Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Mineral Makeup - A Valuable Addition to Your Skin Care Program

Mineral-based makeup has been the latest rage in facial cosmetics for several years now. What is it that makes it so popular...and so good for your skin? First and foremost, mineral makeup gives your skin a very finished look that actually looks like your own skin. It goes on and looks like no other form of makeup, creating nearly flawless skin. Because mineral makeup is also highly pigmented, it is only necessary to put it on in very fine sheer layers. Secondly, it does not clog pores and, because of its mineral base, it also has some ability to block the harmful rays of the sun.

Mineral makeup refers to the mineral powders that make up its base. As a general rule, real mineral makeups have very few ingredients of which the oxides or dioxides of titanium, zinc, iron should be its main ingredients. If you want to test the purity of your mineral makeup, put some in a glass of water and stir. A good mineral makeup will stay on top of the water and the underlying water will remain clear. Mineral makeups do not (or should not) have other oils, talcs, perfumes, dyes, or alcohol in them, all of which can cause sensitivity to the makeup and clog pores. Because of its mineral base, mineral makeups stay on the top of the skin rather than being absorbed, thus avoiding the introduction of toxic chemicals into your body and potential allergic reactions.

Because of its good coverage ability and lower risk of skin sensitivities, mineral makeups are ideal after care for skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, facials, and light chemical peels. I find them to be good also for use after plastic surgery procedures such as skin resurfacing and facelifts when the skin has had some time to heal, generally using them about one week after the procedures. Not only does mineral makeup provide good coverage over pink skin but it does have some anti-inflammatory properties so it is perfectly safe around fresh surgical incisions. The sun protection ability of mineral makeup is also a bonus around new surgery sites.

For these reasons, I endorse mineral makeup in my spas and plastic surgery practice. It is a great addition that is both healthy for skin and a valuable aid in the early after care of facial treatments and plastic surgery. While the concept of minerals on your skin may initially seem strange, it is actually one of the most natural and healthy skin products available today.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

Breast Implant Sizing Decisions Made Easy!

In the recent years, breast augmentation has become more popular among women. Some undergo revision surgery, to correct a previous surgery or to undergo reconstruction surgery. Others undergo reconstruction surgery to replace damaged breast tissue or tissue that has failed to develop. Finally, others undergo the surgery to increase the size of their breast or to give them a more youthful look. Individuals should make sure they research the effects of breast implants, choosing those that are suitable to their body type.

If a patient chooses to get breast implants, all individuals should take into account their body structure characteristics such as height, weight, bone and muscle structure. If a patient gets breasts that are too large for their body structure, they can lead to serious medical complications or discomfort in the back. This pain may ultimately end in more reconstructive surgery and longer recovery time. This will cause the patient, more time and financial loss. Large implants may also look too large on a person's frame or take up an unnaturally spherical shape. The implant's edges may visibly protrude through the skin which means they may be more easily felt which can look more unrealistic.

When choosing the size, individuals must realize that implants tend to be wider in diameter than natural breasts and therefore it can be difficult to approximate how implants would look on the woman after surgery. Many individuals sell sizing guides which help women determine their optimal size. Many women try the oatmeal test to approximate the size goal for breasts. Women usually fill in their bra with the substance to approximate their desired size. Many women can then walk around the house and undergo daily activities to feel how implants would feel. People should make sure to perform the activities that they normally would do. An individual may want to also fill a bra with rice to see how it feels while sleep. In addition, the individual should bring their sizes to the doctor and have an open discussion about what size breast implants they want. Many women look at pictures in magazines to determine their desired look. Silicon gel implants weigh more than saline implants and therefore will feel heavier after the surgery.

After the surgery, the individual's breasts will fall and settle before the patient gets a clear idea of their actual size. During the recovery period, the area around the busts will swell after the surgery, causing them to appear possibly larger and distorted. After the swelling subsides, the individual will have to adjust and feel accustomed to the new size. The person may be slightly disappointed with the real size, even though it is the actual calculated size. In addition, tissue atrophy may take place within the first year of surgery, which may further decrease the size of it. Before getting the procedure, make sure you consult a qualified plastic surgery that has experience in breast augmentation surgery.

Today, many women opt for a breast implant procedure to get a more youthful look. It is advisable to research thoroughly on the procedure and consider the correct breast implant size prior to making the decision. To know more visit http://www.envisionimplants.com.