When Weight Loss Surgery Releases Other Addictions

What would it be like, to be able to control an obsession for chocolate? Take it up a notch and think about people seeking to control full-scale eating disorders, drug addiction, gambling, smoking, drinking...even compulsive shopping!

When "food becomes my comfort" and someone crushes the bathroom scales at morbidly obese levels, body image goals and eating disorders can easily morph into a full flowering of addictive compulsions. This person is psychologically armed and dangerous to themselves. The question is what can they do to regain control over these impulse disorders?

Filling an inner void typically involves the steady build-up of an obsessive compulsive drive. Self worth, body image and any number of ego-enhancing drives push a person into ritualized behavior, most of which aggravates rather than soothes the soul.

Weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery where up to 90% of the stomach is surgically tied off in order to limit food intake, would seem to be all about excess food and binge eating resulting in at-risk obesity. Yet, gastric bypass surgery is purely "mechanical" and doesn't deal with underlying neurological dependence issues.

However, deeper down in psychological space, other factors are at play, as new research into addictive behavior suggests. Thinking that their days of body image phobia and obesity are now over following weight loss surgery, perhaps 30% or more of men and women increasingly discover that something deeper remains, namely the drive towards any-and-all addictions. What's next? Drug abuse, alcoholism, gambling, over-the-top consumerism and compulsive shopping behavior.

Addiction Transfer - Where Eating Disorder Morphs Into Another Obsession. In the psychiatric theory spectrum with genetics (nature) on one end and behavior-reinforcement (nurture) on the other end, latest research news is that people with an "addictive" tendency keep it, re-dress it, but never entirely place it under wraps.

Weight loss surgery produces profound body shaping and body image transformations, yet "window dress" your body and the mind continues to seek other avenues for obsessive compulsive focus. In the case of bariatric surgery getting thin only creates a "re-direct" of the baseline impulse-control disorder into new areas where new urges and craving take over. Think of it. A person loses 200 pounds of built-up weight, then turns to drinking two bottles of whiskey a day!

Remedies Research - Altering Brain Neurology. Unlike shrimp and bovine cattle, humans possess nature's state-of-art brain. 4 million miles of nerve fibers and neurological horsepower to drive over 10 billion brain cells, each with as much as 25,000 synapse-connection to other cells. And so, what about gaining control over addictions, whether eating disorders like binge eating and anorexia, or gambling, or drug abuse?

* Bio-Chemical Intervention. Some research already reveals that certain classes of obsessive behavior, like binge eating disorders, associate with depressed levels of the regulating brain hormones serotonin and neuroepinephrine and dopamine. Increasing these hormones acts on the brain's neurological structure, effectively blocking certain receptor sites, altering bio-chemical messaging. Result? You get an immediate uptick in "feel good" sensations.

* Drug Addiction - Blocking Receptor Sites. When "addiction transfer" takes a person from body image obsessions to drug abuse, there's a risk of falling into equally life threatening addiction as with opiates. Fortunately, these addictions are being attacked using new neural receptor-blocking drugs such as suboxane. How does it work? The neural pathways associated with 'drug craving and pleasure' are traced by suboxone, which occupies these neural receptor sites, thus silencing the addictive craving, and bio-chemically road-blocking the site so that heroin cannot enter, thus renders it useless.

Treating Underlying Anxiety And Depression. Other mood altering drug classes are known as benzodiazepines, and are offered under brands including Xanax or Valium. For 70% of the population, these powerful drug mediators work to slow the drive towards addiction relief.

Explore additional weight loss surgery, binge eating disorder therapies, as well as natural options for managing brain health and moods while promoting natural rest and life cycles.

Natural Nutrients To Treat Eating Disorder: http://www.wise4living.com/hfvit-dir/

Weight Loss Surgery Explained: http://www.beauty2morrow.com/body/stomach-reduce.htm

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty information site that gives solutions to health, household, sport, travel and legal needs.


