HYPOALLERGENIC EYELINER AND MASCARA AND OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE CREAM UPDATES

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and celebrates all of its blessings!

DEEP THOUGHTS

I COULD NEVER BE A SENIOR CENTERFOLD

Yes, I just heard the collective sigh of relief exhaled through out the land!

This is the story of my adventure into the realm of Boudoir Photography....

Getting ready to turn 60 this year has triggered a cascade of preoccupations with aging, and contemplation about who I want to be moving forward into the final chapter of life.  So one thing I thought would be pretty cool to do is to document what my body looks like now, with the thought of checking back every ten years or so, to record my body's changes as I hit 70, and the universe willing, 80 and beyond.

OK, seriously, I just lost 8 pounds, and it seemed like another interesting project, I got a great deal on Living Social, and who knows how long I can keep this weight off.

  BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY RISKS AND PITFALLS:

1)  If you are not accustomed to walking in high heels, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT wear three inch heels for your photography session!  I thought it would be really sexy to sport the heels with my slinky  outfits, but failed to remember that I have absolutely no track record of being able to walk safely in any shoe with a heel higher than an inch.  With each change of outfit, I had to navigate from dressing room to the staging area careening from one stationary object to another holding on for dear life....At the very least bring a walker with you, if you insist on wearing stilettos.

2) I happen to think that a woman's back is a beautiful thing, so one of the few more revealing photos I wanted taken was a back view with me sitting on my heels. These shots turned out really well...However, to avoid your rear end puddling over your heels like Sharpei jowls, you must slightly elevate your bum over your heels, for a period of time that feels like eternity....A painful, muscle screaming eternity! Be forewarned.

3) If your photographer coaxes you to to sit in a kneeling profile position with your bum on the floor between your legs on the floor and your back arched, there is a very good chance that you will not be able to rise to your feet on your own afterwards, that in fact you will have to call out to the photographer to come to your assistance and help hoist you back up to a standing position.  This is pretty intensely embarrassing.  This is also a physically painful process.  You will feel like you have dislocated important body parts.

4) Be specific about what you don't want.  No naughty cheer leader, ditto for naughty nurse or naughty school girl ( for Pete's sake, I'm turning 60!) No fluffy angel wing props, at my age that would be more morbid than hot....Most of my pics were with jeans and off the shoulder black top and a vintage beaded evening dress, with the aforementioned high heels.

Worth it??  All in all, yes.....A good photographer can take years and pounds off of you with great lighting and digital editing!

HYPOALLERGENIC EYELINER AND MASCARA

Late last fall, my eyes became acutely sensitive to the mascara I had been using for years.  I initially thought it was contact lens failure or corneal abrasions.  Since new lens and several courses of antibiotic eyedrops didn't resolve the problem, I went on the search for new eye make up products.

I have been using these two products for the past six months.  I can now apply mascara without feeling that my contacts are turning into potato chips on my eyes from the solvent fumes.

ALMAY LIQUID EYELINER

Benefits:

- Water resistant.
-"Color wears up to 16 hours", haven't timed it myself, but find it stays on until I take it off.
- It's liquid! Pencil liners slide right off of my eyelids.
- Flexible fine tipped applicator allows for applying a very fine or thicker line on the lid.
- Hypoallergenic
- Very reasonable price!

You can buy this at most drugstores or online at Drugstore.com for $7.29 and at Ulta for $6.99.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA, ORGANIC WEAR, JUMBO LASH MASCARA

Benefits:

- Free of harsh chemicals, solvents and synthetic preservatives.
- Creates a pretty thick lash.
- Removes easily and completely with water and cleanser or make up removal wipes. ( I use Neutrogena wipes)
- Very reasonable price!

Disbenefit:

- The flashy, shiny green, fake looking leaf container.

I can no longer find Physician Formula products on the shelves at CVS, Target and Walgreen stores.  However, I can still buy this product online.  $8.74 at Walmart online, $9.99 at Walgreens and Ulta online.


OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM UPDATES

LUCY'S UPDATE:

After several months of consistent use of Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream, I visited a new dermatologist who gave me a decent sized sample of TNS Eye Repair by Skin Medica.  Always one to try something new, I abandoned the Obagi and gave the new product a three week go.  The Skin Medica cream was light and penetrated nicely.  It also seemed to hydrate my delicate under eye skin better than the Obagi.

After just a few weeks however, I noticed a "loosening" of the skin near the corners of my eyes and along my upper eyelids.  Puffy, dark circles and fine lines that had been minimized with consistent Obagi use began to reappear.  My diet and sleep patterns had not altered so I concluded that the TNS Eye Repair just wasn't offering the tightening, smoothing benefits of Obagi Elastiderm.  I remain a loyal Obagi customer and have learned, if necessary, to add a moisturizer on top of the Elastiderm cream when my skin feels overly dry.

LINDA AKA ANNABELLA'S UPDATE

OBAGI VERSUS L'OREAL

Upon the recommendation of my aesthetician's office staff person (as referred to in an earlier post) I purchased the Obagi Elastiderm eye cream.  I used it every AM and PM for six weeks.  No visible change.  It got such great reviews, and it's not cheap.  I was disappointed and puzzled.

After some pondering, I have come to the conclusion that I am older than the average customer for these products.  That is my latest theory about why they don't work so well for me.  Alas, the majority of the clients in my aesthetician's office ( which is also a cosmetic surgery practice) are younger than I.  I'm 61.  My father always said, "consider the source".  So I have been doing just that.

This led me to conclude that I need to narrow in on products designed specifically for "mature" skin.  A kind word, but we all know what it really means.  So I found "L'Oreal Age Perfect for mature, thinning skin Hydration Golden Balm Redensifying Comfort Moisturizer Eye Cream".  This is the product line that features Diane Keaton.  And she is definitely mature.  Plus it was on sale at Walgreen's for under $20.00, might normally be $25.00 but that's still less than most.

I've been using it for three weeks now.  It's a cream, thick enough, has no smell ( big plus), and a little goes a long way.  My eyes look less dry and wrinkled.  I don't have the puffiness or dark circles issues so I can't vouch for that.  So for now this product is working for me and I plan to stick with it.  I'll report after six weeks to see if I'm still enamored.

TERESA'S UPDATE

I just finished my first jar of Obagi Elastiderm Cream.  It lasted a good six months, so even with the high price tag, actually not a bad return on my investment.  Still found it to be an adequate moisturizing foundation for my eye shadow, light weight and not heavily scented.  I didn't really see any change to my lower eyelid crinkles. No change in puffiness.  I am fairly resigned to the fact that short of surgery, and clever make up concealment, there is not much to be done with the under eye bags.

