That unwanted hair! You don’t want to be constantly shaving, waxing and tweezing, do you? Well, maybe it’s time that you considered laser hair removal treatment. Why? Laser hair removal treatment offers long-term hair removal solutions, so you can say goodbye to the conventional way of removing unwanted hair.

However, keep in mind that there is more to just randomly picking the laser hair removal clinic that you like. You do not want to entrust your delicate needs to those with little experience. You want nothing but the best laser hair removal treatment from only the experts that offer high quality hair removal. Remember, just like in any other medical treatments, choosing the best clinic for your hair removal needs is a delicate decision, so you have to choose carefully and wisely.

Use the Internet

Perhaps the easiest and most convenient way of choosing the right laser hair removal clinic is by searching online. ‘Googling’ your way around will offer you tons of information about the various clinics that offer the treatment that you need. You can narrow down your search by location, in order to locate the clinics offering laser hair removal treatments around the area or areas nearest you. As you go along your search, you can obtain important information such as the contact persons for the clinics, clinic hours, phone numbers, email addresses and most importantly, customer feedback.

To get the best chance of learning if the clinics listed online are reputable, Google some more. Check for certifications and government approvals to see if their treatments are FDA-approved. Also check for pricing and compare prices between several clinics.

Asking around

There are other ways with which you can wisely choose the right clinic for your hair removal needs. One great way is to ask around. And who better to ask from than your friends? Some of your friends (or people they may know) may have already gone through laser hair removal treatments. They may offer insights on whether to choose the clinic where they had their treatments or to choose other clinics. They may be able to relate to you their experiences, their successes with the treatments, the kind or customer service that their clinic offered, etc. As their experience may have taught them several things, they may even know of a few ideas on how to save costs on laser hair removal treatments.

Getting in touch with real-life patients

Go to laser hair removal clinics and see if you could obtain a list of patients. If you are successful enough in obtaining information about their former patients, you can get in touch with these patients and do some information gathering. Don’t interview just one patient. Interview more than you need until you are satisfied, as not all patients gain the same results out of laser hair removal treatments.
Actually go to the clinic of your choice

Once you have chosen the clinic where you want to have your treatment, do a spot check. You don’t want to just go there and get the treatment and regret later on. Check to see if a qualified doctor supervises the treatment. This cannot be emphasized enough, as it is required that a qualified doctor should be present in each laser hair removal clinic. Check to see as well if the clinic employs registered nurses and licensed anaesthesiologists.

It is also very important to see if the laser operators received ample trainings and are very qualified in doing laser hair removal treatments. You may also want to see if the clinic uses the latest technology or has updated equipment.

Ask the clinic if they offer free consultations. Most reputable laser hair removal clinics offer free consultations as added value to their clients and prospective patients, so as to evaluate your needs before you actually receive your first treatment.

Other things that you may want to check regarding the clinic of your choice is the cleanliness, the professionalism that their staff offers and the various packages that they have in store to meet your needs.

In our quest to create ways that can instantly make us look fabulous and stunningly sexy, the medical field has produced breakthrough means of almost instantly making excess fat in our body melt away. Many of the modern and innovative techniques to make us more aesthetically pleasing has been brought about by what the society has mandated as the ideal for ’sexiness.’ In short, a slim body is always sexier and fat is always undesirable.

Of course, exercise still has its place today in helping us lose unwanted poundage. However, we seem to have gravitated to everything that is ‘instant.’ That is why modern science has come up with lipoplasty, or what is commonly known as liposuction.

The lure of liposuction and its side effects

Liposuction is considered by many today as the ultimate shortcut to looking slim and sexy. Hundreds of thousands of people, including celebrities and even athletes, have been lured to its instant benefits, letting them see their fat go away quite literally.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that contours the body by surgically removing unwanted fat from certain areas of the body as specified by patients. Parts of the body where unwanted fat can be removed may include the buttocks, thighs, abdomen and even the neck.
Many patients have successfully reaped the rewards of liposuction. However, like some surgical procedures, there are risks and minor side complications associated with liposuction. That is why plastic surgeons always let the patients become aware of the side effects that liposuction may cause.

