Sharm Cressey

The technique, which can be done at home, involves rolling many tiny needles over the skin, making tiny pricks that may stimulate collagen production to smooth out the skin. 

The technique seems oddly primitive, especially in these days of lasers and cosmeceuticals. Its primary tool is a hand-held derma roller, a small, narrow device (rather like a tiny paint roller) studded with almost 200 fine surgical steel micro-needles -- common lengths are 0.5 millimeter, 1 millimeter and 1.5 millimeters. (Smaller lengths are designed for the face; longer lengths are used for the body.) The device is rolled over the skin and produces multiple mild pin pricks.

The object of the process, which can be quite painful, is to stimulate collagen production by injuring the skin through those hundreds of punctures.

"Theoretically, any injury to the skin should instigate a process of wound healing by stimulating the production of more fibroblasts and collagen," says Denver-based plastic surgeon Dr. Christine Rodgers.

And more collagen theoretically means smoother skin, as collagen is the protein responsible for skin elasticity; its breakdown leads to wrinkles and scarring.

South African plastic surgeon Dr. Des Fernandes pioneered derma rolling, and a study conducted in South Africa and Germany and published in 2008 evaluated its effects on 480 people. Each participant first applied topical vitamin A and C creams, then each was treated with a derma roller up to four times weekly for four weeks. Scientists evaluated tissue samples from 20 participants and found a "considerable increase in collagen and elastin," according to the report.

Plastic surgeon Leonard B. Miller, clinical instructor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, offers Percutaneous Collagen Induction treatments at his practice and says the procedure is particularly effective in improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles on the forehead. But he emphasizes that not all skin reacts the same way -- some will have excellent results while others may see little change.

Contact Sharm direct at 714-335-4461 for this service.

Your summer wardrobe should be no fuss, easy and comfortable:

• Wear jackets that are predominantly more relaxed and carefree.
• Pants are easy and comfortable weather or not they are full length or cropped.
  
• Skirts can be playful with color blocking, tiers, buttons or gathers.
  
• Blouses should be soft and fluid mostly in cotton or silk.
  
• Knits are wonderful when they are in textured space dye, mini cables and bird's eye texture.
• Dresses, shifts, sport shirt dresses, tropical prints or black jersey are essential.
  
• For summer rain, coats in black and white jacquard or marble like print drenched in polyurethane coating can keep out the strongest downpour.
• Belts look fabulous when they are 1-1/2" wide with interchangeable straps and intricate buckles.

Sharm Cressey, your partner in STYLE!
714-335-4461

Perfectly groomed brows can take years off your appearance, yet there's a dearth of places devoted to the service. Four years ago, Rayda Ireifej, developed a loyal following at R.I. Skincare and Body Center in Huntington Beach and later opened The Brow & Skin Studio With Apothecary, one of the first salons of its kind in Orange County. The studio, run by the esthetician and daughters Sylvia and Rowena, consists of a retail shop brimming with exclusive skincare, makeup, brow, and lash products; a calming waiting area; and four treatment rooms.

In shaping brows, Ireifej and her daughters consider a client's facial features, personality, and lifestyle. The goal is to create brows that are twins, not sisters, says Rowena. Services range from $20 to $35. The women bring experience and precision to their work, which is evident to those who walk through the door. "It's not a service we offer, but an experience," says Ireifej. "Our goal is to have everyone leave here feeling like royalty, with clear skin and perfectly arched brows."

Get the Look:

Trends - Go for full, natural, classic brows, says Ireifej. Grow out your over-tweezed brows to give your face a more youthful look.

Trim - Leave it to a professional; being scissor-happy can make for uneven brows.

Restraint - Don't tweeze daily. Too-thin brows age the face. Pluck only one hair at a time.

Tint - Don't tweeze coarse gray hairs, which can leave gaps. Instead, use a tinted brow gel to cover them, or have them tinted professionally.

Powder - Brow shades should complement skin and hair. If skin and hair are light, use a brow powder two shades lighter than hair. For dark skin and hair, two shades darker.

Pencil - For a fuller look, use brow powder or a brow pencil to shade in. Add clear brow gel to hold unruly hairs in place.

Makeup - Highlight brow bone for an instant eye-opener.

Lashes - Complement brows with full, thick, long lashes. By day, rely on lash conditioners that lengthen and thicken: RevitaLash or Marini Lash. For an evening out, apply fake eyelashes.

Orange Coast March 2009 as seen in O.C. Style - Beauty

For more tips...check out Sylvia's blog at: www.browguru.blogspot.com

You Could Be Guilty of Dressing Like One!
The term "cougar" is relatively new but has sparked a lot of debate recently. It is generally applied to an older woman who dresses seductively in hopes of attracting the attention of a younger man. Regardless of if you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50+ make sure to avoid these tacky trends, which scream cougar.

