Pure honey and its' benefits

Starting on July 14, 2009, honey produced, sold or processed in Florida must be all natural. Florida has become the first state in the nation to prohibit additives, chemicals or adulterants from being added to sweetener.

According to Florida's Agriculture Commissioner, Charles H. Bronson, " We want to assure consumers that the product they are buying is pure. Too often in the pas, honey has been cut with water or sugar and sometimes even contaminated with insecticides or antibiotics. In the future, when you're paying for honey in Florida, pure honey is what you will get."

All natural honey has been a beauty product since the days of Cleopatra and is still used today in both hair and skin care products. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses its' ability to retain water, it becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey's natural hydrating properties make it idea for use in moisturizing products and is suitable for sensitive skin products.

Studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties too. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and aiding the skin in rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer.

More is here: http://www.examiner.com/x-7157-Miami-Health-and-Beauty-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Pure-honey-and-its-benefits

Is it safe?

There is no doubt about it, hydroquinone is an effective pigment-lightener; however, much attention is now focused on its safety. Not only is safety an issue, but concerns also stem from its designation as “an extreme sensitizer;”⁵ many individuals are allergic to hydroquinone, and others experience serious contact dermatitis with repeated use, leading, unfortunately, to a prescription for a steroid cream to counter the associated irritation. In extreme cases, a condition known as onchronosis can occur, resulting in blue-black macules or hyperpigmentation accompanied by acne-like lesions. Onchronosis generally requires higher concentrations of hydroquinone and is more prevalent in darker skin. However, lower concentrations may also illicit a poor response, too, which has led many dermatologists to a prescriptive cycling of hydroquinone involving using hydroquinone-containing products for four months, stopping for four months and resuming again for four months, and so on. During the off months, a hydroquinone-free brightener is recommended. At the other end of the spectrum are concerns that hydroquinone causes hypopigmentation, or white spots. This is more prevalent in olive complexions.

Being a metabolite of benzene, hydroquinone has potential mutagenic properties. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States claims “hydroquinone is mutagenic and has cancer-causing potential.” In 1994, the Journal of the American College of Toxicology (now known as the International Journal of Toxicology) published “The Addendum to the Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroquinone.” Its conclusion stated that “hydroquinone is a potent cytotoxic agent that causes mutations and alterations to DNA, and that it should not be used in any leave-on type of product; it is safe for rinse-off products when used in concentrations less than 1%.” When this was published, many cosmetic manufacturers opted to discontinue their hydroquinone lighteners and some countries went so far as to ban hydroquinone from skin-whiteners. For example, hydroquinone is strictly regulated in many African and Asian countries, and its use is prohibited in the European Union (EU) and Japan. Unfortunately, many hydroquinone-containing whiteners remain on the market to this day. As a matter of fact, most skin-whitening serums and creams currently available contain 2% hydroquinone.

Source: http://www.skininc.com/skinscience/ingredients/41973632.html

Cellulite Surgery

Surgery to get rid of cellulite should be considered only as a last resort. Surgery is also the most expensive treatment available for cellulite reduction. There are three types of surgery done for cellulite problems.

Liposuction

Liposuction is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for cellulite reduction and body contouring. This procedure involves removal of fat from under the skin. However, it does not remove the underlying layers of fat responsible for cellulite. If liposuction is performed at the lower layers or subcutaneous fat layer, secondary effects such as profuse bleeding, swelling and scarring may occur. Liposuction is good for slimming down hips, thighs and buttocks. Liposuction is often done in combination with a non surgical procedure called Endermology.

Lower Body Lift

This is a complicated procedure recommended for someone with extensive cellulite, accompanied by fat pads on the hips and loose skin. This procedure involves lifting the skin of the whole lower body like a facelift in that region.

Mesotherapy or Micro surgery

Mesotherapy is a treatment that stimulates mesoderm or middle layer of the skin. This in turn relieves a wide variety of symptoms and ailments including cellulite. The connective tissue of the body or collagen that makes up the bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscle is derived from the mesoderm. The mesoderm also involves the fat tissue and connective tissues around organs. In this treatment, an analysis is first made to determine the cause of cellulite. Then a combination of conventional and homeopathic medicines is injected just under the skin.

Source: http://iamsickofbeingfat.com/2009/03/17/cellulite-surgery/