The side effects and complications associated with liposuction

Many doctors and patrons guarantee liposuction’s safety. However, the procedure is still extremely invasive. As such, the risks involved are real. Liposuction uses a cannula, or a hollow tube inserted through the skin where the unwanted fat lays. Through the cannula, the fat is sucked out of the body. It should be noted that while the cannula is sealed in sterilized packaging, once the procedure is underway, there is still the danger of infection.

The possible dangers and side effects of liposuction include:

• Pulmonary emboli, where fat accidentally travels to the lungs during the procedure
• Swelling of the affected area
• Extended healing time
• Bruising
• Skin irregularities
• Allergic reaction to medication
• Excessive fluid loss
• Damage to skin or other vital organs
• Discoloration or sagging of skin
• Numbness

In extreme cases, deaths linked to liposuction have been documented. However, these cases are rare, and almost always linked to small, underground facilities.

A great alternative to liposuction

There are certain alternatives to liposuction that are worth looking at. These options are non-invasive, thus taking away the danger of infection and other adverse effects that are associated with invasive procedures such as liposuction. One very effective procedure that takes away excess fat that is gaining popularity in the States is VelaShape.
VelaShape reduces the cellulite in as few as just four sessions. VelaShape is a non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring procedure that is FDA-approved. This procedure is not painful and does not involve sticky creams and other uncomfortable methods.

VelaShape owes its powerful effect to a combination of light, energy and specially designed rollers that smooth out the skin surface, reducing the appearance of fat significantly. VelaShape uses a four-pronged approach to fat, using mainly infrared light, radio-frequency (RF) energy, vacuum-pulsed negative pressure and advanced rollers that smooth out various areas of the skin during the treatment. It effectively and quickly melts away fat.

To learn more about VelaShape, visit the American Laser Centers website at AmericanLaser.com.

Winter time is at hand. For many people, the winter season causes some serious skin problems. The cold air can cause the skin to dry leaving it flaking, cracking, and inflamed. There are many skin care products that offer some outrageous promises of miraculously curing dry skin, but some fall short of their claims despite their exorbitant cost.

This is not to state that all skin care products offer false claims. Sure, there are some products out in the market that make wonders to your skin. However, it is best to go the practical way when dealing with dry skin problems.

Below are some of the practical means that will help you with your skin problems.

The wonders of using a good moisturizer

Our body is composed mostly of water. As such, our skin needs to be regularly nourished with moisture. However, experts agree that you shouldn’t use just any moisturizers found in commercials. Those moisturizers usually contain mineral oils and other petroleum-based products.

For dry skin, it is best to use hypoallergenic skin care products. Applying a good amount of cocoa butter, virgin coconut oil or Shea butter all over your body right after taking a bath locks in your skin’s moisture, leaving it feeling supple all day long. These natural moisturizers contain very nourishing ingredients such as essential oils and vitamins that are essential to the skin such as Vitamins A, C, D and E. Because these natural creams do not contain harmful chemicals, they effectively protect your skin from aging by deeply moisturizing the skin.

On bathing and showering

It is also best to avoid taking showers or baths with tap water. Tap water contains chlorine and other harmful elements that could harm your skin. It is also important to take note that if your skin dries easily, it is best to reduce the amount of time you spend in the bathroom.

Use mild soap, and avoid soaps with heavy perfume and other strong ingredients. Better yet, use liquid soap, as soap bars are known to contain hardening ingredients that are highly corrosive. Can you imagine taking a bath using chemicals intended for industrial use?

To scrape off dead skills and to naturally exfoliate your skin, it is highly recommended to scrub your skin with oatmeal soap. Naturally exfoliating with oatmeal soap can effectively avoid skin irritation.

After bathing, instead of rubbing your skin with towel, pat your self dry gently. And to lock in the moisture on the surface of your skin, immediately apply moisturizer recommended above.

