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Vitamin C Serum for Face Beauty: The Power of Antioxidants

Using a vitamin C serum for face beauty can keep your facial skin healthy and hydrated. It can also keep your skin smooth and glowing. Vitamin C, in particular, is concentrated on the epidermis layer of the skin.

Dermatologists all over the world agree that vitamin C has plenty of benefits. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients, vitamin C is actually a potent antioxidant that can remove and neutralize oxidants, such as the ones found in environmental pollutants, as well as after ultraviolet radiation exposure.

If you include a vitamin C serum in your daily skincare regimen, you can benefit from its antioxidative action. Thus, your skin will be radiant, healthy, youthful, and smooth.

A vitamin C serum is a kind of skincare product that has vitamin C. Its consistency is like that of a gel or liquid. It is topically applied to the skin, and is available in most drug stores, department stores, and beauty stores. It is said to help brighten, firm up, and boost the collagen level in the skin.

If you include a vitamin C serum in your daily skincare regimen, you can benefit from its antioxidative action. Thus, your skin will be radiant, healthy, youthful, and smooth. You will be able to prevent the formation of radicals that tend to break down elastin and collagen.

Vitamin C is actually considered as one of the best anti-aging ingredients. Even though you can get vitamin C from food and beverages that you consume, your skin will benefit more if you directly use a topical product on it.

More Reasons to Use Vitamin C Serum

There are a lot of reasons why you should consider using vitamin C serum on your skin, particularly your face. The following are some of them:

1. It is safe for most types of skin.

Vitamin C can be used topically for extended periods of time without having adverse reactions. If you have hypersensitive skin, you might experience some irritation but only minor. You can even use vitamin C along with alpha hydroxyl acids, SPF, and retinols.

2. It is hydrating.

In a research review conducted in 2017, it was found that most healthy organs and skin contain high vitamin C concentrations. This suggests that vitamin C is accumulated from circulation.

According to the authors of the review, topical vitamin C can much better penetrate the skin if it is in ascorbic acid form.

Likewise, another review has found that magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which is also a vitamin C derivative that is commonly used for skincare, has hydrating effects on the skin. It reduces the transepidermal water loss, thus, letting the skin retain moisture better.

3. It is brightening.

Skin pigmentation can be reduced with the help of vitamin C. Moreover, your skin can be smoother and less dull if you use vitamin C serum. Regular usage of this product can make your skin glow with health.

Applying vitamin C on your skin can also impede the production of melanin, which is the dark skin color pigment. Any dark spots on your skin will fade away.

4. It reduces redness as well as evens out skin tone.

According to a study, vitamin C can also serve as an anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, it can reduce puffiness and soothe the skin. It can also neutralize any free radicals that result in oxidative damage.

It can optimize your immune system to prevent any inflammatory immune response from occurring. In addition, it can reduce redness so that you can have an even complexion. It can give you a clearer skin tone too.

5. It fades hyperpigmentation.

Aside from impeding the production of melanin, it can also fade hyperpigmentation, which tends to occur when an acne spot has healed or when there is an overproduction of melanin in a certain area.

If you use vitamin C on your skin, you will no longer have to worry about age spots, melasma, and sunspots. It will downregulate the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase in order to inhibit melanin.

6. It hydrates the area under the eyes.

When the area under your eyes is not hydrated and plump enough, you can have fine lines and under-eye circles. If you apply vitamin C on the affected areas, however, you can improve the coloration.

7. It encourages the production of collagen.

As you grow older, your collagen production decreases. This causes you to have wrinkles and fine lines on your face. If you use a vitamin C serum, you can increase your collagen production. Hence, you can diminish your wrinkles and fine lines, and prevent them from coming back.

8. It prevents skin sagging.

If your skin has enough collagen levels, it will stay firm and toned. Since vitamin C encourages the production of collagen, you need it to prevent skin sagging.

9. It fights against sun damage.

If your skin does not have enough vitamin C, it can get damaged, as well as age faster. The ultraviolet rays of the sun combined with pollutants can seriously affect your skin.

This is why you need to apply vitamin C serum on your face regularly. The antioxidants will protect your skin cells by fighting against the free radicals that damage your skin.

10. It soothes sunburns.

Vitamin C can accelerate the turnover of cells, causing damaged cells to be replaced by new healthy ones.

If you topically apply vitamin C as well as vitamin E on your skin, you can reduce any injury caused by UV irradiation. You can also reduce the inflammation that is induced by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays.

If you use vitamin C on your skin, you will no longer have to worry about age spots, melasma, and sunspots.

How to Properly Use Vitamin C Serum

Even though vitamin C serum has a lot of advantages, you should still do a skin test prior to using it. This is to help you find out if you have allergic reactions to the product.

To do a skin or patch test, simply choose a small area of your skin that is easy to conceal. This is especially necessary if you have to go to work. For example, you can choose your forearm. In case you get an allergic reaction, you can easily cover the affected area by wearing long sleeves.

Apply a tiny amount of the vitamin C serum on your skin. Let the product sit for 24 hours. If you do not experience any negative side effects, such as developing hives, rash, or redness, you can go ahead and apply the product on your face. Otherwise, you have to stop using it and throw away the product.


Typically, vitamin C serum is applied one to two times per day. Nonetheless, you should follow the instructions stated on the label of the product. And if you want even better results from your vitamin C serum for face beauty and health, try out our Pueraria Mirifica Facial serum!

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Loreal Face Serum Benefits (and One Amazing Natural Alternative)

With the inclusion of highly concentrated retinol, Loreal Face Serum is definitely one of the best anti-aging products you can come across in the market. As a vitamin A variant, Retinol removes fine facial lines and helps in eliminating the clarity of pores. Many dermatologists declare it as an effective anti-ager. Let’s take a look into how retinol functions in the presence of Loreal products.

Loreal’s Face Serum is one of the very best, but excellence comes with a price, that’s why a cheaper alternative must be something you should definitely check out.

When Retinol is present on an anti-aging cream, it’s actually a curative ingredient that targets multiple portions on our skin, including the presence of acne. As our skin ages, collagen production and cell turnover slow down and visible signs of skin aging appear. They could be spots, fine lines, or wrinkles. For these concerns, Retinol would be an excellent treatment choice.

The most powerful effects of Retinol are on collagen. It has a dual effect as it helps to decrease the amount of collagen production from sunlight exposure and it stimulates the creation of new collagen so that skin gets revitalized. In the formation of acne, retinol unclogs pores and exfoliates the skin. It also decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Retinol as a cream can offer protection against UV rays, which makes it an excellent sunscreen. For every outdoor activity, it should be the best facial regimen every woman must never ignore. Sunburn is expected to be at bay whenever Retinol protection, such as that of Loreal’s products, are present.

Loreal’s Face Serum Usage and Application

When applied to the facial skin, Loreal’s Face Serum encourages cell turnover and renewal. This makes your skin smoother because it provides a more toned and even appearance. To gain retinol tolerance, the skin must often build up retinoid receptors first.

Retinoids are proteins that naturally exist in anyone’s skin, and they let Loreal’s Serum do its work. Skin builds retinoid receptors through regulated exposure. For this reason, experts recommend that consumers should start slow with retinal products whether it’s Loreal, or any other similar cosmetic brand.

In addition, experts also suggest that microencapsulation should be used in applying those products because they create an invisible shield on the skin surface to help produce moisture loss, which is critical for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

“Excellence comes with a price, that’s why a cheaper alternative must be something you should definitely check out.”

In using Loreal’s Face Serum, you should begin by using it gradually, so that your skin’s tolerance towards it will be built slowly but safely. It should prevent and reduce irritation as you get exposed to the sun daily by starting to apply it once a week, then twice a week, then every day. It should be the perfect way to condition your skin into adopting the product.

Loreal’s Face Serum is one of the very best, but excellence comes with a price, that’s why a cheaper alternative must be something you should definitely check out.

