Get rid of wrinkles without surgery

If you're thinking about getting a facelift, but aren't quite ready for the full surgery, there are alternatives.

The latest and greatest product is called Artefill, which is a combination of cow collagen and tiny plastic microspheres.

About a year ago, Dr. Mark Hamilton of Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery spoke with 24-Hour News 8 about the product.

"I really insist that they do the temporary filler first," said Dr. Hamilton.

Along with Dr. Hamilton, News 8 also checked with another plastic surgeon on Artefill. He was skeptical and wouldn't recommend it.  

But now one year later Dr. Hamilton is pointing to the latest five year study on the wrinkle filler and he said the news is even better. The microspheres, used to puff up the wrinkles are smoother, more regular. And less prone to cause a reaction.

"This is the version used in the U.S. And you can see they are much more uniform in shape and a lack of particles," said Dr. Hamilton.

These little spheres are injected under the skin. Older versions of Artefill were more irregular and you could find tiny particles in it. There was more of a chance of a reaction.

But Dr. Hamilton said his patients haven't had any problems and have been happy with their results.

But there's always the more radical technique, a face and neck lift.

Unlike a face lift, Artefill is done in a matter of minutes and is much less invasive. And Dr. Hamilton believes it's safe.

"It's really showing a great track record, still a good safety profile, when you compare it to the temporary fillers. I think it holds up very well. And the product is still there five years later, which confirms what we expected that it's a long term if not permanent change," said Dr. Hamilton.

Artefill has been used around the world for the past 20 years. But the product is made by different companies. Dr. Hamilton said the American product is the best.

Beauty products

I'm not afraid to admit I'm as susceptible to beauty mistakes as the next person — or that there have been some pretty comical ones. At school, for example, a DIY home hair-mask recipe caused me inadvertantly to scramble an egg on my head (I didn't get the importance of rinsing with lukewarm water).

A couple of vigorous washes was all it took to correct, but had I had to live for weeks instead of hours with the sulphurous smell it left behind, I would really have rued the day I experimented with my beauty routine. And that is where more durable treatments can fall down. Regular readers may remember me writing about the Daniel Hersheson permanent blow-dry treatment a couple of months back. At the time, the thought of being able to wash and (immediately) wear my usually wavy/frizzy hair without having to smooth out various sections with the hairdryer convinced me to give it a whirl. For the first couple of weeks I was glad I had. I could merrily skip out of the shower, dress and move straight onto make-up without any tiresome blow-drying. My hair didn't exactly look blow-dried in that swingy way it should, but it was definitely less unruly.

I feel it only right, however, to give an update now that it has had a chance to settle. The fact is that, while the treatment contains conditioning clays, there's no denying the fact that it is a chemical process and, hence, not especially good for the hair. The frizz is still somewhat tamed, but my hair is now also permanently lank and unable to last more than a day without feeling coated in a tacky residue. I'm not alone in my disappointment. A colleague tried it and found that the only effect it had on her hair was to exacerbate her frizz, and some hairdressers I have consulted have seen clients who have tried the procedure and been similarly disappointed.

On the plus side, I've discovered some great reconditioning products — a dose of Kérastase Forcintense (£24; 0800 316 4400) after each wash and Real Base Conditioning Haircare Mist (£17; realhair.co.uk) really help infuse moisture back in. And, as with a bad cut, it is only a matter of time before it grows out. Plus, the human guinea pig aspect of this job does require me to take the rough with the smooth — so hopefully you don't have to.

Lust of the week

YSL's new Rouge Volupté is a statement lipstick if ever there was one. The decadent gold casing gives it a jewel-like quality, and the handy mirror on the lid is proof that this is meant to be applied in public. The substance within this stylish outerwear? A luscious,glossy formula whose colours don't lose any of their clout for coming in a high-shine finish.

Aïcha Fofana wins beauty contest in Togo

APA-Lomé (Togo) Aicha Pamela FOFANA was on Saturday night crowned Togo's nicest girl in 2008 during a beauty contest held at the Conference centre of Lome.

This 18-year old girl, Aisha, is in her second year of business communication studies and measures 1.71m tall and 58kg.

