Truth About the Best Anti Aging Skincare Products

Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………..............page 1 Foreword: Overview of Skin Care………………………….....page 4 Chapter 1: Wrinkles & Crows’ Feet………………………......page7 Chapter 2: Acne………………………………………………..page 17 Chapter 3: Scars………………………………………………..page 24 Chapter 4: Pigmentation, Sun Damage & Age Spots………..page 33 Chapter 5: Sagging Jowls……………………………………...page 41 Chapter 6: Baggy & Puffy Eyes………………………….........page 49 Chapter 7: Patch For Wellness………………………………...page Wellness………………………………...page 57 Chapter 8: Summing Up……………………………………....page 61 Glossary of Terms……………………………………………....page 63 About The Author…………………..………………………….page 69

Introduction Let me start off by saying, if you see a yellow star over a blue highlighted word, click on it for a definition of the word! Cool isn’t it? As a free-lance photographer for more than 20 years, I had a front-row ticket to the signs of aging. My camera’s lens brought me up close and personal to the ravages of time. Through many, many years of studying skin with my photographer’s eye, I saw ineffective makeup and skin care jobs as well as obvious or not-verygood facelifts. I photographed whole families, many generations together, and clearly saw exactly what the younger ones would look like in another 20 or 30 years. Let me tell you, that telephoto lens can be cruel in its accuracy. It all got me to thinking: why do we age the way we do? Why do some people age rapidly while others not at all? all? Is it just the luck of the draw, simply good genes? An easy, easy, uncomplicated lifestyle? A guilt-free conscience? I think we’ve all known people people who don’t seem to age much at all. They can have grown children and yet barely look look 35 themselves. What’s their secret? And how can we tap into into it? How can we slow down our own signs of aging? We’re all at this great age where we don’t want to look old. Nobody does after the age of 40. Well, if we don’t have to look a certain age, why should we? If we want gorgeous, gorgeous, to-die-for skin, we should have it! Yes, I realize I’m a woman “of a certain certain age.” But I still want to look  good. I’m not simply going to settle.

But like you, I’m fussy about what goes in my body and what goes on my body, especially especially my face. I want it it to look  look fresh, fresh, healthy and youthful, youthful, not stretched and tight from too many peels and exfoliants exfoliants.. Having seen way too many mistakes from invasive procedures like plastic surgery, I understandably don’t want to be one of them. Thanks to the discoveries of science and our better knowledge of nutrition and the body, humans are are living longer and longer. longer. When I was a child, the news would occasionally have a profile on an individual who had turned 100 years old. There would be a party, party, the President of the United States would call, & it was covered on all the news shows. Though not yet commonplace, living to that advanced an age is becoming more and more frequent. If we are going to live longer, longer, why not live better? For years now, I’ve read what the longevity experts experts predict is coming for us and and it’s quite astounding. We’ll have ways of supporting our aging process that previous generations couldn’t have imagined. imagined. How exciting to realize we no longer have to age the way our ancestors did. So as you can see, I’ve been on this anti-aging kick for some time and I want to take you along with me. If I don’t have to age in in the same old way, neither do you. This book will not cover plastic surgery. I’m only interested in the products and treatments treatments that are less invasive. Even non-invasive. Besides, most people can’t afford plastic surgery. surgery. And this book is is for everyone. So the purpose of this book is to bring you the latest information on this huge industry called anti-aging and to let you in on the discoveries I’ve made. What’s popular, what could possibly harm your skin, what is timetimeconsuming, what is safe and easy.

Here’s a fact for you: This is a billion-dollar-a-year billion-dollar-a-year business. And that’s  just in the USA. If I reviewed every product out there, you’d still be reading this book book in 2030. So please don’t take offense if I haven’t included a product product you have used and liked. liked. My research results results are simply not finished on all of them. The top skin issues that concern us all are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Wrinkles & crows’ feet Acne Scars Pigmentation, sun damage and age spots Sagging jowls Baggy & puffy eyes

I’ve taken the top 4 products my research has discovered may be helpful for each of these these skin conditions. conditions. These are the products about about which I’d like I’d like like to go into a little bit more detail. As you will see, I’ve researched many, many more, but I’ve chosen these because the full information results are in on them. The others listed listed are still on-going. I’m listing the basics about each product and what a few users say about them. And by the time you finish reading this, you’ll have learned learned of  something new that’s on the cutting edge that you may not have heard of  yet. So go ahead and read straight through or just skip to the chapters that concern your skin issues. Let’s get started with a brief overview of the history of skin care.

Foreword Overview of Skin Care Beauty’s a funny thing, isn’t it? Who would think that putting leeches leeches on your face would make you more beautiful? But that’s exactly exactly what people did in the Middle Ages. The pale look was all the rage for about 4 centuries, from the 1400s to the 1800s. It seems that bleeding bleeding the skin by using leeches leeches made made one paler. I would think so! Another method used to achieve whiter skin was mixing egg whites and lead oxide to make a face powder. This use of lead powder was quite popular during the 18th century, particularly among the upper classes. They also used a wax and Mercury concoction to smooth out ou t wrinkles. Two more unhealthy options! The ancient Egyptians’ solution to reducing wrinkles was a mixture of  alabaster, powdered natron (sodium carbonate & sodium bicarbonate), salt and honey. They also had a solution solution made from asses’ milk milk plus a choice of 21 different vegetable oils to keep their skin soft and supple in their dry, desert climate. Cleopatra, the last last Pharaoh, was famous for her use of cosmetics. In fact, she had a cosmetics cosmetics industry located at the Dead Sea. She favored aloe vera and chamomile in her concoctions. In ancient Greece, women used honey, olive oil, lanolin and tallow to moisturize their skin skin and make it glow. glow. That’s fairly fairly healthy. healthy. However, they, too, unfortunately used white lead as a cosmetic, even the lower classes.

Fire screens were invented centuries ago so women wearing lead powder could sit near the fire to keep warm and the screens would prevent the powder from melting off their faces. faces. No wonder people had a shorter life span! So looking younger and having healthier-looking skin is certainly not a recent occurrence. However, we have many more options today. We are also fortunate to have better medical information as to what’s safe for our skin and what isn’t. But our options are enormous. What do you pick? When it comes to skin treatments, you can choose: . chemical peels . laser resurfacing . acid treatments . microdermabrasion . Botox . fillers . collagen injections The choices are endless. endless. And there are more than those I’ve listed here. However, in this book, I’m concentrating on actual products you can buy to improve the health, texture and look of your skin. I’m focusing on the face and neck. It’s what I’m most interested in and really, so is just about everyone else. It’s what we present to the world,

what we want the world to to like. It’s the first thing we notice notice about each other. Some of the products I’m reviewing claim to be anti-aging. Some are aimed at clearing up specific skin conditions such as acne or age spots. But they are all about improving improving our skin. And because we all want to look gorgeous, the companies putting out these products are making a fortune. With a few exceptions, I’m not saying these products are good, bad or otherwise. I’m just looking at what’s out there there and giving giving you a few more options you have to looking younger. younger. So if you’re overwhelmed with all the products from which to choose, here’s a quick and easy guide. Sit back and enjoy what my research has has discovered. Let’s start with wrinkles and crows’ feet in Chapter 1.

Chapter 1: Wrinkles & Crows’ Feet Have you ever actually looked at a crow’s crow’s foot? It looks just fine – on a crow. But we’re not too crazy crazy about it when it shows up on our faces. Wrinkles and crows’ feet are the first things we start to notice about our aging skin. And there are more products on the market that address this skin condition than practically any other. My research has discovered 4 products that are popular for wrinkles and crows’ feet. Some work fine, some not so fine. Some list their ingredients, some don’t. That is a concern concern for me, as I scrutinize labels labels carefully. I want to know just what I’m putting on my my skin. So I called some of the companies to find out just what is in their products. pr oducts. The 4 products I’m reviewing are:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum Lancome Rénergie StriVectin-SD Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream __________

1. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum $20 Made by Proctor & Gamble. Active ingredients include a complex of 6 amino-peptides amino- peptides.. 26 ingredients in all.

