(NC)-The majority of women are confused by the vast array of beauty treatment options available, and many are turning to the internet for help, according to the recent FACE Institute Cosmetic Enhancement Survey. Knowing which treatment is best for you begins with understanding what your needs are, what the treatments are made of and how they work. Treatments with Botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid and retinoids are rising in popularity, but do women really know what these beauty buzzwords mean?
Dr. Adi Yoskovitch, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, pulls together a beauty glossary of the most common beauty buzzwords. "Understanding these beauty terms will help people make more informed decisions about the type of cosmetic treatment that is most appropriate for them," says Dr. Yoskovitch.
Beauty Glossary
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin type A is the active ingredient found in Botox Cosmetic. Botox is a purified protein approved by Health Canada for the treatment of forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, and vertical frown lines between the eyes. When injected into these muscles, Botox relaxes the muscles, lessening the appearance of wrinkles. When the treatment is done by a trained aesthetic-specialty physician, Botox Cosmetic is safe and the results are natural-looking. Botox is a widely researched treatment and has been used in Canada for more than 18 years.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural sugar found in our bodies that gives skin volume and keeps it hydrated. As we age, our skin loses HA, causing it to sag or hollow. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient found in skin care products, including injectable fillers like Juvéderm, which restores volume in the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers not only replenish lost volume and diminish deep facial folds, lines and wrinkles, but they can also enhance thinning lips. Some studies have shown that HA fillers can stimulate collagen production in the skin.
Retinoids
In sun-damaged skin, prescription retinoids have been proven to help the skin manage its cellular structure. Research has shown that prescription retinoids can significantly improve sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and enlarged pores.
For more beauty buzzwords like collagen, glycolic acid, or IPL, www.FACEinstitute.ca is a good resource to start with when considering other beauty treatments available at an aesthetic specialty physician's office.
- News Canada