She emerged the prettiest among 21 competitors. The 21-year old Sena Alovor, 1.7m and 56kg, came second and 22-year old Ablavi Randolph, 1.68m and 57kg, took the third position in the contest.

"I believed in my features; but there came a time when I was discouraged. I rallied confidence when I realised that my contenders started quivering, Aicha said after dedicated her victory to here mother who died three months ago.

Before she won the Miss crown, Aisha endured like all the other competitors, various events such as the gait, the plastic beauty, the traditional parade, and this year's interview on women leadership.

As soon as she was elected, Pamela embarked on development projects, exploiting her image to mobilise the support of the population. The Miss did not however reveal her area for action.

"I will discuss with the committee to select the topic which matches with our country's current issues", Aicha said.

Initiated in 1994 by the Committee Miss Togo, the beauty contest has become a real cultural and social pageant. Togo's bronze Olympics medallist, Benjamin Boukpeti, also attended that 14th edition.

Unleash your legs with our definitive six-week guide to the perfect pins

Warm weather and summer fashion make us want to bare our legs but do we dare? Anne McElvoy tests the hot new exercise machine on a quest to make hers look 10 years younger.

Really, I don't ask for much: just legs 10 years younger than I am. I divulge this fantasy to one sensible colleague and an academic friend, both of whom are apt to dismiss trivial aspirations as unworthy of educated females. "Ooh, yes," they chorus.

Women whose minds are supposed to be on higher things share secret fantasies of improved legs. also, the no-tights season now extends from May to September, even without the annual beach challenge, so something should be done.

"Power plates and some vein zapping," says a leggy adviser. "anything else will take you months." I don't have months. So it is off to Beauty Works West, the spa where lissom W11 dwellers come and go, lissomer by the day. A full leg consultation is ordered and, oh dear: are they really mine? I blame the babies.

Next door in Bodyworks West, head trainer Rebecca has her tape measure in hand and emails me a long explanation of how "vibration training" works.

"When a muscle is under tension and placed on a vibrating platform the tiny movements stimulate another proprioceptor called the Golgi tendon organ. It will react to protect the muscle by causing it to relax further, thus allowing a greater stretch." If you say so.

WEEK 1

First up is Dr Sister, blue-vein and stretch-mark zapper to anyone who is anyone. "Don't you need your veins?" asked a (male) colleague (duh). Well, no actually, not the tiny blotchy ones that arrive on your 40th birthday and multiply like little mini-maps of Balkan states. The good French doctor armed with his miracle machines shouts "Kapow" when he hits a target.

It feels like having hot needles inserted under the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. "What does 'buggeration' mean?" enquiries Dr Sister. I choose Polish Patti for the red vein treatment, which is marginally less painful.

On to the Power Plate. It judders up and down at high speed, and then I run through all those squats and lunges under Rebecca's eagle eye. I hadn't realised that abdominal strength is so important to building up better muscle tone in the legs.

I have to "zip" my abdominals tight, control my breathing and "pin your tummy button to your spine", which is about as comfortable as it sounds. After each session, my legs feel pleasantly tight but without all the panting and sweating of a treadmill session.

Power Plate: Favoured by the likes of Madonna the Plate has a vibrating platform that accelerates the effects of muscle training

WEEK 2

Results! An inspection with a female friend (men don't really care) shows a small amount of new defined muscle down the outside leg and around the knee. I am halfway to being Gwyneth  -  just not quite as sleek.

In the second half of each session, we do a stint on the Cardio Wave (a smoother version of the step machine) and the swish pulleys and levers of the Kinesis circuit.

An exercise ball now and then adds extra excitement. It feels like blessed relief after being jiggled on the Power Plate.

Then I lie down and Rebecca does all the work, stretching out calves and hip muscles so that they get elongated.

Have invested in proper Sweaty Betty kit and proper shoes. This is going well.

WEEK 3

Disaster. Thrice weekly sessions are killing my out-of-work life. I have to drive across London at weekends to fit in training and the novelty of standing on a shuddering machine is wearing off. And now my lower back is niggling (an existing weakness that pops up when I take to serious exercise).

Bodyworks introduces Mark, a nice antipodean physio whom I will see while training (the combination of a gym and physio is the most useful innovation in sporting london). We discuss the depilation question as I have a holiday looming.