Dealing with skin itchiness

When your skin is dry, it’s usually irritated and itchy. To avoid further irritating the skin, do not scratch it. Instead, apply a sufficient amount of virgin coconut oil a few times a day. It would also be best to include essential oils in your diet. Essential oils can be found in raw organic butter, eggs, coconut oil, cod liver oil and certain types of fish.

Dealing with the cold winter months

To avoid the harsh effects of the winter season on your skin, get a good humidifier to be used in your bedroom to provide moisture in the air during the cold season. This can help protect your skin from dryness.

On using organic skin care products

Using only organic skin care products cannot be overemphasized. Organic products are made from virgin sources, meaning they do not contain harmful chemicals. Ask skin care experts on the best natural skin care products that are right for your dry skin problems.

Looking for ways to rejuvenate your skin? Visit AmericanLaser.com to find out how you can take back those years and regain a youthful glowing skin.

Laser hair removal treatments are becoming very popular these days. Many women have opted to use these treatments as they have proven to be more effective than any other means, including electrolysis and other traditional hair removal treatments. Laser hair removal treatments efficiently zero in on the hair bulb, causing a longer lasting result than most treatments.

However, not all laser hair removal prices are the same. Prices may vary according to the geographical location where the treatment is to be received. Other factors being considered to determine the pricing is the physical makeup of the customer. People with darker hair and fairer complexion are generally considered the most ideal candidates for laser hair treatments. This is because the lasers used in the treatment function through a selective process where the laser focuses on destroying dark areas, such as the hair, and leaves the lighter areas untouched.

Laser hair treatments use different types of lasers, including pulsed light or ultimate light, ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. The type of lasers to be used, therefore, could contribute to the pricing of the treatment.

Pricing of laser hair removal treatments by region

Throughout the US, pricing of laser hair removal treatments can vary greatly due to availability and other factors. In the western United States, the treatment could cost around $375 per session. In the eastern region, the cost of treatment per session could be as high as $500. Elsewhere in the country, the treatments could cost $150 per session.

It depends on which part

The part of the body where treatments will be administered will also determine the cost of the treatment. The costliest area of the body is the back area – removing hair on the back can cost anywhere between $600 and $900! Facial and neck hair removal cost virtually the same as the back. This is because special care is required when removing facial and neck hair with lasers.

The legs come in a close second, followed by the bikini area, with price tags ranging from $600 to $800 and $350 to $500 respectively. The rest of the body, such as the arms and chest are cheaper, having a price range of $250 to $600, while the underarms are the cheapest.
Let’s have a clear-cut breakdown of the variables that contribute to the varying costs of laser hair removal. The clinical location of the center where the laser hair treatment will be performed will, as earlier revealed, contribute greatly to the pricing of the treatments. Clinics with very highly regarded specialists are obviously costlier, as well.

The types of equipment involved will also determine the pricing of the treatments. Many clinics offer a package rate, in which patients will pay a fixed amount for certain areas of the body. The number of sessions required can also bring the cost of the treatments up. Laser hair removal doesn’t involve only one treatment. Sessions may be as many as six sessions.

The good news is there are clinics out there that offer great money-saving packages that could fit any customer’s budget. For example, some clinics offer combined procedures for the price of one and some give away free laser hair treatment session for every couple of paid treatments. Some clinics also give away coupons that allow customers to save great amounts of money. And as the holiday season nears, more and more clinics are set to offer even greater discounts.

However, prior to deciding on whether to undergo the treatment, ask around. See if your nearest laser hair removal clinic offers discounts or discounted packages for the treatment. Talk to the specialists about how you can maximize your budget for their available laser hair removal treatments. Or, you can always keep an eye out for cosmetic bargains online.

To learn more about laser hair removal treatments, visit AmericanLaser.com.

Women ultimately want smoother skin, and smoother skin means hair-free skin. Why? Simply because smooth, hairless skin makes women look more beautifully flawless, and feel more confident about themselves. However, with the many hair removal treatments out there, the choices can sometimes be very daunting. Many have tried various means of removing unwanted hairs, but have failed to achieve truly lasting results. Jumping from one hair removal treatment to another could cost you huge amounts of time and money.

