated pool, whirlpool spa, , steam room suites, state-of the-art gymnasium , mirrored aerobics studios with maple sprung floors, computerised fitness assessment and also specialists to treat sporting injuries. It also uses two French products Thalgo and Decleor The Spa's salt glow, massage oil and other body treatments will pamper your body with luxury and leave you ready to take the world.

The new Shiseido spa at the Four Seasons Hotel

The exclusive Shiseido Spa, at the Four Seasons Cyprus has only just opened. It is the 5th Shiseido Spa in the world and the only one in Cyprus and the entire Mediterranean region. The hotel already has the first Thalassotherapy Centre in Cyprus and has now achieved another first with the introduction of the Shiseido Spa.

Thalassotherapy uses seawater and seaweed both of which contain minerals and vitamins in high levels for treatments not just for beauty, but also for total body rejuvenation and relaxation. Revitilise your body and mind whilst being pampered by a trained consultant; each guest is made to feel comfortable and relaxed with a high degree of personal attention.

As you would expect from the Four Seasons, the food and service is excellent – freshly made meze or gourmet dining are both top notch.

We sampled one of the wonderful signature treatments – the Qi for Face and Body. This is an absolutely amazing face and body massage that releases all tension and totally relaxes you – just what you want on holiday. If you have young children there is a well-equipped nursery next door. Costs $338 (€220, £173) for 120 minutes.

Don’t miss:
Picturesque Omodos village with its pretty square, the church of the Holy Cross and the old wine press. The wine producing villages of the Krassochoria on the Southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains – Kolios Winery at Statos Village; Lunch at “Tria Pefka” at Koilani village; Dinner at “Yialos” tavern (fish meze) “Petra tou Romiou” – the legendary Birthplace of Aphrodite, Temple of Aphrodite at Kouklia village. Dinner at Kamaroudi Tavern Paphos; Lefkara village famous for its lace and silver work followed by lunch at Maria’s restaurant – Vavatsinia village; the Cyprus Wine Museum at Erimi. Dinner at Karatello, near the old castle in Limassol

FACTBOX:
• Cyprus Tourism Organisation, www.visitcyprus.com , T: + 44 ( 0)20 7569 8800
• Cyprus Airways operates flights to Cyprus from London, Manchester and Birmingham. For reservations, log on www.cyprusair.com T: + 44 (0)20 8359 1333
• Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri www.columbia-hotels.com T: +357 25 833000
• Leptos Coral Beach Hotel, Coral Bay, Paphos www.coral.com.cy T: +357 26 813 777
• Four Seasons Hotel www.fourseasons.com.cy T: 357 25 858 000 Shiseido Spa + 357 258 58000 Email: spa@thefourseasons.com.cy
• Monarch – the low fares airline offers year-round flights to Larnaca from London Luton Airport and London Gatwick. www.flymonarch.com

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INIKA MINERAL COSMETICS - NEW ERA MINERAL COSMETICS LAUNCH

2009-10-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Inika is an Australian brand of mineral make-up which is certified organic, suitable for vegans and also those on a Halal diet.

The brand was conceived by former Brit Amanda Bond and Jenni Williams when they realised there was a gap in the market for a mineral range of cosmetic make-up that was not only ethical but also performed with great coverage and colours. It is also the only mineral range for coloured skin in Australia.

Amanda's passion for her range was borne out of her own health issues (endometriosis) and fertility difficulties which she believes may have their roots in toxix chemicals in our environments.

Inika, she says, is about creating "glamour that is good for you!"

The cosmetic market is awash with claims for its cream and potions, most of which is unsubstantiated by science - the consumer is also confused by the descriptions for products such as "organic", "natural", "certified organic" since there is no umbrella body regulating these products worldwide. Different classifications have different criteria for the amounts of ingredients which should be "organic" to receive their stamp of approval. This means that some "organic and natural" products have very little of the specific ingredients and may also contain many of the ingredients being shown to be harmful or potentially harmful such as harsh chemicals, fillers, talk, bismuth oxychloride, GM ingredients, parabens, presevatives, mineral oils, phthalates and fragrances.

Stella McCartney is a fan of Inika which contains 100% certified organic, vegan or both - even the lipsticks and glosses which are usually impossible to make without animal-sourced ingredients. All products are 100% certified cruelty free and produced ethically with care for the environment.

The ingredients include natural minerals and a host of antioxidant ingredients such as natural oils for the pomegranate, Aloe Vera.

Inika has recently rebranded its range with new black and gold packaging and new products including a mineral foundation packed with antioxidants - so its also a treatment as well as a cosmetic. Inika contains a comprehensive range of products from primers to powder foundations, pencils and bronzers with prices starting at around £11.

Its available in selected salons..For more information Contact Inika Australia T: 61 2 4283 1043 www.inika.com.auand UK T: + 44(0)203 178 6090 www.inikacosmetics.co.uk

And if you want to know what is in your cosmetics find out here www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
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ROC'S LONDON LAUNCH OF RETIN-OX WRINKLE CORREXION RANGE

2009-10-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Launching nationwide in the UK in just two weeks time, ladies were given a sneak preview in London's Maddox street at ROC's anti-ageing boutique event to showcase the new product.

And if the queue which formed outside the boutique is anything to go by women can't wait to get their hands on this product.

The new ROC Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion range combines three A-list anti-ageing ingredients - pure Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid and Biopeptide.

In skin tests, the new product has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by 30% in a period of 8 weeks. This includes wrinkles on the forehead, crow's feet, and lines around the lip and mouth - the main areas of concern for most women.

The ingredients also help increase cell turnover to promote younger looking skin. For example, in tests the eye cream improved the appearance of all the test ladies crows feet!

The range (pictured) includes a Daily Moisturiser (£26.99), Regenerating Night Cream (£26.99), an Intensive Serum (£26.99) and Eye Cream (£20.99).

The boutique anti-ageing event was so successful that ROC is thinking of opening a permanent skin advice centre. Read about it here!

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THE BUZZ OF EXERCISE - BRITISH MILITARY FITNESS TRAINING AT NIGHT!

2009-09-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

I can't say it's easy but getting up and running around with some other like-minded people is great fun.

