Grace Beauty

Prevent Dental Stains Without Chemicals

2009-11-07T13:45:00.001+07:00

Do you wish your teeth were whiter? Some people have off-white teeth naturally, probably through their genetic inheritance. Others get stained teeth over time for a variety of reasons. If you would like to brighten your smile but don?t want to put the time or money into commercially whitening them, here are a few suggestions for doing it on your own.

1. Limit your consumption of tea, which contains tannic acid. This substance can darken teeth gradually over time, as evidenced by the stains left in teacups used for serving this beverage. You also may want to cut back on cola products, which has a similar but lesser effect. Any foods with deep colors, like blueberries, can leave stains on your tooth enamel. So be sure to brush your teeth after eating foods like these.

2. Rinse your mouth after eating. For best results, try to rinse with water even after snacks, including pop or candy bars. This will prevent foods from sticking to or staying with your teeth, where they can adhere to the enamel and cause stains to appear gradually. At work, use the drinking fountain or bathroom sink for a quick rinse. The quicker you rinse, the better results you will have. Some people even carry small bottles of mouthwash for a quick gargle after lunch.

3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Morning and evening are the best times, or following two of your main meals. This will help to remove food bits that can cause discoloration or decay. You can use whitening toothpaste if you prefer, which will provide a low-key brightening effect on your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Ask your dentist to recommend a safe whitener for this purpose.

4. Ask about tetracycline substitutes. If you are prescribed tetracycline, a popular antibiotic, ask the doctor if there is a reasonable substitute, as tetracycline has been known to discolor patients? teeth, especially those who took it frequently or for prolonged periods of time. If you must take it, check with your dentist about how to combat the potential darkening effect it may have on your teeth. Other medications may have this effect, as well, so if tooth color is a problem, ask your doctor about the potential for discoloration for any prescription you receive, or simply inquire about those you should avoid.

One alternative is to merely accept your teeth the way they are. Unless they are extremely yellow or darkened, most people will not notice them, and they should pose no particular health hazard. Another option is to try a home whitening treatment that you can do yourself. This will save money and time, but it involves a bleaching process that probably uses peroxide or another chemical. Ask your dentist about the advisability of this type of product if you are thinking of trying one. Society views white teeth as an indication of good health and wholesome hygiene, not to mention physical attractiveness, so make the most of your pearly whites.

For more information on how to prevent dental stains without chemicals, Visit The Denture Spot

How to Make 3 Wonderfully Easy Winter Skin Toners

2009-08-10T23:51:00.001+07:00

Cold weather is on its way and the winter season is just around the corner. What does this mean to your skin? Cold weather can be damaging to your skin. If your face is not properly protected, it can dry out, crack, and wrinkle! It is imperative to have a good moisturizer. But do we need a toner too?

For years I concentrated on cleansers and moisturizers, neglecting toners. The only time a toner was used was when I purchased a complete skin care regimen set that contained a toner at the department store. When I began to make my own skin care products, I was concerned mainly with lotions and moisturizers. I finally began to realize that a toner has many benefits that I was missing out on by not including it in my daily skincare program:

Removes traces of cleanser that was left behind after cleansing

Help restore your skin to its nature acid PH

Refresh your skin throughout the day

Set make up

Adds additional moisture

Conditions the skin

One thing to remember is to keep it simple. Prepare a toner that can be used for both a toner and a refresher. Before you make your toner, be sure to have the bottle available for storage. A good choice is a spray bottle, so you can use your toner as a refresher throughout the day. Be sure to store your toner in a cool place, the refrigerator is ideal. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and also spritz throughout the day.

A couple of easy toners you can make to help nourish, protect, and moisturize your skin during the winter are the PH Toner, Herbal Refresher, and the Aloe Soother.

PH Toner 1Cups distilled water

4 TBS Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar(or any other nature non-distilled apple vinegar)

10 drops of rose oil

8 drops of chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in your bottle of choice and shake vigorously before each use. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and spritz throughout the day.

Herbal Refresher 1 cup witch hazel

1/2 cup distilled water

1 chamomile tea bag

10 drops of Lavender Oil

6 drops Sandlewood Oil

Heat water to boil and steep the tea bag in the water for 15 minutes. Add the chamomile water to the witch hazel and add essential oil. Shake before each use.

Aloe Soother 1/2 cup aloe vera gel

1 cup distilled water

10 drops chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use.

All three toner recipes are great to help you get through the cold and wintery harsh months that follow. Your skin will thank you by remaining soft, refreshed and healthy.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. For more information go to Body Wraps Exposed

Natural Aging Skin Care Products

2009-05-18T19:45:00.001+07:00

It is said that ?beauty? is skin deep and as such the skin care assumes much significance in today?s beauty conscious world. One may wonder whether any special care is needed for skin alone for a normal person. The answers may vary but the truth remains that, all are not normal skinned, and people with not so normal skin need give the desired care for their skin to look natural and feel good.

The natural ageing process, exposure to sun light, regular smoking etc. may contribute for the lesser production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that hold the skin together and make the skin look young and smooth.

Skin care products that contain Argireline derived from Amino acids helps relax facial tension. Extract obtained from edelweiss is another substance that acts as an anti oxidant and prevents the ultra violet light penetrating into the skin besides cleaning up of the free radicals getting damaged by metabolism and pollutants. Yet another natural product is shea butter a natural moisturizer that prevents dryness of the skin.

The face is the first and the best part of the body that gets attention from others. Naturally one would like to present a good facial appearance for that first impression. There is no dearth for skin care or rather facial care products in today? s market, with each product claiming to be better than that of the other. However the fact remains that, the best skin care product varies from individual to individual depending upon the type of skin one possess, the region where one lives, the food habits one follow among many other relevant factors.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding skin care treatments. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Find more about skin care treatments, aging skin care products and many other aging skin care resources on http://www.aging-skin-care.com

The 5 Most Common Makeup Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

2009-05-15T01:39:00.001+07:00

Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face. We all know someone with no perception of how her make-up really looks on her own face. She?s sweet, really sweet. But she?s a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn?t you, is it?

Well, even if you don?t wear ?clown makeup,? chances are you're making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don't fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn?t. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It?s her job, after all. Don?t be intimidated, you don?t need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eye shadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people then don?t wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You?re right, the circles aren?t great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you.

Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn?t mean it?ll be flattering on you. Make sure you?re getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lip liner

This is a look. It?s just not a flattering one. Lip liner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from ?bleeding? onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists at our disposal. But that doesn?t mean we don?t deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality make-up brushes and limit your make-up collection to products you'll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You?re worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It?s not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward... you don't have to hide behind crow's feet and lip lines...

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Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

Meditation: Why Meditation And How Does It Help

2009-05-12T16:09:00.001+07:00

The stressful lives we lead today take their toll on our health. Mental stress and physical fatigue drain us of our positive energy leaving us depleted physically, mentally and emotionally. Considered to be part of alternative medicine, meditation is fast gaining popularity amongst conventional medical practitioners as well. Patients are increasingly being advised to meditate for sometime in the day, which is believed to have a positive effect along with the allopathic medicines prescribed for a number of medical conditions.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a technique that helps us focus and calms the mind resulting in relaxed and restful state of physical and mental being. Meditation is generally focused on one constant thing, usually your breath. Meditation is an effective tool to gain mind control, self-awareness and understanding that eventually lead to inner calm and peacefulness. For people practice meditation, it can lead to profound experiences of self-realization and transcendental awareness and knowledge. A proven alternative therapy, meditation is a known stress reliever.

Meditation is beneficial not only psychologically but is known to have positive effects on various health conditions ranging from blood pressure, insomnia to even depression. There are different techniques of meditation that people follow today. These are a product of diverse cultures and peoples around the world. The power of meditation has been harnessed to alleviate pain, suffering and promote healing for centuries in different cultures and religions, in some or the other form.

Types of meditation

There are various types of meditation that originate from various parts of the world. Prayer is possibly the most common one, the others are Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness meditation, Zen meditation, Buddhist Meditation and Taoist Meditation.

The body under meditation

Scientific experimentation and research has found out how the human body reacts under profound meditation. It has been found that the meditation process counteracted the effects of the sympathetic nervous system - the one that wants to fight or flee. Whereas the sympathetic system dilates the pupils and gets the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure up, the parasympathetic system, activated when we meditate, does just the opposite.

Muscle tension decreases, blood pressure drops, and for some extraordinary practitioners, even temperature and basal metabolism rates drop during a prolonged meditation. Oxygen needs of the body are reduced when you are in a highly relaxed state, and brain waves change from the busy beta waves to the blissful alpha waves.

Meditation Techniques

There are two major approaches to meditation, which are Concentrative Meditation and Mindfulness Meditation. These can be explained as follows -

1. Concentrative Meditation
The approach to still the mind is to focus the attention on the breath, image or sound (mantra). This gives way to greater awareness and clarity. In its most basic form concentrative meditation requires you to sit quietly and focus your attention on your breath. Practitioners of yoga and meditation believe that there is a direct correlation between one's state of mind and one's breath. For e.g. when a person is anxious, frightened, agitated or distracted, the breath will tend to be shallow, rapid and irregular. On the other hand, when the mind is calm, focused and composed, the breath tends to be slow, deep and regular.

2. Mindfulness Meditation
In this type of meditation, the mind is aware of all that is happening around you. You just observe the sounds, feelings, sensations, images, thoughts, smells etc without getting involved in them or thing about them. The person is just like a spectator who is witnessing everything but one who does not react or get involved with thoughts, memories, feelings, worries or images. This helps to gain a more calm, clear and non-reactive state of mind.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses as well as methods of meditation.

Aging is All About Self Esteem

2009-05-12T16:03:00.001+07:00

Many of you probably think that aging is something that is just part of the normal life cycle. If your concept of the life cycle is then something like you're born, you age and then you die then it's not surprizing that this is where you are headed. Although you are likely not alone in believing this I would like to challenge you to take a step back from this belief for a moment.

What I'd like you to try now is to repeat the statement to yourself again once, and as you do try not to listen to the words. Instead listen to how the words make you feel inside. I know that this may sound strange or feel a bit callenging but try it anyway. Alternately you can allow someone else to read it to you as you focus on and listen to the feelings it evokes within you.

So again the statement is:

(A) You're born, you age and then you die.

Now if you are a sensitive individual I can guess that the feelings that emerged with hearing such a statement were not exactly pleasant. For instance did you feel any of the following: saddness, heaviness, frustration, anger, hopelessness, helplessness, a sinking feeling, feeling limited or trapped?

If so, what do you think these feelings are trying to communicate to you about statement(A)? Well, if you consider this long enough, you'll probably agree that these feelings are suggesting to you that that statement is not good for you i.e. it is toxic to you. Just think about it.

