Your Face is your Fortune

Nature touches your life everyday from the clothes you wear to the products you eat or drink to those you use on your skin. When you use something which is natural and organic, it is a win-win situation for the environment — and for you! Interestingly, apart from herbal remedies and organic health and beauty products, there has been an increasing demand for a wide range of quality natural products that slow down the ageing process and help in anti-ageing treatments. So much so that the anti-ageing segment is currently the leading component of the aesthetics market in the world including India.
The Indian aesthetics market is set to attain high growth rates. Market projections see a 10 to 15 per cent surge in growth. And the good aspect is that people are beginning to believe in the magic of herbs and herbal compounds — that they have the ability to contribute to the entire spectrum especially when it comes to anti-ageing products. Says Raghu Kumar, Managing Director, Allergan Healthcare India, which launched their next-generation dermal filler portfolio, Juvederm Voluma to physicians and patients in India, “India is an interesting market for us as the demand for natural products especially in the anti-ageing segment is on the rise. Today, there is a much greater awareness about the benefits of using such products and the dangers of chemical ingredients.”

Says well-known Aesthetic Consultant and Cosmetologist, BLUSH, Dr. Jamuna Pai, “As the skin ages and loses volume, facial wrinkles and folds form. Natural products re-volume facial hollows and re-contour cheeks and cheekbones for a fuller and softer appearance. Since, the key ingredient in the dermal filler range is hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring, biodegradable complex sugar found in the human body, the malleable gel flows easily into the skin and creates a smooth, natural look and feel. It helps restore the balance of the face, making a person look younger and in time, feel more confident.”

Dermal fillers are used widely in aesthetic clinics to enhance facial aesthetics by addressing folds and wrinkles that develop as men and women age, predominantly in their mid-thirties and forties. The market is responding well towards these products that are natural as they are closest to human components and hence have minimal side effects.

In fact, anti-ageing is becoming a movement where the concept of medicine is shifting from treatment to prevention to promotion and wellness. Since, it’s all about your inner and outer health and rejuvenation, people do prefer natural products as they avoid any unnecessary complications.
Says Dr. Deepak Chaturvedi, the country’s leading specialist in anti-ageing medicine and Co-Founder of Anti Ageing Medicine and Research, India, “Yes. There is an obvious tendency for people to shift towards natural anti-ageing products. Education and awareness have also played a huge role in this. Anti-ageing products that are natural are more friendly to the human body. The side effect profile is very minimal as compared to products that contain chemicals. So much so that health professionals are also advocating this trend.”

For instance, Bio Identical hormones are becoming synonymous with the anti-ageing approach of medicine in the Western world that is now spreading across India at its own pace. “Being isomolecular with natural human hormones, these products are recognised as the body’s own products and thus the body responds to these hormones (phytohormones) as if they were produced by it,” adds Dr. Chaturvedi. Resveratrol, Carotenoids, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pycnogenol, nutraceuticals, grape seed extracts, pineapple extracts, neem, turmeric, henna, amla etc. are some popular ingredients used in anti-ageing treatments. And while they have the power to revitalise and rejuvenate, they are also environment friendly and safe!

So why not go natural to go green?

Featured in: Deccan Chronicle on the web

Date: July 1st, 2010

Link: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloids/your-face-your-fortune-271

Accessed On: 12th July 2010

Blush Clinics 16th Anniversary Celebrations

7th July 2010: India's leading center for aesthetic medicine, Blush Clinics Pvt. Ltd., today celebrated its 16th anniversary with a gala event that brought together the company's employees and industry members. Celebrities including John Abraham, Diana Hayden, Mandira Bedi, Pooja Chopra and the recently crowned, Miss India Universe 2010, Ushoshi Sengupta were also present on the occasion. Another highlight of the event was the felicitation of the winners of ‘Blush Sweet Sixteen Contest’ signifying this milestone.

At 16, Blush Clinics has plenty of reasons to celebrate. Founded by Dr. Jamuna Pai in 1994, Blush Clinics is credited with being India’s first centre for Aesthetic medicine. Today the clinic has established an industry wide reputation for pioneering and introducing various skin treatments and techniques over the years, such as Botox, Fraxel, Thermage, skin lightening peels and filler injections.

Reiterating her life long passion for holistic beauty, Dr. Jamuna Pai, Cosmetic Physician, & Founder, Blush Clinics Pvt. Ltd said: "Blush was founded with a vision to redefine the way skin and personal care was viewed in India - One that would encompass not only the latest medical advances but also include the ancient wisdom of wellness and nature to help people look and feel truly beautiful.”

“Our celebration today is a testament to that vision and reaffirms our commitment to providing the latest advances in skin and personal care solutions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my staff, industry peers and more importantly our customers, without whom, we would not have been able to achieve this milestone.” she further added.