It's been two months since I decided to try out British Military Fitness Training - exercise that gets you superfit very quickly if you stick at it. In my case a knee injury prevented me from going to every session and at times Iwondered if all the aches and pains were worth it.

Then I got on my bike which I hadn't used properly for a couple of months and discovered that the hills in London (and there are some big hills in London) were a piece of cake! It seemed like my muscles has taken on a life of their own and actually enjoyed going uphill. So it really does work. I have lost weight, my stomach has shrunk and I just feel a lot fitter and stronger.

The next hurdle for me is exercising in the colder winter months and in the dark. So I was looking forward to my latest session on Hampstead Heath with some intrepidation.

But the session last Tuesday evening was the busiest one I have particpated in. There was so many of us blues (beginners) what we were split into two groups. How do you see in the dark you may ask? Well unbelievably Hampstead Heath is not dark at all - it is illuminated by all the lights of the big City and you can see everything in lights - from the Post Office Tower to the huge office blocks. It's quite an exhilarating sight. And of course you are not alone - the trainers keep a close eye on everybody to make sure no stragglers get left behind.

Our trainers all have torches and lights on their backpacks and although we don't stick to the footpaths, the roughest terrain is avoided - but still no mercy on the exercise! After the warm up which includes running, press ups, squats, star jumps etc - we run through the heath to Parliament Hill...its not cold at all, there was a light breeze and it's a bit of a buzz seeing London from this view.

Not far down below there were some guys playing football in a floodlit court and we did some real army exercise nearby - crab walking for one and crawling through the grass - I confess at this point I decided to do lunges instead. But I promise I will do it next time....

Then is was running back on the footpaths back to the car park at Downshire Hill, off Hampsead High Street.

I can't wait for the snow!

If you want to try British Military Fitness - the first session is free, just fill out your health questionnaire it's on the web site - and bring it with you. Don't worry if you don't feel like coming alone - someone always chats to you! You can find out about the classes at http://www.britmilfit.com/.

There are also some winter training tips on line at http://www.britmilfit.com/winter_training.aspx

ANTI-AGEING LAUGHTER - CARTOON BY MIKE FLANAGAN

2009-09-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

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ANNE BUTCHER'S DIARY OF HER DEKA SMARTXIDE NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT

2009-09-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year Anne Butcher underwent the new Deka Smartxide laser skin rejuvenation.

She has kindly given us permission to publish her diary and to show the pictures of her treatment. Her diary and pictures take you through the treatment, which was carried out by Dr Aamer Khan at the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, and shows how lovely she looks afterwards.

Anne: Friday 29th January at 1.15pm the anaesthetic cream was applied to my face, and pain killers were given to me.

Its now 2pm and my skin is cleansed. The treatment is started. Its a hot sensation but not unbearable. After the treatment my face is covered withsun protection. By 2.45pm its all finished and I am sitting back in waiting room.

My face is going hot and cold and starting to swell slightly.By 4.00pm I am in the car on the way home and the hot feeling has stopped.

Here is a picture of Anne shortly after her treatment:

Day of SmartXide Dot laser

During the evening I cleansed my face with wipes, my face was feeling very weepy and tender, I then washed it with vinegar water as I had been instructed, and put on a cream with a paraffin base which protects your skin, it made my skin feel very comfortable.

Saturday 31st January 7.00am – Woke up eyes almost shut, face very swollen, cleansed my face vinegar water, you would think this would sting but it did not, infact it stopped my face from weeping. Then applied more of the protective cream. I have not had to take any pain killers. By midday my skin was feeling very tight and weepy, again cleansed with vinegar water followed with the cream. Eyes almost closed I slept a lot as I could not focus properly to read or watch the TV. All through the day and evening I cleansed my face every 2 hours with the vinegar water, then applied protective cream.

Sunday 1st February 6.15am – Woke up and went and washed my face with vinegar water and applied cream, went back to bed, still very swollen.

12 noon - Got up washed with vinegar water and cream, swelling has gone down quite a lot, eyes not so tight, not weeping so much feel a lot better, no pain. Just tender when cleansing my face, I am now looking lobster red my skin has started to peel today. By the evening I stopped using vinegar water as I was peeling so much, face just feels tender, much less swelling. Cleansing with wipes, still applying cream regularly.

Monday 2nd February Looking a lot better! But still extremely red, peeling excessively.

Used wipes to gently cleanse my face. I am still using the paraffin based cream. As the day progressed my eyes felt a lot better not so tender and no weeping, I am improving all the time and the redness starting to tone down slightly.

Tuesday 3rd February Looking even better still rather red.
Peeling like mad, cleansing and applying cream. Still slightly swollen.

Wednesday 4th February Peeling an awful lot kept on applying cream every two hours. Still red but starting to see signs of redness calming down.

Thursday 5th February Much better today started to use CCLIft serum & B’Time cream. Put some make up on my eyes, started to feel like myself, still peeling like mad.

Friday 6th February A week today – still very red at times but can make up my eyes and use mineral make up. I still need to cleanse and I am applying the B’time cream and the CCLift serum, although they are not really sinking in just laying on top, but still not bad for only one week.

Saturday 7th February Went out of the first time, still putting creams on every 4 hours, near enough back to normal but still covering up the redness. I am very impressed with the results so far, I really do look like I have had a face lift.

Only 7 days after her treatment - Anne's face is firmer and lifted - and by the way is Anne is not smiling for the sake of consistency in the photographs!

Pictures courtesy of The Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, 96 Harley Street, London W1. www.harleystreetskin.co.uk Laser resurfacing costs from £1,200

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HOW I TOOK TEN YEARS OFF MY SKIN AGE WITH THE NEW DEKA SMARTXIDE DOT LASER

2009-09-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Two months ago I underwent a laser facial rejuvenation treatment with the new DEKA SmartXide Dot Laser.

This was not a treatment that I undertook lightly as lasers skin resurfacing is a very painful treatment and usually requires at weeks off work while the skin heals.

But the Harley Street Skin Clinic’s new generation machine, operated by the very skilled Dr Aamer Khan, achieves the same result without the downtime in less than a week.

In this treatment the skin is “pixilated” with the laser – but skin rejuvenation is just as good as the lasers which completely resurface the skin with the benefits of less pain and less downtime.