Enter laser hair removal treatment. Today, experts would agree that laser hair removal treatment is by far the best solution for removing unwanted hair with longer lasting results. However, for first-timers, the procedure can pose something of an unnecessary intimidation. Being a relatively new and strange method for many women, the procedure has sparked some controversies. The primary concerns for women who have apprehensions over the procedure include safety, and whether the procedure does deliver on its promise.

To see how this new and innovative hair removal procedure works, one must determine first if she is a candidate for laser hair removal treatment.

Are you a laser hair removal treatment candidate?

If you are constantly annoyed by the stubborn, unwanted hair that just won’t go away despite the plucking and shaving, it makes you a perfect candidate of laser hair removal treatment. And if you have dark hair and fair skin, that makes you even more suitable for the treatment. However, studies show that results may vary among women, and results may be achieved in several sessions of treatments.

Different types of lasers have been developed to work with different hair and skin color combinations. It is important that before you go out to get laser hair removal treatment, look and ask around. The Internet, for example, is a rich resource of information that can point you to the best laser hair treatment service provider for your needs.

The best laser hair treatment results are achieved under certain conditions, and are affected by factors such as skin and hair type. People with lighter skin tones and dark, coarse hair achieve the best result. This is because the procedure involves a selective process where laser is concentrated mainly on dark areas, such as the hair. That is why people who have recently had a tan should wait a little bit more until the tan goes away prior to having a laser hair removal treatment.

For health and safety reasons, people who have bacterial skin infections or a history of skin disease should avoid having laser hair removal treatments. It is therefore advised that people who have had recent skin problems should first see a doctor for expert advice.

Having the proper mindset won’t disappoint you

As with any beauty treatments, nothing is entirely perfect. However, beauty treatments, laser hair treatments and even cosmetic surgery can undeniably enhance women’s beauty significantly. Laser hair removal treatment may take several sessions before a perfectly hairless result can be achieved. Again, it should be stressed here that the procedure works best under certain conditions.

Before finally deciding if laser hair removal is right for you, talk to several experts on the treatment. Get their opinion on what will work best for you. Also, do not hesitate to let them know your expectations. In fact, ask them as many questions as you need to about the treatment until you are satisfied.

If, after thoroughly examining laser hair treatment, you find that the procedure is not right for you, don’t worry. You may opt for other treatments such as electrolysis and other regular treatments that you can safely do on your own at home.

To learn more about laser hair removal treatment, visit the experts at the American Laser Centers branch near you.

We get that guys are no big fans of the work that we put into looking good. You’re not big on spas, skin rejuvenation programs, hair treatment work and exfoliation. You won’t be as excited when girls talk about how to make one’s pores go away, how to remove hair from our bodies or what product helps keep moisture locked in skin amid dry weather.

What we don’t get is how come there are just so many of you who don’t get grooming – at all.

We don’t get why there are so many guys who seem to think that they can get away with getting outdoors while they have not even considered taking a shower, and instead grab a deo-cologne spray, thinking it’ll mask the smell. They don’t know how to wash their face, let alone wipe oil off it. They don’t understand why so many women insist that guys should shave, or why it matters that you should try to at least understand a thing or two about hair products.

There are probably a lot of things going on: pride, ignorance, machismo, or a combination of many other reasons. Nevertheless, after reading this, now you have no excuse. We at American Laser Centers have come up with what is simply called “The Basics of the Basics”. Here are some points that you unfortunate, misguided men (and the ladies out there who have one or two such men in your lives) can use to at least point you in the right direction.

1.) “Keeping it Clean” is not a state of mind; it’s a way of life. Human skin sloughs and sheds everyday. This is what we notice as dust in households, and why we launder clothes that “look clean”. While you may have bathed the other day, it does not mean you shouldn’t shower the next. Yes, even if it’s cold. Getting dead skin cells off you keeps your skin from acne, infection and other problems.

