Women's guide to younger looking skin

There are many natural components of aging and wrinkles are no exception. As we age the skin becomes less elastic, thinner and drier. The skin is also less able to protect itself from damage. As a result, wrinkles and fine lines can begin forming.

Some women experience deep wrinkles, while others have less visible lines. Genetics can play a major role in determining the wrinkling factor of the skin. Take a look at your mother's or grandmother's skin. If they weren't prone to spending long hours in the sun and refrained from smoking cigarettes (sun exposure and smoking can contribute to wrinkling), chances are your skin will be somewhat similar as you age.

Because many times people are judged first by outward appearances, women can become self-conscious of their wrinkles as they get into their 40s and 50s. Today, a number of procedures aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines exist. The key is finding one that works for you and your budget. Here are some options to consider.
*Gain a little weight. No one is advocating going on an eating binge. However, a new study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery analyzed pictures of the faces of 186 pairs of identical twins, along with extensive questionnaires each twin filled out about lifestyle and skin care. The study found that for twin pairs under 40, the heavier one (a four-point difference in the Body Mass Index, or BMI) looked significantly older. But surprisingly, after 40, that same four-point difference in BMI made the heavier twin look significantly younger. Once you reach 40, it may pay to increase your weight by a few pounds, which can fill out your face and reduce the appearance of wrinkling.

*Explore wrinkle creams. Wrinkle creams are found in department stores and drug stores across the country. Most promise dramatic results. It is unlikely that you'll get the same results from creams and lotions as you would from going under the knife. But depending upon the ingredients in the products, you could see improvements in the skin over time. Most ingredients are antioxidants that help reverse cell damage caused by free radicals. Fruit acids are another popular ingredient, which exfoliate the skin to reveal newer skin underneath.

*Skin resurfacing. There are a number of treatments that "damage" the outer layer of the skin to promote newer, younger skin to grow in its place. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing are just some of these techniques. Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for minor facial flaws. It can wipe out fine to moderate wrinkles, liver or age spots, correct uneven skin tones, and even reduce the appearance of acne or chickenpox scars. Because the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is removed, it's common to experience some irritation, redness or itching on areas treated. It could take up to two weeks before new skin forms and you can remove bandages.

*Medicinal botulinum toxin type A. This is the same bacteria that causes food poisoning, marketed under the popular name Botox(R). However, in the medicinal version, a much lower concentration is purified and injected into muscles to prevent contraction. When muscles aren't contracted, the skin on top of them flattens and appears less wrinkled. These types of injections are not good for all types of facial wrinkles and cannot reverse the ones caused by sun damage. It is also discouraged to use Botox around the mouth because these muscles are needed for eating and talking.

*Injectable fillers. Collagen fillers and other products are injected under the skin to smooth out wrinkles. They can be effective when done correctly. However, in certain cases the injection can appear uneven or bumpy.

*Surgery. Surgery is one of the most expensive options for treating wrinkles. Face and eye lifts can pull the skin taut and smooth out wrinkles.

Hair extensions are the hot fashion accessory

Today's celebrities go from short locks to long in a matter of days. Do they have the inside scoop on some magical hair-growing serum? Not likely. What they do have is a stylist who has introduced them to the benefits of hair extensions.

Hair extensions give women the option to try on looks without spending weeks or months growing out their hair to achieve them. They're perfect for a special occasions when a woman desires longer hair for a sexy evening look or to make an intricate up-do defy gravity. Extensions also add volume to limp hair and can cover up the damage done by a haircut mishap.

Types of Hair Extensions

The key to hair extensions looking beautiful and natural is to find a stylist who can expertly blend the extensions with your natural hair. It also lies in the type of hair extension chosen. The two main avenues to travel include synthetic extensions or real hair extensions. Synthetic extensions are less expensive than real hair, but won't look nearly as natural. Real hair extensions are made from human hair that has been color-stripped. The hair is then dyed to match particular hair colors and tones.

How Are Extensions Applied?

Semi-permanent hair extensions can be applied in many different ways. Some of the more popular methods include the following.

·Fusion: Fusion extensions usually are applied with a form of keratin bond or glue and the strands are applied individually. Waxes may also be used for adherence.

·Weaves: The natural hair is braided first and then wefts, or sections, of hair are sewn into the braids.

·Tape: Toupee tape that may be enhanced with glue is used to adhere sections of hair.

·Hand Sewn/Tied: Extensions can be applied directly to the natural strands by means of special thread or hand tied.

