Man has been seeking facial rejuvenation for thousands of years. The effort to delay or reverse the signs of aging has led to numerous wonderful discoveries, including some beautiful pools and the basis for the scientific research of today.

Everything is theoretical, until it is proven. The theories concerning the causes of the signs of aging, including wrinkling and sagging include the following:

• Habitual facial expressions
  
  
• Decreased production of collagen and elastin fibers
  
  
• Decreased levels of hyaluronic acid
  
  
• Increased free radical damage
  
  

The last three can be proven, because they are measurable. The first one is still just a theory. Yet, the latest and highly advertised facial rejuvenation treatments contain a synthetic chemical that is designed to penetrate the skin’s layers and relax the tiny facial muscles. Botox injections, which paralyze the facial muscles, are still popular, as well.

Botox is the most poisonous naturally occurring substance known to man. Why anyone would knowingly expose themselves to that toxin is totally beyond me. The manufactures of Argireline, the synthetic chemical that relaxes the facial muscles, say that it is safe, but what are they really doing for your skin’s health? They are doing absolutely nothing but delay the inevitable.

It is possible to increase the production of new cells and fibers. It is possible to prevent levels of hyaluronic acid, responsible for the skin’s firmness, from decreasing. It is possible to prevent and repair free radical damage. And, the necessary ingredients are nutrients.

Zinc and copper bound to protein have been shown to increase the production of new cells and fibers. Phytessence wakame (Japanese kelp extracts) have been shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Antioxidants counter and prevent free radical damage. That is a well known clinically proven fact.

The product I found for complete facial rejuvenation, you need a nutritional supplement that you apply directly to your skin. It should not contain allergens (fragrances), irritants or toxins (parabens - may cause cancer). If the product you are thinking of purchasing carries warning labels advising you to test a patch of skin, before use, avoid using on broken skin, or to contact a poison control center if it is accidentally ingested, they you are considering the wrong product.

It just makes sense, if you think about it. Why would we want to use toxic chemicals, irritants or allergens? We don’t but that is all that has been available to us, until now.

I discovered a new company that believes facial rejuvenation is a healthcare subject and I agree with them. People that are healthy have radiant beautiful skin. People that are sick have dull gray complexions.

When the body needs to repair itself, it shuts down the processes that would normally repair and replace damaged skin cells. The skin becomes thinner and starts to sag. Wrinkles begin to form.

Assuming that a person is in good health, there is no reason that anyone has to subject themselves to painful injections or plastic surgery. They simply need to nourish the outer layers of skin. That’s what the best facial rejuvenation treatment will allow you to do. You might want to learn more about it.

Visit my site to learn about other unique skin care ingredients today.

What causes wrinkles, fine lines and the other signs of aging?  The best anti wrinkle creams target the real causes, not the “theoretical” cause.

Be cautious of “new fad alternatives”  They could be dangerous to your health and damage your skin. Read this short report carefully.  Find out what works and what does not.

The theory behind Botox injections and the new “safe alternatives” is that the creases you see on your face are caused by habitual facial expressions.  We used to call them “laugh lines” or “worry lines”.  So, the injections and the “safer” lotions are designed to paralyze the tiny facial muscles, preventing those expressions that caused the line.

This theory has been rejected by scientific facts.  Researchers can actually now “see” what causes wrinkles, because they can watch what is going on in the cells.  They can measure the amount of collagen and elastin, as well as the number of new skin-cells produced on a daily basis.  The production slows down with age.

They can measure levels of hyaluronic acid, a basic protein responsible for the skin’s elasticity.  The level of the protein in the skin gets lower as you get older.  And, they can watch free radicals form, within the cells and wait for antioxidants to prevent them from doing damage.  They have seen that aging skin-cells produce more free radicals and antioxidant levels are lower.

So, the best anti wrinkle creams on the market, today, target all of these.  They replenish the skin’s levels of antioxidants.  They prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.  They increase skin cell production and encourage the body to produce more collagen and elastin.  Nature provides everything that we need to perform these feats and fade those lines away.

While You Sleep Night Cream

Skin cell rejuvenation goes on at night, while you are sleeping.  So, a night-cream is imperative.  The best anti wrinkle creams for use at night contain a variety of active “nutritional supplements” for your skin’s health.  These nutrients support the entire process.