In a recent 12-week study of 9 anti-wrinkle creams conducted by Consumer Reports, this product came out on top. At $20 a bottle, it beat out much more expensive creams such as La Prairie ($335) and StriVectin – SD ($135). Women noticed noticed the fine lines under their eyes were less noticeable. However, some did feel the bottles were a bit too small. On their live chat online, I was told users should start to see improvement in the look and feel of their skin as soon as they begin using it. Longerterm results, such as the reduction of fine lines and uneven tone, will be visible after after a few weeks of use. Typically 4-6 weeks. This serum is used under your moisturizer. For the most part, this product received r eceived good reviews. “I’ve tried lots, LOTS, of face creams, serums, and potions, from the cheapest to some of the more expensive expensive brands. I can tell you that Olay Daily Regenerating Serum is one of the best I’ve I’ ve ever tried.” Amyk49 - July 2005 One unsure user: “I really am still not sure how well the product is working. My skin feels good, but I do try to take care of it with a multitude of  beauty products. To be honest, it is really impossible to say, as I am sure most women will use a moisturizer, too. Hence the soft skin…I will continue using it until I finish the bottle, but I really don’t imagine a huge difference.” Susie-34668 - October 2004 Since the Consumer Reports findings came out, this product has been selling well.

Olay was pretty cagey with me on whether this product or any of their line is tested on animals. They told me they do not do animal testing testing “unless required by law.” So the fact that they do sometimes test on animals may may turn off some consumers. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is an over-the-counter product, sold in many stores.

2. Lancome Rénergie ($176 for full product set) Made by Lancome. This cream was also included in the Consumer Reports study and came in second overall. overall. It’s a very rich product, so it’s not for everyone. It can make the skin look shiny. Active ingredients include corn extract, wheat protein, Vitamin E and caffeine. This product has not been tested on animals, though it has some animal by-products in it such as lanolin and beeswax. beeswax. Check out their website for more info. The company has no estimated time as to how long it takes to see results. I was told users need to apply it twice daily for the maximum benefit. You do not need to use a moisturizer over this product, as it already is a moisturizer and not a serum. Here’s a review from someone who has tried it:

“I have tried soooooo many products and they never work for me. Not with this product. I still have some light scars that need to fade some more, but I am very happy with this for now. “I don’t think this is for everyone, as it is so rich. But…I recommend getting some samples and checking it out so you don’t waste your money in case case you don’t like it. If you prefer to have a very matte-looking complexion (no shine at all) I do not recommend this for you…. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it’s so friggin’ expensive!!!…If you aren’t willing to shell out the cash for this, don’t bother trying it.” Product Junkie - December 2005 One user liked its hydrating effects but wasn’t pleased with her overall results: “I didn’t see any wrinkle reducing reducing at all. Whatever the special ingredients are, they didn’t magically take away my fine lines or make me look more youthful. When I smile, those “happy lines” lines” at the corners of my eyes were the same as before using Rénergie…The price is just too high to get ordinary eye cream results. Less expensive creams do the same hydrating and smoothing as Rénergie.” Patty Therre – April 2005

Lancome Rénergie is over-the-counter, so no prescription is required.

3. StriVectin – SD $135 for a 6 oz. tube Made by Klein-Becker USA. I counted 45 ingredients in this product, only one of which, glycerin glycerin,, was recognizable. A company spokesperson told me that none of their products are tested on animals. This product was also in the Consumer Reports test study but unfortunately it didn’t fare as well as Lancome and Olay. It is a cream cream that was initially created to reduce stretch marks on the body, and not an anti-wrinkle cream for the face. The results from users were all over the map, from fairly satisfied to quite disappointed. One problem is that in order to see results, the cream needs needs to be applied multiple times during the day over the course of many weeks. The company states that it can take up to 4-6 weeks to see see results. It’s not cheap at $135 for just a 6 oz. tube. Their ad campaign claims that it it is “better than Botox Botox.” .” Someone who used this product disagrees: “I have been using this product for about a month and all it’s done is given me puffy eyes. There is no proof that this product works at all and the FDA has even written the makers of this product a warning letter to stop making false claims that it helps stretch marks and wrinkles. “I’ve used Botox before and believe me, Botox works, this product doesn’t, so obviously it’s not better than Botox.” S. Smith - May 2006

Another user adds: “Moisturizing, but that is about it. I used the entire entire tube faithfully as a face cream cream over the course of several months. While I thought it moisturized fine, I did not notice any change in my lines, tone, texture. As for “better “better than Botox” – buyer beware when you hear this line!” Nobadges - September 2005 StriVectin – SD is not a prescription prescription product. It is over-the-counter. over-the-counter.

5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 $30 Made by Neutrogena. Ingredients include Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E. I was told that it can take 10-12 weeks to notice any improvement. However, if you have many wrinkles, their more advanced anti-wrinkle line is recommended: recommended: Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive SPF 20. Check their website for more info. A company spokesperson told me that they do not now test their products on animals animals and this product does not contain animal animal by-products. The operative word here is ‘now.’ The consensus on this cream is quite good. The price is right and people are mostly satisfied satisfied with it. But this is a product containing retinol retinol.. Much too harsh for my sensitive skin. Here’s a review by someone who has used it:

“This is a great product. It does not have enough moisture in it for the harsh winter, so I only only use it in the summer. summer. When I make the switch, friends and strangers comment that I have a glow.” Anonymous - March 2007 Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 is over-the-counter, available at many stores.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products Rating 1. Boots Restore and Renew 2. Relastyl 3. L’Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Wrinkle De-Crease 4. N.V. Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator 5. Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer 6. Freeze 24/7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product Rating 1. La Prairie 2. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle 3. John Masters Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum 4. Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment 5. StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum 6. RoC Retin-Ox+ 7. Aloette Total Wrinkle Repair Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

What Else Can You Try? So, some of these products I’ve reviewed are OK, and yet many of them never really worked. A new one on the market market and my personal favorite isn’t even even a cream! It’s the latest thing in anti-aging, anti-aging, a tiny tiny patch patch using nanotechnology,, and it’s giving some of these products a run for their nanotechnology money. Here’s what one user user says: says: “I had heard about the patches but never followed through to try them out until I heard about the informal infor mal study Heidi was doing. The most noticeable thing was that my eczema seemed to really appear on my upper arms. This only lasted for a few days and then totally cleared up. I haven’t had any more eczema patches since those first 2 weeks. “The pores on my face were were changing, too. too. I noticed my my clogged pores were coming to to the surface. My chin had white heads and black heads that really really came came to the surface. Very visible. visible. They were coming up and out. The lines on my face have tightened, as well as the ones around the eyes and between the eyes. “I usually get hyper-pigmentation in the summer on my forehead, f orehead, above my lips and on the nose. So far I have not seen that happen so possibly this has helped keep it at bay? “It is very exciting to be on the cutting edge of a new technology. Each of our bodies bodies handles things things in unique ways. Being a part of  this study, I feel we will find trends that will help LifeWave and all of us using these patches to maximize their effects and uses.”

