Is Mederma A Waste Of Time For Treating Scars

Most of us have some kind of scar. It could be from acne, an accident, a surgery, an illness, etc.

And although the beauty science and technology is pretty impressive these days, erasing a scar completely, might not be possible. But---we can get pretty close. We can make scars almost invisible.

Many people wear their scars like a badge of honor. We once knew a frat boy in college named Chip with a sexy scar across his cheek. The girls were attracted to him because of his scar.

And look at one of our favorite beauties, Padma Lakshmi. The former model and current host of Bravo's 'Top Chef' reality show, has a 7-inch reminder of the serious car accident she was in at age 14.

Padma grew to accept her 'imperfection,' and the scar that runs along her right arm is one she wears proudly. "I love my scar," she often says.

But there are also many times, one does not love their scar, and hoping for a miracle cream to rub it out permanently. That's where popular, topical treatments like Mederma ($29.99, drugstores), are often used.

But is Mederma a waste of time for treating scars? And is surgery the only best way to greatly minimize a scar's appearance?

Some specialists recommend applying Mederma to fresh scars. And yet there are other doctors who claim the topical treatment does little to wipe out scars.

What we can tell you, is that Mederma is actually made with 'onion extract,' believe it or not. That allium cepa, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve collagen organization in a rabbit ear model.

However, there are no human studies that show onion extract improves the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly, according to an article here: http://tiny.cc/mqNjP.

In defense of Mederma, however, the product claims to soften and smooth scars, and that we believe is true.

Meantime, your best bet is heading into a plastic surgeon's office. There are several exciting, but costly treatments that can greatly minimize the appearance and depth of scars:

Laser skin re-surfacing
Laser scar removal
Microdermabrasion
Fat transfer
Collagen injections
Chemical peels
Steroid injections

Not All Hollywood A-Listers Run For Botox To Zap Wrinkles

Actress Jennifer Aniston is back in the news again.

And yeah, once more, it has to do with John Mayer. According to http://www.people.com/, the couple has split again. And John Mayer supposedly broke up with Jen, as he did the first time around.

But we are not here to hold anyone's hands. We're simply here to prove to all the doubters out there, that not all of the Hollywood A-listers run for Botox to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.

Closely examine 40-year-old Jennifer Aniston in a candid shot at the Academy Awards Show back in February of this year.

Please look at Jen's forehead. Hmmm. We see some almost pronounced wrinkles dancing across her lovely forehead.

Some of you might say, sure, she doesn't Botox her forehead, but Botoxes her crow's feet and the two lines between her eyes, or the glabellas.

Who's to say. We believe Jennifer Aniston when she has repeated over and over again, that she is not a Botox user.

In fact, we just picked up this little nugget from http://www.imnotobsessed.com/:

"I tried Botox once and it was really not good for me. I felt like I had a weight on my head," Jennifer Aniston remarked. "I think it makes women look older. Harder. The warmth in their faces goes away. You see women and you know they’re not young, but you can’t tell how old they are. That’s what stopped me."

We've written about Botox before (April 15, 2008 BeautyTipToday article):

It’s been noted that Botox procedures have jumped some 400% in the last several years. Botox cosmetic is really from the botulinum toxin type and continues to hold the distinction of number one injectable in the United States. Dr. Frederic Brandt isn’t surprised at its popularity.

“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

We know that Hollywood beauties all flock together to their derms for Botox. But it is refreshing, that not all the A-listers go for the sting of the needle to stay perpetually youthful.

Jennifer Aniston can really make an honest expression.

Salma Cover Girl For Robert Vetica's New Great Hair Book

We are so excited about celebrity hairstylist Robert Vetica and his wonderful new book, Good To Great Hair, that we made a little faux pas yesterday. And we wish to correct it.

We mistakenly suggested, that actress Salma Hayek and Robert Vetica had authored the book together.

Instead, these are the masterful words and knowledge of super L.A. stylist Robert Vetica. A foreword is presented by Salma Hayek, along with an introduction by actress Debra Messing.