Avocado Oil

The best anti wrinkle creams for use at night contain this oil because it has been shown to increase the amount of collagen in the skin.  It is rich in vitamins A, D and E, as well as proteins and essential fatty acids.

Shea Butter

Rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, Shea butter is rapidly absorbed into the skin, without leaving a greasy feeling.  Knowing what causes wrinkles, companies include the ingredient because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.  Chronic inflammation increases the activity and number of free radicals within the cells.

Every Day Cream

You want a different cream to use during the day, one that prevents the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.  Knowing what causes wrinkles; makers of the best anti wrinkle creams include an extract from Wakame Kelp.

The kelp extract blocks an enzymatic activity that normally reduces skin levels of hyaluronic acid.  With continued use, the extract allows the levels to naturally rise again.  This improves firmness and elasticity.  The protein is also necessary for the formation of new cells and fibers.

Now, that you know what causes wrinkles, what are you going to do about it?

 I know what I do.  Supplementation is a key to better health. 

Supplements outside with skin care creams that really work.  Supplement inside with real truly natural multi-vitamins and minerals.   - Margaret Bell

 

It was only just a decade ago that a new medical treatment called Botox was introduced to the public as a true solution to skin wrinkles. The before and after pictures were nothing short of astounding and people everywhere sat up and took notice. Then the next turn of events was “Botox parties”, where friends gathered for cocktails wine and cheese as a doctor treated them all for their wrinkles with injections of this new miracle anti wrinkle serum.

Expensive Short Term Results

Soon however, the “Botox bubble” began to burst, as people everywhere found out that there was more to Botox treatments than meets the eye. To begin with, the effects of Botox injections only last some three weeks, with maximum effects only occurring for the first week. Secondly, a Botox treatment costs between $350-$500, which puts them out of reach for most people.

Boom to Bust as Reality Took Hold

Then people began to learn that Botox injections are only effective on wrinkles on the brow, forehead and sides of the eyes, that are the result of involuntary muscle contractions. Finally, those who had undergone Botox injections were reporting back that they were experiencing a deadening of their facial expressions due the their facial muscles being paralyzed by the Botox. So, while Botox did have its fifteen minutes of fame, it appears that the “Botox show” has been canceled.

Mice kept in a germ-free room with intensive nursing care at Harvard Medical School are hopefully the key to this side effect. A mouse gym holds a miniature exercise machine that tests the rodents’ ability to balance on a bar, while in a nearby water maze, mice must recall visual cues from their “training” to swim to safety on a hidden platform - thereby testing memory powers. (Don’t worry: the that forget their lessons are rescued as they start to submerge.)

The new drugs being tested are called Sirtuin activators, and are based on a theory that most species have an ancient strategy for riding out famines: switch resources from reproduction to tissue maintenance. These activators appear to be triggered in mice when fed a healthy diet with 30 % fewer calories. The mice seem to live longer because they are somehow protected from the usual diseases that kill them.

What is Botox?

It derives from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In nature, large quantities of this exist. In these large doses, it can be harmful and it is this toxin that causes botulism. However, when small dilute quantities are used, as is done in therapeutic treatments, it is extremely safe and can be used under the skin to act as a muscle relaxant.

How does it work?

Botox is used to treat frown lines and creases by injecting small amounts into the facial muscles. Normally, nerve cells release chemicals which cause the muscles to tighten, leading to frown lines. Botox blocks these chemical signals causing a slight weakening of the muscle contraction and a smoothing of the skin’s appearance. Contrary to popular belief, skillfully applied Botox does not paralyze the facial muscles completely, it just relaxes and reduces their response.

This is what I take prides himself in doing when using Botox in my practice in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I like Botox light. We like to normalize facial expressions, not wipe them out. Not everyone wants to look like Madonna.

What can Botox do for me?

Botox treatment can reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat creases around the mouth. When performed properly it should have a gentle relaxing effect while still allowing natural expressions like smiling and frowning. Botox treatment will not reduce lines caused by sun damage and may not be fully effective on very deep creases.

Is it safe?

A course of Botox injections is a well established and recognized treatment that is considered to be safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. There are, however, some groups of people who should not use Botox. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone suffering from a disease that affects the nerves or muscles. Certain medicines can react with Botox and you should consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or drugs to control heartbeat irregularities, Alzheimer’s disease or myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder).