I decided to try a new eye cream, Korres Antiaging and Antiwrinkle Eye Cream, with Quercitin and Oak, 0.51 ounce.  I picked it because it popped up on several Top Ten Eye Cream lists.  It is being shipped from Greece as we speak.  I will let my readers know how it works in a future post.  I will have my hubbie take before and after pictures of my eyes with out make up. Yikes!

6-12-13 Update
I decided to return the Korres eye cream.  Further research indicates it is highly perfumed.  I am very sensitive to fragrances in cosmetics.


GOOD READ

I just finished reading "Counter Clockwise: My Year of Hypnosis, Hormones, Dark Chocolate, and Other Adventures in the World of Anti-Aging" by Lauren Kessler.

Very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend.

EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

Thanks to all of you who have subscribed to this Blog by email.  When you get your emailed post, it will not look as graphically attractive as the regular Blog site.  You can always hop over to http://savingfacewithteresa.blogspot.com/ to see the cuter version.  Also, if you would like to leave a comment you will have to visit the regular Blog site.....no option on the email post to respond.

DISCLAIMERS

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR certified.

My opinions, and those of my contributors are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill of any product manufacturer.

If after reading this post, you feel tempted to try a product or procedure, for Pete's sake check it out with your medical provider or aesthetician first.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.

WEIRD HAIR GROWTH AND BEST SHAVING PRACTICES

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and celebrates all of its blessings!

DEEP THOUGHTS

WEIRD HAIR GROWTH

Five weeks ago I posted a comment in response to a post on The Bloggess, which was titled, "HOLY ****, WHY IS THERE A THREE INCH WHITE HAIR ON MY FOREHEAD?"

I'm including my comments on todays SAVING FACE post, because, as comment number 742, I doubt very much it has been widely viewed, and it is relevant to this weeks blog subject.

PERTINENT FACTS

1) I was diagnosed with a teensy melanoma on my right ankle a couple years ago, which was treated by carving a chunk of skin out of my groin and sewing it on the large hole that had been cut out of the area where the melanoma had resided....effectively terminating any hopes of a career as an ankle model, and launching me into an obsessive preoccupation with all weird things skin related...(Yes, that's the "Could kill you if it doesn't get caught in time Melanoma"....See my previous post "MELANOMA IS REALLY, REALLY SCARY")

2) I can't see worth **** anymore.....Joys of aging....And I feel like a total dork wearing my glasses when I shower or perch on the bathtub edge, so of course I can't really see what I'm doing when I shave my legs and groom my feet.

3) I also have pretty bad osteoporosis in my spine, which makes it extraordinarily difficult to bend over to perform "Soins de Pieds" (Foot Care), without risking my little vertebrae squishing like wet cheerios....

4) Needless to say, shaving my legs has become a blood sport.

STORY

So last summer I was having a pedicure. (Safety first....let someone else bend over the feet.)  As the nail polish came off, I opened my eyes briefly in spite of being in a relaxed puddle from the massage chair, and almost screamed as I looked down.  About a third of the surface of my left big toenail was black!  My mind immediately raced to the only possible explanation for such grossness ....TOENAIL MELANOMA!  I swiftly photographed the appendage with my phone camera before nail polish was put back on, so I could shop the photo to all my friends and doctors for a game of "Let's make some scary diagnoses".

Well the diagnosis was, in fact, not scary.  The black grossness was a hematoma thingy most likely caused by my cairn terrier's habit of tap dancing on my bare feet when I turn on the garden hose.

THIS IS THE SCARY PART...Since I can enlarge photos on my phone to see things in more detail, I finally noticed that my big toe had a wicked soul patch...I'm talking a hair forest....Further contortions with my glasses on, confirmed that my other big toe, all the little piggies and the tops of my feet also sported fur.  I had no clue I had become Sasquatch.

And seriously, you would think that some charitable nail tech in the past few years would have said, "Hey lady, you're sporting some grim soul patches on your tootsies", or a beneficent friend might have gently pointed how cute it was that I was going for the Hobbit look with my summer sandals....But no...Vows of silence taken by all.

So now I've added my feet to the blood sports.

(If the feet hair wasn't bad enough, I finally noticed last week that I had a long Billy Goat Gruff whisker hanging from my chin....Again no clue how long it had been there.  Sigh.)

                       

BEST SHAVING PRACTICES

Though most of this blog's readers probably figured out BEST SHAVING PRACTICES by the age of thirteen, I have been late to the blood free shaving party.  I have only in this past year found a more effective way to shave my legs, and parts, without excessive bloodshed and with minimal post shaving itchiness.

1) Sit on the side of the bathtub, with feet and legs IN the tub. (This is critical.)

2) Rub a generous amount of Aquaphor ointment all over any area you plan to shave.  Aquaphor is a petrolatum based product, Vaseline would work as well.

3) Run some warm water, mix water with some Neutrogena Liquid Soap, and lather up your legs and parts.

4) Shave against the direction of hair growth on your legs, and with the direction of hair growth on your parts. Yes, your razor will get seriously gunked up and will need to be rinsed frequently and probably replaced fairly frequently as well.  Buy a bunch of throw away razors at the Dollar Store for goodness sake.

5) Rinse well. Pat dry gently with towel.

6) Be forewarned, your dogs might consider Aquaphor Ointment to be akin to a tasty meat marinade.  You may be subject to vigorous licking after shaving.  This, of course, is not allowed in our home.  Really.

There are many non-razor methods to remove unwanted and weird hairs.  Lasers, waxing, depilatories and electrolysis have their pros and cons.  For me the cons include PAIN, odor and cost, so for now I'm sticking to shaving and plucking.

       This is the crazed, toenail tap dancing, and Aquaphor obsessed cairn terrier.



WARNING: HOME WAXING CAN LEAD TO BONE FRACTURES!

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAUTIONARY STORY FROM OUR EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT, JEANIE.

TO WAX OR NOT TO WAX?

Those of us who have gone down the route of waxing those intimate bits of the anatomy, thus avoiding the dreaded razor and creams, are aware of the benefits.  You know the ones, the soft, downy hair after regrowth, it lasts longer than shaving or creams etc. etc.

Some years ago, after a torturous experience at a salon in the north of England, I made the bold decision that if anyone was going to inflict pain on me....it would be me.  Heck, I'd watched and endured for long enough to see that the art of waxing is a fairly simple skill. But upon taking on this task, I also realized that it requires some element akin to being a contortionist when doing it oneself.