Apparently there's a state-of-the-art laser hair removal which works wonders for dark hair. I am fair and use this as an excuse to avoid more lasers and opt for ye olde waxing. After what I've been through, a bit of mild hair-ripping feels quite pleasant.

Having a ball: Stretching supplements the hi-tech Plate workout

WEEK 4/5

Holiday. Rebecca sends texts telling me to do 50 sets of thigh-enhancing clams and squats every two days. I obey in week one and my friends make the right noises about good legs for the beach. Then I let it all go again and the slump is instant - heavy limbs and a general feeling of slovenliness.

WEEK 6

Back on the chain gang. The veins are looking better and a dark area behind the knee is gone. Now I alternate between perky Rebecca - still enjoining me to "squeeze" and "zip" up my innards - and the physio, who is becoming a regular fixture.

Muscle definition is definitely better though - specially down the outside leg and (a bonus) around the midriff and bottom. I fret that I might end up with "cyclist's calves". So we add a round of extra stretches. Apparently half an hour of this a day is optimal. Have trouble putting up with it for five minutes.

VERDICT

Mission accomplished. Rebecca enthuses that my legs are "more toned, tight and stable". The improved gluts and abdominals are a definite plus. I would use Power Plates as part of a fitness regime, but with some gentler elements thrown in for variety.

Now realise that unless you are Marlene Dietrich, you can spend most of your free time maintaining your legs. Oddly, no leading modelling agency has yet been on the phone.

Are You Developing Wrinkles Due to Stress?

Stress is something that we all have to deal with, but too much of it can have dire effects on you. One way in which stress leaves its mark on us is in the form of wrinkles. They aren't only caused by getting older or the skin drying out. Stress takes a very big toll on your overall health, both physically and mentally. If you are developing wrinkles it is time to really take a close look at what you can do to reduce your stress level.

Some of us just handle daily stressors more than others. It can be simple things such as getting your work done or being stuck in traffic. Others have serious relationship concerns, financial strains, or a number of other things going on that are stressful. It is a very destructive thing that can completely destroy every aspect of your life if you let it. Your body will change too as toxins build up and your skin looks older.

As a person ages their hormones will change as well. Cortisol is a hormone that can result in weight gain as well as your skin aging. This is because the way in which your body is able to handle Cortisol changes as you get older. The hormone can remain in your body for very long periods of time when you get older. In the past it may have come and gone in very little time at all. This is also a core reason why adults get acne when they are stressed out.

While we do need to control the stress in our lives, it is virtually impossible to eliminate all of it. There are other things you can do though to stop those wrinkles from forming. Learn various breathing techniques that allow you to reach all the day down into your diaphragm and then to exhale. This will calm you down faster than you might believe. Practice such breathing techniques anywhere you go to reduce stress as it occurs.

Avoid large amounts of caffeine especially from coffee. This can cause your insulin levels to rise and more Cortisol to be produced. You should replace coffee with green tea because it is full of antioxidants that will help your skin fight the aging process. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day too. This way you can cleanse out toxins and you can stay well hydrated. Pay attention to how much sleep you get each night as well. The quality of your sleep is just as important as the amount of it though.

So there you go.

Do your very best to conquer stress and you will also keep wrinkles at bay. There are many wonderful anti-aging products out there too that you can use to help you. They will not only get rid of current wrinkles but prevent others from appearing. Take good care of your skin and it will show. You will have delightful looking skin that is healthy and vibrant at any age.

Want the best wrinkle cream products that work? Then see these latest real life reviews by Stacey Williams of the anti aging creams including the Athena 7 minute lift serum for looking years younger and that gives results, including the best rated cellulite cream and cellulite treatment that works.

Beauty rules

There is a lot to take in when it comes to the world of beauty.

But there is even more coming out of your wallet.

The fountain of youth does not come cheap.

Each week there is a new product, a new 'must have', a new 'instant classic' coming on to the market and navigating the beauty counters can be a little like the Argonauts journey through the Sirens territory.

But beauty does not have to be expensive.

Everyone has products which work for them and if it ain't broke, then don't fix it, but there are times when the flesh is willing, but the wallet is weak.

And for that, you need to remember these time tested commandments to staying soft, supple and wrinkle free.

