Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………..............page 1

Foreword: Overview of Skin Care………………………….....page 4

Chapter 1: Wrinkles & Crows’ Feet………………………......page7

Chapter 2: Acne………………………………………………..page 17

Chapter 3: Scars………………………………………………..page 24

Chapter 4: Pigmentation, Sun Damage & Age Spots………..page 33

Chapter 5: Sagging Jowls……………………………………...page 41

Chapter 6: Baggy & Puffy Eyes………………………….........page 49

Chapter 7: Patch For Wellness………………………………...page 57

Chapter 8: Summing Up……………………………………....page 61

Glossary of Terms……………………………………………....page 63

About The Author…………………..………………………….page 69

 Introduction
Let me start off by saying, if you see a yellow star over a blue highlighted
word, click on it for a definition of the word! Cool isn’t it?

As a free-lance photographer for more than 20 years, I had a front-row

ticket to the signs of aging.

My camera’s lens brought me up close and personal to the ravages of time.

Through many, many years of studying skin with my photographer’s eye, I
saw ineffective makeup and skin care jobs as well as obvious or not-very-
good facelifts.

I photographed whole families, many generations together, and clearly saw

exactly what the younger ones would look like in another 20 or 30 years.
Let me tell you, that telephoto lens can be cruel in its accuracy.

It all got me to thinking: why do we age the way we do? Why do some
people age rapidly while others not at all? Is it just the luck of the draw,
simply good genes? An easy, uncomplicated lifestyle? A guilt-free
conscience?

I think we’ve all known people who don’t seem to age much at all. They
can have grown children and yet barely look 35 themselves. What’s their
secret? And how can we tap into it? How can we slow down our own
signs of aging?

We’re all at this great age where we don’t want to look old. Nobody does
after the age of 40. Well, if we don’t have to look a certain age, why
should we? If we want gorgeous, to-die-for skin, we should have it!

Yes, I realize I’m a woman “of a certain age.” But I still want to look
good. I’m not simply going to settle.
But like you, I’m fussy about what goes in my body and what goes on my
body, especially my face. I want it to look fresh, healthy and youthful, not
stretched and tight from too many peels and exfoliants. Having seen way
too many mistakes from invasive procedures like plastic surgery, I
understandably don’t want to be one of them.

Thanks to the discoveries of science and our better knowledge of nutrition

and the body, humans are living longer and longer. When I was a child,
the news would occasionally have a profile on an individual who had
turned 100 years old. There would be a party, the President of the United
States would call, & it was covered on all the news shows.

Though not yet commonplace, living to that advanced an age is becoming

more and more frequent. If we are going to live longer, why not live
better? For years now, I’ve read what the longevity experts predict is
coming for us and it’s quite astounding. We’ll have ways of supporting
our aging process that previous generations couldn’t have imagined. How
exciting to realize we no longer have to age the way our ancestors did.

So as you can see, I’ve been on this anti-aging kick for some time and I
want to take you along with me. If I don’t have to age in the same old
way, neither do you.

This book will not cover plastic surgery. I’m only interested in the
products and treatments that are less invasive. Even non-invasive.
Besides, most people can’t afford plastic surgery. And this book is for
everyone.

So the purpose of this book is to bring you the latest information on this
huge industry called anti-aging and to let you in on the discoveries I’ve
made. What’s popular, what could possibly harm your skin, what is time-
consuming, what is safe and easy.
Here’s a fact for you: This is a billion-dollar-a-year business. And that’s
just in the USA. If I reviewed every product out there, you’d still be
reading this book in 2030. So please don’t take offense if I haven’t
included a product you have used and liked. My research results are
simply not finished on all of them.

The top skin issues that concern us all are:

1. Wrinkles & crows’ feet

2. Acne
3. Scars
4. Pigmentation, sun damage and age spots
5. Sagging jowls
6. Baggy & puffy eyes

I’ve taken the top 4 products my research has discovered may be helpful
for each of these skin conditions. These are the products about which I’d
like I’d like to go into a little bit more detail. As you will see, I’ve
researched many, many more, but I’ve chosen these because the full
information results are in on them. The others listed are still on-going.

I’m listing the basics about each product and what a few users say about
them. And by the time you finish reading this, you’ll have learned of
something new that’s on the cutting edge that you may not have heard of
yet.

So go ahead and read straight through or just skip to the chapters that
concern your skin issues.

Let’s get started with a brief overview of the history of skin care.
 Foreword

Overview of Skin Care

Beauty’s a funny thing, isn’t it? Who would think that putting leeches on
your face would make you more beautiful? But that’s exactly what people
did in the Middle Ages.

The pale look was all the rage for about 4 centuries, from the 1400s to the
1800s. It seems that bleeding the skin by using leeches made one paler. I
would think so!

Another method used to achieve whiter skin was mixing egg whites and
lead oxide to make a face powder. This use of lead powder was quite
popular during the 18th century, particularly among the upper classes.
They also used a wax and Mercury concoction to smooth out wrinkles.
Two more unhealthy options!

The ancient Egyptians’ solution to reducing wrinkles was a mixture of

alabaster, powdered natron (sodium carbonate & sodium bicarbonate), salt
and honey. They also had a solution made from asses’ milk plus a choice
of 21 different vegetable oils to keep their skin soft and supple in their dry,
desert climate.

Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh, was famous for her use of cosmetics. In fact,
she had a cosmetics industry located at the Dead Sea. She favored aloe
vera and chamomile in her concoctions.

In ancient Greece, women used honey, olive oil, lanolin and tallow to
moisturize their skin and make it glow. That’s fairly healthy. However,
they, too, unfortunately used white lead as a cosmetic, even the lower
classes.
Fire screens were invented centuries ago so women wearing lead powder
could sit near the fire to keep warm and the screens would prevent the
powder from melting off their faces. No wonder people had a shorter life
span!

So looking younger and having healthier-looking skin is certainly not a

recent occurrence. However, we have many more options today. We are
also fortunate to have better medical information as to what’s safe for our
skin and what isn’t.

But our options are enormous. What do you pick? When it comes to skin
treatments, you can choose:

. chemical peels

. laser resurfacing

. acid treatments

. microdermabrasion

. Botox

. fillers

. collagen injections

The choices are endless. And there are more than those I’ve listed here.
However, in this book, I’m concentrating on actual products you can buy
to improve the health, texture and look of your skin.

I’m focusing on the face and neck. It’s what I’m most interested in and
really, so is just about everyone else. It’s what we present to the world,
what we want the world to like. It’s the first thing we notice about each
other.

Some of the products I’m reviewing claim to be anti-aging. Some are

aimed at clearing up specific skin conditions such as acne or age spots.
But they are all about improving our skin. And because we all want to
look gorgeous, the companies putting out these products are making a
fortune.

With a few exceptions, I’m not saying these products are good, bad or
otherwise. I’m just looking at what’s out there and giving you a few more
options you have to looking younger.

So if you’re overwhelmed with all the products from which to choose,

here’s a quick and easy guide. Sit back and enjoy what my research has
discovered.

Let’s start with wrinkles and crows’ feet in Chapter 1.

 Chapter 1: Wrinkles & Crows’ Feet

Have you ever actually looked at a crow’s foot? It looks just fine – on a
crow. But we’re not too crazy about it when it shows up on our faces.

Wrinkles and crows’ feet are the first things we start to notice about our
aging skin. And there are more products on the market that address this
skin condition than practically any other.

My research has discovered 4 products that are popular for wrinkles and
crows’ feet. Some work fine, some not so fine. Some list their
ingredients, some don’t. That is a concern for me, as I scrutinize labels
carefully. I want to know just what I’m putting on my skin.

So I called some of the companies to find out just what is in their products.

The 4 products I’m reviewing are:

1. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum

2. Lancome Rénergie
3. StriVectin-SD
4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream

__________

1. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum $20

Made by Proctor & Gamble.