2.) Keep it. Lose it. Clean it. If you must keep that beard, please keep it clean. Hair on one’s face is a dirt magnet. When dirt sticks to it, you can bet it’ll get on your cheeks, your nose, your neck, and other places. Wash that beard. Or better yet, just shave it all off.

3.) On shaving: it’s not a race. You see that muscular half-naked man shave on the razor commercials? How the razor slicks across his face like a knife through butter? DON’T DO THAT. That’s still a sharp piece of metal that you’re rubbing over your face, and facial skin is very delicate! Trim thick beads before you use a razor, then shave slowly, gently. You owe it to yourself. And if you still don’t get it, ask a girl – she’ll know a thing or two about keeping smooth.

4.) We smell you. We can smell that, even when you can’t. We’re just polite about it. Still, that’s a sign that the skin on your body is attracting germs that need to be dealt with. The fastest, cheapest, instant way to deal with it is antibacterial rubbing alcohol, just to take away the smell. You’ll still have to shower. And pick a different deodorant.

5.) Leave no stone unturned. We notice things you don’t: Fingernails. Toenails. The gunk behind your ears. The grit that’s in your eyes when you just woke up. Many men take these things for granted and most people worldwide are too polite to say anything out loud in your faces. Try to spot them for yourself – it’s not hard. Then do something about it! You’ll be a world cleaner before you know it.

Although the technology does provide great wonders to those wanting to have their unwanted hair removed, there are misconceptions associated with the treatment. That is why many laser hair removal patients end up frustrated – because they did not achieved the results that they wanted.

What did they want?

Ultimately, women who were looking to undergo laser hair removal treatment wanted total, visible and long-lasting results. However, they wanted it instantly, as in results that could be seen and felt in days. Unfortunately, that is not how laser hair removal treatments work. A more realistic result can be achieved in more than three treatments depending on several factors including color of hair and skin complexion.

It should be noted that one laser hair removal session produces long-term result. To obtain the optimum result, however, several treatments are required. Best results are achieved during the hair’s growth phase. Also, the best treatment results are achieved most likely by patients with darker hair and fairer skin complexion. We’ll explain why later.

Just how laser hair removal works, and what to expect

Laser hair treatment involves, as you guessed, laser in eradicating unwanted hair which is often called phototricholysis or photoepilation. The treatment is ultra-selective in that it causes damage only to a localized area by emitting heat on targeted dark matter. Because hair is essentially dark due to melanin that gives it its natural dark color and because laser is light, hair absorbs the laser much quicker and more intensely. The area surrounding the hair is left unaffected. That is why this type of treatment is best for people with darker hair.

It should be noted, however, that laser hair removal does not guarantee a permanent solution to hair problem and it does not work on all hair types. Treatment may be as few as five sessions to as many as seven sessions before results can be achieved. This is relatively shorter than most types of hair removal treatments that could take up to 10 months before optimum results are achieved, such in the case of electrolysis. For people with lesser tolerance to pain, laser hair removal is the perfect solution for them, as other types of hair removal solutions may involve invasive procedures.

Is laser hair removal harmful?

Laser hair removal is not harmful. This treatment intuitively causes damage to only a localized area, i.e. it only damages the hair, as hair is naturally dark, readily absorbing the heat emitted by laser. The penetration of the laser is also considered negligible, as it only enters a depth of one to four millimeters. Nothing else is affected by the laser’s heat other than the hair follicle. Patients need not worry about having their internals damaged by the laser.

Also, because laser hair removal does not involve invasive procedures, it does not result in scarring and ingrown hairs. People who have been misinformed about the effects of laser hair treatment have been led to believe that because the procedure involves emitted heat, it can burn the skin and thus leave unwanted scars. Quite the opposite in reality, as skin scarring is usually caused by cuts and needle pricks. As previously mentioned, the heat emitted by lasers in laser hair removal treatment does not affect the skin.

To learn more about the benefits of laser hair removal treatment, visit AmericanLaser.com.

