Tabla de contenidos para Holiday 2020/21 en Longevity Magazine

When I reflect on 2020, it’s hard not to think WTF happened to us. Yes, COVID-19 happened. Almost in an instant, our lives changed. And let’s be honest, there were times when it was pretty scary. Like many, I found lockdown demanding. I had to dig very deep to remain positive and focused. Mindfulness was my master, and I believe it really helped my resilience, and also my acceptance of the situation. This pandemic has been described as unprecedented, cataclysmic, wild, traumatic, messy and uncertain. Indeed, it’s all those things and more. If COVID-19 taught me anything, it’s not to take anything for granted. To accept that I can’t control what is happening around me, but I can control how I respond. And if you’re reading Longevity, you’re definitely in…

While spas and aesthetic clinics have slowly opened their doors, some clients are still shying away from visiting these establishments due to the risk of infection. So, as we continue to enhance our home skills, such as baking banana bread and braiding our hair, we can also learn how to improve the health of our skin on our own. Here are seven steps to a DIY facial, as well as some products to promote glowing skin. STEP 1: DOUBLE-CLEANSE YOUR SKIN This is always the first step. It will prep the skin for the treatment, and clear it of any dirt and oil. It’s important to start your facial on a clean and fresh palette. You should first use a cleansing oil, as this will help to remove make-up, dirt…

Whether it’s applying our own face masks or dyeing our hair at home, many of us have managed to replicate some of the beauty treatments that were put on hold as a result of the lockdown. But there are a few things that require an expert hand. And now that the lockdown regulations have been eased, we may want to visit our aesthetic doctor. The question is: is there a place for Botox in lockdown? “Most people think aesthetics is self-indulgent, or a luxury, when, in fact, aesthetics is very much about one’s wellness,” suggests Tzvia Hermann, founder and co-owner of The Beautique Group, which includes The Laser Beautique Clinic. “Wellness will always be in demand, and investing in oneself and one’s self-esteem is always important.” However, the manner in…

When the South African Constitutional Court effectively decriminalized the possession, use and cultivation of cannabis in private dwellings, in September 2018, we found ourselves in “the age of cannabis”. Along with the relaxation of the law, emerging scientific research into the benefits of the plant has led to various industries incorporating it into their products, and to the increasing use of CBD as a significant beauty and wellness ingredient. What is CBD? Cannabidiol, most commonly known as CBD, is a chemical compound found in a cannabis plant. It’s one of its most well-known compounds after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the one responsible for producing a high. Unlike THC, CBD will not get you high. Research suggests that CBD can help to alleviate pain, insomnia and anxiety, and can even be…

There’s nothing better than enjoying a café-style coffee in the comfort of your home or when you’re on the go. But for those of us who are vegan, lactose-intolerant or have other dairy-based allergies, there have been no one-cup options. Until now. On trend NESCAFÉ GOLD has just launched a one-cup dairy-free coffee range in South Africa. The product is riding the international trend to more plant-based dietary needs, and is certified by the Vegan Society in the UK. It comes in three variants: Coconut Latte, Almond Latte and Oat Latte. What’s not to love about this new range? It contains absolutely no dairy and is made from 100% plant derivatives. And better still, it’s super-creamy, with the hint of coconut, almond or oat milk to taste. Don’t just take…

At the age of 12, Fentsy Leshabane was a 34C, and by the time she had turned 17, her breast size had increased to a 34EE. Suffice it to say, the weight she was carrying around took not only a physical toll on her, but an emotional one as well. “In addition to the constant strain on my back, the size of my breasts also took a huge toll on my self-esteem,” she explains. “I would literally have breakdowns in the changing room whenever my mom and I would go bra or bikini-shopping, because I could never find the right fit; it was either the tops were too small or my breasts would sag.” So, it wasn’t long before Fentsy followed in her mother’s footsteps and underwent breast-reduction surgery. While…

Before you start second-guessing your eating habits, we’re telling you that it’s okay to eat what makes you feel good during this time. The core meaning of nutrition is fueling up with healthy, feel-good foods. But we’re not going to give you a long list of nutrients, vitamins and supplements, because there’s no quick fix to boosting your immune system, increasing longevity and maintaining your weight. There’s just power in knowledge, routine and consistent action. Feeling confined to our own spaces is overwhelming and, at times, claustrophobic. Depending on our personality and environment, we may not be getting as much activity as we’d like. As a result, our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing is being put to the test. Also, motivation levels are low, and being cooped up for days…

