With all the possible risks of complications, side effects and recovery time associated with cosmetic surgery, not to mention the cost, no wonder more people are turning towards non-invasive, less expensive treatments.  So to help you on your beautiful merry little way to eternal youth and a perfect body, We have compiled the Beauty Buzz A-Z of treatments and tricks to aesthetically please you and your bank balance…

A -     Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) treats cellulite and the unsightly “orange peel” effect on the back of thighs and bottoms.  Special paddles emit acoustic pulses that target the fibrous bands of connective tissue that are now known cause cellulite. This tissue hardens and contracts as we age, pulling away from the surface of the skin, creating the dimples otherwise known as “orange peel”.

B –     Body Wraps are a treatment where you are slathered in a mud then tightly cocooned in a bandage.  You may feel like a Sunday Roast, but depending on the concoction you will aim to loose inches, increase your metabolism or detox.  Chlostrophobia sufferers beware.

C –     Chemical Peels. Think of your skin as an onion, a few layers down it looks nice and yummy, and so do you.  The procedure peels away many visible signs of aging, and after healing, wrinkles appear diminished, skin is more even, and may have improved texture.

D –     Dermabrasion literally sands off damaged skin, revealing a new perfect layer underneath.  It can be used for scars, but it most commonly used to fine lines and wrinkles, especially the deep lines around lips.

E –     Exfoliate. It’s the best way to keep your skin young and fresh.  The Hamams of the Middle East have been doing it for centuries.  By removing the top dead layer of skin to make way for brand spanking new epidermis below, your skin will glow and keep fine lines at bay.  Once scrub a week will keep you shiny and rejuvenated.

F –     Fake Tan. When it comes to tanning fake is best.  Sun damage is one of the main causes for premature skin aging, and these days there is no excuse for blobs and streaks.  Go to a salon for a spray or try a home fake tanning cream.  Don’t forget to exfoliate first and don’t put on your best bed sheets that night!

G –     GFX, Nicknamed “the permanent Botox” uses radio-frequency waves to kill the nerve fibers attached to frown lines.  A probe is inserted under the skin, so it is minimally invasive, however no chemicals or liquids at all are inserted into the body, so maybe a better option to those opposed to injecting botulism into their heavenly system.

H –     Hemorrhoid Cream. Apparently Mickey Rourke swears by putting hemorrhoid cream on his… eyes.  It allegedly shrinks baggy eyes, one cant help wonder who first thought to apply it to the wrong end of their body!

I –     IPL Hair Removal is a safe and effective non-invasive laser hair removal for most skin types and hair colors which uses bursts of light energy to remove the hair and inhibit re-growth.

J –     Just be Happy! A positive mind creates a positive soul and body.  Being miserable will create frown lines and creases around the eyes and mouth.  Anyway, who cares if you have a wrinkle or two? Beauty comes from within!  Detox your mind, take a deep breath, forget your woes and Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

K-    Kiwi Fruit are a beauty secret to the stars.  Containing more vitamin C than any other fruit, large amounts of vitamin E, and antioxidants, they can rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, improve circulation and prevent premature aging. Put a slice on your eyes to eliminate dark circles, blend it with strawberries for a facemask, or eat them!

L –     Latisse is the first and only medical treatment scientifically proven to enhance eyelash prominence.  Initially developed for glaucoma, it is applied once a day to the upper eyelashes and Voila!  Your eyelashes will grow thicker and longer!

M –     Mesotherapy. Also known as Lippodisolve is a natural enzyme proven to break down fat cells and lower cholesterol.  Small amounts are injected into excess fat, thus reducing the cells.  After a few treatments, your target fat is allegedly absorbed by your own body, possibly leaving you with a body akin to Giselle.

N –     Nutricosmetics are foods believed by some to have anti-aging properties.  Most of them are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.  Reese Witherspoon is said to be a fan of Borba’s DeLuscious Vitamin Enhanced Cookies, which claim to combat fine lines and wrinkles. At last a genuine reason to eat cookies!

O –     Oxygen facials. Made popular by Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, high pressure blasts of oxygen compress a serum derived from vitamins, minerals and collagen deep into the skin leaving it plump and glowing.

P –     Placenta Pills. If the idea of modern stem cell technology turns you queasy, it seems the Chinese have been using it for centuries.  Sheep Placenta Pills are said to make your skin and physical functions five to ten years younger by delaying ageing and maintaining youth.

Q -    Q Tips. There are endless ways that the little cotton bud can be used to make you appear younger and pampered. Banish puffy eyes by sticking a wet cotton swab in the freezer for five minutes, then simply roll it under your eyes, or conceal your roots by loading a cotton swab with eye shadow that matches your hair color and run it over roots.

R -    Retinol Cream, a form of vitamin A, dubbed the “Miracle Cream”, has been proven one of the few effective ways to reduce signs of aging.  It increases cell productions in the top layer of skin and increases collagen productions, resulting in plumper smoother looking skin.  Look out for it in the ingredients in your over-the-counter beauty products.

S –     Silicone Scar Sheets are applied every night to scars, reducing the size, softening the feel and evening the colouration to match the surrounding skin.  A great option for C-Section and other surgery scars.

T –     Teeth Whitening. A brighter, whiter smile can make you appear younger and a step closer to the Hollywood look of perfection.  These days it doesn’t have to be a costly option, with home kits, and mouth guards that are worn on sun beds to ‘laser’ them, all of a sudden, the future looks brighter!

U –     Ulthera is an ultrasound treatment that blasts the platysma (neck muscle) thus tightening it and creating a nicer neckline.  It is still in the testing stages, but the results are promising. Start bugging your cosmetic consultant soon.

V –     Victoria’s Secret Bust Firming Bra claims to give your bust a more uplifted effect, by diminishing signs of aging and improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture.  It’s all down to a secret chemical ingredient to the bra.  Wear the bra for four weeks, eight hours a day to get an eighteen percent firmer bust. It might be better to buy two or three, or you might start to smell a bit…

W-     Weight Gain. Who ever said gaining weight is bad for you?  Scientific studies comparing the aging characteristics of identical twins, discovered that heavier twin looked younger and had better skin density.  Therefore proving that facial volume loss can contribute to aging.  Bring on the Chocolate!

X –     Xylitol Gum kills bacteria in your mouth, giving a lifeline to your teeth and gums.  Not only is it safe for pregnant and nursing woman, but it also apparently reduces the chances of transmitting the bacteria that causes tooth decay from mother to child by 80%.

Y –     Yogurt is the gateway to Probiotics, which claim that certain bacteria are good for the body and hair. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in it every day.  Drink Yackult for healthy bowl movements and to clean your skin from within.

Z –     Zeno MD Acne Pimple Clearing uses heat to destroy the bacteria causing acne blemishes and reduces inflammation. Pimples occur when excess skin oil and flaking skin plug the opening of a hair follicle and create the ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Precisely controlled heat applied for a specific period of time causes the bacteria to self-destruct. When the bacteria die, the pimple goes away.

This article was featured in AsiaSpa Magazine.