Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category


What is a Thermal Face Lift?

No one likes to see wrinkles and other signs of aging show on their face. Your face is the most important visual aspect of your personality. Wrinkles, loose skin, and other imperfections can obscure the real you and give people the wrong impression. Let\’s face it, most of us feel young inside, but when you have obvious signs of aging on your face you just won\’t appear that way to others. That\’s why many people look to face lifts to solve these problems. It essentially pulls the skin tighter against the face to restore that youthful look.

Traditional face lifts require incisions that allow for skin and muscle reconstruction. It\’s a real medical procedure that requires a lot of time to heal properly. Other trends like acupuncture and \’instant\’ face lifts provide non-surgical solutions with mixed results. The newest trend in non-surgical procedures is the thermal face lift. It\’s officially called the Thermacool face lift and wad developed by Thermage.

This requires no incisions or any invasive procedures. It uses radio-frequency waves that penetrate the skin. These radio waves help to tighten skin by heating the layers beneath the skin and causing them to contract while building up collagen. Since heat is involved, some irritation does occur but this can be countered with an anesthetic cream. The procedure is approved by the FDA and takes only an hour to complete. It is effective for the areas around the eyes, namely the cheeks, eyes, and brow.

Most results aren\’t visible until months afterwards, but immediately afterwards there are some visible changes. Thermacool is one of the only FDA approved non-invasive treatments available for wrinkles. Though it is not as dramatic as a face lift, it can help to remove fine lines and crow\’s feet around the eyes.

For some people, especially those with busy schedules, a traditional face lift is not an option. It\’s simply too time-consuming. That\’s where a this can be handy. It only takes an hour and there\’s no drawn out recovery process. All of the work is done internally without incisions so there\’s no risk of complications.

Since the procedure uses radio frequency waves, the results of a thermal face lift vary depending on the skill of the surgeon. That\’s because the surgeon can\’t see exactly what\’s going on beneath the skin so it will be all up to his or her training and timing. There are some risks of burns if the radio beam is held too long in one place, but these incidences are rare.

Dr. Jim Greene would like to provide you with more information regarding:

Face Lift

Thermal face lift

Plastic surgery

The above resources will provide you with more information that will help you make a more informed decision on face lifts and their pro\’s and con\’s.


Plastic Surgery Financing - Cosmetic Surgery Loans

Many people have dreamed of undergoing the knife and receiving a plastic surgery procedure. But like many dreams, it is left there floating in the back of the mind because of the belief that it is just way too expensive to undergo. People will save up their money for many years just hoping that someday they will be able to afford the surgery. It is because of this dream that there are now many financial institutions who are willing to finance your procedure.

Now that it is possible for almost anyone to have their dream procedure accomplished there is no longer a need to put off your surgery any longer. Whether you have a good credit rating or a bad one, you can still find reputable lender who are willing to offer you one of these cosmetic surgery loans

One must realize that these are unsecured loans since it is not possible to repossess ones face or implants. When it comes to plastic surgery financing your credit rating ultimately determines your interest rate. While a person with good credit can walk away with a $25,000 cosmetic surgery loan at 9.9%, a person with bad credit can get the same loan at 24.9%.

You can avail various plans which include 1 to 7 years to pay and can even get deferred payments allowing 90 or even 180 days. Just like with any type of loan, too many people worry that they just will not qualify for the loan and ultimately decide not to even apply. But if you are so afraid that you do not apply, then it would not hurt if you applied and got rejected. The point is that a higher percentage of people are qualified for a cosmetic surgery loan then a car loan.

Do not let fear of rejection overwhelm your possibilities for better health both physically and mentally. It is worth it to make yourself look better. Your self esteem will improve and those around you will see the increased confidence. Maybe your boss will notice it and give you a raise. Confidence is important in life and it is effected by your emotional well being. To remedy it though you will have to take the first step blindly and apply for a cosmetic surgery loan.

Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to learn more critical information that will help you make a more informed decision regarding:

Plastic surgery

Surgery

Breast implants


Plastic Surgery Through The Ages

Confidence comes from many sources, and one of them is feeling comfortable with how you look. Plastic surgery and other cosmetic enhancements might offer options for looking the way you always hoped to.

