Hyaluronic acid……injections….creams…..what works ..what doesn’t!
There is no doubt that hyaluronic filler injections can achieve incredible results……have had this procedure myself, I can vouch for it.
But…what about all those rows ‘n rows of creams containing hyaluronic acid and claiming to be miracles in a jar….money down the drain or not? All those magazine advertisments?
Not wishing you bog you down with a whole lot of scientific jargon, I am going to make this as brief as possible.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a key component of human tissue, providing the body with essential moisture and a viable way to erase wrinkles without the loss of facial expression.
Hyaluronic acid is available in facial injections under product names like Restylane, a hyaluronic acid wrinkle-filler that works to lift the lip, wrinkles or folds and create Substance volume.
Hyaluronic acid injections do not relax muscles but instead “fill in” areas most affected by wrinkles and fine lines.
That Prevents Wrinkles and Keeps Your Body Supple
In my endeavour to uncover the truth I came across some really interesting articles…read the one below by Jakki Francie…..HAD TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU.
By: Jakki Francis
In Yuzuri Hara, a village in Japan, ten percent of the population is 85 or older. Diseases of aging, such as cancer, diabetes and Alzieimer’s are virtually unknown.
People rarely see a doctor and their skin rarely shows signs of aging. They live long, healthy active lives.
As reported on the ABC News program 20/20, researchers have discovered the ‘magical’ ingredient that appears to keep people in Yuzuri Hara young. It is hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the carbohydrate foods that are unique to the hilly terrain of this village.
The Times Newspaper (UK) reported in New LIFE in OLD BONES:
"Researchers are looking for the genes involved with osteo-arthritis, which may lead to more effective, targeted therapies. Some studies have also shown positive results from injections into arthritic joints of hyaluronic acid, a component of the bodies own lubricant fluid, which seems to delay the need for a joint replacement."
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid; or HA is a natural substance that is plentiful in our bodies when we are born.
It is found in all human connective tissue.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
HA occurs naturally in the deeper layers of our skin (the dermis). It helps to keep skin smooth and "plump" through its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
It lubricates the joints.
HA plays a critical role in the rapid repair of wounds and other skin conditions.
Hyaluronic acid improves eye-sight
Moisture Retention
The ability to retain and hold moisture is the secret to youthful, healthy, vibrant skin.
Aging robs us of this innate ability to hold in moisture. As we get older our bodies produce less and less hyaluronic acid. The drop in HA starts at around the age of 18-20 years. But after the age of 40 the down slide becomes apparent. Skin starts to lose its elasticity and lines and wrinkles appear.
Hyaluronic acid also supports the formation and maintenance of collagen, an important connective tissue. Collagen degradation is believed to cause a decrease in skin tone and elasticity.
Healthy, youthful skin comes from the inside. By replacing the components that naturally deplete with age, we can reverse the signs associated with aging.
Hyaluronic acid supplementation puts back in what is naturally lost to restore radiance and youth.
THEN I CAME ACROSS A CLAIM MADE BY A WELL KNOW BEAUTY LINE THAT SAID THAT THEIR PRODUCT COULD ACHIEVE EXACTLY THE SAME RESULTS AS HYALURONIC FILLER INJECTIONS. CLAIMS LIKE THESE ARE NOT TRUE……. Injectable fillers plump up wrinkles from the inside out by filling them in
with hyaluronic acid or other polymers. Topical creams and lotions have a superficial moisturizing but they do not penetrate the skin and do not have any long lasting effect on wrinkles. Yes..they may be very good moisturizers (which is important) YOU CANNOT COMPARE A TOPICAL CREAM WITH THE INJECTIBLE VERSION
THE FINAL word on the subject of hyaluronic acid topical creams comes from Dr Mike Henry, the pricinicpal clinical aesthetic physiscian at the Taryn Laine Centre.
‘Hyaluronic acid in creams makes no difference at all. It won't penetrate through the epithelium. For it to be effective you have to apply when needling eg mesotherapy or dermarolling.’