By Robin J. Derry

Common Pitfalls Of Plastic Surgery

Common pitfalls of plastic surgery are those involving before and after pictures with photographic tricks or attractive models instead of the surgeon's patients, that are publicly displayed in printed ads, online advertisement or broadcasted by TV,audio-visual or specific tele-shopping and infomercials.

Before and after pictures are useful to help you make the decision to have cosmetic surgery when they are real, but not advisable as criteria to select a surgeon, since no ethical surgeon can guarantee results this way, but if so, be sure to get his promises in writing.

Fake testimonials implying that anyone can get these results of people sharing their experiences may only be a marketing plan whether viewed on TV, through the internet, heard on the radio or at the surgeon's office; they have a powerful influence in the patient's final decision. Pitfalls can not be easily detected due to the impossibility to verify the authenticity of any given testimonial or the identity of the "happy patients".

Because the purpose of testimonials are considered to be a way to solicit patients, most professional societies and State medical boards prohibit the use of testimonials to advertise Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) considers this marketing tool a violation to the code of ethics of 97% of certified surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, members of ASPS.

Impressive sounding surgeon's credentials or a plastic surgery procedure that does not name the surgeon may be listed as pitfalls of plastic surgery. While it is obvious to expect that a surgeon has the proper training, credentials and experience to provide the plastic surgery procedure or service you are seeking, remember that many physicians may call themselves plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons with training. In fact, in most states any physician may perform any procedure without peer scrutiny and no training requirements.

Since there are no requirements that the physician be is a trained surgeon, anyone may claim to be a board-certified surgeon simply by joining a sound-a-like organization, but the true meaning is that The American Society of Plastic Surgeons enforces one of the most rigorous ethical codes in the medical profession, so the best way to find out a surgeon's facts is consulting only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Other pitfalls of plastic surgery are those offering dramatic results with superficial treatments, minimal or non-invasive procedures, no risk or little risk and downtime as well as a variety of products, procedures or manipulations without mention of the doctor's qualification, board certification or his/her specialty. These promises are designed more for marketing reasons than a real therapeutic value.

These individual procedures may be inexpensive, but offers only little or temporal improvement, so it is necessary for multiple sessions before seeing positive results, raising in the mean time the costs, often comparable to the total cost of the plastic surgery. Non surgical procedures with high tech names suggest new approaches to youthful appearance and the expectation of major effectiveness.

All these issues make it difficult for patients to separate plastic surgery hype from reality.

Matthew Leo is the publisher of http://www.CosmeticEnhancement.info, http://www.AcneMedicine.info and http://www.ADietGuide.com websites.


By Matthew Leo

Plastic Surgery Financing is an Investment in You

You've saved every cent, busted open your piggy bank, and dipped into your savings, but you still don't have enough to cover the cost of your cosmetic surgery. Don't let steep price tags destroy your dreams of getting the cosmetic procedure you've always wanted.

When you buy a new car, no dealer expects you to come armed with a suitcase full of cash and neither would a plastic surgeon. Today there is a variety of financing options to suit your specific needs, whether you need just a little help or a lot.

Before you reach for your credit card, consider finance companies that are specifically geared towards cosmetic surgery. They offer personal loans that can help you fund the full cost of your procedure or just a portion; however, as with any loan, the better your credit history the better your chances of a larger loan with a low interest rate.

Before applying to any finance companies, it is wise to check your credit rating as rejected applications can cause further damage.

Another issue to consider before choosing a finance company is that interest rates, even with decent credit, tend to be rather high. This is because the loans offered are unsecure, meaning there is no collateral requirement. With no collateral to offset the loss of a defaulted loan, cosmetic surgery financing companies run a high risk of losing money.

If you decide that a loan is a good way for you to pay for your procedure, it is always wise to choose your plastic surgeon before choosing a finance company. Some cosmetic surgeons will only accept loans from certain financial lenders or refuse them altogether. If you only feel comfortable with a specific doctor, it is best to consult with him or her beforehand about what payment options are available. Often times, doctors have their own financing options that you can apply for immediately after your consultation.