Although my skin was in relatively good condition but the sags and jowls were beginning and the overall appearance of my skin was deteriorating with my pores getting larger.

First of all Dr Khan examined the current state and condition of my skin using a machine which measures the underlying damage – I had quite a lot from the sun which was evident as masses of freckle-like blotches beneath the skin. He told me that the treatment would reduce the sun damage, shrink my pores and generally rejuvenate the collagen.

The surface of my skin was treated with a topical gel aesthetic and also several pain-killing injections before the laser treatment which lasted about an hour. It was painful – a bit like sun burn. But the worst was over by the next day. There was some swelling but no bleeding or weeping which you can get with the deeper lasers. And I didn't need to take the painkillers I had been given.

Day by day my skin improved with the redness fading by day three.

Its been two months now and my skin is looking better every day – the regeneration of the underlying collagen continues for several months, I am told. My skin is tighter and firmer around the jawline and the photo analysis shows that the underlying sun damage has been virtually eradicated and the pore size has shrunk by two thirds. Everything has lifted – even my sagging upper eyes.

But I let my friends be the judge. “Your skin looks amazing!" Is what they are saying.” I am so pleased that I could get this effect without surgery – my face is the same – just a lot younger.

Now all I need to do is get the body to go with the face!

Laser resurfacing at The Harley Street Skin Clinic costs from £1,200

Dr Aamer Khan at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, www.harleystreetskin.co.uk For nationwide availability of Deka SmartXide Dot contact: 0207 514 5104

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THE CRAZY WORLD OF ANTI-AGING THROUGH THE EYES OF CARTOONIST MIKE FLANAGAN

2009-08-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

And this is Mike:

SEE MORE OF HIS WORK AND FIND OUT MORE at www.webjam.com/flantoons2008

TOO MUCH WORK AND TOO LITTLE EXERCISE MAKES JILL A FAT AND UNFIT GIRL!

2009-08-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday that I was cycling 15 miles a day, swimming a couple of times and jogging the 3-miles circuit round Regent's Park and I still didn't think I was fit!

Now after eight months of sloth - I definitely know what unfit feels like - muscle cramps, tiredness etc and I definitely know what it looks like - fat and flabby! And if my life depended on it I couldn't sustain a decent run - so desperate measures are called for!

I thought about a Boot Camp (not enough time), running round the park on my own (boring and solitary) - then while walking through Hyde Park I saw some people having fun doing exercise with the "pros" from British Military Fitness. No demotivating shouting - great instructions and other folks in the same boat.

After researching them online at www.britmilfit.com I discovered there are sessions in parks all over the UK and you can go along and sample a lesson free. You do need to fill out a pre-session health questionnaire which you can download online to take with you.

I tried my session at Hampstead Heath. Hmmm I realised on arrival - I had picked probably the hilliest park in London! Too late to chicken out though - I could see the Military Fitness van in the car park.

The instructors for my session were Ian Finch( pictured below), an ex-navy marine and the lead instructor; Lalin Navaratne, a trainee doctor (centre) and Craig Johnson - "Johno" is another ex Royal Marine.

Participants in the training are divided into different groups, dependent on fitness - blue for beginners (unfit), red for fit and green for seasoned particpants and really fit people.

Needless to say I was given a blue vest for the team led by Lalil. Everyone is very friendly and I was told that there is a thriving social scene including an annual ball.

There is no hanging around - we get our orders to jog off and I follow the others up hill and down dale! An hour later - after doing what I can only describe as an aerobic circuit, including jumping jacks, on the spot running, stomach crunches, press ups, we finally run down hill back towards the car park for stretching exercises. And I was not the last person back!

Running through a park like Hampstead Heath in the summer is glorious - much better and more interesting (stimulating) than being in a smelly gym. And Ian Finch tells me that the Hampstead Heath mob are not just fairweather exercisers - they turn up in the depths of winter, come snow or rain! Last January when London ground to a halt in the snow there were 30+ of them on the heath...

Afterwards I feel good - my legs felt exercised but I was not exhausted - the longer it went on the easier it was. Twenty four later my muscles are pleasantly aching and I know it has put me on the road to being fitter and my next jog round the park will be a whole lot easier!

Needless to say exercise does really make you feel a whole lot better.....not just in body but also in mind too - I feel a whole lot more positive today about everything. I can't wait for my next session!

ITALIAN COSMETIC SURGEON UNVEILS STEM CELL FACELIFT SUCCESS

2009-07-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Renato Calabria, pioneer of the Stem-Cell Enhanced Facelift has unveiled before and after pictures of the procedure he performed in Florence, Italy earlier this Spring. While it's still early, the results will only get better over time!

Here Dr Calabria explains the procedure:

For decades plastic surgeons have been looking to restore a more youthful look on the face. Surgical techniques have been improving, newer lasers have been used in order to achieve a goal that seemed unreachable. Comparing the post-operative results with the pictures of the patients when they were younger, it appeared that there was something missing: a younger face had more volume and the skin just looked fresher.

Dr. Calabria always thought that with the advent of stem cell research, plastic surgery could beneficiate from it. Using stem cell as a mean to jump start the regenerative process in our own body was definitely a very attractive proposition.

We knew that the fat in our body contained adult stem cell along with other regenerative cells. Dr. Calabria has been using fat grafting ( therefore containing adult stem cells) on the face with the distinct purpose to rejuvenate the skin and adding volume.

But was not till the develop of a new device, the Celution Device, that facial rejuvenation could taken to the next level and finally create a really amazing result.

Dr.Calabria has called this new way of the future the "cell-enhanced face lift".

The (stem) cell-enhanced face lift is a new procedure used to volumizing the face and create a more youthful look.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Renato Calabria believes that traditional face lift should be a thing of the past: they caused the so called "wind tunnel "look by pulling tight the skin in the wrong direction. Adding volume to the face has always been Dr. Calabria's goal. First with the Vertical Face lift, by moving the patient's own tissues in a vertical direction and therefore repositioning it to the original and more natural position, Dr Calabria has been creating a more youthful look. And now with the (stem) cell-enhanced face lift, Dr. Calabria think he has definitely found the answer.

The (stem) Cell-Enhanced face lift not only restores the volume in the face but also adds regenerative cells which are believed to be beneficial to the rejuvenation process.