A combination of methods may also be used depending upon hair type and the style desired.

How Long Will My Extensions Last?

Depending upon the method used, hair extensions generally last a few weeks or months before they will need to be reapplied. Because hair extensions do have the propensity to put excess weight on natural hair and may lead to damage or breakage (relying on a professional stylist to do your extensions minimizes chances for hair damage), remove them after the recommended time.

Special Care for Extensions

Extensions require different care from your natural hair.

·When washing, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and try not to overly tangle your hair. Do not get conditioner on attachment points.

·You can use a normal hair dryer for drying methods.

·When brushing, use soft-tipped bristles. Start by brushing the bottom of your hair and slowly work upwards to where the extensions adhere to your natural hair.

·When using heated styling devices, avoid the attachment point of the extensions.

·Go to a salon for cutting, coloring, or other permanent hair changes.

·Avoid chlorine or salt water. If you do swim, wash hair immediately to rinse out the chemicals from the extensions.

·Tie back your hair in windy conditions to avoid tangles.

For women who want to experiment with the possibilities offered by extensions without making a commitment, clip-in extensions could be the answer. These extensions simply clip onto your natural hair and are removed daily.

The other bridal bouquet

A bride sans perfume is like a flower with no aroma. Beautiful perhaps, but that mysterious special something is missing. Perfume is capable of evoking intimate feelings in a woman, of transmitting messages of love without words, and of leaving permanent prints in one's memory.

That's why a bride should carefully select the perfume the she is to use on her special day with the same care that she chooses her wedding dress and flowers. But finding the right fragrance is not an easy task. Although it is a tangible item (as is the golden liquid in those fabulous crystal flasks) when it meets the skin it transforms and become an intimate, unique essence. That's why a perfume that smells stunning on one person does not necessarily have the same effect on somebody else.

In addition to the relationship between the aroma and skin, the bride's personality and nature should be taken into account when choosing one or more perfumes. If she feels romantic and dreamy, her scent should be fresh and floral; if she feels passionate her scent should be enticing. In the end, perfumes can perfectly express every facet of her personal style. That's why it's difficult for one perfume to represent every single one of her moods. It's like if she wore the same dress to her bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon.

What do you do to avoid failure when selecting a fragrance? Experts recommend some basic rules. First of all, you should understand that buying a perfume takes a good amount of time. It's not as easy as simply visiting the cosmetics counter, opening up a flask, dabbing some perfume on your wrist and deciding whether or not to make a purchase.

You have got to remember that perfume is not a static liquid. Oh contraire! Its dynamics lies in its three olfactory notes: the first scent is the freshest and the one you get a whiff of at the moment you open the flask and apply the content. This note lasts barely a few minutes. The second note is the one that is considered the body of the fragrance and the one that balances all the elements that come in touch with its composition. Last but not least, the third note is the scent that you will continue to smell throughout the rest of the day. This last note can result in a subtler aroma, or one that is sweet and persistent and sometimes is very different from the very first note. Another bit of advice that specialists recommend has to do with not applying several fragrances all at once. Ideally, you should only try on one, so you can appreciate it in all of its stages.

Skin type is another factor you should consider, since dry skin absorbs perfume oils more rapidly, and can make the scent last less. Dry skin should stick to stronger aromas, musk or wood scent or an oriental one with a spicy base. On the other hand, women with oily skin should avoid strong fragrances and extracts, because their natural body odor can alter the perfume. This is a very important point to consider, especially when choosing the perfume that will be used on your wedding day. Keep in mind that you are likely to become very emotional and your nerves may get the best of you and cause you to sweat. As the body temperature rises, the fragrance intensifies. We recommend that you use a lighter version of your favorite perfume or a softer scent.

Climate also plays a vital role. A humid and warm atmosphere strengthens an aroma, that's the reason why light perfumes are recommended for warm climates. Warm, dry climates deteriorate the sense of smell, and the heat dries the mucus in the nose. Stronger perfumes are recommended for these types of climates. Last but not least, you should also consider the time of day of your ceremony. If you plan to get married in the morning, a soft aroma goes accordingly, while a more intense, sophisticated scent works well with a formal celebration.

In the end, don't overlook this very important detail that is selecting the fragrance you will wear on your special day. There are even those who say that if "love" were to materialize, it would probably be as a liquid with a divine smell and inside a beautiful flask. One that when opened, would release a chain of sensations.