IDEBENONE

"I'm trying not to get too excited, but I am convinced this [idebenone] is the best antioxidant I have seen yet," said Dr. Leslie Bauman, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami in the January 2004 Issue of Allure.

Idebenone – (pronounced eedy-be-known) -- looks and sounds like the name of a third world dictator, but it is considered the most potent antioxidant available to alleviate and prevent signs of aging. Used by both men and women, dermatologists are enthusiastic about this antioxidant’s ability to protect the skin from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and smooth skin texture. In addition to its ability to neutralize free radicals, physicians are impressed with its ability to decrease collagen breakdown resulting in less apparent wrinkles and lines. This ingredient also seems to counter inflammation which in turn helps counter the irritation sometimes caused by other ingredients. Tested directly against most other antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha lipoic acid, idebenone proved to be the most effective and most potent of all.

Available mostly in physicans’ offices, this number one free radical fighter is sold for $110.00-$120.00 an ounce. The Abbey is pleased to be able to include this superantioxidant in its Face Firming Concentrate ($62.00).

Less is Younger ~~ Keep it Natural

Skin that is losing firmness needs less makeup, not more. Makeup tends to slide into and accentuate even tiny facial furrows. Mineral powders applied with a light hand reflect light and minimize wrinkles and sagging.

The shine is off!

If your skin is very dry, you can just stop reading now. However, if you have oily skin with a perpetual shine, or even if you have normal skin and want to prolong cosmetic freshness, this is the product for you. Developed in the London theatre district to keep makeup from melting under hot theater lights, it is an item that lives up to its name. It is not all natural, but one that fills a definite need, and does so very well.

The versatility of this product is what makes it so useful. Use with or without makeup. Men or women. A light application of this cream smooths out pores and tames shine immediately. It extends the life of any makeup application. Mineral powders are long lasting in themselves, but joined with SuperMatte, it is not hyperbole to say that makeup will last morning till night.

The invisible nature of this product allows it to rescue teenagers plagued with overactive oil glands. Boys and men especially find it useful because it cannot be detected. It is a favorite of balding men who want to tone down the shine on their heads. While available in three shades, the translucent nature of this product makes a choice of shade almost irrelevant.

Usage couldn't be simpler. Cleanse, tone, and apply your treatments as normal. Glide a small dab of SuperMatte Antishine over the T-zone, chin, or all over, and feel the matte surface develop instantly. Leave as is or apply makeup.

It's a small tube, and at first glance it seems a bit pricey ($39.50), but one tube will last up to six months under normal usage. You won't regret it.

Place "magnet therapy devices" into Google and you will find over 350,000 folks willing to sell you one. These devices have been claimed to cure you from top to bottom, migraines to bunions. Even more alarming are the claims that magnets are effective against inflammation and more serious illnesses that include relief of muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis, diabetic ulcers, and cancers.

A magnet’s most oft cited claim to fame is that it increases circulation, improves oxygen utilization, and accelerates healing and tissue regeneration. A study involving healthy volunteers showed no change in blood flow to areas where magnets were placed on their arms. Blood is not magnetic. If it were, bodies would explode in MRI machines.

One of the most popular products is a magnetic insole. Walking on magnets promises improved circulation, reduced pain, increased oxygen uptake, and weight loss. The premise is that all the concrete from human structures blocks the Earth’s magnetic fields and thus the body suffers. For only $100.00 you can prevent the fate that awaits those without magnetic insoles. If this were true, a compass would only work in open fields.

Two long-lasting, randomized, double blind studies (New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona) involving chronic heel pain and chronic back pain respectively, were conducted using real and placebo magnets. At the end of each study, there was no difference in the pain and mobility between the treatment groups and the placebo groups. None.

Let’s put this to rest. There is no scientific basis to conclude that small magnets can relieve pain or influence the course of any disease state. The jury has spoken and there is no appeal.