Dr. Calabria has developed a technique by which the cells are injected into the SMAS and underneath the facial musculature to create a more youthful volume adding result.

The (stem) cell-enhanced face lift combines soft tissue that is transferred from one part of the body to the face with the patient's own adipose tissue-derived stem cells and regenerative cells.

The technique first consists of harvesting the cells ( Usually from the lower abdomen). Liposuctioned fat is rich with regenerative cells which include adult stem cells, blood vessel producing cells, growth factor secreting cells. Once the fat is harvested, it is treated through a device to isolate the cells.

Celution® Technology - How it Works

First, adipose tissue is taken from the patient by a low volume tissue collection procedure. Next, the collected tissue is placed in the Celution® Device, which processes each patient's tissue with a single-use, application-specific consumable set that easily attaches to the Celution® Device.

The Celution® Device liberates the stem and regenerative cells from the adipose matrix; the cells are then separated, washed, and concentrated in the collection container. This real-time processing takes place in a closed environment to minimize the risk of exposure to contaminants and can be completed within the timeframe of a single surgical procedure.

Next, a syringe is used to collect the cells that are to be redelivered to the same patient. The cells may be injected directly into a site or implanted with a delivery matrix or scaffold to improve performance, such as combining the cells with an adipose tissue graft in reconstructive surgery procedures.

Following re-infusion into the body, it is thought that environmental cues from the damaged and surrounding tissue guide the stem and regenerative cells to the area of damage and help facilitate a natural healing response. The cells may respond by a variety of mechanisms, which promote tissue survival, graft retention, and/or differentiation of progenitor cells into the appropriate cell type.

Then, during the face lift, the regenerative cells tissue embedded in fat is then gently placed with a blunt cannula in layers of facial tissues like the SMAS, under the muscles, etc.... Once the fat is placed, symmetry is checked and then the skin is redraped and approximated, the excess skin excised and then anchored in a vertical direction and closed in layers. The key is to place this regenerative tissue in a precise location in order to enhance the volume of the face in areas previously volume deprived.

After the cell-enhanced face lift, the patient exhibits a dramatic improvement not only in the underlying soft tissue contouring of the face but the skin itself. The growth factors contained in these cells induce the skin and the other tissues to produce more cells of their own by basically initiating a signal to the local stem cells as well as the transplanted adult stem cells to restore them self and multiply.

Others techniques of stem cell face lift inject the cells directly in the face,( without surgery) but in Dr. Calabria's opinion is not as effective in voluminizing the face that the cell-enhanced ( stem cell) face lift and it does not address the laxity of the skin.

Also the cells have not been isolated with the celution device which Dr. Calabria thinks is essential to the final result.

The regenerative cells, by secreting growth hormone and other factors, are also beneficial to create a more youthful look, diminishing the aging process. The procedure restores the youthful contour and shape of the face as well as skin tightness and evens out color irregularities caused by aging and sun damage.

The cell-enhanced (stem cell) face lift is the new frontier of face lifting and Dr. Calabria is definitely writing a new chapter in facial rejuvenation.

The Celution device is not available in the US yet but has been approved for clinical use in Europe and it is available in Dr. Calabria's Milan and Rome locations and he will bring the technology to the U.S. as soon as next year.

Find more information on Dr Calabria's website www.drcalabria.com

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WESTERN LOIRE - SPAS FOR YUMMY MUMMIES AND SO MUCH MORE

2009-06-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you love pristine beaches of fine yellow sand, gourmet food, fine wine and world-class spas then the Western Loire is a perfect destination if you want to splash out on a romantic weekend. Its also great for budget family holidays – eating out doesn’t need to be expensive – the area is also known for its crêpes and local cidre.

And its quick and easy to get to, particularly from the UK as the low-cost airlines fly to Nante.

The Western Loire is just below Brittany and has miles of unspolit coastline with ancient fishing ports such as Piriac-sur-Mer, Le Croisic and the mediaeval fortified town of Guérande, in the heart of ancient salt marshes. A unique local landmark of this area are the “carrelets” pictured below –the huts on stilts in the seabed which are dotted along the coast and still used for fishing.

Fortunately the region is not yet on the radar of the holiday hoards so you you can still listen to the sound of the ocean and breathe in the fresh salty air in relative peace!

The salt marshes and wetlands around Guérand, for example, are protected and of great ornithalogical interest as they provide a refuge for many migrating species flying between Europe and Africa. There are guides at the Salt Museum who can take you through the marshes and point out the wildlife which you might otherwise miss.

The superior quality of the local salt which has unique minerals is why it is known as “white gold” and also the reason this region is has world-class thalassotherapy treatments – where seawater is the main rejuvenating ingredient.

One of the other delightful aspects is that they actively encourage family participation in spa rituals. Many have dedicated babycare to give parents a break, programmes for new fathers to interact with babies and special programmes for young mothers.

This is all in addition to fitness programmes, weight loss, smoking cessation, physiotherapy, beauty, and cosmetic treatments which can be tailored to individual requirements with all the benefits of the latest techniques combined with the special properties of seawater. And there are always other activities such as golf and horse-riding nearby.

At the traditional fishing village of Pornic is the Alliance Pornic Resort Hotel & Thalassotherapy Centre. This is in a quiet and intimate setting next to the beach on the edge of a small village. The rooms are bright and light - designed for relaxing and most have sea views and balconies. You can also walk from your room to the thalassotherapy area. The restaurant, La Source, is designed like a ship and overlooks the large bay.

The spa is state-of-the art with a seawater indoor pool that is heated to 30oC. There is an aquatic trail with Jacuzzi, jet streams, cascade showers, bubble baths and bubble beds, a steam room, men and women’s saunas, a fitness and gym room.

The spa has an exceptional menu of treatments that span European, Asian and Oriental traditions. As well as slimming and cellulite programmes. Surprisingly the resort only has three stars but it more like a five star.

The food here is excellent and you can walk off any excess by rambling along the nearby cliffs and beaches.

In La Baule, the Royal-Thalasso is a very different kind of hotel and spa experience. It is one of those really grande 19th century resort hotels, with red carpets, cabinets of glamorous clothes and jewellery and a top-hatted doorman.

Here you are in the centre of town, minutes from the beach and right next to the casino if you want to indulge.