Plastic surgery is not for everyone and is not a decision to be taken lightly. My best patients are the most informed about what plastic surgery can and cannot do. They understand their own goals and how plastic surgery might help accomplish them. If you are seeking changes from plastic surgery, it is useful to understand what sorts of procedures are most helpful at different ages.

Teens: Focus on the center of the face.

We see a lot of people in their teens who are concerned about their noses. Sometimes they feel their nose is too large, or has a bump in its bridge, or that it simply does not match the rest of their face. Rhinoplasty (sometimes called a “nose job”) can bring the nose into harmony with the rest of one\’s features. The nose is at the center of the face. If people feel their nose has improved its appearance, they tend to feel much more confident in their overall appearance.

20\’s: Tune-up for bodies.

That means liposuction for men and women, and often breast procedures for women. Liposuction works best for people who are in good shape overall, but have stubborn areas that resist the good effects of diet and exercise. We do a lot of liposuction on men on their chests and “love handles” and for women on their thighs and tummies. Recovery from the procedure is usually rather quick, with most returning to work in several days.

Many women have breast augmentations to become larger or to make the breasts more even in size or position. Others have breast reduction procedures if they have always felt top-heavy. Increasingly, many men are having male chest reduction procedures in their 20\’s, if they are overly full in this area. This might be part of a situation called “gynecomastia” in which the male chest appears uncomfortably large.

30\’s: Time to bring out the eyes and smooth those first lines.

We see both men and women in their 30\’s who have full or baggy upper eyelids or puffiness of their lower eyelids. An eyelift can refresh the entire face and get rid of that tired-looking appearance. Fine lines often benefit from Botox treatments. This medicine works to quiet the tiny muscles in the face. When the muscles are quiet, they do not contract as deeply so they do not pull the overlying skin inward to cause wrinkles.

40\’s: Another body tune-up time.

By the time we reach our 40\’s, our bodies can show a bit of age. Sometimes a tummy tuck provides dramatic changes to the midsection. For men and women who have gained or lost a fair amount of weight, or for women who have had babies, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the muscles beneath. The result is a new and flat contour. For women, the procedure can be combined with a breast lift, or a small breast implant to reshape the entire torso - a procedure we call the Rodeo Drive Mommy Makeover.

50\’s and 60\’s: Back to the face.

As we age, our skin tends to sag. In our 50\’s and 60\’s this loose skin usually is most noticeable in the neck, along the jaw line, and in the cheeks. A facelift tightens the muscles of the face and neck along with the skin. Modern techniques emphasize work on the deeper tissues, so the skin is not pulled very tightly. This provides a natural appearance to the result, and avoids the “windswept” appearance common from facelifts in the past. A gentle touch when working on the skin is especially important for facelifts in men, who can look somewhat feminized when the skin is pulled too tightly.

As a California plastic surgeon, I have seen that procedures work best when people have specific concerns they want to address. Plastic surgery will not solve social, family, or work problems. But it can help you feel comfortable in your own skin, and this sort of self-confidence goes a long way.

Lloyd M. Krieger, MD is a plastic surgeon and founder of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. More information is available on this California plastic surgeon and Los Angeles tummy tuck.


Baby Boomers in Retirement - Anti-Aging Tips

For baby boomers in retirement, concern about health needs is becoming increasingly prevalent. Aging has become a reality, so they must take steps to improve or maintain good health and slow the aging process.

According to a recent study by Herbal News Magazine, baby boomers born between 1948 and 1953 evaluated their general health more poorly than their elders, based on a similar study conducted in 1992. Perhaps this happened because the Baby Boom generation was generally less physically active than their elders had been, both at home and at work. Less physical activity and poor eating habits have led to many cases of diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure among baby boomers in retirement.

Fortunately, it\’s not too late for baby boomers to become pro-active in their own physical well-being. These anti-aging and health tips can help.