When you eat something that isn't good for your body how does it react? Not well, right? That reaction is your body telling you that's not good for you! In the same way the feelings you may have had about statement (A) are telling you the same thing about the statement itself.

So you see, your body reacts not only to foods, it also reacts to beliefs that happen to be inside you that are not good for you. A belief is simply a statement that you choose to keep inside of yourself because you think it is going to be useful to you in some way. I'm only guessing that all this may be a new revelation for you. If not, I congratulate you on your wisdom.

Now when you eat something that isn't good for you, what do you do? Well, you make sure that that food never finds its way back inside you, don't you? So my next question is: Why have you persisted in keeping statement (A) inside you if it makes you feel so bad? In other words why do you believe statement (A) is useful to you?

Well you might now say something like, It's not a question of whether it's good for me or not, it's just a fact, I can't change it. Well this last statement is another belief, isn't it? How does it make you feel? Probably the same way statement (A) made you feel, correct?

So are you beginning to see how many toxic beliefs you have inside you? By toxic, I mean something that makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, sick, sad etc.. It's no wonder you're body is deteriorating i.e. aging. After all isn't aging what happens to you when you take something toxic inside yourself and it stays there for a long period and undermines the normal functioning of your body so that it breaks down?

Now that you've followed me so far I want to add that the choice to take something toxic into ones' self is an issue of Self Esteem! That is, if you like yourself sufficiently, you are unlikely to choose to take into yourself something that is toxic to you, correct? Whether it's bad food, cigarettes, toxic chemicals, drugs or beliefs, the effects are the same.

You may even be surprized if I said to you that the latter are probably more toxic than all the others.

What's interesting about all of this is that you actually do have a choice! If you want to know more about how you can exercise this choice you may wish to visit the web site below in my bio.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is a Key Note Speaker, Author of Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation (available in e-book format at: http://www.telecoaching4u.com/ebook.htm), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Personal URL: http://www.telecoaching4u.com

Health Benefits Of Nettle

2009-05-05T20:00:00.001+07:00

The stinging nettle (which is called ortie in France and Brennessel in Germany) was said to be introduced into Britain by Caesar's soldiers. They sowed it along the sides of the great straight roads; both the roads and the nettles survive. At the end of a day's march the cooler climate of England and the weary miles made their legs ache. They would gather the nettles and beat each other with them so warming the affected parts. Really an embrocate for the strong.

Culpeper says wittily that they may be found by feeling on the darkest night! He tells us that the juice with honey is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs.

Today the herbal practitioner has found many uses for the humble nettle. The extract with alcohol is a stimulating hair tonic. Urtication, or beating with nettles, is sometimes used as a counter irritant for rheumatic sufferers. It is given to lessen bleeding in the mouth, in the form of a juice, and the juice will apparently greatly relieve painful piles or haemorrhoids if taken a tablespoonful (l5ml) at a time, three times a day.

The active constituents are many and include 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, formic acid and gallic acid, plus much readily assimilable iron. Research by Drs Herrmann and Neumann established that an increased metabolic rate took place over a period which lasted from the sixth to the twenty-second hour after taking a glassful. They said that this was very helpful when used in conjunction with therapies for removing -toxins from the blood, and for rheumatism.

For the same reason, nettle juice is a good addition to any iron therapy for anemia. It helps control diarrhea and is at the same time a diuretic which aids the elimination of uric acid. It is powerful so is usually taken a wineglassful at a time. The part of the plant to pick is the top leaves; you may wear gloves or 'Grasp it like a man of mettle and it soft as silk remains.'

Research by Dr Keeser found that the nettle could reduce the blood sugar level. The juice is often good for nervous eczema. The White Dead Nettle (Lamium album) although similar in appearance belongs to a completely different botanical family, but it acts as an astringent and is also effective for diarrhea.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on all the natural and home made remedies with the value and benefits of Nettle.

7 Beauty Tips For Acne Prone Skin

2009-04-28T19:54:00.001+07:00

Acne. Boy do I hate it. Those pimples popping up all over my face back in my teenaged years. Even now, I do get acne outbreaks when I am stressed, or use the wrong skin care product. I've been to many doctors who are able to clear my acne, until the next outbreak.

Part of the reason is oily skin. Greasy skin that traps dirt and skin debris clogging up pores make your skin pores an excellent breeding place for bacteria. The bacteria multiplies and voila. You have acne.

All is not lost. If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, here are 7 beauty tips to help keep the pimples away.

1. Keep your HANDS off your face.
You hands, after touching so many things, opening the door, picking up a bag, things we do everyday, are covered with bacteria. The last thing you want is to put that bacteria on your face. Touch your face often with your hands, or worse still, pick those pimples with your fingers, and you will see the pimples multiply.

2. Keep your HAIR off your face.
If you have oily skin, you probably have oily hair. Oily hair brushing against your face adds to the oil. Oil, sweat and skin debris are a great way to clog the pores in your skin, leading to more pimples. If you notice pimples appearing on your forehead, or your cheeks and chin, typically where your hair might brush against, your hair could be the culprit. Wear a hairband, use hair clips to keep your hair off your face, tie it into a pony tail, or get a hair cut.

3. Wash your face 3 times a day with a good acne cleanser.
I got that tip from a doctor. I washed my face when I woke up, at lunch time and at bedtime with a cleanser that is meant for skin that has acne. My skin cleared when I stuck to the routine and used only skin care products meant for skin with acne. A bar of soap meant for washing your face does the trick just as well.

4. Stick to acne skin care
Every time I stray from that point, I end up with a major acne outbreak. Always. Everytime I see my pals with exceptionally radiant skin, I want to use whatever they use. I would switch to richer, anti aging skin care as a preventive measure, worried about wrinkles appearing when I get older. That backfires every time. I end up with more pimples. Stick to good acne skin care products.

5. Relax
Did you notice how pimples tend to appear more before a stressful event. Exams. A big date. A presentation. Stress wreaks havoc on your skin. Ok, pimples can also pop up due to hormonal imbalances, like just before your period.

6. Sleep
Your skin heals itself when you sleep. Your entire body heals itself in your sleep. A night without sleep may lead to more pimples. Make it a habit to leave your worries behind and get a good night's sleep. Work out more earlier in the day. Get some exercise before evening. It helps.

7. Stay away from pressed powder compact.
Yup. You heard me right. I got this tip from a friend. Her friend used a pressed powder compact to hide her acne. Instead, the more she used it the worse it got. Just think. By mid day, your skin gets oily. You take out the powder compact, and use that powder puff to apply pressed powder on your face. Now, your face would already have dirt, bacteria and oil on it. Pat your face with that powder puff and now that puff picks up the dirt, bacteria and oil. You put it back into the compact. The bacteria happily breeds in there. Then you take out the compact again and pat more powder, mixed with oil, dirt and bacteria onto your face, picking up more gunk, putting in more gunk into your compact. The cycle goes on. A better bet would be to use blotting paper to blot off the excess oil instead. Then you can throw the paper away after use. Use the blotting paper meant for your face like the ones found at http://www.everythingbeauty.info/blotting%20paper.htm

About this powder puff thing, make it a point to wash your powder puff and all your make up brushes regularly, with soap and water. Then dry them completely before you keep them. Guess that would make it an 8th tip right?

Oily, acne prone skin needs a lot of care. The bright side is that oily skin is slower to show signs of aging than dry skin. Take care of your skin and you'll probably look younger than your peers as the decades go by.

You can find more information about how to deal with acne at acne remedies and skin care for teens. The writer is the webmaster of http://www.sisadvice.com

The Gift of Permanent Makeup: The Healing Power of Loving the Way You Look

2009-04-24T13:09:00.001+07:00

Poet, artist and philosopher Kahlil Gibran wrote in his book The Prophet ?Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are the life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.? In these words he speaks of an age-old human struggle we have all faced, the struggle to see our own inherent beauty. Part of the Universal human experience is to learn how to love, appreciate and enjoy the way we look; our faces and our bodies are often judged by others when it is only our own opinion that truly matters. Loving the way you look can be a spiritual and healing experience, it can change the way you move and speak. It transforms the energy you project to others.

The Vanity Myth

There are many misconceptions when it comes to the practice of permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing. It is the same myth that pervades the medical field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. There is a belief in America that if a person engages in procedures such as permanent eyeliner, permanent lipstick or other cosmetic changes that they are driven by vanity or are shallow inside. Although I agree that there is a portion of people who will never be satisfied with their appearance, I do not believe these people are the majority. Most of the clients I see in my practice are men and women who are in the process of learning to love themselves more and through this process they eventually gain more confidence and experience a better quality of life.

Let Your Natural Beauty Emerge

There are many reasons to have permanent makeup. Illness, injury and a desire for practicality, efficiency or increased confidence are just a few. All of these motivations have less to do with vanity and more to do with building self-esteem and self-appreciation. Loving yourself is a healing process and I am lucky to work in a field where I can participate in this process with my clientele. I work, not only with their faces but I also connect with their individual energy. I use my artistic eye for color and symmetry to apply the permanent cosmetics, but I also access my intuition in order to see what they see and to understand what they feel needs to change about their appearance.

A wonderful example of this process is a former client named Becky, a college professor and author. ?I have looked at myself in the mirror each day since you did my eyeliner and I am so happy with what looks back at me, ?Becky states, ?I knew I wanted to have the procedure done for esthetics and got a bonus of enhanced self esteem.? ?Thank you for your artistic, beautiful work that walks around with me everyday, collecting compliments whenever I reveal my secret,? she continues. In the end the goal is to create a look that doesn?t compensate for flaws or imperfections, but enhances what is most beautiful about the person naturally. Natural beauty exists within all people and bringing it to the forefront is the key to a great look. Then each day you look in the mirror to see your best facial features highlighted. This allows you to walk with your head high, to feel more comfortable in your own skin and to move forward in ways you may have avoided n the past.

Believe in Your Own Beauty

To achieve a beauty that you can believe in you must make choices to enhance the beauty that is already there. Everyone deserves to leave home feeling confident and excited about their own appearance. Permanent makeup is not a way to cover up the problems; it is way to help your best facial qualities and features to emerge. As you see this previously hidden part of you walk out into the light of day healing takes place and this healing energy can spread through the rest of your life.

Dawn Willard?s twenty-three year career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. She has learned an array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

Fats Explained

2009-04-13T19:15:00.001+07:00

Fats provide a concentrated store of energy in the body. Weight for weight they provide twice as much energy as do either carbohydrates or proteins. If you eat too much of any of these three basic food materials your body can store the surplus as fat. A lot has been said about the advantages of vegetable fats over animal fats. This is to over-simplify the problem.

