Monday, November 08, 2010

The Advantages and Risks of Botox For Wrinkles

If you've ever fretted over fine lines or deep wrinkles, you may have wondered if Botox just might be the solution. This cosmetic procedure has become increasingly common in recent years, with some patients even hosting "Botox parties" to share the experience with friends and family. Is this procedure really right for you? Before you can decide, you need to consider your own needs as well as some of the possible advantages of using Botox to revitalize your looks.



Reasons To Try botox

As we age, the effects of time, gravity and stress begin to show on our faces and bodies. Skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to facial lines and wrinkles. Some of the most common problem areas include the areas on the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth. Botox is actually a bacterium-based toxin derived from botulinum toxin type A. While it can be dangerous or fatal in a pure state, its use in Botox helps relax facial muscles and smooth lines.

So why do so many people opt for this treatment? In addition to smoothing out current lines and wrinkles, regular use of Botox can also help prevent future facial lines. Every time you raise your eyebrows, squint your eyes or frown, your facial muscles create skin wrinkling. Over time, these wrinkles can become permanent. By relaxing muscles with Botox, these creases become less prominent and less likely to develop into much deeper wrinkles.
 

The Advantages of Using Botox

With so many different cosmetic solutions available today, why should you consider using Botox to revitalize your looks and rejuvenate your face? While your decision will ultimately depend upon your own unique needs and goals, there are a number of benefits that make Botox an ideal solution. The greatest advantage of this treatment is its ability to take years off of your appearance. Even small lines can make you look older, but Botox can reduce or even eliminate these minor lines and wrinkles.

Another major advantage of Botox is that it is nonsurgical. Many treatments for aging skin require major surgeries and long recovery times. Botox treatments typically take less than an hour to complete, often requiring less than 10 minutes for the actual injection process. Additionally, patients begin to see noticeable improvements in just a few days time. In comparison, a facelift surgery may require months of recovery before the full effects become noticeable.


Botox treatments typically last four to five months. If you have deep lines and sagging skin, you might instead opt for a more invasive facial plastic surgery. Before you decide if this option is right for you, it's important to discuss your plastic surgery concerns with a qualified cosmetic plastic surgery doctor.

 

The Disadvantages Of Using Botox
However it has its disadvantages, botox for wrinkles is not a long term solution, its results may last for up to 6 months and then you will need another botox treatment. Also the more treatments for botox you get, your skin will become immune to the treatment thus producing less results.

Is important to consult your dermatologist before making a decision, to make sure that you are in the condition necessary to undergo for this type of treatment.

There are many other treatments such as laser resurfacing, radio wave frequency, chemical peels, face lifts, etc. Botox have shown to be effective although it can be expensive for many people.

Friday, November 05, 2010

How to Naturally Brighten your Teeth

An average dental office visit to have your teeth whiten can cost around $300 or more while you can expect to pay $50 or more for a good on the market teeth whitener kit and even though the chemicals used in these products are said to be safe, they’re certainly not natural. Brightening your teeth naturally is less expensive and a much safer alternative to the above options.

If you’re really concerned about stained teeth you should limit your intake on foods and drinks that can leave stains on your teeth. Berries, tea and coffee are all guilty of leaving dark stains on teeth. If you must have these, brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking them. Smoking is another big culprit for staining teeth. You can limit your intake on this, but you’re better off just giving it up if you can.

 
If you’d prefer something a little more convenient, there are natural teeth-whitening toothpastes on the market. Be sure to read the labels, however. Products that are labeled natural should only contain herbs and minerals. Avoid those that contain aspartame or other “unnatural ingredients.” You can find natural teeth-whitening toothpastes at your natural health store and some local and discount stores that carry dental care products.

Strawberries contain an enzyme that actually whitens your teeth. To Use: Mash a strawberry and rub onto your teeth using your fingers. Rinse and then floss to remove the seeds.

Baking soda has been used for years to help brighten teeth. To Use: Dip your toothbrush into a small amount of baking soda and brush teeth thoroughly. Brushing with baking soda after ever meal can whiten your teeth in about two months. To remove stains a little more effectively, you can add a little salt with the baking soda.

Using hydrogen peroxide when brushing your teeth has also been known to whiten. To Use: Dip your toothbrush in a small amount of the peroxide and brush thoroughly. Rinse with water after brushing and with regular use, you should see results in a few months.

A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to be one of the best home remedies for whitening teeth. To Use: Add a few drops of peroxide to a teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Brush thoroughly with the paste and rinse afterwards with water.

Lemon Juice contains a natural bleaching agent that can whiten teeth. To Use: Mix lemon juice and a teaspoon of salt to make a paste. Brush with the paste and rinse thoroughly afterwards with water.   For a more effective combination you can mix a paste of baking soda and lemon juice together instead of the salt.

Although not too tasty, a combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda makes a good whitener as well. To Use: Mix apple cider with a teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Brush with the paste and rinse thoroughly with water, afterwards.

Orange peels and bay leaves can brighten teeth. To Use: Grind bay leaves and orange peel together and then dip your toothbrush in the mixture. Brush thoroughly and rinse with water afterwards. Rubbing the inner side of an orange peel over teeth can whiten teeth as well.

Crunchy foods like apples, celery, carrots and broccoli are naturally abrasive and act as a whitener when eaten regularly.

While the above are all natural remedies for brightening your teeth, please keep in mind that as with any product, over-use of these ingredients can eventually cause damage to your teeth and gums. Use them on a regular basis, but you them in moderation.