However practice makes perfect and I persevered until I mastered the technique.  Little did I realize that it would also require some knowledge of fire fighting, burn management and resetting broken bones!

THE TALE GOES LIKE THIS....

My man had gone golfing and I was alone in our home deep in the beautiful countryside of rural French Normandy.  Time to catch up with the household cleaning chores!  Tidying up a cupboard, I came across my supply of wax and seized the opportunity to address some tidying up in another area....that of the bush!

For those uninitiated in the art of waxing, this solid wax comes in a plastic container akin to a medium sized carton of yoghurt.

Note: With skill and used sparingly, the wax lasts for ages.  CPW is normally translated as Cost Per Wear, but in waxing territory stands for Cost Per Wax.  Well, the CPW for home waxing is minuscule compared to what the salons charge and.....I don't have to give myself a tip either!

The plastic carton is placed in a pan of hot water, which is kept on the heat until the wax inside the pot melts to a workable liquid.  On this particular occasion, there was only a very small amount of wax left in the carton.  So I estimated a time of around eight minutes to leave the pan on the gas stove whilst I went upstairs to finish another chore.

It was a beautiful blue sky day with a brisk breeze.  I heard the kitchen door slam close with the wind, and reminded myself that another five minutes would be long enough for the wax to melt.

I set the blame for all that follows firmly in the court of another skill of mine,"Always finding something else to do on the way!"

Imagine my horror upon opening the kitchen door and being confronted with a room filled with black smoke!  (I'm sure it was not more than five minutes, or maybe six at the most!)  I flung open all the windows in a bid to clear the room of smoke, and there, on the stove, was my pan in flames!

DILEMMA...What are those things one has been told to do in case of fire?  Yes......Wet a tea towel in water and put it over the flames.  Oh no!  It would have to be one of those many mornings in our rural life when the water supply had been turned off.

Think quickly girl, you are on fire!

OK, I'm thinking....You have gloves on, (unfortunately those dinky little surgical gloves), so let's grab the pan and run into the utility room where I have left a bowl of water for cleaning.  In the panic, my barefoot miscalculated the step up to the doorway, banging directly into the step.  Doing my best to keep my balance, this misstep, in turn,  caused what was remaining of the hot liquid wax to splash out of the pan on to my uncovered arm.  However, only a few steps away, was the probability of being able to extinguish the fire.  With a huge sizzle, the flames were no more.

Then I remembered the gas.  I must turn it off!  Quickly returning to the kitchen...I must have been on auto pilot previously.....I was relieved to find I had turned off the stove.  My beautiful beige kitchen cabinets above the stove looked well smoked, if not charred!

Next, how to deal with the burns?  Ah ha!  In the freezer I had one of those wine bottle chiller sleeves which can be slotted over a bottle.  Perfect I thought, as I slid my hand through the opening and up to the burn on my arm.  In shock, I sat down to gather my thoughts, deal with my arm and assess the damage. Then I caught a glimpse of my big toe looking rather odd.  It was pointing straight up to the ceiling!  I did what any sane person would do when their toe is pointing up at the ceiling.  I pressed it down firmly to once again line up with the floor like it should.  This caused a rather disconcerting cracking sound but....it was back where it should be.  Silly toe!

Then the phone rang.  What now?  It was my English neighbor ringing to tell me that the water would be turned on again in an hour.  "Hello" she kept saying, "Are you alright?".  I realized I couldn't speak and could only mumble a response of "No".  "I'll come straight over!", came the reply.

My treasure of a neighbor was somewhat overwhelmed with the appearance of my arm and whisked me off in her car to another neighbor for some Swedish advice.  The consensus between the English and the Swedes was that I should be taken to the clinic to get some medical attention for my arm and my increasingly painful toe.  At this point, realizing it might be hours before I returned home, I insisted that I must go home first and leave a note for my partner: "Take care..There is wax on the floor." Durrh! If you were in my shoes, err, my bare feet, would you not have written the same?

Of course the wax had cooled and stuck fast to everywhere, just as it was designed to do.  As my partner later said, "There was not wax on the floor, there was wax from hell to breakfast!"

An x-ray confirmed that not only had I broken my big toe but I had done a grand job of resetting it as well.  The only treatment was to tape it and carefully hobble around for a few weeks.  My arm was duly dressed and I was dispatched home with a doctor's confident assessment that I would make a full recovery.  And of course increasing my French vocabulary to include "m'orteil casse".

"What about the bush?", I hear you ask.  Is it back to the professionals?  Not likely!  However, there is a lingering debate in our house as to whether I should be allowed to undertake future waxings without the benefit of supervision.

(Teresa notes: Jeanie's story demonstrated for me once again the tremendous courage and resilience the fairer sex deploys in the service of beauty and smoothnosity...Another brave heroine.)

DISCLAIMERS

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR certified.

My opinions, and those of contributors are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as result of personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill of any product manufacturer.

If after reading this post, you feel tempted to try a product or technique, check it out with your medical provider or aesthetician first.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.

BECOMING INVISIBLE AND AMAZING ARGAN OIL

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and celebrates all of its blessings!

DEEP THOUGHTS

HELP, I'M BECOMING INVISIBLE!

This is my story:

A few weeks ago I had arranged to meet my good friend Deb at a local, Vietnamese/Urban Chic, restaurant for lunch.

I called her, as pre-planned, as soon as I left my dentist office after having my teeth cleaned, to let her know I was on my way, (This is pertinent...My teeth were enchantingly sparkly!)  Being closer, she was going to scoot ahead to the restaurant to get good parking and a table.

So I get there, didn't see Deb, grabbed a table inside and waited for her......and waited....and kept scanning the restaurant....and waited.....and let the young waiter know I was expecting my friend....and waited some more and played Scramble on my phone....and waited.  Finally My phone rang and it was the winsome Ms Deb wondering where I was!

She had indeed arrived before me, and had been waiting all the while at a table on the little outdoor patio, just outside of my line of vision from the interior, chatting with some other patrons.....Comedy of errors...She came and joined me inside.

So this is the invisible part....Deb informed me that she had told two of the waiters that she was waiting for a "Tall, Beautiful Brunette".  (She is consistently the president of my fan club, and sees everyone as beautiful through her loving eyes.)