Pueraria Mirifica Facial Serum

If affordability is a major concern for you in your beautification endeavors, the facial serums derived from the plant called Pueraria Mirifica are worth a look. When applied regularly, it can offer the same level of skin rejuvenation that more expensive products have offered as well.

Pueraria Mirifica Serums activates collagen production, which maintains the elasticity of facial skin. It will appear firmer and more youthful looking. The product lines are still a bit new to the market, which makes them a brilliant opportunity to seek out.

Phytoestrogens are the wonder that works behind Pueraria serums and creams. They are hailed as “mother nature’s helpers for menopause symptoms.” The reason Pueraria Mirifica is labeled as such is because it invigorates the health issues of women as it helps the treatment of hot flashes, decreasing libido, skin-aging, and all of the typical menopausal stuff that women have to deal with.

By applying Pueraria cream on your face, you can trick the skin into having enough circulating estrogen, which is responsible for feminine bodily development and functions. These include breast enlargement and achieving smoother skin. By regularly applying Pueraria Mirifica Serum, women can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, including the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

There are plenty of phytoestrogen sources in the plant world, but one of the richest providers of this substance is the Pueraria Mirifica plant from Thailand and Burma. Isoflavones are also present in the plant, which are excellent for dealing with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and loss of cognitive function.

In the buildup of facial wrinkles, phytoestrogen extracts such as those offered by Pueraria Mirifica Facial Serums can help prevent the presence of those fine lines even before they happen.

Reasons for Choosing Pueraria Mirifica Facial Serum over Loreal Facial Serum

Loreal has the advantage of popularity and longevity in the market. It has established a solid-enough reputation that makes its products unquestionably appealing and effective among a great number of consumers.

The major upside to using Pueraria Mirifica would be the lesser expense it requires. Compared to Loreal’s Facial Serum, Pueraria is significantly cheaper. Though prices could vary depending on the outlet you purchase it from, Pueraria serums and creams are typically priced at just $20 or less per 30ml bottle.

In contrast, Loreal’s Facial Serum costs around $30 for just one 30 ml bottle. Thus, Pueraria offers a better beauty alternative at a lower cost, and with a longer mode of usage.

By regularly applying Pueraria Mirifica Serum, women can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, including the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

Deciding for Yourself

Beyond the Pueraria and Loreal comparison, there is a variety of products that you can freely explore and compare to the aforementioned in terms of effectiveness. However you may decide, you just have to bear in mind that in addition to the beautification regimen that you indulge in every day, a healthy lifestyle must always be a priority.

Decreasing sunlight exposure, consuming healthier foods, and applying sunscreen are always the best basic tips that any woman regardless of age, race, or ethnicity can always implement.


Both Loreal Face Serum and Pueraria Serum can be a good addition to your already solid beautification routine. The most ideal choice would be the one that works for you based on your budget and your natural body reactions.

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Anti-Wrinkle Pillow for a Younger Skin: Does It Really Work?

Is there such a thing as an anti-wrinkle pillow? Do they really work?

You may have heard of the power of beauty sleeps but if you really want to maximize their rejuvenating power, then you might want to switch to a different face pillow.

However, you also need to understand how these anti-aging pillows work and what other factors can contribute to the lines that we see in our faces as we grow older.

Researchers have attributed a host of health benefits to Pueraria mirifica which help to contribute to naturally increasing breast size.

We can classify the different causes of aging into intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Intrinsic aging refers to the internal factors that cause wrinkles and other age marks on the skin.

Examples of internal factors include the following:

  • Reduction of skin resiliency
  • Collagen degradation
  • Reduced elastin production

Unfortunately we have no direct control over some of these internal factors. They usually come with aging and it’s just the natural way of things.

On the other hand, extrinsic causes can be controlled—these are factors that you can do something about. Some of these external factors include the following:

  • Stress
  • Inflammation
  • Chemical exposure
  • Over exercising
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Free radicals
  • Smoking
  • UV radiation

As you can see, there are measures that you can take in order to reduce your exposure to UV radiation and free radicals. You can change dietary habits and also reduce body inflammation.

So, where does using an anti-wrinkle pillow fit in? The short answer is that it helps both for intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

The quality of your sleep can help to reduce stress and a better and more comfy pillow can help you with that. The surface quality of your pillow can also reduce the compression and tension on the skin while you sleep, which is an extrinsic factor.

Take note that the main culprits that cause wrinkles are the reduction of elastin and collagen levels as well as the pressure, compression, and tension on your skin that happen when you sleep at night.

The secret of every anti-wrinkle pillow is in their material, design, and shape. Some are designed in such a way as to keep your cheek away from any contact with the pillow itself.

Benefits for Those Over 40

An anti-wrinkle pillow is more beneficial to men and women who are over 40. That is about the age when we start to lose a huge amount of collagen.

Collagen production in the human body starts to slow down when we reach our 20s to 30s. From that time the body’s collagen production starts to go down by 1% per year.

It doesn’t have a big impact at first but as the years go by, the effects become more evident. By age 40 we already have a dramatic drop in collagen.

Around this time we experience a variety of related symptoms such as loss of energy, drying skin, sagging, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

That is why younger people can sleep any other way they want and it won’t show on their faces. In short, they don’t really need an anti-wrinkle pillow.

Their skin can just go back to their original form after the pressure, tension, exposure, and irritants have done their dirty work. Older folks who have skin that is no longer as supple, will need these pillows to prevent wrinkling over time.

Factors to Consider

Before we go to your pillow options, we need to determine the factors that will come into play when you choose the right anti-wrinkle pillow that suits your needs. These are the features that you should keep in mind:

  • Cost: some pillows for wrinkles can cost more than others. The material, design, and brand will affect the price of each product.
  • Material: manufacturers will use different materials to make their products—which affect their quality and level of comfort. These anti-aging pillows can be made with synthetic fibers, latex, memory foam, down, and others.
  • Construction: quality construction will mean that a pillow will last longer. Apart from the type of material that they are made of, the type of construction will also affect how well the pillow will stay in shape after a lot of uses.
  • Comfort: the comfort that you get from a pillow will depend on the design and material it is made from. Some pillows are better suited for side sleepers while others are better for tummy sleepers.
  • Care and Maintenance: again, depending on the material and construction of these pillows, how you care for them will also vary. Some need to be washed and dried separately so pay attention to the instructions that come with each product.

Anti-Wrinkle Pillow Options

We don’t endorse any particular brand but there are certain designs and materials that we want to highlight, which might help you find the best anti-aging pillow that matches your needs.

Here are some of the best options today:

1. Cervical Ergonomic Design

Remember that the secret behind these pillows is that they keep your cheek away from direct or intense contact with the pillow, which will reduce the tension and pressure on your skin.

That is what an ergonomic design does for you—these pillows have a V-shape design that supports the head but leaves the cheeks suspended or hanging. It provides you with enough support so you can sleep on your side but relieves the pressure and tension on your face.

2. Silk and Bamboo Fiber Pillowcases

Silk fabrics can reduce the friction on your face and thus will help to reduce wrinkles with prolonged use. The problem is that it is pretty expensive.

A good economic alternative is a bamboo fiber pillowcase. It provides you with the following benefits:

  • Eco friendly
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Natural UV protection
  • It is one of the softest fabrics
  • Insulating – keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer
  • Very sweat absorbent – moisture wicking
  • Antibacterial

3. Contoured Design

Look for anti-aging pillow cases with contoured design if you’re looking for something that can provide you with all around support for your neck and head.

These are the pillows sold online that don’t look like pillows. They have special contours that support your head but keep your cheeks from direct contact with the pillow or the bed itself.

Some of these special contoured pillows were designed by plastic surgeons. Some have recesses that support the head but prevent the skin from touching any fabric.

Note that these pillows need some time to get used to. But once you get the hang of them, they’re pretty comfy actually.