Use Herbs to Supplement Diet

Herbs have been around since the earth\’s beginnings and can often be found in seasoning and spices we use, plants, many organic foods, and herbal supplements. With the onslaught of pharmaceutical companies and modern medicine, herb use for anti-aging and good health dwindled for a while. But now, baby boomers are realizing the many benefits of holistic health and that herbs offer an affordable alternative to many prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Some popular herbs for enhanced health and anti-aging include oregano, alfalfa, wheat germ, Echinacea root, fenugreek, arginine, witch hazel, cinnamon, cardamom, dill, peppermint, thyme, ginseng, ginger, rosemary, black pepper, green tea, cat\’s claw, and many others. Ginger, for instance, is an antioxidant that helps cleanse the colon, stimulate circulation, and reduce spasms and cramps. It also helps reduce hot flashes and indigestion. Alfalfa detoxifies the body and works as a natural diuretic, hormonal balancer, and cholesterol reducer. Cinnamon enhances the metabolism to help with weight loss, and it is recommended for fungal infections, digestive problems, diabetes, yeast infection, and other ailments. The list of herbs available today goes on and on.

Baby boomers in retirement can see a holistic doctor or one that specializes in homeopathy to discover herbs or alternative medicines that will work best for them.

Natural Healing

Another way baby boomers can improve health and prolong the aging process is through natural methods and remedies for healing. The “ancients” often turned to natural remedies for healing because they didn\’t have a doctor\’s office or local hospital nearby. Today, many people turn to drugs, which only treat the symptoms, not the problem. Though some diseases and sicknesses do require pharmaceutical drugs, there are many conditions that could possibly be healed naturally. Natural healing is available for many ailments including colds and congestion, back or neck pain, stress and tension, headaches, circulatory problems, and others.

There are several natural healing methods. Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy in which fine needles are used to unblock energy in the body so the healing process can take place naturally. Chiropractic methods include re-aligning or adjusting skeletal systems in the body to help the body release blockages and heal itself. Cranial sacral is the process of adjusting or aligning the bones of the skull to help with headaches, chronic pain, joint syndrome, or injuries to the head or spine. Massaging is a natural healing method in which the hands are used to gently release stress and tension through motion and pressure on certain muscles. Other natural healing methods include Rolfing, Shiatsu, reflexology, and the healing touch.

Choose All-Natural Beauty Products over Chemically-Based Products

Chemically-based beauty products might work wonders at enhancing beauty for now, but long-term use can actually speed up the aging process. Some products that promise beauty might actually dry or damage the skin, damage hair, and cause pre-mature wrinkles. Luckily, there are many organic beauty products available in lotions, shampoos, make-up, bath oils, and soaps to help skin stay beautiful and to reduce signs of aging. These are made of natural ingredients instead of dangerous toxins that can be absorbed into the body through the skin.

Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Relaxation

Three other key factors to good health for baby boomers are physical activity, healthy eating, and relaxation. Baby boomers in retirement can still be active doing the things they love such as walking or jogging, riding a bike, gardening, traveling and sight-seeing. Also, they can eat healthier by choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Finding a way to relax each day is also important for good health. A soothing bath in natural bath oil, reading a book, spending time outdoors on a swing… all these offer time to relax and clear the mind of the day\’s stressful activities.

These methods have helped many people, but a doctor should be seen with any serious illness. Herbs and alternative medicines are not automatic cure-alls, but are meant to enhance health and help the body heal itself of minor illnesses.

Baby boomers in retirement don\’t have to stand by and watch their health go downhill. The Internet is a great resource to get started and research different herbs and their health benefits. It\’s time to take action with these natural health and anti-aging tips!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Baby Boomers in Retirement or Majon\’s Health and Beauty directory


The Ins and Outs of Temecula Cosmetic Surgery

In a world that strives to feel better, look better, and live better, Temecula cosmetic surgery makes dreams of all sorts come true from erasing childhood scars to producing a more youthful looking face.

While some people fear going under the knife, keep in mind that not all cosmetic changes are invasive. For instance, chemical peels and dermabrasion fall under the umbrella of cosmetic surgery procedures. These methods do not involve any cutting to the skin. However, choosing these approaches is a great way to rejuvenate the skin and repair all the years of damage that the Southern Californian sun is known to create.

Before deciding on the kind of procedure or procedures you would like to invest in, I highly recommend spending a bit of time researching the different options. The steps involved in this kind of process is very important, as you should make note of estimated recovery times, potential side effects and complications, insurance costs, level of pain, and possible risk factors. After a particular surgery has caught your attention, the next step is to evaluate the Temecula surgeons in the region.