Now this is a teensy, intimate restaurant...There were no other women sitting by themselves waiting for a friend inside the restaurant.  I was served tea by at least one of the waiters she had told this to....I'm 5 feet, 9 inches tall, brunette-ish, not freakishly unattractive, waiting for a friend...and come on...I had the enchantingly sparkly teeth thing going on....YET WAS COMPLETELY INVISIBLE TO THE WAITERS BASED ON THE TALL, BEAUTIFUL BRUNETTE DESCRIPTION!  The young obviously don"t have CENSOR EYES. (See previous post.)

Now if I didn't know me, and someone said look for a "Tall, Beautiful Brunette", I don't know if I would pick myself out of a crowd.....And I certainly enjoyed teasing the snot out of the poor young waiter when I heard Deb's story, (hopefully he'll extend some grace to another older woman should a similar situation rise again.)  Yet it was one of those OUCH moments that seem to multiply as I get older.

I like what Frank Kaiser wrote on the SUDDENLY SENIOR site, "Geezers become aware of their own evanescing when 20 and 30 year olds start looking through them Casper-like.  If you were once attractive to the opposite sex, I understand that this experience can be terrifying....and if that's not bad enough, soon or later those youngsters to whom you're invisible will run right over you if you don't step quickly out of their way.  I may not move like a 25 year old anymore, but I've learned how to sidestep like one."

It's not just the "You can't stand in the pretty line anymore" moments that hurt....There is a much broader cloak of invisibility that we we begin to wear as we age...at work, at stores, at parties....I remember going to the doctor with my mother in her later years and observing her doctor speak about her as if she was not there, directing all inquiries to me instead of her...She had become completely invisible....(yes, I set him straight!)

Has anyone else experienced age related invisibility yet?

RESOLUTIONS:

1) BE VISIBLE....Even if it involves performing interpretive dance moves in public venues with the sole purpose of embarrassing your husband.

2) SEE OTHERS!



AMAZING ARGAN OIL

Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the Argan tree, that is only found in southwest Morocco.  It is sometimes referred to as Liquid Gold.

 Argan oil is known to be extremely moisturizing for both skin and hair.  It is light weight, easily absorbed, and is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Argan oil is recommended for hydrating and moisturizing skin, as a daily treatment and also for treating more severe rashes, scars and patches of dry skin, for treating dry hair and for softening cuticles.  Online research even indicates it has benefits for treating acne.

Most of what I have read indicates that you should only buy 100% Pure Argan Oil, with no other chemical additives, in order to experience it's full effects.


MY REVIEW OF ARGAN OIL

I have been using this product for over six months, often in conjunction with a Hyaluronic Acid serum, which was recommended for super moisturizing.  I mostly use it at night, on my face, neck and decolltage, on the days when I'm skipping my Retin-A application. Sometimes I will use it on top of my Retin-A if I'm feeling like my skin is too dry.

I like that it is light weight, easily absorbed and very moisturizing. The product I use has no odor, which is a huge plus, as I'm extremely sensitive to cosmetic perfumes.  I have also started using it on my face in the morning, patting it gently on the wrinkly areas around the eyes  and on the upper cheeks.  It softens  the appearance of fine lines, creating a "dewy" look.  I use less during the day than I would at night, as I don't want "dewy" to turn into "oil slicky".

The product I use is extremely well priced.  I buy mine through Amazon, for $14.95, with free shipping, for a 2 oz. bottle with a stopper.  Each bottle lasts me at least two months, a little goes a long way.  The oil I use is sold by Timeless Skin Care, who describes it as 100% Pure, virgin organic, and cold pressed.  You can pay a lot more for this oil, so shop carefully.


GRACE'S REVIEW OF ARGAN OIL

I happen to be blessed, or cursed, depending on how you look at it, with thick, curly, coarse hair.  It has gotten more coarse as I have grayed.  A few months ago, a new hairdresser suggested I might try Argan Oil to soften and smooth out my hair.  He also told me it would cut my drying time down by about half.  He was right on all counts.  My hair is softer.  It is easier to style and the curls are more relaxed.  I find it easier to work with.  It is expensive, but with the very small amount that is used with each application, it will last a long time.  I think it is worth it, and I am very satisfied with the results!

TECHNICAL STUFF

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DISCLAIMERS

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR certified.

My opinions and those of contributors, are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill of any product manufacturer.

If after reading a review on this blog you feel tempted to spend your hard earned money on a recommended product or procedure, check it out first with your medical provider or aesthetician.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.

SAVING LIVES AND REPAIRING SUN DAMAGE WITH RETIN-A AND IPL

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and celebrates all of its blessings!


DEEP THOUGHTS

AGEISM VERSUS SAVING LIVES

I recently submitted my blog for consideration to be included on a group blog site that caters to a mature  audience.

I received a prompt response.  The bottom line was that my blog would not be appropriate for this site because blogging about anti aging products and procedures promotes AGEISM.

So my first thought was, "WELL KISS A BILLY GOAT'S BUTT!"

But my second thought was that, in good conscience, I should give this feedback some more mature consideration.

I looked up the definition of AGEISM in the good old (Oops...there I go again) Merriam-Webster dictionary.

AGEISM: prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly.

Hmmm.....I'm still not getting it.  Did this responder think that wanting to minimize or reverse some of the more subjectively unpleasant visible effects of aging on the skin constitutes a hatred, denial, or indictment of the state of being elderly?

If that logic were to be followed, than would blogging about how to build up thinning bones, how to reduce age related cognitive decline, how to improve joint function or how to treat the more uncomfortable symptoms of menopause all promote AGEISM?

Because seriously, there is a WHOLE BOAT LOAD OF CRAPPY STUFF that can start to happen to our bodies and psyches as we age, and I don't think it smacks of AGEISM to want to remediate what we can and accept with grace what we can't.

Should we embrace the natural wonder of hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain and vaginal dryness?  Shall we eschew HRT and personal lubricants for fear of being perceived as AGEIST?

I'm tempted to create a blog geared solely to anti aging products for the mature vagina, I'll call it SAVING YOUR 'GINA, and submit it to the group site to see if it passes the AGEISM test.....(Bad Teresa!)

Ultimately I suspect that the AGEISM accusation stems more from the perception that anti aging products and procedures for the skin are considered too frivolous and vanity driven to be accepted under the broader category of "MORE SERIOUS AGING STUFF YOU CAN TRY TO FIX WITHOUT BEING ACCUSED OF BEING AGEIST"

All snark aside, I started thinking about who might be a target audience for this blog...