The Spa again is impressive catering for parents who want to destress – they have male and female nannies for children. The area and care dedicated to the younger ones is phenomenal.

This is a great luxury hotel but it doesn’t stint on the family stuff.
From the moment of arrival, younger guests are given special attention with their very own welcome gift. In the room, they will find specially created bathroom amenities and, they also have their own menus at the restaurant and with room service. The hotel also has a Baby Club for smaller guests of 10 weeks to 5 years which is open daily

Other activities such as horse-riding, watersports, tennis and hiking are also available. And if you fancy a quick spin round the town …you can always hire a “Segway” from the local tourist office. You can ride the pavements and terrorize the locals on this two wheeled electric transport device.

Don’t miss:

* Restaurant Le Beau Rivage, Pornic – local fish specialities, overlooking the beach. www.restaurant-beaurivage.com
* The mediaeval town of Guérande which overlooks the ancient salt marshes – the Pays Blanc and the Pays Noir are where peat can be found. For more than 1000 years the salt-panners have fashioned the mosaic of clay and water into a unique ecological site.
* Visit the Salt Museum at Terre de Sel Pradel and buy the Guérande Gros Sel and Fleur de Sel – the salts prized by top chefs.
* Crêperie La Salorge, Saille T +33 (0)2 4014 4419 – traditional creperie (sweet and savory)serving the local cidre;
Restaurant Le Gulf Stream, Plage Le Baule - brilliant food and wine! T: 33 (0)2 40 24 48 07 www.legulfstream.com

Factfile:

France Information Line: 09068 244 123 www.franceguide.com
Easyjet flies from London Stansted/Luton to Nantes Bookings at www.easyjet.com/
Pornic Resort Hotel Thalasso, Pornic T: 33 (0)2 40 64 01 80 www.thalassopornic.com
Royal-Thalasso Barrière, La Baule Reservations: + 33 (0)825 826 016 www.lucienbarriere.com
La Baule Tourist Office T + 33 (0)2 40243499

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NEW GENERATION ANTI-AGING TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDIK8

2009-06-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

Medik8, is the brand name for a collection of innovative skin products created by UK scientist Elliot Isaacs.

Originally the range begin with several core products aimed at people with worrying skin conditions such as rosacea. But the range recently added some new serious anti-aging products with optimum concentrations of all the major ingredients proven to help skin rejuvenation, packed so that they do not loose their potency and at fairly decent prices compared to bother cosmeceuticals on the market.

Isaacs knows his skin/ingredient science in depth - he is a graduate of
The University of Leeds - Pharmacology and Physiology Department. With nearly 10 years experience in cosmeceutical formulation, he was recently honoured with the prestigious Grade A Membership of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists.

Elliot has witnessed all the recent trends in anti-aging skincare including the rush for Retin-A® in his father's chemist shop when he was a small boy. This planted the seed early-on for developing a scientific skincare brand.

In the late 1990’s his sister began to develop a skin redness that would not go away. One skin cream she used appeared to contain the right anti-inflammatory actives but paradoxically seemed to be causing more irritation than it calmed. So he turned his own hand to making a product which turned out be and still is Medik* bestselling product Red Alert® in 2004.

The new range is available through expert doctor and other skin professionals but you can view online at the new website www.medik8.co.uk/

We particularly like the new Vitamin C serums C-Tetra (3%) and CE Tetra (7%) for stimulating collagen. The serum sinks into the skin immediately, leaving it softer looking immediately...CE Tetra which is aimed the older lady or man costs £60 (30ml). This product is unique as no other company offers Terahexadecyl Ascorbate in serum form and at such concentrations.

Use with the Hyra 8 moisturiser £49 (50ml:

Other new products include a great ani-cellulite cream £34 (90ml)

Also new is the Retinal 40 Boost Concentrate - a highly concentratedserum which you add to the Hydra8 Moisturiser - £75 (5ml.

DISCOVER SPIEZIA NATURAL ORGANICS FROM CORNWALL

2009-06-23T05:16:00.001-07:00

Made in Cornwall and the passion of lovely Amanda Barlow (pictured), Spiezia, is a range of organic beauty products all made with care for the environment. The essential oils are extracted by cold pressing - so a very little goes a long way.

In particular the rose oil which is pressed from the finest rose buds from an organic farm in Iraq....and everything is bottled in recycled glass made locally.

Find out more on Amanda's website www.spieziaorganics.com

Dr Elisabeth Dancey creates the Bijoux Medi-Spa London's Belgravia

2009-06-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Bijoux, a jewel of a mini-spa opened last week in Belgravia. Created by Dr Elisabeth Dancey it offers high-tech anti-ageing treatments as well as holistic and organic treatments.

Only a stone's throw from master milliner Philip Treacy and the fab Italian restaurant Mimmo & Ischia, Bijoux is both discreet and welcoming. At the front is a beauty shop with exclusive organic face and body products from Spiezia (more about Spiezia in my next blog) and anti-ageing mineral make-up guru Susan Posnick, cosmeceuticals from SkinCeuticals, Dermaceutic, Mene and Moy.

"I wanted to create a unique and individual beauty experience for clients who want to enhance their looks thanks to the latest cosmeceuticals and offer a holistic, organic range of body treatments to achieve total well-being," says Elisabeth.

We recommend Vavelta - the live cell treatment for ageing, scarred and damaged skin and Dermaroller - this exciting little medical device created by a German metallurgist gives results equal to a fraxelated laser without the pain, expense and downtime!

Bijoux is at 149 Ebury Street London SW1W 9QN
T: + 44 (0)20 7730 0765
www.bijoux-medispa.co.uk
www.elisabethdancey.co.uk

MINERAL MAKE-UP: Susan Posnick's new collection

2009-06-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

At ELIXIR we love mineral make-up. It sits on the skin beautifully without highlighting large pores and wrinkles. One of the best brands is by international celebrity make-up artist Susan Posnick.

Susan is passionate about her brand and insists that it contains the highest-quality minerals and the highest concentration of them.

The star-product in her collection is COLORFLO, a mineral-based, light-diffusing, SPF26 foundation (pictured above) in powder form that brightens the skin and makes beauty simple.