The great change in the balance and quantity of fats in our diet this century has been away from the polyunsaturated fats and towards the hard or saturated fats. Usually animal fats and dairy fats are saturated. We are eating too much fat of all kinds and should reduce the total quantity we consume. After reducing the total quantity of fat we should reduce the saturated fat further and replace this with polyunsaturated fats.

These are found in grains and cereals especially Soya, maize or corn, sunflower, linseed, sesame and safflower. Some vegetable fats are quite saturated as the animal variety; examples of these, which should be taken only in moderation, are coconut and palm oils. There is much evidence, and the majority of nutritionists would support the view, that too much fat in the diet, especially if it is saturated, increases the chance of arteriosclerosis and heart attack.

In comparison, a moderate consumption of the polyunsaturated fats together with some saturated positively reduces the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and reduces the occurrence of thickening of the arteries. To increase your intake of polyunsaturated fats you can use soft margarine made with vegetable oils, and cook in the best oils such as corn or sunflower. If you eat meat, cut off the fat, which is saturated. Remember too, that cocoa butter is very saturated, so a lot of chocolate is not a good idea.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and health problems .

Plastic Surgery ? is It the Best Solution?

2009-04-12T18:09:00.001+07:00

Earlier people felt that plastic surgery was such an operation, which was for the higher sections of the society. But nowadays the total expenditure of the surgery is very reasonable and all sections of society opt for it. Today plastic surgery is not a big deal; all that is required is a qualified surgeon.

Sometimes plastic surgery is a necessity for reasons such as unusual birthmarks, accidents or burn marks etc. Today because reconstructive surgery can be performed for these cases, a lot of people can look good.

Cosmetic surgery has become immensely popular today, as most of the people are turning beauty conscious. Most of them want to enhance their looks and so they properly mould their nose, lips etc. But, before planning for such surgeries one must carefully listen to the tips of the surgeon. The plastic surgeries do not always end up successfully as there have been cases of swellings, non-symmetry and even death.

You need to carefully choose a surgeon for the operation. If you want to lodge a complaint about any surgeon you can meet the board of Medical Examiners. You can review the ratings of each surgeon if you surf for the information on the Internet. As experience is an important factor, you must find out whether the surgeon is capable from the previous patients.

Cosmetic surgery is really an appealing concept but a careful consideration should be made before planning for it.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1599.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Inside Secrets of a Beauty Consultant Painless Hair Removal Tips You Can Use

2009-04-02T13:05:00.000+07:00

If you have been shaving for a number of years you may be amazed when you hear claims that there is such a thing as painless hair removal that lasts. You will have tried everything for silky soft skin - shaving doesn't last, electrolysis and laser hair removal are too painful.

What you need to try is the new breed of epilators which gently pulls the hair while holiding the skin firmly to ensure no pain.

Panasonic designs some unique and easy to use epilators that will make your day go so much easier. You will have the comfort of knowing that you will be hair free even in sensitive areas for up to 4 to 6 weeks with a Panasonic epilator.

The only most women are talking about is the Panasonic Skin Protector System Epilator. This awesome epilator holds down your skin while it gently pulls out the hair. The 32 tweezer discs will gently pull even the finest hair from the root and does not come in direct contact with your skin. The head of the Panasonic Epilator slides from side to side very smoothly to remove all the hair including ones that are around 0.5mm. This is one epilator that you are sure to use all the time. It can go cordless with its rechargeable battery or can also be used with the cord. To re-charge all you need to do is plug it in. I particularly recommend this epilator for very sensitive skin.

Another recommended Panasonic Epilator is the ES119AC Progressions Cosmetic Groomer. This is one unique epilator that can be used by either a man or woman. It was designed especially for use on the face and neck. This cool epilator is battery operated, so there are never any cords in the way, so it is much easier to use. You will enjoy taking it with you as you travel or when you need to remove hair on the go. The stainless steel microfine blades will give you a comfortable and easy way to remove unwanted hair.

Once you have tried an epilator you will never rely on anything else.

As a beauty consultant Nicola Kennedy is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for Epilator Resources, Views and Information to help you choose the Best Epilator for you.

Beauty: Inner Outer

2009-03-30T13:30:00.001+07:00

Heart is filled with happiness when it sees or feels something beautiful. There is magnetic magic in beauty. In general, any person gets attracted by beauty. It might be an object, nature or a person. If a person goes for beautiful object or nature, it will not change that person?s life but if the same goes for a person of beauty, then comes the situation of his or her life being changed.

Regarding binding our lives forever, it is our pleasure and a matter of satisfaction to look for beauty in the other person but it is not always good and healthy to go for outer looks alone. As we often hear the saying, ?Beauty is skin deep?, we need to look for inner beauty also. When there is outer beauty, one?s mind is happy. When there is inner beauty one?s soul is happy. Only when there is a balance between these two can there be harmony at a place or between two hearts.

It is not always true that a beautiful person is beautiful at heart too and that there will be peace at home. In the present era, youngsters very easily get infatuated and deceived by outer looks and they go ahead without pausing and they very quickly get married prefixing this term ?Marriage? with ?Love.? Later when they get used to that beauty, they start looking for inner beauty rather than outer looks. They repent for what they have done without giving much thought. But all this repentance is in vain as they are already bound with another person.

In order to lead a happy life, inner beauty is very important. One can live with a lame or a dumb person. But one cannot lead a happy life with an insensitive and heartless person. For any life to be satisfactory or fulfilling, understanding is essential and primary. So if you plan to marry a person just by getting attracted to that person?s looks, pause a little. Observe his or her qualities, mentality, behaviour for a while and then proceed. Never blindly take important decisions in haste.

Last but not the least, never judge or compare with any person. No one on this earth is perfect. If you see a beautiful person, you think that person is gifted with happiness. If you see a person who is not that beautiful, you tend to feel sorry for that person. But what do you know? She or he might be leading a very happy life though not beautiful. Though a beautiful person, that being?s life might have been a big chaos. So, it is wise to ponder on the truth that true happiness and satisfaction lie in a ?Heart? rather than in ?Skin.?

?For eye-catching beauty, live a Life of Grace.? - Sharmila Sanka

About the Author

With pride that I have been blessed with a human form, I always craved to grab any opportunity in order to utilize this human birth to the fullest and at last I found the answer to my craving mind and it was no other than ?Spirituality.?

My little heart panged for the desire to quench my thirst of ?releasing the heaviness? which resided inside of it since years. It hungered after the soul within asking to reveal more of life ? Materialistic and Spiritual in the form of Articles and Quotations which had the sole purpose of sharing it with other human beings not for name or fame but to tame this little mind towards the higher goal of ?Global Peace? on this earth plane.

Sharmila Sanka
3910 SW Sycamore Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
USA
479-271-8278
sharmilasanka@yahoo.com

Horseradish Sauce Health Benefits

2009-03-29T20:03:00.001+07:00

The health benefits of horseradish sauce are numerous, sinus and cold cure to name a few. Horseradish sauce is made by shredding and pounding the fresh root to which is added lemon juice. In this form the horseradish juice can be stored in a cold place for at least a week.

Horseradish plant, like garlic, is a plant that you cannot successfully put through a juicer. The reason is that the essential oils are extremely strong, so strong that the toughest physique will find them hard to tolerate.

The horseradish herb is very beneficial for dissolving mucus in the nose and also helpful in sinus. Take a half teaspoonful of the sauce without dilution both morning and afternoon. Do not drink anything or eat for at least ten minutes after the dose. There will be a powerful feeling in the head, sometimes with sweating and usually accompanied by many tears (not of pain).

Sinus troubles cause much pain and misery. The horseradish attacks the very cause of the condition and brings relief. Sometimes it is necessary to continue the treatment for several months, but you will know when the horseradish has done its work because the violent sensations resulting from the use of the sauce will gently reduce and finally almost disappear along with the mucus.

It is a good idea to combine this treatment with the juices of radish, including both leaves and root and carrot. These two will help to rebuild the tissues ravaged by the sinus infection. You will understand that it is also vital to make sure that your eating pattern becomes well-balanced with the avoidance of refined carbohydrates and the adoption of a basically natural diet.

Horseradish is also specific for relieving water retention, or dropsy, as it used to be called. This is tied in with a stimulating effect on the blood capillaries caused by the action of the main therapeutic principle in the plant, a glycoside called sinigrin. Horseradish has exceptionally high vitamin C content, with 114mg per 100g (4oz) - this is one of the highest vegetable concentrations. It has as well some of the highest amounts of potassium and sulfur, and a good quantity of calcium.

Other uses that have been identified are for diabetics, where Professor Kuhn found an improvement in the blood picture, for coughs and catarrh and in the treatment of circulatory problems of a mild nature.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on benefits of not only juices and raw vegetables are mentioned, but importance of sauces made by horseradish are also mentioned.

Cleanse and Stimulate Your Scalp with the Right Shampoo!

2009-03-27T19:57:00.001+07:00

Shampoo contributes to good hair care. In our quest for the perfect makeup, the vital importance of good hair care is mostly ignored. Your hair is usually the first thing people notice about you and gives you away in many ways. Is it dull, dry and damaged, or is it shiny, vibrant and healthy? Well-groomed hair contributes to that perfect look and the confidence in your personality. There are so many shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products available today. One needs to find out which one is best for ones hair.

Don?t take shampoos for granted.

Don?t take shampoos for granted. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell a good shampoo from a bad one, especially when cost, fragrance and foaming are the main purchasing criteria. In fact, good foaming virtually means too much shampoo was used, or rather, wasted. Ideally, the head should have just enough lather to help your fingers massage the shampoo into the scalp and lubricate the hair. This allows sebum and other oils to destroy foam quickly. Today, different shampoos are available for dry hair, permed hair, color treated hair, limp hair, and of course, normal hair. Then there are shampoos which are not typically found in store bought products. For these contain quality ingredients that contribute to the cost of the product.

For example, salon shampoo classically contains higher quality protein based conditioners or moisturizing conditioners, thus enabling the conditioner to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and lock in moisture.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Three Tips for Successful Weight Loss

2009-03-26T14:49:00.001+07:00

Weight loss isn?t just about eating less food. Healthy eating can accelerate your efforts in losing weight. The following are three tips to not only be healthy, but also to lose weight quickly.

Enjoy the Foods You Eat

Weight loss shouldn?t be a chore. If you believe the only foods good for you are those foods that taste badly, then you?re facing an uphill battle right from the start. Instead look at eating as a part of life, and find those foods that you enjoy (and maybe eat slightly less of them). Look to obtain a better balance so that while eating the foods you enjoy, also add some foods that are not processed, such as fruits and vegetables.