I am guessing that we don't define ourselves by our looks, but we do experience some mirror angst....We don't want to look like we are 30 again, but would prefer not to be asked if we're angry when our faces are in repose...( Are you kidding!.... of course we would like to look like we were 30 again...but we're realistic!)

 We are active, passionately committed to causes, jobs, family and friends....We've lowered our tolerance for bullshit (YAY!)....We don't hate ourselves and we don't abhor aging because quite frankly, EVERY DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE!... But truth be told, we look in the mirror sometimes and see ourselves looking just plain tired and saggy ....We grieve these changes, just as we grieve some of the losses we experience socially and physically as we approach the last stage of this wacky experience called life.

I think we FEEL BETTER when we think we LOOK BETTER.  Looks are part of the total package, and by golly it's the 21st century and we can do something about some of this stuff!

And if we feel better, maybe we'll have more energy, and if we have more energy, maybe we'll do more stuff like exercise, and wear sunscreen and go to the doctor and eat well, and if we do all that, maybe we will prevent some really scary stuff from happening like heart attacks and stroke, and melanoma....You can see where this is going, can't you?  Yup, this blog could be about SAVING LIVES!

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it!



COOL PRODUCT/PROCEDURES FOR REPAIRING SUN DAMAGE

RETIN-A (Tretinoin)

Dr Andrew Weil on Retin-A:

"Retin-A, a derivative of vitamin A, is a drug applied to the skin for treatment of wrinkles, blackheads and acne.  It can also fade age spots over time.  Retin-A and similar products including Renova and Tazorac contain retinoic acid and are available by prescription.  They all work by causing skin cells to turn over more rapidly than usual, which has the effect of peeling off layers of skin, thickening underlining layers and stimulating cells that produce collagen, the fibrous substance that firms skin."


MY RETIN-A REVIEW

I have been using Retin-A (Tretinoin) off and on for years, on the recommendation of several dermatologists.  It was recommended as one of the best products I could use to reverse the effects of sun damage to the skin.  I use a strength of .1% on most of my face and neck, and a strength of .025% under my eyes or any where else that seems too dry.  I buy my product at my aesthetician's office for about $30.00 a tube.  Retin-A will typically cost more if you purchase it from your pharmacy or dermatologist's office.

I use a small, pea sized portion on my face and another on my neck....(Don't leave your neck out of your regimen!)  If I haven't used the Retin-A for a week or two, I will start back by using it every three or four days, graduating to daily or every other day use.  I peel like crazy when I restart  this product and look a little "Night of the Living Dead" for a few days.  My skin becomes extremely sun sensitive and prone to burn when I use Retin-A.  Use a good sunscreen daily if you are using Retin-A....I repeat use a good sunscreen daily!

When I use this product faithfully, my skin has a rosy glow, is smoother, with some reduction of fine wrinkles and excellent reduction of age spots.


ANNABELLA'S RETIN-A REVIEW

Here are my two cents on Retin-A.  Several years ago, my aesthetician told me the two most important products for the face were Retin-A and sunscreen.  Since then I have been a faithful user of both.  I started out with Tretinoin Cream, .05% for about a year, than moved up to 0.1%.  I used it every night for awhile but now use it every other night.  It took some getting used to...flaking at first...but that went away fairly soon.  The brown sun spots on my face are pretty much gone, and I use it on my hands with good results as well.

Last fall I asked my derm if there was anything better than Tretinoin.  She gave me a sample of ATRALIN, tretinoin 0.05% gel with a script and a coupon.  Even so, it was $75.00, more expensive than Tretinoin Cream, but my derm says she thinks it's better.  It is not recommended for people who have Rosacea.  I will keep everyone posted as to my results!



IPL PHOTOFACIALS

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is also known as a Photofacial treatment.  It can help restore a youthful appearance to sun damaged skin.  IPL delivers high intensity pulses of broadband light to the deeper parts of the skin.  IPL is recommended for the treatment of Rosacea, improving irregular pigmentation, fading dark sun spots and reducing fine wrinkles.


CARMEN'S IPL PHOTOFACIAL REVIEW

I have had Rosacea most of my adult life.  The center of my face, forehead, nose, two inches on either side of my nose, and the middle of my chin were always red.  Mostly I used make up to cover it up or ignored it.

About fifteen years ago I acquired a label to define it: Rosacea.  Having a name for it made me think that I could do something about it....As I aged I started fearing that having a red bulbous nose would do nothing to enhance my appearance.  I shared my concerns with my dermatologist who prescribed two creams to apply daily.  I did this faithfully for four months with no results.

After hearing that Photofacials could help Rosacea and could assist in evening out skin tone, I purchased an IPL Treatment on Living Social.

My experience was satisfying.  I have had only one treatment and my skin tone is more even and the Rosacea has lessened.  I'm keeping my eyes out for more Groupon or Living Social bargains because I see the visible results and want to pursue more of these treatments.

The recommended number of treatments is six.  They are expensive, but I think ultimately worth it.  My advise is to look for the deals!  I'm sure there will be more about this in future posts, because Teresa is mindful and diligent.

(Teresa's note: I have never observed Carmen's nose to be the least bit bulbous.)


DALE'S IPL PHOTOFACIAL REVIEW

FLASH GORDON CONQUERS SUN DAMAGED SKIN

Mr. Gordon's attempt to save the ENTIRE WORLD from Emperor Ming's merciless attack of the PURPLE DEATH resonated as I walked into my first IPL Treatment.

The treatment room was less entertaining than Dr. Zarkov's spaceship, but still quite nice, and Flash seemed more than moderately competent.  This was the first of two adventures with these treatments courtesy of the Groupon/Living Social folks.

After signing the liability waiver, that warned of reddened skin, possible death, and virtually everything in between, I was introduced to Flash and provided some additional cautionary tales.  The most interesting of these was that the darkened areas of sun damage would probably assume the color of "coffee grounds" after the treatment. Charming.

Even after the application of some numbing cream, the pulses still felt like a rubber band snap against my skin.  I have a pretty high pain threshold, so all was well.  Flash also had a method to direct cold air toward the areas that were pulsed; it was particularly effective against the moderate heat that was generated.

Results you ask?  Favorable.  Turns out the "coffee grounds" comment was wildly exaggerated, at least for me.  Skin was a little red, but certainly no more than would be expected after hearing conversation of a sexually inappropriate nature.  The damaged areas did turn darker, but I was able to walk in public without ridicule.  The negative results lasted less than a week, and my skin, overall, looked better and the damaged areas were less noticeable.  The areas of darkened skin were not, however, completely eradicated.  On to sessions two and three with a different provider.