This self-dispensing, portable and refillable brush contains highly pigmented iron oxides, plus Vitamins A and E, providing beautiful, natural coverage. Micronized Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide provide the most powerful and natural sun protection available, SPF26.

The luxurious, natural goat hairs in the brush are considered to be the best fibres by make-up artists and help provide a flawless finish. Simple to apply, COLORFLO covers like a liquid or cream foundation, with the smooth finish of a powder. COLORFLO is sweat proof, water resistant, and gently floats on the skin, creating a radiant glow without looking shiny.

Light diffusing particles help soften fine lines and create a virtually invisible finish. COLORFLO is available in 13 shades – including a perfect shimmer and bronzer; shades to suit Asian skins and pinker tones for English rose complexions. The skin-loving minerals will not clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin; in fact, the ingredients are so gentle you can apply COLORFLO immediately after all skin treatments, including Microdermabrasion, to cover redness. Simply, CLICK. DUST. GO – refills are available which means you can change shade to suit the season!

COLORFLO retails for £39.95 in the UK with the refil costing £21.95

The range is available from premium salons and spas nationwide and all products are also available via mail order.

Look out for her new lipstick range which gives you moist sexy lips in colours which suit almost everyone - and they come with a magnetic cap so you won't loose it!

Stockist enquiries: 020 8997 8541 www.skinbrands.co.uk

MENTAL HEALTH - GAIL RUNDLE CAMPAIGNS FOR EQUALITY

2009-05-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Stand Up. Stand to Reason…

By Gail Rundle
Investment banker, wife and human being on her campaign to put mental health issues on an equal footing with other body health problems....

Hi. My name is Gail. Now let’s get one thing straight….I’m fifty years old. For those of you who succumb to contemporary myth, that makes me a ‘wizened’, menopausal old hag with a face as lined as a grid reference map, as I sit sipping luke-warm Ovaltine and tapping my pink furry mules to the lachrymose ballads of Val Doonican.

Nonsense, I say, and Hoorah for the menopause! This morning I decided to tidy the landslide of papers in my messy study. Yet here I am, relaxing with a gin and tonic and enjoying my favourite Led Zeppelin tracks while I chat with you. Yes, Mesdames, growing older disgracefully has many benefits, not least of which is the realisation of what’s important. And dusting isn’t.

And there’s more…On my fiftieth birthday last year I threw away my big knickers and treated myself to some serious lacy numbers. I also made three wishes for the coming decade, two of which have already come true. My first novel is now underway. It’s a comedy and so what if I laugh at my own jokes? However, my biggest wish was to work in mental health, as I have bipolar illness.

I was diagnosed in my early twenties and have spent the subsequent thirty years managing depression and hypomania. I say ‘managing’, because I was able to forge a career in investment banking which took me to over sixty countries. I have known times from the black hole and empty soul to the soaring ascent of hypomania….

But I digress. My wish came true when I read a newspaper article featuring Jonathan Naess, and ‘Stand to Reason’ the mental health charity he founded. It’s wonderful to be part of something so empowering for service-users. The charity campaigns for the rights of all who suffer mental ill health and that’s one in four of us at some point in our lives… Is there anyone out there who doesn’t know someone who has suffered depression, or anxiety? Somebody’s mother, somebody’s partner, somebody’s sister, somebody’s friend. It could even be you. And it is certainly me.

Stand to Reason is a service-user led organisation that works with and for people with mental ill health in the way that Stonewall has for gay people: raising the profile, fighting prejudice, establishing rights and achieving equality. We are committed to fighting discrimination and stigma, challenging stereotypes and changing attitudes.

We have a vision of a changed world, one in which it will be common sense or ‘stand to reason’ that people who have experience of mental distress and ill health deserve the same respect and consideration as those with physical ill health and problems.
Stand to Reason is tackling discrimination and stigma in the following broad areas: business and employment, politics, culture and media, education and health.

Why not read about our work at http://www.standtoreason.org.uk/ ? Or better still, join us? Membership is free and we are the fastest-growing membership-based mental health charity in the sector.

Dear Reader, delighted to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming months when I address some of the issues raised in this column and share some of my experiences…

Gail K Rundle, Business Development Director, Stand to Reason.
http://www.standtoreason.org.uk/ 07747 105432 You can also email Gail at info@standtoreason.org.uk

BEAUTY MOST BEASTLY

2009-03-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Is it really possible to morph from this to this with cosmetic surgery?

Without having any concern for this?

WE LOVE THE ROLLER-BLADING PENSIONER

2009-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

At ELIXIR magazine we love rollerblading pensioner Geoff Dornan.

He is the fantastically fit septuggenarian who was fined by a UK court for 'endangering the public' by skating through a shopping mall.

We at ELIXIR think Mr Dornan should be given an award. At the age of 71 years he skated with respect to others, unlike others half his age. We assume the only reason he was caught because he did respect the law and stopped when he was asked.

The retired youth worker, who says regular skating keeps him fit and healthy, had now had his rollerblades confiscated by police.

The truth is that the rather large people in our community are far more of a danger. For example, how many times has a public bus braked abruptly and the huge person next to you come dangerously near to squashing the nearest passenger.

Mr Dornan, who now has a 2,075-person Facebook group devoted to him, was rollerblading in the seaside town of Southport, Merseyside and CCTV footage from a Marks and Spencer camera recorded in October 2008.

Outside court Mr Dornan said: 'In the months during which I have been unjustly deprived of my blades, I was shocked to discover how swiftly the health of someone of my age can deteriorate.
'At the time of my arrest, I was as fit as a flea, and entirely free of pain. Yet by Christmas, I found myself confined to bed with severe back trouble.'

He added: "I would never want to put anybody in danger and always adopt a good skating practice, which means nobody should ever feel threatened. I don't believe I'm a danger to anyone. This case should never have been brought to court.'

We have all seen people, mostly young men in my experience, cycling on public pavements even past policemen who take no notice. Since most policemen and women on foot appear to be overweight maybe if they were given some rollerblades they might not only get fit but also be fast enough to catch the real criminals rather than OAPs?

Is this what happens when you take too much human growth hormone?

2009-01-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

World's oceans will soon be ruled by IMMORTAL SELF-CLONING JELLYFISH SHOCK

When I see stories like this I so wish I was editor of Fortean Times!