Several medical studies have touted the beneficial effects of Fenugreek apart from its potential as natural breast enlarger. Note that these studies aren’t 100% conclusive and a lot of research still needs to be done.

Conclusion

Note that even though these pillows work, it might take a while before you can see any visible effects. Some even consider them to be a preventive measure—they are better for preventing further wrinkling.

If you’re interested in getting rid of wrinkles fast using organic and natural methods, then we suggest that you try natural phytoestrogens, which are more reliable—especially those made from the Thai herb pueraria mirifica.

This herbal extract provides you with the following benefits:

  • Skin hydration
  • Increased skin elasticity
  • Delays skin aging
  • Reduces wrinkle depth

You can choose between creams and serums that are safe to use on your face. They are a more reliable option compared to any anti-wrinkle pillow if you’re looking for faster results.

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Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks: Everything You Need to Know

If I use microdermabrasion for stretch marks, will it work? Will it be an effective means of getting rid of wrinkles, stretch marks, and other skin problems?

We will answer all these questions in the discussion below.

Researchers have attributed a host of health benefits to Pueraria mirifica which help to contribute to naturally increasing breast size.

Microdermabrasion is a medical procedure that is considered minimally invasive and painless. It has been observed as an effective treatment procedure for treating white stretch marks.

Note however that the effectiveness of this treatment will vary from person to person. Red stretch marks also respond better to this type of treatment.

It targets only the upper layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis. The procedure makes use of exfoliating crystals that are applied on the target area of treatment.

A cosmetic surgeon will then use a wand-like tool to rub over the area where the exfoliating crystals were sprayed. This removal of the skin’s epidermis stimulates the skin to produce new elastin and collagen fibers.

The said crystals are then removed at the end of the exfoliation. Dead skin cells also get removed in the process.

Note that since the procedure was approved by the FDA in 1996, there have been many types of microdermabrasion techniques that have been developed. Some techniques make use of sodium bicarbonate instead of exfoliating crystals.

Other types of microdermabrasion for stretch marks make use of aluminum oxide particles instead. A vacuum may also be used in lieu of an abrasive surface.

What is Microdermabrasion Used For?

Microdermabrasion is useful for renewing the skin’s texture. It can also improve the general skin tone.

It is also useful for treating the following skin conditions:

Note that microdermabrasion is very useful for skin conditions that are age related. That means it can be very useful for treating hyperpigmentation and the reduction of really deep wrinkles.

How Does It Work?

Microdermabrasion is a medical procedure that can be performed in clinics—there’s no need to go to the hospital. The procedure only takes about an hour to perform.

Depending on which state you live in, this procedure may be performed by a healthcare provider (cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist etc.) or it can be performed by other licensed skin care professionals.

The main process in microdermabrasion is exfoliation. It refers to the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin.

Studies show that exfoliation is an effective procedure for skin aging and photo aging. It is usually performed by dermatologists or in other medical professional.

Types of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a type of mechanical exfoliation and not a chemical one. The differences in the types of this procedure have more to do with the type of equipment being used.

Here are the most common types of microdermabrasion for stretch marks by the tools used.

1. Crystal Microdermabrasion

This is the more common type of microdermabrasion and this might be the type that will be used if you want stretch marks removed.

In this type of procedure, a specialized hand piece will spray very fine crystals on your skin. After exfoliation, the crystals are suctioned away.

2. Diamond Tip Hand Piece Method

If a deeper exfoliation is needed then a diamond tip hand piece may be used by your dermatologist. Don’t worry; this tool is very gentle on the skin.

The depth of the exfoliation will be dictated by how much pressure is applied by your dermatologist or skin care practitioner. Note that diamond tip hand pieces are the tools of choice when working on more sensitive skin.

Your health worker may use a combination of crystal and diamond tip tools. Diamond tips are usually better for areas near the eyes where the skin is more sensitive.

3. Hydradermabrasion

This is a newer type of microdermabrasion for stretch marks. It involves simultaneous dermal fusion.

It is best suited for stimulating blood flow to the skin. It is also an effective method for stimulating the production of collagen in the face.

Targeted Areas

The target areas for this type of skin peel will vary depending on where the stretch marks will be located. Remember that it isn’t only used for the face.

Microdermabrasion for stretch marks can be applied to the following areas of the body:

  • Face
  • Waistline
  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Upper area of the thighs
  • Forehead
  • Cheekbones
  • Jawline
  • Neck

You can also ask your dermatologist if you can have a full body microdermabrasion. Note that this procedure is not suitable for areas where the skin is thinner.

Areas of your body that are irregularly shipped may not be suitable for application as well. This includes your hands, feet, and the skin on your ears.

Why Does Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks Work?

Microdermabrasion is considered as an effective skin treatment. It is one of your best options for treating stretch marks.

Remember that stretch marks are usually formed in women during pregnancy. You can also get it when you gain weight.

During these times, the tissues below the skin swells and pushes outward thus making that stretch. The mid layer of the skin is unable to grow fast enough to accommodate the mass and thus it ruptures.

The damage will look like red lines on the skin. As the skin heals, the red lines turn into white due to the repairs filling up with collagen.

Microdermabrasion works because it can reach the top and middle layers of the skin (i.e. the problem areas). It will then stimulate the growth of new skin replacing the stretched out ones on top.

Several medical studies have touted the beneficial effects of Fenugreek apart from its potential as natural breast enlarger. Note that these studies aren’t 100% conclusive and a lot of research still needs to be done.

Downsides of Using Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks

The side effects of this procedure are very minimal which includes redness, a little bit of swelling, and mild tenderness on the skin where the technique was applied.

The other downside of using this procedure is that it will cost you some money. It may be a bit too expensive for some people.

If you’re looking for more safe and affordable alternatives to microdermabrasion for stretch marks, then treatments using phytoestrogens, the ones extracted from pueraria mirifica specifically, may be a good option.

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Marine Collagen vs. Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better for Your Health and Beauty?

Which is better, marine collagen or bovine collagen? The former is sourced mostly from fish skin and the latter is taken from cow hides.

Collagen is the main protein in the cellular structure that is found in the connective tissues of the body. It is actually the most abundant protein in the body.

There are certain health benefits which are associated with the use of collagen as a type of topical treatment.

Researchers have attributed a host of health benefits to Pueraria mirifica which help to contribute to naturally increasing breast size.

Other than water, the next most abundant substance in the human body is collagen. Its importance in the human body cannot be stressed even further.

Unfortunately, our bodies start to experience a reduced collagen production at the rate of 1.5% each year. This usually begins when we reach our early 20s.

At this rate the human body will be producing less collagen by up to 25% by the time people reach the age of 40.

This reduced collagen production is often associated with a lot of aging symptoms which include the following:

  • Issues with digestion
  • Hair thinning
  • Fine lines
  • Aching joints

Combined with certain types of amino acids, supplementing with collagen does not only prevent the symptoms mentioned above, they also provide the following health benefits:

If you’re interested in these benefits then it might be a good idea to try taking collagen supplements. However, the question is which type of supplement you should try.

Collagen is often sourced from different animal sources, which are the following:

  • Chicken cartilage
  • Porcine (pigs)
  • Marine (fish)
  • Bovine (cows)

The most common ones are marine and bovine collagen, which is the topic under discussion in this review. We’ll compare these two options in the discussion below.

Why Use Marine Collagen?

As it was mentioned earlier, marine collagen is mainly sourced from fish skin such as salmon and others. Note however that it can also be extracted from other sea creatures such as sea sponges, starfish, and jellyfish.

Note that some marine collagen production sites do not just use fish skin. Some other marine parts are used such as bones, tails, and other unused marine parts become sources as well.

1. A Good Type 1 Collagen Source

Marine collagen is actually a better source of type 1 collagen. This is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body.

Studies suggest that type 1 collagen is also the better option if you want to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. It is better at restoring that youthful glow and plumpness of the skin, which is why it has been used in the cosmetics industry for many years.