If money is a big concern, you will also need to take into consideration the complications and risks that may arise during or after surgery. If it is an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurance will not cover any problems related to the surgery. It is important that you are aware of your doctor's liability agreement in case something goes wrong.

Financing is a good way to make your cosmetic surgery goals a reality, but be sure that the scheduled payments are within your budget. Of course, it is helpful to pay for as much of the surgery that you can beforehand with cash.

Also, note that it is difficult to receive more than one loan at once. If the financing company offers a loan that does not cover what is needed, think about what other alternatives are available. It might be financially wiser to save up for a while longer than take an insufficient loan and charge the rest.

Just because you can't afford a lump sum for a cosmetic procedure doesn't mean that you can't afford it at all. Financing companies can ease the pressure of such a large financial commitment.

In Boston MA, cosmetic surgery financing gives you a viable option for investing in yourself. One board certified Boston cosmetic surgeon who understands your decision making needs, offers guidelines for pricing, financing options, before and after photos, and consultation scheduling online at http://www.drmossthebeautyboss.com/
By A Aaronson

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Wisely Can Better the Expected Outcome

If you decide to get plastic surgery, you must understand the risks and side effects associated with each surgery. In addition, you must choose a reputable plastic surgeon, who will give the person the desired results.
Plastic surgery includes cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery repairs problems such as burns, removal of cancers and tumors, congenital abnormalities and other deformities.
A cosmetic surgeon can improve a person's cosmetics or appearance. This is an infinite list of possibilities: eyelid surgery, reshaping of the abdomen, breast augmentation, chemical peel, buttock augmentation, rhinoplasty and many other procedures.
Most doctors who are licensed to perform plastic surgery can perform reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Before undergoing a surgery, make sure you pick a skilled surgeon.
Even if you are considering cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you should choose a skilled surgeon with more than six years of surgical training and at least three years in plastic surgery. Training and experience make doctors uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Some may try to find the most expensive physician or most prestigious, yet others look for the least expensive surgeon. No matter what your selection criteria is, research the plastic surgeon. After selecting a plastic surgeon, look at magazines and pictures to determine your desired results. The more you know, the more you can ask during your initial consultation, which will allow you to understand the doctor and ask questions more easily.
* During the Consultation:
Ask plenty of questions. Questions are a time to address some of the uncertainties and fears. Individuals can also learn a lot about the doctor from his reactions and answers. These can serve as good clues to you to determine if a future relationship is appropriate.
Individuals want to work with a doctor that that they have a good relationship with before going into surgery. This will give the individual more confidence in the surgeon's ability to perform the procedure. Don't be afraid to decline a doctor you don't feel comfortable working with.
Never trust anyone but a board certified plastic surgeon to operate on you. You can always check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery for board certified standing of the doctors you are considering. Also, your local hospital should have the certification information also. If your local hospital does not feel that the surgeon is qualified to perform that procedure, neither should you.
A well-respected plastic surgeon should allow the prospective patient to contact former patients who have undergone the same procedures. These are the only ones who can speak to the surgeon's skill and character. Also, most plastic surgeons post tasteful nude before and after pictures on their sites to help prospective patients decide.
Make sure to also work with a surgeon that specializes in the surgery you want conducted. Make sure you check the surgeon's record to make sure he or she does not have any pending malpractice suits or other complaints.
Fees can vary but most are in the same ballpark. If you find one who is exceptionally cheap, you should discredit that doctor from your list of possibles immediately. You want beautiful, natural-looking results with as little complications as possible, and this means you should elect a surgeon who is board certified, in good standing, and has exceptional history with his patients.
The Dallas cosmetic surgeon at USA Plastic Surgery is well-known and sought after for expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Patient safety, natural looking results, and a commitment to the best are the attributes of this cosmetic surgery practice. They offer information, before and after photos, and financing at http://www.usaplasticsurgery.com/v
By A Aaronson

Plastic Surgery Pros and Cons - Plastic Surgery Risks, Complications

With the growing numbers of people who undergo one form of plastic surgery or another every year. There is still those who would like to know what types of pros and cons plastic surgery has to offer. As the techniques and technology improve, the pros will continuously grown until they have all but completely wiped out the cons. Unfortunately this will not happen any time soon so with every procedure, one is bound to find the cons associated with it.