THOU SHALL NOT ALWAYS BUY DESIGNER
Sure, the snazzy packaging is seductive and there is a little bit of a rush which comes with slathering your skin in something that looks and smells so luxurious, but that doesn't always translate into giving you the best results.

People with sensitive skin should shy away from the heavily fragranced products which often populate these lines – you wouldn't spray perfume on your face, so why are you rubbing it in with your cleanser?

Cetaphil is still one of the most gentle and best cleansers around – and best of all it is under $10.

It doesn't look or smell particularly fantastic, but dermatologists have recommended it for years.

THOU SHALL NOT BE SEDUCED BY A SALES PITCH
Don't be afraid to ask for a sample. When someone has taken the time to give you a run down on the product, smear it on you and tell you how great it is going to be for you there is pressure to reward them with a sale. This is their job.

If you think you might like the product, ask for a sample and try it out over a couple of days at home before committing to a sale. It gives you a chance to make sure the product suits your skin and will do what you want it to before you hand over hard earned money for something which will just sit in your cupboard gathering dust because it gave you a rash.

THOU SHALL NOT DISCOUNT SUPERMARKET FINDS
Naomi Campbell swears by Palmer's Cocoa Butter – and you can pick it up for a tidy $6 or so.

Sorbolene cream can be used to weigh down fly-away hair, moisturise your skin or even as a cleanser in the shower – and can be bought for under $5.

Several make-up artists and beauty editors still claim that Maybelline's Great Lash mascara is the best mascara they have ever used – and it's still only around $20.

Dry hands? Slather them in Vaseline just before bed, cover them in socks and head for the land of nod. The same can be done for feet and in a pinch, Vaseline can be used under the eyes when there is nothing left in the eye cream jar.

Toothpaste can be used to dry out pimples – dab a little on before going to bed. A crushed aspirin can also work wonders on blemishes and can also help remove the redness associated with them.

Dry Shampoo is great for in-between washes and can be found for about $8 – take it to the gym for a quick fix.

THOU SHALL RAID THE PANTRY
Brown sugar mixed with olive oil can be used as a body exfoliator in the shower.

Beat a couple of egg whites, add some honey, a squirt of lemon juice and if you are feeling adventurous some oats and voila! instant face mask.

Powered milk makes a great skin softener in the bath – just pour a cup or two in and sit back and channel Cleopatra.

Vinegar can be used to dry out spots on your back – just put in a spray bottle, add a little bit of water and blast those blemishes. Not for the face though – that is a little too harsh.

Baking Soda is one of the most effective exfoliators around. Add about a teaspoon to your cleanser (or even Cetaphil) and rub.

THOU SHALL RESEARCH
Do you need a toner? Do all your beauty steps need to be from the same brand? Do you really have oily skin? Or is it combination? Or is it only oily because you are using the wrong products and your skin is trying to compensate?

It does pay to have your skin assessed by a professional. If you don't or can't afford to buy their products, they can at least point you in the right direction.

THOU SHALL REMEMBER PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN THE CURE
Drink water. As much as you can handle.

Wear sunscreen. And don't forget your neck. There is no point in having a youthful face when the thing holding it up is spotty and wrinkled. In fact anywhere your skin is exposed, cover it in sunscreen. But make sure it is broad spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Chow down on some vitamin C – it is very good for your skin and also great at healing.

Eat well. Your skin will thank you.

If you're taking your magical pots and powders with you on a trip, keep it in its packaging to prevent breakage.

And sleep. There is no use in looking fabulous if your eyes are hanging out of your head.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Matin Reveals Backstage Beauty Secrets Used to Create the Be EcoChic(TM) Runway 'Look'

NEW YORK, Sept 05, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Neutrogena(R) Cosmetics Science Expert Matin Maulawizada unveiled his first eco-inspired "look" at the global launch of Be EcoChic(TM), a star-studded event that kicked-off New York Fashion Week last night. Debuting new products such as Neutrogena(R) Cosmetics Nourishing Eye Liner, Nourishing Eye Quad and MoistureShine Lipstick and the latest Neutrogena(R) Skincare products such as Neutrogena(R) Lift & Strengthen Intensive Facial Concentrate, Matin created the "look" worn by models and celebrities, including Neutrogena(R) spokespeople Malin Akerman and Susie Castillo, during the first-ever Be EcoChic(TM) runway show. The Be EcoChic(TM) "look" is now available to the public at http://www.beecochic.com.