( I will be chatting about these two procedures in the near future)
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT GIRLS…………..NEXT TIME AROUND I’M TAKING ON ANOTHER NEW BUZZ WORD IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY MARKET……Q10!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
THE LIES WE TELL TO SAVE FACE!
Thank you Elle magazine for putting so eloquently and succinctly what I have no doubt many of us have been thinking all along. In this month’s issue the article…..’I’ll never get botox and other lies we tell’!
I quote from the article by Emily Pettit – Coetzee . In the article she states that research shows that the use of botox and fillers is one of the top five things women lie about. She goes on to talk about the many celebrities well over forty who decry the use of botox while looking so radiant and unlined that you have to wonder who they think they are fooling. She goes on to cite Nicole Kidman who was recently quoted as saying, ‘I am completely natural…there is nothing in my face’,I’m still laughing!
Emily goes on to say,’Our society has a deep rooted belief that natural is better. And if your genes deliver up blonde hair, plump lips and perky boobs, then you’re considered slightly superior.’
It’s an excellent article and well worth a read!!!
I quote from the article by Emily Pettit – Coetzee . In the article she states that research shows that the use of botox and fillers is one of the top five things women lie about. She goes on to talk about the many celebrities well over forty who decry the use of botox while looking so radiant and unlined that you have to wonder who they think they are fooling. She goes on to cite Nicole Kidman who was recently quoted as saying, ‘I am completely natural…there is nothing in my face’,I’m still laughing!
Emily goes on to say,’Our society has a deep rooted belief that natural is better. And if your genes deliver up blonde hair, plump lips and perky boobs, then you’re considered slightly superior.’
It’s an excellent article and well worth a read!!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Anastacia and Botox - reblog from Yahoo
Reblogged from Yahoo
www.bangshowbiz.com
www.bangshowbiz.com
Anastacia happy with Botox
The 41-year-old singer admits to having regular Botox injections in her forehead because she hates the way she looks without the skin-smoothing injections.
She said: "Without it, my frown scares me, let alone everyone else. I get it from my mum who has a perma-frown. It's a family trait.
"So I prefer to get rid of it with Botox in two places on my forehead. I've been having it since 2003."
The 'I'm Outta Love' star - who filed for divorce from husband Wayne Newton in April after three years of marriage - also admitted she hasn't ruled out undergoing further procedures in the future, though she is more comfortable with herself than she used to be.
She added: "I would have surgery if I felt I needed it. I think it can be addictive if you have poor self-image, but I'm alright with the way I look, although it's taken a long time to get here.
"Everything I've been through has affected my confidence. It's all chiselled away at my core. But there's always putty to mend it. I'm definitely growing more comfortable in my skin."
(C) BANG Media International
Carol-Anne Kelleher for Taryn Laine Clinic
Friday, July 16, 2010
Retin A - Does it work?
This month I’m taking on retin – a ….does it deliver as an anti-aging device?
Page through any magazine these days and you cannot but be amazed at the seemingly endless onslaught of anti-aging advertisements! Now …I’m not complaining..it’s just that I’m confused.
So let’s cut to the chase…last month I promised you that I would undertake to bring you the truth as far as what works and what does not work when it comes to facial products…let’s begin!.
Let’s start with the much touted ingredient retin A …..it appears as a ‘magical’ ingredient in product after product. What is it, what does it really do and how concentrated does it need to be in order for it to be effective?
Here’s the low – down !
RETIN A is made from vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed through the intestines and stored in the liver. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy skin. It comes in the form of liquid cream or gel.
WHAT IT PROMISES :
Retin - a is also known as Retinol, Retinoic Acid and Tretinoin. Retin A is probably the most used ingredient in anti-aging creams, serums and tonics. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, it stimulates the production of collagen and reduces skin discolorations. Retin A is also known for its abilities to tighten large pores and minimize sun damage. Retinol is widely used to treat severe acne and acne Rosacea
As skin ages, it produces less collagen, which gives skin a plump healthy look. Skin cells also slow down their turnover process which makes skin look duller. The effect of the sun on the skin may produce a pretty tan, but later on, sun damage causes age spots and other discolorations. Retin-A helps skin to look younger by speeding up the turnover of skin cells…"
Tretinoin was originally used for acne treatment. but it had the surprising side effect of smoother skin. This product stimulates skin cell activity, including collagen production. In the United States, Retin-A is available only with a prescription. It comes as a topical cream or can be included in a moisturizer.. Retin-A can increase skin's sensitivity to light, so sun block should always be used. It can also cause irritation and peeling. Combining Retin-A treatments with lotions containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can amplify the benefits. AHA's help skin to exfoliate and retain moisture. They can also help lessen the irritation caused by PURE Retin-A.