Active ingredients include a complex of 6 amino-peptides. 26 ingredients

in all.
In a recent 12-week study of 9 anti-wrinkle creams conducted by
Consumer Reports, this product came out on top. At $20 a bottle, it beat
out much more expensive creams such as La Prairie ($335) and StriVectin
– SD ($135). Women noticed the fine lines under their eyes were less
noticeable. However, some did feel the bottles were a bit too small.

On their live chat online, I was told users should start to see improvement
in the look and feel of their skin as soon as they begin using it. Longer-
term results, such as the reduction of fine lines and uneven tone, will be
visible after a few weeks of use. Typically 4-6 weeks. This serum is used
under your moisturizer.

For the most part, this product received good reviews.

“I’ve tried lots, LOTS, of face creams, serums, and potions, from
the cheapest to some of the more expensive brands. I can tell you
that Olay Daily Regenerating Serum is one of the best I’ve ever
tried.”

Amyk49 - July 2005

One unsure user:

“I really am still not sure how well the product is working. My

skin feels good, but I do try to take care of it with a multitude of
beauty products. To be honest, it is really impossible to say, as I
am sure most women will use a moisturizer, too. Hence the soft
skin…I will continue using it until I finish the bottle, but I really
don’t imagine a huge difference.”

Susie-34668 - October 2004

Since the Consumer Reports findings came out, this product has been
selling well.
Olay was pretty cagey with me on whether this product or any of their line
is tested on animals. They told me they do not do animal testing “unless
required by law.” So the fact that they do sometimes test on animals may
turn off some consumers.

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is an over-the-counter product,

sold in many stores.

2. Lancome Rénergie ($176 for full product set)

Made by Lancome.

This cream was also included in the Consumer Reports study and came in
second overall. It’s a very rich product, so it’s not for everyone. It can
make the skin look shiny.

Active ingredients include corn extract, wheat protein, Vitamin E and

caffeine.

This product has not been tested on animals, though it has some animal
by-products in it such as lanolin and beeswax. Check out their website for
more info.

The company has no estimated time as to how long it takes to see results.
I was told users need to apply it twice daily for the maximum benefit. You
do not need to use a moisturizer over this product, as it already is a
moisturizer and not a serum.

Here’s a review from someone who has tried it:

 “I have tried soooooo many products and they never work for me.
Not with this product. I still have some light scars that need to
fade some more, but I am very happy with this for now.

“I don’t think this is for everyone, as it is so rich. But…I

recommend getting some samples and checking it out so you
don’t waste your money in case you don’t like it. If you prefer to
have a very matte-looking complexion (no shine at all) I do not
recommend this for you…. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because
it’s so friggin’ expensive!!!…If you aren’t willing to shell out the
cash for this, don’t bother trying it.”

Product Junkie - December 2005

One user liked its hydrating effects but wasn’t pleased with her overall
results:

“I didn’t see any wrinkle reducing at all. Whatever the special

ingredients are, they didn’t magically take away my fine lines or
make me look more youthful. When I smile, those “happy lines”
at the corners of my eyes were the same as before using
Rénergie…The price is just too high to get ordinary eye cream
results. Less expensive creams do the same hydrating and
smoothing as Rénergie.”

Patty Therre – April 2005

Lancome Rénergie is over-the-counter, so no prescription is required.

 3. StriVectin – SD $135 for a 6 oz. tube

Made by Klein-Becker USA.

I counted 45 ingredients in this product, only one of which, glycerin, was

recognizable. A company spokesperson told me that none of their products
are tested on animals.

This product was also in the Consumer Reports test study but
unfortunately it didn’t fare as well as Lancome and Olay. It is a cream
that was initially created to reduce stretch marks on the body, and not an
anti-wrinkle cream for the face.

The results from users were all over the map, from fairly satisfied to quite
disappointed. One problem is that in order to see results, the cream needs
to be applied multiple times during the day over the course of many
weeks.

The company states that it can take up to 4-6 weeks to see results. It’s not
cheap at $135 for just a 6 oz. tube. Their ad campaign claims that it is
“better than Botox.”

Someone who used this product disagrees:

“I have been using this product for about a month and all it’s
done is given me puffy eyes. There is no proof that this product
works at all and the FDA has even written the makers of this
product a warning letter to stop making false claims that it helps
stretch marks and wrinkles.

“I’ve used Botox before and believe me, Botox works, this
product doesn’t, so obviously it’s not better than Botox.”

S. Smith - May 2006

Another user adds:

“Moisturizing, but that is about it. I used the entire tube faithfully
as a face cream over the course of several months. While I
thought it moisturized fine, I did not notice any change in my
lines, tone, texture. As for “better than Botox” – buyer beware
when you hear this line!”

Nobadges - September 2005

StriVectin – SD is not a prescription product. It is over-the-counter.

5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 $30

Made by Neutrogena.

Ingredients include Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E.

I was told that it can take 10-12 weeks to notice any improvement.
However, if you have many wrinkles, their more advanced anti-wrinkle
line is recommended: Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive SPF 20.
Check their website for more info.

A company spokesperson told me that they do not now test their products
on animals and this product does not contain animal by-products. The
operative word here is ‘now.’

The consensus on this cream is quite good. The price is right and people
are mostly satisfied with it. But this is a product containing retinol. Much
too harsh for my sensitive skin.

Here’s a review by someone who has used it:

 “This is a great product. It does not have enough moisture in it for
the harsh winter, so I only use it in the summer. When I make the
switch, friends and strangers comment that I have a glow.”

Anonymous - March 2007

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 is over-the-counter,

available at many stores.
 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. Boots Restore and Renew
2. Relastyl
3. L’Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise
Wrinkle De-Crease
4. N.V. Perricone Advanced Face Firming
Activator
5. Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer
6. Freeze 24/7 Anti-Wrinkle Cream

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department

Product Rating
1. La Prairie
2. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle
3. John Masters Vitamin C Anti-Aging
Face Serum
4. Avon Anew Alternative Intensive
Age Treatment
5. StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep
Wrinkle Serum
6. RoC Retin-Ox+
7. Aloette Total Wrinkle Repair

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 What Else Can You Try?

So, some of these products I’ve reviewed are OK, and yet many of them
never really worked. A new one on the market and my personal favorite
isn’t even a cream! It’s the latest thing in anti-aging, a tiny patch using
nanotechnology, and it’s giving some of these products a run for their
money. Here’s what one user says:

“I had heard about the patches but never followed through to try
them out until I heard about the informal study Heidi was doing.
The most noticeable thing was that my eczema seemed to really
appear on my upper arms. This only lasted for a few days and
then totally cleared up. I haven’t had any more eczema patches
since those first 2 weeks.

“The pores on my face were changing, too. I noticed my clogged

pores were coming to the surface. My chin had white heads and
black heads that really came to the surface. Very visible. They
were coming up and out. The lines on my face have tightened, as
well as the ones around the eyes and between the eyes.

“I usually get hyper-pigmentation in the summer on my forehead,

above my lips and on the nose. So far I have not seen that happen
so possibly this has helped keep it at bay?

“It is very exciting to be on the cutting edge of a new technology.

Each of our bodies handles things in unique ways. Being a part of
this study, I feel we will find trends that will help LifeWave and
all of us using these patches to maximize their effects and uses.”

Lisa Coltman July 2007

Texas USA
To learn more about this product, go here:
http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html
 Chapter 2: Acne

Acne is one of the most common and embarrassing skin problems we can
have. And it doesn’t just plague teenagers going through massive
hormonal changes. Many adults also suffer from this annoying skin
disturbance.

Whether it’s stress, a poor diet, genetics or a polluted environment that

causes this condition, we all agree we’d like it to disappear quickly.

