In with the new, out with the old

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them at? Well lately – NOT ME!

With the list of menopause symptoms getting longer each month, now my make-up is making me look older. The one time in my life that I want to “hide” behind a full face of make-up hoping age won’t find me, just isn’t working any more. The fine lines on my face and neck are just getting deeper, no thanks to the lower levels of estrogen in my body. Applying make-up and light powder just makes the lines just look worse. It has gotten so bad that my husband suggested I not wear make-up at all. This story has a happy ending, and it doesn’t involve going to a plastic surgeon. Theresa, a dear friend and beauty consultant, suggested exfoliation. Once I started a weekly program of exfoliation, I immediately looked years younger.

Every 28 days skin renews itself leaving your skin with a fresh layer of baby cells. As we get older this shedding process, called desquamation, slows down leaving us with fine lines, dry areas and an uneven skin texture. Make-up can really accentuate this dilemma.

Exfoliation stimulates new cell growth by removing the cells your body is no longer shedding. It helps your body with the desquamation process by stripping the dead epidermal cells on the outer surface of your skin and exposing a fresher layer of living cells. It takes a few days for a noticeable amount of dead cells to accumulate. It is best to exfoliate once or twice a week. You don’t want to irritate your skin or remove healthy living cells by doing it daily.

Benefits of Exfoliation

• Removes the top layer of dead cells, so the cells turn over at a faster rate revealing softer, smoother skin
• Improves the texture of your skin
• Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Un-clogs pores
• Makes your skin look healthier, fresher and more radiant
• Gives your skin a good base to absorb moisturizers and other skin products
• Boosts your circulation from the friction

Exfoliation can benefit the skin on your face, around your lips, neck, elbows, knees and feet. Lately I have noticed the skin on my heels starting to crack and the skin on my elbows seems thicker. This dilemma has improved as a result of exfoliating. For those of you who love self-tanning, exfoliation will be your new best friend. It is a great technique to blend around the feet, elbows and knees.

There are three different exfoliating methods.

Manual
Chemical
Enzyme

Manual exfoliation is moved across your skin’s surface using your fingers or buff puff. You are removing the dead cells by scraping off the top surface with physical friction. Many manufacturers use natural products such as seeds, apricot pits, or crushed oyster shells as the ingredient that causing friction. Some products use round beads or poly spheres that can be easier on the skin.

Chemical exfoliates are a topical bio engineered ingredient that can dissolve the glue like substance that holds the dead cells together. Most chemical exfoliates use either Alpha Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acids. This type of exfoliation is applied to the skin then rinsed off. You do not “scrub” to enjoy the benefits. The “chemical” does the work.

Enzymes work by dissolving the dead tissue. The enzymes are molecules that catalyze chemical reactions of other substances. The product is applied then washed off. You do not manually “scrub” your skin. The enzyme does the work for you.
You have three choices: manually scrub off the dead cells, dissolve the glue like substance that holds the dead cells together with chemicals or dissolve the dead tissue with enzymes. They all work equally well. I prefer to exfoliate manually because it feels good to scrub my face.

I was absolutely amazed at the results of such an inexpensive and simple process. Not only is my facial skin benefiting, but my elbows and feet are too. Exfoliation is my new anti-aging weapon.

The Hollywood AFTER photo shoot!

Finally the day arrived! Judy, Lisa and Elyssia, all recipients of a free Menopause Makeover by Staness Jonekos, had their big Hollywood AFTER photo shoot! It was a day of pampering provided by American Idol photographer, Michael Becker (aka my hubby), American Idol make-up artist Mandy, and hair stylist Danai. And to top it off, an on-line mail-order catalogue focusing exclusively on the needs of women over 40, AsWeCHANGE.com, generously contributed swimsuits and cute wraps for this special occasion.

While Judy, Lisa and Elyssia were busy with their Menopause Makeovers, I decided to set new goals and do my own menopause makeover again. Sporting our new girlish figures, Michael made us feel like celebrities in front of the camera.

As you know, putting on a swimsuit, and parading around a photo studio in front of strangers is no easy task! But we were all feeling great! Everyone mastered the Menopause Makeover Food Pyramid and lost a total of 75 pounds! We lost 53.5 inches combined! Not bad for a bunch of menopausal gals?!