Do over-the-counter wrinkle creams really reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? The answer depends on many factors.
Many creams and lotions sold in department stores, in drugstores and on the Internet promise to reduce wrinkles and prevent or reverse damage caused by the sun and the ageing process.
Do they work? Research suggests that some wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may improve wrinkles. But many of these ingredients haven't undergone scientific research to prove this benefit.
If you're looking for a face-lift in a bottle, you probably won't find it in over-the-counter (nonprescription) wrinkle creams. But they may slightly improve the appearance of your skin, depending on how long you use the product and the amount and type of the active ingredient in the wrinkle cream.
Common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams
The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvements in wrinkles.
Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or may become pregnant because they increase the risk of birth defects.
SO DOES IT WORK????
With so much hype and misinformation associated with the marketing of anti-aging skin care products, it can be difficult to determine what actually works for improving the texture and appearance of aging skin. The one skin care ingredient that’s been promoted heavily for skin rejuvenation is retinol. Is there truth behind the widely claimed benefits of using retinol for skin rejuvenation?
.The limiting factor with many skin care products that advertise that they promote collagen production is that the molecules are unable to penetrate deeply enough to gain access to the dermis where the fibroblasts are located. Hence, they’re unable to stimulate collagen synthesis despite their advertising claims. This is where the retinol molecule is different. It has the ability to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, and gain access to the inner dermis where it can stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
The ability to gain access to the dermis and stimulate collagen production gives retinol the ability to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as counteract some of the skin damage created by years of sun exposure. Retinol also increases the thickness of the outer skin layer, the epidermis. This results in a skin with a finer, more translucent texture as well as a reduction in skin roughness.
Do studies confirm that retinol works to improve the appearance of aging skin? A study performed on 31 subjects to test the effects of retinol on skin texture and appearance. The individuals had a 0.4% retinol solution applied to one arm and a placebo to the other. Not only did the arm that received the retinol show improvement in skin roughness and texture, but a skin biopsy revealed an increase in the precursors of collagen synthesis, suggesting that collagen production was being stimulated. In addition, retinol has been used by dermatologists and physicians for many years as an anti-aging cream with good results.
It appears that retinol is effective both in improving the texture of the skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. By stimulating collagen production, it may also compensate for some of the solar damage accrued over the years. Although you can buy dilute retinol formulations over the counter, they may not have the same benefit as prescription formulations available from your doctor. Because prescription strict retinol in the form of Retin-A and its derivatives may be too irritating for some people’s skin, it may be prudent to start with a lower strength, non-prescription formulation and advance to the prescription form if results aren’t achieved. Remember to always wear a sunblock when using retinol since it increases sensitivity to the sun.
SO THE VERDICT!!!! RETIN – A GETS A BIG THUMBS UP!!!!!!
Watch out for next month’s blog…I’ll be taking a look at all the hype surrounding hyalauric acid! Till then, take care.
Page through any magazine these days and you cannot but be amazed at the seemingly endless onslaught of anti-aging advertisements! Now …I’m not complaining..it’s just that I’m confused.
So let’s cut to the chase…last month I promised you that I would undertake to bring you the truth as far as what works and what does not work when it comes to facial products…let’s begin!.
Let’s start with the much touted ingredient retin A …..it appears as a ‘magical’ ingredient in product after product. What is it, what does it really do and how concentrated does it need to be in order for it to be effective?
Here’s the low – down !
RETIN A is made from vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed through the intestines and stored in the liver. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy skin. It comes in the form of liquid cream or gel.