The number one and most important pro for any type of plastic surgery has to be the emotional well being after the completion of the procedure. Many people this year alone will undergo the knife for one reason and one reason alone. These people know that a simple change to something that either they see as wrong or those around them find to be wrong. Upon the completion of this procedure the patient will find a new part of them with higher self esteem and an improved self conscious.

The outcomes no matter what you are looking for equates to the same. Should your procedure be a success, then you will have improved self esteem and obtained a younger more beautiful you. Unfortunately there are the rare occasions in which a procedure ends up being a failure. These occasions are also call botched procedures and unfortunately they can have the exact opposite effect causing the patient to possibly fall into a fit of depression.

Another thing to remember is that although science and technology are constantly advancing, there is still the chance of complications. These plastic surgery risks are the biggest con for plastic surgery. Much like a successful procedure is a pro, a failure can cause irreparable emotional damage to the patient. Sometimes this emotional damage may be small, while in other circumstances where the patient has been trying everything with no success; it may cause them to fall into a downward spiral as far as their emotional well being is concerned.

In order to ensure that your procedure will be a success it is important to remember to ask a lot of questions as well as doing your research so that you can make well informed decisions regarding your procedure.

Dr. Jim Greene would like to provide you with more information regarding:

Plastic surgery

Tummy tuck

Surgery

The above resources will help you make an informed decision regarding plastic surgery and it's various procedures

By Dr. Jim Greene

Eyelid Surgery from Start to Finish

An individual may undergo eyelid surgery to change the appearance of the upper eyelids and lower eyelid, ultimately giving the eye lid a fresh youthful appearance. Most men and women undergo this to treat loose, baggy, droopy sagging skin, enhancing the natural contour of the eyelid.

This procedure also helps to remove excess fatty deposits that appear as bags under the eyes and work to eliminate fine wrinkles. Most successful candidates are healthy, non smokers, with no conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye.

The Consultation:

High risk individuals should consider undergoing lab testing and a medical evaluation with their primary physician before the surgery. During the consultation, discuss with the doctor your desired results. Before the procedure, most doctors instruct you to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for some weeks before because these drugs can increase bleeding. The doctor will also show the patient other ways to prepare the night before.

The Procedure:

Before the procedure, the doctor administers drugs so that the individual feels minimal pain. The doctor will cut incision lines in well concealed areas, such as within the natural structures of the eyelid region, along the lash line or within small creases of the lower lid. Depending on the desired results, the doctor will position fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue, or remove excess skin. When sutures are used to close the incision, they are invisible to the eye if performed properly. Under normal conditions, eyelid surgery can take from one to two hours and should be performed in a doctor's office or hospital.

What to Expect After:

The recovery time usually is about one week and the pain is minor compared to other plastic surgery procedures. Immediately after the surgery has been completed, the surgeon may apply tiny sterile bandages, ointments or eye drops. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal and cold compresses will usually enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Your surgeon may also prescribe medication for discomfort.

For a week and a half following, surgeons will require patients to clean the eye area. The surgeon will also discuss activities and environments to avoid in the weeks immediately following surgery.

If used, permanent stitches are usually removed within three to five days after the procedure and self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own. Since the healing process is gradual, individuals must wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of the final results. Incisions will fade over a number of months until they become unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Years after the eye lift, the skin will continue to age however and skin laxity along the fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may, at some point, return. Even though the aging process continues, many patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid lift surgery. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements to other areas at a later time.

In San Fernando Valley, cosmetic surgeons can achieve a fresh more vibrant look with eyelid surgery. One such surgeon with an extensive experience in plastic surgeries practices at Town Center Plastic Surgery. They offer before and after pictures and information at http://www.lussiermd.com/.