But thanks to science, the discovery of Botox and dermal fillers has given us hope that we could somehow look better despite our advancing age. Since this basic toxin received FDA approval for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement in 2002, countless women all over the world have enjoyed the benefits of the cosmetic miracles that Botox combined with dermal fillers deliver.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Over the years, the name Botox has become a household name. Botox is the brand name for the very powerful neurotoxin derived from clostridium botulinum. The toxin is generally associated with food poisoning and causes severe paralysis when administered in large doses. The fact that Botox is derived from a powerful neurotoxin and that it causes paralysis has put many people off. However, with a little enlightenment, you will find why Botox is safe and is extremely effective to help reduce the effects of aging to skin.

The protein botulinum toxin or commonly called as Botox has many medical uses apart from treating skin aging. Botox is also used to treat cervical dystonia, excessive sweating and uncontrolled blinking of the eyes. A small dose of highly diluted botulinum toxin is administered to affected muscles to weaken them in a controlled manner.

Botox has also been known to treat depression. The administration of Botox along the frown lines of patients suffering from depression actually helped in getting rid of their depression.

In helping stall the effects of ageing on facial skin, Botox has been a favorite by many for its proven results. A controlled dosage of highly diluted botulinum toxin relaxes the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Because of this, muscles can no longer contract, and in effect the skin relaxes and the wrinkles soften. The effect may not be instant. It may take up to four days for a satisfying cosmetic result to be noticed, but the effect may last up to six months. The beauty of administering Botox is that if wrinkles re-appear after six months, they are not as severe as they were before Botox was administered, as the muscles have been trained to relax.

Administering Botox to affected areas is not as painful as it may seem. That is why no anesthesia is required for this procedure. Botox is administered into the muscle using fine needles that greatly reduces discomfort. Bruising may appear, but to minimize this, it is highly recommended that patients avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines weeks before the treatment.

Although it has been proven that using Botox in a controlled dosage is safe, it is without any associated side effects. As mentioned, temporary bruising may appear after the procedure. Other possible side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, blepharoptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), nausea and indigestion.

So is Botox the ultimate solution to skin aging? It all depends on your age. A skin that hasn’t lost much of its natural fullness but has been exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays may still be saved by Botox’s age-defying wonders. However, as skin progresses in age, it naturally loses some of its natural fullness. Thus, apart from wrinkling, older skin also sags. In this case it is best to undergo a treatment that is a combination of Botox and dermal fillers.

To learn more about Botox and dermal fillers, visit your nearest American Laser Centers clinic. The company’s friendly and highly qualified team of cosmetic professionals will be more than glad to accommodate your inquiries.

Working women are not only pressed for time, juggling between household chores and work schedules; they usually find it difficult to squeeze in the time for indulging themselves in a well deserved skin care regimen. If you’re one of these working women, you know you need to take extra care since you are subjected to environmental stress, hormonal changes, and harmful UV rays every day.

Skin care know-how, prevention, and maintenance are required in order to maintain healthy skin. A basic cleanse, hydrate and treat should be your guide, but you have to understand that as you age, your skin ages too.

Your skin in your 20s, 30s, 40s

By the time we reach the 30s and 40s, we’re a little grayer, a little more wrinkled, and our metabolism just isn’t what it used to be. People in their 30s can still have pretty healthy skin, but elastic collagen fibers have begun breaking down, cell production starts to lag, and the effects of what we eat and drink are more immediately evident in our physical health and appearance. Facial wrinkles are more prevalent than they were in the 20s, as are fine lines and age spots. Slower metabolisms in the 30s and 40s can also mean the development of stubborn storage of fat that can be hard to kick.

Good skin starts with good skin care

The first steps towards great skin involve good habits and smart lifestyle choices. Re-evaluate your current skin and health situation to look for indicators of harm you’re causing, or to identify ways you could be speeding up the aging process.

If you didn’t kick the smoking and/or excessive drinking habits before you hit the big 3-0, there’s no time like the present to make those changes. Aside from kicking harmful vices, implement some new methods of self-improvement.