2. Higher Bio Availability

Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a substance (such as a medicine or nutrient) that enters into the body and actually gets used in its metabolic processes so as to have any usable impact or effect.

The higher the bioavailability of a substance the better it is at providing health benefits and the greater is its effect on one’s health.

Note that marine collagen is often broken down into smaller peptides, which are amounts that are easier for the body to use. That means if you’re looking for increased hydration, more firmness, and improved skin elasticity due to using collagen supplements, then marine collagen may be the better option for you compared to bovine collagen.

3. Has Less Environmental Impact

Using this source of collagen is actually better for the environment since it can make use of the huge amount of unused and often discarded fish and other marine life parts globally.

This represents a total of about 11.7 million tons of marine life parts that are only discarded year after year. Compared to protein taken from bovine, the ones from fish and other marine life usually release only a fraction of the greenhouses produced by such an extraction process.

4. Great Option for Pescatarians and Other Dietary Options

Pescatarians are those who do not eat meat (e.g. pork, chicken, beef, etc.) but do eat fish and seafood including fish. In short they do not consume meat from terrestrial animals.

This is of course a personal preference and a subjective worldview. On that note, using marine collagen is also a great option for people on a kosher diet, i.e. those who prescribe to strict Jewish religious law.

5. Great Source of Hydroxyproline

Hydroxyproline is one of the essential components of connective tissues, blood vessel walls, and of course the skin. This type of collagen is a great source of this amino acid.

6. Reduces Wrinkles

Some studies suggest that collagen derived from fish and marine life is better at reducing wrinkles, increasing skin elasticity, and rebuilding tissues.

7. Reduces UV Exposure

Collagen sourced from fish skin is seen as a better option if you’re looking for better UV protection. It does that by increasing the moisture levels of the skin.

8. Protection from Skin Aging

Fish collagen has also been observed to be quite effective at preventing skin aging and oxidation. This effect is attributed to its rich antioxidant content.

Marine Collagen Downsides

The biggest downside of this type of collagen is that it may give off that fishy taste. It’s not that the supplement powder will have a strong distinct smell.

In fact, if you smell the supplement in its powder or other form, it won’t have any strong smell. Nevertheless, those who are sensitive to fish-like or seafood-like smells tend to notice it than most users.

However, if you add the supplement powder to coffee or tea, it actually doesn’t affect the flavor and taste of these beverages.

Why Use Bovine Collagen?

If you have no qualms over using beef as a food source then having bovine collagen shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that bovine collagen can be sourced from finished, grass fed, and conventional feed lot cattle.

This means that if you’re concerned about how the cow hides have been harvested (ergo in a humane way), then you should ask for bovine collagen that was sourced from grass fed cattle.

However, it should also be pointed out here that the majority of bovine collagen sold in stores today has been harvested from grass fed cow hides. A major source is Argentinian cows, which are known as cattle that have been grass fed their entire lifetimes.

These cows have a reputation for not having been treated with excessive antibiotics and artificial growth hormones. You might want to ask which country the bovine collagen was sourced from.

1. A Mix of Type 1 and 3 Collagen

Bovine collagen contains a mix of type 1- and type 3-collagen. Type 1 collagen is better for skin care and type 3 benefits ligaments, tendons, and bones.

However, if you’re more concerned about skin health and care, then marine collagen may be a better option for you since it is mostly made up of type 1 collagen.

2. Reduced Joint Pain

Studies show that bovine collagen can help boost the production of cartilage. Cartilage is that part of the bones that provides a cushion to the joints.

This may be a great benefit for those who suffer from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

3. Improved Strength

Another benefit of using bovine collagen is that it may help to increase strength and athletic performance. One of the effects of bovine collagen is that it helps the body recycle ATP a lot faster and more efficiently.

ATP or adenosine triphosphate is a chemical compound that serves as the energy source of the body’s cells. When ATP processing in the cellular level is more efficient, you get more explosive power and increased muscular strength.

4. Improved Muscle Recovery

Bovine collagen may be beneficial for athletes. The amino acids contained in this type of collagen can help speed up muscle recovery, which is great if you work out a lot.

5. Boosts Gut Health

People who suffer from leaky gut syndrome may also benefit from taking bovine collagen. Studies suggest that it may help to repair the gut lining by healing tiny microscopic holes there.

6. Great Option If You Are Allergic to Seafood

It is true that not everyone can take products sourced from fish skin or other types of seafood due to their allergies. If you experience any allergic reaction to marine collagen then you other option is to use bovine collagen.

7. Most Abundant Product in Stores

Bovine collagen is also the most abundant type of collagen in stores today. You can find it in pretty much every health shop and online store today.

Bovine Collagen Downsides

People who are sensitive to smells will find the scent of bovine collagen to be a bit distasteful at best. It is also not a good choice for people who live by certain types of diets.

Bovine collagen is the slightly more expensive option compared to marine collagen. If you’re looking for healthier glowing skin, then this is may not be the best type of collagen for your needs.

But if you’re looking for overall joint and bone health, then bovine collagen may be the superior option.

Several medical studies have touted the beneficial effects of Fenugreek apart from its potential as natural breast enlarger. Note that these studies aren’t 100% conclusive and a lot of research still needs to be done.

An Option for Vegans

Vegans and vegetarians can’t take marine or bovine collagen simply because of the animal sources of these products. The good news is that there is a third option—phytoestrogens.

If you’re looking for better skin health without having to risk taking animal products or byproducts, then phytoestrogen face and skin serums may provide you the same results minus the risks from taking marine collagen.

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Menopause Acne Causes, Treatment, and Skincare

Women can get menopause acne when they reach their 40s or 50s. It is a type of hormonal acne, which means that it is caused by fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels.

Experts from the American Academy of Dermatology Association estimate that around 50% of women around the world will experience a certain degree of acne. It is also estimated that around 25% of menopausal women will get acne in their late years.

The good news is that there are plenty of great solutions that will help women through the second stage of facial troubles when they get menopause acne.

The first time that we get this type of acne is during puberty. During that age, young human bodies are undergoing a lot of stages, including changes in hormonal levels.

For young girls, this is the first time that they will experience hormonal acne. Note however, that it may also occur at some other age.

That is what hormonal acne during menopause actually is. It is the acne that women experience when they enter menopause due to the overproduction of androgen.

The good news is that there are plenty of great solutions that will help women through the second stage of facial troubles when they get menopause acne.

Symptoms of Menopause Acne

Acne symptoms during menopause often accompany other menopause symptoms as well. They include the following:

  • Production of bacteria on the facial skin that causes acne breakouts
  • Clogged follicles on the skin
  • Increased production of sebum
  • An overall inflammation of the skin

This type of acne looks like any other regular form of acne that you may have experienced previously. Some may have cysts, bumps, small pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Menopause Acne Treatments Prescribed by Doctors

When the type of acne that you experience is mild, then you may not need to consult with your doctor. You can use any over the counter medication that you can get access to.

However, these OTC treatments may not be that effective if you have a more severe form of acne. If the pimples and other symptoms don’t go away after using OTC treatments, then it would be wise to consult with your doctor.

Your physician may recommend certain treatments that are usually more potent. This may include medication that will help to balance a woman’s hormonal levels.

Think of it as working on the acne from the inside out.

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications that can clear up your acne. This includes anti-androgen drugs as well as oral contraceptives.

1. Anti-Androgen Medication

If the cause of your acne is an increase in androgen hormones, then anti-androgen drugs might be prescribed to you by your doctor. These medications work by reducing the production of androgen, the male hormone.

Note that when a woman’s body produces too much androgen, it can actually lead to an acne outbreak. The excess production causes an increase of oil production in the skin.

One of the anti-androgen medications that your doctor can prescribe to you is spironolactone. Note that this medicine is primarily used for the treatment hypertension.

However, it also has an anti-androgen effect. Once this effect is reached, your body has the chance to stabilize hormone levels and eventually get rid of acne caused by too much androgen production.

