Blue Copper

A mineral which activates an antioxidant skin enzyme superoxide dismutase helping to stimulate collagen production.

Beta Hydroxy Acid(BHAs)

Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after at least 6 months of daily application. Although they also peel the skin, they are kinder that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) The Difference Between … Continue reading

Azelaic Acid

Similar to retinoids and with skin-lighting properties Azelic acid is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works in part by stopping the growth of bacteria in the skin and also helps by keeping the pores clear. It is … Continue reading

Antioxidents

Antioxidents are a large category of nutrients and herbs – vitamins, minerals and other supplements which help the body fight cell damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms in cells), including ageing and diseases. Antioxidents neutralise free radicals. These nutrients … Continue reading

Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID A major cause of ageing is the decline in the energy-producing capability of cells which results in reduced metabolic activity and eventually cell death. This is a highly potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and since it is … Continue reading

An alternative to surgery

Comeceuticals – the new Skin Elixirs Discoveries made by dermatologists whilst treating serious skin diseases and burns are being utlised in the fight against skin ageing. This has resulted in a new generation of skincare creams known as cosmeceuticals many … Continue reading

Alopecia

Genetic hair loss or increased loss (chronic telogen effluvium) can happen to both sexes but the incidence increases in women prior to menopause. Men loose hair from their temples and crown and this is known as male pattern baldness, while … Continue reading

Healthy Hair

Healthy hair is as much about diet and environment as heriditary factors. Hair condition can deteriorate, for example, as a result of of iron deficiency. Iron absorption is also assisted by vitamin C and the amino acid lysine, which is … Continue reading

Dentistry

Remember the condition of your teeth and mouth may be an indication of problems with your general health and you should see a doctor and/or dentist if symptoms persist. Watch animations and read helpful information about dental treatments below. The … Continue reading

Books

The Commando Workout for a body like Halle Berry Simon Waterson is an ex-commando who devised the diet and exercises for actress Halle Berry to get in shape for the latest Bond film, Die Another Day. He has now devised … Continue reading

Yogabeats

This is the brainchild of David Sye, one of the top-10 yoga teachers in the UK. Sye taught yoga to soldiers in Yugoslavia, using loud music to drown out the shelling. In London, he uses the same mix of yoga … Continue reading

Bosu

A workout that is great for muscle conditioning, body awareness, alignment and co-ordination uses a Bosu (“both sides up”). It’s a dome-shaped rubbery surface (fab for toning abs), turn it over and it’s an unstable disc (perfect for honing balance … Continue reading

X-Press Workout

Fast fitness classes which includes a circuit, alternating strength training with cycling to give a fat-burning, muscle-toning hit. Fitness First health clubs (01202 845 000, www.fitnessfirst.co.uk)

Muay Thai

Muay Thai Muay Thai is a full-contact martial art and includesskipping drills, shadow boxing and kicking, adding gloves, pads and punchbags as the class develops, until you’re ready for full contact. “The class is a mix of self-defence, cardio training … Continue reading

Bollywood/Bhangra

Bollywood/Bhangra Indian dance inspired by the films of Bollywood is aerobic and toning. Bhangra is more vigorous. Honey Kalaria’s Dance Academy 020 8590 8050 www.honeysdanceacademy.com or Pineapple Dance Studios 0207 836 4004 www.pineapple.uk.com or Honey’s Bollywood Workout (Momentum Pictures, £12.99).

Gyrotonics

The Gyrotonic “expansion system” houses hooks, ropes and pulleys to allow a full range of movement: to stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissues and to mobilise joints. Invented by Juliu Horvath, a Romanian ballet dancer, inspired by yoga, ballet, … Continue reading

Zen Do

Zen Do (“the correct path”) was invented by Rafael Nieto, director of the new Karmaa Martial Arts Centre at London’s Camden Lock. It’s a blend of karate, oriental kicking, boxing and self-defence. Aficionados include Jonny Lee Miller, Jude Law and … Continue reading

Yoga

Yoga is useful in helping to increase lung capacity but is not aerobic with the exception of ashtanga which fast-paced. Some yoga postures are weightbearing, but to maintain bone density, yoga should be combined with lifting light weights, and other … Continue reading

Cycling

Getting on a bike exercises the heart and lungs more than walking and avoids the impact of running. Although cycling on busy roads means you will be breathing in pollution. For best results, cycle for a 20-30 minutes, three or … Continue reading

Running/jogging

One of the best cardiovascular workouts. A study found that women running 40 miles a week reduced their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 45 per cent compared with women running under ten miles. Even 45 minutes on the … Continue reading

Weight training

Weight training does not help cardiovascular fitness and should be supplemented with another fitness activity. The weight resistance helps build bone mass and helps protect against osteoporosis. It burns around 200 calories per hour. Training can be adapted to the … Continue reading