Happy 50th Birthday: Loving The Laser For Making Skin More Beautiful

The laser has been around for 50 years now?! Wow. And what a remarkable invention it has been, especially in the world of beauty. Happy Birthday, dear Laser.

We take a lot for granted when it comes to technology. And yet, without all these amazing discoveries, where would we be without them? Let's face it.....the laser makes skin more beautiful.

From what we have learned, it was Albert Enistein who actually came up with the idea back in 1917, building on his earlier calculation, that light was made up of tiny particles called photons.

Moving ahead to May 16th, 1960 (50 yrs ago yesterday), a not well-known scientist working in an underfunded lab in California set off a technological and scientific revolution! "Theodore Maiman and his assistant Irnee d’Haenens succeeded in coaxing a beam of coherent light out of a flashlamp-pumped crystal of pink ruby. The laser had arrived."

Of course, the rest is history. Today, lasers are used everywhere, everyday. From supermarket checkouts to dentists' offices, and so on.

We are loving the laser for how it's changed the skin we live in. It's marked a huge advancement in the war on aging. Today, there's a new set of aesthetic lasers designed to quickly, safely, and gently repair wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, uneven texture, broken capillaries, age spots, and sun damage.

And sometimes, lasers are even better than certain plastic surgery procedures. Let us explain:

A 2009 November article in the NY Times Fashion & Style section said that, when it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, your best bet is laser resurfacing. It's even better than surgery.

Dr. Michael McGuire, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon and president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons told the NY Times this: "If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option," he said, adding that he frequently gives laser treatments to patients in their 40s to defer face-lifts.

There are a number of different lasers available, all developed to perform unique improvements to the skin. Your dermatologist can help you seek the right laser treatment.

By the way, laser sessions are not cheap. The price can run anywhere from $400 to $8,000, and beyond, depending on what skin problem(s) you are trying to zap. But the results last a long time.

So, Happy 50th birthday to the laser.....and many more!

Perfect Anti-Perspirant That Really Stops Underarm Wetness

Underarm wetness. Sweating. Excessive perspiration.

Not pleasant to talk about, but many of us do suffer through this problem daily. Anti-perspirant after anti-perspirant. Somehow, none of them really work. And it's not easy trying to raise your arms when everyone will see the shadow of wetness under your sleeves.

We can tell you, through personal experience, we have found the perfect anti-perspirant. No more sweating, we promise. 72 hour protection, according to the company.

It's called Certain Dri, and it's been around for a number of years. It really works! And thankfully, it's available at your favorite drugstore ($5.50). Years ago, you had to send for it by mail.

Plus, there's a new Solid CertainDri out. Instead of the usual Certain Dri Roll-On, there is the solid, which works just as superbly.

Applying Certain Dri includes a bizarre method, if you will. You put it on at night, before going to sleep. That's how it works, shrinking your pores to stop excessive perspiration. And you don't need to put on a lot. Use it sparingly for several nights a week. And no fear---it will not wash off after bathing or showering. How cool is that?!

We've always been a fan of the Certain Dri Roll-On, because it feels like you're merely applying water to your underarms. It's colorless and odorless, and by the way, Certain Dri is actually water-based (vs. alcohol-based like its prescription competitors) and available without a doctor’s prescription.

There is also another fine Certain Dri product in their lineup---this one you use during the day, Certain Dri A.M. ($5.50), which provides more of a deodorant action. This little bottle stops odor.

It's an effective 2-step system in the war on sweating. And it works. Period.

For more information, take a look at these testimonials from happy users at Certain Dri.

Big Beauty Breakthrough: Asclera Injections Zap Spider Veins And Small Varicose Veins

Spider veins. And the larger varicose veins. These unattractive red and purple squiggly lines on your face or legs cause embarrassment and frustration. But now there is hope, thanks to the FDA making way for Asclera just in time for summer! Look for a huge ad blitz beginning in June or July.