You can even start off with just those fruits and vegetables that you currently like and then experiment with expanding to that list, all while looking to maintain a balance between these fresh foods and the foods that may not be the healthiest. Given time, you may find that you acquire a taste for healthy foods.

Try some new recipes. If you don't like raw vegetables, try some steamed ones. If they taste too bland, try adding some spices. You?ll find that as you lose weight and get more energy, your body will start craving these better feelings of health by wanting more of those healthier foods.

Believe in Yourself

Belief is yourself is a necessary component to achieving your goal. If you don't believe what you are doing will work, eventually you?ll give up. Some people quit and blame it on the food, or blame it on where they live, or that they work too many hours to really eat any good food. But in the end, it all comes down to saying to yourself, ?I?m going to do it, no matter what.?

Food may be considered an addiction and the best way to break an addiction is a gradual leading away from the addictive habit, rather than a ?snap? withdrawal (a ?snap? withdrawal is bound for failure). Don?t worry as much about those calories, just tell yourself that you?re going to eat a ?little? less and then supplement the difference with healthier foods.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Successful weight loss involves not hoarding food. Your body hoards the food you eat if you have infrequent, large meals. Weight loss success appears to be in eating smaller meals, frequently throughout the day (4-6 meals spread out every couple hours). Although smaller meals doesn?t mean 4-6 TV dinners every 2 hours. The successful way is have a regular breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then in-between there?s some light snacking, such as a protein bar or meal replacement powder(Muscle Milk from Cytosport is really good for this).

Try to have some fruit and/or vegetables with the breakfast, lunch and dinner. And if a special occasion happens and a piece of cake comes your way, enjoy it without guilt. The key is to be in control and not overdo it ... and don't allow any feelings of guilt to overcome your belief in yourself.

Make sure that you don?t starve yourself. If you start to feel extremely hungry, then you?re probably waiting too long between meals. You see, your body adjusts to the conditions you place on it. If you wait to eat, then your body will adjust by storing more food from the next incoming meal when you finally do eat. The net effect of the habit of waiting is just as if you ate a large meal, as your body stores more of the food, but you don?t get the benefit of eating more food. This is how the downward weight loss failure spiral works (the person eats less, the body stores more of the food, yet the individual feels more tired).

Having four to six meals per day will work if you pace yourself. If you are not hungry when it is time to eat meal number two, the next day adjust meal one so that it doesn't fill you up so much. On the other hand, if you are starving by the time meal two comes around, change meal one so that you are more satisfied (by eating a little more, or adding some healthy fats, or trying some different new foods).

Eating can be a pleasure. It is something we are blessed with and something to be enjoyed. Adjust yourself to eat when you are ready, not when it is time. When you feel it is time to eat, eat something (it?s ok to give yourself permission to do so). Strive for that balance to not have hunger pains and also a balance between processed and natural foods. Try this for a few weeks and you'll find that you?ll believe in yourself to achieve your goal.

It will happen for you and I?ll be so happy for you. Done this way, the weight loss can last you a lifetime, while the health benefits will increase the everyday quality of life for you.

Jessica Deets researches the internet and writes to help people. There's more weight loss news and information at the website at http://www.getthinweightloss.com

How to Look Great Without Spending a Dime

2009-03-25T13:12:00.001+07:00

It?s important to develop a smile that delivers a balanced message between ?I?m happy you noticed me,? and ?I wasn?t born yesterday so don?t even think that you just won round one.?

In other words, you want a smile that is bright, alive, and attractive without making you look like a grinning idiot. And that?s easier to do than you might think.

A good smile is like a good makeup concealer; it can cover up a face that might not be as attractive as you wish it was, or it can draw attention away from some other part of your body that you don?t necessarily want him looking at for the moment. Developing a good smile is just like developing any other character trait. It takes practice and here?s how you get it.

Go into any room where there is a mirror and where you can be alone. Bedroom, bathroom, it doesn?t matter. Then stand in front of the mirror and smile. Smile wide, smile big, smile hard. Make funny faces and laugh at yourself. Think about funny things.

Notice the difference when you smile naturally over something humorous and when you force a smile to appear. Smile until your face hurts, take a break and then start smiling again.

Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day practicing your smile until you can paint it on your face with no effort at all.

If you can?t hit your stride and are unable to find a smile that ?works? seek some help from people who smile for a living. Seriously, go to the magazine store, buy some glamour and Hollywood magazines, and bring them back with you to your smile room. Leaf through the magazines until you find a smile you like and then practice, practice, practice until that smile appears whenever you need it.

Caterina Christakos is the founder of stillagirl.com - the positive place for women and girls. For more beauty tips go to: http://www.stillagirl.com

It's So Easy to Have Smooth Skin All You Need is an Epilator

2009-03-24T12:21:00.001+07:00

There are many hair removal systems available in today?s retail stores, but which ones actually work and give you weeks of peace-of-mind and hair free sensitive skin areas?

Okay, we know that we can purchase razors in all sizes, types and styles, but most razors do not get those small fine hairs and you usually have to shave at least every other day or you have that prickly feeling. This is very unsightly as the short hair poke out of your pantyhose and can even cause runs in your hose. Then there are all types of shaving creams and gels that are suppose to lift the hairs for easier shaving, but you are still left with shaving about every other day.

Then there is waxing. These hair removal systems do in fact rid your body of unwanted hair, but try in on your bikini line. This can be very painful, not to mention time consuming.

There is also a type of laser surgery that guarantees it is a permanent hair removal system. But, who can afford to have a doctor remove unwanted hair, plus the time involved as well.

The cheapest easiest hair removal systems are epilators. These unique hair removal systems were designed especially for women. There are several on the market today that are virtually pain free that can guarantee you will rid your body of unwanted hair for 4 to 6 weeks.

The idea of these hair removal systems is that they use a specially designed head with one or more rows of tweezer type discs that will pull the hair out by the root. When the hair comes out at the root it will take much longer to grow back. You may say, ouch, but in fact they are designed to hold the skin taunt to aid in pain reduction. They are also created with unique heads that do not even touch the skin to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.

In the course of my work I have had nothing but praise from my clients to whom I have recommended epilators.

So, if you are seeking hair removal systems that are convenient, safe, and inexpensive, then you need to compare epilators. You are sure to come up with one which matches your lifestyle.

As a beauty consultant Nicola Kennedy is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for the Best Resources, Views and Information to help you choose the Best Epilator for you.

Fine Hair and Protein Myths

2009-03-23T10:28:00.001+07:00

A lot of people think that you can increase your hair?s vitality by what you eat ? and they are correct. However, a lot of people are wrong to assume that you need to consume a lot of protein, and specifically animal protein, to have healthy hair. For example, some people recommend those with fine hair consume a lot of eggs. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Here?s a personal example. My mother and I both have fine, thin, straight hair. She has eaten meat all her life, while I am a strict vegetarian (vegan). No matter that our diets differ, we both have similar quality hair. Of course part of this is genetic. But also, this is because we both get a well-balanced diet (mine just doesn?t contain any animal products).

To increase the vitality of your hair through diet, you need to include the following on a regular basis:

Clean water

A wide array of fruits and vegetables, preferably raw or cooked low-heat

A good selection of protein from several sources including: soy protein/flour, plant protein (like whole grains and rice) and brewers yeast.

I also recommend a high-quality multivitamin. In particular look for multivitamins with biotin and folic acid. These are the amino acids required for hair growth.

Gelatin Caps

Knox Gelatin sells packets and capsules of ground-up gelatin and markets it as a supplement to strengthen hair, skin, and nails. Before I became vegetarian my mother and I tried consuming these packets and capsules ? along with eating tons of Jello -- for a period of four months. Neither of us saw a bit of difference in our hair, skin, or nails. Perhaps it takes longer to work but I doubt it. Besides, the thought of eating ground up animal bones (that?s what gelatin is) just isn?t appealing.

Are You Vegetarian/Vegan?

You might have encountered good-natured people who tell you that eating meat will increase the diameter or quantity of your hair. And I?m sure you know this just isn?t true. I can believe you get all the nutrients you need through a well-balanced diet. However, if you are thinking of adding anything to your routine in an effort to help your hair, skin, or nails, I?d recommend the following supplements:

Vegan Multivitamin

Flaxseed (oil form or ground up) ? add to a variety of dishes, this provides omega 3 fatty acids typically found in seafood.

Nutritional Yeast ? add to dishes, tastes kind of like mild powdered cheese. Make sure you buy the nutritional kind, not the kind for baking bread or from the brewing process.

People who are not vegetarian/vegan will benefit from adding any of the above-mentioned into their diets, too.

Yes, diet does play a role in the health and vitality of your hair. However, eating too much animal protein won?t thicken fine hair ? but probably will thicken your arteries! So, be healthy and get your protein from plant sources. Don?t be fooled by well-meaning, but uninformed people when it comes to having great health and fabulous hair!

Holly Houff considers herself a champion for women cursed with straight, fine, thin, limp hair - and tirelessly works in the pursuit of happy hair days! She reviews fine hair products and techniques at her website, http://www.finehairsecrets.com

Why is a Mattress so Important?

2009-03-22T16:45:00.001+07:00

Buying a mattress can always be put off until later. Or can it? You shouldn?t scrimp on the single most used piece of furniture in your house. This single item has a lot to do with your health and well being also. How and why should I select a mattress that?s right for me?

First, you must understand two basic mattress construction terms. The core is where the springs and structure are. This is what determines the longevity and support. Old mattresses used an inner spring design. Usually, the more inner springs used in a mattress, the better it was. Not so anymore. A current mattress design uses ?zones? to locate the number and types of springs since our body weight is not evenly distributed, then why should the springs in our mattress?

The second construction term for a mattress is the upholstery. Several different types of foams, fibers, and materials make up this top layer. This gives the mattress the pillow top or soft feeling. Springs are there for support of this comfort layer.

I personally am sleeping on a Simmon?s Beauty Rest Back Care mattress. It has the wrapped spring coils and several comfort layers. It even has some memory foam. It is an excellent bed and it was reasonably priced.

I looked at several models today. It seems the inner spring mattress will be going to the way side after a few years. Everyone wants a memory foam bed. They have several to choose from, but they are all made out of the same material. This foam is nice and Sealy and Serta have finally come on board with their versions. The tepurpedic has been out there the longest and seems to be the best quality at the best price.

However, foam mattresses just don?t look like a regular bed. They look like a flashback to the days of the popular water beds. Its just not what we are accustomed to seeing. King Koil came out with a combination of this model. A traditional looking mattress, with contemporary foam for a core. You get the look of a regular bed with the benefit of a solid foam core. No more inner springs.