Lisa Coltman Texas USA

July 2007

To learn more about this product, go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

Chapter 2: Acne Acne is one of the most common and embarrassing skin problems we can have. And it doesn’t just just plague teenagers teenagers going through massive hormonal changes. Many adults also suffer from this annoying skin disturbance. Whether it’s stress, a poor diet, genetics or a polluted environment that causes this condition, we all agree we’d like it to disappear quickly. There are dozens and and dozens of products on the market for acne. Of all of  them, these are the four I wanted to investigate more fully:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Neutrogena On the Spot Vanishing Formula Philosophy On A Clear Day Nature’s Cure Proactiv

Many of them have as main ingredients the old stalwarts, salicylic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. Peroxide. These ingredients ingredients come in varying potencies, so you want to choose what’s what’s right for your skin type. For example, example, a 10% solution of Benzoyl Peroxide could be too harsh for sensitive skin.

__________

1. Neutrogena On The Spot Vanishing Formula $6.59 Made by The Neutrogena Company. The active ingredient in this product is Benzoyl Peroxide, which, like salicylic acid, can dry out the skin and cause cause redness. Depending on the the individual, the redness can last a long time, even several months.

A company spokesperson told me that this is not a product for overall acne on the whole face. face. It is a spot treatment only. Users should notice relief  relief  overnight and it could take 1-3 days for an outbreak to decrease. Neutrogena “does not now test their products on animals” and On The Spot Vanishing Formula contains no animal by-products. My research showed that for the most part, people liked this product. Here’s a review from someone who’s tried it: “Be patient with this product…Don’t expect any miracles…It takes time for it to work…Some bad things about this acne treatment is that like all other Benzoyl Peroxide treatments, it dries out your skin and makes it look red. A moisturizer is a must.” Anonymous - March 2007 Neutrogena On The Spot Vanishing Formula is an over-the-counter product, no prescription prescription required. And at $6.59, the the price is right.

2. Philosophy On A Clear Day (set of products $47) Made by Philosophy. The company lists the ingredients as both salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide.. peroxide At $47 for the set, this product carries a higher price tag than Neutrogena’s treatment. The kit includes includes a superwash, a blemish serum, serum, an h2o2 cream cream and a protection cream.

I emailed the company to find out how long it takes to see results and their response said that users should see results within 2 weeks w eeks to a month. I was told that Philosophy does not test their products on animals. The reviews were mostly favorable, as its effectiveness was seen more quickly than the Neutrogena product. Here’s one reviewer: “The cleanser is great. I use….this wash wash as part of my treatment. The serum has been the most effective product for me, but it burns a little…like rubbing alcohol. Breakouts are gone after 2 days.” Anonymous - April 2007 Philosophy On A Clear Day is an over-the-counter product, available at many retail and online stores.

3. Nature’s Cure (one month system $10) Made by Nature’s Cure. This is a two-product system. It consists of tablets and a cream. The company says it’s a homeopathic product and by that I assume they mean the tablets. tablets. The cream’s main ingredient ingredient is also Benzoyl Peroxide at 10%. The company claims that the pills clean acne internally and the vanishing cream cleans it externally. This product comes packaged for either men or women. As far as how long it takes to see results, the company states that “you will begin to see results after only 2 weeks and will have noticeably clearer skin after 1 month.”

I wrote the company on animal testing and by-products but never received a response. The opinions of users are both favorable f avorable and unfavorable, but again caution that because of the presence of Benzoyl Peroxide, this product may be too harsh for sensitive skin. However, the cream cream also has a number of natural ingredients that help to soothe the drying and redness that can result, such as aloe vera and allantoin allantoin.. Some of the reviewers were satisfied about this product, it worked well for them. Others, however, still had had their acne after after 6 months of use and had acquired a very embarrassing side effect from taking the tablets: extreme flatulence and gas. Nature’s Cure system is over-the-counter.

4. Proactiv Solution $60 (introductory club price for 3 month supply) Made by 2 dermatologists, dermatologists, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields. Marketed by GuthyRenken. A friend of mine has used this with some success, so I decided to check  it out. Its main ingredients are Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) and an antibiotic cream. It’s a 3-step system and on average takes about 6-8 weeks to see results. Many of their clients need 3-6 months to see a complete clearing of their complexion. Application is twice a day. A customer care representative told me that Proactiv Solution has not been tested on animals and contains no animal by-products.

The reviews for this were varied. varied. Here are one pro and one con: “Within a week, I noticed noticed the acne acne starting to dry out. Within two weeks, I noticed I wasn’t getting any more acne. Within a month, I started to feel like my skin was clearing up…Everything that I hoped it would do….it did.” Claudia Ramirez Ahlstrom “I ordered Proactiv about a month ago and I am sending mine back for a refund…I stopped using the system because my face was dry and cracked, and I’d much rather suffer from a few occasional pimples pimples than cracked cracked skin. Do yourself a favor, forget the system!” cappygirl72 Many other reviews I found went along the same lines, both for and against. This system takes a long time to see results, but what concerns me most about Proactiv is that one of the ingredients is an antibiotic cream. Why on earth would anyone want to put that on their face if there are healthier alternatives? Proactiv is an over-the-counter product.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products Rating 1. Clean and Clear, Clear, Persa Gel 10 2. Oxy Clear Spot Treatment 3. Derma Clear 4. Murad Acne Complex Kit 5. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System 6. pHisoderm 4-Way Daily Acne Cleanser 7. PhytoMe Acne Gel 8. Clinique Acne Solutions

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product Rating 1. Oxy Balance Acne Treatment 2. Bliss See Spots Run 3. Zinc and Sulfur Mask Topical Cream 4. Juliet’s Clean and Smooth 5. Acne Dry Spot 6. Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask  7. Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask  Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

So What Else Is There To Try? What concerns me about the 4 products I’ve reviewed is that some are harsh, some are quite time-consuming, some can cause all sorts of body problems, from red, dry and cracked skin to embarrassing digestive disturbances. Some have complicated instructions and others are downright messy. Some can take weeks weeks or months to see results. Some worked fine. Some didn’t work at all. So what is my recommendation for treating acne? Something you’ll want want to look at is a new patch system from LifeWave that is totally unlike anything else out there. there. It’s the new kid on the block block for acne. Listen to to someone who’s used it: “I’ve had acne since I was 10 years old and now I’m 25 and wondering if there is a product out there that could give me the skin I’ve always wanted. Y-Age is. When I first started started it I was thinking what is this little patch going to do for my skin? But after 2 weeks I noticed the bumps weren’t coming as often as they used to, and when they would they wouldn’t w ouldn’t be those big pus bumps. As I continued using Y-Age, I noticed that my bumps were not returning and my face is still clearing up, thanks to Y-Age. It’s a great product and you just have to give it time. I believe this product will work for anyone as it has worked for me. I would definitely recommend this product to others.”

Melanie Burns Chicago, IL USA

June 2007

It’s a technological technological breakthrough and it’s revolutionary. revolutionary. To learn more,  just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

Chapter 3: Scars My mother was an avid horsewoman, swimmer and all-around Physically Active Person, who took a number of spills pursuing these interests. interests. She liked to joke that our father fell in love first with her scars and then with her. Probably not, but it makes a good story. But FYI, not all scars are considered unattractive. unattractive. Harrison Ford’s chin scar contributes to his action hero image and only adds to his charm. Most people, however, are not wild about their scars, whether caused by accident, acne, surgery or illness, and will try many means to reduce, shrink or smooth them out. There are three types of scars: atrophic, hypertrophic and keloidal. Atrophic scars are depressed and create a hole in your skin. skin. Hypertrophic scars are elevated above the skin line but recede over time. Keloidal scars are also elevated above the skin line but continue growing. If invasive surgery or skin grafting doesn’t appeal to you, there are numerous other treatments from which to choose. These are are the 4 I’m reviewing:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Mederma Sudden Change Scar Zone Retin-A ScarGuard __________

1. Mederma $29.99 for a 1.76 oz. tube Mederma’s active ingredient is cepalin, a botanical extract made from onions. Made by Merz in Germany, the company recommends applying it 3-4 times a day for 8 weeks w eeks on new scars; and 3-4 times a day for 3-6 months on old scars. It is frequently recommended recommended by dermatologists. dermatologists. The company’s advertising claims Mederma “helps scars appear softer and smoother.” It is a greaseless, greaseless, pleasant-smelling gel. gel. However, side effects can include an irritated rash and itchy skin. Merderma’s spokesperson told me that Mederma “does not sponsor any animal testing or research on animals and there are no animal by-products in this product.” Reviews by users were both pro and con: “I love this product! I put it on my face at night to smooth out acne and old acne scars and by morning my face is much smoother and the redness is gone. Anonymous April 2007 However, one woman tried an experiment, putting Mederma on one side of her stretch marks scars and and StriVectin-SD on the other side. side. She concluded that StriVectin-SD worked better than Mederma but that the latter would work fine on newer or smaller scars.

