FocalDirect

Aaah, a spa. It used to be that you needed a Hollywood mansion to even entertain the thought; but now, home spas are popping up everywhere you look and with good reason.

The basis for all the “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” when people settle down to soak in their home spas is “hydrotherapy” or “water healing” which was first made famous by the Greek Hippocrates, the “father” of medicine, in the 4th century BC. He used to prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its medicinal benefits. Soaking in hot springs was another Greek favorite which was quickly picked up by the Romans who built thousands of communal baths which were the forerunner of modern home spas!

Although the number one “official” reason for the remarkable increase in the installations of home spas is to sooth overworked muscles and soak away the effects of stress caused by our hectic lifestyles, home spas are also a wonderful socializing tool as many people have found out over the years.

Having access to home spas means that although parties may start out in the living rooms, they often end up in the “spa room” accompanied by soft music, low lights, a little wine or spirits and a whole lot of relaxing. Bathing suits are, of course, optional depending upon the “house” rules!

Today, home spas come in shapes, colors and sizes to match any taste, budget and available space. From built-in to portable, if you want one, there is sure to be one that wants you in return! There are “family size” home spas with lots of seating room all the way down to cozy ones that just fit two.

The latest models of home spas include a wide variety of lighting, music, water jet and seating options. Seating options should not be overlooked. You might want lounge-style which allows you to soak while fully reclined, or you could opt for the bench or chair-type seating which accommodate more people.

You can even get a floating remote control to set your music and lighting levels along with jet pressure and temperature. Home spas can be located almost anywhere that you have the space plus access to water and electricity. Portable home spas can be setup and moved relatively easily. Some people opt to have them installed into an existing bathroom or bedroom, while others will convert a porch or sun room into a spa room. Indoors or out, cold weather or warm, home spas are relaxing and enjoyable way to soak away what ails you or to get to know that certain someone a little bit better.

Although home spas are low maintenance, they aren’t “no maintenance”. You can usually find out all you need to know about keeping your spa clean and sanitary by reading the manual that came with it or by checking with your local pool and spa supply store.

Here are some important safety tips for users of home spas:

Read and follow all maintenance and usage instructions fully. Chemical poisoning or electrical shock, while unlikely, could result if you fail to follow instructions.

Never allow the water temperature to exceed 104F (40C)

Never enjoy your spa alone. You could fall asleep and drown.

Never use the spa if you are pregnant.

Never use the spa if you are intoxicated.

Check with your doctor if you are taking medications before using the spa.

Always lock down the spa cover when not in use. Children and pets could fall in and drown.

Forget expensive memberships to health resorts. You don’t need them. Not when home spas start as low as $600 and can be installed in one day or less!

Credit: Mike Jones of BodyFAQ.com, the health, body & beauty information site. Click here for information on whether Botox is for you: http://www.bodyfaq.com/botox.html

Have you ever seen hair stylist cutting hair with Fire & Blindfolded or Glass or a paper-cutter? Imagine, Stylist burning your hair with fire, and sometimes that too blindfolded? Scary isn’t? but its not like that; its fun, its art - the art of hair styling and cutting.. ask me…

Nadeem, 26, Hair stylist is a Limca Book of world record Holder (cutting hair with fire or by cutting hair blind folded, piece of Glass & papercutter). Also he was appreciated by Guiness Book of records.

He work as a Hair Stylist & Colorist at REX SALON, Chandigarh (City beautiful of INDIA). Also he is good in computers. According to Him, he is just crazy about computers and hair styling; you may find it quite weird as there is no relation between these two professions.

There are websites like www.modernsalon.com, www.indiahq.com, www.siliconvalleyguru.com, www.beautyworlds.com, www.behindthechair.com, bosshair.com and newspapers like The Tribune, The Indian Express, Hindustan Timesâ?? Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar published about him (you can visit for scanned copies of newspapers at http://rexsalon.4mg.com/newspapers.html ) and Hewas also featured in various TV channels SAHARA SAMAY, Doordarshan, AXN, Siti Cable, Prime ChaNNEL, India TV and others.

His father runs a salon in Chandigarh and He always hated to be a Hair Dresser may be because of people’s opinion (Nai, Hajjam) about this profession. After completing his studies He went to Mumbai for work, unluckily he couldn’t find a good job so He started sitting at my uncle’s Salon in Mumbai. And also He surfed almost each and every site on hair, hair dressing, coloring, Styling etc and use to read interviews of top hair stylists of the world. He use to sit on net for hours and use to learn different tips and techniques and use to practice on his client.