Comes to find out, the most sold mattress in the store where I was at, was the King Koil brand as I described above. Actually, the top 3 sellers were all King Koil brand, with only one of the three have an inner spring coil.

Beds weren?t meant to last forever. You can chunk it and get another. If it?s bad enough for you to get a new one, don?t pass it on and give problems to someone else, either. And don?t sell your old mattress as it is against the law in some states.

Stuart Simpson http://www.mattress-review.com

How To Get Skin Smoothening & Scar Correction

2009-03-21T22:17:00.001+07:00

SKIN SMOOTHENING and SCAR TREATMENT can be performed by , ?Silicone crystal rotoabrader? machine utilizing the principle of removing the damaged upper layer of skin and then allowing lower layers to heal giving a glow & smooth appearance to new skin. The technique can be performed without need of any injections or anaesthesia and the patient can go home immediately after the procedure. This technique gently exfoliates the skin to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, to help reduce the effects of sun damage and acne scarring and to help minimize pore size and other skin imperfections while stimulating the production of new and healthy skin cells. The result is fresher, healthier and younger looking skin with a smooth texture and a silky touch. This technique is beneficial for both young and mature skin and is safe for all skin types. The circular motion of the resurfacing tool works to stimulate blood flow, to enhance facial muscle tone and boost cell reproduction. Depending upon the type & severity of scarring the patient has to attend clinic in three or four sittings. This technique can be combined with other facial treatments to give better results for desiring patients. This method alleviates all the inconveniences due to traditional dermabrasion like pain, bleeding, hospitalization, difference in skin pigmentation and is much more safe & affordable than laser dermabrasion.

This technique is helpful to those suferring from:

?Acne scarring over face.
?Fine wrinkles over face.
?Rough skin texture.
?Pitted facial scars.
?Large blocked skin pores.
?Loss of facial tone & early facial sagging.
?Superficial pigmentory disorders.
?Facial warts & similar growths.

?Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery? has always aimed to bring in the best, safest, scientific and yet affordable latest techniques for the benefit of patients. ?Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery? is committed to making your beauty dream successful.

Such treatments are routinely being carried out at ?Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery? with the help of ?Virtual Cosmetic Laser Surgery with built in Skin ?Scanner? based on, Japanese Technology of miniaturization of Diode Lasers.

http://www.icls.in

Perfect Lips

2009-03-17T14:16:00.001+07:00

Nothing impresses your friends more than a perfect lip line, because it is the hardest makeup application to do.To get it, avoid applying the lip pencil too heavily, which will be difficult to blend and soften into the lipstick. Keeping your mouth closed lightly trace the lip line with the lip pencil so it can barely be seen, but can be used as a guide line.

Hold the brush horizontally to trace along the lip line, and do a little bit at a time, backing up and going over it again. Don't try to get the whole line in one stroke. The best lip brush is a sable with a slightly tapered edge, not straight one.

This provides more control and a cleaner line.If you are really pressed for time, apply lipstick only on the bottom lip and press your lips together. Then, blend out to the lip line with the edge of a lip brush, not the tip, for a precise line, or use a dampened cotton swab for a soft, natural lip line.

When finished, instead of blotting the lips by biting a tissue, lay the tissue across both lips while your mouth is closed. This will imprint your lips, including the edges of the mouth where lipstick usually bleeds. Perfect!

Mina Dimakis-Lev
BeautyImagebyMina.com

Best Beauty Tips For A Healthy And Natural Look

2009-03-15T19:08:00.001+07:00

'Beauty is skin deep', so goes the good old saying. But, that does not rob the charm of enhancing your looks. So, hey there, beauty conscious, there's just no harm in having some of the best beauty tips up your sleeves. For looking and feeling beautiful is a sign of health and happiness. And in an age where looking good spells confidence and success, it's vital that you have the best beauty tips handy.

Pamper Your Body

The first secret to true beauty is a natural body glow. Try a refreshing exfoliate with a homemade mix of olive oil, sea salt or sugar. Dry brushing your body, preferably with a natural bristle brush before a bath. It helps to stimulate the glands.

A Little Thought for your Eyes, Hands and Feet

-Moisturise your hands and feet regularly. Don't forget to file your nails and apply nail polish.

-Free your eyes of the tired look simply with a spoon. Keep it in the fridge and apply to the eyelids.

-Once you have ensured a healthy body, be in fashion with the best make-up tips.

Magic of Natural Make-Up

The secret of smart make-up is to keep it natural. But often unhygienic and wrong use of make-up causes harm. Here are the best beauty tips to avoid a make-up mess:

-Eye care: To ensure healthy eyes change your mascara every three months, eye shadows every six to twelve months and sharpen your eye pencil regularly

-Mascara basics: To avoid mascara smudging, apply a thin layer to the top lashes only and then use an eyelash brush

-Natural glow: A gel blush or cream gives a more natural look than a powder

-Brow beauty: For a natural look, eyebrows must not look pencil thin. Use a definer for extra volume.

-Eyeliner tips: Use liquid liner instead of a pencil, to avoid smudging in the crease of the lid

-Foundation fashion: While choosing a concealer or foundation, check the shade on the palm side of your wrist. It tells whether the shade would look natural on you.

Haute Hair Tips

A homemade hair pack is better than shampooing. Natural stuff like apple cider vinegar keeps shampoo toxins at bay. The right hairdo makes the correct fashion statement. Always discuss your face shape with your hairdresser, to decide on a style

Do's 'N' Don'ts

Common beauty blunders arise from ignorance. Here are the best beauty tips to be better informed:

- Avoid soap and switch to natural cleansers
- Wash your face often
- Use an eye cream regularly
- Drink lots of water
- Never forget a sunscreen
- Use natural beauty packs

Mind Matters

Last but not the least; you just can't glow unless its heart felt. So, the best beauty tips include doing something you enjoy whenever you can. Always take a break, chat with friends, forget your worries, set your mind free and just watch the wonders.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels and other for doctors offices and medispas. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

How to Improve Your Vision Without Surgery Simple Eye Exercises Work Wonders

2009-03-15T12:49:00.001+07:00

We all know how important it is to keep our bodies fit. Going to the gym, jogging, and swimming are all on the good for you list of activities. But did you know that you can exercise your eyes as well? Exercising your eyes keeps them healthy, takes away eyestrain, helps you to focus and even improves your vision without surgery.

Exercise 1. Massage

First close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds, then open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat this 7 or 8 times.

Then close your eyes and massage with circular movements of your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you press very lightly; otherwise you could hurt your eyes.

Press three fingers of each hand against your upper eyelids, hold for 1-2 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times.

Exercise 2. Movement

Sit and relax. Roll your eyes clockwise, then anticlockwise. Repeat 5 times, and blink in between each.

Exercise 3. Mark on the glass

Sit about 50 cm from the window. Make a mark on the glass at your eye level (a small sticker, black or red, would be perfect). Look through this mark and focus on something far away for 10-15 seconds; then focus on the mark again.

Exercise 4. Follow a pencil

Hold a pencil in front of you on a length of an arm. Move your arm slowly to your nose, follow the pencil with your eyes until you can keep it in focus. Repeat 10 times.

Exercise 5. Writing on the wall

Look in front of you at the opposite wall and pretend that you are writing with your eyes, without turning your head. It seems difficult at the starts, but with a bit of practice it is really fun. The bigger the letters, the better the effect.

Exercise 6. Watch the time with your eyes

Imagine that you are standing in front of a really big clock. Look at the middle of the clock. Then look at any hour mark, without turning your head. Look back at the center. Then look at another hour mark. Do this at least 12 times. You can also do this exercise with your eyes closed.

When doing the exercises, make sure that you're not facing anybody, or else that they know you're doing eye exercises. Otherwise they might think you have gone nuts.

If you can spare 10-15 minutes a day to do these exercises, it would be very beneficial for the health of your eyes. But it is even more important to do the exercises regularly, than it is to do them for a long time. Even 30-60 seconds of eye movement every hour is very helpful. For example, when your computer takes its sweet time to do something, most people just swear at the poor thing and waste the time, but you can make a few circles with your eyes. Even the first day you do this, you should notice that, when you finished working, your eyes aren't as tired as usual.

See other simple tips for your eye health

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of discount contact lenses with reviews and pictures

8 Free Tips: The Truth About Handcare

2009-03-12T20:57:00.001+07:00

Look at your hands now and tell yourself what you see?

Beautifull and gorgeous hands are so important.

Hands tells everything about yourself, how you live your life and love your body.

They say that hands give a woman's age away, well so what!

But gorgeous hands are the carriers of your personality, no matter in what situation and age?you are.

You?wear fancy designer clothes, imagine the negative effects if you combine these fancy clothes with abbandonded hands.

Look around you and see how hands are the centre of communication.

At a party, or even a job interview, your hands are your business card.

Your hands are the ultimate tool invented ever, but you don?t realize how importants these tools are. You just use them all day;

Shaking hands, cooking, doing your hair, feel, touch, work, write.

Endless, think about this for a second.

And decide now, no matter what your age is, to treat them as your treassure.

The skin of the hand is so thin, protect the skin.
Pamper your hands with your personal handlotion, 4 times a day.
Exfoliate once a week with a face exfoliater.
Use once a week your face nightcream also on your hands before you go to sleep.
Get accustomed to using rubber gloves whenever you do housework.
Prevent your hands from aging or abusing.
Protect your hands from dry weather as well as protecing them from the sun.
Use daily a protective barrier.

With other words:

The best way to take care of your hands is to protect them.

Ines van den Born is a registered nurse in Europe. She is also International Sales and Marketing manager Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices.

Ines van den Born

http://www.gloveseurope.com

Italian Leather Gloves, your second skin.

Deep Skin Moisturizing

2009-03-12T17:49:00.001+07:00

When it comes to skin care, moisturizing is usually one of the more popular, and though it?s hard to believe, more controversial topics. Some experts swear by moisturizing as the best way to keep your skin youthful and healthy while others feel a bit more suspicious of its benefits. Since my grandma lived to 94 years of age with beautiful skin and touted the benefits of moisturizing for years, I tend to lean towards giving it a go. For many, moisturizing on a daily basis is already a daily part of their skin care regime while others are just jumping on the bandwagon for the first time. Regardless of where you fall, deep skin moisturizing is a cost effective and simple way to take hold of the hands of time and rein it in.

First, let?s discuss why your skin needs to be moisturized in the first place. Your skin needs water and oil to carry out its natural healing process. Dehydrated skin has a decreased ability to do that. Although not directly responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and the more serious risks, such as skin cancer, dry skin is a contributing factor. Since dehydrated skin is less likely to heal itself, it is harder for your skin to recover from the negative effects of the sun and the natural aging process. For these reasons, it seems obvious that moisture is an important part of skin care and moisturizing your skin would be beneficial.