Putting that all aside, Good To Great Hair, is a really beautiful book. Robert Vetica has more than 25 years of experience and quite a Who's Who of lovely celebrity clients. In addition to Salma and Debra, there are more---Mariah Carey. Naomi Watts. Shakira. Hilary Swank.

You can pick up this new hair-how-to at popular bookstores like-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, at the online price of $19.99.

Robert Vetica's book is filled with incredible tips such as: what’s in his styling and tool kits; how he uses his simple arsenal to create unforgettable looks for the red carpet and runways in 20 minutes flat; how he invents nip-and-tuck magic with small, hidden braids; how he disguises split ends and creates a stellar shine; how to transform lifeless hair into a lush, voluminous mane with the genius of clip-on extensions; how he saves time by refreshing a style – and not starting from scratch; along with extensive how-to guides.

In honor of Salma Hayek's participation in Good To Great Hair, Fair Winds Press will make a donation in support of UNICEF's efforts to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal tetanus.

Meantime, we are still raving about Salma Hayek's glossy and gorgeous hair. The cover shot for Robert Vetica's book says it all.

And as we showed you yesterday, Robert Vetica gave Salma's hair high-voltage-shine with Moroccanoil beauty products. Very unique items you can learn about in his new book, Good To Great Hair.

Visit: http://www.moroccanoil.com/.

How To Get Shiny Healthy Hair Like Salma Hayek

Actress Salma Hayek is an exotic beauty, and at age 42, she's doing something right.

We especially like her shiny, healthy hair!!!

She is pictured here at the recent book-launching party for Good to Great Hair by Robert Vetica in Hollywood.

Robert Vetica and Salma Hayek put out the book together, and she serves as the cover girl for the how-to on beautiful hair. Good to Great Hair is available at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for the online price of $19.99.

So what is Salma's secret to such shiny, healthy hair? We know that Hollywood beauties go through quite a lot of hair trauma, especially being colored, blown-dry, flat-ironed, heat-curled, straightened, all under very hot movie and television lighting. And so on.

Argan oil.

We spoke about the almost magical qualities of this beauty oil from Morocco recently, in our article on the 7 Breakthrough Ingredients for Super Skin in 2009:

http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2009/03/7-breakthrough-ingredients-for-super.html.

And this oil is even spectacular for strong, beautiful hair.

Stylist Robert Vetica told PeopleStyleWatch how he gave Salma Hayek shiny and amazing hair.

How to Do It

1: Separate hair into small sections.

2: Add Moroccanoil Treatment and Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to each.

3: Use round brush to blow dry sections.

4: Let hair fall and mist with Moroccanoil Gold Glimmer Shine Spray.

There's the secret: Moroccanoil. According to their website, http://www.moroccanoil.com/, this argan oil formula can do wonders for a head of hair:

Restores shine and softness to dull lifeless hair. Strengthens brittle hair.● Promotes healing and provides nourishment to hair damaged by coloring and styling.● Creates an optimal balance for the hair and scalp.● Nourishes the scalp (alleviates itchy, dry scalp)● Protects against UV damage and other environmental factors.● Reduces drying time and speeds up styling time.

New! Elizabeth Arden Fresh Ground Mineral Powder Foundation

Twist. Swirl. Tap. Apply.

If you wear mineral powder foundation, then you know what those words mean.

But now there's something new! And this foundation could be considered the cadillac of all the mineral makeup out there.

We took a closer look at Elizabeth Arden's new Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation, SPF 20 ($37.50, at fine dept. stores, or http://www.elizabetharden.com/).

What's so uber chic about Elizabeth Arden's mineral makeup?

Fresh ground.

Simple, but smart. Elizabeth Arden's mineral powder foundation comes equipped with its own portable grinder compact. Every time you use it, you get a fresh layer of microlight makeup.

Twist the grinder a little and get just the right amount of loose powder you need. No waste and no mess. Quick and immaculate.