There are dozens and dozens of products on the market for acne. Of all of
them, these are the four I wanted to investigate more fully:

1. Neutrogena On the Spot Vanishing Formula

2. Philosophy On A Clear Day
3. Nature’s Cure
4. Proactiv

Many of them have as main ingredients the old stalwarts, salicylic acid and
Benzoyl Peroxide. These ingredients come in varying potencies, so you
want to choose what’s right for your skin type. For example, a 10%
solution of Benzoyl Peroxide could be too harsh for sensitive skin.

__________

1. Neutrogena On The Spot Vanishing Formula $6.59

Made by The Neutrogena Company.

The active ingredient in this product is Benzoyl Peroxide, which, like

salicylic acid, can dry out the skin and cause redness. Depending on the
individual, the redness can last a long time, even several months.
A company spokesperson told me that this is not a product for overall acne
on the whole face. It is a spot treatment only. Users should notice relief
overnight and it could take 1-3 days for an outbreak to decrease.

Neutrogena “does not now test their products on animals” and On The
Spot Vanishing Formula contains no animal by-products.

My research showed that for the most part, people liked this product.

Here’s a review from someone who’s tried it:

“Be patient with this product…Don’t expect any miracles…It

takes time for it to work…Some bad things about this acne
treatment is that like all other Benzoyl Peroxide treatments, it
dries out your skin and makes it look red. A moisturizer is a
must.”
Anonymous - March 2007

Neutrogena On The Spot Vanishing Formula is an over-the-counter

product, no prescription required. And at $6.59, the price is right.

2. Philosophy On A Clear Day (set of products $47)

Made by Philosophy.

The company lists the ingredients as both salicylic acid and hydrogen
peroxide.

At $47 for the set, this product carries a higher price tag than Neutrogena’s
treatment. The kit includes a superwash, a blemish serum, an h2o2 cream
and a protection cream.
I emailed the company to find out how long it takes to see results and their
response said that users should see results within 2 weeks to a month.

I was told that Philosophy does not test their products on animals.

The reviews were mostly favorable, as its effectiveness was seen more
quickly than the Neutrogena product. Here’s one reviewer:

“The cleanser is great. I use….this wash as part of my treatment.

The serum has been the most effective product for me, but it burns
a little…like rubbing alcohol. Breakouts are gone after 2 days.”
Anonymous - April 2007

Philosophy On A Clear Day is an over-the-counter product, available at

many retail and online stores.

3. Nature’s Cure (one month system $10)

Made by Nature’s Cure.

This is a two-product system. It consists of tablets and a cream. The

company says it’s a homeopathic product and by that I assume they mean
the tablets. The cream’s main ingredient is also Benzoyl Peroxide at 10%.
The company claims that the pills clean acne internally and the vanishing
cream cleans it externally.

This product comes packaged for either men or women.

As far as how long it takes to see results, the company states that “you
will begin to see results after only 2 weeks and will have noticeably
clearer skin after 1 month.”
I wrote the company on animal testing and by-products but never received
a response.

The opinions of users are both favorable and unfavorable, but again
caution that because of the presence of Benzoyl Peroxide, this product
may be too harsh for sensitive skin. However, the cream also has a
number of natural ingredients that help to soothe the drying and redness
that can result, such as aloe vera and allantoin.

Some of the reviewers were satisfied about this product, it worked well for
them. Others, however, still had their acne after 6 months of use and had
acquired a very embarrassing side effect from taking the tablets: extreme
flatulence and gas.

Nature’s Cure system is over-the-counter.

4. Proactiv Solution $60

(introductory club price for 3 month supply)

Made by 2 dermatologists, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields. Marketed by Guthy-

Renken.

A friend of mine has used this with some success, so I decided to check
it out.

Its main ingredients are Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) and an antibiotic cream.

It’s a 3-step system and on average takes about 6-8 weeks to see results.
Many of their clients need 3-6 months to see a complete clearing of their
complexion. Application is twice a day.

A customer care representative told me that Proactiv Solution has not

been tested on animals and contains no animal by-products.
The reviews for this were varied. Here are one pro and one con:

“Within a week, I noticed the acne starting to dry out. Within

two weeks, I noticed I wasn’t getting any more acne. Within a
month, I started to feel like my skin was clearing up…Everything
that I hoped it would do….it did.”

Claudia Ramirez Ahlstrom

“I ordered Proactiv about a month ago and I am sending mine

back for a refund…I stopped using the system because my face
was dry and cracked, and I’d much rather suffer from a few
occasional pimples than cracked skin. Do yourself a favor, forget
the system!”
cappygirl72

Many other reviews I found went along the same lines, both for and
against.

This system takes a long time to see results, but what concerns me most
about Proactiv is that one of the ingredients is an antibiotic cream. Why
on earth would anyone want to put that on their face if there are healthier
alternatives?

Proactiv is an over-the-counter product.

 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. Clean and Clear, Persa Gel 10
2. Oxy Clear Spot Treatment
3. Derma Clear
4. Murad Acne Complex Kit
5. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions
Complete Acne Therapy System
6. pHisoderm 4-Way Daily Acne
Cleanser
7. PhytoMe Acne Gel
8. Clinique Acne Solutions
In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department
Product Rating
1. Oxy Balance Acne Treatment
2. Bliss See Spots Run
3. Zinc and Sulfur Mask Topical Cream
4. Juliet’s Clean and Smooth
5. Acne Dry Spot
6. Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask
7. Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 So What Else Is There To Try?
What concerns me about the 4 products I’ve reviewed is that some are
harsh, some are quite time-consuming, some can cause all sorts of body
problems, from red, dry and cracked skin to embarrassing digestive
disturbances. Some have complicated instructions and others are
downright messy. Some can take weeks or months to see results. Some
worked fine. Some didn’t work at all.

So what is my recommendation for treating acne? Something you’ll want

to look at is a new patch system from LifeWave that is totally unlike
anything else out there. It’s the new kid on the block for acne. Listen to
someone who’s used it:

“I’ve had acne since I was 10 years old and now I’m 25 and
wondering if there is a product out there that could give me the
skin I’ve always wanted. Y-Age is. When I first started it I was
thinking what is this little patch going to do for my skin? But after
2 weeks I noticed the bumps weren’t coming as often as they used
to, and when they would they wouldn’t be those big pus bumps.
As I continued using Y-Age, I noticed that my bumps were not
returning and my face is still clearing up, thanks to Y-Age. It’s a
great product and you just have to give it time. I believe this
product will work for anyone as it has worked for me. I would
definitely recommend this product to others.”

Melanie Burns
Chicago, IL USA June 2007

It’s a technological breakthrough and it’s revolutionary. To learn more,

just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html
 Chapter 3: Scars

My mother was an avid horsewoman, swimmer and all-around Physically

Active Person, who took a number of spills pursuing these interests. She
liked to joke that our father fell in love first with her scars and then with
her. Probably not, but it makes a good story.

But FYI, not all scars are considered unattractive. Harrison Ford’s chin
scar contributes to his action hero image and only adds to his charm.

Most people, however, are not wild about their scars, whether caused by
accident, acne, surgery or illness, and will try many means to reduce,
shrink or smooth them out.

There are three types of scars: atrophic, hypertrophic and keloidal.

Atrophic scars are depressed and create a hole in your skin. Hypertrophic
scars are elevated above the skin line but recede over time. Keloidal scars
are also elevated above the skin line but continue growing.

If invasive surgery or skin grafting doesn’t appeal to you, there are

numerous other treatments from which to choose. These are the 4 I’m
reviewing:

1. Mederma
2. Sudden Change Scar Zone
3. Retin-A
4. ScarGuard

__________
 1. Mederma $29.99 for a 1.76 oz. tube

Mederma’s active ingredient is cepalin, a botanical extract made from

onions.

Made by Merz in Germany, the company recommends applying it 3-4

times a day for 8 weeks on new scars; and 3-4 times a day for 3-6 months
on old scars. It is frequently recommended by dermatologists.