Whether to eat meat or not is a very personal decision. Often, the choice is tied into our beliefs and our relationship with animals, our upbringing, values and identity. A pro-plant diet addresses four global issues that are increasingly top of mind, particularly for many millennials: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources, and animal welfare. Public awareness of the impact that our food system is having on these areas is growing as consumers become more mindful about what they put on their plate, whether it’s one day a week or making a permanent lifestyle change. Although there are a variety of factors influencing the decision to eliminate meat from our diet, we can’t deny that people are increasingly choosing to do so. This shift is raising some important…

It’s an undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. Isn’t it? What if almost everything we’ve been taught about aging is wrong? What if we could change how long we live? In other words, could we choose our longevity by having a better healthspan? We’re living in an aging world Statistics show that the age of our community is rising, especially in the developed world. In 2017, one in eight people worldwide was aged 60 and over. In 2050, older people are projected to account for one in five people globally. So, by 2050, this group will be around two billion people. The most rapid increase in the 60+ population is occurring in the developing world, which is expected to show a 225% jump between 2010 and 2050. In our youth,…

Hers is a name that resonates with a global audience. Whether you’re young or old, have an interest in politics or not, Michelle Obama is a force to be reckoned with. Taking her place next to her husband when he won the United States presidency 12 years ago, she would become the ultimate role model and mother-in-chief that every woman can relate to. In her memoir Becoming, Michelle, 56, chronicles her journey from childhood, on the South Side of Chicago, to adulthood, where she earned degrees from both Princeton and Harvard. Soon after, she was offered a job at a prestigious law firm, and went on to fall in love with and marry a man whose vision would cement his place in the history books. Through her memoir, her podcasts…

CROOKED TEETH INVISIBLE BRACES Correcting teeth and jaw alignment results in balanced teeth which function better, and facilitate easier maintenance and daily cleaning, but also enhances the smile and boosts one’s self-esteem. – Dr Deepti Naranbhai Treatment cost: R25 000-R70 000 CHIPPED OR BROKEN TEETH PORCELAIN OR CERAMIC VENEERS Ceramic veneers are the best long-term solution, as they are strong and durable, and also stain-resistant. They also offer the most aesthetic outcome. – Dr Zak Schabort Treatment cost: R7 000 to R12 000 per tooth, depending on type and quality TOOTH STAINS AND DISCOLORATION SCALE AND POLISH (CLEAN), AND TEETH WHITENING Tooth stains are easily removed during a scale and polish treatment, and discoloration can be resolved with teeth whitening, provided all teeth and gum tissue are in good health.…

Unfortunately, face masks have become an essential part of our daily attire. But in order to prevent the spread of the virus, we have to suffer the downsides: not being able to breathe in fresh air, and the effects on our skin of constantly having something pressed against it. Doctors have been noticing such an influx of patients with acne caused by the masks, particularly around the mouth and chin, that it’s given rise to a name: maskne. And they’re saying it’s a very normal skin response. Breakouts happen because there is a build-up of sweat, oil and make-up under the mask. In addition, breathing into the mask creates humidity, which accelerates the process. It’s particularly problematic for nurses and healthcare workers, who have to wear a mask constantly. Fortunately,…

Palesa Tshabalala had that pregnancy glow, common among first-time mothers. Basking in the journey that was her first pregnancy, she found herself with a busy schedule, preparing for her pregnancy photo shoot, her baby shower, antenatal classes and all the other exciting parts of being a new mom. However, just as she reached 27 weeks, the country went into lockdown. “I became super-paranoid about handwashing and staying indoors,” shares the new mother. “That just added to my stress and all the uncertainties that came with the lockdown.” Staying healthy and safe during pregnancy is enough of a struggle; now there’s a pandemic to deal with too. Pregnancy in the time of COVID Under normal circumstances, an expectant mother will have a million thoughts racing through her head as she ponders…

Hair goes through three different life stages, and in between, it experiences a lot of life. From diet and environmental pollutants to cutting and processing, it’s clear that sometimes our efforts to make our hair look healthy and vibrant can compromise its longevity. This doesn’t mean we should throw out our favorite conditioner or blacklist our hairdresser. Just that, in the same way as we prioritize our health, we should take the proper precautions to ensure that the next few years are kinder to our locks. The years on our head There are a number of factors that can influence the state and health of our hair over the years, and one of these is the unavoidable element of age. As we age, the lifespan of our hair is shortened.…