Once again, solid research will become your best friend, as you must feel comfortable with the doctor you select. It is significant that your candidate for your surgery possesses suitable credentials and highlights a reputation for adequately beautifying his or her clients. A good indicator of the kind of surgery results to expect is achieved when you are able to browse before and after photos of past clients.

Possible Temecula Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

While we have all heard of the tummy tuck and face lift, you should become familiar with all the possibilities associated with plastic surgery. Below I have listed an assortment of cosmetic surgery procedures for you to consider:

Botox: Great for eliminating wrinkles, crows feet, and irritating frown lines.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes bags under the eyes or the droopy look of eyelids.

Breast Augmentation: As one of the most sought after procedures in cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation is not just a Hollywood fad.

Breast Lift: Improves the saggy appearance of breasts.

Brow (or Forehead) Lift: Removes excess skin found about the brow region, which can cause a more youthful look.

Chemical Peel: Used to produce smoother skin, ease acne scars, and remove precancerous cells.

Dermabrasion: Removes skin clogging elements, treats acne scars, and eases facial trauma.

Face Lift: Softens the effects of the sun, gravity, and everyday life.

Facial Implants: Bone grafts, fat grafts, silicone, and other materials are used to enhance various facial features, including the chin and cheekbones.

Facial Scar Revision: Removes the damage associated with acne scarring.

Hair Replacement: Considered one of the most effective methods in surgically correcting a balding scalp.

Handlift: Softens the appearance of wrinkles and veins found on the hands.

Laser Treatments: Removes unwanted hair, smoothes out fine lines, eliminates warts and skin cancers, treats birthmarks and freckles, and reduces scars.

Lip Enhancement (or Augmentation): Increases the fullness of lips.

Liposuction: Removes fat from just about anywhere on the body to create a leaner and more toned look.

Chin Surgery (also known as Mentoplasty): Helps create a stronger looking chin or soften the edge of pronounced angles.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping): Corrects many different nasal problems, including birth defects, upper respiratory issues, and deviated septums.

Tummy Tuck: Eradicates excess skin and fat located around the stomach region and can even help strengthen their abdominal wall.

Once you enter the recovery phase of the cosmetic surgery process, a little extra pampering really goes a long way. I would suggest that a visit to a local spa or resort makes the perfect ending to this beautifying adventure!

Rikki Quay offers plenty of great suggestions and detailed information on how to explore the ins and outs of the Temecula, California region by continuously updating her site at http://www.best-temecula-guide.com


Choosing and Using Shimmery Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is big on self expression. The colors and hues available are virtually limitless, and eye shadow textures range from light dusts and powders to glitter, cream, or even liquid that turns to powder as it dries. Eye shadow can really dress up your look, whether you opt for dramatic colors that accentuate your eyes and your outfit, or subtle, neutral tones that complement your clothing and skin tone.

The eye shadow colors of the season seem to be bright and bold or smoky and seductive, although glimmery whites and neutrals add a lovely, soft element. Favorite eye shadow colors in many parts of the world seem to be in the purple and aquamarine families - especially amethyst, and purples paired with shimmery whites. The unspoken rule: don\’t be afraid to go a little bolder, a little darker!

Bold Shades - Brilliant, Daring, and Dramatic
Makeup gives us an opportunity to enhance our best features, and for many, the eyes are among the top. If you enjoy setting and following trends, the bold and intense eye shadow colors might be perfect for you. Just imagine a lovely purple hue accenting your look, or a sparkling turquoise drawing attention to your eyes. You can pair these deeper shades with pale counterparts or a shimmery white eye shadow for a sexy, come-and-get-me look.

Many brands started offering eye shadow sets boasting three, four, or even five complementing hues. Another popular style of glimmery, shimmery eye shadow is loose shimmer dust. New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Shimmery Eyeshadow is a spa and salon favorite, but it is available online for only about $3 to $7. The loose powder colors cascade through an icy blue to frosty pinks, all presented in a spill-proof jar with their own makeup brushes.

Beautiful spring organic shades like orange, green, yellow, blue, and brown are making waves in the makeup world. Score some bold and beautiful eye shadows in these shades and experiment to create your own daring look. Mix and match eye shadow colors or stick to a single shade. Enjoy creating a look that works for you!