The company’s advertising claims Mederma “helps scars appear softer and
smoother.”

It is a greaseless, pleasant-smelling gel. However, side effects can include

an irritated rash and itchy skin.

Merderma’s spokesperson told me that Mederma “does not sponsor any

animal testing or research on animals and there are no animal by-products
in this product.”

Reviews by users were both pro and con:

“I love this product! I put it on my face at night to smooth out

acne and old acne scars and by morning my face is much
smoother and the redness is gone.
Anonymous April 2007

However, one woman tried an experiment, putting Mederma on one side

of her stretch marks scars and StriVectin-SD on the other side. She
concluded that StriVectin-SD worked better than Mederma but that the
latter would work fine on newer or smaller scars.
But one user wasn’t at all pleased:

“I started using Mederma about 2 years after my surgery, so my

scar would be categorized as an old scar…(I) never once noticed
an improvement with either the texture or the color of my keloid
scar, even after 2 full years of use.”

Shoplmart Oct 2003

Mederma is an over-the-counter product, available at many retail and

online stores.

2. Sudden Change Scar Zone $11.29

The active ingredients in Scar Zone are dimethicone (silicone), octinoxate

(sunscreen), and zinc oxide (sunscreen).

Made by CCA Industries, the company claims that “most individuals see
dramatic improvement within 90 days.”

I called the company and was told that they do not test on animals nor does
this product contain animal by-products.

According to many users, it works better on newer scars than older ones.

One contented user states:

“It worked exactly as promised. I had a raised red cat scratch on

my face…It was not healing well and the bump was only getting
worse. I used Scar Zone and you cannot even see a tiny mark
now.”

Levampgirl Feb 2006

One not very happy user says:

“Absolutely positively does nothing to diminish your scars… To

put it simply, this product is sunscreen.”

Cynicalabout July 2005

With all that’s been discovered about the possible dangers of silicone, I
would be hesitant to use Scar Zone on my skin.

Sudden Change Scar Zone is an over-the-counter product.

3. Retin-A Approximately $100-$300

(cost depends on your insurance coverage and the amount prescribed as

well as your doctor’s fees)

Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A and is used primarily for acne scars.

Because Retin-A is a much stronger product than others on the market,

you need to have it prescribed by a doctor. Used extensively to combat
aging, it can reduce scars but care must be taken, as it can really irritate the
skin and dry it out.

If used incorrectly, there can be harsh side effects such as redness, acne
inflammation and even painful scars.

Because Retin-A is a prescription product and not over-the-counter, I

could not find any information on whether or not it has ever been tested on
animals.

One user recommends it but with caution:

 “I had moderately severe acne as a teen. Like many I was left
with some acne scarring around certain parts of my face. I started
applying Retin-A at night before bed… It did appear to be drying
out and the scars becoming less noticeable. Eventually (it)
seemed to be less and less effective on the scarring so I stopped
using it.”

John

The possible risky side effects and the cost of Retin-A may scare off
potential users.

Retin-A is by prescription only. See your dermatologist.

4. ScarGuard Liquid $59.99

Made by ScarGuard Labs, LLC.

Scar Guard is a brush on liquid made of silicone, cortisone and Vitamin E.

It was developed by physicians and is made by Scar Guard, LLC.

It should be applied twice daily and patients typically use it for 2-4
months. It works on thick, raised scars, not thin sunken scars. It is not
recommended for acne scars that are sunken or for stretch marks.

A company spokesperson told me that ScarGuard has never been tested on

animals and as all the ingredients are chemicals, it contains no animal by-
products.

The reviews I found were mostly favorable:

 “I had major plastic surgery one month ago on my arms. My
doctor recommended using Scarguard ScarCare…I’ve already
noticed positive results.”

trem8 June 2006

But it’s considered too expensive by some users, who suggest that because
the main ingredient is hydrocortisone, a cortisone ointment for $4 would
do the same.

Again, some users like myself would hesitate using cortisone on the skin.

Scarguard Liquid is an over-the-counter product, no prescription required.

 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. Curad Scar Therapy
2. ZENMED Scar Treatment Kit
3. La Mer Crème de la Mer
4. Miracell Botanical Oil
5. Scar FX Silicone Scar Therapy
6. Scarfade

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department

Product Rating
1. Cica-Care
2. Bio Skincare
3. Spectragel
4. ScarEase
5. Dermatix
6. Kelo-Cote Topical Gel
7. Neosporin Scar Solution

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 So What Else Can You Use For Scars?

OK, some of these products are interesting and have been effective for
some people. Some were only disappointing. But the new
nanotechnology patch product seems to be coming out ahead. People who
thought they’d just have to live with their scars forever are watching them
flatten and smooth out.

One happy user:

“I work on a farm. Last year I was shearing an alpaca when the

shearer malfunctioned and the really sharp blade of the comb flew
up right onto my face. There was blood everywhere and I quickly
grabbed my jugular, as I didn’t know where I had been hit. I really
thought I had about two minutes to live, it was so fierce. I ran to
look in the mirror and saw that I had been cut from my chin all the
way up my face to my right eye. The deepest cut was near my
chin and mouth and the rest was scalloped up my cheek to my eye.

Because of my work, I’ve had accidents before, but this was right
on my face and I was quite distressed. It took a while to stop the
bleeding but the bruising and scar were just horrible, really ugly.
It was a deep, deep cut. I mean, it looked like the Mississippi
River. I should have had stitches, but I elected not to. I went to
the supermarket later that day and the woman waiting on me said,
“So what does the other guy look like?” It was that bad.

Just then LifeWave came out with their Skin Care patch (now
called the Glutathione Booster). I started wearing it right away
and the wound healed amazingly fast. Even the doctor whose
cottage is next door mentioned that and he’s the health director of
a nearby state. He kept coming and checking up on me and said
 more than once that he was surprised that it was healing so well
and quickly.

A friend took some pictures of me right after the accident and

recently Heidi asked if I could have some ‘after’ pictures taken to
show the difference. My sister-in-law came to take them and she
said she couldn’t even see anything there. I had to point out to her
where the scar was. Color-wise, you can’t really see a thing.
There is just a slight indentation from my mouth on down to my
chin, which I am aware of, but nobody else can even see.

One friend saw me right after it happened and recently I ran into
her again. This was now a year later. She said: ‘The last time I
saw you, you had a huge scar on your face. What did you do?
Where did it go?’

After this happened, I just resigned myself to having a big scar

there. I’m just amazed I don’t.”
Rory Walter
Baileys Harbor, WI USA June 2007

If you want to learn more about this scar treatment and watch a video of
satisfied users, just go here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-
skin-care.html
 Chapter 4: Pigmentation, Sun Damage & Age Spots

I like to fool myself by calling them ‘freckles.’ But the woman who gives
me facials calls them something I’d really rather not hear: ‘age spots.’

However you name them, there are many treatments and products that
lessen them. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and acid treatments are
options that many people use to try to eradicate age spots. These can be
harsh for some skin and as I have quite sensitive skin that burns easily, I
need to be careful what system I use.

These products are not just for age spots, however, as many people wish to
improve their pigmentation’s tone, color and texture and correct any
damage caused by too much sun.

But we all love the sun, don’t we, and we do get some great benefits from
it, particularly Vitamin D. So some sun is good for us. Too much isn’t.
Many people who baked their skin when they were younger are now
regretting it.

In reviewing this condition, I found all sorts of products that address it.

Here are the four I’m reviewing:

1. Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel

2. Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10
3. Porcelana Fade Dark Spots
4. Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer

__________
 1. Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel $58.00

Made by Murad.

The active ingredient in this product is hydroquinone, an aromatic

compound which is like alcohol. It is used as a topical in skin lightening
and also used in photographic developers. Murad Age Spot product also
contains glycolic acid.