Nadeem Says “It’s been 7 years I have learnt everything from structure of hair to hair cutting to hair Coloring and Still learning. Hair dressing has become my passion” He even did hair coloring diploma from L’Oreal and Schwarzkopf. Also have attended & participated in different hair cutting Competition (in 2000 organized at World Trade Centre) & Seminars in Mumbai. He have been attending various workshops and seminars to be in touch with existing latest styles, trends and always in pace with the trends & lifestyles.

“Frankly, I was never interested in becoming a hairstylist. I planned on taking up Engineering and for that, I even did computer diploma and stuff. However, somewhere down the line I changed my mind and started working on hair. I can cut hair Cut hair using Clippers, Scissors, Razor, Candle Fire, Piece of Glass, Razors and even blind folded” Grins Nadeem.

Nadeem Says “I want to be Great Hair Stylist, that’s my Passion, My Ambition, My Dream; I have no gurus or people in my field who I idolize, It just my passion, my hard work, my scissors, my god who have helped me in mastering the art of hair dressing practically as well as theoretically”

“Although no one can be a 100% perfect hair stylist because good hairstylist learns something with every new client”

He want to tell them hair styling is an art and a good hair stylist is always a very valuable commodity. A hair stylist that specializes in dealing with your hair type is even more valuable and much harder to come by. He really believe that the cut and style of your hair can transform your look and personality from grossly ugly to a glamorous look.

Our little man dream is to start an Academy to teach this art of students who want to make big in this career. According to him there is lots of potential in this career. I believe sharing our knowledge and skills in the only way to stay and top - smiles Nadeem

Free lance writer, writes for various sites, magazines & sometimes TV :p

http://rexsalon.4mg.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Cosmetics

Q2) What is the recovery time for permanent makeup?
A2) Everyone is different, but a general rule would be 3-7 days on the surface, and another 10-14 days below the surface. It is common for a person to return to work the same day. Lips will have some residual swelling and will chap. There may be slight swelling after the eyeliner; brows may look darker than usual ? all of which softens in a few days.

Q5) Can I still wear traditional makeup over the tattooed area?
A5) Yes, after the area has healed. Permanent makeup is designed to be only an enhancement to your natural features. Wearing additional cosmetics is a personal choice that enhances your permanent makeup.

Q6) What if I decide to have cosmetic surgery?
A6) Plastic surgery has no affect on properly placed permanent makeup. However, if you’re contemplating plastic surgery, you may opt for the surgery before the permanent makeup.

Q7) What reaction is common regarding permanent makeup?
A7) Women are usually amazed at how awesome, natural and subtle permanent makeup is. They wish they had done it a decade ago. No more smudged makeup, daily hassle, etc. Life has become simpler!

Q8) Who would benefit?
A8) Active women and men … those needing feature correction; people with allergies to make-up … athletes … the vision impaired … alopecia sufferers … those looking for a natural look - or those looking for something more dramatic.

Q9) How is it done?
A9) A sterilized, disposable needle is used to implant hundreds of tiny dots of colored pigment beneath the basal (top) layer of the skin enhancing natural features.

Q10) Does it hurt?
A10) The topical numbing anesthetic creams used today are much stronger than in years past. If you follow the simple rules beforehand of: no alcohol, aspirin, blood-thinning medications, Vitamin E, garlic or herbal supplements 3, preferably 5 days prior to your appt. will greatly reduce any discomfort associated with the procedure. Also, have no caffeine the day of the procedure. Following these guidelines greatly increases your comfort level during your permanent makeup procedure.

Q11) How long will it take?
A11) Most of the procedures require approximately 2-3 hours. The most important part of all the procedures is the artwork and choosing colors, both of which require approval by the client.

Q12) How soon will the results be visible?
A12) Within seven days you will notice a visible difference. We require all of our clients to come in for verification 30 days after creation at which time any adjustments will be made (if necessary).

Q13) How long will it last?
A13) Normally one to five years maybe longer. Re-enhancements otherwise known as “touchups’ or “refresher color boosts” are recommended for maintenance. You must remember that permanent makeup is a “low”, not a “no” maintenance procedure. You eventually will need a color touchup when your color fades. Once the color lightens you will know that you are ready for your refresher color boost! You cannot avoid this fact ? everything fades with time, especially anything out in the sun.

Q14) What about allergies?
A14) Those with allergies are particularly good candidates to permanent makeup. If you are prone to allergies, you may ask the technician about an allergy test. The allergy test will be done using a red pigment. The red pigment is usually the one that will cause the most noticeable allergic reaction if there will be a reaction at all. Reactions are rare.