WHAT IT PROMISES :
Retin - a is also known as Retinol, Retinoic Acid and Tretinoin. Retin A is probably the most used ingredient in anti-aging creams, serums and tonics. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, it stimulates the production of collagen and reduces skin discolorations. Retin A is also known for its abilities to tighten large pores and minimize sun damage. Retinol is widely used to treat severe acne and acne Rosacea
As skin ages, it produces less collagen, which gives skin a plump healthy look. Skin cells also slow down their turnover process which makes skin look duller. The effect of the sun on the skin may produce a pretty tan, but later on, sun damage causes age spots and other discolorations. Retin-A helps skin to look younger by speeding up the turnover of skin cells…"
Tretinoin was originally used for acne treatment. but it had the surprising side effect of smoother skin. This product stimulates skin cell activity, including collagen production. In the United States, Retin-A is available only with a prescription. It comes as a topical cream or can be included in a moisturizer.. Retin-A can increase skin's sensitivity to light, so sun block should always be used. It can also cause irritation and peeling. Combining Retin-A treatments with lotions containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can amplify the benefits. AHA's help skin to exfoliate and retain moisture. They can also help lessen the irritation caused by PURE Retin-A.
Do over-the-counter wrinkle creams really reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? The answer depends on many factors.
Many creams and lotions sold in department stores, in drugstores and on the Internet promise to reduce wrinkles and prevent or reverse damage caused by the sun and the ageing process.
Do they work? Research suggests that some wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may improve wrinkles. But many of these ingredients haven't undergone scientific research to prove this benefit.
If you're looking for a face-lift in a bottle, you probably won't find it in over-the-counter (nonprescription) wrinkle creams. But they may slightly improve the appearance of your skin, depending on how long you use the product and the amount and type of the active ingredient in the wrinkle cream.
Common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams
The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may result in slight to modest improvements in wrinkles.
Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you are pregnant or may become pregnant because they increase the risk of birth defects.
SO DOES IT WORK????
With so much hype and misinformation associated with the marketing of anti-aging skin care products, it can be difficult to determine what actually works for improving the texture and appearance of aging skin. The one skin care ingredient that’s been promoted heavily for skin rejuvenation is retinol. Is there truth behind the widely claimed benefits of using retinol for skin rejuvenation?
.The limiting factor with many skin care products that advertise that they promote collagen production is that the molecules are unable to penetrate deeply enough to gain access to the dermis where the fibroblasts are located. Hence, they’re unable to stimulate collagen synthesis despite their advertising claims. This is where the retinol molecule is different. It has the ability to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, and gain access to the inner dermis where it can stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
The ability to gain access to the dermis and stimulate collagen production gives retinol the ability to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as counteract some of the skin damage created by years of sun exposure. Retinol also increases the thickness of the outer skin layer, the epidermis. This results in a skin with a finer, more translucent texture as well as a reduction in skin roughness.
Do studies confirm that retinol works to improve the appearance of aging skin? A study performed on 31 subjects to test the effects of retinol on skin texture and appearance. The individuals had a 0.4% retinol solution applied to one arm and a placebo to the other. Not only did the arm that received the retinol show improvement in skin roughness and texture, but a skin biopsy revealed an increase in the precursors of collagen synthesis, suggesting that collagen production was being stimulated. In addition, retinol has been used by dermatologists and physicians for many years as an anti-aging cream with good results.
It appears that retinol is effective both in improving the texture of the skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. By stimulating collagen production, it may also compensate for some of the solar damage accrued over the years. Although you can buy dilute retinol formulations over the counter, they may not have the same benefit as prescription formulations available from your doctor. Because prescription strict retinol in the form of Retin-A and its derivatives may be too irritating for some people’s skin, it may be prudent to start with a lower strength, non-prescription formulation and advance to the prescription form if results aren’t achieved. Remember to always wear a sunblock when using retinol since it increases sensitivity to the sun.
SO THE VERDICT!!!! RETIN – A GETS A BIG THUMBS UP!!!!!!
Watch out for next month’s blog…I’ll be taking a look at all the hype surrounding hyalauric acid! Till then, take care.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Botox Video - the real deal!
