Tinting, preening, pampering, highlighting, acrylics, tanning, massage the list reads like an exotic spa menu but its actually the average woman’s weekly shopping list. The beauty industry is worth over £4 billion a year. So are we addicted to spending too much at the salon and what are the alternatives?
False Nails – a nice set of nails can finish off a well polished look but can also be the source of many fungal infections. Combined with exposure to harmful varnish vapors, the nail salon may not be top of the list now. Alternatives are glue-on artificial nails, they cost less and are healthier.
Waxing - the process in which hair follicles are removed at the root by hot wax strips. It can be offered on any part of the body and has become more popular with men over the last few years. It can be painful and result in reddened skin and even rashes. Sugaring is considered a less painful substitute as balls of sugar paste are rubbed over the skin to remove the hair. The middle eastern art of threading uses pieces of string to wrap around the hair and remove each strand more effectively and less painful than waxing. This is highly skilled and found in specialist salons. On the other hand, if you’re looking at replacing hair, have a look at a hair loss treatment to treat baldness.
Botox - this uses injections to smooth wrinkles and lines. Met with controversy over the years it can be used incorrectly and cause minor allergic reactions and semi – permanent swelling. Alternatives include specialist skin creams such as Protox and using a sunscreen when outdoors.
Tanning - in the sun or under a sun bed, the harmful effects of the sun’s rays can develop into cancerous moles and wrinkly skin. The most common alternative is fake tan in a bottle, self-tanning wipes and some salons offer spray tanning booths for the all over tan without the health risks.
Face lifts – holistic face lifts involve massage to tone the facial muscles and prevent drooping skin. Some therapists use essential oils in the process and it will take several sessions to see an effect.
Chemical Peel – this uses acids to remove layers of the skin that are blemished or scarred. It is expensive and can be sore afterwards. A deep peel can leave you red faced for up to four months. Alternatives include creams with added fruit acids and maintaining a healthy diet.
Tooth whitening – the process is carried out by a dentist using whitening gel over one or more sessions. There is no guarantee your teeth will be pearly white but most users see their teeth a shade or two whiter. Bleaching teeth can make them more sensitive and discolor any fillings. Home kits may not offer the same effect but whitening toothpastes and limiting coffee and red wine can help.
Liposuction - this involves the removal of fatty deposits through a small incision in the skin. Between £1000-£5000 it can be expensive and is not suitable for those diagnosed as clinically obese. The risks are resulting saggy skin and post-operative infections. There are no alternatives except for following a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
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Leave a Reply
May 19th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
i do not belive in people tanning as it is an addictive thing just like smoking. my mam used to always go on the sunbeds but she had to stop as all her skin was falling off and she didnt non what it was.
May 8th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Wrinkling in the skin is caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, and various other factors. The best for preventing wrinkles is drinking a lot of water. Then use a quality cream as this.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:31 am
I have used a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and your choice of mouth wash for years. The results are great because your teeth look naturally white, not “ultra” fake white and it’s healthy for your teeth. Just mix it into a toothpaste like consistency and brush as usual two or three times a week. This worked for me!
February 14th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I brush and floss daily, but my teeth are still yellowish. I can’t afford to get my teeth whitened by a dentist and I don’t want to use whitening strips because they haven’t helped before. I need suggestions on what I can possibly use instead and how do use it. Thank you!