Considering a face lift? It can be quite effective in the rejuvenation and aging process of the skin. It can be a simple procedure of skin excision or a more complicated, invasive method which could include manipulation of fat and muscles to the face. There are newer techniques available that will cut down recovery time and be less traumatic. If you are thinking of having a similar procedure, it is vitally important to seek a surgeon that has a full understanding of the anatomy of the neck and face.

As we go through the aging process, several changes start to take place. You loose elasticity in the skin and will experience a decrease of collagen support. Facial bones will be remodeled along with skin and fat changes that will make your face appear older.

Face lifts are invasive and in order to get maximum results it will require modification of SMAS platysma component through placation, suspension and or resection. This will provide the durable framework which the skin will then be re-applied over the face. Simply stretching the skin will not give you good results and may even cause skin to die, cause scarring and have an appearance that you had facial surgery.

Before any type of surgery you will have to consult with your doctor first. This is the time to ask many questions and get a plan of action together. You will then know what to expect and discuss any fears you may have about the surgery.

If this type of procedure ends up not being something you decide to do, there are other ways to give yourself an instant face lift, rejuvenate your skin and turn back the clock without being invasive, having recovery time and the high cost of surgery.

Good news: With the right care, skin that’s late-thirty-something, forty-something or even beyond can look more youthful. Even better, much of the damage we associate with aging skin-roughness, blotches, brown spots, wrinkling-is causes not by the passing of the years but by unprotected exposure to the sun. Translation: A lot of age-related skin damage is preventable.
As you approach midlife, your skin care routine should center on preventing further sun damage and replenishing the moisture young skin has naturally. But it’s also wise to rethink skin care habits you’ve been following for years: You may need to replace an oily skin routine with one for dry skin or intensify the dry skin routine you already follow.
As you will see, gentle care, a daily dose of sunscreen and the right makeup can go a long way toward restoring a woman’s youthful appearance. And if you so desire, a dermatologist can offer even more rejuvenating skin treatments.
No need to buy expensive products that may not live up to their promises. Following these few simple steps can help keep your complexion fresh and lovely.
Cleanse gently. If your formerly oily skin now feels a little dry, switch from a soap, which can be harsh, to a gentle soap-free cleanser formulated for dry skin. Try superfatted bars (beauty bars), or soap free liquid cleansers for dry skin. If your skin is extremely dry, try a tissue-off cleansing cream-the oiliest cleanser of all.
Uncover fresh skin. Exfoliating, or sloughing off dull, dead cells from the surface of your skin, reveals the new, fresh skin beneath. The best way to exfoliate mature skin, says experts, is with Retin-A, the prescription vitamin A cream that unglues dead surface skin cells and stimulates the skin’s production of collagen, the stuff that keeps skin firm and supple.
Never exfoliate with abrasive pads or grainy cleansers. Using these products can dilate the blood vessels in your face. Over time, these vessels will stay dilated, causing reddened, irritated, blotchy skin.
Nourish skin with moisture. Skin produces less oil as we get older. How much oil it produces varies from person to person. Since oil keeps skin soft and supple, locking in your skin’s moisture may be your biggest skin care challenge.
It’s recommended using a light, water-based moisturizer for daytime under makeup, and a heavier, oil-based product, or even plain petroleum jelly before bed.

The most common reasons for dry skin are most likely caused by repeated use of certain chemicals found in soapy cleansers, use of non-mineral cosmetics, and of course our environment, cold weather and wind can cause havoc on our skin. At this point a need to hydrate your skin is essential.

During menopause our hormones are changing and depleting, therefore bringing more problems for our skin. The use of a good shielding moisturizer on a daily basis is vitally important.

As we age and start menopause, we loose lipids, our levels of certain hormones can become unbalanced and even depleted. The skin is affected and starts to thin out and loose its “rebound” so to speak. At this point it is important to take a step back and make some changes to your daily skin care regime.

Below are just a few helpful tips to start to combat your menopausal dry skin.

* Start to introduce healthy oils in your diet, such as omega 3 found in certain fish, like salmon. You can also take this in through supplements.

* When using a sunscreen, (even in the winter months) take special care to find a natural sunblock to protect your skin from UV rays.

*Getting your required sleep is a must. Although this can be difficult when going through menopause because of possible hot flashes and night sweats.

* Commit to an exercise program of at least 20 minutes a day. Walking or light aerobics will do just fine. Along with the cardio aspect, incorporate some toning of the muscles as well. As your body needs the exercise, your face can benefit from facial exercises as well.

* When using products for your basic skin care, it is best to start with a non-soapy cleanser

. Then use a shielding moisturizer, toner, and a gentle exfoliater 2-3 times a week to get rid of the dead skin cells.

* Try changing your liquid foundation to a mineral based, natural foundation, as they are actually healthy and not drying to your skin.

Growing older can be a good thing. You have life experiences that make you wiser and more knowledgeable, and have accomplished many great things. Keep your body and mind fit and take care to hydrate your skin. Go out there and enjoy life!

Kim Hartley is a skin care specialist. She has helped hundreds of people improve the look and feel of their skin, reverse hair loss and get rid of cellulite for good. Make sure you read my article on Galvanic Spa

Hives often defy explanation.

There are two types of hives: chronic and acute. Chronic hives-have no identifiable cause, can last for days (sometimes weeks and months) and ebb and flare without warning. Acute hives appear suddenly, usually fade quickly and are most likely triggered by an allergic reaction to certain substances, especially, foods.

The good news is, with acute hives, the first outbreak, can be the last-it’s simply a matter of avoiding the trigger. And while you can’t control a flare-up of chronic hives, you can minimize its discomfort-and, even better, take steps to prevent recurrences.

Compared to chronic hives, which can last up to six weeks or longer, most outbreaks of acute hives are sudden and short-lived. And acute hives can explode so fast you may know immediately what caused them. So, if you think those strawberries are responsible for your misery, your doctor can give you a prick test to confirm whether your hives were brought on by allergic reaction.

If acute hives are making you miserable and you’re stumped as to their cause, consider these possible perpetrators.

Food. Shellfish, fish, peanuts, nuts, milk, eggs and wheat can all cause hives. But since food allergies affect only 2 percent of adults, and testing for diet-induced hives is expensive, think before you test. If you experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea along with the hives every time you eat nuts, wheat or whatever, the problem is apt to be food-induced. If you have hives but no other symptoms, something else is to blame.

Drugs. Penicillin and everyday aspirin are the most common culprits, but even an allergy shot can cause welts. Take a complete inventory of every drug you take over the course of a month, then ask your doctor if there’s a way to eliminate the offender.

Infections. Hepatitis B and mononucleosis can cause hives, too, and so can thyroid and lupus-type diseases, although that’s rare.

Chronic hives are hardly ever from an allergy, but whatever’s causing them can keep them coming back for years. Worse, with chronic hives, all a prick test tells you is what isn’t causing the problem.

If you can’t discover what’s triggering chronic hives, even partial answers are reassuring. While it can be frustrating that you still have the hives, finding out you’re an otherwise healthy person should be helpful because you won’t have to go nuts about keeping food diaries or worrying about an underlying illness.