But one user wasn’t at all pleased: “I started using Mederma about 2 years after my surgery, so my scar would be categorized as an old scar…(I) never once noticed an improvement with either the texture or the color of my keloid scar, even after 2 full years of use.” Shoplmart Oct 2003 Mederma is an over-the-counter product, available at many retail and online stores.

2.

Sudden Change Scar Zone $11.29

The active ingredients in Scar Zone are dimethicone (silicone ( silicone), ), octinoxate (sunscreen), and zinc oxide (sunscreen). Made by CCA Industries, the company claims that “most individuals see dramatic improvement within 90 days.” I called the company and was told that they do not test on animals nor does this product contain animal by-products. According to many users, it works better on newer scars than older ones. One contented user states: “It worked exactly as promised. I had a raised red cat cat scratch on my face…It was not healing well and the bump was only getting worse. I used Scar Zone and you cannot even see a tiny mark  now.” Levampgirl Feb 2006

One not very happy user says: “Absolutely positively does nothing to diminish your scars… To put it simply, this product is sunscreen.” Cynicalabout July 2005 With all that’s been discovered about the possible dangers of silicone, I would be hesitant to use Scar Zone on my skin. Sudden Change Scar Zone is an over-the-counter product.

3.

Retin-A

Approximately $100-$300

(cost depends on your insurance coverage and the amount prescribed as well as your doctor’s fees) Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A and is used primarily for acne scars. Because Retin-A is a much stronger product than others on the market, you need to have it prescribed prescribed by a doctor. Used extensively extensively to combat aging, it can reduce scars but care must be taken, as it can really r eally irritate the skin and dry it out. If used incorrectly, there can be harsh side effects such as redness, acne inflammation and even painful scars. Because Retin-A is a prescription product and not over-the-counter, I could not find any information on whether or not it has ever been tested on animals. One user recommends it but with caution:

“I had moderately severe severe acne as a teen. Like many I was left with some acne scarring around certain parts of my face. I started applying Retin-A at at night before bed… It did appear appear to be drying out and the scars becoming less noticeable. noticeable. Eventually (it) seemed to be less and less effective on the scarring so I stopped using it.” John The possible risky side effects and the cost of Retin-A may scare off  potential users. Retin-A is by prescription only. See your dermatologist.

4. ScarGuard Liquid $59.99 Made by ScarGuard Labs, LLC. Scar Guard is a brush on liquid made of silicone of  silicone,, cortisone and Vitamin E. It was developed by physicians and is made by Scar Guard, LLC. It should be applied twice daily and patients typically use it for 2-4 months. It works on thick, raised scars, not thin sunken scars. It is not recommended for acne scars that are sunken or for stretch marks. A company spokesperson told me that ScarGuard has never been tested on animals and as all the ingredients are chemicals, it contains no animal byproducts. The reviews I found were mostly favorable:

“I had major plastic surgery one month ago on my arms. My doctor recommended using Scarguard ScarCare…I’ve already noticed positive results.” trem8 June 2006 But it’s considered too expensive by some users, who suggest that because the main ingredient is hydrocortisone hydrocortisone,, a cortisone ointment for $4 would do the same. Again, some users like myself would hesitate using cortisone on the skin. Scarguard Liquid is an over-the-counter product, no prescription required.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products

Rating

1. Curad Scar Therapy 2. ZENMED Scar Treatment Kit 3. La Mer Crème de la Mer 4. Miracell Botanical Oil 5. Scar FX Silicone Scar Therapy 6. Scarfade

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product

Rating

1. Cica-Care 2. Bio Skincare 3. Spectragel 4. ScarEase 5. Dermatix 6. Kelo-Cote Topical Gel 7. Neosporin Scar Solution Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

So What Else Can You Use For Scars? OK, some of these products are interesting and have been effective for some people. Some were only disappointing. But the new nanotechnology patch product seems seems to be coming out ahead. People who thought they’d just have to live with their scars forever are watching them flatten and smooth out. One happy user: “I work on a farm. Last year I was shearing an an alpaca when the shearer malfunctioned and the really sharp blade of the comb flew up right onto my face. There was blood everywhere and and I quickly grabbed my jugular, as I didn’t know where I had been hit. I really thought I had about two minutes to live, it was so fierce. I ran to look in the mirror and saw that I had been cut from my chin all the way up my face to my right eye. The deepest cut was near my chin and mouth and the rest was scalloped up my cheek to my eye. Because of my work, I’ve had accidents before, but this was right on my face and I was quite quite distressed. It took a while while to stop the bleeding but the bruising and scar were just horrible, really ugly. It was a deep, deep cut. I mean, it looked like the Mississippi River. I should have had stitches, but I elected elected not to. I went to the supermarket later that day and the woman waiting on me said, “So what does the other guy look like?” It was that bad. Just then LifeWave came out with their Skin Care patch (now called the Glutathione Glutathione Booster). Booster). I started wearing it right away and the wound healed healed amazingly amazingly fast. fast. Even the doctor whose cottage is next door mentioned that and he’s the health director of  a nearby state. state. He kept coming and checking up on me and and said

more than once that he was surprised that it was healing so well and quickly. A friend took some pictures of me right after the accident and recently Heidi asked if I could have some ‘after’ pictures taken to show the difference. difference. My sister-in-law came to take them and she said she couldn’t even see anything there. I had to point out to her where the scar was. Color-wise, you can’t really see see a thing. There is just a slight indentation from my mouth on down to my chin, which I am aware of, but nobody else can even see. One friend saw me right after it happened and recently I ran into her again. again. This was now a year later. later. She said: said: ‘The last time I saw you, you you had a huge scar on your face. face. What did you do? Where did it go?’ After this happened, I just resigned myself to having a big scar there. I’m just amazed I don’t.” Rory Walter Baileys Harbor, WI USA June 2007 If you want to learn more about this scar treatment and watch a video of  satisfied users, just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-agingskin-care.html

Chapter 4: Pigmentation, Sun Damage & Age Spots I like to fool myself by calling them ‘freckles.’ But the woman who gives me facials calls them something I’d really rather not hear: ‘age spots.’ However you name them, there are many treatments and products that lessen them. Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion,, chemical peels and acid treatments are options that many people use to try to eradicate age spots. These can be harsh for some skin and as I have quite sensitive skin that burns easily, I need to be careful what system I use. These products are not just for age spots, however, as many people wish to improve their pigmentation’s tone, color and texture and correct any damage caused by too much sun. But we all love the sun, don’t we, and we do get some great benefits from it, particularly Vitamin D. So some sun is good for for us. Too much isn’t. Many people who baked their skin when they were younger are now regretting it. In reviewing this condition, I found all sorts of products that address it. Here are the four I’m reviewing:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10 Porcelana Fade Dark Spots Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer __________

1. Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel $58.00 Made by Murad. The active ingredient in this product is hydroquinone, an aromatic compound which is like alcohol. alcohol. It is used as a topical in skin lightening and also used used in photographic developers. Murad Age Spot product also contains glycolic acid. acid . I called the company and was told that it can take 6-8 weeks to see results. They advised sticking with it for the entire time. Murad does no animal testing and there are no animal by-products in Murad Age Spot. Some users noted the high price tag compared to similar products. In researching how some users fared, I found some contradictory reviews: “This is absolutely absolutely the best! best! I have tried a ton of different lightening treatments for two rather large brown areas on my forehead where I got too much much sun as a teenager. Less than halfway through the bottle, they disappeared.” Anonymous - April 2007 One dissatisfied user: “I used this product for 2 months and saw absolutely no difference in the color of my age spots. I do not have many and and they are not that dark there was not even the slightest bit of lightening.” Samantha - April 2007 Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is an over-the-counter product.

2. Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10 $8.99 Made in Canada by Medicis. Ingredients are hydroquinone (organic compound), octyl dimethyl PABA and Benzophenone (both organic compounds used in sunscreens). The company suggests that for maximum effectiveness, use Esoterica for at least 6 weeks. I was told that this product contains no animal by-products but their response was a bit unclear unclear as to whether they they test on animals. I was only told that they do if the FDA requires it. It seems with many of these age spot products, there are happy campers and not-so-happy campers. “I have used Esoterica since I was 18 years old, and it has been over 25 years and I can’t can’t live without it. I am so glad to have found Esoterica on the web, it has been ‘rough’ ‘ rough’ without it.” Anonymous – April 2007 Another user says: “For years I used Esoterica Fade Cream…It worked wonders for me. However, since the label label changed to purple, the cream seems seems to be slightly different. It no longer works for me…Is it the the end of  the road for me and my dear skin?” Anonymous – September 25, 2006 Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10 is over-the-counter.

3. Porcelana Fade Dark Spots $6.49 Made by Schwarzkopf & Henkel. Active ingredients are hydroquinone and sunscreen. Other ingredients include antioxidants and botanical extracts. The company says this product fades age spots, liver spots and freckles. However, it may not be noticeable on very dark skin. Apply twice daily. However, if there is no improvement within 3 months, the company advises to discontinue use. I emailed the company as to animal testing and by-products but received no response. One user tried it for a bad burn on her arm: “The burn was long and deep. When it healed, healed, I tried the Porcelana… To my surprise, it worked!” Sandi - Feb 2007 Someone else had a very different experience: “Absolutely horrible product. Greasy, ineffective ineffective and a waste of  money. Hasn’t lightened my dark spots, and I don’t like like using it… There has to be another product product that can lighten brown spots, because this stuff doesn’t work.” Brian - August 2005 Porcelana Fade Dark Spots is an over-the-counter product.

4. Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer $17.99 Made by Proctor & Gamble. Ingredients include dimethicone (sunscreen), glycerin glycerin,, Vitamins B3, E and B5, retinol retinol,, many more too numerous to list here. Check their website for a complete list. It is fragrance and dye-free. On their website, they claim “age spots are history.” A company spokesperson told me that users should start to see improvement within 4-6 weeks. I was told by the company that Olay only tests on animals “when required by law” and that this product “may or may not contain animal by-products, depending on what ingredient source was available at the time of  manufacture.” The reviews are are pretty evenly evenly split on this product. Some big hurrahs, but others felt this Olay item doesn’t compare well with other ones in their line. “I’ve been using this cream for several weeks now, and in that time, I’ve noticed a definite evening of the tone of my skin.” Puckish - March 2006 One woman, however, used the product for 6 months with little improvement:

“Overall verdict, it is too bad, but this simply didn’t work for me… This product was not one of the better Olay Olay ones I have have used.” Hollywoodgirl - Feb 2007 Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer is over-the-counter.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products

Rating

1. Philosophy Save Me 2. Kiss My Face Peaches & Cream Alphy Hydroxy Moisturizer 3. Vita-K Solution 4. Total Effects by Olay 5. Derma E Skin Lighten Natural Face and Age Spot Creme 6. Jan Adams Women of Color Lightener

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product 1. Nivea Visage Multiple Whitening Cream 2. Squalane 3. Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer 4. Obagi Tretinoin Cream 5. Acti Fade Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

Rating

What Do I Use For My Age Spots and Pigment? So, some of these products I’ve reviewed are liked better than others. What concerns me is that there is now information that says there are carcinogens in sunscreen. We need to protect our skin from too much much sun damage and yet, is what we’re putting on it it worse? Only time will tell on that question. But the product that intrigues me most is the 2-patch system that’s creating lots of buzz in the skin care industry. Here’s someone who’s tried it: “Well, quite a few things happened for me while wearing these patches and not just with pigmentation. First of all, I noticed that the overall redness and uneven tone of my skin color were reduced. The bags under my eyes were also reduced and the big wrinkle or crease next to my mouth decreased decreased significantly. I had absolutely no acne while wearing them and my saggy eyelid skin has tightened tightened up considerably. All of these are are very noticeable. Thanks to LifeWave for all these great improvements.”

Maxine Jones Atlanta, Georgia USA

July 2007

To read more about this and watch of video of very happy users, just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

Chapter 5: Sagging Jowls Jowls look just great on a basset hound. Even normal. But I have a friend who so dislikes them that whenever someone takes her picture, she sticks her chin up in the air air so her jaw line is firm. She looks great in the photos, but it looks like she’s always looking up. Let’s be realistic. realistic. It’s not acne we’re dealing with with here, where a product could possibly get rid of it within within 6 weeks. It’s sagging jowls, one of the more noticeable and unpleasant effects of aging. To be blunt: what will get rid of sagging sagging jowls is plastic surgery. Not cheap. Or you could choose choose the Featherlift Threads, where where a doctor threads a suture through your your sagging tissues tissues and then then retracts it. Yuck. Plus, it costs $3,000. The exercises in Carole Maggio’s book “Facercise” help you tone those sagging muscles. But you must be disciplined and do them regularly. There are little machines you can buy that exercise exercise the facial muscles. muscles. I bought one some years years ago and tried it out for about a month. It was a lot of work and to be honest, honest, I was always a little bit afraid afraid of it. Did my skin look firmer? A little. little. But it was simply too time-consuming to continue. It sits on my shelf. But there are less drastic treatments or products that can help to tighten the  jaw line. The ones I’m listing here are mostly skin-tightening formulas that can lift the skin somewhat, but which need to be applied applied regularly. Some are messy, some time-consuming, time-consuming, some pricey. One is not a product at all, but a non-surgical treatment involving radio waves. The four I’m reviewing are:

1. Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting and Contouring 2. Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift 3. L’Oréal Age Perfect 4. Thermage __________

1. Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting and Contouring $45

Made by Joey New York. Ingredients include eggs and honey. This is a temporary solution to sagging skin. It needs to to be applied every day to be effective and it washes off when you clean your face at night. One needs to use this product sparingly. Too much and and your skin can can get flaky. I was told that the company does not test on animals but does have animal by-products in the form of eggs. The reviews were mostly positive for this product, except for the cost. “This is a wonderful product. I found f ound it while on vacation and have been using it for 3 weeks. The firming effect effect lasts all day.” Marjorie P. - February 2005 Not everyone agreed, however:

“Don’t buy this product – it doesn’t “instantly tighten” your skin like you would think a product that contains egg should.” Anonymous - January 2005 Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting and Contouring is an over-the-counter product.

2. Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift $19.99 Made by Zia. Ingredients include cornstarch and albumen albumen.. The company claims that you can see results within 10 to 15 minutes that will last for up to 10 hours. This product consists of a powder and a toner that you mix up yourself and brush on your face. You lie down for for 15-20 minutes until it dries and then rinse it off. The company told me that they do no animal testing and there are no animal by-products in this skincare product. Reviews were quite mixed, from very positive to quite disappointed. One user complained that it was difficult to apply and the directions were confusing and contradictory. It was also too time-consuming.