Everyone started at an unhealthy weight, and in 12 weeks reached a normal weight according to the BMI (body mass index) chart. Check your BMI, click here.

The Menopause Makeover is not just about weight loss. Although living on the 8-step, 12-week plan will promise weight loss if you need it, it is most importantly about regaining control over menopause symptoms and health concerns. The Menopause Makeover embraces that we are all different, and each of us will have treatment options unique to her.

It was exciting to witness Judy, Lisa and Elyssia’s incredible transformations! They each made a commitment to the Menopause Makeover that changed their lives!

Conquering menopause symptoms, managing weight, and boosting self-esteem are possible during menopause!

We’d like to toast to that!

Check out Elyssia, Judy and Lisa’s sensational before and after shots and read about their journey on The Menopause Makeover, click here.

If you want to order a fabulous sexy and flattering swimsuit from AsWeChange.com, click here.

There are more than 40 million women in the United States over the size 14 and over 44 million women going through menopause. This Beauty Tip is a styling tip so you can look and feel beautiful everyday.

Shopping for a new outfit can be frustrating when your body is changing as fast as your hormones and designers are focusing on younger smaller woman.

For the past year I have been hiding my disappearing waistline with baggy clothes. With my body fat shifting to my belly, it’s time for a shopping spree. With my new larger body measurements I quickly learned what styles were flattering on real women.

Click here then page 3 to purchase these flattering outfits.

Flattering Styles

TOPS
With an increasing waistline, longer length tops and jackets that sit lower on your hips create a “longer” line. A top that sits at the waistline will accentuate an area you wish to diminish. Make sure your top does not hit the largest area of your hips. The length should hit just below the waistline to mid-thigh. It is best to wear jackets open for a clean vertical line. V-necks, open collars, turtlenecks and wrap tops will bring the attention to your face.

Layering can create a comfortable and stylish look. If you are suffering with hot flashes layering will be your best friend. Be careful to layer properly. Too many bulky layers will only make you look bigger. Try a fitted camisole under a fun blazer or oversized sweater.

BOTTOMS
Whether your bottom has gotten bigger or dropped from age, an A-Line Skirt is a must in your new wardrobe. Not only will it flatter a fuller figure, the waist is fitted and flairs out so the smooth lines don’t show the problem areas. You can also wear a longer top without adding bulk at your waistline. You should wear an A-Line skirt at knee length. Try wearing a dark color for the skirt and a fun top with accessories to bring the attention to your face.

Pants are one of the hardest wardrobe items to buy. Even before menopause finding the perfect fitting pant was tough. But, pants can be flattering with a straight (if you are 5′4″ or shorter) or boot-cut leg (taller than 5′4″) with the waistline falling just below your natural waistline. Try solid darker colors to create a nice straight line. Do not buy pleated or tapered legged pants, these styles will only bring attention to your disappearing waistline and hips.  The jeans pictured, Not Your Daughters Jeans, are awesome!  They are comfy, give you a little support and very flattering –  menopause makeover approved.

DRESSES
Dresses look best when they are one-piece, not separates. They will elongate your body. The length should hit between your knees and mid calf. If you have great legs, show them. Choose a dress length just below the knee. If you have great cleavage, choose a neckline that celebrates your bust line. Accessories can bring the attention to the top half of your body. And for a dressy occasion, bare your shoulders and arms. If you are uncomfortable with your arms, cover them with a shear wrap or bolero jacket.

TIPS

Undergarment foundations are my newest discovery! I purchased an all-in-one shaper. I was firmer and my soft lumpy spots didn’t ruin the nice line in my outfit.

Know your best feature. If it is your legs, wear knee length dresses. If it is your bust, enjoy a plunging neckline. Whatever your special asset, this is the time to flaunt it.

If you are pear-shaped bring the attention to your upper body using style, color and accessories. If you are apple-shaped, show off those legs with shorter hemlines (around the knee) and sexy shoes.

Once you update your wardrobe, add a few sexy shoes, a fun handbag and accessories for day and nighttime.

Enjoy looking and feeling beautiful.