Face-lift in a jar?

We all know there are dozens (if not hundreds) of creams promising to turn back the hands of time and reduce those unwanted wrinkles - basically, a face-lift in a jar. Can there be a cream that delivers what it promises (or is it just hype)?

According to some British dermatologists, a new product developed by chemist Steve Barton, Boots No.7, visibly reduces fine lines. (Don't all creams state they reduce fine lines?) And now, it has recently been made available in the United States (the product is carried by Target under the name: No. 7 Restore and Renew). However the question is still whether this is all just hype.

"The BBC's science program 'Horizon' investigated claims by various cosmetic companies to work magic... and concluded that most slimming gels, hair tonics and anti-aging creams are completely ineffective. But she[the reporter] supported the research on Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect serum."

Of course, some people swear by it --- but don't fool yourselves. According to a dermatologist, the cream "won't decrease worry lines caused by too much facial activity. No cream is going to help those. For deep lines you need Botox or laser rejuvenation. And sun cream must also be used."

But at $19.99 at Target (or £16.75 a bottle at Boots), this isn't such a bad investment – at least to try it out. If it works and wrinkles are reduced, great! If not, then at least you'll have baby soft skin!

When is the fear of aging too much?

We live in a society of superficiality. Cosmetic Surgery is at a high -- especially non surgical treatments. Those in their 40s and up either go for Botox injections or, if they consider the situation "serious" they'll go under the know for a little nip/tuck. Botox injections, especially, are not considered anything out of the ordinary. In fact, the first "Botox-on-the-go" store is opening later this year in New York City.

But when 20 years olds are asking for these nonsurgical treatments, has the fear of aging gone too far? What possible wrinkles could they have? Even their plastic surgeons argue with them saying they don't need it!

Here are some disturbing statistics: "According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, last year people age 19 to 34 accounted for nearly 20 percent of nonsurgical procedures such as Botox and chemical peels, and 28 percent of women age 18 to 24 said they would seriously consider getting cosmetic surgery now or in the future."

What ever happened to aging gracefully? Look at Susan Sarandon, Helen Mirren, Andie MacDowell, and Jane Seymour -- to name just a few.

We're sorry… but don't these young'uns have anything better to spend their money on? Perhaps contributing to a presidential campaign? Or a non-profit organization?

(**One of the CareTALK Gals is in her 20s and she agrees with the above statements wholeheartedly).

"Botox-on-the-go"

While running errands or getting your nails done, why not stop by the local Botox Center for a quickie?

That's right, forget the appointments, forget the long waiting times. Just like you go to a nail salon to (primarily) get your nails done, you can now go to a Botox-only storefront office -- quick, easy, cheap(er) than the dermatologist, and you come out of the store looking years younger in 30 minutes (15 if it's a follow-up visit). This is even quicker than getting a manicure!

According to the New York Times article, "The Little Botox Shop Around the Corner," two plastic and reconstructive surgeons will be opening up a store front office offering just Botox injections in midtown Manhattan, across the street from Bloomingdale's (why not get a "younger you" to complement that outfit you just bought at Bloomie's?). You have to admit this idea is great - especially since their target audience for that location are the shoppers, those who live and work in the area (ie, they can get the injections during lunch hour), and even tourists who'd get the injections on a whim. In addition, there would be general practitioners with basic training and experience using Botox who would be administering the injections.

However, the one negative that some experts are concerned about is the fact that stores like this might trivialize the seriousness of these injections – ie. not everyone may be suitable for it and the injections should be administered by "dermatologists and surgeons who have extensive training in facial anatomy and aesthetics and long experience injecting Botox."

Do you think this will become the next "nail salon" phenom where we will see one every 5 blocks (in the city)?