"For the Be EcoChic(TM) fashion show, I created a radiant 'look,' starting with healthy skin to bring out the natural beauty of the models and celebrities. Using Neutrogena(R) Cosmetics, I designed a soft, smoky eye and nude lips, accented with a soft gloss that keeps them playful and feminine," said celebrity makeup artist Matin. "My inspiration for the 'look' is the eco-minded woman who still wants to be chic, much like the premise of the Be EcoChic(TM) campaign. After all, you can be fashionable and environmentally conscious," added Matin.

"The Neutrogena(R) heritage of clean and gentle extends not only to the products we offer consumers but to our business practices as well -- from solar panel systems to a reduction in packaging materials," said Pericles Stamatiades, Company Group Chairman, Beauty, Johnson & Johnson. "Our participation in Be EcoChic(TM) is an example of our commitment to encourage smart choices that not only help preserve the world we live in but also help others learn what they can do to 'be' eco chic."

The foundation for beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin and Neutrogena(R) has a solution for skincare worries including tired eyes, general loss of elasticity and breakouts. The Neutrogena(R) Ageless Restoratives(TM) Energy Renewal Energizing Eye Cream targets the delicate eye area to restore radiance and vibrancy. For overall noticeably-strengthened, healthier and younger-looking skin, the Neutrogena(R) Lift & Strengthen Intensive Facial Concentrate works deep within the surface to minimize visible signs of collagen loss. The Neutrogena(R) Rapid Clear(TM) Fight & Fade Gel has a unique two-in-one formulation which reduces breakouts and fades the look of post-acne marks for clearer, more even-toned skin fast.

"As an actress, my skin undergoes a tremendous amount of stress which is why it is important for me to use products that are good for my complexion," said actress Malin Akerman whose participation in the show also affirms her commitment to the environment. "By using Neutrogena(R) Cosmetics I am confident that I'm taking care of my skin while also looking my best."

To see Matin's "look," get more information on the Neutrogena(R) Cosmetics and Skincare products used at Be EcoChic(TM) and get step-by-step instructions to create your "look" at home, visit http://www.beecochic.com.

About Neutrogena(R)

A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena(R) has been providing consumers with health and beauty improvements for over 40 years. The Company manufactures and markets a line of premium priced skin and hair care products that are distributed in more than 70 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Neutrogena(R) is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, world's most comprehensive and broadly based health care products company.

About Matin:

Matin Maulawizada, a native of Afghanistan with a master's degree in Molecular Biology, was first introduced to the beauty business by a college roommate and began doing makeup part time. After working as a research scientist for a couple of years, he realized that he missed creating works of art on all types of faces. Since making the transition from scientist to makeup artist, Matin has worked with an ever-expanding list of the most beautiful faces in the entertainment industry. He has been featured in the beauty pages of leading fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Allure and his work has graced the covers of Elle, Amaan, Marie Claire and Nylon.

About Malin Akerman:

Akerman relocated to the U.S. from Canada in 2001 to pursue her love of acting. Since 2001, she has quickly been building her film career. This spring, Akerman appeared in the romantic comedy 27 DRESSES. Prior to that, she landed the lead role in THE HEARTBREAK KID directed by the Farrelly Brothers, co-starring Ben Stiller, and starred in the Screen Gems comedy THE BROTHERS SOLOMON directed by Bob Odenkirk. On the small screen, Akerman impressed critics and audiences alike with her portrayal of "Juna Millken" in the HBO series THE COMEBACK. She also had a memorable recurring role in the third season of ENTOURAGE. Akerman has just completed work as one of the title characters in WATCHMEN for 300 Director, Zack Snyder. The film co-stars Billy Cruddup, Carla Gugino and Patrick Wilson and is due out in March 2009.

Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum

How is your epidermis doing today? Does it feel as fresh and vibrant as the rest of you? Your skin is the largest (and most delicate) of your organs, and it is just as important to keep that organ healthy and rejuvenated ...