Although I was happy with Flash I, I was drawn to Flash II by somewhat lower charges for a group of three treatments.  Office and provider were both professional, but the treatment room looked like Dr. Zarkov's ship interior hadn't been detailed in a while.  Couple of differences in the procedures.  Instead of the cold air, Flash II applied a cold gel-like substance that remediated the heat.  Very cold.....very, very cold.  The blast of cold air was better.  Also, the equipment appeared to be a bit older, but apparently still very effective.

One very notable difference was the bruise that appeared on my cheek bone immediately after the procedure.  Caused, as I was told, by a blood vessel or two that had wandered too close to the skin surface.  Happy to get them blasted, but I appeared to be the losing participant in a bar fight or the victim of spousal abuse.  I offered the choice of either explanation to my curious co-workers.  Happily, however, this unanticipated brutalization did result in the complete elimination of the darker streak that had taken up residence in that area.

Results?  Again, essentially pleased, but some of the darker areas still remained even after  a second visit with Flash II.  One more visit remains, and I'll have a little chat with Flash II concerning my expectations prior to powering up the light cannon.

(Teresa's note: I happened to see Dale soon after the bruised cheek bone incident....I suggested she might be well advised to find a lawyer to sue Flash II..... I can attest now, however, to the fact that in a short period of time, both the bruise and the large-ish age streak it hid, have completely disappeared!)


DISCLAIMERS

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR certified.

My opinions and those of contributors, are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill for any product manufacturer...

If after reading a review on this blog you feel tempted to spend your hard earned money on a recommended procedure or product, check it out first with your medical provider or aesthetician.  Do your own research,  Use common sense.

MELANOMA IS REALLY, REALLY SCARY AND SUNSCREENS

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and celebrates all of its blessings!

DEEP THOUGHTS

MELANOMA IS REALLY,  REALLY SCARY

(Warning.....Geena, you can stop reading now.)

THE LIFE STORY OF MY SKIN:

Chapter 1: Birth to age 56

La, la, la, la, la, la.....Smooth baby skin, sunburned child, suntanning teen, suntanning young adult, too busy to care,....start wearing sunscreen all the time....approaching peri-menopause, vanity driven skin concerns, wrinkles and Retin-A, la, la, la, la, la, la.....no worries about the "bad stuff".


Chapter 2: Age 56

Routine visit to the dermatologist....hadn't gone for a few years....no specific concerns....

Doctor finds a small, as in teensy, darker, flat mole, on the interior of my right ankle....She thought it was odd hanging out there all by itself....She did a biopsy.

You know where this is going....Doctor's assistant calls, very casual, no big deal, melanoma in situ.....Here's a plastic surgeon's number.....Call him.

Casual stopped at the plastic surgeon's office.

SURGEON TOTALLY INVESTED IN SCARING THE SNOT OUT OF ME!!

He assured me that my dermatologist had probably saved my life and I should send her flowers!...Melanoma is extremely deadly in it's advanced stages.....YES....MELANOMA CAN KILL YOU!!!

Surgeon referred me to an oncologist...(So absolutely overkill for a melanoma in situ.)  Though she was probably wondering what the heck I was doing there, she did her bit to join the scare game.  She reassured me that a Stage 0 melanoma is 99 to 100 percent curable by surgery.....BUT...she also pointed out that my body likes to make cancer....20% chance I would get another cancer.

More fun....The cure for early stage melanoma is to cut it out with generous margins.  The melanoma was located on one of the few parts of my body that didn't have excess skin to close up the wound.  Yup, have to have a skin graft, full skin thickness.

Surgical Plan:

Cut big chunk of skin from my groin.

Cut half dollar size circle of skin from around the biopsy site.

Sew groin skin on ankle. Attendant irrational fear that the groin graft skin would grow pubic hairs on my ankle and I would end up looking like a freaking hobbit!

Surgery;

Three hour surgery.

Almost fainted when dressing removed a few days after surgery....and saw a nasty gauze bundle SEWED ON TO MY ANKLE over the graft.  Christened it the Blood Monkey.

I was told three days off work for recovery...Hah!  More like ten days!

Oh, and did I mention the permanent nerve damage below the graft site....and the incredibly nasty looking wound that took a long, long time to heal,....and the end of my career as an ankle model...and the pain?

So what is the point of this story?

1) I was extremely lucky to have my melanoma caught early, and even so it was very traumatizing.

2) What I went through is NOTHING compared to what you might go through if a more advanced melanoma had been found.

3) I WANT TO SCARE THE SNOT OUT OF YOU TOO!

I have gathered the following information from two sites: Melanoma Research Foundation, at www.melanoma.org, and The Skin Cancer Foundation,, at http://www.skincancer.org

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States....Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Actinic keratosis is the most common pre cancer, it effects more than 58 million Americans.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer....

Squamous cell is the second most common form of skin cancer.

Melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.

ONE PERSON DIES OF MELANOMA EVERY HOUR.

About 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

About 90 percent of non melanoma cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

It takes only ONE blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double a person's chance of developing melanoma later in life.

Melanoma can develop anywhere in the body, including eyes, scalp, hands and feet.

THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER IS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN:

- Seek shade.

- Cover up with clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

- Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.

- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

- Apply sunscreen with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection.  Reapply every two hours, even if it's cloudy, and after swimming or sweating.

- Examine you skin often and take note of any changing or new moles.

Additionally The Skin Cancer Foundation states: MORE THAN 90 PERCENT OF THE VISIBLE CHANGES COMMONLY ATTRIBUTED TO SKIN AGING ARE CAUSED BY THE SUN.


So this is a NO BRAINER....Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can not only help you avoid DISFIGURING LESIONS and SAVE YOUR LIFE,  but may also help you avoid wrinkles and age spots....Yes, I'm appealing to your vanity, if fear of Death and Disfigurement isn't sufficient motivation.

Please don't bombard me with protests regarding the need for getting Vitamin D from the sun...Talk to your doctor about what constitutes a safe exposure, if that's possible, to the sun....and consider asking your doctor about Vitamin D supplements.

EARLY DETECTION OF SKIN CANCER SAVES LIVES.  Go to your dermatologist at least once a year for a full body check.  Examine your skin at least once a month....Use a hand held mirror to see the tricky parts.  Don't put this off.

The End.


