In The News

Saving face; Ready for facial aerobics?
By: Kellie Ann Zupet     Hamilton Spectator
February 14, 2005


Copyright (c) 2005 The Hamilton Spectator.

Who hasn't looked in the mirror and marvelled at a new laugh line -- and considered it no laughing matter?

Aging happens. Some will fight it tooth and nail, while others go along more gracefully.

The knife is available as well as Botox, Restylane and other non-surgical procedures.

How about a little exercise for the face?

Anita Lorelli, a Toronto physiotherapist, has used resistance devices to help people recover from muscle problems in hard to treat areas such as the lower back and neck. She figured a similar therapy might work for the muscles of the face.

The result is Envisage , a resistance-based exercise system for the face. It looks a little like a misguided headband or unfortunate dental headgear, but her website has anecdotes telling of its good results.

The funny contraption is $45, less than the cost of many creams. It takes about five minutes a day of funny faces, but a busy face has no time to fall. After a few months your face becomes, well, buff. Envisage is available online at envisageface.com or call 1-866-302-3223 toll free.

"A good skin care routine is the key to looking as young as you feel," says Debbie Ormsby, national education director for Estée Lauder. "It is as simple as cleanse, repair and moisturize, and in that order."

Important too is proper application. "Never prod or pull the skin. Always use a gentle hand."

She cites Estée Lauder's new Future Perfect Anti-wrinkle Radiance Moisturizers as offering anti-aging benefits as well as a repair product, such as Perfectionist Correcting Serum.

"You can repair past damage that has occurred from sun exposure, the environment and stress and also help protect skin against further damage."

I will continue with my creams and try Envisage . If, in a few months, the picture with my columns changes to a younger me, we will know I have been doing facial aerobics. Stay tuned and toned.

Kellie Ann Zupet reports on fashion for The Hamilton Spectator gostyle@thespec.com

Kellie Ann Zupet     Hamilton Spectator