Spring fashion must-haves

The trend of femininity continues to in­fluence many of the clothing styles for Spring 2001. The major color choice for spring is pink. It will he featured in many tones including salmon; lilac, blue, green, red and orange are good color choices as well. Think retro-’80s mixed with personal choice to round out this spring’s fashion statement. Fashion must-haves include:
Floral motifs. Roses are one of the most popular flowers popping up this spring.
The little black dress. Strapless and to the knee, the black dress is a sexy and feminine staple.
Military accents. Brass buttons, structured suits and khakis are classics.
Miniskirts. Shorter than ever, miniskirts emphasize the feminine-influenced style for spring.
Leather. Leather blazers are hot this season for casual chic dressing.
Ruffle accents. Ruffles are free-flowing and add a frilly feminine touch.
Asymmetry. Asymmetry dressing in chiffon, silk and satin fabrics is fresh. Layers adds to the sheer innocence of spring.

IPL hair removal

Intense-pulsed light (WE) is a new option for nearly permanent hair removal. The technology is based on a process known as photo-epilation, the use of a light source that precisely penetrates targeted hair follicles during their growing phase. The light is emitted for a fraction of a second, allowing energy to be absorbed by the hair pigment and causing a break in the normal hair growth cycle. The wavelength of the light is ad­justed based on the characteristics of your individual skin and hair so it can target the hair follicle without damaging the skin. The result is safe and effective long-term hair removal. IPL hair removal technology comfortably treats clients in a variety of hair and skin types, including course hair and dark complexions, and removes hair from any part of the body. In addi­tion, the wide beam makes IPL suitable for large areas such as the back, arms or legs. For more information about the permanence of the treatment and how it can enhance other hair removal procedures, as well as the comfort, accu­racy and contraindications of treatment, talk with a skin care professional.

Anti-aging

New Anti Aging Secrets for Maximum Lifespan by Ronald Klatz, MD, DO, and president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), has been released. The 11-chapter, 206-page book provides tips on how to feel, look and stay young. Easy-to-use self-tests, checklists and quizzes are included, as well as how-to guidance for quick and effective ways to rejuvenate the body and mind using reliable and safe choices in anti-aging thera­peutics. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the A4M, a nonprofit, non-commercial medical society de­voted to eradicating the degenerative diseases of aging.

Facial rejuvenation options

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Sur­gery, an unprecedented array of procedures and products provide a variety of noninvasive choices to improve aging skin that dermatologic surgeons often can put the scalpel on hold. The palette of anti-aging treatment options allows for a combination and blending of techniques that can of­fer you minimal downtime, speedy recovery and fewer side effects compared to conventional cosmetic surgery.
Combining various treatments allows a skin surgery expert to apply each conservatively and to maximum ef­fect, using the procedure where it works the best and is the safest, says William Coleman, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, LA. We can enhance a patient’s entire facial appearance by utilizing a smart mix-and-match technique without major invasive surgeries. It’s the difference be­tween painting a wall and painting a portrait.”
Colemans favorite combo for full facial rejuvenation is laser resurfacing, spot dermabrasion and chemical peels.
Older people are living longer and are in better health
than ever before ac­cording to a National Institute on Aging report.
The number of people 65 or older has increased tenfold since 1900. Today, those who reach 65 can expect to live another 18 years— compared with only 12 years in 1900. Mortality rates for heart disease and stroke have declined by a third since 1980. However, the chronic disability rate has dropped only 3% since 1982 from 24% to 21%.
—From The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter Health After 50, Volume 12, Issue 9


WAX selections

Different waxes for different hair and skin types are be­coming more and more popular as they enable the tech­nician to complete a flawless hair removal service. However, most waxes on the market fall into two catego­ries: soft and hard. Soft waxes are most widely used on larger areas of the body such as the chest, back, arms and legs. Soft waxes spread like butter, and the technician should apply them as thinly as possible. Newer waxes on the market contain royal blue chamomile and azulene to simulate hard waxes, but still spread like soft wax. If you are a first-time waxing client or have extremely sensitive skin, these waxes would be ideal. They are effective in soothing, calming and acting as an anti-inflammatory, leaving little to no signs of waxing.
Hard waxes do not sit as closely to the skin as soft waxes and can be used on small areas such as the face, eyebrows, lip, neck, toes, fingers and the bikini line. Hard waxes immediately begin to dry after applied to the skin, encasing itself around resistant hair.
The goal of waxing is to remove the hair from the root with minimal redness, reaction and irritation, and not to break hair or bruise the skin. Using multiple waxes for different skin and hair types will help. Dis­cuss waxing options with your skin care professional for optimal results.


Pulse rate monitors

The medical and home health care division of Medisana USA has introduced two pulse rate monitors with a user-friendly design and large digital display for easier monitoring and a stainless steel casing for durability. The monitors can be used while exercising, walking, hiking, cycling, jogging, fitness training on spe­cial equipment plus a variety of other physical activities. Each unit has both control and watch functions with but­tons conveniently located on the side of the unit for easy operator control, and comes with a two-year replaceable warranty.