Apparently most jellyfish die after having sex, but this jellyfish, known as Turritopsis Nutricula manages to cleverly revert back to a juvenile state after mating - effectively becoming a baby again and living forever. It must be a man!

Scientists say the 5mm long jellyfish can do this iforever , which explains the huge rise in the population that wash up on our beaches.

Soon, the sea will be a white mass of pure jellyfish, although when jellyfish-infused beauty products start hitting the shelves from 2012 the poor little Turritopsis Nutricula will get hunted to extinction. That will teach them for being so clever!!

ORGANIC REJUVENATION FROM NEW ZEALAND

2008-12-23T04:07:00.000-08:00

Eating lots of Vitamin C is one of the best ways to boost your immunity naturally, especially in winter. Newly launched in the UK is JASON Natural Cosmetics which are packed full of the powerful antioxidant Ester-C which is the main active ingredient in their new anti-ageing collection.

This comprehensive range consists of nine hard-working products which by the way are great value for money. The unique formulation of pure active ingredients penetrates deep into the skin to minimize the signs of ageing and fight free radical damage revealing softer, smoother, more radiant, youthful skin. Regular use of these skin-smart products will intensely hydrate the skin, restore suppleness, improve skin elasticity and leave skin healthier and younger looking.

Our favourite is the Max Instant Facial which exfoliates and hydrates the skin with the oils and Ester C and gives you an instant glow! Every product has the aroma natural orange oils is orange.(unfortunately our blog turns them blue!).JASON is available in Whole Foods, selected Waitrose Supermarkets, John Bell & Croyden, Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic and selected Health Food Stores nation-wide.

Super-C Cleanser 6oz. RRP £9.95
Combines the antioxidant Ester-C with natural surfactants to gently cleanse your face. In convenient and travel-friendly pump packaging, this citrus-scented cleanser is divine solution for wiping away the day’s dirt.

Super-C Toner 6oz. RRP £9.95
The Ester-C complex combines with natural botanicals for a fresh antioxidant-rich toner, ideal for minimising pores and balancing the skin’s Ph.

Ester-C Lotion 4oz. RRP £14.95
Synergistic blend of Ester-C, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin E help stimulate collagen production, giving you a youthful glow. This light formula gives the perfect amount of daily hydration.

Ester-C Crème 2oz. RRP £14.95
This rich formula drenches the skin in moisture; helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ingredients include antioxidants Ester-C, Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Ester-C Hydrating Masque 2.5oz. RRP £14.95
A treatment masque that erases dry spots and leaves your skin feeling silky soft and dewy fresh. A perfect pick me up for skin in need of a moisture surge.

Ultra-C Eye Lift 0.5oz. RRP £16.95
Brightens and lifts tired eyes with natural antioxidants, healing Aloe Vera Gel and soothing Rosehips. No need for the scalpel with this clever eye lift!

C-Lite Skin Toner Balancer 1oz. RRP £16.95
This product naturally minimises the appearance of age spots and other skin discolourations while balancing skin tone.

Hyper-C Serum 1oz. RRP £24.95
Ester-C, Sodium Hyaluronate and Alpha Lipoic Acid blend together in this fruity, fast-absorbing serum to boost collagen production and combat signs of ageing.

Vita-C Max Instant Facial 4oz. RRP £24.95
This luxurious natural facial treatment maximises the antioxidant benefits from the rest of the Ester-C range. The light creamy texture absorbs quickly into skin to help fight signs of ageing.

More about the Jason range

JASON is committed to creating distinctive, pampering products that delight the senses, soothe the soul, respect the planet and animals and promote health and well-being in our daily lives.
Providing safe, effective, natural and affordable personal care products since 1959,

JASON is a pioneer of the eco movement committed to caring for you and your family from head to toe. JASON products are free from any synthetic ingredients that harm the environment or irritate the skin and have not been tested on animals. JASON products do not contain Parabens, Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin or petrolatum.

Get a Glow with Glōtherapeutics - new anti-ageing skincare from the US

2008-12-15T02:53:00.000-08:00

We love mineral makeup - it really does turn back the clock because of the way it sits on the skin and the beneficial effects of the minerals. One of the best on the market is from the US - glōMinerals - which has a beautiful array of colours.

Now glō has introduced a new range of skincare products for home and insalon treatments.

There are seventeen ‘at home’ products that work to improve the health of skin, and also to prepare skin for their range of professional insalon glōChemical Exfoliation treatments.

The magic ingredients throughout the range, are the glōComplex which contains Spin Trap, Carmosine, Alma and Niacinamide.

The glōSerums are the hero’s of the skin care collection that are designed to create a real change in the appearance of the skin. Their effects include brightening, soothing, enhancing and helping to impede the ageing process. All of these products are "cruelty free", dye free and paraben free.

Our favourites include three of the basic products from the glōConditioning Collection including the:

Ø glōConditioning Milk Cleanser £13.50 – Wash away impurities and sooth skin with this creamy cleanser containing Grape Seed Extract, Jojoba and Safflower Oil.

Ø glōConditioning Tonic £13.50 – This balancing tonic contains Rose Hip Seed Oil, Camomilla and Hyaluronic Acid.

The glōSerums are potent concentrates including anti-ageing star ingredient, hyaluronic acid. Try the following:

Ø glōSuper Serum £67 – the real star of the collection, this amazing serum contain the ultimate in anti-ageing formulations leaving skin radiant, healthy and youthful. Brimming with a high concentration of Peptides and Growth Factors it works hard in the fight against ageing, whilst Retinol enhances the skin’s clarity.

glōSpecialty is a collection of products to complement skincare systems and chemical exfoliation treatments by adding healing and protective benefits to reach optimal results. There are products for all skin types.

In Salon Treatments:

glōChemical Exfoliation – Provide customized programs for each individual to help achieve subtle, gradual or astonishing transformations. Designed to stimulate a fresh appearance and improve the appearance of fine lines, imperfections and discolouration.

glōAdvanced Systems – Advanced professional treatments that will cultivate high intensity results carried out under the supervision of a doctor. These products are for achieving advanced performance.

Visit www.gloprofessional.com for more information or call 0800 121 8116 for stockists details.

