Productopia

For many women, the promise of youthful-looking skin comes in the form of a needle and a plastic surgeon. More and more "medical spas" are cropping up today all claiming their chemical peels and Botox shots can turn back the hands of time. But while these pricey, in-office procedures were once all the rage, today's depressed economy has prompted many people to turn to the web. The result: An increasing number of individuals are now ordering these kind of "prescription-only" products online and injecting themselves at home.

For many women, the promise of youthful-looking skin comes in the form of a needle and a plastic surgeon. More and more "medical spas" are cropping up today all claiming their chemical peels and Botox shots can turn back the hands of time. But while these pricey, in-office procedures were once all the rage, today's depressed economy has prompted many people to turn to the web. The result: An increasing number of individuals are now ordering these kind of "prescription-only" products online and injecting themselves at home. Read more

Although many experienced cooks rely solely on observation when gauging whether meat is cooked, a meat thermometer ensures a safe internal cooking temperature, as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Meat thermometers can also help less experienced cooks pull off big holiday meals without worrying about whether the meat is done or not. We take a look at the options in our new report on meat thermometers.

 Chances are, you're going to get at least one gift card this year. Even though some people think resorting to a gift card is somehow cheating, most people really don't see it that way. Most of us say we're happy getting a gift card instead of a tchotchke or a sweater we don't really like. But before you run out and hit the post-holiday sales, we've discovered some tips to getting the most for your card's value.

Taking up yoga? Today's students have a plethora of mats to choose from. Current yoga mats fall into one of three categories: Plastic, eco-friendly and yoga towels. Ultra-lightweight yoga mats also exist for individuals who frequently travel.

 Plastic yoga mats, the most common offerings, are the most inexpensive. However, these products, while sturdy and durable, are typically made with a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC). Many health experts warn against using PVC yoga mats, since this compound contains a group of chemicals called phthalates. These questionable substances have drawn recent scrutiny for their possible health risks. Additionally, there are also environmental concerns about PVC, since the manufacturing of this plastic releases toxic compounds called dioxins into the atmosphere.