By A Aaronson

Preparing For Your Upcoming Cosmetic Surgery

Your plastic surgeon wants to provide you with the best possible surgical results with as rapid and comfortable recovery as possible. Specific instructions will be provided for the procedure(s) that you will be having. However, the following tips before surgery will help a patient have the best surgical experience possible.

Presurgical Education

Studies have shown that informed patients felt less anxiety before and after surgery. Take the time to research the procedure you are having via books or the internet. Make sure you understand the procedure you are having and don't be afraid to ask questions prior to surgery such as: What type of anesthesia will be used ? How long with the procedure take? What medications will I take? When can I start doing normal activities? When can I shower and apply makeup?

Medications, Smoking and Supplements

Discontinue use of any nicotine products at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. This includes cigarettes, cigars, nicotine gum, and patches. Nicotine reduces the blood flow to the skin and may impair healing; and quitting smoking drastically improves the body's response to surgery. Stop using medications containing aspirin and ibuprofen two weeks prior to surgery. Aspirin thins the blood and can produce excess bleeding and bruising. Be sure to read the labels of any over-the-counter remedies you regularly take as many common medications contain aspirin. For the same reason, also avoid: Vitamin E and herbal supplements, herbal teas, and red wine.

Begin using an Arnica supplement 7 days prior to surgery and continue for one week after surgery. Arnica is a naturopathic remedy that helps prevent as well as clear bruising. Arnica is available in either tablet form or in topical patches. It is my preference to use both for my patient but the oral form is the most important. You should also consider adding Vitamin K to your diet. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and can be found in such foods as spinach, broccoli, and kiwi.

Plan for Success

During your recovery, you want to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. By planning in advance, you can set yourself up for a worry-free time when your body can completely concentrate on recuperation.

1) Plan your wardrobe for the day of surgery and the week following. Loose-fitting clothing that can be unbuttoned or unzipped down the front is best.

2) Designate an area in your home for yourself - such as a quiet bedroom or sofa away from busy family activities

3) Even if you are having a minor procedure, you will still need a minimum of 24 hours to recover from anesthesia, and will not be up to handling responsibilities by yourself. If you do not have a friend or family member to care for you the night of surgery, ask your plastic surgeon about staying overnight in the surgery center or hospital, or at a nearby hotel with the attendance of a nurse or aide.

4) Get all your prescriptions filled prior to your surgery

5) Plan your meals for the week after surgery and make the necessary trip to the grocery store

6) Arrange for child care

7) Rest and sleep, combined with small meals and plenty of fluids, are key to a quick and comfortable recovery.

8) Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks after most surgeries.

9) Be patient. Everything (swelling going done, bruising going away, etc.) takes longer than almost every patient expects or wants.

The number one cause of postoperative pain and complications is 'overdoing' it after surgery. With proper planning and arrangements, as outlined above, this can be avoided and a smoother recovery will occur.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

By Dr Barry Eppley

The Day After Your Cosmetic Surgery

Now that you have arrived home, either the day of surgery or the morning after if you have stayed overnight, it is time to relax and let the natural healing process take its course. However, there are a variety of things you can do and to be aware of to make your early recovery better.

Medications

Make sure that you take your antibiotics at the prescribed intervals and your pain medications as needed. When it comes to pain medications, remember that there is no reward for seeing how tough you are. If you have pain, take your medications! It is not infrequent that the strength of pain medications prescribed may be inadequate or your stomach may not tolerate them. In this case, contact your doctor immediately and get a prescription for a different type of pain medication. Occasionally, patients will develop a reaction to either the antibiotic or pain medication. This will be manifest as itching and possibly hives. More times than not, it will be to the antibiotic and this will need to be immediately stopped and changed. Contacting your doctor in this event is paramount. While some patients may develop nausea, which is also a reaction to medications, this is not a true allergy but a sensitivity to one of the medications ingredients. (often the preservative) In this case, the medication (usually the pain pills) will have to be changed. In facial surgery, usually the eyes, there may be open incisions. On these antibiotic ointments are to be placed. If it is around the eyes, the antibiotic ointment should be specifically ophthalmic, so that if it gets in the eyes it will not cause irritation. Other incisions, if exposed, should be liberally covered with an antibiotic ointment.