2. Oral Contraceptives as Anti-Acne Treatments

Your doctor may prescribe certain oral contraceptives to help counter the acne you’re experiencing. The ones that your doctor may prescribe usually contain ethinylestradiol.

It may also contain other medications such as norethindrone, norgestimate, and drospirenone. Note that these compounds can target the hormones that are causing acne.

Note however these medications are not a suitable option for women who have a history of breast cancer. They are also not recommended for women who have high blood pressure.

Women who smoke aren’t supposed to take any of the above mentioned medications. If you have a history of blood clots then oral contraceptives may not be a suitable option for you as well.

3. Retinoids

For mild cases of menopause acne, then your doctor can prescribe retinoids to you. They may also work well for women who are not too keen on swallowing pills since they are can be packaged in topical form.

Note that retinoids are produced from vitamin A. You have the option to choose from different topical retinoid products, which includes:

  • Lotions
  • Gels
  • Creams

Note however that these products may be sold over the counter. However, the efficacy of OTC versions may not be as good as you might think.

A prescription is required for more effective retinoid topical treatments. Ask your doctor about this option if you want to keep your skin clearer of acne a lot more consistently.

Note that you can use retinoid creams and lotions in tandem with other acne treatments as well. However, here’s a big tip—don’t forget to put on some sunscreen after you apply retinoid products on your face.

One of the biggest drawbacks of these topical treatments is that they can increase your chances of sunburn.

Natural Treatments for Menopause Acne

Not everyone may be willing to pop a pill or apply some sort of cream even if it is prescribed by their doctors. The good news is that there are natural treatments that you can opt for.

If you only have a mild case of acne during menopause, then you may opt for more natural and organic solutions instead. They are usually free of side-effects and they may even be just as good as the ones sold commercially in stores.

Remember that just like prescription and OTC treatment options, each natural treatment will address different symptoms and causes.

If one of the treatments mentioned below would seem not to work, then maybe it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the menopause acne.

Apart from that, some of the treatments below will be more effective than the others. However, it would be wise to consult with your doctor about them as well especially if you’re taking other medications for other medical conditions.

Here are some of the natural treatments that you can opt for:

1. Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are plant based estrogens, which is what their namesakes literally mean. They are compounds that can naturally be sourced from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and a wide range of plant foods.

If you add these grains, legumes, veggies, and others into your diet you are essentially getting phytoestrogens from the food you eat. They are a rich and healthy source of nutrients and they may be able to help with acne during menopause.

As it was mentioned earlier, androgen (i.e. also known as the male hormone), can cause acne in women. It is due to this hormonal imbalance that women who are in menopause experience acne all over again.

Phytoestrogens function pretty much the same way as the estrogen produced by the human body. That means they may be able to counteract the hormonal imbalance that older women are experiencing.

By restoring the balance of hormones in the body, phytoestrogens may relieve acne symptoms and also prevent future outbreaks. You may consider it to be a safe and cost-efficient solution.

You can get phytoestrogens from your regular diet or by taking supplements. Phytoestrogen supplements, creams, and serums made from Pueraria Mirifica come highly recommended because this Thai herb contains some of the best quality phytoestrogens.

2. Green Tea

If one of the underlying causes of the acne you’re experiencing is inflammation, then green tea extracts may help. You can drink a few cups of great tea a day to help reduce the inflammation on the skin.

Another option is to use topical solutions such as gels and lotions that contain at least 2% green tea extract. You can use them along with your regular skin care regimen.

3. AHAs

AHAs or Alpha hydroxy acids are also plant-based solutions. They are derived from a variety of citrus fruits.

These extracts remove the dead skin cells that clog the pores of the skin. Not only can they be used to treat acne, they also have that extra benefit of taking away the scars caused by acne outbreaks.

You can AHA creams and OTC masks in health and beauty shops. Note however, that they may cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Don’t forget to apply some sunscreen when you go out in the open after doing AHA treatment on your face.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Another effective natural topical treatment for menopause acne is tea tree oil. It also works by reducing the inflammation on the skin.

Studies show that people with mild to moderate acne may benefit well by using these extracts as part of their overall acne regimen. Experts recommend a 5% concentration for any treatment.

Note that you should not apply tea tree oil directly on the skin. Just like other essential oils, it should be diluted a carrier oil.

Here are some of the most suitable carrier oils that you can choose from:

  • Olive oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Coconut oil

5. Dietary Changes

Making changes to your diet will greatly help with menopause acne. Adding foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and in turn help reduce acne symptoms.

You should also avoid or at least reduce your consumption of certain foods such as red meats, refined carbs, dairy products, and sugary foods and drinks.

You can take an all-natural solution which is effective and cost-efficient or you can ask your doctor for prescriptions for more serious acne conditions.

Conclusion

Don’t forget to follow the usual acne treatment regimen such as:

  • Washing your face in the morning and in the evening
  • Use peels and topical products to remove clogs on skin pores
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Apply only pea sized doses of acne products to prevent skin dryness

Following this regimen and using appropriate treatments can help you manage menopause acne. You can take an all-natural solution which is effective and cost-efficient or you can ask your doctor for prescriptions for more serious acne conditions.

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Cellulite Massager for Smooth and Glowing Skin: How to Use and What to Expect

Cellulite can be a big frustration for women regardless of their age. It’s characterized by a dimpling on the surface of the skin – a lot like how the surface of an orange looks like. However, this “dimpling” only happens when the affected area is pinched or some pressure is placed on it.

The condition often occurs along the thigh and buttocks area. Note though that while women are popular for worrying about cellulite, the condition can occur on both genders. It’s a perfectly harmless condition and people shouldn’t have any problem doing daily tasks even with cellulite.

Cellulite massagers are the primary treatment being advertised today for cellulite removal. The cellulite will break down, leaving you with a smooth and even skin.

The causes of cellulite isn’t exactly known – but genetics plays a huge role in their appearance. It often appears on skin surfaces that accumulate too much fat cells, pushing up into the skin while an opposing force of fibrous connective cords pulls downwards. As a result, you get a dimpling outer layer of the skin.

Note though that since genetics can also play a role in cellulite appearance, even fit people can have this issue. Since there are no associated health conditions with cellulite, there’s really no need to treat the problem. Of course, those who want to remove them for cosmetic reasons can try different products to make this possible.

Using Cellulite Massagers to Help Reduce Cellulites

Cellulite massagers are the primary treatment being advertised today for cellulite removal. These massagers work by breaking up the fat and promoting blood flow to the affected area. Allegedly, if you do this often enough – the cellulite will break down, leaving you with a smooth and even skin.

Massagers come in different forms. There comes the manual types such as foam rollers which move around the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, the American Council on Exercises has declared that the use of foam rollers don’t really help with cellulite appearance.

A third method for cellulite removal would be dry brushing. With this method, you take a brush and use it on the affected area for a few minutes each day. Like with electric massagers, this is supposed to shift the fat around and promote blood flow to create even skin. Unfortunately, there’s also no verifiable proof that dry brushing really does help with cellulite removal.

There’s also the electronic type which vibrates and glides over the surface of the skin. This is by far the most popular one because of its ease of use. Another well-known method is cupping which can drain the body of fluids and therefore improve the appearance of cellulite in the body.

Do Cellulite Massagers Work?

There’s no solid research that verifies the effectiveness of cellulite massagers to help with cellulite. Although there’s a small sample of people who says that it works, an extensive study still needs to be done before cellulite massagers can be recommended by the medical community. If combined with other cellulite treatments however, the chances of eradicating cellulite becomes more promising.

For example, the introduction of phytoestrogens can do so much in helping control and minimize cellulite occurrences. This compound is derived from plants and manages to mimic estrogen by preventing pre-menopausal systems and improving skin elasticity. In a study conducted regarding the compound, it was found that phytoestrogens help improve elastic fiber and collagen composition of the skin.

