BEAUTY BASICS AT FACE VALUE
December 29th, 2005
Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn’t. But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive procedures too quickly.
Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.
Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin.â€
Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel – traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.
Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.
If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light, oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Another tip—make sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.
How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:
Dr. Franks says, “Exercise up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.†Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut. And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.
So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!
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TIME OUT In these reports you will discover - How To Determine If Your Plastic Surgeon Is Right For You - What You Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery Before You Make An Appointment - What Exercise You Must Take After You Go Under The Knife - Why You Must Learn About The Latest Plastic Surgery Techniques
- The Truth About Why Plastic Surgery Is The New Beauty Norm Don't worry -- your email address will never be rented, traded or sold. Your e-mail address is not made available to anyone -- period. Your complete confidentiality is guaranteed. By subscribing you will not receive a bunch of unwanted junk e-mail. We Respect Your Email Privacy |
A Message to Michael Jackson
December 28th, 2005On the 1992 song “Word to the Badd,†singer Jermaine Jackson criticized his brother Michael for undergoing extensive plastic surgery to alter his appearance. In listening to the lyrics, “Reconstructed, been abducted, don’t know who you are. Think they love you, they don’t know you, lonely superstar. Once you were made, you changed your shade, was your color wrong? Could not turn back, it’s a known fact, you were too far goneâ€, Jermaine implied that Michael had ventured beyond the surgical realm and landed smack in the middle of Caucasianville U.S.A.
Now 12 years later he is defending his brother’s right to have plastic surgery. However, as everyone knows, Michael Jackson no longer resembles a member of the human race. Instead, he has transformed into a freak; ghastly and equipped with a crumbling nose on the verge of collapse. Personally, I don’t think his nose can be characterized as a body part. And I’m not alone in my assessment. According to sources whom shall remain nameless, it looks more alien than human. Thus the question on everyone’s mind is, why would a once loved superstar go through so much trouble to change his looks? To answer that question, we go back to where it all started, the past, and the year 1968.
When he burst onto the music charts 36 years ago, Jackson was a cute, brown skin, bushy haired, doe eyed boy. It’s hard to believe that today, the 45 year old man who only admits to having plastic surgery on his nose is the same person. But one look at his face tells the whole story. Not only have his features been altered, but so has his personality. Yet, despite his wacky antics and bizarre appearance Jackson can still count on the media for publicity.
In a world of celluloid superstars, Jackson remains an enigma. He is without question the strangest and most controversial entertainer of our time. Blessed with a unique voice, superb dancing skills and the greatest public relations savvy since Marilyn Munroe. If there is one thing that Jackson knows how to perfect, that would be his ability to generate publicity. Case in point: With the exception of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Kobe Bryant saga, Michael Jackson has been the topic of conversation from Australia to Thailand. And there is plenty to talk about; from his bizarre appearance to sexual allegations regarding a 13- year-old cancer patient.
Without a doubt, Wacko-Jacko as the media calls him, has turned weirdness into an-art form yielding lucrative dividends. Not surprisingly, he is also a member of the forever young brigade. In the controversial documentary “Living with Michael Jacksonâ€, the Indiana native likened himself to Peter Pan, the fictitious character who refuses to grow up. So, to counteract aging, Jackson relies on surgery to alter areas that show signs of gravity. Similarly, to enhance his youthful persona, he climbs trees and invites kids to his 300 acre estate commonly known as Neverland for sleepovers. However, unlike his hero, Michael Jackson must come to the realization that Peter Pan is an illusory figure in a children’s book, not a middle aged man who gambled with plastic surgery and paid a huge price. And as a result lost both himself and his identity.
Thus my message to Michael is: Stop hanging out with kids. If you want to get your freak on, find someone who can take it as well as give it. Does the phrase mutual satisfaction ring a bell? And speaking of satisfaction, is it possible to change your skin back to its original color? You, my brother need a tan in the worst possible way. Lastly, accept the fact that you are no longer the megastar who once sold millions of records. Like the artists before you, and those who are to follow, all good things come to an end. And your reign as the “King of Pop†has reached its finale. And if you don’t believe me, just look at the sales of your last album. Dismal numbers aren’t they?
Oh by the way Michael speaking of cynicism, African-Americans detest the way you play the race card. You see it was only when you were arrested that you suddenly discovered your “Blacknessâ€. What happened? Did the inmates remind you that underneath those layers of chemically bleached skin, you are still a “Kneegrow?†That’s why if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll concede that you only turn to the Black community when it suits you. But soon as things return to normal, or as normal as they can get in your world, you dissipate into your Caucasian chamber and peer lovingly into a sea of White faces.
Like it or not Michael, it is you who must realize that you have become your worst nightmare. Admit that and maybe you can restore some credibility to your career. And while you’re admitting things, ask yourself how many 45-year old men hold hands with boys and give them milk and cookies in bed? I don’t know about you, but if they want milk and cookies that bad, let their parents give it to them. Or have you added pastry chef and milk server to your resume? And on that note I will end my message. Now Mike let me ask you a question, how’s that for a dose of reality?
About the Author
A freelance writer since 1989, Butler has written for various magazines and Internet publications including Impact Press, Africana.com., TimBook Tu, and The Black World Today. Moreover, Butler who lists collecting 60s memorabilia among her hobbies, writes news, features, sports and entertainment articles, as well as commentaries and humor pieces. Currently, she is a contributor for Theblackmarket.com. Website:www.Psbwrite.com
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TIME OUT In these reports you will discover - How To Determine If Your Plastic Surgeon Is Right For You - What You Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery Before You Make An Appointment - What Exercise You Must Take After You Go Under The Knife - Why You Must Learn About The Latest Plastic Surgery Techniques
- The Truth About Why Plastic Surgery Is The New Beauty Norm Don't worry -- your email address will never be rented, traded or sold. Your e-mail address is not made available to anyone -- period. Your complete confidentiality is guaranteed. By subscribing you will not receive a bunch of unwanted junk e-mail. We Respect Your Email Privacy |