One positive: “This is a fabulous product! product! Yes, you have to mix mix it up, yes, it takes 15 minutes, and yes the smell isn’t wonderful, but it dries with no smell and no smell after removed. Bottom line it works!” Anonymous - July 2005 One negative: “Did not do a thing for me. me. Kind of pricey for a temporary “firming” mask that is time-consuming and messy…As it dried it made my face face itch like mad. It was difficult to remove and did nothing.” Anonymous - March 2007 Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift is an over-the-counter product.

2. L’Oréal Age Perfect, one for day, one for night, $15.99 each Made by L’Oréal. Ingredients include “marine collagen and dermo-peptide dermo-peptide technology.” Many, many other ingredients. The company calls the cream “anti-sagging and ultra-hydrating.” You leave this cream on all day. It’s not a temporary mask mask you wash off. A L’Oréal spokesperson told me that L’Oréal has not tested on animals since 1989 and that their products contain no animal by-products.

Reviews were quite mixed. Some were happy with it, but others not. “I had a terrible reaction reaction to another name brand product. My skin was so irritated, I gradually tried this and my skin feels so much better.” Anonymous – March 2007 “I had hoped to like this, but I disliked the smell and it made me break out, so back it goes. If you have sensitive skin, this is not the product for you.” Anonymous - April 2007 L’Oréal Age Perfect is over-the-counter.

4. Thermage $2000.00 And now for something completely completely different: different: a treatment treatment that uses radio frequency to tighten the skin. This is done in a doctor or practitioner’s office using a machine called ThermaCool ThermaCool TC. It delivers a special form of radio frequency that tightens your skin tissue and pulls out wrinkles and loose skin. A cooling spray protects the outer layer of skin while the radio frequency energy generates heat in the the lower layer layer of skin. Over time, collagen tightens and wrinkles lessen. There is no surgery involved but it is obviously more aggressive than an over-the-counter product. A numbing cream is applied applied to the patient’s patient’s face yet some say it is still not totally pain-free. Some patients complained of a burning and pinching sensation. There can be blistering in a very small percentage of patients.

The machine creates a heating effect in the mid and deep layers of the skin. The results are not at all immediate. Once the procedure is finished, it can take weeks or months to see results. results. The results can can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the individual’s aging process. Dermatologist Dr. Scott Karempelis warns against over-optimism: “(Patients will see) probably in the 30 percent range of tightening of what they’d really like.” Thermage must be performed by trained practitioners.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products

Rating

1. Palmer’s Skin Success Face Lift Serum 2. Dreamlift Instant Face Lift 3. SkinCeuticals Skin Firming Kit with C E Ferulic 4. Distinction 5. Athena 7 Minute Lift 6. Suisse Programme Cellular Supreme Duo

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product

Rating

1. Replenix Green Tea Serum 2. Spa in a Bag Anti-Aging Skin Care Facial 3. Revision Nectifirm 4. Tight Fix Facial Firming Complex 5. Vital Image Skin Renewal Pac 6. Natural Face Lift System Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

So What Else Is There To Try? We’ve gone from $10.49 to $2000 in 6 short pages. Some of these items items I’ve reviewed are OK, one is downright scary. So what else is available for you? Let me tell you about my favorite product to tighten tighten the jaw jaw line. I know it works, because I’ve used it on me with good results. And I’m hearing from friends who like it, too. It’s a skin care system that introduces absolutely nothing into your body and yet your body responds. It’s Y-Age, the 2-patch 2-patch skin care system system from LifeWave. I have worn the Glutathione Booster now for over a year--back when they still called it the Skin Care patch. One of the first things I noticed noticed was firmer skin, especially especially around the jaw area. It has only gotten better now that I’m using the Carnosine Booster as well. I think I look better at 60 than I did at 50! Want to learn learn more? Go here: here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

Chapter 6: Baggy & Puffy Eyes Some years ago I knew a man who’d lost his wife of many years to an illness. He was youngish for someone in his 60s. After several several years, he began dating, but all all of the women were much younger than he was. So he had the bags under his eyes taken off and went around wearing sunglasses for a few weeks. His approach may actually be the best way for you to rid yourself of those bags. Yet some people only have puffiness around the eyes, not bags. There are a number of ways to deal with both of these conditions. There is a process using lasers called Titan Laser that is performed in a doctor’s office but a topical cream cream must be used to prevent any pain. But short of lasers or plastic surgery, what other options do you have for baggy and puffy eyes? I found quite a few products to investigate. investigate. Here are the four I wanted to look into in more detail:

1. B. Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream 2. M.D. Forté Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream 3. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System 4. Clinique All About Eyes __________

1. B. Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream $57.00 Made in Canada by B.Kamins.

Active ingredients are a bio-maple compound of purified Canadian sap and something called Episphere-Blue. A company spokesperson told me that users could see results right away. There are no animal ingredients in this product and the company does not test on animals. This is not an aggressive product so I was told it could be used on sensitive skin. The company states that it “helps reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness,” yet very few reviewers reviewers mentioned that. They mostly liked its moisturizing of the under eye area. So it doesn’t seem to do too much for puffiness puffiness or bags. The high price tag was mentioned as a negative by some users. “This product didn’t work for me at all…It made my eye area look bruised and wrinkly. I used it for four days and stopped, and now three days later, my under eye area is also dry and flaking. Very surprised…..” Jennifer – April 2007 B.Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream is over-the-counter.

2. M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream

$62.00

Made by Allergan. Active ingredients are retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids and include glycerin glycerin,, polysilicone and many, many more. I was told by a company spokesperson that within “two to six weeks, you should begin to see and feel visible results.”

I wrote the company on whether they test on animals or whether this product contains animal by-products, but I received no response. Some users liked the moisturizing properties of this eye cream but again, though reducing puffiness around the eyes is mentioned in the product description, I found very few reviewers noting this. “Works well. Not heavy, heavy, greasy. greasy. Doesn’t make my eyes eyes peel peel too much or get red. Although not cheap, product lasts about a year.” Anonymous – November 2006 “I really had high hopes for this th is eye cream but found it far too strong for my skin. It burned from the first application application and every every time thereafter.” Anonymous – June 2006 M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream is an over-the-counter product.

3. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System $26.99 Made by Proctor and Gamble. Ingredients include cyclopentasiloxane (skin emollient), Pro Vitamin B5, Glycol, many, many, many more. This product is 24 derma-pod applicators. applicators. One package lasts 8 weeks. Olay says this product “helps remove excess under-eye fluids” and that it “decongests puffiness.” For best results, use it three times per week. week. The company told me that users “should see results immediately but that can vary from person to person.”

As I mentioned in other chapters covering Olay products, the company does test on animals if required by law. This product does contain animal by-products. Reviews were mixed on this product. Some users noted the puffiness went down but others saw little improvement. “Honestly I’m not that impressed…and I think you could obtain the same result with a great eye serum and massage with your fingers… I used this for about two months before I saw any change, even though the change is slight. In my opinion this this is  just a 28 dollar gimmick gimmick I don’t think I will buy this again.” again.” Dannigirl5173 – June 2007 “Can’t say that I have seen any difference, but I have not used it regularly.” D. Milani – June 2007 Olay’s products are considered drugstore products, thus less expensive than department department store products that that address address the same skin issues. issues. A number of users commented that the price of this product is therefore a bit steep for something that’s marketed at your local Walgreen’s. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System is over-the-counter.