MY FAVORITE SUNTAN LOTIONS REVIEWS

I strongly recommend you check out the Environmental Working Group web site, at www.ewg.org/, to research not only your suntan lotion products, but cosmetics as well.  EWG will assign an ingredient hazard score, from 1-10 which reflects known and suspected hazards of the product's ingredients.  A score of 0 to 2 is low hazard, a score of 3 to 6 is moderate hazard and a score of 7 to 10 represents high hazard.

Okay... I don't always buy products with the lowest scores....but at least I can be well informed before I expose my skin to all kinds of goofy toxic nastiness.

I like to use La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, SPF 50, tinted, on my face, even though it has a EWG score of 3.  I really like how light weight it is and how it doesn't leave any whitish film.  It's in a really cool bottle.  You can buy it with or without a light skin colored tint.  I was initially introduced to this product by one of my dermatologists.  ( I'm a dermatologist whore...I shop around.)  You can buy this at Walgreens for $33.50 or at your dermatologist office.  You can also buy it on Amazon, for $25.34 for a 1.7 fluid ounce bottle.  Still hideously expensive.  It lasts a long time.  A little goes a long way.

La Roche-Posay also makes Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream, SPF 40, which has a EWG score of 2, and is highly rated.  This sells for $26.03 on Amazon for a 1.7 ounce bottle.

I have also used La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream, SPF 15.  EWG score of 3.  This has a lower SPF and like all the La Roche-Posay products it spreads easily and absorbs well, but I probably wouldn't wear it for more than dashing in and out of buildings since I try to keep my SPF over 30.

Since I can't afford to keep my whole body protected with La Roche-Posay products, I use Coppertone Water Babies, Pure and Simple, SPF 50 lotion on my body, and on my face when I'm planning a day-o-sun.  I find I do need to rub it in well, and it can leave a whitish sheen, but less than many other products I've tried.  It has an EWG score of 2.  You can buy this on Amazon for $13.79 for an 8 ounce bottle.  You should also be able to find this at most drugstores, Walgreens offers this online for $10.99.

I wear sunscreen everyday, sun or shade, and for 59 years old, I think my skin has very few "age spots".

Which sunscreens are your favorites?


NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

Being diagnosed with melanoma can make one a wee tad obsessive about checking one's skin.

Any dermatologist worth their salt will teach you about the ABCDE rule to evaluate your skin for changes. (WebMD)

A is for asymmetry.  One half of the mole or skin growth doesn't match the other half.

B is for border irregularity.  The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

C is for color.  The pigmentation is not uniform.  Shades of tan, brown, and black are present.....Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole to the surrounding skin, are also an early sign of melanoma.

D is for diameter.  The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm or about the size of a pencil eraser.  Any growth of a mole should be of concern.

E is for evolution.  This is change in size, shape, symptoms, such as itching or tenderness, surface (especially bleeding) or color of a mole.

So after I was diagnosed, I found it very challenging to monitor changes in my moles....I couldn't rely on memory....I can barely remember what I ate for lunch.  My husband and I would take photographs of moles I was worried about, but without a measurement reference it was difficult to establish from month to month if change had occurred.  We tried balancing a ruler next to the mole we were photographing, which presented it's own set of problems.  The ruler would slip and depending on where the mole was located on my body, it was sometimes impossible for me to assist in holding it.  The ruler also only measured one aspect of the moles size.

So....I invented a design for an adhesive sticker, with  a center cut out, and millimeter markings on all four sides.  After some hits and misses, I found an American printing company, Innovative Adhesives, with experience in producing skin safe stickers and  had them create a small first prototype run of stickers.  The stickers are printed on 3M hypoallergenic medical tape and are easily removable.  They can be placed over the mole, with the mole showing in the center cut out, photographed and the photographs then saved to document changes for the doctor or self monitoring.

I am no where near ready to start manufacturing these stickers, they are actually extraordinarily expensive to produce, and need some refinements.  I may never launch them.   I would however really like to get some feedback from other skin obsessed readers about how easy, or not, they are to use.....It has been hard finding testers....Most folks don't appreciate the "Hey....interested in some mole tracking sticker testing fun?" approach.

So if you are interested in trying a couple of these out, for FREE, I will send you a couple in exchange for some feedback.  Email me at savingfacewithteresa@cox.net with your address and I will get them out to you lickity split. (until I run out)


TECHNICAL

There is a link at the top right hand side of the blog now where you can enter your email address if you want to follow this blog by email.  When you follow by email, you will just receive the current post and will not be seeing the post on the blog web page with comments and access to previous posts.  You can  subscribe through other online accounts as well, also at the top right hand side of the web page.  You can also just go to savingfacewithteresa.blogspot.com/, when the mood strikes.

THANKS

A special thanks to all of you who have read my blog....It has been especially fun seeing the blog get hits from all over the world.  Ten countries to date. I can now say, with a semi straight face, when my husband asks for help, that I'm slightly too busy, seeing as I'm now an INTERNATIONAL BLOGGER!

DISCLAIMERS

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR certified.

My opinions, and those of other contributors, are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of my personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill of any product manufacturer.

If after you read a review on this blog you feel tempted to spend your hard earned money on a recommended procedure or product, check it out first with your medical provider or aesthetician.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.

CENSOR EYES AND EYE CREAM

Welcome back to SAVING FACE, a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and the side effects of gravity.


DEEP THOUGHTS

CENSOR EYES:

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I developed a strategy I call CENSOR EYES sometime in my forties.  (I think it started then, my memory is shot!)

CENSOR EYES is like a Photoshop APP for your brain that allows you to look in your bathroom mirror and see yourself in a way that is rarely captured by a camera.

This more flattering reflection is achieved by a variety of tricks and strategies that become spontaneous over time...My CENSOR EYES are achieved by doing some of the following:

-Keeping the light directly over the mirror off....It casts nasty shadows and should only be used when applying eyeliner and mascara, that is when you've reached the age where you poke yourself in the eyes with these products because you can't see what you are doing. (for me that was this year)
Turn it off immediately after applying the eyeliner and mascara or the CENSOR EYES won't work.

-Keeping the other lights in the bathroom on of course....now that I've reached the age where I can't see well close up or far away, I do need more light, preferably natural.

-Slightly lift your eyebrows, (as much as the Botox will allow), while simultaneously widening your eyes, and engaging your cheek muscles to lift with a slight Mona Lisa smile.

-Lift your chin.

-Try to not look below your collarbone...CENSOR EYES can't fix everything....