Once you have decided to moisturize, next you?ll need to know just how to go about it. There are a large variety of moisturizing products on the market today that claim to be the ultimate choice in a sea of options. With all these choices it can be difficult to decide what works best for you. Some of the easier, more natural remedies for dry skin are protecting it from the sun, drinking plenty of water, and eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. This alone will increase your skin?s moisture content without actually applying anything to it.

For some though, an application of some type of moisturizer is necessary. You want your moisturizer to contain not only moisturizing ingredients, but protective elements as well. Look for products that include in their ingredients including collagen, herbs like Gotu Kola, Flame of Forest, and Sensitive Plant, as well as biological oils. Although moisturizing your skin in most cases is beneficial, if you suffer from acne or particularly sensitive skin, you will need to use a moisturizer that is low in oils and allergen free.

The most effective time to apply a skin moisturizer is directly after showering or bathing. While the skin is saturated, the moisturizer will help to lock in the water and keep your skin moist longer.

Brian Fong
http://www.NaturalVisage.com/

Deep skin moisturizing is a cost effective and simple way to take hold of the hands of time and rein it in.

DermaPro: Botox Alternative and Foundation Set

2009-03-11T14:34:00.000+07:00

Women who wear makeup and want to apply a treatment method for wrinkles are limited in the products available. Many products on the market are oil-based. Using these products with foundation can be messy at best. Most products formulated to treat wrinkles are oil based. It can be difficult to apply foundation over products that are oil based. In addition, the oil can eventually seep through the foundation, giving the skin an uneven appearance. Instead of having to go without foundation, women who use foundation should use an alternative treatment.

The good news about DermaPro is that not only allows women who wear foundation to treat their skin for wrinkles, but it actually facilitates better foundation application. It actually prepares the application process to be smoother. DermaPro is an alternative wrinkle treatment for women who use foundation, but it is also a Botox alternative in general. DermaPro works similar to Botox in that it is formulated to relax the muscles so that wrinkles and fine lines become smoother and less visible to the eye. When you apply DermaPro prior to using foundation, your skin will also appear smooth. So, you can treat you skin while looking beautiful. DermaPro goes a step further and actually improves the way your foundation looks.

It takes a powerful product to treat wrinkles. Most products of this type have a particular ingredient that does all the work. In relation to DermaPro, the active ingredient is Thalassine. There are many chemicals available that can smooth skin afflicted with signs of aging. Although the Thalassine in DermaPro works similar to Botox, it is not a toxin. Dermapro is so light that you can apply it along with a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation. A 1-ounce bottle of DermaPro costs nearly 100 dollars, which may be considered expensive. However, you won?t use but a minimal amount of the product.

Detailed information about botox alternatives, including tips on wrinkle reduction, are available at Botox alternative.

Stop Hair Loss!

2009-03-10T14:40:00.001+07:00

Are you losing more than 20-100 strands of hairs a day? If your answer is yes; you are part of 50 percent of the population experiencing hair loss, but before you get alarmed there are some changes in your body either conscious or unconscious that maybe causing your hair to shed. Did you make a change in your diet, Are you eating enough proteins and amino acids, Is your body going trough a hormonal change (postpartum, thyroid), Anemia, stress, medications etc.? It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for anyone experiencing extreme hair loss. A professional will evaluate all the possibilities and right treatment for those with a more serious problem.

Here are some recipes that will act on the scalp by tightening it and helping to avoid hair loss and promote hair growth.

Caution: Make sure recipes are not to hot before applying to hair or scalp.

1.Apply 2 tablespoons of warm olive oil to scalp, leave on for 10-30 minutes before washing hair.

2.Boil 2 cinnamon sticks in one cup of water apply to hair and live on for at least 5 minutes then rinse off.( it will sting a little).

3.Apply & massage vitamin E oil to scalp at least once a week. It's also helpful for dull hair lacking shine.

4.Increase your protein intake by taking multivitamins. Eat high protein foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans, grains etc.

5.Massage your hair with warm Castor and Almond oil once a week.

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics.

keniamorales@kpatra.com

The One Word That Will Take You From Plain Jane to Turning Heads At A Rate That Is Insane!

2009-03-09T01:09:00.001+07:00

Well actually three words, color, color, color!!! I remember the world renowned, salon owner and entrepreneur, John Amico, once told me he is HAPPILY married, Never cheats on his wife, yet he comes home with 5 different women a year! How does he do it? With color (he colors his wife?s hair 4-5 times a year) and he says each time show looks like a new woman!!!

One of the keys to looking stunning with color is getting colors that blend well with your eyes and your skin tone. When this occurs your hair color(s) will not look so man made-ish and the hair color(s) you choose will not only compliment you, but also look very natural.

When taking color into consideration keep in mind there are different types to choose from. You have temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent hair color.

*Temporary Hair Color- is just that, temporary. It is good to use if your permanent color ever starts to fade, between your color appointments.

*Semi-Permanent Hair Color- was created to last anywhere from 6 - 8 shampoos. I must admit that some product lines are stronger than this and I have witnessed a few semi-permanent colors almost as strong as some permanent hair color(s).

*Demi-Permanent Hair Color- was designed to be gentle on the hair. This would be an excellent option for African American women wanting color (and currently relaxing their hair). Even though they do not lighten hair, they can become permanent, so keep in mind that shampooing your hair will not remove demi-permanent hair color.

*Permanent Hair Color: will permanently change the natural color of your hair by either making it lighter or darker.

There are also different factors to take into consideration as well, when choosing your hair color. Like:

*The season. The colors that look best on you in?let?s say?the spring, will not look the best on you...during wintertime.

*How drastic of a change you want to make. The farther you go from your natural color, the more the color will be noticed.

*All over color, vs. highlights. Living in Florida, there is no question which one I love the best...(you guessed it) highlights!!!

Dwayne Pressley is a licensed cosmetologist, hair care consultant, (found at http://www.askdwayne.com) public speaker and author of the internet's scorching hot e-book on the subject of hair What Your Hair stylist Doesn't Want You To Know for more information join the group and/or visit him at http://www.askdwayne.com.

Skin Care Basics

2009-03-08T02:11:00.001+07:00

Skin Care, everyone knows to take care of our skin, but do we pay attention to the details? The quick answer, probably not. A lot of us still run around in the summer time without sun screen to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. The fact is that the sun is harmful to your skin. We need to take precautions both in the summer and wintertime.

The reality today is that Skin Care has become a big buzzword, not just with dermatologists but also in the business and beauty world. We need to start paying more attention to our skin, and all over not just our faces. So what can we do?

Well Lets start by taking a look at the staple steps of skin care.

First off what skin type are you? oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged

Oily: Oily skin tends to be shiny with expanded pores, and is prone to blackheads & blemishes. It's possible to feel tightness.

Combination/normal: This skin type has medium pores, a smooth & level texture, effective circulation, healthy color. Combination / normal skin can tend toward dryness and tightness around the cheek area, but also feel oily in the t-zone.

Sensitive: Sensitive skin tends to be thin, frail with fine pores. Generally sensitive skin flushes easily, and is known to broken capillaries, and can be frequently allergic or rashy.

Dry: Dry skin feels tight which is the main sing of dryness you'll find especially after cleansing your skin. May have small wrinkles, flaking and/or red patches.

Aging or sun-damaged: Similar to dry skin. Aging and sun-damaged skin also feels tight with visible smaller wrinkles, and slack skin tone. You'll find the tone mainly around the cheeks and jaw line.

Once we know what skin type we are it's easier to pick the products we need to use for our daily skin care routine. Now onto the steps

Cleaning: Now unless you are prone to acne, or other breakouts just keep it simple with a cleanser. You want to use a simple wash that your skin doesn't react to and is designed for your skin type. You should try to wash twice a day in combination with exfoliating.

Exfoliate: The most important thing to maintain beautiful skin care is to use a gentle exfoliant daily on your skin. Our skin cells get replaced approx. every 3 weeks, so by clearing away old and dead cells, making way for the new ones we help maintain our glow.

Moisturize: Flat out...everyone should moisturize. Even those of us that have oily skin. Of course some should moisturize their skin more then others, but everyone should. A good rule of thumb is when your skin feels tight it's time to moisturize.

Sunscreen: The biggest cause of wrinkles as we age is damage from the sun. It's important to remember that skin care is a life long journey not just as we age. So ensuring we're protecting our skin with sunscreen both in the early and later years is important. Also consider that the sun doesn't just burn or damage our skin in the summer time, it's a good idea to have some on when doing activities in the winter on sunny days.

These are the simple steps that make up a successful skin care routine. It's important to get into a habit like this daily. This is the key to maintaining great skin well into the later years of our life. Try not to get caught up in the gimmicks of the world. While different injections, and creams can give short-term beauty it's not 100% known how all these products make out over the long run. Concentrate on basic skin care, and slow and steady wins the race.

For more information and resources on taking care of your skin visit Best Skin Care Resources.

Buying Wholesale Salon Equipment

2009-03-07T02:42:00.001+07:00

Buying salon equipment from a wholesaler is one option to consider when opening a new hair, nail or tanning salon. Wholesalers of salon equipment typically offer many different styles and brands of equipment because they don?t specialize in one particular brand over another. This allows the consumer many options when equipping their business.

Many wholesale suppliers of salon equipment are available online and consumers are able to quickly and conveniently browse through online catalogs to determine which equipment best suits their business needs. Many of these wholesalers also offer free shipping to entice consumers to make a purchase.

Wholesale suppliers can also offer lower prices than smaller businesses that specialize in beauty equipment. They often carry a very large inventory and possess the power to make bulk purchases, allowing them to offer deeper discounts to their customers. Wholesale suppliers also offer financing or leasing options to the customer. This is a convenient way to allow business owners to grow their business, especially during the start up phase. Typically, wholesale salon equipment comes with a warranty that may vary from a standard 3-year warranty to a lifetime warranty -- which is typically attached to more expensive equipment. It is also important to ensure that wholesale salon equipment may be returned or exchanged if it is found to be substandard or defective.

In addition to the general cost savings of purchasing wholesale salon equipment, consumers may further save money if they purchase wholesale salon equipment that is offered as clearance. Many wholesale suppliers offer a selection of clearance equipment at deeply discounted prices. This equipment may have a low turnover rate and the supplier wishes to quickly liquidate the items. Consumers can save significantly when buying new items that are offered on clearance.