If you are known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or if the area to be treated is infected, you should not have the treatment. However, even in experienced hands, every medication, including Botox, has side effects. The most common side effects are weakening of some muscles unwontedly. For example, some people get an eyelid droop when Botox is put into the brow. Fortunately, Botox side effects are rare and reversible.

What happens during Botox treatment?

First the surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess which areas of your face to treat. During the treatment, a series of small injections will then be directed straight into the facial muscles that the doctor wants to relax using an extremely tiny needle.

You will not need an anesthetic as the injections cause very little pain. The whole procedure should be completed within a matter of minutes. Rarely, these Botox injections can cause the side effect of bruising.

How quickly will I recover?

As soon as the procedure is completed, you will be able to return to normal activities. Some patients report a slight headache as a side effect of the Botox treatment but this should soon pass. Sometimes you will be advised not to lie down for 3 or 4 hours after the procedure as this can encourage the Botox to spread to other areas of the face.

You should not rub the treated area for the same reason. You should also make use your muscles as much as possible so the Botox will be absorbed. Botox usually takes 3 to 7 days to take full effect, after which time visible improvement in facial lines should be noticeable. Your normal facial expressions should still be present.

The beneficial effects of Botox usually last for 3 to 6 months.

Are there any Botox side effects?

Side effects of Botox treatment are usually mild. Some patients experience a slight headache for the first 24 hours after injections to the forehead area, especially after their first treatment. Mild bruising of the injected area can also occur.

In very rare cases, excess Botox can cause the side effect of droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This is unlikely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and will gradually correct itself as the Botox wears off. If you do experience drooping eyelids, you should tell your consultant.

Although very unlikely, a small percentage of patients may suffer the side effect of an extreme adverse reaction to Botox. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing or develop a rash.

Your best defense against the side effects of Botox is to find a skilled doctor to administer it.

What are the advantages of using Botox?

Since its initial introduction, Botox treatment has quickly gained in popularity and is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It is a relatively safe treatment for most people with few documented reports of serious complications.

The treatment is very simple and quick and almost painless. Because no general anesthetic is required, recovery time is rapid with little or no side effects. The results of the procedure are fully reversible over time as the muscle weakening effect of the Botox eventually wears off.

Cost of Botox

Botox costs depend on numerous factors. Individual Botox treatment cost a reasonable amount varing from $400 to over a thousand dollars based on how many areas are treated.m The results last for 3 or 4 months, and do not have to be repeated too often. Some patients find that after several sessions, the time between treatments can be increased to about 6 months.

Where should I go to get Botox treatment?

Once you have decided to have Botox treatment it is important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. Botox has a proven track record for safety and good results but only when carried out by a reputable practitioner. Choose a fully qualified surgeon who has already carried out many Botox procedures.

Look for a clinic where the surgeon is willing to carry out an initial consultation so that you have the chance to ask any questions and thoroughly discuss the implications of the treatment.

A good cosmetic surgeon should always be happy to give you lots of information and may be able to show you photographs of past clients and the results of their treatment. It’s also a good idea to ask around your friends for personal recommendations.

What else is Botox used for?

Although Botox injections are most well known as a cosmetic procedure for the reduction of facial wrinkles, it is also used in the treatment of several medical conditions. Botox can be used to reduce muscle spasms and twitching of the neck or eyelids.

It has also proved successful in the treatment of excessively sweaty armpits by blocking the chemical transmitters that cause the sweating. Depending on the reasons for treatment, sometimes the cost of Botox injections can be covered by medical insurance.

Botox Creams Recently, a cream has been advertised as better than Botox. Unfortunately this Botox cream does not really work. It contains a weak muscle relaxant, strivectant, and this Botox cream does not do much.

Botox Alternatives

If Botox cosmetics do not work, are there alternatives to Botx? Recenlty several Botox alternatives have been studied. One alternative to Botox is Reloxin. It is similar to it, in that it blocks the chemicals released from the nerves. Some say this alternative might work better than Botox.

How to Find a Skilled Doctor For Your Botox Treatments

The best doctor for your Botox treatments for your wrinkles would be an ethical doctor who specializes in these treatments. Ideally, he or she is a teacher of other Botox providers. You can find a qualified person for your Botox treatments through the Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association.