YOUTH CORRIDOR’S ANTIOXIDANT BOOST SKIN SERUM BY DR GERALD IMBER

Dr. Imber, celebrated international plastic surgeon, has created a new line of skin care products to combat aging using large doses of antioxidants.  The surgeon’s Antioxidant Boost Skin Serum with 10% Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Melatonin might just be the closest thing to the fountain of youth, this side of the operating room. Lots of serums contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E, the benefits of both have been celebrated for years. This serum is different, in that it incorporates Melatonin, a naturally occuring hormone, and a  powerful antioxidant.  Together these three powerful ingredients work together to create a sum much greater than the parts. 

Vitamin C benefits include inflammation reduction and collagen production, but previously it has had trouble reaching the deepest layers of the skin. Enter Vitamin E, which can pass through the cells’ lipid barriers, but still doesn’t reach the the deep layers where it can have a lasting effect.  Combine these two powerful antioxidants with Melatonin and voila, you have the delivery system needed to reach the deepest layers of the skin.

Let’s say for the sake of argument that none of this chemistry mumbo jumbo means anything to you. Well, here is my experience. I cleanse my face, use the serum, moisturize my face, and go to sleep. It is that easy. And when I wake up in the morning, I look as though I have slept walked through the youth corridor, and taken a dip in the fountain of youth. Have you ever run to the mirror first thing in the morning? Try it, and you will too.

FINAL VERDICT: GGI (Gotta Get It): At $125 per ounce it is a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Did I mention it is paraben free?

*Gifted*

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Before and After Thermage CPT

PHOTO CREDIT: www.thermage.com

Interested in looking younger? Younger in a fresher – wow you had a great relaxing vacation- sort of way, not – wow you had a scary face lift – kind of way?

Thermage is the answer to your prayers.  Thermage is not like a face lift.  It will not dramatically change the way you look.  Instead, it will help make your face/eyes/abdomen look the way it used to.  Thermage can help smooth and tighten your skin for an overall naturally younger looking appearance, without surgery or injections.  Sounds too good to be true?  There is more.  Thermage requires no downtime, none.

As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down, resulting in wrinkles and sagging.  Thermage helps tighten and renew your skin’s collagen through all three layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis, and the deep subcutaneous (fat) layers.  Your skin looks and feels noticeably smoother, tighter, and firmer, almost immediately, with results improving over a couple of months.

The preparation for the treatment is simple, you need to do nothing other than show up for your appointment.  This treatment is effective and safe year round, and  since there is no need to avoid the sun like after laser treatments, you can make your appointment whenever it best suits your schedule.

The treatment starts with a gentle cleansing of the area to be treated, and then the doctor will apply a washable grid on it.  This grid tells the doctor exactly where to place the small, hand held device to insure maximum results.  The doctor also uses a cooling gel to minimize any chance of burning or bruising.  The hand held device emits a unique radio frequency which safely heats the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating existing collagen, and promoting new collagen growth. The doctor makes numerous passes across, up, and down this grid. For the most part, there is no discomfort whatsoever.  The goal is to feel a warm, heating sensation, without a burning sensation or pain. It is an interactive treatment in that you are expected to give the doctor feedback , so they can adjust the frequency if needed.   For example, the frequency you can tolerate on your cheeks may be different that what you can tolerate on your temples. Everyone is different, and the beauty of this new hand held device is it gives the doctor complete control and flexibility to best treat eyes/face/abdomen, adjusting the frequency as they go.

The treatment lasts about an hour, depending on body site, and prices vary accordingly.  Following treatment, you can immediately apply make-up, and go on your merry way.

In Chicago, Dr. Carolyn Jacob  and her staff at  Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology offer the newest Thermage treatments in their soothing, relaxing office.  They conduct business in a spa-like environment and employ true professionals.  When you go, ask for Nirali. She is incredibly gentle and experienced. Exactly what you want when you go for any kind of treatment like this.

FINAL VERDICT: RDW (Run Don’t Walk) An hour or so of time to bring back younger, tighter, smoother skin? I can’t think of a better way to spend the time.

* Gifted*

TANIA & ILANA: HAPPILY EVER AFTER, POST THREADING

There has long been an American fascination with all things Indian, in which I have been known to partake on more than one occasion – from Bollywood dance classes in college, to the Bhangra workout series, and a heaping plate of Aloo Gobi and Chicken Tikka Masala when I feel the urge. My deep rooted appreciation for films like Monsoon Wedding and most recently Slumdog Millionaire runs very deep, indeed. I find the beauty rituals of India to be an extension of my general interest in the sensuality and local color of the land.

I was introduced to threading in the same way I learned about henna – through Indian and Bengali friends, the good old fashion way. My friend Tania has just about the most enviable eyebrows I have ever seen. They are arched, groomed, and curved to a point of perfection that almost makes you want to cry (maybe that’s just my India-envy). A few years back I learned her secret, and since then have been a loyal devotee of the practice. And my eyebrows and I have never been the same. In fact, when I look at photos of myself pre-threading, I have to fight the urge to hide them. Why did none of my friends think to pull me aside in confidence and suggest a little brow shaping? (I hope it’s because they didn’t notice.)

I have learned a little beauty lesson since then: a strong pair of well-groomed brows can make your face look a lot more attractive and symmetrical. They also soften your look and make your eyes pop! I now visit a chic salon called Thread in downtown Manhattan, and in just under 10 minutes I am in and out the door feeling cleaner and more well-groomed than ever. The cost is minimal — I think I paid $7 last time I visited (and that’s for both brows), and they give me a frequent-threader card that offers a free brow shaping after seven visits. Now that’s economy! The ladies are warm and friendly, and they are real pros. Thread creates an atmosphere of authentic Indian treatment at a modern beauty salon, complete with artistic chandeliers and minimalist decor.

I have absolutely no idea how they can tame brows so precisely with sewing thread and elbow grease, but I chalk it up to one of many mysteries of the world that are better left to the experts. The pain factor is bearable on the brows, but elsewhere on the face threading will likely make you squirm in your seat, tear, sneeze and generally make a spectacle of yourself. That said, it’s so much more sanitary and precise than waxing. And admittedly, the whole process makes me feel a little more fabulous and culturally keyed in…