Beauty breakthroughs: DNA-based skin creams, a new alternative to liposuction and more - Beauty News

A BETTER SHAVE Toss the shaving cream. The Schick Intuition All-in-One Shaver ($8, drugstores nationwide) is the first product to lather your skin as you shave. Also try Jergens Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer ($5, 13 ounces, drugstores nationwide). After a few weeks of consistent use, our tester noticed she didn't have to shave as often.

STRAIGHT TALK

Now there's an option for relaxer-free sisters who want to rock an ultrastraight look: Organic Root Salon Thermal Straightening System Demi-Perm with pineapple enzyme. Unlike traditional relaxers, the enzymes straighten the cuticle without permanently straightening the hair. After the process you can thermal-set, blow-dry, roller-set, flat-iron and so on. The effect is as straight as a press and curl. To find a salon that offers this service, call (888) Root-Stim.

patch work

A number of beauty companies are now simulating patch technology to release therapeutic treatments into the skin. One such product is Christian Dior Capture R60/80 Ultimate Wrinkle Creme ($45, 30 milliliters, fine department stores nationwide), which includes a compound of natural and synthetic polymers said diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Another powerful penetrant is Sonya Dakar Cellular Patch Cream, which promises to reduce fine lines and hydrate the skin; It's a fave with Dakar's celebrity clients like Yolanda Adams and India.Arie. Cost: $150, 1 oz, (877) 72-SONYA.

FAT BUSTERS

Plastic surgeons across the country are now performing a procedure they say is a kinder, gentler way to remove cellulite and fat. Lyposculpture, as it's known, is said to offer more precise shaping without the pain and long recovery time associated with liposuction. R. Patrick Abergel, M.D., of the Santa Monica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in California developed a technique using ultrasound and minisculpturing instruments (of his own design) to remove fat. The recovery period with lyposculpture is usually 48 hours (liposuction requires a week or more), and the average cost is about $5,000. For more information, call (800) 366-3211.

New DNA

LAB21 HAS TAKEN CUSTOMIZED SKIN CARE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL WITH FACE CREAMS BASED ON AN INDIVIDUAL'S DNA. THE COMPANY SAYS ITS SCIENTISTS CAN DETECT SKIN DEFICIENCIES, SUCH AS COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN BREAKDOWNS OR AN INTOLERANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS, THROUGH SALIVA SAMPLES. YOU CAN TAKE YOUR OWN SAMPLE USING LAB21 DNA FACE CREAM TEST OR HAVE ONE OF ITS SPECIALISTS COLLECT A SAMPLE AT STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. COST: $250. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (877) MYLAB21.

WRINKLE FREE

Call it Botox in a jar. The folks at Doctors' Dermatologic Formula (DDF) and Lancome have developed two unique dream creams. Wrinkle Relax ($75, 1.5 oz, Sephora stores nationwide) promises to slow down the release of an enzyme that controls muscle contraction, making your face appear smoother. Lancome's Resolution D-Contraxol ($68, 1.7 oz, [800]-LANCOME) claims to reduce the number and depth of wrinkles.

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