Trained by Elina Fedotova, CEO


of Elina Organics and founder of the Association of Holistic Skin Care Practitioners, Handel cautions that techniques intended to move skincare products beyond the outermost der- mal layer—such as microcurrent, cold laser, ultrasound and LED—should be 100 percent natural and organic. “Read labels to find the USDA Or- ganic seal and avoid subjecting skin to synthetic chemicals and ingredients that contain petroleum derivatives from crude oil; artificial fragrances,


which frequently contain toxic chemi- cals; and synthetic preservatives such as parabens,” she advises. The ultimate responsibility for skincare is our own. When a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, exfoliation, hy- dration and natural topical treatments are no longer keeping gravity at bay, individuals of either gender need not hesitate to seek help from skin-care professionals.


Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.


Body Contouring Primer by Linda Sechrist


T


he ability to gently melt away body fat lies largely in the hands of a physi- cian certified to perform Food and Drug Administration-approved, non- invasive treatments. Here are three of the most common. Zerona. Developed by Santa Barbara Medical Innovations (SBMI), this cool laser technology targets the fat in isolated trouble spots, such as love handles and belly bulges. According to the company, Zerona targets adipose (fat) cells with specific, low-level wavelengths of light, causing the fat to seep out of the cells. The deflated cells result in a smaller, tighter contour. SBMI’s studies show that the fat is safely absorbed into the body’s lymphatic system and eventually metabolized by the liver. Zeltiq Coolsculpting. Used in Europe and Canada before coming to the United States, this FDA-approved approach is performed in a doctor’s office, typically under the supervision of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon; no anes- thesia or recovery time is necessary. It employs a contained suction device to cool the skin, as well as the fat beneath it, to 40 degrees. Several days later, the cooled fat cells begin to shrink. Damaged fat cells are slowly digested by the body over several months and removed through the liver. VelaShape. This non-surgical treatment for reducing cellulite combines radio frequency energy, infrared light, mechanical rollers and vacuum suction to heat and massage the shallow layers of fat that con- tribute to cellulite. The handheld vacuum sucks at the fatty pocket, while the infrared light heats and shrinks fat cells.


Sage Advice


According to Dr. Brian S. Biesman, director of the Nash- ville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, where he specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, the ideal candidate for such treat- ments is near their ideal body weight and wants to remove unwanted fat in localized areas. He counsels, “It’s not an alternative to healthy diet or lifestyle.”


Good genes, a healthy lifestyle and skilled beauty enhancements can slow the clock of aging.


~ Dr. Hema Sundaram, owner, Sundaram


Dermatology, Cosmetic


& Laser Surgery Center, Rockville, Maryland,


and Fairfax, Virginia.


Facial Contouring Primer by Linda Sechrist


F


acial acupuncture uses 12 strategically placed needles in the scalp and neck at muscle attachment points to lift the face and neck. “Ten to 20 treatments refresh the face, regardless of your age,” advises Anna Baker, a doctor of Oriental medicine and owner of Faces by Dr. Anna, in Sarasota, Florida. Baker advises that the results of 50 treatments are fre- quently better than a facelift, from sculpting the jawline and neck profile to erasing lines and lifting droopy eyelids.


“Cold lasers, IPL and LED use


gentle energy from light waves to act on cells deep in the skin, helping them to grow back stron- ger,” says cosmetic chemist and esthetician Elina Fedotova, of Elina Organics, of Kalamazoo, Michi- gan, and Chicago, Illinois. Of the three, she considers IPL the most dramatic.


Offered by many estheti- cians, ultrasound wands emit radio frequencies to stimulate skin cells through vibration. Used to dimin- ish wrinkles and lessen the ap- pearance of scars, it also facilitates migration of serum and mask ingredients to sink into deeper layers of skin. Note that because ultrasound penetrates to the blood level, any products used during the treatment should be only the purest and most natural.


natural awakenings May 2013 27


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