Dressings

Whether it is facial or body surgery, you will likely have dressings (bandages) placed at the time of surgery. This could be circumferential facial wraps for face or neck surgery or bras or compression garments for body surgery. These are to be left in place until at least 24 hours after surgery and your doctor will give you specific instructions about these dressings. In my practice, I almost always remove all dressings, face or body, the next day so the patient can shower. I usually do this myself in the office but some dressings may be able to be removed at home by the patient.

Swelling

If you have had facial surgery, it is important to keep your head elevated. Whether it be in a reclining chair or in bed with several pillows, you can have some control over how much swelling will occur. Laying down flat will cause a tremendous amount of swelling by the next day. Ice (or frozen vegetables) applied to the face or eyes can also lessen how much swelling will occur. After 24 hours, the application of cold will not make a big difference but for the first night after surgery it will. In body surgery, there is not much you can do about swelling. That is why support or compression garments are put on after body surgery. These are to be left on after surgery for at least the first night... unless they become too tight. If you are having trouble breathing from a bra, chest, or abdominal wrap or your hands (arm wraps) or feet (leg wraps) go numb or are too tight from swelling, the garments should be loosened or taken off. Contact your doctor immediately and more specific instructions will be given.

One important concept to grasp about swelling... it does not peak for 48 hours after surgery. This is unfamiliar, and often disturbing, to patients. Patients understandably think that areas of surgery start to get better beginning the day after. But this is not so, the onset of swelling and bruising will continue for several days. By the third day swelling will stabilize and start to go down thereafter.

Nutrition

Eat or drink whatever you feel comfortable or want to do. Liquids, however, are by far the most important. Staying adequately hydrated will make you feel better, allow your medications to work more efficiently, and will help clear toxins faster from your system.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com


By Dr Barry Eppley

Price of Plastic Surgery - Cosmetic Surgery Cost

The biggest concern by many when it comes to plastic surgery is the costs associated with the actual procedures. While these prices may vary depending on the surgeon's experience and even the local costs of living one factor stays the same which is that they are not cheap in any sense. Since a surgeon should be able to accurately estimate the total costs associated with the procedure, they should be discussed as well as agreed upon before the procedure even commences.

In many places you may see in various advertisements, a local plastic surgeon's prices. Unfortunately these advertised prices, while they seem small, are not. Most of the times these advertised rates are only the surgeon's fees and does not include things like anesthesia, equipment or even the location rental where the procedure will be done at. There will always be hidden fees associated with plastic surgery and therefore it is your sole responsibility to ensure that you have discussed all of the fees before coming to an agreement to have the procedure done.

In general the price of plastic surgery will not be covered by you insurance unless it is reconstructive or needs to be accomplished in order to maintain proper health. When a plastic surgery procedure needs to be accomplished for medical reasons or reconstruction, it is known as a reconstructive surgery. When you undergo the knife in order to better your outward appearance it is known as cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. In the event that the plastic surgery prices are not covered by your insurance policy it is possible to obtain alternate forms of financing to accomplish the work.

Plastic surgery prices can range anywhere from a minimal amount of $500 all the way up to $10,000 for the more advanced body lift procedures. Costs associated with plastic surgery may also go up in the event of implants or prosthetics which also range in prices depending on the quality and type of implant or prosthetic.

Knowing how much you are willing to pay for these procedures will help you make a well informed decision. The best way to get a price quote is to start calling local surgeons and arrange for their "free" consultations which many offer.

Dr. Jim Greene would like to provide you with more information regarding:

Plastic surgery
Surgery
Liposuction

The above resources will provide with sound informative information that will help you make a decision regarding surgery.