Q15) What does it cost?
A15) Fees vary according to the creation required and will be determined at a free consultation. But remember, you get what you pay for. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$600 per procedure, depending on your technician and your location. The smart thing to do is to for sure not to choose the cheapest artist, but you need not choose the most expensive artist either.

Q16) What if the shape isn’t what I want?
A16) The eyebrows are drawn on with semi-permanent marker prior to the start of any procedure, so you will see exactly what is going to be done before anything permanent is applied.

Q17) What about removal of pigment?
A17) We call removal “pigment lifting” which is available and works very well if the technician is trained in the process. Typically only small areas should be attempted to be lifted with either a salt/saline mixture or a similar “lifting” product, used for this purpose only? trying to removal larger areas of permanent makeup pigments will require more extensive treatment, such as a laser. Under these circumstances, contact a dermatologist.

Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and remains active in the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. See her website:http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com

When it comes to a glowing complexion what we put into our bodies and how we treat our skin and ourselves has a huge impact on how we look ? no skin care product can overcome certain damage. Here are a few hints to take the best care of your skin and get that radiant glow.

1. Eat a balanced diet ? what we put in our bodies will show on our skin. If you eat fatty foods and junk your skin will reflect that, so give your skin proper nutrition.

2. Get at least 7 to 8 hours sleep every night. A lack of sleep will show up under your eyes as dark circles or bags. Proper rest will also benefit your body and your life.

3. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated. It is best to spread the consumption of water in small amounts over the course of the day to be sure it is properly absorbed.

4. Maintain a regular exercise schedule. Exercise gets the blood moving and creates a healthy body.

5. Get lots of fresh air but avoid prolonged exposure to wind and cold.

6. Avoid the sun and tanning beds. The damage done by ultraviolet rays is long lasting and cannot be reversed.

7. Always wear sunglasses to avoid squinting.

8. Try to achieve a well-balanced life and reduce stress.

9. Exfoliate twice a week to rid your skin of dead cells.

10. Develop a skin care routine for your particular skn type.

If you have been neglecting your complexion start right away to improve it ? it’s never too late. What you do today will show up in your skin in the future. It’s up to you.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe Consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmer. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, ‘Image Makeovers’ and get How to ‘Build a Wardrobe’ free.

Eyebrows are a natural frame for the eyes and should be in proportion to the face. Perfectly shaped eyebrows will enhance the look of your eyes, your face and will accentuate your makeup while; ill kept, unruly eyebrows will hide the beauty of your eyes.

1. Pluck only from the underside of the brow in the direction that the hair grows. Don’t pluck from the top of the brow and chance plucking too much and losing the shape of the brow. You may also want to pluck any stray hairs between the brows. If you find it painful apply a lubricant before you pluck, preferably one that had a dulling effect like oral gel.

2. If you find your eyebrows are starting to thin use a brow color to fill them in using feather strokes, do not draw on lines in place of eyebrows.

3. Brows should be the same color as your hair or a shade lighter.

4. Your brow should start right above the inner corner of your eye. To determine where the eyebrow should start place a pencil against the nostril and line it up with the inner corner of your eye. Your eyebrow should end at a diagonal with the outer corner of your eye. To determine this, place a pencil at the side of your nose ending at the outer corner of your eye. The eyebrow should arch above the outer rim of the iris.

Be careful when you tweeze and if you are unsure go to a professional. Incorrect tweezing can ruin the look of your eyebrows and after a certain time the eyebrow will not grow back. If you do use a professional, keep regular appointments and don’t let your eyebrows get too unruly between appointments. Or, after you have had a professional do your eyebrows keep them in shape by plucking the stray hairs as they grow.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmer. You can visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook ‘Image Makeovers’ and get ‘How to Build a Wardrobe’ free.

Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care ? and we usually never let the truth get in the way of a good legend! This article examines some of the most widely known - and the reality behind the myths.

1. Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss/dryness.

FALSE: Frequency of washing doesn’t harm hair. Wash it as often as you like, although the recommendation is three times a week. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair.

2. More shampoo = cleaner hair.

FALSE: Don’t waste your shampoo! A dollop of shampoo, about the size of a quarter is usually enough for long hair. Very long hair may take a little more.

3. Conditioner helps repair split ends.

FALSE: No conditioner can “repair” damaged hair. What it can do is smooth down the cuticle and make hair seem in better condition. A good conditioner can also prevent damage from occurring in the first place.