Wholesale suppliers can offer a consumer great savings on wholesale salon equipment. Prior to making a purchase, it is important to conduct research. Ensure you are purchasing from a reputable supplier that offers a solid return or exchange policy. If the policy being offered is inadequate or is not easily understood, it may be a wise decision to purchase elsewhere.

Salon Equipment Info provides detailed information about beauty, hair, nail, tanning salon equipment, as well as wholesale and discount salon equipment. Salon Equipment Info is the sister site of Hair Extensions Web.

Makeup Makeover

2009-03-07T00:51:00.001+07:00

Do you need a make-up makeover? You can easily spruce up your look by adding a few key seasonal products to your make-up bag. The goal is to have fun and find products that create a look that makes you look and feel great. Many Professional Beauty Consultants will let you try-before-you-buy and will assist you in making smart color choices. Still feeling a little intimidated? Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your first color consultation:

1.Take an inventory of your current makeup bag. Keep in mind that cream and liquid based makeup like foundations and concealors have a shelf life. If your makeup begins to separate, in the bottle or cake and break?get rid of it. Mascara should only be used for one season. Bacteria could develop on the brush. Your products should be fresh and bacteria free, after all, you are putting them on your face! Taking an inventory will also help you determine what you need and what you can live without.

2.Note colors you like and colors you absolutely hate. How many times have you gotten home from the store, so excited about your new lipstick, only to find that you have 3 others in almost the exact shade? Bring your favorite colors with you to avoid duplicating or to match up colors you love that are getting low.

3.Be willing to try. It?s only makeup. The beauty of cosmetics (no pun intended) is that they are temporary. If you don?t like the look, it will wash right off.

4.Have fun. Remember, when you were a little girl playing with your mother?s makeup. You and your best girlfriends crammed in the bathroom, pink, blue and bright purple powder everywhere. Sparkly, glittery pale blue lips with hot pink eye shadow and enough body glitter to light the Lincoln Tunnel. Oh yes?those were the days. Playing with makeup is fun. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Have a great day!

Dawn Hull
Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what's new, what's now ? what's changing the face of makeup and skin care! You'll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

Beauty Tips

2009-03-06T21:36:00.001+07:00

1.Your foundation will look only as good as the skin underneath. To get an even, smooth look, cleanse and exfoliate regularly.

2.If you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergic reactions make sure you test new cosmetics on a small patch either on the inside of your arm or your neck. If after 24 hours you don?t have a reaction it is safe to use the product.

3.If you have acne or find you cannot use any skin care products without getting an allergic reaction or dry itchy skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

4.Use mascara sparingly. Using too much will make your eyelashes stick together and form into blobs. Dip your brush only once to do both eyes making sure you twist, not pump the brush.

5.No matter how tempting it might be to drop into bed after being out late, don?t do it. Your skin will thank you if you remove all traces of makeup and apply your skin care cream before going to bed.

6.Take care of the skin around your neck as well as your face by applying moisturizer. This is a delicate area which is quick to show wrinkles.

7.Cosmetics do not last forever and using old products can cause irritations. Here are some guidelines:

*Foundation ? 1 year

*Concealer - 1 year

*Powder - 2 years

*Mascara - 3 months

*Lipstick ? 1 year

*Eye pencil ? 1 year

*Eye Shadow ? 1 year

*Powder Blush ? 2 years

*Cream Blush ? 6 months

*Moisturizer ? 1 year

*Eye Cream ? 1 year

*Sun Screen ? l year

?2005 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmmer. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.

Botox(r) Fast And Effective But The Big Question Is "Is It Safe?"

2009-03-06T02:19:00.000+07:00

Women are constantly seeking products to look younger and often they are digging deep into their pocket books to try new products. Some have had laser treatments, some have spend exorbitant amounts on new face creams, some have tried holistic or natural approaches. Woman and I might add men are always on the quest for a more youthful appearance. Many have turned to Botox? .

What we know for certain is the Botox? anti-aging treatment works. In 2003 in the US 8.3 million cosmetic procedures where done. Of that 8.3 million 78% of the procedures did not involve surgery such as injectables to ease wrinkles.

Botox? ? is the trade name for botulinum toxin A.What Botox? does is ?paralyze muscles and soft tissue fillers? which are derived from natural collagen and restore plumpness. Originally Botox? was used to treat uncontrollable blinking. Doctors soon discovered the patients being treated for blinking were obtaining a more youthful appearance ? thus the future of Botox? took a turn down the cosmetic road.

The protein compound of Botox? actually causes botulism which can result in paralysis. When it is injected into the skin the muscle stops contracting it causes the skin to relax and the wrinkle to soften. Botox? works best on individuals who have deep set highly visible wrinkles. It is mostly used on the forehead, between the eyes, and on crow feet. It takes 3-5 days after the injection for the effects to occur which last 3-4 months.

Some people are having ?Botox? Parties? where everyone gets together for cocktails and their Botox? injection. We strongly recommend you do not partake in these parties. Seek medical advise if your are considering a Botox? treatment. If you are thinking about a Botox? treatment make certain your Doctor uses FDA approved Botox? and only get treatments form a licensed Doctor. Dermatologists or Plastic Surgeons are the most expert in administering Botox? so if either of these are an option I would recommend taking that route. Get a few recommendations for doctors and check each one out thoroughly. Check if they are board certified, get references if at all possible, schedule an appointment for a consultation which will give you a better indication if you are comfortable with your choice. Ask your doctor to show you before and after pictures of procedures he has done.

Some of the potential problems that can occur

Some people experience a pinching or burning sensation when the needle enters the skin. Ask your doctor for a numbing cream prior to your treatment

Minor post treatment headache may occur

Red blotching can occur for around 15 -30 min. Wait to leave the doctors office until redness fades.

Droopy eyelid results when there is seepage of Botox? into the muscle that keeps the eye open. It can occur anywhere from immediately to two weeks after the injection.

Some may experience an expressionless face. Use a lower dose of Botox? next treatment

BOTOX? ? has been approved as an anti-wrinkle remedy by the American Food and Drug Administration (AFD). Since this is a public and federally funded institution, they are primarily concerned with public safety one would assume they would not approve BOTOX? ? for general public usage without conducting all the sufficient and necessary tests to determine whether or not it is safe.

The use of Botox? is truly a personal choice and we recommend you do your research before making a decision.

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Your Weight Loss Problem: How To Cure It By Watching Movies Or Reading Books!

2009-03-06T01:35:00.000+07:00

I don?t know anything about you but if you?re anything like me then you struggle with a weight loss problem. Your weight loss problem consists of you struggling to keep your weight down or struggling to make your weight go down.

Most people who see me wouldn?t believe that I have a weight loss problem, but I do. I?ve battled bulimia and constant gains and losses in weight, of ten pounds each time. Thats what I call a big weight loss problem.

A lot of women and men with the same or a similar weight loss problem would sympathize with me I?m sure. I want to look good (who doesn?t?) so that always motivates me to go on a diet.

But after sticking to a diet for a week and dropping the unwanted weight my love for good tasting food overpowers my need to feel attractive and the weight piles back on pound by pound.

There is always exercise to help with a weight loss problem, I remind myself as I lie lazily on the couch chomping down on one of my non-diet treats. ?Sure!? I groan ?I don?t feel like wearing my butt out without seeing any results for weeks at a time.?

Whenever I start a workout regimen I only stick to it for a few weeks (usually less) and then I get bored and drop it. So my weight loss problem continues.

How many other women I wondered (or men, for that matter) get bored while exercising? I thought about that for awhile then I set about to find a solution to help all those poor people (and myself too, of course) with this weight loss problem.

First I asked myself: What did I like to do? What did I find Interesting?

?Hmmmm, well? I thought ?I like dancing, but long periods of it are exhausting. I like to read, to listen to music, and I really dislike being on my feet for over long periods of time.

What could possibly combine all or most of these to make my exercising interesting and help solve my weight loss problem?

The solution to my weight loss problem was amazingly simple!

I own an old stationary bike, and I do mean OLD, but the important thing is that it operates. You can do this with any form of stationary bike, whether it?s a twenty year old model or an up to date model.

It doesn?t matter whether you own the stationary bike or use a gym?s or your local YMCA?s or YWCA?s facilities.

My weight loss problem solution is this:

Find something engrossing to read. It could be a novel or your favorite magazine. Or listen to music that you enjoy, you could even use audio books or any different CD?s or things you could listen to.

I suppose if your bike was somewhere around a television or computer with a DVD player, you could even watch your favorite movie.

The next step is to mount your stationary bide and start biking while reading or doing any of the above listed activities, and not to get off for at least 45 to 60 minutes, except for an occasional rest every quarter of an hour.

I usually just keep biking away the whole time and sometimes I bike longer because I?m so engrossed in what I?m reading, and I won?t allow myself to read it once I?m off the stationary bike.

After a week of this, without change in my eating habits, or any dieting, I?m maintaining a healthy weight. Best of all I?m not putting on any new pounds, and my legs look visibly slimmer.

So I've kissed my weight loss problem goodbye, and I'm saying hello to slim jeans and size 6 dresses, and you can too.

For the first time in a long while I actually look forward to putting on a bikini ;-)

For more of Beth's expert advice visit her Article Website

Beauty Supplements Prevent Wrinkles Not Just the Appearance Of Them

2009-03-05T22:37:00.000+07:00

Choosing antioxidants to supplement your regular skin routine is an approach that has been validated scientifically. A study by French scientists found that woman taking vitamin C, vitamin E, and betacarotene had 23% fewer new wrinkles, and a reduction in existing wrinkles of 8%. Antioxidants stop the breakdown of collagen and elastin by free radicals.

Foods with the highest levels of antioxidants, as measured by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbence capacity), listed from the highest: prunes, raisins, blueberries, kale, cranberries, spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums and broccoli.

Vitamin A is another important nutrient for the skin. A deficiency in vitamin A will reduce the effectiveness of skin treatments. Vitamin A is needed for the normal growth and renewal of skin cells. Our skin cells are constantly replacing each other, and new ones are pushed up to the surface as the old ones slough off. Not only is vitamin A an antioxidant, but it also nourishes the fat layer underneath the skin. Vitamin A keeps skin supple, and may prevent skin damage.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include dry and rough skin, localized breakouts, fragile skin, wrinkle prone skin, poor skin texture, and splitting nails.

One thing to remember with taking vitamin A supplements is not to exceed the recommended daily dose, as it can build up in your body if taken in excess. Taking 10000 IU per day is fine.

Vitamin C is another important beauty supplement. Not only does it help in skin repair by building collagen, but lower levels of vitamin C in the skin are associated with aging and UV damage. Taking 500mg to 2000mg per day, in divided doses, is recommended.