The winners of the ‘Blush Sweet Sixteen Contest’ were also announced on the occasion. Winners were chosen in the categories of Beautiful Skin, Lips and Eyes across each of Blush’s 4 clinics and an award was also given to one grand prize winner. They were also pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the above mentioned celebrities. Each winner received a tiara, a sash, treatment vouchers and product hampers from Blush.

Additionally they all enjoyed an intimate lunch with Dr. Pai and the celebrity guests.
As the market matures, Blush continues to address its consumer's evolving needs. The clinic announced new expansion plans into education with the setting up of a training institute for doctors interested in the field of aesthetic medicine, later this year. They also plan to launch a line of anti-ageing skin care products in the not-so-distant future.

for more information and photographs of the event log on to www.blushworld.com/sweet16

For Great Looking Legs

You think your legs are fat or just too thin to sport shorts and skirts in the rains? Maybe experts can bail you out ...
Saadia S Dhailey.

Rains are the perfect excuse to sport shorter shorts, mini skirts and higher dresses. But alas! The legs! Even an inch away from the perfect shape is like a wash down on the sexy plans.

Exercise to shape them up
Many ladies think that their legs are too fat or too thin. Some leg exercise can help tone the muscles and make them look better. “Walking and cycling are wonderful exercises for shapely legs,” says fitness instructor Navendu Sawant. At the office, walk up the stairs, instead of taking the lift! “Step-up is great to burn calories, tone up muscles as well as gain muscles.”

Agrees Cosmetic Physician Dr Jamuna Pai. “Working in the gym is an essential part for having and maintaining well-toned legs. As outdoor walks may be restricted due to the rains, yoga, which again helps in maintaining those shapely legs, should be continued on a regular basis,” she says.

Internal balancing
Also, sometimes legs may not be fat, but look heavy because of bad circulation. Put your legs and feet up. In case, you have a feeling of water retention, drink about six glasses of water, and get the wastes out. Apart from a good exercise regime, a healthy diet is also very important, advise fitness experts. A well balanced nutrition is good for your venous health (for keeping varicose veins at bay). So have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, seafood, flax seed oil. Add to that an anti-cellulite diet. Opt for foods that contain good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) like as olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil.

All in vein?
Varicose veins tend to make women very conscious of flaunting their legs, even if they have the perfect shape. It’s as if tributaries are claiming place all over your legs. What happens is, the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing become enlarged. To avoid this wear elastic stockings in early stages, advises Dr Rupal Shah. “And along with it, a regular calf exercise regime and anti-thrombotic medications should help,” she says.

Dr Pai lists some more options, “The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins. Newer, less invasive treatments, such as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment, are slowly replacing traditional surgical treatments. Get in touch with a good and experienced phlebologist for a proper treatment regime.”

For a facelift
- Bleach, once a month. It helps in lifting off the tan, exfoliating the skin and maintaining a uniform skin tone.

- Go for an oil massage done once a month, as it helps in keeping the legs well moisturised and hydrated.

- A simple sugar, milk powder and lemon juice scrub once a week helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells and keeps the skin supple.

Featured in Times Of India,

link http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/For-great-looking-legs/articleshow/6119267.cms

Date Accessed: 6th July 2010

Dr. Pai at Juvederm Voluma Launch

Dr. Jamuna Pai with former Miss World Diana Hayden at the launch of Juvederm Voluma

Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® (Botulininum Toxin Type A) and the Juvéderm™ family of dermal fillers, today announced the availability of its 'next-generation' hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler formulation, Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™ in India. Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™ is an advanced HA formulation that provides facial volume lasting up to 18 months1.

During the launch, Dr. Jamuna Pai, Cosmetologist, BLUSH, said “As the skin ages and loses volume, facial wrinkles and folds form. Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™ offers revolumisation of facial hollows and recontouring of cheeks and cheekbones for a fuller and softer appearance. Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™ can help restore the balance of the face, making a person look younger and in time, feel more confident.”

Dermal fillers are used widely in aesthetic clinics to enhance facial aesthetics by addressing folds and wrinkles that develop as men and women age, predominantly in their mid-thirties and forties. Loss in volume and in the skin’s elasticity and lubrication as one ages also cause the sinking of skin under-the-eyes, the hollowing of cheeks and loss of suppleness of the lips. Dermal fillers administered by physicians specialized in aesthetic medicine target these areas by adding (“filling”) volume.

Dr. Pai on panel of experts for Ponds Femina Miss India South 2010

The talented and striking finalists of Pantaloons Femina Miss India South (PFMIS) 2010 were unveiled amidst much fanfare. Out of the many aspiring contestants that were shortlisted for the Regional Round, 11 Southern beauties finally made it to the top. These beauties come one step closer to ‘Live the Dream’ of becoming the most sought after beauty diva.