Neutrals - Soft and Sensuous
If you aren\’t quite brave enough for a brilliant teal or turquoise splash of color across your lids, or a pummeling of purple atop your eyes, you may want to stay within the realms of less is more. Don\’t be disappointed if you aren\’t comfortable with intense shades of eye shadow. With less of a dramatic hue, you can still have a rockin\’ look. Just choose a product that offers a subtle sparkle!

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow is a fabulous product for adding just a hint of color to your lids. I chose this type of combination eye shadow, blush, and bronzer makeup to wear on my wedding day. It worked out beautifully and I can\’t get enough of it still! The shimmer strips are available in several hues, and each compact features five different shades. The powder packs a punch with built-in sparkle. Turn it up with the darker, bottom color strips or tone it down with the top shimmer strips in lighter shades.

The nice thing about Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow is that you can use it all over your face to add shimmer and a tanner appearance. The highly practical and functional versatility make this makeup product well worth the $10 to $12 it costs. The texture is clean and smooth, and it goes on easily as eye shadow. In my experiences, it\’s even stayed put for all day or all night wear!

Wearing eye shadow can change your appearance as a fun and daring draw to your eyes. Express yourself through your eyes - after all, eye shadow can only add to your mystique when paired with powerful eye contact!

? 2008 Dances With Words, LLC / Kathryn M. D\’Imperio

About the author:
Kathryn M. D\’Imperio is a freelance writer who specializes feature articles, newsletters, press releases, Web content, ad copy, as well as other forms of print and Web media. Her favorite topics include beauty, relationships, weddings, travel, personal finance, fitness, health, restaurants, and more. For more, see: http://www.lifelovebeauty.com for Life Tips, Love Tips, & Beauty Tips.

You can also visit her at http://www.danceswithwords.com, or contact her at danceswithwords@comcast.net.


Skin Rejuvenation Options - Laser Resurfacing and Microdermabrasion

Want to rejuvenate your skin and banish blemishes but are afraid of going under the knife? Today there is a variety of new alternatives to invasive cosmetic surgery. With great results and no incisions necessary, facial treatments like laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion are gaining popularity among men and women.

Laser Skin Resurfacing -

Laser resurfacing can treat a huge array of problems … removing unsightly scars, spider veins, wrinkles, discoloration, and acne.

The type of laser used will depend on the particular treatment sought, but the basic process uses beams of light to remove the outer dermal. A new, undamaged and blemish-free complexion will be revealed.

Sessions can last anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and extent of the damage being treated. Most patients will have to make repeat visits for optimal results. It is most often used on the face, but also works well on other common problem areas of the body like the thighs.

Although highly effective and able to treat a wide variety of problems, the recovery period for laser skin resurfacing can be a nuisance. The treated areas will be dressed for a few days and once removed, the area will have to be protected with Vaseline until fully healed ten to twenty days later. Even after twenty days, skin might remain red for anywhere from two to six months afterwards, especially for fair individuals.

Fortunately, the pain level is minimal, usually equivalent to that of mild sunburn with some dryness and peeling. If you\’re looking for a milder treatment with less downtime, you might consider microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion -

During a microdermabrasion treatment an instrument that resembles a wand is massaged over the area, using any one of a variety of materials including zinc oxide or organic particles. The topmost dermal layer is abraded off.

What results is the removal of fine lines, blemishes, mild sun damage, acne, and some discoloration. Afterwards you\’re left with a new, undamaged layer of skin that can be penetrated more easily by topical moisturizers and creams. Initially the area may be irritable or red, but this usually disappears a few hours afterwards.

Microdermabrasion works best when used fairly regularly. By receiving repeated treatments, deeper dermal flaws might eventually be removed or diminished, and it will promote the process of new cell growth, giving skin a refreshed appearance.

There are also machines and creams that are available for home use. These are effective to some extent, but as you would expect, they are not nearly as powerful as the equipment available in a cosmetic surgeon\’s office.

Most people aren\’t born with a flawless complexion, and the effects of time and harmful elements can mark your skin with permanent blemishes. A good skincare regime is paramount in maintaining a healthy glow, but for those imperfections you can\’t reach with topical lotions and creams, laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion are both winning options.