4. Clinique All About Eyes $25.00 Made by Estee Lauder.

Ingredients include milk proteins, whey protein, marine fish, wool grease, beeswax, shellfish, sucrose (bovine-derived processing aid), as well as many, many more. I found no information on how long it takes to see results. The company says this product was never tested on animals and it has no plans in the future to test their products on animals. This product does, however, contain animal by-products. All About Eyes is a non-greasy no n-greasy gel and can be worn beneath under-eye concealer. Some users loved this product, calling it a ‘feel good moisturizer,’ though it is shiny if no makeup or concealer is worn over it. it. It seems to soothe sensitive skin. However, others noted the high price and also felt that Clinique’s claims to reduce puffiness and and under-eye circles circles are highly highly overrated. Two who can’t recommend it: “I have slight puffiness under my eyes during dur ing allergy season and this product did NOT visibly reduce puffiness (ice ( ice and cucumber slices work better!)…While I like the smooth feel of the product, it doesn’t actually do anything for my eyes.” ZzJulia – April 2001 “Don’t get me wrong, I do like this product, it just doesn’t do what it claims. claims. (It) claims to reduce puffiness and and under eye circles. The only thing I have noticed noticed that it does do is make the skin under my eyes very soft.” Stacyintx – December 2000

Another user called this product “just about average.” Clinique All About Eyes is over-the-counter.

Ones I’m still looking into, as the full research is not yet complete: Products

Rating

1. La Vie des Yeux Eye Cream 2. Lancome High Resolution Intensive Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream 3. Striadel Eye Cream 4. Ageless Herbal Products Herbal Eye Gel 5. Jan Marini’s Transformation Eye Cream with TGF Beta-1

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department Product 4. Dermaxime Rejuvenating Eye Cream 5. Guna Biotherapeutics Guna-Collagen 6. Botanic Choice Chamomile Eye Serum 7. I.Q. Derma RestorEyes Firming Eye Treatment 8. Hydroderm Triple Effects Eye Serum 9. Avon Anew Ultimate Transforming Eye Lift Cream 10. Life Plus Forever Young Firming Eye G Key:

= might want to save your money = worth a try

Rating

So What Else Can You Try? So if you don’t want w ant to choose plastic surgery and have tried a number of  my reviewed products with only only little success, what else is there? I highly recommend you look into the new LifeWave nanotech nanotech patches. patches. They have patches that can improve skin significantly and there are no animal products, there’s no animal testing, there are no greasy creams. In fact, nothing even enters the body. Here’s someone who’s tried it with fun results: “I have to admit, I really didn’t expect much from these patches. But here’s what I’ve noticed so far, after less than a month using them: the sagging of my eyelids has tightened. Plus, I noticed this morning that my eyeliner is going on better without my having to pull my lid taut taut to apply it. I just bought another month’s worth and am looking forward to even more improvements.”

Kathey Hurt June 2007 USA To learn more, just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

Chapter 7: Patch For Wellness There is a technological revolution underfoot and it’s called nanotechnology.. It will completely nanotechnology completely transform our health, health, our way of living and our attitudes. Most developed countries, as well as many of the the major drug companies, have nanotechnology nanotechnology development departments. So you can expect to be hearing this word a lot more. Nano means one billionth. A nanometer is 100,000 times smaller smaller than the the width of a human hair. Nanotechnology is the science of re-creating structures at the scale of atoms and molecules. For a more in-depth description of nanotechnology and to read what others are saying about it, just click here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/introduction-to-nanotechnology.html.. http://www.patch4wellness.com/introduction-to-nanotechnology.html LifeWave nanotechnology patches are called “Software for the Human Body.” They speak to to the body through the body’s own electro-magnetic electro-magnetic field, introducing absolutely nothing into the body. The company’s company’s focus focus is health and wellness, wellness, so I call their their product the ‘patch for wellness.’ wellness.’ I created an entire website about this incredible technology: http://www.patch4wellness.com.. http://www.patch4wellness.com How can these little patches influence the body if nothing is going into the body? For the answer, see http://www.patch4wellness.com/lifewavetechnology.html.. technology.html But basically, here’s the science behind it: The LifeWave patches “frequency modulate” the human magnetic field. It’s sort of like how information is transmitted over high frequency radio waves. This FM wave is then transmitted transmitted back  to the body by a process known as resonant energy transfer.

It’s like two people holding opposite ends of a rope. One person creates a wave motion and the wave travels to the other person at the other end of  the rope. Using the same idea, idea, once the FM wave or signal reaches reaches the patch user, the signal signal comes in contact contact with the cells in our bodies. This is known as signal induction. It’s the process by which various cellular responses occur.

Glutathione Protects Their new anti-aging patch product is called Y-Age, made up of 2 patches. The first is the Glutathione Booster, which raises the glutathione levels (our body’s major antioxidant) in the body by as much as 300% within the first 24 hours. Glutathione makes makes collagen, so the more glutathione glutathione our bodies produce, the healthier and younger our skin will look. Glutathione doesn’t just build collagen, collagen, however. It has many functions, from attacking free radicals, to recharging depleted antioxidants like Vitamin C, E and A, to maintaining your immune system and removing heavy metals through the liver. There are other methods of raising our glutathione levels, but they are just not very effective. Injections are costly and inconvenient. Oral supplements are destroyed by stomach stomach acids. And adding the 3 amino acids that comprise glutathione to our diet doesn’t guarantee that glutathione will be elevated in our bodies. But the signal in the patches tells the body to build glutathione and it does!

Carnosine Repairs The second patch patch is the Carnosine Booster. Carnosine, also an antioxidant, is believed to be the main nutrient in the body that repairs damaged cells. It can turn old cells into young ones. Clinical research research shows that carnosine may be the principal nutrient that keeps the body young as we grow older. Studies on carnosine show that it can protect the brain from plaque, one of  the causes of Alzeimers Alzeimers disease. It also protects our our DNA better than any other nutrient. So, glutathione protects the cells against the effects of aging and carnosine repairs the cells. Both of these antioxidants antioxidants decline as we age. So---you have 2 antioxidant antioxidant boosters in one easy-to-use product. If you’d like to read even even more about them and read some testimonials, check out http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html.. http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html You’ve read some of the testimonials in this ebook from individuals who have used Y-Age with success. success. If not, you may want to go back and read them. The results from wearing these tiny patches are quite remarkable. The focus of this ebook is skin and beauty. Y-Age patches obviously fit into that category. But LifeWave has other other patches as well. well. There’s one for energy, one for sleep, one for pain relief and their barely-out-there weight loss patch, patch, SP6, for controlling appetite and cravings. To learn about all of them, go to http://www.patch4wellness.com http://www.patch4wellness.com.. Yes, the patches are a new technology technology and may sound strange to you. But they are worth a look. I was thoroughly skeptical 3 years ago when asked to try the energy enhancer enhancer patches. It only took me a half half hour to be

convinced that something remarkable was happening. Believe me, this technology is only going to expand. Because LifeWave provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s nothing to to lose. And much to gain. Try Y-Age out for yourself 

Chapter 8: Summing Up This book is a look at what’s on the market for all of these skin conditions. I have focused primarily on beauty and anti-aging. Some of these products are fine, some I would be open to trying myself while others I wouldn’t get within 20 feet of! There are many, many, many other treatments for your skin issues. I’ve focused on the most popular and best-known. But if you want to learn even more, check out Jenny Bailley’s excellent article in the March 2007 issue of O magazine, “Is This Any Way To Treat A Face?” Many of the products that I have reviewed in this book contain ingredients that are possibly possibly unhealthy and perhaps not even even safe. Silicone, hydrcortisone, parabens parabens,, hydroquinone, antibiotics. Why would you want to put these on your skin if you have a safer alternative? And an alternative treatment that could possibly do the same thing? I shall continue my research on the other products I’ve listed and put out another book if I find something wonderful that actually does what it claims. Until then, I shall shall tell people about the LifeWave patches. The patches actually address all of these beauty & skin issues, so there’s no need to buy everything out there. Plus, as you’ve read in the testimonials, they have helped with other skin issues such as eczema. I’m convinced that they even got rid of my warts! I had had them for 5 years, tried everything on the market as well as alternative treatments, but within 2-3 weeks of wearing the Glutathione Booster patch, most of the warts disappeared. In Western Western medicine, warts are considered a virus. But in in Chinese Chinese medicine, the cause cause is inner stagnation. stagnation. Acupuncturists use herbs and needles to clear clear that that stagnation. However, this didn’t work for me. What worked were the patches.