I called the company and was told that it can take 6-8 weeks to see results.
They advised sticking with it for the entire time.

Murad does no animal testing and there are no animal by-products in

Murad Age Spot. Some users noted the high price tag compared to similar
products.

In researching how some users fared, I found some contradictory reviews:

“This is absolutely the best! I have tried a ton of different

lightening treatments for two rather large brown areas on my
forehead where I got too much sun as a teenager. Less than
halfway through the bottle, they disappeared.”

Anonymous - April 2007

One dissatisfied user:

“I used this product for 2 months and saw absolutely no difference

in the color of my age spots. I do not have many and they are not
that dark there was not even the slightest bit of lightening.”

Samantha - April 2007

Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is an over-the-counter

product.
 2. Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10 $8.99

Made in Canada by Medicis.

Ingredients are hydroquinone (organic compound), octyl dimethyl PABA

and Benzophenone (both organic compounds used in sunscreens).

The company suggests that for maximum effectiveness, use Esoterica for
at least 6 weeks.

I was told that this product contains no animal by-products but their
response was a bit unclear as to whether they test on animals. I was only
told that they do if the FDA requires it.

It seems with many of these age spot products, there are happy campers
and not-so-happy campers.

“I have used Esoterica since I was 18 years old, and it has been
over 25 years and I can’t live without it. I am so glad to have
found Esoterica on the web, it has been ‘rough’ without it.”

Anonymous – April 2007

Another user says:

“For years I used Esoterica Fade Cream…It worked wonders for

me. However, since the label changed to purple, the cream seems
to be slightly different. It no longer works for me…Is it the end of
the road for me and my dear skin?”

Anonymous – September 25, 2006

Esoterica Skin Discoloration Fade Cream SPF 10 is over-the-counter.

 3. Porcelana Fade Dark Spots $6.49

Made by Schwarzkopf & Henkel.

Active ingredients are hydroquinone and sunscreen. Other ingredients

include antioxidants and botanical extracts.

The company says this product fades age spots, liver spots and freckles.
However, it may not be noticeable on very dark skin.

Apply twice daily. However, if there is no improvement within 3 months,

the company advises to discontinue use.

I emailed the company as to animal testing and by-products but received

no response.

One user tried it for a bad burn on her arm:

“The burn was long and deep. When it healed, I tried the
Porcelana… To my surprise, it worked!”
Sandi - Feb 2007

Someone else had a very different experience:

“Absolutely horrible product. Greasy, ineffective and a waste of

money. Hasn’t lightened my dark spots, and I don’t like using
it… There has to be another product that can lighten brown spots,
because this stuff doesn’t work.”
Brian - August 2005

Porcelana Fade Dark Spots is an over-the-counter product.

 4. Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer $17.99

Made by Proctor & Gamble.

Ingredients include dimethicone (sunscreen), glycerin, Vitamins B3, E and

B5, retinol, many more too numerous to list here. Check their website for
a complete list.

It is fragrance and dye-free.

On their website, they claim “age spots are history.”

A company spokesperson told me that users should start to see

improvement within 4-6 weeks.

I was told by the company that Olay only tests on animals “when required
by law” and that this product “may or may not contain animal by-products,
depending on what ingredient source was available at the time of
manufacture.”

The reviews are pretty evenly split on this product. Some big hurrahs, but
others felt this Olay item doesn’t compare well with other ones in their
line.

“I’ve been using this cream for several weeks now, and in that
time, I’ve noticed a definite evening of the tone of my skin.”

Puckish - March 2006

One woman, however, used the product for 6 months with little
improvement:
 “Overall verdict, it is too bad, but this simply didn’t work for
me… This product was not one of the better Olay ones I have
used.”
Hollywoodgirl - Feb 2007

Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer is over-the-counter.

 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. Philosophy Save Me
2. Kiss My Face Peaches & Cream
Alphy Hydroxy Moisturizer
3. Vita-K Solution
4. Total Effects by Olay
5. Derma E Skin Lighten Natural
Face and Age Spot Creme
6. Jan Adams Women of Color
Lightener

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department

Product Rating
1. Nivea Visage Multiple Whitening
Cream
2. Squalane
3. Shiseido Bio Performance
Advanced Super Revitalizer
4. Obagi Tretinoin Cream
5. Acti Fade

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 What Do I Use For My Age Spots and Pigment?

So, some of these products I’ve reviewed are liked better than others.
What concerns me is that there is now information that says there are
carcinogens in sunscreen. We need to protect our skin from too much sun
damage and yet, is what we’re putting on it worse? Only time will tell on
that question.

But the product that intrigues me most is the 2-patch system that’s creating
lots of buzz in the skin care industry. Here’s someone who’s tried it:

“Well, quite a few things happened for me while wearing these

patches and not just with pigmentation. First of all, I noticed that
the overall redness and uneven tone of my skin color were
reduced. The bags under my eyes were also reduced and the big
wrinkle or crease next to my mouth decreased significantly. I had
absolutely no acne while wearing them and my saggy eyelid skin
has tightened up considerably. All of these are very noticeable.
Thanks to LifeWave for all these great improvements.”

Maxine Jones July 2007

Atlanta, Georgia USA

To read more about this and watch of video of very happy users, just go
here: http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html
 Chapter 5: Sagging Jowls

Jowls look just great on a basset hound. Even normal. But I have a friend
who so dislikes them that whenever someone takes her picture, she sticks
her chin up in the air so her jaw line is firm. She looks great in the photos,
but it looks like she’s always looking up.

Let’s be realistic. It’s not acne we’re dealing with here, where a product
could possibly get rid of it within 6 weeks. It’s sagging jowls, one of the
more noticeable and unpleasant effects of aging.

To be blunt: what will get rid of sagging jowls is plastic surgery. Not
cheap. Or you could choose the Featherlift Threads, where a doctor
threads a suture through your sagging tissues and then retracts it. Yuck.
Plus, it costs $3,000.

The exercises in Carole Maggio’s book “Facercise” help you tone those
sagging muscles. But you must be disciplined and do them regularly.

There are little machines you can buy that exercise the facial muscles. I
bought one some years ago and tried it out for about a month. It was a lot
of work and to be honest, I was always a little bit afraid of it. Did my skin
look firmer? A little. But it was simply too time-consuming to continue.
It sits on my shelf.

But there are less drastic treatments or products that can help to tighten the
jaw line.

The ones I’m listing here are mostly skin-tightening formulas that can lift
the skin somewhat, but which need to be applied regularly. Some are
messy, some time-consuming, some pricey. One is not a product at all, but
a non-surgical treatment involving radio waves.

The four I’m reviewing are:

 1. Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting and
Contouring
2. Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift
3. L’Oréal Age Perfect
4. Thermage

__________

1. Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting

and Contouring $45

Made by Joey New York.

Ingredients include eggs and honey.

This is a temporary solution to sagging skin. It needs to be applied every

day to be effective and it washes off when you clean your face at night.
One needs to use this product sparingly. Too much and your skin can get
flaky.

I was told that the company does not test on animals but does have animal
by-products in the form of eggs.

The reviews were mostly positive for this product, except for the cost.

“This is a wonderful product. I found it while on vacation and

have been using it for 3 weeks. The firming effect lasts all day.”

Marjorie P. - February 2005

Not everyone agreed, however:

 “Don’t buy this product – it doesn’t “instantly tighten” your skin
like you would think a product that contains egg should.”

Anonymous - January 2005

Joey New York Egg Cream Instant Face Lifting and Contouring is an
over-the-counter product.

2. Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift $19.99

Made by Zia.

Ingredients include cornstarch and albumen.

The company claims that you can see results within 10 to 15 minutes that
will last for up to 10 hours.

This product consists of a powder and a toner that you mix up yourself and
brush on your face. You lie down for 15-20 minutes until it dries and then
rinse it off.