Goodbye Big Hair
Big hair is not flattering on anyone. The best approach to your hairstyle is to take inventory each season to see if it is still working for you. Take into account your age, facial features, and skin tone. Make sure that your hair does not overpower you. Good tools to streamline your mane are quality Ceramic Hair Dryers and Ceramic Flat Irons. The from Chi Ceramic Flat Iron from www.drugstore.com creates silky shiny hair instantly, similar to how a professional would do it.

Say No to Excessive Jewelry
Wearing a ring on every finger is tacky. Having your ankles and wrists dripping in jewelry just screams excess. Excessive jewelry says that you need to be noticed and don't know how to do it in a classy way. Instead of too much bling, opt for understated elegance with Statement Jewelry. This Large Animal Enamel Pendant Necklace from Nordstrom is not only classy but it gives a small hint of how fierce you can be with the subtle leopard detailing.

Bronze Responsibly
There is a fine line between having a sun kissed glow and looking like you have been playing in orange face paint. Excessive tanning not only adds years to your appearance, it can be very harmful for you and your skin. Bronze responsibly. CARGO Bronzing Kit from Sephora is a collection of their best-selling bronzing products and is designed to create an all-over natural looking bronze glow on the cheeks and eyes.

Go Natural With Make-Up
Caking on foundation and blush is a sure fire way to scream that you are doing too much and that you are a little desperate. Instead of looking like make-up don't. Take our "do" approach of wearing natural make-up. The Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit from Sephora provides impeccable coverage for every skin type and tone, and also protects with a natural SPF 15. It helps you to avoid the caked on look that many foundations give.

Leave Something to the Imagination
There are different ways to look sexy, there are overt ways like with plunging necklines and thigh high hems and there are more subtle ways. Bill Blass Holiday Cowl-Neck Top  is the perfect top to play up your assets while still leaving something to the imagination. Not only is red a very sexy color but the form fitting bodice hugs all of the right places.

Another fashion no-no is to wear skirts that are too short. If you get nervous every time the wind blows, your skirt is too short and putting leggings or tights underneath it does not fix the problem. Instead of a mini skirt, try wearing a sexy pencil skirt that hugs your silhouette but does not give all of your goodies away. The Pure & Simple Stretch Foldover-Waist Pencil Skirt from Bill Blass New York shows the right amount of sass.

Tread Carefully
Teetering on 6-inch heels not only looks foolish, but also it is dangerous! We are not saying that you have to wear flat shoes and we are certainly suggesting to replace your pumps with Pumas but wearing a moderate heel is not only better for your feet and your back but it allows you to be comfortably sexy. Naughty Monkey 'Marvelous Darling' Pump from Nordstrom is a glossy tri-colored pump and is slightly over 3 inches so you still get that sexy stiletto look.

Tight Pants No More
Ill-fitting pants do not look good. Make sure that you wear pants that are not too tight. Your panty line should not be visible, nor should wrinkles and puckers around the crotch area. One of the hottest trends for fall is wide leg pants. Bill Blass New York has an amazing assortment of Wide Legs Pants.

Step Away From Velour and Into Cotton
Velour is just tacky. We may be going against the grain, considering the popularity of Juicy Couture velour track suits, but no woman should wear a velour track suit.  And leave the low rise fit at home. A sexy and streamlined yet casual lounge wear option is something like this Hoody, Tank & Pant Set from Nordstrom, it allows you to be comfortable, graceful and stylish before, during and after your workout.

EARS have been lonely, unadorned places of late, virtually ignored as necks were weighed down with statement necklaces, hands with chunky cocktail rings and wrists stacked to the elbow with bangles. Not for much longer. Get ready to celebrate: party earrings are preparing for their comeback.

You might blame the perpetual trend-starter Miuccia Prada, who showed fanciful jewel-encrusted earrings at her resort collection in June. Then during New York Fashion Week, just ended, tasseled shoulder-dusters shimmied at Marc Jacobs; big linked hoops took a turn at Donna Karan; and clips were on every ear at Proenza Schouler and Rachel Comey, who showed multiple clips on each ear. (She is selling them in sets of five!) And Zac Posen accessorized every look with dangling disco hoops. "I have some really large earrings - almost to the shoulder - and every time I wear them, I get stopped by people wanting to know where I'm going," said Tracy Smith, the owner of the vintage jewelry company House of Lavande.

Little wonder: extravagant earrings suggest you are taking the party with you. Dana Lorenz, designer of the Fallon jewelry line, calls her party earrings "hooker hoops" after Kit De Luca, the best friend of the Julia Roberts character in "Pretty Woman". "Anyone who shows up at a party wearing those earrings is saying, 'I'm looking to have fun!' " Ms. Lorenz said. "I've been watching tons of '80s music videos like Altered Images, Bananarama, Janet Jackson, and they all wore huge earrings. The more over the top the better."

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