In March 2008, thousands of Canadians braved snow, wind and ice to discover the secrets to looking and feeling younger at the International Anti-Aging Show at the International Centre in Mississauga.
Ponce de Leon never recaptured his youth, but the over-50 crowd at the Anti-Aging Show seemed determined to recapture theirs — quizzing medical experts, attending seminars and checking out the latest products and non-invasive procedures.  
Procedures were offered at discount prices for those not shy about being models.
Taking a bite out of aging was Glitzz, a teeth-whitening company out of Orlando, Fla.  
"As we age our teeth acquire stains (and) we are able to lift those by using a carbomide gel and an LED light to speed up the bleaching process," explains Blanca Mayol, co-owner of Glitzz. "It is a simple procedure, 20 minutes, that takes years off your teeth. We guarantee two to six shades whiter; most people average between four to five shades."  
Only available at the show for now, Glitzz is planning to expand into spas in Canada later this year.
"LipoLaser is a new device, currently on the market, for safe, painless and completely non-invasive treatment for spot fat reduction and inch loss, targeting those hard to reach areas that don’t respond well to diet or exercise — saddlebags or under the tummy, the bra strap line and love handles," says Teresa Vaccaro, vice-president of operations for Vancouver-based Meridian Medical. "Our standard protocol is two treatments a week for four weeks. We recommend follow-up every four to six months depending on the individual and the area being treated. Prices range from $150 to $300 a treatment."
To my delight, in one 40-minute demonstration I lost 1.5 inches around my hips.
Vaccaro says the LipoLaser works best in conjunction with a vibration platform, offered at many medi-spa locations, that helps release the free fatty acids from the fat cells.
The WBV (Whole Body Vibration) Pro Evolve from DKN Technology is  a fitness machine that proponents at Meridian Medical say offers users better results than traditional workout methods and tools with less time and effort. The body adapts to the mechanical stimulations responding through stretching reflexes. As energy is transferred from the platform to the body, stimuli produce a stretch reflex without stressing joints or lower vertebrae. DKN V-Power is a home version of the WBV.  
Restylane was also featured at the show, demonstrated by Dr. Vera V. Madison of Toronto’s Madison Clinic. This substance restores volume to the skin, loss of volume being a symptom of aging. Madison injects the crystal-clear gel, creating softness, facial fullness and symmetry, enhancing facial features and lessening signs of aging.
Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already present in the body. According to Madison, effects last about four months, but after three or four treatments patients may experience longer-lasting results. Those who had Restylane administered at the show saw immediate results. Side effects can include slight bruising and swelling, but Madison says this is rare.
Jill Misangyi, a nurse at Oakville Laser Clinic and Spa, was kept busy administering Botox injections throughout the three-day show.  
"We use Botox to relax the muscles in the face. It lasts three to four months in most people. The key to Botox is to come back every three months, don’t let the Botox come out totally because you want to keep that muscle relaxed so lines in the face will soften over time."
Show exhibitors offered a wide array of retail products to enhance a youthful appearance. One such product line is Obagi ELASTIderm, retailed and used by the practitioners at Oakville Laser Clinic and Spa. Its ingredients are said to help stimulate and revive the snap and resilient strength of the skin by replenishing both elastin and collagen. Used twice daily, it promises a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles within two weeks.
Another popular product on offer was Authenta, Skin Renewal Cream. Used before bedtime and in the morning under foundation, Authenta is made from active natural ingredients including hyaluronic acid and plants such as sage, rosemary, chamomile, aloe vera and lavender in high concentrations using no chemical or artificial preservatives. Unlike most skin care products, all percentages of the ingredients are listed on the packaging. According to Authenta’s president and CEO, Farid Ibrahim, Authenta is designed for people who are concerned about the chemical soup found in cosmetics these days.  
Since many procedures and skin care products do not produce results for days or even weeks, many show goers wanting a more immediate transformation were heading to cosmetic booths for make-up tips on camouflaging age with concealers and foundations.
Vasanti is a cosmetic line, available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart stores.  Make-up artist Gargi Patel suggests those concerned with dark circles under the eye and uneven skin tones, often found in mature skin, use the liquid cover up for the problem areas. Then apply face base powder foundation for an all-over smooth finish. Being oil-free, the make-up does not settle into wrinkles and fine lines.