The company told me that they do no animal testing and there are no
animal by-products in this skincare product.

Reviews were quite mixed, from very positive to quite disappointed.

One user complained that it was difficult to apply and the directions were
confusing and contradictory. It was also too time-consuming.
One positive:

“This is a fabulous product! Yes, you have to mix it up, yes, it

takes 15 minutes, and yes the smell isn’t wonderful, but it dries
with no smell and no smell after removed. Bottom line it works!”

Anonymous - July 2005

One negative:

“Did not do a thing for me. Kind of pricey for a temporary

“firming” mask that is time-consuming and messy…As it dried it
made my face itch like mad. It was difficult to remove and did
nothing.”
Anonymous - March 2007

Zia Natural Skincare 15 Minute Face Lift is an over-the-counter product.

2. L’Oréal Age Perfect, one for day, one for night,

$15.99 each

Made by L’Oréal.

Ingredients include “marine collagen and dermo-peptide technology.”

Many, many other ingredients.

The company calls the cream “anti-sagging and ultra-hydrating.”

You leave this cream on all day. It’s not a temporary mask you wash off.

A L’Oréal spokesperson told me that L’Oréal has not tested on animals

since 1989 and that their products contain no animal by-products.
Reviews were quite mixed. Some were happy with it, but others not.

“I had a terrible reaction to another name brand product. My skin

was so irritated, I gradually tried this and my skin feels so much
better.”
Anonymous – March 2007

“I had hoped to like this, but I disliked the smell and it made me
break out, so back it goes. If you have sensitive skin, this is not
the product for you.”

Anonymous - April 2007

L’Oréal Age Perfect is over-the-counter.

4. Thermage $2000.00

And now for something completely different: a treatment that uses radio
frequency to tighten the skin. This is done in a doctor or practitioner’s
office using a machine called ThermaCool TC. It delivers a special form
of radio frequency that tightens your skin tissue and pulls out wrinkles and
loose skin.

A cooling spray protects the outer layer of skin while the radio frequency
energy generates heat in the lower layer of skin. Over time, collagen
tightens and wrinkles lessen.

There is no surgery involved but it is obviously more aggressive than an

over-the-counter product. A numbing cream is applied to the patient’s
face yet some say it is still not totally pain-free. Some patients complained
of a burning and pinching sensation. There can be blistering in a very
small percentage of patients.
The machine creates a heating effect in the mid and deep layers of the
skin. The results are not at all immediate. Once the procedure is finished,
it can take weeks or months to see results. The results can last from 6
months to 2 years, depending on the individual’s aging process.

Dermatologist Dr. Scott Karempelis warns against over-optimism:

“(Patients will see) probably in the 30 percent range of tightening

of what they’d really like.”

Thermage must be performed by trained practitioners.

 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. Palmer’s Skin Success Face Lift
Serum
2. Dreamlift Instant Face Lift
3. SkinCeuticals Skin Firming Kit with
C E Ferulic
4. Distinction
5. Athena 7 Minute Lift
6. Suisse Programme Cellular
Supreme Duo

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department

Product Rating
1. Replenix Green Tea Serum
2. Spa in a Bag Anti-Aging Skin Care
Facial
3. Revision Nectifirm
4. Tight Fix Facial Firming Complex
5. Vital Image Skin Renewal Pac
6. Natural Face Lift System

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 So What Else Is There To Try?

We’ve gone from $10.49 to $2000 in 6 short pages. Some of these items
I’ve reviewed are OK, one is downright scary.

So what else is available for you? Let me tell you about my favorite
product to tighten the jaw line. I know it works, because I’ve used it on
me with good results. And I’m hearing from friends who like it, too.

It’s a skin care system that introduces absolutely nothing into your body
and yet your body responds. It’s Y-Age, the 2-patch skin care system
from LifeWave.

I have worn the Glutathione Booster now for over a year--back when they
still called it the Skin Care patch. One of the first things I noticed was
firmer skin, especially around the jaw area. It has only gotten better now
that I’m using the Carnosine Booster as well. I think I look better at 60
than I did at 50!

Want to learn more? Go here:

http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html
 Chapter 6: Baggy & Puffy Eyes

Some years ago I knew a man who’d lost his wife of many years to an
illness. He was youngish for someone in his 60s. After several years, he
began dating, but all of the women were much younger than he was. So he
had the bags under his eyes taken off and went around wearing sunglasses
for a few weeks.

His approach may actually be the best way for you to rid yourself of those
bags. Yet some people only have puffiness around the eyes, not bags.
There are a number of ways to deal with both of these conditions.

There is a process using lasers called Titan Laser that is performed in a

doctor’s office but a topical cream must be used to prevent any pain. But
short of lasers or plastic surgery, what other options do you have for baggy
and puffy eyes?

I found quite a few products to investigate. Here are the four I wanted to
look into in more detail:

1. B. Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream

2. M.D. Forté Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream
3. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple
Response System
4. Clinique All About Eyes

__________

1. B. Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream $57.00

Made in Canada by B.Kamins.

Active ingredients are a bio-maple compound of purified Canadian sap
and something called Episphere-Blue.

A company spokesperson told me that users could see results right away.

There are no animal ingredients in this product and the company does not
test on animals.

This is not an aggressive product so I was told it could be used on sensitive

skin. The company states that it “helps reduce the appearance of under-eye
puffiness,” yet very few reviewers mentioned that. They mostly liked its
moisturizing of the under eye area.

So it doesn’t seem to do too much for puffiness or bags. The high price
tag was mentioned as a negative by some users.

“This product didn’t work for me at all…It made my eye area

look bruised and wrinkly. I used it for four days and stopped, and
now three days later, my under eye area is also dry and flaking.
Very surprised…..”
Jennifer – April 2007

B.Kamins, Chemist Bio-Maple Eye Cream is over-the-counter.

2. M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream $62.00

Made by Allergan.

Active ingredients are retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E and alpha hydroxy
acids and include glycerin, polysilicone and many, many more.

I was told by a company spokesperson that within “two to six weeks, you
should begin to see and feel visible results.”
I wrote the company on whether they test on animals or whether this
product contains animal by-products, but I received no response.

Some users liked the moisturizing properties of this eye cream but again,
though reducing puffiness around the eyes is mentioned in the product
description, I found very few reviewers noting this.

“Works well. Not heavy, greasy. Doesn’t make my eyes peel too
much or get red. Although not cheap, product lasts about a year.”

Anonymous – November 2006

“I really had high hopes for this eye cream but found it far too
strong for my skin. It burned from the first application and every
time thereafter.”
Anonymous – June 2006

M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream is an over-the-counter product.

3. Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple

Response System $26.99

Made by Proctor and Gamble.

Ingredients include cyclopentasiloxane (skin emollient), Pro Vitamin B5,

Glycol, many, many, many more.

This product is 24 derma-pod applicators. One package lasts 8 weeks.

Olay says this product “helps remove excess under-eye fluids” and that it
“decongests puffiness.” For best results, use it three times per week. The
company told me that users “should see results immediately but that can
vary from person to person.”
As I mentioned in other chapters covering Olay products, the company
does test on animals if required by law. This product does contain animal
by-products.

Reviews were mixed on this product. Some users noted the puffiness went
down but others saw little improvement.

“Honestly I’m not that impressed…and I think you could obtain

the same result with a great eye serum and massage with your
fingers… I used this for about two months before I saw any
change, even though the change is slight. In my opinion this is
just a 28 dollar gimmick I don’t think I will buy this again.”

Dannigirl5173 – June 2007

“Can’t say that I have seen any difference, but I have not used it
regularly.”
D. Milani – June 2007

Olay’s products are considered drugstore products, thus less expensive

than department store products that address the same skin issues. A
number of users commented that the price of this product is therefore a bit
steep for something that’s marketed at your local Walgreen’s.

Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System is

over-the-counter.