We are are all unique. What works for one person may not for another. We simply do not all have the same bodies, needs or metabolisms. I had a friend who couldn’t ever ever take take Novocain. She had her her wisdom teeth removed with no anesthetic anesthetic at all. And not even aspirin works for everyone. So each one of us needs to find the right fit. As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed an allergic reaction to eye creams, creams, eye shadow, even mascara. Unfortunately for me, I cannot even try any of the creams I’ve reviewed for baggy eyes or wrinkles & crows’ feet. That’s why the patches patches are so exciting. exciting. No creams, creams, no mess, mess, and absolutely nothing goes into the body. My wrinkles and crows’ feet are are noticeably lessened, my jaw line is firmer, my skin tone and texture improved, and all I used were the patches. If you are as cautious as I am about what goes in your body and what goes on it, you may wish to check out the the patches. To learn more about them or try them out for yourself, check them out here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html.. http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html I hope you have as much fun with them as I have. To Your Gorgeous and Healthy Skin, Heidi Walter

Glossary of Terms Albumen: Egg whites. Allantoin: An extract of the comfrey root, it aids the healing of damaged skin by stimulating new tissue growth. Alpha Hydroxy Acid Treatments: Alpha hydroxy acids are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid…This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Wikipedia Antibiotics: An antibiotic is a chemical compound that inhibits or abolishes the growth of micro-organisms. Adverse effects can range from fever and nausea to major allergic reactions. Wikipedia Antioxidants: Antioxidants are a group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that prevent prevent free radical damage. damage. Free radicals cause cause the aging symptoms of our skin, such as age spots, wrinkles, loose or sagging skin, blemishes, even warts. Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars are depressed and create a hole in the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl Peroxide is a chemical in the organic peroxide family. family. It is a powerful bleaching agent. Contact with fabric or hair can cause cause permanent color dampening almost almost immediately. immediately. At high concentrations, Benzoyl peroxide is highly flammable and explosive and should be handled with care. Wikipedia

Botox: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring occurring substances in the world. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially commercially under the brand names names Botox and Dysport for this purpose. Wikipedia Carcinogens: The term carcinogen refers to any substance or radiation which is an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer or in the facilitation of its propagation. Wikipedia Chemical Peels: A chemical peel is a body treatment used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled wrinkled than the old skin. Should only be done by a professional. Wikipedia Collagen Injections: Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals. As we age, collagen production slows, leading to less smooth skin. Animal collagen or protein is used cosmetically cosmetically by being injected injected into facial lines lines and wrinkles. The most common source for this is cows. Cortisone: Cortisone is a steroid hormone. It is sometimes sometimes used as as a drug to treat a variety variety of ailments. One of cortisone’s effects on the body, and a potentially harmful side effect when administered clinically, is the suppression of the immune system. Wikipedia

Exfoliants: Exfoliation in cosmetology is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving skin’s appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Removing excess dead dead skin cells can reveal the younger and healthier-looking skin underneath. Wikipedia Fillers: Fillers are similar similar to collagen injections. injections. They fill in the lines lines and wrinkles of the face. There are many many types of injectible fillers, fillers, from Antecoll, a synthetic, to Restylane, a clear gel that contains hyaluronic acid. Glycerin: A colorless, odorless, water-soluble liquid derived mainly from vegetable fats. Used as a moisturizer moisturizer and emollient. emollient. Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water water and related solvents. solvents. It is associated associated with sugar crops and is isolated from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and unripe grapes. grapes. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions. Wikipedia Hydrocortisone: The active form of the hormone cortisone. In pharmacology, the synthetic form of cortisol is referred to as hydrocortisone and is used to treat allergies and inflammation. Wikipedia

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a very pale blue liquid, which appears colorless in a dilute solution slightly more viscous (thick) than water. It is a weak acid. It has strong oxidizing properties and is therefore a powerful bleaching agent. Wikipedia

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound which is a type of phenol (similar to to alcohol). It is used as a topical application application in skin whitening to reduce the color of skin. This use is banned is some some countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk. Wikipedia Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are elevated above the skin line but recede over time. Keloid Scars: Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. They can occur from such skin injuries as surgical surgical incisions, traumatic wounds, vaccination sites, burns, chickenpox, acne, or even minor scratches. Healthline.com Lanolin: Lanolin is an ingredient added to some skin care products that binds water to skin and gives the product a silky feel. It is used commercially in a great many products ranging from rust preventative coatings to cosmetics cosmetics and lubricants. Using cosmetic products which contain too much lanolin can result in an allergic reaction to some people. ascpskincare/glossary Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing is a technique used during laser surgery wherein molecular bonds of a material are are dissolved by a laser. laser. It is often used in a medical context, especially in dermatology, for the treatment of acne vulgaris, scars and spider spider veins. It can be combined combined with liposuction when this is done to remove excess fat from fr om the chin and jaw area. Wikipedia Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the dead outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion…Methods include mechanical abrasion from  jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or a

roughened surface. Particles and removed material material are vacuumed vacuumed off  through the wand/handpiece through which the abrasive particles came. Wikipedia

Natron: Natron is a combination of sodium carbonate (also called washing soda or soda ash) and and sodium bicarbonate. bicarbonate. Both are salts. salts. Parabens: The most widely widely used preservatives preservatives in the United States. They can mimic estrogen, which is a hormone known to fuel tumors. Highly toxic. Peptides: Peptides are the family of short molecules formed from the linking, in a defined order, order, of various amino acids. acids. The link between one amino acid residue and the next is an amide bond and is sometimes referred to as a peptide bond. Wikipedia Polysilicone: A polymer based on silicone, consisting of silicone and oxygen atoms combined with various organic groups. Intota.com Retinol: Retinol, the animal form of Vitamin A, is a fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth. In cosmetics, Vitamin A derivatives are used as anti-aging chemicals. Too much Vitamin A can be harmful or fatal, f atal, resulting in what is known as hypervitaminosis A. Wikipedia Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is the key additive in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns and warts. The name derives from the Latin word for f or the willow tree, from whose bark it can be obtained. Wikipedia

Silicone: Any of a large group of organic compounds comprising alternating silicon and oxygen atoms linked to organic radicals, particularly methyl groups; uses have included wetting agents and surfactants, sealants, coolants, contact lenses and surgical membranes and implants. thefreedictionary.com Tallow: Tallow is rendered mutton, beef or other bovine fat, processed from suet. Wikipedia Y-Age: A new 2-patch skin system from LifeWave. The Glutathione Booster protects the cells cells of the body against the signs of aging. The Carnosine Booster repairs the cells.

Heidi Walter was a free-lance photographer in Chicago, IL for more than 20 years. years. Her specialty was on-location portrait and event event photography. Among her numerous clients were The Oprah Winfrey Show, Chicago Life Magazine and The March of Dimes. Her photos have appeared in Chicago Magazine, Ebony Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times and countless client newsletters and brochures. She shares her home in Evanston, IL with 2 cats, one docile, the other rambunctious.