Archive for the ‘General Health’ Category

10 Every Year

Friday, May 9th, 2008

In a recent study by Swedish researchers, the number of fat cells in the human body were found to remain consistent since childhood. The study also showed every year in adulthood, 10% of fat cells die but are replaced with new ones. Since obesity and fat are two areas of intense interest at the moment, these are pretty significant findings that are rocking the scientific world.

Which brings us to liposuction. The researchers are also exploring whether the number of fat cells would be affected by liposuction. Currently, we know that any fat cells removed by this cosmetic procedure can’t generally be replaced by the body. When they’re gone, they’re gone forever. Hopefully this new study will support this.

We’ll keep you updated on the latest findings.

The Value of Vitamin E

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

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Vitamin E is another one of those vitamins we hear about all the time when it comes to our skin and health. The licensed medical aesthetician who performed your microdermabrasion or other skin rejuvenation procedure may even recommend skincare products that contain Vitamin E following your session.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is fat-soluble. Because it is fat-soluble, we require some type of fat for it to dissolve in the body. Vitamin E helps protect cells by creating a barrier on their membrane, thereby strengthening it against free radicals. It improves and preserves the skin’s elasticity, delaying the onset of wrinkles and creases as well as fights against UV damage.

Great sources of Vitamin E include vegetable oils, like sunflower and canola, nuts, and wholewheat grains (you’ll do your body a great service by ditching white bread and choosing wholewheat).

Spring Cleaning

Friday, April 11th, 2008

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With warmer days, the birds chirping and the plants budding, spring is finally here. Most of us will be doing a little spring cleaning around the house to welcome the season. Let’s not forget our bodies, though!

We can finally say goodbye to that extra layer of fat many of us have accumulated over the winter and with the rising temperatures, we can now get outside more for a little fresh air and exercise. Spring’s a great time to mark the beginning of a healthier lifestyle, and a great way to start is by changing a few of the things in our diet.

If you don’t already, pay attention to the ingredients. Limit or eliminate refined processed foods and cut out everything with added trans fats.

Need a snack? Don’t reach for that bag of chips. Instead, choose raw fruits and vegetables or whole wheat breads and crackers. They might not be as tasty as those fat and sugar laden snacks, but your body will thank you for making the right choice by the way of clearer skin, a more manageable waistline and a better night’s sleep.

Some of the first signs of spring are the appearance of dandelions. Dandelions may be considered a weed, but their leaves are a great source of vitamins, especially A and C, as well as fibre and iron. Add a few leaves with lettuce to make a nutrient-packed salad. Dandelion leaves can be found at supermarkets.

Skin Renewal

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

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The Basal Cell layer exists in the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This layer is responsible for the creation of new skin cells. Over a period of about 28 days, these newly formed skin cells make their way to the very top of the skin (stratum corneum). However, it generally takes another two to three weeks for old skin cells to shed so that the new cells are revealed.

This time outline for the skin renewal process may change depending on the age and overall health of an individual. It can be much faster for a child and unfortunately, much longer for someone older or whose health is compromised.

Skin treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels help expedite the skin renewal process by removing old skin cells that suffocate the fresh layer of skin.

Constipation and Acne

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

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Did you know that constipation can contribute to the formation of acne in adults?

A bowel movement is one way the body naturally eliminates toxins.

When constipation occurs, toxins in the body accumulate and leave the body in other ways – including through the skin by sweating. (more…)

Hypertrophic vs. Keloid Scars

Monday, March 17th, 2008

Scars are the result of broken skin. However, in some cases, genetic predisposition and other factors can cause some scars to mature not into a thin, faint line that is commonly the case, but into something far more apparent.

Wide and flat, hypertrophic scars become smaller as they mature. While they do not grow beyond the area of the original wound, they are more defined than a regular “fine-line” scar. Some may confuse hypertrophic scars with keloid scars. Keloid scars are benign tumors that can grow beyond the original wound site, appearing like a bump in the shape of a mushroom or cauliflower. Exces collagen is what creates this bump.

Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are difficult to treat with cosmetic surgical methods. For more information about treatment options, please contact Toronto Cosmetic Clinic to see a medical professional.