Phytoestrogens can be found in plants products and with a good diet, you can naturally introduce it in your body. There are also concentrated supplements that contain this compound such as the Pueraria Mirifica extract.

Using Pueraria Mirifica – Phytoestrogens for Cellulite Removal

Pueraria Mirifica is a cellulite removal serum as opposed to a cream skin product. This is an important classification of the item because serums typically have a lighter texture that’s closer to water. This makes it easier for the skin to absorb and doesn’t create a heavy thick mask on the surface.

The Pueraria Mirifica itself is a plant that comes from Thailand. It was put into focus after it was concluded that Asian citizens in general have lower menopausal symptoms as opposed to Western countries.

It has been traditionally used for all sorts of ailments including but not limited to: low libido, hot flashes, mood swings, high cholesterol, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis. If you’ll notice – most of those situations are indicative of menopause – which is why they’re almost exclusively used by women. It works because Pueraria Mirifica contains phytoestrogens which is plant-based estrogen. Simply put, Pueraria Mirifica can mimic estrogen in the body and therefore help restore the balance.

But what does it have to do with cellulite removal? The substance contains phytoestrogens which is the most important compound in relation to cellulite removal.

Health Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica

It Can Help with Vaginal Health

When administered topically, Pueraria Mirifica can help keep the vaginal area healthy. Specifically, it prevents dryness of the vagina which may be caused by menopause or as a side effect of certain drugs. This conclusion was found after a study conducted on postmenopausal monkeys where a concentrated compound of the plant was topically applied onto the target area.

After 28 days of continued application, there was a noticeable improvement on the tissue health as well as its pH. A similar study was conducted, this time in postmenopausal women and the same happy results were noticed.

In the same study, the effectiveness of Pueraria Mirifica was compared with that of a topical estrogen product with results that estrogen performed slightly better in helping with vaginal dryness.

Helps with Skin Hydration

Keeping the skin hydrated is one of the secrets in keeping it flexible, plump, and wrinkle-free.

The use of Pueraria Mirifica in a study shows that when applied overtime, the product can help keep the skin hydrated, preventing wrinkles and all the other drawbacks that come with dry skin. This includes reduction of pore size and wrinkle depth as well as bring back the elasticity of the skin.

Note though that this study was conducted specifically on women who had estrogen deficiency which led to skin issues.

Reduce Symptoms Associated with Estrogen Deficiency

Estrogen deficiency occurs when a woman undergoes menopause, essentially affecting all the bodily functions associated with this particular hormone.

A study conducted on phytoestrogens administered through Pueraria Mirifica shows that something could be done to help alleviate some of the more common symptoms associated with the condition. This includes vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and a decrease in bone density.

The studies have been conducted on small human samples with promising results but more review needs to be conducted to narrow down a dosage requirement for a more standardized result.

Pueraria Mirifica is a cellulite removal serum. The substance contains phytoestrogens which is the most important compound in relation to cellulite removal.

Is it Safe? Dosage and Precautions

Pueraria Mirifica has been the subject of extensive studies providing that it is both safe and effective for treating certain health conditions, specifically when it comes to menopausal women.

Today, the product is being administered as a dietary supplement with an oral dosage of anywhere from 100mg to 1000mg. Since this is a supplement however, there are no set guidelines as to how much you should be taking in a single day. Typically, a dosage of just 50mg per day should be enough to benefit from the product.

There have been no reported side effects associated with the use of Pueraria Mirifica, making it a promising supplement to have in your home.

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Mini Facelift: Procedure, Recovery, Cost, and Alternatives

Have you heard of a mini facelift? If you’re curious about it and maybe you’re thinking about getting one but aren’t sure if it’s the best option for you then this short guide might just help.

The mini-facelift will get rid of the sagging and excess skin in your cheeks and jawline. The brow and eye lifts on the other hand will be used to remove the wrinkles.

It’s called a “mini” because it is a modified version of a regular or traditional facelift. In this modified version of a facelift, small incisions will be made.

These small incisions will be made along the hairline and that will allow plastic surgeons to correct any sagging that is occurring at the lower half of your face.

The procedure lifts not just the jawline but also the cheeks, and other underlying tissue and muscle for a more youthful look.

Results to Expect

Here are some of the biggest results that you should expect when you opt for this procedure:

  • Double chins removed
  • No more jowls
  • Removes marionette lines
  • Takes away mid-face sagging

How Does a Mini Facelift Work?

It is called a “facelift” simply because your surgeon will literally lift the sagging areas of your skin’s face. That is what the small incisions are for.

This also means that your doctor will be removing any excess skin in the process. This lifting and skin removal will give a tightened look to the facial skin.

It reduces the sagging and it may also get rid of some of the wrinkles in the affected areas. Note that the latter effect isn’t always guaranteed.

That is why in conjunction with a mini facelift, your cosmetic surgeon may also offer brow lifts and eye lifts as well. These two additional procedures will help to give you that anti-aging effect as it were.

The mini-facelift will get rid of the sagging and excess skin in your cheeks and jawline. The brow and eye lifts on the other hand will be used to remove the wrinkles.

The overall effect is that you get a younger looking skin.

Things to Remember

Remember that a mini facelift is a corrective procedure. The goal here is to remove sagging skin.

The focus of this cosmetic procedure is on the lower half of the face, so don’t expect it to get rid of fine lines and crow’s feet at the eyes.

This is an invasive procedure—it’s still an operation so you will go under the knife so to speak. Your surgeon will explain that a lot of incisions albeit small ones will be made.

Expected Recovery Time

Even though it is called a “mini” facelift, this procedure is still classified as a major operation. You will still need post-operative care after, which means you may have to take some pain medication.

Yes, a mini facelift is a smaller operation if you compare it to a traditional facelift. However, you will need about 2 weeks of rest and recovery after the procedure.

There will be bruising and expect to have some swelling in the affected areas. That is about 14 days off work, medication, and reduced outside interaction with other people.

Where Will the Incisions Be Made?

This is an important question because even though the incisions are small, these will be the areas where you will feel the most discomfort.

Cosmetic surgeons will generally tell you that the incisions will be made along your hairline. They will usually be made in the area above each of your ears.

This is also the area where the surgeon will drag the skin in an upward direction to correct any sagging. If you’re prone to scarring then these smaller incisions will be more beneficial to you since they will be hidden away in inconspicuous areas of your face.

Side Effects and Potential Risks

It was mentioned earlier that your doctor will prescribe pain medication after the procedure. Remember that even though the incisions that will be made are smaller and fewer than in a traditional facelift, they will still leave scars.

They are still cuts on your face and they will cause a certain amount of pain later on as you heal.

You should expect the following after the procedure:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling in the areas of the incisions
  • Varying degrees of pain depending on your level of pain tolerance

The next question is whether there is a chance that these small wounds can get infected or not. The short answer is that yes they can get infected.

That is why you should follow your doctor’s instructions as to how to care for the affected areas. That will include taking prescriptions and careful handling of the wounded areas.

When do you need to call your doctor? Watch out for these symptoms:

  • Nerve damage that causes any loss of feeling in the areas of your face
  • Fever and chills (potential sign of an infection)
  • Severe pain despite taking the medication that was prescribed to you
  • Increased swelling—you will get some swelling in the areas where the incisions were made but if the swelling gets worse, call your doctor
  • Bleeding and oozing in the stitched up areas near your ears

The Procedure Will Vary from One Doctor to Another

Even though there are standard procedures for a mini facelift some surgeons may still do things a bit differently than others. There are procedures and surgery techniques that your doctor may also offer.

Apart from skin tightening, which is the immediate effect of this procedure, cosmetic surgeons can also perform other techniques that can give you a more rejuvenated and naturally youthful look.

These newer techniques will help tighten the muscles underneath the skin. Another technique is to release facial ligaments and then re-suspending them into a more natural position.

Note that applying these techniques may also increase the cost of performing a mini facelift.