Yes. This is a big beauty breakthrough! And Asclera sounds like another wonderful and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, because it is an injectable. Quick, painless, and you're good to go with new, attractive unblemished legs.

Asclera

is the first sclerosant to be approved here in the United States in over 60 years. In Europe, the vein injectable has enjoyed a fine reputation now for a number of years.

Here's how it works, ladies: Once injected, Asclera™ acts by damaging the cell lining of blood vessels, causing them to close and eventually be replaced by other types of tissue. Asclera™ is safe and effective when used as directed.

Asclera will zap tiny, uncomplicated spider veins to larger, uncomplicated varicose veins up to 3 mm in diameter. Merz Aesthetics is the company unveiling the new Asclera treatment to women here.

We are excited that something that can be done with a needle to get quick and great results.

"Spider and reticular veins are a common, often embarrassing condition that can be treated safely and effectively," says Robert A. Weiss, M.D., director of the Maryland Laser, Skin, and Vein Institute and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. "Asclera™ is a minimally-invasive option for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their legs."

We have not been able to find a price tag yet, for one treatment session of Asclera. That information isn't avaliable at the moment. But we can say, this is big beauty news!

Why The Backlash Against Almay's Newest Beauty Ambassador Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson. The golden-haired actress seems to get a lot of buzz these days, and especially now that cosmetics giant Almay has crowned the talented star to be their new beauty ambassador.

The announcement was made yesterday.

Already, bloggers galore, are bashing the choice all over the internet, calling Kate Hudson too plain, a wannabe star, not pretty enough, and so on.

Let the haters hate, Kate. We think Almay made an excellent choice, and the daughter of Goldie Hawn brings a natural, girl-next-door beauty to the Revlon-owned company.

In her new role as Almay's Global Brand Ambassador, Kate will appear in television, print and internet ads all over the world. And her first campaign for Almay is scheduled to debut later this year. “Almay is known for its fresh, effortless approach to beauty,” Kate says in the official release. “At the end of the day we all want to have fun and feel beautiful– that’s what Almay is all about.”

Almay released a photo (top) of the 30-something actress, all dolled up and wearing the company's makeup. We think Kate looks gorgeous, and trust us, most any woman would enjoy a huge cosmetics contract if given the choice.

As the Global Brand Ambassador, Kate will also represent the brand’s many philanthropic efforts. Her first appearance was last evening at the Almay Rainforest Concert in New York City.

We don't understand the Kate Hudson backlash. Why do so many women not seem to like her? There was an uproar just a few weeks ago, when Kate appeared in public with a supposedly, new enhanced bosom. So what? Even if the actress got bigger breasts through plastic surgery, she isn't the first and last celebrity to go there.

Kate looks great. And we will be curious to see her new ads for Almay and the kind of shopper her image attracts to the popular drugstore makeup brand.

We say, 'Why not, Kate?!'

Clever Adhesive Snap Hem Solution For Too Long Jeans

Can you hem, ladies?

Maybe those jeans were perfect with your Louboutins last evening, but now you need those same jeans with your classic ballet flats ASAP!

It's okay if you can't sew on a hem, because we're loving this clever no-sew solution.

We just caught the product being demonstrated on Good Morning America earlier today. It's called HemmingMyWay. Cute title. Hey..... no pins......no tape......no alterations. So easy to use.

Very clever.....'why didn't we think of that' type of invention. According to their website, just snap and go!

"HemmingMyWay: the first snap hem with a revolutionary adhesive backing that allows you to snap under your long hem for flats (and here's the kicker) unsnap to slip back into heels! Snap - Unsnap - Snap - Unsnap... Two hems at the same time....genius!

Finally...we can say no to expensive habits of buying two pairs of jeans with different hem lengths, no to pricey trips to the tailor, no to long hems dragging on the ground, and yes to running around town in stylish flats, before slipping back into stilettos for dinner."