For fitness, 2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years yet – for the industry financially, and in general for anyone wanting to stay fit and healthy. As if staying motivated before the pandemic weren’t hard enough. However, irrespective of the hardships we’re experiencing, one thing remains true: a gentle, flexible, enjoyable and consistent fitness routine is what will help us to build a strong, resilient mindset. How do we get started? First, you need to define clearly why it’s time to take action. Then you need to realize that your survival depends on it. When one door closes, another two open When gyms and fitness studios worldwide were forced to close their doors during the pandemic, many filed for bankruptcy. But for those moving ahead, it meant…

Question: What is not only nine times safer than wearing contact lenses, but also more cost-effective in the long run than wearing varifocals? Answer: Laser vision correction, an eyecare solution that is becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. The technology offers freedom from spectacles and contact lenses; it’s very safe, and it’s reputable. In a recent multicenter clinical trial, the results of which were published in Ophthalmology Times, more than 90% of subjects, when measured binocularly, had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/16 or better. Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Dr Dylan Joseph was involved in the first clinical trials for the Streamlight laser vision correction procedure, which were presented at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in 2018. Joseph says laser vision correction is arguably the most rapidly…

Longevity – Business of Health is our new YouTube series hosted on The Nielsen Network. The series is dedicated to understanding the latest advancements in health, beauty and science, and telling the stories behind the products, services and people in wellness and longevity globally. We have selected our top three episodes to date: 1 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve brain aging A breakthrough study published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging revealed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment may enhance brain function and improve cognitive capabilities. For Business of Health, we spoke to Prof Shai Efrati from the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Shamir Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Israel. Prof Efrati and Dr Amir Hadanny led the peer-reviewed study which demonstrated, for the first time in…

If you’re reading this – at the risk of sounding like your breathing app – I want you to take a deep breath. Inhale for 3 seconds, exhale for 4. Then take a moment to consider that you’re alive. You’re still breathing, you’re still functioning, and hopefully giving yourself some self-care (treating yourself to a magazine that has been compiled with love). More importantly, you’ve managed to survive the majority of the devastating, multiple-waved tsunami that we’ve been calling 2020. All in all, that says something for your resilience. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve experienced the environmental tragedy of wildfires in Australia and Brazil, we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic, and we’re dealing with economic pressure paired with massive job losses, not to mention systemic…

Dr Anushka Reddy, a GP with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology and advanced aesthetics, president of the Cosmetic Doctors Association of South Africa, and a certified Radiesse and Botulinum toxin injections trainer 2020 has been a challenge for all of us worldwide, and not least for the aesthetics industry. All aesthetic clinics closed during the Level 5 lockdown, although most reopened during Level 4, offering services such as Botulinum toxin injections for bruxism (teeth grinding) and migraines. Clinics were also able to assist patients who were struggling with acne, and offer these patients treatments to avoid long-term scarring. In these difficult times, I believe aesthetics has an important role to play as people deal with the anguish and anxiety associated with COVID-19. Since time immemorial, looking good has been…

This is Longevity’s Best in Aging Review: Longevity and Your Skin. In the wake of the recent pandemic, which has brought about a new outlook on health and the preservation of lifespan, the focus of this year’s survey is on beauty products and aesthetics that help to protect and ensure the longevity of your skin. The comprehensive and digitally driven assessment, now in its third year, was completed voluntarily by a number of local general practitioners, dermatologists, medical-industry professionals and experienced beauty-industry experts, who identified what they consider to be the best products, treatments and services available in healthy aging and aesthetic personalization. The survey is divided into five main categories: Products, Supplements, Non-Invasive Treatments, Cosmetic Surgeries and Dental Health. Each category has been evaluated according to these criteria: Longevity…

MASKED EYE TREATMENT BY LASERDERM Treatments to improve the appearance of the eye area have long been a focus for many individuals, but with the wearing of face masks, this demand has only increased. Combinations of treatments to varying degrees may be required to achieve the refreshed, bright-eyed look that is much sought-after. Injectables, various devices and AccuTite treatments are used as per the individual patient’s budget and requirements. AccuTite delivers precision heating to small and delicate areas of the face and body, with the science and safety recognized with the Radiofrequency Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL) family of technologies. Patients who need precision fat reduction or skin contraction now have a treatment that can be done under local anesthesia, in an office setting, in less than 20 minutes, without excisional surgery.…