How Much Does It Cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic surgeons, the cost of a mini facelift is about the same as the average cost of regular or traditional facelift, which is around $7,600.

Of course some surgeons may offer a more affordable procedure by lowering its price. Some on the other hand may offer a few extras to ensure great results and thus increasing the cost of the procedure.

A safe estimate of the cost of this type of facelift will be within the range of $3,500 to $8,500.

Take note that this estimate is only for the actual facelift. It does not cover for the hospital bills, anesthetics, and medications that you will take after the operation.

You don’t have to make a one-time payment for everything. Doctors may also offer payment plans to make things easier for the patients.

Some may even give discounts to help offset some of the costs.

How to Prepare for this Procedure

Your doctor will brief you with regard to a mini facelift. This includes prepping you for the medical procedure.

Here are some of the reminders that your doctor might give you prior to the operation:

  • Avoid wearing makeup
  • You will need to undergo scheduled lab testing
  • Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the hospital
  • Tell your doctor all the medications that you are taking
  • Don’t wear jewelry during the day of the appointment
  • Tell your doctor about supplements and herbs you use
  • Apply skin care products that your doctor will recommend
  • Do not take any OTC medication prior to the operation
  • Stop smoking at least a month prior to the surgical operation

What to Expect After a Mini Facelift?

After the surgery, your doctor will inform you how long it will take for you to recover. Remember that it will at least be 2 weeks or longer depending on the outcome of the surgery.

You will be outfitted with drains or dressings (or maybe both). It will take at least ten days before the stitches or sutures can be removed.

Your doctor will also provide you with instructions along with prescriptions that you can take for the discomfort, pain, bruising, and swelling that may occur during your recovery.

It is important that your follow your doctor’s instructions during this time. It may include abstaining from certain food and drinks, alcohol, certain types of medication, and others.

Your doctor will also advise you against certain activities as well. Make sure that you have your doctor’s number on hand just in case you need to call him when unexpected changes or problems arise.

If you’re interested in an all-natural mini facelift as it were minus the surgery, of course, then we recommend that you try Pueraria Mirifica serums and creams by a trusted manufacturer, Mirifica Science.

A Natural Alternative to a Mini Facelift

Remember that a mini facelift is still a form of plastic surgery—an invasive procedure. As it was explained earlier, it entails a huge cost and you will experience some discomfort.

You will need at least two weeks to recover from the surgery and that means time away from work and other important functions. There are also risks and potential side effects as well.

If you’re looking for a safer alternative, then we suggest a more natural approach that is not invasive at all. It also costs a lot less too—using phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogen serums that contain Pueraria Mirifica may not bring you dramatic effects, but they have been scientifically proven to work over time.

They have been found to:

If you’re interested in an all-natural mini facelift as it were minus the surgery, of course, then we recommend that you try Pueraria Mirifica serums and creams by a trusted manufacturer, Mirifica Science. Visit their official website for more information.

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Serum for Oily Skin: What to Look For and What to Expect

Are you wondering why so many people are looking for a good serum for oily skin?

Oily skin affects 40% up to 55% of the adult population, according to recent estimates. This is for people within the ages of 20 to 40 years old.

However, the fact remains that everyone’s skin actually produces oil, also known as sebum. This only becomes a problem when your skin produces too much oil, causing that extra shine that a lot of people want to get rid of.

Serums are used for a variety of skin problems from extra oil production to crow’s feet and fine wrinkles. This product mainly provide the essential nutrients for the skin.

Underneath each of the pores on the human skin is something called the sebaceous gland. This is the gland responsible for producing skin oil, the sebum.

Sebum, believe it or not, is essential for the skin’s overall health. It’s the oil that keeps the skin hydrated.

There are certain factors that make the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than usual. It can be lifestyle factors, environmental, and it can even be genetic.

When people use a serum for oily skin or any other potential solution, they’re not actually looking to get rid of the oil for good. That’s impossible—unless you remove all the sebaceous glands, that is.

When you use products for oily skin, what you’re looking for is a way to reduce the production of oil on the skin—particularly the face.

Human skin produces more oil as a hormonal response to dryness. When it feels the needs hydration, the skin produces more oil to compensate for it.

What Your Genes Have to Do with It

Some people have naturally oily skin—some more than others. This is due to their genes.

The trait of producing more sebum can actually be handed down from one generation to the next. That means if your parents or even your grandparents have oily skin, chances are you may also have it too.

It may not look like it while you are young, but there is a pretty good chance that sometime soon, this trait will show itself.

Your Age

The customers who buy serum for oily skin are usually people above the age of 20. However, there are pubescent youth and even some menopausal women who may also need these solutions.

What this means is that your age also has a lot to do with the oil on your face. As you age, usually above 40 years old, your skin starts to produce less oil.

That means the sebaceous glands aren’t functioning as they used to. They tend to slow down their production of sebum.

You may think that this is some kind of good news—you’re naturally going to have less oily skin. However, when sebum production goes down it also opens up several problems.

With less sebum on your face, your facial skin becomes dryer and more prone to wrinkles. That is why older folks, especially menopausal women, tend to have crow’s feet and fine lines.

Note that when you reach your 30s, your skin’s composition will start to decline. In other words, your skin is no longer the same as it was when you were in your 20s.

Time of the Year and Your Location

Apart from genetics, your location and the particular time of the year can affect the production of oil on your face.

Have you ever noticed that your face tends to get oilier when you go to places with humid or maybe hot climates? You probably also get a shiny face during summer more often than during any other time of the year.

When it’s hot and humid, your skin pores get enlarged and thus it produces more sebum. It’s obvious that you can’t just pick up and move to a new place but you can adjust your skincare routine.

Using the Wrong Skincare Products

Finally, you can use a serum for oily skin or some other skincare products. However, if you are using the wrong treatment product you may still get an oily face.

You should match the product with your skin type. For instance, if you use creams that are too heavy, then you will see some shine.

What are Serums?

Serums are one of the go-to skincare products. They are used for a variety of skin problems from extra oil production to crow’s feet and fine wrinkles.

They are designed to deliver higher concentrations of the product’s active ingredients. These products are often used as a part of a regular skincare routine.

For example, you can start by using a skin cleaner to remove dirt and sebum from your pores. After that, the next step is to apply a serum for oily skin.

It will provide the essential nutrients for the skin. Finally, you finish things off by applying some moisturizer.

There are a lot of different serums and they are designed for different applications in mind. Some are best suited for skin brightening while others provide better hydration as the main benefit, which is the case for any serum for oily skin.

Face Serum Types

There are several types of face serums. Note that each type is designed for a specific purpose.

  • Anti-Aging Serums: slow the aging process and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant Serums: protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. They also protect the skin from premature aging.
  • Hydrating Serums: these serums are designed to moisturize the skin. A serum for oily skin is a hydrating serum that delivers ingredients to deeper layers of the skin and prevents the over production of sebum.
  • Color Correcting Serums: these serums are designed to treat hyperpigmentation.

In case of people with oily skin, they should get hydrating serums or a serum for oily skin. Note however that these serums aren’t meant to be a replacement for moisturizers.

Some might think that this type of serum is for dry skin. That is definitely true.

However, people with oily skin and those with acne-prone skin also benefit from using hydrating serums than any other type of serum.

Remember that oily skin needs deep moisturizing. Make sure that you are getting a water-based serum to prevent clogging of the pores, and it won’t leave you feeling greasy as well.

Ingredients to Look For

Check the label of every serum for oily skin to see if they have ingredients that can help prevent the overproduction of sebum. Consider products that have the following ingredients:

1. Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, best known for its ability to enhance skin cell turnover. This means it can speed up the production of new skin cells and bringing them out to the surface to replace old skin cells.

Increased skin cell turnover can help unclog pores, which also helps reduce oil on the skin. It can also help to reduce the size of the skin’s pores.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid can facilitate skin hydration. Studies show that it can also help reduce wrinkles, skin redness, and prevent dermatitis.