How is your epidermis doing today? Does it feel as fresh and vibrant as the rest of you? Your skin is the largest (and most delicate) of your organs, and it is just as important to keep that organ healthy and rejuvenated as it is the heart or lungs. Unfortunately the skin tends to showcase its wear and tear with

spotlights, and also long before your heart stops beating like a frisky twenty year old.

At CollageneLife Intl, we do not believe that anyone should just accept the lines and wrinkles as a part of life. Throw a rally or a tantrum; whichever would be the best way to get the attention of the Dermatology Gods. Who says you have to look old just because you are not eighteen years old anymore? We think that you deserve to look and feel your absolute best. It is for this reason that CollageneLife developed the highly successful and sought after Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum gel.

Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum was created based on the science of how our bodies function. We at CollageneLife wanted to find a way to improve and even stop the cause of your skin's flaccid appearance, not just smooth out the affects of collagen loss and aging. Our Platinum gel does just that - it absorbs into your skin's tissue and gets to work on a deeper cellular level. The results are lasting and will leave you very satisfied.

The beauty of Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum is that it is not solely intended to stave off wrinkles and lines. We are very glad that our formula is so effective against the aging process, but there are many other uses for the Platinum serum. We recommend using it for normal skin irritations, melanoderma (darkening of skin), after being in the sun, to treat skin eczema, and after any deep cleansing treatments and/or facial skin peel.

And even more surprising was the discovery that Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum can be used in the genital region to rejuvenate and tighten skin cells. Many pre and postmenopausal women have found the Platinum gel to be most helpful for maintaining a proper balance of nourishment to the vaginal skin cells. Natural Collagen Q5-26 Platinum is a truly amazing and versatile serum to be used allover maintenance of your skin.

Amazing Changes from Wrinkle Creams

It's a world full of Baby Boomers and others still older who are fighting a war against the effects of time on human flesh. Many seniors now are active, healthy people who would rather look like they feel instead of appearing worn and tired and just plain old. Because of this, the demand for anti aging skin care has never been greater.

A great many seniors these days are very active, healthy people who would love to look as good and as vital as they feel. No one wants to live an active lifestyle while looking tired and weathered and just plain old, so doing something active to improve looks and tip the balance to youthfulness is pressing. Surgery an

d invasive procedures can really help, but a nonsurgical approach is what more people would prefer

The idea of a wrinkle cream has been around for generations, but until pretty recently the effects of wrinkle creams were mostly on the wallet and not on the face. All sorts of snake oil was sold to supposedly eliminate wrinkles and make skin as new and fresh as an infant, but little of it worked and some was harmful. Some of it might actually have contained real snake oil, and many bizarre ingredients were used.

Currently we do know the effects of wrinkle creams can be real and make a nice improvement, if the right ingredients are included and if they are used correctly. To work, a wrinkle treatment has to be based on the biology and physiology of aging. As people grow older, their skin does change structurally. Sun can damage the skin and time itself means less water and weaker protein support.

Wrinkle treatments that work will protect against sun damage by screening out harmful rays, so look for that except for night creams. They will always have one or more effective moisturizing ingredients and will tell you to apply them when the skin is moist. The best will have some kind of amino acids or specific protein molecules or peptides that can soak into skin and add support.

Other effective creams and lotions will have antioxidants, certain vitamins and disguising ingredients to help with prevention, correction and repairs. Even something as simple as a reflective mineral can make wrinkles that are already there much less obvious or noticeable.

While no wrinkle treatment other than surgery, or invasive filler injections, can completely erase every facial crease and fold, good cosmetics can certainly help. The effects of wrinkle creams are real and even astonishing if you pick the right ones.

Get help with making a choice from your beauty operator. They learn about skin care in school, not just hair. You can also find a wealth of facts and myths about wrinkle products online as well as many reviews, articles and clinical reports. Check out popular fashion, style and beauty print magazines as well.

Jen Hopkins has worked in the anti-wrinkle cream industry for years. He maintains websites about anti aging skin care and wrinkle treatment. If you want to contact him, you can use the contact for at one of his sites.

Now, A Pillow That Can Wipe Out Wrinkles

 

Forget splashing thousands on anti-wrinkle creams or Botox injections, for a group of researchers has developed a pillow that can iron out the ugly looking lines.