4. Blow-drying produces hair loss.

FALSE: Blow-drying can damage, burn or dry hair, which can cause it to fall, but the hair will grow back immediately. This is not permanent hair loss.

5. Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus.

FALSE: Scalp or fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) mainly affects children, whose immune systems make them more susceptible to skin infections.

6. To get your hair to grow, brush 100 strokes each day.

FALSE: Brushing that much can damage the hair cuticle. NOT recommended! Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.

7. Sharing combs and brushes can spread scalp diseases.

TRUE: Lice and other parasites can be transported from scalp to scalp through the sharing of combs, brushes and other hair care tools.

8. Cutting hair makes it grow faster and/or thicker.

FALSE: This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so shorter hair appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment.

9. Color treatment causes hair loss.

FALSE: Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss.

10. Salon products are identical to drugstore products.

FALSE: Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt ? read the labels.

11. Long sun exposure favors hair loss.

FALSE: Your hair acts as a shield against the sun. Hair loss appears at the follicle level and so the sun would have to penetrate at this depth to do any damage.

12. Diet is related to hair loss.

TRUE: it’s important to eat right in order to be generally healthy. However, no individual food has been proven to be beneficial or detrimental to hair.

13. Stress causes hair loss.

TRUE: Severe stress (e.g. surgery or a death in the family), can shut down hair production, causing temporary hairloss (alopecia areata). The scalp usually recuperates, though, and hair grows back

14. Wearing tight braids, ponytails or buns causes baldness.

TRUE: Traction alopecia is a very real hair loss condition that is quite common amongst older African American women. It results from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time. Over time, hair breakage or loss as the result of tight, stressed styles, can become permanent. Avoid this potential problem by opting for looser styles that minimize scalp tension.

15. Smoking causes gray hair.

TRUE: According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research ? ask an expert! This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths ? you owe it to your hair.

(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook “(Nearly) Everything You Should Know ABout Hairstyles and Hair Care” at his website; http://www.great-hairstyles.com

Everyone dreams of having skin that is healthy, smooth and radiant. This state of skin perfection would have to derive from proper and attentive care. Your skin could convey its wishes, its needs for nutrition and concern. Listen to its voice, pamper it with timely care, and your skin will maintain its very best condition always. Balance: The First Criterion for Perfect Skin

At the crux of the latest global beauty concepts, lies the need for skin balance, which is the first criterion for perfect skin. Here, “balance” refers to the natural physiological functions of the skin, such as regulation of moisture, oil secretion, sensitive reactions and organisational structures. Only when these four areas are regulated and balanced, can the skin present its very best. Conversely, if there is an imbalance in the four factors, the skin will develop problems accordingly.

Warning Signal 1:
Dryness, lack of moisture, slight peeling, dry wrinkles

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in regulation of moisture

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of moisture

Suggested Method:
Give skin the ample moisturising nutrition it needs. Choose special moisturising skincare products that contain natural minerals, effective moisture-replenishing factors, natural compound vitamins, collagen, etc.

Warning Signal 2:
Insufficient or excessive oil, whiteheads, blackheads, acne?

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in oil secretion

The Best Solution:
Balance oil secretion

Suggested Method:
Choose skincare products that have oil-absorption, inflammation-reduction and germ-elimination properties. For skin that secretes excessive oil, take care of cleanliness and inflammation reduction.

Warning Signal 3:
Sagging, signs of aging such as wrinkles

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in organisational structure

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of nutrients

Suggested Method:
Focus on the replenishment of effective anti-wrinkle and skin-firming ingredients, such as amino acids, various vitamins, protein essences, etc, so as to enhance skin metabolism and restore its natural vitality within the shortest time.

Warning Signal 4:
Weakness, itch, red spots?

Skin’s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in sensitive reactions

The Best Strategy:
Emergency desensitisation

Suggested Method:
Conduct a self-diagnosis first. If the condition is mild, nurse it using Bel’Air’s prescription. If the condition is severe, involving burns or abnormal swelling, consult a doctor or specialist.

Listen to Your Skin

These are some of the warning signals that will be sounded when a problem in skin balance occurs. Usually, the prologue will take the form of itch. When your skin gives the signal for help, it is time to give it the nutrition and moisture it needs. In this way, you can effectively maintain your skin at a state of healthy and optimum balance. So, when your skin sounds the warning signal for imbalance, don’t ever neglect it. Putting the balance back into your skin will ensure its radiance and beauty!