PHOTONOVA SKIN REJUVENATION - the latest hot anti-ageing treatment in Harley Street

2008-09-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was invited to take part in a patient trial of Photonova, a non-invasive skin rejuvenation using infra-red light. So I go to the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic in London for the treatment.

The clinic is the first in the UK to have this Swedish technology. First of all I have another Salt-a-Peel dermabrasion to prepare my skin for the treatment. After a thorough cleanse salt particles are blasted across my skin to remove a surface layer of dead cells. Then I have a rejuvenating mask with alpha hydroxy acid which is helped into my skin with ultrasound. My skin feels wonderful. This is my second treatment so I know how great my skin will look afterwards. This treatment costs £90 and a course is recommended with top-ups every so often.

The treatment is carried out by the clinic's head aesthetician, Liz Hood, who is also going to carry out a Photonova treatment on my face.

First of all my face is covered in a thick clear gel - this allows the infra red to reach my skin without burning it. The infra red comes from the head of the device which is passed over my face a total of five times.

Each pass delivers a known quantity of infra-red heat energy into the tissue which heats the water inside the dermis and this stimulates the fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells) responsible for keeping the skin young and supple. It also kick starts them into producing new collagen over the next few days and weeks.

Since the treatment I have had comments from a number of people on how young my skin looks. "You haven't got any wrinkles" they say! Liz, tells me I can expect further improvement over the coming weeks. I can see that my slightly sagging chin has lifted which always takes a few years off any ageing face!

This is a great treatment because you can do it over the lunchtime. It does hurt a little and there is some redness but in my case this went in the next hour. Well worth £500 if it lasts a year or so.

Liz loves treating her patients and is full of tips and advice. She wouldn't let me leave without a touch of mineral makeup - so I left glowing..

THYROID HORMONE DEFICIENCY, WEIGHTGAIN AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL

2008-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I visited one of the leading hormone specialists in London. It is clear from the consultation that I need to make some changes to my lifestyle - mainly diet and exercise. But the best way to discover what is going on with your body is to take various tests - usually a combination of blood, urine and saliva.

So I start with a blood test to find out levels of various hormones in my body. Today I am going to focus on one of them - the thyroid hormone - this is the hormone responsible for regulating the body's metabolism amongst other things.

It appears that women are more likely to suffer a deficiency - medically known as: hypothyroidism - than men. There are various physicial symptoms - allergies, skin problems, fatigue, nervousness, gaining or losing weight, brittle nails, dry skin, constipation, infertility, mental sluggishness, depression and intolerence to cold. But since these symptoms can be associated with a catalogue of other illnesses the best way to verify this problem is by a blood test.

But there is confusion/controversy amongst medical professionals, particularly outside of anti-ageing medicine about what the exact parameters that constitutes a deficiency and what the drug treatment should be.

The thyroid gland measures just two inches across and is in the neck just below the Adam's apple. It actually secrets two hormones - mostly T4 (known as thyroxine) which converts into the active hormone (that actually used by the body) into T3 (triodothyronine). In healthy people most T4 Is converted into T3.

The regulation of the thyroid is controlled by a number of body functions - the hypothalamus, situated in the brain above the pituitary gland, triggers the pituitary to release a substance known as "thyroid stimulating hormone" (TSH). When levels of thyroid hormone reach optimum the amount of TSH decreases, conversly in people not producing enough there are higher amounts of TSH in the blood.

So when trying to determine thyroid function doctors will test for blood levels of TSH and also T4.

It should also be noted that dieting (lowering of calories) has the same effect of diminishing production of T3, which in turn lowers a person's resting metabolic weight, which can also lead to weight gain in the long term. Experts also tell me that many individuals have problem converting T4 into T3 which also leads to weight gain. This is music to my ears - can I blame my tendency to weight gain on this?

Of course its not as simple as this. A 54-year-old friend with absolutely no symptoms - no weightgain etc - was recently diagnosed by her GP as suffering from sub-clinical hypothryoidism. This simply means that the thyroid is not working 100% and may be a warning sign of further loss of function in the future. She was in disbelief and checked out her diagnosis with a private blood test which confirmed the result from her GP. She has been prescribed Levothyroxine - basically T4 - which is what most UK GPs prescribe - lets hope she doesn't have a conversion problem. This may well be because the UK Government's drug rationing body NICE may only allow doctors to prescribe this one.

Levothyroxine (thyroxine - T4) is a tiny tablet which should be taken on a empty stomach daily. Left untreated - aside from the weight gain issue - hypothyroidism can cause serious health problems including aenemia, low body temperature and heart failure.

I visit my GP and discovered that I too am sub-optimal on the thyroid hormone and get prescribed Levothyroxine, even though I point out the conversion problems. I will have a blood test to check that my body is converting this to the usable form T3.

So what are the other drug alternatives - one is Cytomel which is a synthetic form of T3 which is approved by the FDA in the US. A recent medical study showed that combining this with T4 had better results including for weightloss.

Armour Thyroid is one that contains dessicated thyroid derived from the thryoid gland of the pig but many doctors are reluctant to prescribe this, mainly because of dose inconsistency and contamination problems with its animal origins.

There are a myriad of side effects with drug thryoid hormone replacement, especially if you take other drugs particularly oestrogens, beta-blockers and anticoagulants.

Aborbtion is also impaired by iron sulfate, calcium pills and several other supplements.

So is there anything you can take naturally to help your body? The answer is yes - particularly the minerals magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc - deficiences of these can prevent the conversion of T4 to T3.

HIGH BAD CHOLESTEROL (LDL)

In my investigations into this subject I have discovered that high levels of LDL are also indicators of poor thyroid function. I wonder if this is my problem with high LDL - despite loads of exercise and eating good fats my levels of LDL were still too high? I will see from blood tests if this is my problem after two months of thyroid replacement So perhaps doctors should try testing for this more often?

THE PROBLEM WITH CURRENT REFERENCE RANGES OF TSH

The standard range used by most labs is 0.2-5.5(mU/L), A greater TSH number than 5.5alerts the doctor to a thyroid gland problem as it is over producing TSH.

Anti-ageing doctors believe that this range is too broad and that anyone with a TSH reading of more than 2.0 should be investigated with a view to possible health problems.

I would greatly appreciate hearing expert views on this..