4. Clinique All About Eyes $25.00

Made by Estee Lauder.

Ingredients include milk proteins, whey protein, marine fish, wool grease,
beeswax, shellfish, sucrose (bovine-derived processing aid), as well as
many, many more.

I found no information on how long it takes to see results.

The company says this product was never tested on animals and it has no
plans in the future to test their products on animals. This product does,
however, contain animal by-products.

All About Eyes is a non-greasy gel and can be worn beneath under-eye
concealer.

Some users loved this product, calling it a ‘feel good moisturizer,’ though
it is shiny if no makeup or concealer is worn over it. It seems to soothe
sensitive skin.

However, others noted the high price and also felt that Clinique’s claims to
reduce puffiness and under-eye circles are highly overrated. Two who
can’t recommend it:

“I have slight puffiness under my eyes during allergy season and

this product did NOT visibly reduce puffiness (ice and cucumber
slices work better!)…While I like the smooth feel of the product,
it doesn’t actually do anything for my eyes.”
ZzJulia – April 2001

“Don’t get me wrong, I do like this product, it just doesn’t do

what it claims. (It) claims to reduce puffiness and under eye
circles. The only thing I have noticed that it does do is make the
skin under my eyes very soft.”

Stacyintx – December 2000

Another user called this product “just about average.”

Clinique All About Eyes is over-the-counter.

 Ones I’m still looking into,
as the full research is not yet complete:
Products Rating
1. La Vie des Yeux Eye Cream
2. Lancome High Resolution Intensive
Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
3. Striadel Eye Cream
4. Ageless Herbal Products Herbal Eye Gel
5. Jan Marini’s Transformation Eye
Cream with TGF Beta-1

In the ‘close, but no cigar’ department

Product Rating
4. Dermaxime Rejuvenating Eye Cream
5. Guna Biotherapeutics Guna-Collagen
6. Botanic Choice Chamomile Eye Serum
7. I.Q. Derma RestorEyes Firming Eye
Treatment
8. Hydroderm Triple Effects Eye Serum
9. Avon Anew Ultimate Transforming Eye
Lift Cream
10. Life Plus Forever Young Firming Eye Ge

Key: = might want to save your money

= worth a try
 So What Else Can You Try?

So if you don’t want to choose plastic surgery and have tried a number of
my reviewed products with only little success, what else is there? I highly
recommend you look into the new LifeWave nanotech patches. They have
patches that can improve skin significantly and there are no animal
products, there’s no animal testing, there are no greasy creams. In fact,
nothing even enters the body.

Here’s someone who’s tried it with fun results:

“I have to admit, I really didn’t expect much

from these patches. But here’s what I’ve noticed
so far, after less than a month using them: the sagging
of my eyelids has tightened. Plus, I noticed this
morning that my eyeliner is going on better without
my having to pull my lid taut to apply it. I just bought
another month’s worth and am looking forward to
even more improvements.”

Kathey Hurt June 2007

USA

To learn more, just go here:

http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html
 Chapter 7: Patch For Wellness

There is a technological revolution underfoot and it’s called

nanotechnology. It will completely transform our health, our way of living
and our attitudes. Most developed countries, as well as many of the major
drug companies, have nanotechnology development departments. So you
can expect to be hearing this word a lot more.

Nano means one billionth. A nanometer is 100,000 times smaller than the
width of a human hair. Nanotechnology is the science of re-creating
structures at the scale of atoms and molecules.

For a more in-depth description of nanotechnology and to read what others

are saying about it, just click here:
http://www.patch4wellness.com/introduction-to-nanotechnology.html.

LifeWave nanotechnology patches are called “Software for the Human

Body.” They speak to the body through the body’s own electro-magnetic
field, introducing absolutely nothing into the body. The company’s focus
is health and wellness, so I call their product the ‘patch for wellness.’ I
created an entire website about this incredible technology:
http://www.patch4wellness.com.

How can these little patches influence the body if nothing is going into the
body? For the answer, see http://www.patch4wellness.com/lifewave-
technology.html.

But basically, here’s the science behind it:

The LifeWave patches “frequency modulate” the human magnetic field.

It’s sort of like how information is transmitted over high frequency radio
waves. This FM wave is then transmitted back to the body by a process
known as resonant energy transfer.
It’s like two people holding opposite ends of a rope. One person creates a
wave motion and the wave travels to the other person at the other end of
the rope. Using the same idea, once the FM wave or signal reaches the
patch user, the signal comes in contact with the cells in our bodies. This is
known as signal induction. It’s the process by which various cellular
responses occur.

Glutathione Protects

Their new anti-aging patch product is called Y-Age, made up of 2 patches.

The first is the Glutathione Booster, which raises the glutathione levels
(our body’s major antioxidant) in the body by as much as 300% within the
first 24 hours. Glutathione makes collagen, so the more glutathione our
bodies produce, the healthier and younger our skin will look.

Glutathione doesn’t just build collagen, however. It has many functions,

from attacking free radicals, to recharging depleted antioxidants like
Vitamin C, E and A, to maintaining your immune system and removing
heavy metals through the liver.

There are other methods of raising our glutathione levels, but they are just
not very effective. Injections are costly and inconvenient. Oral
supplements are destroyed by stomach acids. And adding the 3 amino
acids that comprise glutathione to our diet doesn’t guarantee that
glutathione will be elevated in our bodies.

But the signal in the patches tells the body to build glutathione and it does!
 Carnosine Repairs

The second patch is the Carnosine Booster. Carnosine, also an

antioxidant, is believed to be the main nutrient in the body that repairs
damaged cells. It can turn old cells into young ones. Clinical research
shows that carnosine may be the principal nutrient that keeps the body
young as we grow older.

Studies on carnosine show that it can protect the brain from plaque, one of
the causes of Alzeimers disease. It also protects our DNA better than any
other nutrient.

So, glutathione protects the cells against the effects of aging and carnosine
repairs the cells.

Both of these antioxidants decline as we age. So---you have 2 antioxidant

boosters in one easy-to-use product. If you’d like to read even more about
them and read some testimonials, check out
http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html.

You’ve read some of the testimonials in this ebook from individuals who
have used Y-Age with success. If not, you may want to go back and read
them. The results from wearing these tiny patches are quite remarkable.

The focus of this ebook is skin and beauty. Y-Age patches obviously fit
into that category. But LifeWave has other patches as well. There’s one
for energy, one for sleep, one for pain relief and their barely-out-there
weight loss patch, SP6, for controlling appetite and cravings. To learn
about all of them, go to http://www.patch4wellness.com.

Yes, the patches are a new technology and may sound strange to you. But
they are worth a look. I was thoroughly skeptical 3 years ago when asked
to try the energy enhancer patches. It only took me a half hour to be
convinced that something remarkable was happening. Believe me, this
technology is only going to expand.

Because LifeWave provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s

nothing to lose. And much to gain. Try Y-Age out for yourself
 Chapter 8: Summing Up

This book is a look at what’s on the market for all of these skin conditions.
I have focused primarily on beauty and anti-aging. Some of these products
are fine, some I would be open to trying myself while others I wouldn’t get
within 20 feet of!

There are many, many other treatments for your skin issues. I’ve focused
on the most popular and best-known. But if you want to learn even more,
check out Jenny Bailley’s excellent article in the March 2007 issue of O
magazine, “Is This Any Way To Treat A Face?”

Many of the products that I have reviewed in this book contain ingredients
that are possibly unhealthy and perhaps not even safe. Silicone,
hydrcortisone, parabens, hydroquinone, antibiotics. Why would you want
to put these on your skin if you have a safer alternative? And an
alternative treatment that could possibly do the same thing?

I shall continue my research on the other products I’ve listed and put out
another book if I find something wonderful that actually does what it
claims. Until then, I shall tell people about the LifeWave patches. The
patches actually address all of these beauty & skin issues, so there’s no
need to buy everything out there.