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com

Billions of people around the world experience acne over their lifetimes. In fact, acne is the single most common skin disorder, and more common than all other skin disorders combined.

With this being the case, it is not surprising to see literally thousands of different acne treatments available on the market today. There are prescription medications, such as accutane, and Retin-A. These work well on severe cystic acne. There are also over the counter medications, such as Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid. For light to moderate acne, these can be a godsend. And of course, there are herbal acne treatments like tea tree oil and green tea cream. These both are proven to work well as alternatives to benzoyl peroxide.

This is just to name a very few of the most effective acne treatments available. There are then hundreds of brands that repackages these treatments under thousands of names, and sell them to acne suffers the world over.

However, there is one acne symptom that none of these medications can treat? Acne Dysmorphia.

Acne Dysmorphia is really more of it’s own disorder altogether. It is similar to anorexia nervosa, in that the person suffering from acne dysmorphia becomes completely obsessed with a physical condition of their body. With Anorexia, it is their weight, and with acne dysmorphia, it is their clear complexion.

The truth of the matter is, Acne Dysmorphia is not strongly related to acne at all. The acne is just a catalyst for the problem. With Acne Dysmorphia, a person will become completely fixated on their skin, whether or not they are suffering from acne at all! They may pick at an area of skin until it bleeds, or becomes infected. Also, depression often results from their frustration with their skin complexion.

The sad fact is, many times these people may only have a few very small breakouts. Therefore, no amount of “acne treatment” will help reduce the fixation on the skin. It is not uncommon for someone with Acne Dysmorphia to check their face in a mirror dozens, even hundreds of times a day. And each look in a mirror reflects only a distorted image, one with a much larger acne problem than exists.

The cure for this disorder does not come from any form of acne care, but from healing within. Behavioral therapy, can be an amazing aid in curing acne dysmorphia. In many cases, this is all that is needed to help reduce the symptoms. In extreme cases, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be needed. Also, some people find hypnosis can be an effective form of treatment.

The most important thing to understand with acne dysmorphia is that it is not due to the acne breakouts, but to a mental disorder that needs to be treated completely independently of any acne. Furthermore, it is very important to treat acne dysmorphia, because the resulting depression can create many problems for a person, including suicide.

Acne is never pleasant for anyone, but acne dysmorphia can truly be a crippling disorder. Seek treatment for the mental aspects first, and then you may find that the acne you have will suddenly become an easily manageable aspect of your life!

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and the editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is affected by sunless versus the layer affected by sun tanning products differs. Sun tanning lotions, sprays, gels and other assorted items, go to work on the stratum basale or deepest layer. And sunless tanning items go to work on the stratum corneum or outermost layer.

Method 1 - Sunless Bronzers

Some sunless tanning products come in the form of moisturizers (as lotions and crèmes) and powders and are referred to as bronzers. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as you would make up products for a temporary “tan” appearance, similar to the effects of applied makeup leaving a “tint.”

Then you just wash the bronzers off with soap and water; the “tan is removed with washing. Caution is needed so that the products do not stain clothing or other fabric. And care needs to be taken so that the applications do not streak or run when wet, similar to the results of mascara running. And finally, make sure that if you wear these products outdoors, they contain sunscreen in the ingredients; otherwise wear protective clothing, eyewear, etc.

Method 2 - Sunless Tanning Booths

Sunless tanning booths are becoming more popular. With an air compressor and an airbrush delivery system in one of these booths, skin receives a “tan.” What happens is that pistons in the compressor quickly press or force air out via a nozzle in an airbrush or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning solution containing DHA that’s inside compartments within the airbrush, and sprays this in a fine mist over the outer skin layer.

Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes connected to the compressor and they are all either in fixed positions or moving. Thus tanning clients then either move under fixed sprayers so that skin is covered all over. Or else the tanner parts move to spray the different body parts (these types pose more mechanical maintenance issues though.)

Method 3 - Tanning Accelerators

For a speedier tan, you might elect to try a tanning accelerator. Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an amino acid called tyrosine in with the ingredients. This amino acid is reported (but not proven) by some users to increase the production of melanin, speeding up the tanning process. Again, these are not FDA-approved solutions or drugs.

Method 4 - Tanning Lamps

Tanning lamps, unfortunately, can have the same bad effects on the body as direct sunlight. The equipment emits UV rays that are just as damaging as the sun’s. Some measures to take towards safety when using this type of equipment are closely monitor sessions, keeping to the minimum number and timed lengths that are recommended, don’t book sessions closer than every-other day, ALWAYS wear recommended safety eyewear, follow safety and other directions that come with the equipment or are (or should be) posted near it, and do place some sort of protection like a thin piece of acrylic between your body and tanning lamps. (Check for this possibility with booths, too, by asking the host or reading the equipment’s instruction booklet).