We found HemmingMyWay at drugstore.com for $19.99 and free shipping. In a package of HemmingMyWay you get 6 pieces - 2 long pieces and 4 short pieces. And these adhesive snap hems are removable & reusable eight or more times.

Remember, ladies: Make your jeans work with every shoe in your closet!

Actually, a really clever solution, we think.

Let's Hear It For Healthy Sporty Model Hilary Rhoda

Hilary Rhoda. Most of you know her from her wonderful Estee Lauder cover girl ads. And of course, most men know about Hilary Rhoda from her sexy Sports Illustrated lay-outs. (S.I. 2010, above).

We are celebrating Hilary Rhoda today, because she represents a healthy, sporty model. Okay, sure she is still slender, but certainly not in an emaciated way. Hilary, believe it or not, wears a size 4-6 in the modeling world, with measurements of 34-26-36.5.

She is quite tall at 5' 11" And she has a strong jaw and bold, dark eyebrows. But the 22-year-old model is also muscular and strong, and not going to apologize for it.

"I'm athletic," Hilary Rhoda told one magazine. "I did ballet for a long time growing up. I played lacrosse and field hockey....from the beginning, I knew I wasn't going to change into some emaciated look. Playing sports is my background. I have an athletic build—you can take it or leave it."

Love this girl!

She goes on to give another quote about keeping active:

"Exercise has always been a part of my life from playing tons of sports growing up to now working with a trainer most days of the week. Some people dread going to the gym but I look forward to it every day." Hilary Rhoda says. She went to an all-girls Catholic school, Academy of the Holy Cross, in Kensington, Maryland, where Hilary was quite an athlete, playing basketball and soccer, and was on her school's lacrosse, swimming, and hockey teams.

And even though she is considered one of the rare, 'heavier' models, Hilary Rhoda has walked many a runway. According to her website, it's an impressive list: Designers such as, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Hermes, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren.

We're just happy to see a muscular model doing so well in a sea of super slender runway models.

Can Coenzyme Q10 And Other Supplements Give You Great Skin?

Great skin. It is something to treasure, indeed. Some of us are blessed with what seems like perfect skin. But most of us have to work very hard to keep it looking smooth, firm, and wrinkle-free.

Many of us take supplements and vitamins on a daily basis, to keep our bodies healthy and nourished. But the majority probably do not take supplements and vitamins for their complexion.

So, the question begs.......Can Coenzyme Q10 and other pills give you great skin?

Some experts say, "You betcha!"

One of the skin pioneers big on the power of anti-oxidants is Dr. Nicholas Perricone, an anti-aging expert. He says you can revitalize your skin from the outside and inside. Remember Dr. Perricone's NY Times bestseller, The Wrinkle Cure?

And Miami beach dermatologist Leslie Baumann seems to agree. Both skin experts love Coenzyme Q10. You've seen that special ingredient blended into lots of skin creams. And with good reason.

According to Dr. Baumann, it's her favorite anti-oxidant. "It protects the skin from oxidative stress and helps give cells the energy they need to repair themselves."

And Dr. Perricone writes at length about CoQ10 in The Wrinkle Cure, saying that, "CoQ10 is fat-soluble and therefore concentrates in the skin plasma membrane, providing protection against free-radical damage, which is why it's such a powerful anti-oxidant". He says there are no toxic effects, and advises taking the oral supplement at doses of 30-100 mg. daily under age 40, and 100 mg. daily over 40.

Dr. Perricone. suggests dividing the doses at breakfast and lunch. And do consult your doctor about dosages related to heart disease.

More good beauty supplements for great skin include:

Vitamin C. This super pill helps your body produce collagen.

Evening Primrose oil. This omega-6 fatty acid helps improve firmness in skin.

Fish or Flaxseed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation in the body. Omega-3s also help strengthen the skin's barrier, which means moisture locks in, and bad stuff like irritants are blocked out.

Do your research. There is a pill for great skin. And you can tailor a plan that suits your specific skin care needs.