What's more, the 'magical' pillow can wipe out crow's feet.

Boffins have developed a copper oxide pillow case, with tests showing those who used it for four weeks had fewer lines and wrinkles than those using conventional bedding.

Clinical trials, supervised by a dermatologist, were carried out on 57 volunteers for four weeks, with the volunteers either given an anti-wrinkle pillow, which feels no different for normal fabric, or a similar conventional pillow.

By the end of the trial, those sleeping on the copper pillows were statistically more likely to have less wrinkles.

Jeffrey Gabbay, the owner of the Cupron company, which used its expertise in making copper medical dressings to develop the pillow case, said: "The surgeon doing our wound-healing trial remarked how an increase in collagen was helping to heal wounds."

"We wondered if it might work on fixing wrinkles and lines on the face. So we had some copper woven pillows made up and noticed that over a few days of lying on a cooper pillow lines on the face started to soften," Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

He added: "It has been the most fantastic discover. The fabric has an impact on all lines but is best at ironing out the finer lines."

The researchers believe moisture from the skin releases copper ions from the pillowcases, which stimulate the production of collagen below the surface of the skin.

Popular images give wrong impressions of body hair

Q: My daughter has only recently started shaving her legs and now thinks she should shave all of her body hair. I find this very upsetting! Is this normal? What should I do?

A: Esthetic ideals of the right amount of body hair for both males and females vary across cultures and from generation to generation. Some religions even set standards for how body hair should be worn or maintained.

Your daughter's assumptions about hair removal are normal. Current popular culture images give the impression that females don't have body hair at all. Magazine articles teach our daughters that a bikini wax is essential beauty maintenance and endorsements for particular methods of hair removal are offered up in the guise of dishy celebrity "secrets."

Barely there

A generation ago, only leg hair or hair that peeked outside a bathing suit was trimmed, waxed or shaved. Today, some women remove all traces of pubic hair or leave a small amount. There is no hygienic reason to do so; in fact there are health risks such as cuts, blisters, rashes, and infections if appropriate hygiene standards are not met. Some forms of hair removal are painful and intrusive and there is often uncomfortable itching with regrowth.

I suggest you share your feelings on the subject with your daughter and what factors you have considered in making your own choices.

Discuss all the options for when she is an older teenager: from living au naturel to various forms of hair removal with consideration for safety, cost, upkeep, privacy, and discomfort.

You could research together how to avoid health risks. In the meantime, a pair of board shorts or a "boy short" swimsuit may offer a solution for added privacy as her body changes through puberty. Honest information and genuine solutions to her appearance related worries will help boost her self-esteem.

Lisa Naylor has worked as a counsellor and health educator with girls and women for the past 15 years in both Winnipeg and Toronto. Lisa is a co-creator of the Dove Self-Esteem Fund girls-only activities.

Where are Madonna's wrinkles?

The case for Madonna as an original style leader never really bore close inspection. What she has mostly been is someone who identifies popular emerging trends and hijacks them.

So it's probably no surprise that, at 50, she's chosen the path of so many celebrities and opted for a taut little face that's almost completely devoid of wrinkles. No crows' feet to suggest that she may have laughed once or twice. No frown lines to hint that any degree of thinking, feeling or evolving has occurred behind that forehead in the past five decades. But it is disappointing, because if Madonna really were the ground-breaker of her own mythology, surely she could have been the one to transmit an interesting image of what 50 could be to a generation of women who have come to fear ageing as one of the greatest evils of our time.

No one's suggesting that she should have let herself go, or even entirely let nature take its course. Heaven forbid. I'm all for whatever scientific intervention those lovely boffins in white coats come up with, so long as it doesn't result in the tight hazelnut with its unconvincing pointy cheekbones and chin that seem to comprise the McFace that we've all come to recognise in women of a certain age.

And there's another thing about ageless ageing: it really isn't ageless. In fact, any woman whose face doesn't move is a woman well past her teenage years. Why the aspiration to look ageless anyway? Isn't that what shop dummies are?

Kalium sole distributor for Nimue

Kalium Group of Companies said it will promote Nimue's revolutionary Microneedling Treatment in the Middle East as an exclusive distributor.

Kalium is one of the leading distributors of advanced medical equipment, skin care products and aesthetic devices in the Middle East.