In conclusion, when looking for a tanning solution, check out the variety of products available. Sunless-tanning products offer safer tanning and many choices of forms and formulas for everyone across the board from young to old. And sunscreen products are definitely needed outdoors and also come in a variety of choices for everyone.

So be prepared. Be safe. And have fun in the sun!

Tony Newton publishes the popular health and wellness website - http://www.1st-for-health.com With lots of informative articles on low carb diets, hair loss, arthritis pain relief, obesity and lots more.

Background

The MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift) was described as a modification of the S-lift by a Belgian group in 2001. It was reported in the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal, which is the main scientific journal for plastic surgeons.

Essentially, it differs from a regular facelift in the following ways:

1. The incision is limited to the skin hairline junction above the ear and anterior to the ear. There is no extension behind the ear.

2. The area of undermining, unlike a conventional facelift, is much smaller and essentially involves a portion of the cheek. Because there is less undermining, the blood supply to the skin is much more robust and the technique is therefore safer in smokers. There is much less risk of any skin necrosis, unlike other lifts.

3. Permanent suspension sutures are used to elevate the underlying tissue. These pass down to the neck, jowls and malar fat pad. Unlike many other facelifts which do not include significant mid face elevation the MACS lift elevates the malar fat pad reducing the naso labial folds.

4. Because there is no undermining under the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) there is very little likelihood of damage to the facial nerve.

5. Because the undermining and dissection is much more limited the post operative swelling and oedema is much less than in normal facelifts and recovery is therefore quicker.

6. Because the malar fat pad is elevated it combines very well with lower lid blepharoplasty, as can be seen in the illustrations. It essentially reduces the height of the lower eyelid giving a more youthful, smooth appearance.

7. In nearly all cases liposuction is performed to the neck area below the angle of the mandible, both to remove excess fat here and also to free up the skin to allow it to be re-draped by the suspension sutures.

8. In my opinion the MACS lift produces results at least equivalent, or in most cases, better than a conventional facelift. It is ideally suited to the younger patient with a sagging mid face. In patients with really excess skin facility in the neck region, it may be necessary in some cases to make an incision posterior to the ear to take up this slack, but in most cases this is not necessary.

DETAILS OF PROCEDURE

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and most patients stay in hospital for two days post operatively. The operation generally takes about three hours and in nearly all cases should be combined with lower lid blepharoplasty, as lifting up the malar fat pad also lifts up the lower eyelids and it is relatively simple to remove the excess skin. Usually no additional work needs to be done to the fat pads because of the suspension of the malar area.

During the post operative night, the patient is placed in a firm bulky woollen bandage and two small non-suction drains are inserted behind the ear. The bandage is removed the following day, along with the drains. Following this, a light chin-up bandage is worn for one week. Following this, the patient normally looks fairly reasonable, although there may be some residual bruising, particularly around the eyes. This is treated with Arnica cream and massage on a twice daily basis.

Stitches in the lower blepharoplasty incision are removed at three days, those in front of the ears and alternate stitches in the hairline are removed at five days and the remaining sutures in the hairline at ten days.

In my opinion the MACS lift is a significant advancement in facial rejuvenation surgery as it involves relatively little undermining and consequently the recovery is quicker. It also has the significant advantage of improving the mid face and malar area which other facelift techniques do not tend to help.

I use this type of facelift now exclusively, and as I mentioned, in patients with really severe neck skin excess I would do a posterior skin excision, but this is not necessary in 90% of patients. This lift is ideally suited to the younger patient with mid face ageing changes and moderate changes in the neck.

Author Bio

Mr Richards is a full member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (B.A.A.P.S) and the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (B.A.P.S) as well as a being a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and registered on the specialist register of the GMC for plastic surgery.

Adrian Richards and Associates has a series of clinics and accredited hospitals across the mid shire counties and at 10 Harley Street London and offers a complete range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical procedures using the most advanced techniques available.

For further information or to find your nearest treatment centre visit http://www.arandassociates.co.uk or call the information line on telephone number (UK) 0800 3285743 for specialist and sympathetic advice.

Mr A RICHARDS MSc FRCS (Plas) Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon http://www.arandassociates.co.uk Suite 3, Samuel House Chinnor Road Thame Oxon OX9 3