3. Glycerin

Glycerin is a type of sugar alcohol and it is derived from a variety of sources such as petroleum, plants, and even animal products.

Studies show that it can improve the skin’s smoothness and increase hydration within 10 days of use. Some experts believe that it is better than hyaluronic acid since it also prevents the loss of skin moisture.

It also protects the skin from microbes and irritants, and even soothes wounded and inflamed skin.

4. Salicylic Acid

This is an anti-inflammatory acid which can help stop oily skin. It does that by breaking up dead skin cells and penetrating deep inside the pores.

Salicylic acid also helps get rid of whiteheads and blackheads, which are common on oily skin.

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It supports healthy collagen production and reduces inflammation.

Studies show that it doesn’t just hydrate the skin. This vitamin also reduces the production of sebum.

6. Vitamin A

Retinol is sometimes combined with other forms of vitamin A to further enhance its benefits. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient in the body that can also promote skin health among other things.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help prevent acne. Last but not least, vitamin can stimulate the production of collagen which can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps improve the skin’s hydration and prevent water loss on the skin.

Due to its antioxidant effects, it can also reduce inflammation on the skin. When applied topically, it can also help treat hyperpigmentation.

8. Vitamin E

When you’re in the market for serum for oily skin, make sure that it also contains vitamin E. Apart from protecting the skin from solar radiation and free radicals, it also speeds up cell turnover and improves cell regeneration.

9. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel extract can help remove excess oil on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can also soothe the skin.

10. Tea Tree

Aside from healing wounds and inflammation caused by skin bacteria, tea tree extracts also help to remove dead skin cells and improve skin moisture. It also reduces inflammation, swelling, and skin redness.

11. Willow Bark Extract

Willow bark extract is sometimes dubbed as “nature’s aspirin” because of its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.

Willow bark extracts help to exfoliate the skin and remove excess oil. It also helps to reduce acne.

12. Pueraria Mirifica

Pueraria mirifica serum is perhaps the most potent serum for oily skin. It has a number of significant skin care benefits especially for oily skin.

It promotes skin hydration, delays skin aging, reduces pore size, and it can improve skin elasticity.

Always check the label of every serum for oily skin to see if they have ingredients that can help prevent the overproduction of sebum.

Conclusion

When you’re shopping for a serum for oily skin, make sure it contains essential nutrients and extracts like pueraria mirifica, retinol, and others. Serums provide your skin with the highest dose of active compounds and essential nutrients that can help prevent the overproduction of oil on the skin.

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Estrogen Cream for Face Wrinkles: Why Is It So Effective?

Estrogen cream for face wrinkles may be the solution most women are looking for in terms of skin rejuvenation. After all, face wrinkles should be managed early in order to keep the skin looking young and healthy at any age.

One study found that topical products containing plant-based estrogen can help in improving skin appearance, including better elasticity, skin texture, and fewer face wrinkles.

Wrinkles appear on areas where the skin folds regularly due to movement. On the face, these are usually at the corners of the eyes, around the mouth, over the forehead and between the eyebrows.

Aging is the primary reason for wrinkle formation. As a person ages, skin structure weakens.

This results from the slowing in skin regeneration. One main factor is the decline in the body’s estrogen production as a result of the aging process.

Aging slows down estrogen production, and estrogen is essential for skin cell regeneration. As a result, the skin gets saggier and wrinkles appear.

What Can Estrogen Do for Your Skin?

As mentioned, estrogen affects the health and structure of the skin. One study established that estrogen decline during menopause affects the skin. Effects include:

  • Fine wrinkling of the skin
  • Dryness
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Atrophy

Lower estrogen levels lead to faster loss of skin elasticity. The elastin fibers in the skin structure weaken, leading to the appearance of wrinkles.

The same study found that topical products containing plant-based estrogen can help in improving skin appearance, including better elasticity, skin texture, and fewer face wrinkles.

Other benefits of estrogen include:

  • Better Skin Hydration
    Skin hydration is crucial in maintaining good skin structure and healthy skin cell regeneration. The herb helps to lock in moisture that promotes more supple, elastic and glowing skin.

  • Better Skin Elasticity
    Elasticity helps the skin to revert back to its healthy shape after being stretched. In the face, good skin elasticity helps areas that fold often like around the eyes and mouth to return to their initial smooth state.

    This same benefit helps in reducing the depth of face wrinkles. This also helps improve pore size, resulting in better looking skin.

  • Improve Signs of Skin Aging
    Keeping estrogen levels within the skin structure helps in delaying the effects of skin aging. This can help keep the skin from dryness, roughness and wrinkle-formation.

Decreased estrogen production in the body affecting the skin can be remedied by using estrogen cream for face wrinkles. These creams contain compounds called phytoestrogens.

What Are Phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that mimic the action of estrogen in the body. Studies found that these compounds can help in improving certain conditions and even reducing the risk or intensity of:

  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Breast cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis

A study published in 2003 observed that phytoestrogens can help in managing various issues related to menopause and decreased estrogen levels. These include:

  • Reduced intensity of menopausal symptoms
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Short-term improvement of bone health
  • Potential reduction in risk for breast cancer

Soybeans have long been one of the most common sources of phytoestrogens, but there’s another fabulous option. Multiple studies found that one plant native to Thailand could be the most abundant source of phytoestrogens in the world. It’s called Pueraria Mirifica. Theshrub also provides a good list of health benefits, including improvement in face wrinkles.

What is Pueraria Mirifica?

Pueraria Mirifica is an herb that grows almost exclusively in Thailand and Myanmar. Pueraria mirifica is part of a long history of Thai traditional medicinal practice as a rejuvenating agent for both men and women.

Modern scientific studies found that this plant contains a significant amount of active phytoestrogens. One study was able to isolate at least 17 different phytoestrogens! Most of these belong to isoflavone group of compounds.

These compounds can help in managing certain health issues, including face wrinkles.

What are the Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica?

Many studies were done on this Thai plant to find out if there are scientific evidences to back its Thai traditional uses. Here are some of the most valid uses of Pueraria Mirifica:

One study also found that this herb may help in battling some types of cancer. There is some evidence that Pueraria Mirifica extracts have potential anti-proliferation effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

There are several other studies confirming the anti-cancer potential of Pueraria mirifica.

What makes this Thai herb increasingly popular today is its wide range of benefits for the skin. These include:

How to Use Estrogen Cream for Face Wrinkles?

Topical products with plant-based estrogens applied directly to the skin are great for fighting off wrinkles. There are many forms of topical estrogen, the most common of them being serums and creams.

Creams

Many experts recommend using an estrogen cream for face wrinkles. Unlike serums, these creams contain additional ingredients that may help in further improving skin health.

Examples of added ingredients are those that help remove dead skin cells (hydroxyl acids) and antioxidants (vitamin C, niacinamide).

Serums

Serums are light liquid preparations. The active compounds in serums are rapidly absorbed into the skin upon application.

Many serums on the market are water-based. These are perfect for applying over oily skin.

This form also contains a higher concentration of active ingredients. It doesn’t contain any occlusive, thickening agents (e.g., mineral oil, petrolatum), or lubricating agents that may cause skin irritation.

A face serum with Pueraria mirifica extract, for instance, contains a potent concentration of active phytoestrogens. These can be directly absorbed into the skin for faster action.

Benefits such as improved skin elasticity and hydration can be felt sooner. Improvements in the appearance and depth of face wrinkles are also observed sooner.

One study found that Pueraria Mirifica may help in battling some types of cancer. There is some evidence that its extracts have potential anti-proliferation effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

Aging is inevitable. It’s an essential part of life.

However, aging does not mean letting your body crumble down and wither away. There are things you can do to age gracefully while maintaining good health.

Pueraria mirifica is one product that can help you age gracefully without letting your skin deteriorate and lose its key healthy structure and appearance.