-Try not to let your significant other catch you doing CENSOR EYES....He or she will most likely make fun of you and try to turn on the light over the mirror.  Even your best friend might make fun of you if she catches you doing CENSOR EYES in the Ladies Room at the Bar during Happy Hour.

-I also found out recently, when I had an irritated eye and wore only one contact lens (because I was too vain to wear my glasses to a party), that having half of my vision fuzzy actually boosted the efficacy of my CENSOR EYES....I looked great!


QUESTION AND ANSWER:

Kardma posted a comment recently: "Desperately need a post on sagging bags beneath eyes. Is there a magic suction device? Strategically placed bobby pin? Help!"

Well Kardma, just as there is no Santa Claus, there is not, to my knowledge, any device or potion, that will make those under eye bags disappear....that is if they are the little fatty pouches that Mother Nature thinks are funny to inflict on us as we age.  (some products will reduce the appearance of puffiness) Mother Nature has a sick sense of humor, sometimes she'll even double bag you....producing an under eye area that looks like the top of a Parker Roll, with an indentation between two swellings.....I would also caution against rolling them up with a bobby pin, (ouch!), though pulling your hair back very tightly with bobby pins may lift facial skin a little and you might look cuter...though you also might look startled.

I fear eye surgery is the only totally effective method for removing these bags...This makes me very sad....Hate surgery, hate bags....Don't have enough money anyway...(Readers please prove me to be wrong!!)

So let's look toward potions that will help the eyes in other ways.

FAVORITE ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM:

My good friend and neighbor Lucy turned me on to a new eye cream a few months ago.  This is her story:

"During a recent get together with friends, I noticed that most of them, although five to fifteen years my senior, had younger looking and smoother skin than I did.....After extensive internet research and polling of local beauties, I purchased a jar of OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM. It costs approximately the same per ounce as fine caviar.....I was skeptical but determined to find something to minimize my puffiness, dark circles and evolving wrinkles.  I wanted a solution that did not involve surgery, needles, or pricey, multi visit treatments.....

Much to my surprise the 15 g jar of light blue cream proved to be every bit the miracle I had wished for....Within THREE DAYS of consecutive use, I witnessed noticeable results!  Two small dabs a day had reduced my puffiness, minimized my wrinkles and if not eliminated my dark circles, had at least rendered them less prominent.  The cream absorbs quickly and is non greasy.  I've had no problem applying make up over the eye cream nor does it diminish the "lasting power" of my cosmetics.  I've been using the OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM for two months now and highly recommend it to anyone.  My jar is still 90% full, so I'm assuming it should last several months into the future.  This is one product that delivers results rather than empty promises: In short, worth every penny!!!"


Well Lucy had me at "THREE DAYS"!  (which was about when she told me about it)  I did some research, and found a site to buy it at a discounted price.  I've been using the cream for close to two months as well.  I find that it is light weight, very moisturizing and doesn't have a heavy scent.  A little goes along way, and it makes the skin look smoother... Didn't reduce my under eye bags, (I'm much older than Lucy), but the whole eye area looks better.  The cream can be applied below and above the eyes, and serves as a good foundation for my eyeshadow and concealer.

My friend and colleague Linda asked me  a week or two ago for a recommendation for a good eye cream....I turned her on to the OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM...Being a woman that does her own research, she also talked to her provider at the Plastic Surgeon's office where she goes to get top secret procedures of some kind....Her provider also recommended the OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM....and then suggested she ask their front office gal, Kathryn, for a recommendation, as she was the product expert.....Well, you know where this is going.....Kathryn also recommended the OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM!!

Spooky! It has to be a sign....


BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:


The OBAGI ELASTIDERM EYE TREATMENT CREAM lists for $99.00...

I think that's pretty darn pricey...Shop around... I found it for as low as $51.99 on EBAY with free shipping...I bought mine at www.beautyencounter.com, it's currently listed for $54.47, free shipping on orders over $60.00.




Disclaimers:

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero.  Nada.  I'm not even CPR Certified.

My opinions and those of contributors, are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of my personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as polling my buddies at lunch or Happy Hour.

I am not the shill of any product manufacturer....

If after reading a review on this Blog you feel tempted to spend your hard earned money on a recommended product or procedure, check it out first with your medical provider or aesthetician.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.


NEXT WEEK:

All about Venus Freeze, an anti-aging and skin tightening procedure, which uses radio frequency (RF) and magnetic pulse technologies....First hand stories...and if I'm feeling very, very brave, before and after photos....

Thanks to all my readers who posted and emailed so many positive comments!

Teresa

This is how it started.....

THE ABYSS

 Welcome to SAVING FACE,  a blog for the mature woman who refuses to be bullied by the indignities of aging and side effects of gravity.

This Blog was conceived by my good friend Carmen, who claims I am the guru of anti-aging, and as such have a responsibility to share my knowledge and insights with a larger community.  Mostly she doesn't want to do a lot of her own research, and she trusts me...I take her trust seriously.  ( I also have more time to do obsessive research on line while I'm not sleeping since I have menopause induced INSOMNIA! )   She has also offered to contribute her own insights.....which are very valuable as she is the first of our group to cross over the 60's to 70's line...She has stories from the other side.

SAVING FACE will post personal reviews of products and procedures enlisted in the battle to fight the effects of aging, will share DEEP THOUGHTS about our battles and will try to help our readers to get their BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK as they fight against the ravages of time.


This Blog is for those of us who have looked into the ABYSS and reeled back wailing.

I am not using ABYSS as a literary device.

I have looked into the ABYSS.

This is what happens when you have an e-reader in your lap or propped on your chest in bed...and instead of seeing what is on the screen, you see your reflection in the screen.....This is the most unflattering angle of reflection in the known universe.....You find yourself looking at a visage reminiscent of a melting, multi chinned, bloodhound.....or your father....not your handsome smooth faced young father in World War II uniform.... but your late in life very aged father....this is very frightening.

There are no disclosures included with e-readers and ipads, by the way, warning users about reflection related traumas.  Be forewarned.

Disclaimers:

I have no medical training what so ever.  Zilch.  Zero. Nada.  I'm not even CPR Certified.

My opinions and those of future contributors, are just that, opinions.

Most of my opinions are formed as a result of my personal experiences and rigorous scientific investigation such as taking polls at lunch or at Happy Hour with my buddies.

If after reading a review on this Blog you feel tempted to spend your money on a recommended product or procedure, check it out first with your medical provider or aesthetician.  Do your own research.  Use common sense.


Next Week:

Favorite Anti Aging eye cream, and more!


Teresa