The 11 finalists from across South India articulately walked the ramp choreographed by none other than Mr. Marc Robinson (Fashion Director & Contestant Director) and Ms. Alecia Raut (Ramp Walk Trainer). The gorgeous ladies were attired in dazzling cocktail dresses designed by renowned fashion designerMr. Shravan Kumar. The contestants looked splendid in the collection ‘Denrosa’ which highlighted the colour pink. It brought out the modern, romantic, sensuous and trendy emotional aspect of the woman. The collection was all about being confident and happy about yourself and content as the colour fuchsia pink depicts the feminine character of a woman.

All the aspiring finalists will continue their journey towards the coveted pageant through 10 day long training schedule carefully put together by the Miss India expert panel comprising of Mr. Marc Robinson (Fashion Director & Contestant Director), Ms. Alecia Raut (Ramp Walk Trainer), Dr. Jamuna Pai(Cosmetic Physician),Mr. Mickey Mehta, India’s Leading Holistic Health Guru(Health and Fitness Expert) Ms. Sabira Merchant (Diction Expert), Mr.Prasad Bidappa (Contestant Advisor), Mr. Shiamak Davar, Guru of Modern Contemporary Dance in India(Dance Choreographer), Mr. Johnny Francis(Fashion Photographer for the photo shoot), Mr. Bobby Pruthi – Streax Hair Colouring and Styling Consultant, Ms. Sunila Etti – Stylist for the photo shoot, Manea Salon – Make up for the photo shoot. The star studded grand finale will take place on the December 23, 2009 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), Hyderabad.

Dr. Jamuna Pai on I AM SHE - MISS INDIA 2010 Expert Panel

In a glittering event , the top 30 contestants for ‘I AM She 2010 – the Official Preliminary to the 2010 Miss Universe were unveiled. These talented girls were selected through a nation wide hunt in which thousands of hopefuls participated. Sushmita Sen, the soul of I AM SHE 2010 and the proud mentor for these young beauties played host to the event. Miss Asia Pacific 2000 and renowned Bollywood actor, Dia Mirza, encouraged the girls and added further excitement to the festivities.

The selected 30 contestants will undergo three weeks of intensive training under the most eminent experts in communication, diet, personal grooming, fashion, fitness etc. The likes of Sathya Saran, Dr. Jamuna Pai, Lubna Adam, Bharat & Dorris, Sandip Soparrkar will guide these girls through this hard-working, disciplined yet exciting journey.

The I AM She 2010 is all about celebrating uniqueness, and self. And, it has been successful in discovering our Indian women who have beauty, brains, heart and a spark of what it takes to represent the nation on a global platform like the 2010 MISS UNIVERSE Pageant.

Dr. Pai on FICCI's Wellness forum

Despite the current economic slowdown, the Indian wellness services market is expected to remain buoyant. The market was valued at Rs 27,000 crores in 2008 and has an expected average growth rate of 20 per cent year-on-year till 2012.

Keeping this in mind FICCI and Ernst & Young brought out a research in which they studied this industry very closely in terms of growth and potential for the future. FICCI launched the FICCI Wellness forum and the attendees comprised industry veterans across all seven verticals constituting products and services, alternative therapies, beauty, counselling, fitness/slimming, nutrition, rejuvenation and allopathy. Some of the attendees were Sushil Jiwrajka, chairman, FICCI-WRC; Farrokh Balsara, partner and director Ernst &Young; Dr Muffaddal Lakdawala, head surgeon, Bariatic Surgery-Saifee Hospital; Leena Mogre, director, Leena Mogre's Fitness; cosmetic physician Dr Jamuna Pai; Nisha Jhaveri, owner of Myrah Spa; Nawaz Modi Singhania of Body Art; Ramesh Chauhan of Parle Group; actor Milind Soman; industrialist Vijaypath Singhania; Narinder Kumar, group CFO VLCC; Vivek Saraswat of Vichy; food critic Rashmi Udaysingh; ex-model Lubna Adams and many more.

Jiwarajka, said, "We are very excited about this venture. The FICCI Wellness Forum will play a pivotal role in enhancing assurance on quality of services provided. It will help organisations create business models which are dynamic and financially viable and shall finally focus on enhancing quality, creating awareness and promoting India as a wellness destination."

Balsara added, "Indian players have forayed into the wellness industry, the potential still remains largely untapped. Now it has become imperative for players to identify opportunities and challenges to derive solutions. Thus the FICCI Wellness Forum comes at an apt time and will play a crucial role in helping this important segment grow."