forever young naturally beauty

The massage treatment known as Rejuvanessence®, created by holistic massage therapist and former nurse Margareta Loughran, aims to bring about a more “alive” or expressive appearance, in contrast to the “surprised” expression and fixed look of some surgical lifts. Using a press, hold and release technique, therapists work to free tension in connective tissue and facial muscle to restore flexibility and soften stress lines. Although results are discernible after one treatment, a course of six one-hour sessions is recommended.

Plenty of celebrities advocate cosmetic acupuncture, in which hair-fine needles are inserted as an alternative to botox. Effects include a reduction in fine wrinkles and folds on the face, lifting of sagging eyelids, and improved muscle tone and collagen production. This technique works on individual imbalances and weaknesses to regulate flow of qi energy and stimulate the body’s innate healing processes. A block of 12–24 weekly treatments is advised for best results, with additional monthly sessions to maintain the look for years.

This 15-minute noninvasive selftreatment system is taught at oneday workshops and summer schools and is said not only to refresh skin on the face and soften signs of aging, but to alleviate signs of aging on the hands. It teaches how to focus reiki energy to restore natural energy flow and also demonstrates facial exercises and self-massage.

Not concerned merely with the skin, Japanese facial massage, or Ko bi do, aims to rejuvenate by working on the lifeforce known as ki. As well as offering the usual cleansing and moisturizing, this type of facial applies finger pressure to tsubos, acupoints, on the face to stimulate energy pathways, known as meridians, and to rebalance internal organs and body systems, including the nervous system.

French beauty pioneer of vinothérapie, Caudalie offers grape cures at the chateau on its wine estate in Bordeaux, in California, and in Italy, Paris, Spain, and Taiwan. Reap the antiaging benefits of the concentrated antioxidant properties of the grape vine by booking a Red Vine or Barrel Bath, Honey and Wine or Merlot Wrap, Crushed Cabernet Scrub, or Sauvignon Massage.

Ayurvedic beauty treatments for vata-type skin (thinning and dry) use warming and moisturizing oils and herbal compresses. Treatments work on marma points - energy-junctions sited around the body. Pressure stimulation clears energy blockages and helps prana, lifeforce, circulate freely. This brings fresher skin and is thought to develop spiritual insight.

Elemis’ antiaging Visible Brilliance facial has been shown in clinical trials to increase skin elasticity by up to 28 percent and improve moisture levels by up to 38 percent in just 75 minutes. Massage with moringa oil 1,700 percent more antioxidant than other oils used cosmetically includes Thai techniques and Tui Na movements to encourage lymphatic drainage and define the jaw line. It also includes a mask rich in cellregenerating minerals, vitamins and plant nutrients said to make skin look visibly plumper.

From our 30s onward, the fragile skin around the eyes starts to take on a darker hue, to droop under gravity, and to crinkle more easily. Frowning, squinting, and rubbing all take their toll, and the morning after a big night out can leave the face looking noticeably older. Since the eyes are the part of the body with which we interact most with others, attention paid here can be transforming agewise.

Jurlique’s Eye Gel is impressively firming, cooling, and visibly lifts dark circles within hours. It contains antioxidant extracts of green tea, turmeric, and grape seed; arnica to kickstart a sluggish circulation; and eyebright to soothe inflammation. Weleda’s Intensive Eye Cream is based on oils rich in vitamins and moisture-preserving essential fatty acids, plus botanical extracts to counter puffiness. The Organic Pharmacy Lifting Eye Gel with rose hip and bilberry is recommended to deal with dark circles resulting from late nights and long-haul flights.

Apply a firming natural eye gel for a quick pick-me-up at any time of day when you feel old or when sleep beckons.