A Baltimore Botox, microdermabrasion or laser treatment can help erase fine lines and wrinkles around the face, eyes, and lips. At Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, the board certified plastic surgeons combine artistry with state-of-the-art medical technology for beautiful results. http://www.drcohenplasticsurgery.com/.


Cosmetic Surgery for Men - Looking Good is for Both Sexes

Like manicures, spa treatments, and hair salons, cosmetic surgery is often viewed as an institution for women. But now more than ever, men are finding that plastic surgery and enhancing one\’s appearance is not strictly a feminine realm.

Although the majority of cosmetic surgery patients are still women, men have increasingly been requesting such procedures as facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, chin augementation, hair transplants, liposuction, and tummy tucks.

The Skin -

Currently, some of the most popular procedures among men are facial treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and Botox. Men are just as susceptible as women to facial scarring, discoloration, and blemishes. All of these things, in both sexes, can cause insecurity and premature aging.

Microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing can eliminate a variety of complexion problems, while Botox can help erase deep facial creases and expression lines. Treatment
of skin problems can promote confidence and a more youthful, attractive appearance.

The Face -

A strong profile with a straight nose and a strong jaw is often thought to be the epitome of masculinity; unfortunately, some men were born with too much nose and too little jaw. A common plastic surgery procedure is a nose job, or rhinoplasty, preformed in conjunction with a chin augmentation.

A nose job can not only shave down excessive bumps and lift a drooping tip, but it can improve breathing by straightening out the nasal passage, if needed. Chin augmentations involve slipping a small, solid implant into an incision under the jaw. These two cosmetic procedures combined can greatly improve a weak profile.

The Hair -

The one cosmetic surgery that has always been male dominated is hair transplants.

Hair loss can be a sensitive subject for many men and there is little to do to prevent or stop it. In the past, methods for hair transplant procedures were often noticeable and unnatural. New technology has emerged that eliminates the former, awkward “plug” technique. Today, hair grafts are removed from the patient\’s scalp and placed in the bald areas. The hair that is harvested remains resistant to balding, allowing new hair growth that looks natural.

The Body -

Another common surgery men are choosing is liposuction. The versatility of the procedure can help sculpt and smooth areas that are resistant to exercise and diet.

If you\’ve worked hard at pumping iron in the gym, but just can\’t seem to shake that extra jiggle below your chin or around your midsection, liposuction can permanently banish the fat, giving you a hard, lean physique.

There are many other cosmetic surgeries that can help men achieve their desired goals. Face lifts, tummy tucks, and calf implants are just some examples of other surgeries that are available.

Women may be the traditional target market for plastic surgeons, but there is a new acceptance of men choosing to undergo elective procedures. Increasing confidence and taking pride in one\’s appearance is not only limited to the female sex.

If you\’re interested in cosmetic improvement, research the various options available. You may find that there are more men than you think who have had work done or are considering it.

For men in Atlanta, plastic surgeon who is board certified is the most important part of your cosmetic surgery. Knowing your surgeon has training and experience for male plastic surgery procedures gives you peace of mind. Visit Swan Center for Plastic Surgery at http://www.swancenteratlanta.com.


Discover Why You Need A Manicure Warmer

Why would you need a warmer in order to give a manicure?

Well, that’s a very good question. The warmer isn’t for the manicure, and it isn’t used in an everyday to day basic manicure. A manicure warmer is for the giving of that very special manicure. This special type of manicure is a spa manicure. A spa manicure, is a little more expensive than its basic counterpart, but is very much worth the splurge to treat yourself every now and again.

The manicure warmer is actually used to warm wax which is used to give a spa manicure. The paraffin wax is heated and melted by the warmer. The wax is then smothered onto the hands of this lucky client. This wax will also acts as a moisturizer. It will moisture and replace essential oils that we loose through every day life, especially through hand washing. The wax will help to temporarily reduce fine lines leaving hands looking younger and softer and rough hands will appear smoother. If you continue to do this regularly your hands will continue to look younger, due to the softening of the skin.