The pandemic has forced us to evaluate not only how we see our world, but also how we see ourselves. In fact, because we are spending more time at home and with ourselves, we’ve seen our reflection more often than we normally would have, be it through Zoom meetings or as we pass the mirror in the corridor. More and more people are adopting a natural approach, given the risks and pressures raised by COVID-19. But this hasn’t diminished the role of cosmetic surgery. Indeed, the move to digital platforms and working from home has, in some ways, actually supported it. “The benefit of looking one’s best is huge on productivity and self-esteem,” says Dr Nicolette Landman, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Midstream, Gauteng. The fact is, people want…

In spite of being the biggest contributors to the beauty industry, women are rarely behind the scenes. A case in point, it was only in 2018 that Revlon appointed its first female CEO and president, Debra Perelman, in the brand’s 86-year history. And despite this win, the cosmetic industry is still predominantly white. This results in its perpetuating Eurocentric standards of beauty, which triggers colorism and hair policing. As a result of a changing climate, many beauty brands have disclosed their number of black employees. L’Oréal put its figure at 7% (840) black employees working across its brands at corporate level. Estée Lauder’s black representation overall is at 12%, 4% at executive director position and above, and 14% executive officers. NYX has six black employees in leadership roles. Sephora has…

Robots that can detect and classify skin cancer faster and more accurately than any dermatologist. Technology that can assess the optimum circumstances for a specific burn wound to heal. Intelligence that can assist surgeons in providing patients with the best possible aesthetic treatments, based on their real, live, personalized measurements. If this sounds like something from a James Cameron film, it’s not. It’s what artificial intelligence (AI) has made possible, both in medicine and aesthetic surgery. And it’s being done today. Over the course of several decades, AI has steadily been integrated into various sectors of our society. By now, transport, business, education, security, communication and media have all benefited from elements such as machine learning, augmented reality, computer vision and big data. And when it comes to aesthetics, AI…

Today, physical activity has become our new entertainment. Where fashion meets function, coupled with a complete lack of glamour and formal occasions, we are seeing a strong shift in the direction of fashion and gear, says Lorrianne Cloete, head of marketing at Under Armour SA. “What started as a trend has become a way of life for many, and therefore has become a thread that is carried season upon season. Wellness is not just physical, but also emotional, mental and spiritual. These are the realms in which fashion and gear exist,” she says. While we can expect to see the pendulum swing again when society returns, times couldn’t be more ideal for finding new gear that is timeless, since aesthetics and style are a low priority. Quality and performance are…

By now, you’ve probably come across articles (or at least a few headlines) proclaiming that most of the food we eat is nearly devoid of nutrition. You probably know by now that, unless it’s organic, even the freshest food has been grown using pesticides, herbicides and other toxic chemicals. Worse still, many of the foods we pick up in the supermarket every day are genetically modified, or have all sorts of unnatural sugars and hard-to-pronounce fillers, unhealthy oils, flavorants and chemicals added to them to improve their taste. We’re told that superfoods are a bit like Superwoman: the hero we all need to get the right dose of important vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. We’re told that eating – or should we say drinking – these superfood powders…

“…helps to maintain the gut lining, reduce insulin sensitivity, suppress inflammation, and even control our human gene expression.” While genetics play a key role in determining whether or not we encounter disease or illness, scientists believe it’s nutrition – as it pertains to our unique body – that is the key to health and longevity. And because the gut is where all diseases begin, microbiome testing to improve gut health is the future of nutrition. What is the microbiome? The microbiome is a term scientists use to describe all of the microbes living in and on the human body. The microbiome forms a living layer over the skin and parts of the inside of the body. These include the lungs and the digestive tract, from the mouth down to the…

Swimmers Themba Mbuyisa While on a commission for Calvin Klein, I imagined a painted sky that looks endless, blending in with the clouds. This would be how I wanted the project to translate – while the rest of the photographs follow the brief, this was an opportunity for me for something so beautiful that its beauty seems to be infinite when you look at it. I’ve always wanted to photograph one person and have them appear more than once, mainly because, from a young age, I had to learn to create imaginary relationships to fill the spaces of the ones I never had. No one has to feel like they are alone and lonely. The model in the photo is Shelley Mokoena Born in Johannesburg, Themba Mbuyisa studied Desktop Publishing and…