Here's what the fine folks at Elizabeth Arden are saying about Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation:

"New fresh ground technology delivers a microlight powder, virtually weightless, that blends perfectly on the skin.
Takes the mess out of loose powder mineral makeup to control just the amount you need. No more powder everywhere.
Non-drying. It's skin brightening and comfortable to wear.
Smooths imperfections. It doesn't cake or settle into fine lines.
Infused with minerals rich with antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and natural skin smoothers.
Enriched with sea water complex which contains elements such as calcium and magnesium known to strengthen skin and support natural mineral equilibrium.
Buildable formula, it's easy to create your own customized look from light to full coverage, without a made up look.
Pure, luminous natural finish.
SPF 20 sun protection. UVA and UVB protection.
For all skin types. Sensitive skin tested.
Clinically, dermatologist and allergy tested. Talc free. Fragrance free."

The mineral makeup comes in 9 shades to choose from.

Kashi Go Lean Snacks Help Hollywood Stay Skinny

If you're looking for new ways to stay on the right track when it comes to diet and nutrition, why not follow the Hollywood healthy way. And get down with Kashi Go Lean snacks, and stay skinny.

You can find Kashi Go Lean foods everywhere. And there must be something to them, because lovely celebrities like country singing sensation Carrie Underwood, love to nosh on them all the time.

The Kashi website spells out their mission. And it's really a simple and smart one:

"Healthy food is good. Great tasting healthy food is better.
Making natural food that tastes great is our job. And we love it. When you eat great-tasting all-natural food you won’t miss the highly refined sugars, artificial additives, or preservatives. Our food is your ally in wellness, so everything from breakfast to dinner will make you feel healthier and happier."

Kashi features lots of good, natural foods like: hot & cold cereals. snacks & bars. pilaf. frozen food.

At http://www.kashi.com/, you will also find some tasy recipes, like Roasted almond salmon with citrus-soy herb spritz, and Oatmeal dark chocolate cookie bread pudding.


Carrie Underwood, a vegetarian, enjoys her healthy snacks. Carrie always throws a Kashi Go lean bar in her bag.

What's so great about these Kashi Go lean bars?!

"GOLEAN® Crunchy! bars are a delightfully light and crunchy snack made with a blend of crispy whole grain cereal and dipped in chocolate.
GOLEAN Crunchy! bars are designed for an Optimized Glycemic Response with slow release carbohydrates to balance blood sugar, and protein and fiber to help you stay satisfied."

This Kashi Go Lean cinnamon coffee cake bar is sinfully delicious, by the way. Love 'em!

Jaclyn Smith And Jose Eber Design Beautiful Hair Clip-Ons

Maybe we are on a beautiful hair crusade these days. Our past 3 blogs have been all about the hair.

We came across an ad featuring the always-gorgeous Jaclyn Smith and legendary west coast hair genius Jose Eber, teaming up together and designing beautiful hair clip-ons, wigs, falls, and hair pieces for the Paula Young wig company, http://www.paulayoung.com/.

The faux tresses are called: Style by Jaclyn Smith.

Jaclyn Smith was always our favorite angel, and although Farrah Fawcett got 99% of the attention for her amazing hairstyle, we like to believe that Jaclyn had even better hair and such classic beauty.

Jose Eber has maintained many a pretty head of hair in the Hollywood business. He has always created the loveliest hairstyles for Jaclyn Smith. So we applaud her line of wigs and clip-ons with Jose:

"The collection includes over 20 styles: full-coverage wigs; clever volumizers that integrate with existing hair to boost volume; luxurious falls; and add-on pieces to create polished ponytails and easy updos. Jaclyn even personally selected the collection’s color palette, from her rich Blended Colors (like her signature Caramelized Brown shade) to her exclusive Rooted Colors (available in her wig styles), which begin slightly darker at the roots for a more natural look."

Check out Jaclyn Smith modeling the Volumizer. How hot is this?! Who wouldn't want her hair!!

The cost: $89.00, at paulayoung.com.

Description: Enhance the body and length of your own hair with these long, wavy layers.
Weight: 3 oz.
Length: Hair Length: 6 1/2" front; 9" top; 12" crown, sides & upper back; 12" nape.
Material: Synthetic
Recommended Face Shapes: Square
Details: Open cap.Front velvet comfort band.Stretch lace elastic back.

Think about it. It's a lot cheaper than Jennifer Aniston's blow-out and flat-iron do. The hairstyle that recently ran a bill of some $56,000.