By Dr. Jim Greene

Beneficial Cosmetic Ingredients Explained

I am passionate about a many things in life. One of those is Skincare & Cosmetics. Over the years, I have purchased most due to un-substantiated marketing hype either in a Magazine or on TV. My bathroom was FULL of Cosmetic Graveyards. Currently, I am in search of the truth which seems to be what's not in the products. Have you noticed lately that Natural and Botanical are the buzz words of choice pertaining to all we ingest or put on our faces & bodies? Sounds good to me although you need to a PHD to decipher the entire ingredient list which in MOST cases contains something UN-Natural. I have listed ingredients that have a POSITIVE GREAT END RESULT ON YOUR SKIN. These ingredients are in nearly every product I currently use on my face & body.

VITAMIN A (Retinyl Palmitate) - The normalizing vitamin. Essential for increasing skin elasticity and thickening of the epidermis and the dermis. Vitamin A plays an important role in RNA synthesis, which produces new and healthy cells in the skin and the body. Medical studies indicate that vitamin A is effective in slowing down skin aging and in reducing in the number and depth of wrinkles. A regression of pigmented spots has been demonstrated in medical studies with regular use of Vitamin A.

VITAMIN B COMPLEX (Panthenol) - Essential for formation of new healthy tissues.

VITAMIN E - Essential for maintaining the activities of enzymes in the cells and for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E has been shown to inhibit skin cancer and aid in the healing of skin ailments. It is a dynamic weapon against premature aging and combating wrinkles by neutralizing free radicals to stop the chain reaction of molecular damage and to protect the skin against oxidation.

ALGAE EXTRACT - Hydrates, protects, and softens the skin. Helps penetrate the top layer of the stratum corneum and enhances the skin's ability to repair itself.

ALOE VERA - Renowned for moisturizing, soothing, and healing. Recent studies indicate that aloe vera gel has the ability to enhance and accelerate cellular growth.

ALMOND OIL - Valuable for its mildness and skin softening and lubricating abilities.

AMINO ACIDS - The body's building blocks from which proteins are constructed. Widely used in moisturizers to help water penetrate the skin.

ANTIOXIDANTS - A group of substances that prevent the oxidation of fats and oil and the formulation of free radicals in food, cosmetic products and in living tissues. Vitamin E is an example of a natural antioxidant.

AVOCADO OIL - A very stable oil that contains lecithin and more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. The age of skin is partly determined by its content of soluble collagen. A recent study found that treatment with avocado oil significantly increases the water-soluble collagen content in the dermis while offering protection from ultraviolet rays.

BLUE ALGAE EXTRACT - Helps prevent aging by hydrating, tightening, and toning the skin. Also provides sun protection.

BORAGE SEED OIL - Contains essential, unsaturated fatty acids valuable in skin-conditioning agents. Regulates hydration of the skin while acting as a natural humectant.

CHAMOMILE FLOWER EXTRACT - Soothing and refreshing botanical recognized as a sun protector, an anti-bacterial, and an anti-inflammatory.

FREE RADICAL - Short-lived, reactive chemical compounds that contain an unpaired electron. They react with constituents of a living cell thereby destroying the cell. They are believed to be one important factor in the natural aging process. Some free radicals are formed inside the body from unsaturated fatty acids and atmospheric pollutants like ozone. Vitamin E and other antioxidants have the ability to prevent the formation of free radicals inside the body.

GLYCERIN - A humectant and emollient used in cosmetics for its ability to absorb moisture from the air and help keep moisture in the products and on the skin.

HUMECTANTS - Moisturizing agents whose purpose is to keep the skin moist and elastic and prevent the upper skin layer from drying out.

JOJOBA OIL - Most closely resembles the skin's natural waxes and oils. Aids in the prevention of moisture loss.

LIPOSOMES - When present in a cream or lotion, liposome's can more easily penetrate the surface skin to underlying layers, melt, and deposit other ingredients in products deep.

LAVENDER OIL - Used in cosmetic preparations for its significant medicinal value. Its anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal benefits soothe inflamed skin and foster regeneration of skin cells. Since it regulates sebum production, it is useful for all skin types.

This article brought to you by Carol Clifton. Independent distributor of Senegence Cosmetics, the makers of LipSense

By Carol Clifton