Once the wax has melted and been applied the client she/he is left to relax and wait for the wax to set. The wax doesn’t harden into a complete solid form. It’s not like the wax of a candle or crayon, and it’s also a very thin layer, and is easily removed by a gentle rubbing motion. Once the wax has been heated and applied the manicure warmer is no longer needed. There are many different types of manicure warmers.

Some of these warmers have disposable cups that allow for easy cleaning, while others have to be cleaned daily and emptied. And if you have ever tried to clean up melted wax, you know that this is not a very pleasant task to do.

Manicure warmers can also be used for other purposes in our beauty shops. For example, a lot of our salons might use their warmer to warm the wax that is used for waxing procedures, like bikini, leg, eyebrow, upper lip, arms or even the back. These waxes are stickier and heated to a higher temperature than the wax used for a spa manicure or pedicure.

These manicure warmers can also be used to give spa pedicures, a spa pedicure, dry, rough or cracked feet can really benefit from this treatment. I have treated myself to a spa pedicure on a number of occasions, and believe me it was heaven sent, the feeling was amazing, my feet were relaxed, soft and moisturised, so this is one treatment that everyone should treat themselves to now and again.

So without the invention of manicure warmers, we wouldn’t have the greatest hand pampering known as the spa manicure.

Margi Doolan has written a whole host of information on the Magic of Manicures, which can be found by visiting her site http://www.Magic-Manicures.com


The Dangers Of Pedicures & Manicures That Could Be Lurking In Your Salon!

Pedicures and Manicures have become a luxury that is loved by people from many countries. Not just only for women; it surely wouldn’t be a surprise to see male having his feet given this beauty treatment down at the local nail salon.

Even if you are on a budget you can still treat yourself to this soothing luxury, as it’s easy to put together your own spa and relax at home in comfort and create amazing pedicures and manicures. But, if you decide to use your local salon or spa for your next manicure and pedicure, you should be aware of a few things before putting your feet into the pedicure spa.

Firstly, not all salons and spas are equally created. They might all look the same inside and out, employ attractive looking staff and pay the same salary, and their price list may also be the same, but the differences can be major.

If you think of the restaurants in your town, there will be at least one of them that probably has (or has had) a failed health & hygiene inspection that your totally unaware of as you sit and enjoy that delicious filet steak and chips that you have eaten there many times before.

Well, the same holds true with nails salons and spas. You won’t catch salmonella or see a health inspection score posted when you walk in, but there are standards that these places must hold up in order to safely serve their clients.

If you do decide to go to a salon for your manicure or pedicure, be aware of the staff and your surroundings and the tools they use. Ensuring the foot bath is of a very clean standard; the foot bath should have been drained and cleaned thoroughly with an anti-bacterial solution after the completion of the previous client’s pedicure.

The employee should ensure that the bath is not just effortlessly wiped down, but cleaned thoroughly with the proper cleaning tools and cleaner. If not cleaned properly these luxurious and comforting warm foot baths are an ideal residence for bacteria of many types. Not only do these footbaths harbour such infectious bacteria, but they can also contain flakes of skin and hair from previous clients.

One reputable salon in California was closed down due to women experiencing large, really painful boils on their legs after receiving a pedicure. This was found to be due to improper sanitation of the footbaths.

With manicures, the instruments used (tweezers, nail files, cuticle sticks, etc…) should be soaked in a sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs from one client to client. If a client is nicked during a manicure, an entry is provided for harmful bacteria and can be very dangerous if the salon fails to properly sanitize their equipment.

In addition to cleaning their tools thoroughly, manicurists should also be aware and ensure their workstation is cleaned properly between clients. This means that clean paper towels and a cleaning solution (such as Clorox or Lysol) this should be used to wipe down the work area to prevent germs and bacteria spreading.

Before you go get your next pedicure or manicure, there are some tips to follow to protect yourself. Ask around about the salon or spa you plan to visit and see if there any complaints about the service. Once you’re there, ask to see the manicurist’s license and look for disinfectant containers - be sure the solution is fresh and not old. It’s perfectly acceptable if you prefer to bring your own manicure tools, just to stay on the safe side and protect yourself.

Margi Doolan has written a whole host of information on the Magic of Manicures, which can be found by visiting her site http://www.Magic-Manicures.com

Copyright © Margi Doolan 2007