Into the 30s and 40s, regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, and daily vitamin supplements become highly advisable to keep your skin and body on the right track as you continue to age. Daily sunscreen application and frequent moisturizing should be automatic in your daily routine. Also, drinking lots of water to keep your body hydrated and consuming plenty of antioxidant-rich foods are also musts for preserving the skin’s vitality.

Maintain a good skin care regimen

With a good skin care regimen in place, you need not worry about looking old and sagging facial skin while at work or at home. Here are some things that you can do:
Invest in quality and reliable natural skin care. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing here become key to a good natural skin care ritual.

Exfoliate.

Exfoliation helps to get rid of unwanted dead cells and also helps your skin care products work faster and better. Moreover, weekly or biweekly exfoliation also ensures a radiant and fresh complexion.

Have a regular face massage.

Your skin needs all the pampering after a week of environmental onslaught. Consider this as deep cleansing for your skin and opt for a skin care treatment that is best suited for your skin type.

Use a good wrinkle cream periodically.

This can help to infuse hydration and replace the moisture lost as we age. Effective wrinkle creams often contain Argireline which acts to relax skin tissue and eliminate or reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

At the end of the day, properly clean and remove make-up and oils. Make-up and oil accumulation can trap and promote dirt and bacteria. Cleansing is the first step to softer, cleaner, and healthy skin.

You might not really believe you can become like them, but then again, what if you could?

We all have our beauty secrets, and even the biggest icons in the entertainment industry have theirs too. They differ from person to person, as different styles and products all add up to making them look fabulous every day. These all add up to some amazing results, and the millions of fans they have around the world are proof enough.

What most of the world don’t realize, though, is how simple a lot of these beauty secrets are, such as drinking plenty of water, exercise, and getting enough sleep. Yet, there are also a lot of tricks that one can do to keep skin smoother, teeth stronger and whiter, and one’s hair look amazing. Even better, a lot of these tips are done without having to spend millions.

For oily skin, one can borrow a quick tip from “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker. A cheap way to slick off excess oil is to find clean sheets of tissue paper used as toilet bowl seat covers. A quick dab on the face’s “T-zone,” or chin, nose and forehead quickly does the trick. It’s an easy alternative over the expensive oil wipes sold in the market.

A fun way to clear one’s teeth is espoused by Academy Award winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her way for whiter teeth is to brush using mashed strawberries mixed with baking soda. It may sound weird, but strawberries are a rich source of malic acid, an astringent that can help to better clean the mouth. Baking soda, meanwhile, has properties known to help whiten teeth.

Speaking of baking soda, ever wonder how Queen Latifah always seems to have such impeccable skin? She has been known to go for days without putting on makeup, and she still looks so good. The secret apparently, was exactly that: go a day or two without makeup! She has also gone on record talking about how it helps exfoliate skin. Applying baking soda on one’s face is like applying a very gentle skin renewal product. This not only keeps skin silky smooth, but also saves thousands on pricey products.

The skin on one’s lips is very sensitive. According to InStyle Magazine, Mariah Carey has been known to do more than just put lip balm to keep moisture in. She has been said to add a drop of mint extract into her lip gloss before applying it. Studies have revealed that mint stimulates blood flow, helping the lip skin cells better regenerate. It also has been known to intensify the color of one’s lips, thus giving an all-natural hue that is simply eye-catching.

Jennifer Lopez, meanwhile, has another smart skin tip: sunscreen. While it may sound like a corny rip-off of the Baz Lhurman song, exposure to the sun really does count, and it does add up over time. Thus, keeping skin smooth, soft and evenly tanned are just some of the benefits that sunscreen provides. The other key thing she uses is honey. Honey added to facials, masks and moisturizers add anti-aging properties that staves off wrinkles and lines.

“Desperate Housewives” star Teri Hatcher also has her trick to keep skin young and vibrant. Her secret is to add some red wine into her bath. This is because grapes have reservatrol, a substance that fights fungus, improves skin elasticity and helps cell multiplication.