The product, unveiled for the first time at the Gulf Beauty Exhibition 2008 in Dubai from May 18 to 20, is a new generation derma cosmeceutical skin care range with innovative and result-oriented skin treatment and delivery systems.

A specialised rejuvenation treatment, the Nimue Microneedling Treatment procedure can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions including sun damaged skin, lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, superficial acne scarring and also to restore volume, elasticity, tightness and plumpness.

The treatment uses almost a minimally invasive 1mm microneedle roller to stimulate collagen induction and serves as a delivery device to increase penetration of active skin care ingredients.

Restoration of volume and plumpness of the skin, reduced pore size and improved skin texture, softening of lines and wrinkles and improvement in elasticity and improvement of superficial scars are some of the treatment benefits that is designed to achieve almost long-lasting skin rejuvenation.

The procedure is the brainchild of Dr A Parsons, who supervises the Nimue product development team. He serves on the Board of the International Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and ranks amongst the top Cosmetic Research Scientists in the world.

'Nimue is a company that has a proven track record for creative, innovative products that produce great results,' said Nazih Khattar, the managing director of Kalium Group of Companies.

'The response to the Nimue pavilion at Gulf Beauty Exhibition 2008, especially the unique Micro Needling Treatment, shows that they have struck a chord with the people of the region and we are very happy to be their exclusive distributors,' he added.

The Microneedling Treatment and other high quality Nimue products like cleansing gels, conditioners, exfoliating enzymes, the Nimue day and night fader and the eye serum are exclusively distributed in the Middle East by Kalium Group of Companies.

Innovative Skin Care For The Anti-Aging Rebel In You

Could you imagine being a fly on Aphrodite's wall the morning she found her first gray hair and wrinkle? Hades hath no fury like a like an unhappy diva deity. Or maybe the love goddess never had to deal with the same maladies as her mortal devotees. After all, she was divine; her secret anti-aging weapon was immortality. If we could all be so lucky. The pursuit of beautiful skin and a youthful appearance has been going on before any of those fickle Greek deities set up shop on Mount Olympus.

One popular legend states that sultry Egyptian queen Cleopatra would bathe in mules' milk in order to maintain those enchanting features. Yummy. Unless she had a wagon full of Oreos next to her tub, that just sounds like a waste of some really good milk. But you have to give Cleo props for her innovative skin care ideas. Another fun anti-aging fairy tale involves a little place in China known as Shangri-La, which held the secrets and potions for eternal life and eternal youth. Before you jump on that bandwagon though, picture yourself at eighteen; would you really want to be that way forever?

History is full of men and women who seemed willing to go to every length (and then some) to find anti-aging secrets and innovative skin care treatments. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon risked his reputation and his life to find the legendary and very mythical Fountain of Youth. He trekked through swamps galore in marshy Florida (obviously before J. Lo moved to Miami) and apparently only discovered angry Indians, malaria, and poisoned arrows. None of which was a very good combination for Ponce.

CollageneLife has been a leader in developing innovative skin care products that include a very special anti-aging formula which works to treat both the cause and the effect of wrinkles on your face and neck. Those who say that there is a science to innovative skin care and preventing signs of aging were not just attempting to sound smart; all cells have fibroblasts…think of it as the framework that holds everything in place. When these bad boys start to buckle and go down within your collagen cells, the outward manifestation are lines and wrinkles.

This very amazing anti-aging gel from the Natural Collagen innovative skin care line is all about rolling up sleeves and applying some elbow grease; Natural Collagen Q5-26 comes in three ground breaking formulas that are each specifically engineered for different types of collagen in your body. Unlike other products on the market, CollageneLife Intl. does not have a "one size fits all" mentality. You and your body all have different needs; there is a company and a product that understands that.

The cajoling between science, beauty, and medicine is not as futile as some would think; these collaborations have led to some rather exciting break-throughs in anti-aging studies that do not necessarily require surgery or swimming in donkey milk. And the world heaves a collective sigh of relief.

CollageneLife has everything you need to bring out the deeply beautiful you. Find out more about the science of Natural Collagen, as well as our other remarkable products by visiting www.collagenelife.com and taking a few minutes to read the information and testimonials for yourself.