Who says you have to look your age!!! Two years on as a regular at the Taryn Laine Clinic…….two years of botox, glycolic peels and fillers and my face hasn’t collapsed, as my mother predicted it would and neither does it look like Michael Jackson’s face, God rest his soul, as my mother predicted it would. The only thing that has happened is the genuine surprise from people when I tell them how old I am.
It is in fact in celebration of my fiftieth birthday that I have decided to launch my own blog in the interests of sharing the secrets to a dramatically youthful looking skin! The very fact that you are reading this means that you are interested in turning back he hands of time……..so get ready to see what the Taryn Laine Clinic can do for you!!!
Follow the link to a short youtube clip to see the dramatic difference botox , peels and fillers have made to my face……..and get ready to be amazed!
AND WATCH THIS SPACE…next month’s blog….are you as confused as I am about which beauty ingredients really work! I’m going on a mission to find out what does really work and what’s just marketing hype!
I’d love you to leave a comment of any of your beauty queries and I’ll put them to our panel of experts!
Till next time…take care…..
It is in fact in celebration of my fiftieth birthday that I have decided to launch my own blog in the interests of sharing the secrets to a dramatically youthful looking skin! The very fact that you are reading this means that you are interested in turning back he hands of time……..so get ready to see what the Taryn Laine Clinic can do for you!!!
Follow the link to a short youtube clip to see the dramatic difference botox , peels and fillers have made to my face……..and get ready to be amazed!
I’d love you to leave a comment of any of your beauty queries and I’ll put them to our panel of experts!
Till next time…take care…..
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Botox - the inside scoop!
I now have something in common with some very famous folk.........from Kylie Minogue to Simon Cowell to a host of desperate housewives stars, to Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, to our very own Helene Zille, Noleen from 3 Talk and even husband and wife team Die Nuutsman and Michelle Garsforth............we've all experienced the miracle that is botox...and we like it...we like it a lot!I have to confess that I am a recent convert....yes I too heard the stories about it being snake poison.......tales of ending up with an expressionless face that could look neither happy or sad......why my very own mother Kate...told me that my face would eventually collapse if I had it too often.! Ahhhhhhhhh...a little knowledge ...and what is worse...incorrect knowledge can be a dangerous thing! But suffice it to say that the little bits and pieces I had read about and heard about was enough to make me absolutely terrified of actually taking the plunge.
So how did I come to cross over to the other side? It all started whilst looking for a skin therapist who could actually do something noticeable for my skin. I was fast approaching 49 and in my line of work, youthful skin increases my longevity...yup sadly...ageism, particularly if you are a woman , is a very real thing...I can see Helen Zille nodding in agreement.
Anyway after doing the rounds of various places I ended up at the Taryn Laine Clinic after seeing an advertisement of theirs...mmm I thought... those chemical peels sound really good...and they really were. You know that night out when you start off with a glass of wine and then before you know it you've got a shooter in your hand? Well I guess it was something like that that happened to me at The Taryn Laine Clinic. Heck it really was inevitable after seeing how stunning Dr Mike Henry's gorgeous wife looked ....a self confessed botox babe! I was truly astonished when I heard how old she was. So during my visits for peels I would listen to her telling me all about botox etc...and the rest....yup...it's history.
Now if you are as afraid as I was then you need to read all the bits and pieces on the website that answer your concerns and fears about botox. If there is an unanswered question then please email the clinic.
I have to tell you that the results have been amazing!! Truly amazing!...but hey ..I'm getting ahead of myself...so what does it entail this botox thing I hear you ask? Well I can only speak of my personal experience, we all experience things like a visit to a dentist differently.
Right...so obviously you know that botox involves injections to the face. The forehead...I hardly feel it...below the eyes a little more sensitive but nothing that I cannot handle. For me it is really not uncomfortable at all!
Nowadays I bump into folk I have not seen in a while and they say to me..'you look so good!'.....my ex-sister in law with whom I braaied (barbequed)the other day as she was visiting from England, and whom I had not seen in years said to me 'You cow...you haven't aged at all...you haven't got any wrinkles!!! Ahhhhh..that's because I have my very own Michelangelo ...Dr Mike Henry!
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