Plus, as you’ve read in the testimonials, they have helped with other skin
issues such as eczema. I’m convinced that they even got rid of my warts!
I had had them for 5 years, tried everything on the market as well as
alternative treatments, but within 2-3 weeks of wearing the Glutathione
Booster patch, most of the warts disappeared.

In Western medicine, warts are considered a virus. But in Chinese

medicine, the cause is inner stagnation. Acupuncturists use herbs and
needles to clear that stagnation. However, this didn’t work for me. What
worked were the patches.
We are all unique. What works for one person may not for another. We
simply do not all have the same bodies, needs or metabolisms. I had a
friend who couldn’t ever take Novocain. She had her wisdom teeth
removed with no anesthetic at all. And not even aspirin works for
everyone.

So each one of us needs to find the right fit. As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed an
allergic reaction to eye creams, eye shadow, even mascara. Unfortunately
for me, I cannot even try any of the creams I’ve reviewed for baggy eyes
or wrinkles & crows’ feet.

That’s why the patches are so exciting. No creams, no mess, and

absolutely nothing goes into the body. My wrinkles and crows’ feet are
noticeably lessened, my jaw line is firmer, my skin tone and texture
improved, and all I used were the patches.

If you are as cautious as I am about what goes in your body and what goes
on it, you may wish to check out the patches. To learn more about them or
try them out for yourself, check them out here:
http://www.patch4wellness.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html.

I hope you have as much fun with them as I have.

To Your Gorgeous and Healthy Skin,

Heidi Walter
 Glossary of Terms

Albumen: Egg whites.

Allantoin: An extract of the comfrey root, it aids the healing of damaged

skin by stimulating new tissue growth.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Treatments: Alpha hydroxy acids are naturally

occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid…This is the
mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels for treatment of fine
wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.
Wikipedia

Antibiotics: An antibiotic is a chemical compound that inhibits or

abolishes the growth of micro-organisms. Adverse effects can range from
fever and nausea to major allergic reactions.
Wikipedia

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are a group of vitamins, minerals and

enzymes that prevent free radical damage. Free radicals cause the aging
symptoms of our skin, such as age spots, wrinkles, loose or sagging skin,
blemishes, even warts.

Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars are depressed and create a hole in the
skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl Peroxide is a chemical in the organic

peroxide family. It is a powerful bleaching agent. Contact with fabric or
hair can cause permanent color dampening almost immediately. At high
concentrations, Benzoyl peroxide is highly flammable and explosive and
should be handled with care.
Wikipedia
Botox: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring
substances in the world. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute
doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in
some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand names
Botox and Dysport for this purpose.
Wikipedia

Carcinogens: The term carcinogen refers to any substance or radiation

which is an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer or in the
facilitation of its propagation.
Wikipedia

Chemical Peels: A chemical peel is a body treatment used to improve and

smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes
the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually
smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Should only be done by a
professional.
Wikipedia

Collagen Injections: Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in

animals and the most abundant protein in mammals. As we age, collagen
production slows, leading to less smooth skin. Animal collagen or protein
is used cosmetically by being injected into facial lines and wrinkles. The
most common source for this is cows.

Cortisone: Cortisone is a steroid hormone. It is sometimes used as a drug

to treat a variety of ailments. One of cortisone’s effects on the body, and a
potentially harmful side effect when administered clinically, is the
suppression of the immune system.
Wikipedia
Exfoliants: Exfoliation in cosmetology is a cosmetic technique aimed at
improving skin’s appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface
of the skin. Removing excess dead skin cells can reveal the younger and
healthier-looking skin underneath.
Wikipedia

Fillers: Fillers are similar to collagen injections. They fill in the lines and
wrinkles of the face. There are many types of injectible fillers, from
Antecoll, a synthetic, to Restylane, a clear gel that contains hyaluronic
acid.

Glycerin: A colorless, odorless, water-soluble liquid derived mainly from

vegetable fats. Used as a moisturizer and emollient.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline solid that

is highly soluble in water and related solvents. It is associated with sugar
crops and is isolated from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe
and unripe grapes. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyper-
pigmentation and improve many other skin conditions.
Wikipedia

Hydrocortisone: The active form of the hormone cortisone. In

pharmacology, the synthetic form of cortisol is referred to as
hydrocortisone and is used to treat allergies and inflammation.
Wikipedia

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a very pale blue liquid, which

appears colorless in a dilute solution slightly more viscous (thick) than
water. It is a weak acid. It has strong oxidizing properties and is therefore
a powerful bleaching agent.
Wikipedia
Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound which is
a type of phenol (similar to alcohol). It is used as a topical application in
skin whitening to reduce the color of skin. This use is banned is some
countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk.
Wikipedia

Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are elevated above the skin line
but recede over time.

Keloid Scars: Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a

healed skin injury. They can occur from such skin injuries as surgical
incisions, traumatic wounds, vaccination sites, burns, chickenpox, acne, or
even minor scratches.
Healthline.com

Lanolin: Lanolin is an ingredient added to some skin care products that

binds water to skin and gives the product a silky feel. It is used
commercially in a great many products ranging from rust preventative
coatings to cosmetics and lubricants. Using cosmetic products which
contain too much lanolin can result in an allergic reaction to some people.
ascpskincare/glossary

Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing is a technique used during laser

surgery wherein molecular bonds of a material are dissolved by a laser. It
is often used in a medical context, especially in dermatology, for the
treatment of acne vulgaris, scars and spider veins. It can be combined with
liposuction when this is done to remove excess fat from the chin and jaw
area.
Wikipedia

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in

which the dead outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely
removed by light abrasion…Methods include mechanical abrasion from
jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or a
roughened surface. Particles and removed material are vacuumed off
through the wand/handpiece through which the abrasive particles came.
Wikipedia

Natron: Natron is a combination of sodium carbonate (also called

washing soda or soda ash) and sodium bicarbonate. Both are salts.

Parabens: The most widely used preservatives in the United States. They
can mimic estrogen, which is a hormone known to fuel tumors. Highly
toxic.

Peptides: Peptides are the family of short molecules formed from the
linking, in a defined order, of various amino acids. The link between one
amino acid residue and the next is an amide bond and is sometimes
referred to as a peptide bond.
Wikipedia

Polysilicone: A polymer based on silicone, consisting of silicone and

oxygen atoms combined with various organic groups.
Intota.com

Retinol: Retinol, the animal form of Vitamin A, is a fat-soluble,

antioxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth. In cosmetics,
Vitamin A derivatives are used as anti-aging chemicals. Too much
Vitamin A can be harmful or fatal, resulting in what is known as
hypervitaminosis A.
Wikipedia

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is the key additive in many skin-care

products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns and warts.
The name derives from the Latin word for the willow tree, from whose
bark it can be obtained.
Wikipedia
Silicone: Any of a large group of organic compounds comprising
alternating silicon and oxygen atoms linked to organic radicals,
particularly methyl groups; uses have included wetting agents and
surfactants, sealants, coolants, contact lenses and surgical membranes and
implants.
thefreedictionary.com

Tallow: Tallow is rendered mutton, beef or other bovine fat, processed

from suet.
Wikipedia

Y-Age: A new 2-patch skin system from LifeWave. The Glutathione

Booster protects the cells of the body against the signs of aging. The
Carnosine Booster repairs the cells.
Heidi Walter was a free-lance photographer in Chicago, IL for more
than 20 years. Her specialty was on-location portrait and event
photography.

Among her numerous clients were The Oprah Winfrey Show,

Chicago Life Magazine and The March of Dimes.

Her photos have appeared in Chicago Magazine, Ebony Magazine,

The Chicago Sun-Times and countless client newsletters and
brochures.

She shares her home in Evanston, IL with 2 cats, one docile, the
other rambunctious.