An excellent antioxidant supplement to take is alpha lipoic acid (ALA), especially if you're taking the other antioxidant vitamins C and E, and coenzyme Q10. Alpha lipoic acid is not only an antioxidant in its own right, but it has the capacity to recycle these other antioxidants. Alpha lipoic acid is also an anti inflammatory agent, and improves insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is associated with obesity and heart disease. ALA increases the rate at which glucose is removed from the bloodstream, and helps the body detoxify metals that have accumulated. Alpha lipoic acid also prevents the cross linking of fibers, which leads to aging and the development of wrinkles.

Alpha lipoic acid is produced by the body, but only in small amounts. It is used by the cells in their production of cellular energy, and we only benefit from its antioxidant effects if the amount of ALA in our bodies is greater than that which our cells need for normal functioning. And, unfortunately, the levels of ALA in our body decline as we age.

One advantage of alpha lipoic acid is that it is both fat and water soluble. This means it can work in all parts of our body, making it very versatile. Most antioxidants are either fat or water soluble, but not both. For example, vitamin A is fat soluble, and vitamin C is water soluble.

Taking about 50 to 100mg of alpha lipoic acid supplements a day has been suggested, though this supplement has not been tested on pregnant or breast feeding women.

References: Nature and Health, April/May 2006

To learn more about why good anti aging best skin care regimens include beauty foods and supplements, see this article. Included are foods you should be eating regularly to nourish your skin. For a review of anti aging skin care treatments, see this article.

Makeup Bag Secrets of the Celebrities

2009-03-05T18:14:00.000+07:00

Have you ever wondered why celebrities seem to look gorgeous no matter where they are and no matter what the moment? Are they prettier than the rest of us so it?s easy for them? Not at all ? they are just smarter about what their makeup bag holds. Read on for makeup bag secrets of the celebrities.

Celebrities will tell you having their makeup at their fingertips is their number one priority and it should be for every woman. That?s not to say you have to pack around 50 pounds of makeup. Just a tube of lipstick can do a lot to freshen your face. Actresses like Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Anniston, or Angelina Jole will all tell you that the ultimate makeup bag is really no secret at all.

You can buy fashionable and trendy makeup bags ranging in size from compact to purse size so even your makeup back can make a fashion statement. But lets face it. It?s what we put in it the makeup bag that really counts. And why is it no matter what size your makeup bag is, it seems to be too small or the makeup you most need at the moment doesn?t appear to have made it into the bag? It?s time solve that problem by putting together the makeup bag of the celebrities with all their secrets.

Your makeup bag is really a matter of your personal taste. Choose one that grabs your attention, fits your personality and fits your purse. There?s no sense buying a huge makeup bag when you pack a tiny purse. You can buy discount bags for as little as $5.00 or designer makeup bags for as much as $100.00.

The Celebrity makeup bag is based on the assumption that your makeup bag is small to medium in size. For those that have a tinier bag you?ll have to choose which items to remove. For those packing a large bag, add all the extras that will fit. The celebrities tell us the most important thing you need to put in your bag is a small double sided compact mirror. You can purchase a nice size travel mirror complete with protective cover for around $5.00.

The next most important tool for the celebrities are the makeup brushes. Make sure you have a blush and eyeshadow brush in your bag. Or you can purchase a compact set of miniature brushed for around $10.00. That will ensure you?ll have every brush you need. Now to the makeup. Jennifer Aniston says your foundation or powder is the absolute most essential makeup bag requirement. If the original container is too large, then purchase a compact bottle or transfer some to an after market container that seals well. Angela Jole won?t leave home without her favorite lipstick. Pick only one or your bags going to get full too fast. Remember your building a compact version of your real makeup case. You can add a lip gloss if you like. Eyeshadow is also a must have for touchup. Choose a palette of colors you can wear or use anytime. There is no good way to pack a variety of colors, so it?s best to choose your most reliable colors. And for heavens sake don?t? forget to add mascara and eyeliner.

According to the stars you also need to make sure you have your blush. Now this can be a bit trickier because the containers are a bit big. Best to look for a flat compact style blush. To keep you fresh, you can also add some prepackaged facial cleansing cloths, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and a travel size deodorant.

That?s it, you know now the makeup bag secrets of the celebrities . All the basics, to get you through the day and have you looking gorgeous. So what was the big secret?

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Dental Implants and the Risks Involved

2009-03-05T02:09:00.001+07:00

Dental implants are becoming more and commonplace in the world of dentistry but there are risks involved. In response to concerns over the health risks associated with dental implants the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontists has issued this message: ?Implants are made of biologically compatible materials which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years. Since these materials are largely metals, such as titanium, and have never been living tissue, there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs with heart and kidney transplants.?

A patient?s risk of problems in regards to dental implant surgery should be assesses by the attending dentist before surgery is undertaken. A patient should be up front about his or her past medical and dental history in order for the dentist to be aware of any health concerns that might arise during or following the surgery. There are risks involved with the surgery and /or the anesthesia uses as well as other medical and psychological risks.

Risks that are directly tied into the surgery include local and systemic infection, nerve injury and the possibly that there will be ?inadvertent perforation of the nasal sinus.? Psychological factors can also play a role in how a patient responds both during and after the surgery as well as to what extent he or she will follow the oral hygiene maintenance that is required of them after surgery in order to facilitate the healing process. What is happening in a person?s personal and professional life and the stressors they are facing make a difference as well. Some of these psychological stressors include, but are not limited to, the family, financial status, job satisfaction and health worries. People who have problems in regards to anxiety, depression, extreme neurotic behaviors, fears about medical procedures as well as past negative dental or medical experiences might need to talk there concerns out beforehand with a trained therapist or counselor at the hospital.

There may be extra risks associated with dental implants for those who smoke, drink or have a dependency on drugs as dental implants are geared for the most part, for those who are in generally good health and have above average dental health and hygiene. Nutrition issues and post operative dental hygiene compliance procedures must be discussed in detail with patients who indulge in any of the aforementioned bad habits as they can pose risks as well as be deterrents to proper healing.

Temporary problems and risks that can occur as a result of dental implant surgery include swelling, bruising and discomfort, problems with speech as well as gingivitis. Long-term risk factors include hyperplasias, nerve injury, local or systemic bacterial infection, local bone loss exacerbation, and lastly, infections endocarditis.

Other risks include the financial costs which can run a patient into thousands of dollars. As well dental implants involve quite a lengthy time commitment on the part of the patient, and many visits to the dentist that could span anywhere from three months to a year and a half.

Stephanie Dilson is a Dental Surgeon and in her spare time runs an informational site on Dental Implants for all those interested in the process to find out valuable information on the cost, benefits, risks and features of this increasingly popular procedure. For more information see http://www.dentalimplantsguide.com

Hair Removal by Waxing Hot and Cold Waxes

2009-03-04T02:29:00.001+07:00

Waxing is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. With hot waxing, a thin layer of heated wax is applied to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the wax as it cools and hardens. The wax is then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking the uprooted hair with it. Cold waxes work similarly. Strips precoated with wax are pressed on the skin in the direction of the hair growth and pulled off in the opposite direction. The strips come in different sizes for use on the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and bikini area.

Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal which removes the hair at the root. New hairs do not grow back in the waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet'. But don't be fooled into thinking that waxing is for women only. Today's fashion trends have men waxing their bodies for cosmetic reasons, and many athletes such as bodybuilders and swimmers have been waxing for years.

The concept of waxing to remove bodily hair can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt where the wives of Royalty and the well-to-do looked at hair removal as a way to remain young and forever beautiful. That concept continued throughout the world with the Greeks and Turks as well.

Most waxes are comprised of some proportional mixture of paraffin or beeswax, natural oils or fats, and a specially designed resin to help the wax adhere to the skin. Some brands of wax add Vitamin E or other supplements. If you think that you might want to try waxing, the first step, whether you are a male or female, is to decide if you want to use the 'hot' or 'cold' wax technique.

The hot wax method involves heating the wax to a comfortable temperature. A thin layer of wax is spread onto the area to be treated in the direction of the hair growth. Once the wax is cooled it is quickly torn off, in the opposite direction of the hair growth, and the hair is removed with it. With the cold wax process, strips of cloth are pre-coated with wax. You apply the strips to the area to be treated, rub the strips in the direction of hair growth, and then pull the strips off quickly in the opposite direction. Although hot waxing techniques are a bit more messy than cold wax ones, many people find that the hot wax gives better results.

Post Waxing Skin Treatment

You can apply a non-perfumed moisturizer to the treated area if you want to. Moisturizers that are fortified with Vitamin B and/or Aloe vera are also good. Avoid the following activities for at least 24 hours after waxing:

- Swimming

- Using a Spa or Hot Tub

- Sunbathing

- Applying perfume, aftershave or deodorant to the treated area

Always check to make sure that the hot wax is below scalding or burning temperature before applying. People with diabetes should consult a doctor before waxing. Never wax over sunburned skin or peeling skin, lesions or infections, moles, warts, skin abrasions, rashes, or varicose veins. Never wax the eyelashes, nose or ear hairs, nipple hair, or hair which is growing directly on the genitals (bikini area is okay). Waxing is a great solution for the temporary removal of unwanted hair if you're tough enough to stand a little pain. Some hair removal experts recommend professional waxing for the best results.

Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for the Chemist's UK Website at: http://www.chemist-uk.org.uk/ and she's also a regular contributor to the Discount Pharmacy Website at http://www.discount-pharmacy-online.org.uk

How to Turn Back the Clock

2009-03-03T22:32:00.001+07:00

There are lots of things you can do to prevent aging.

Don't smoke. Smoking causes the skin to age.

Try to reduce the level of stress in your life. Stress causing aging in your skin too.

Drink plenty of water.

Exercise and eat a proper diet and have plenty of rest too.

These food are said to prevent aging like olive oil, cantaloupe, vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts,tomatoes, garlic, chives, shallots, onions and soy products, fruits like mangoes, apricots, blueberries, citrus fruit (such as limes, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, kiwi), guava, apples, strawberries, grapes, cherries, grains like oat bran, herbs like green tea and finally fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel sardines and trout.

Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial to your health. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to skin cells keeping them moist and strong. They lower the risk of heart disease and at the same time boost your immune system.

Avoid eating too much sugar. Sugar is an oxidant and has the opposite effect of antioxidants. Excess sugar in the bloodstream causes the sugar to attach itself to collagen in a process known as glycation which makes the skin lose its elasticity. Wrinkles also begin to appear.

Now we go to the specifics.

You need to apply sunblock lotion. The uv rays in sunlight damages your skin. Most people have the misconception of applying sunblock only on the beaches and sun tanning. You also need to look at the SP Factor. The higher the better as it blocks out more uv light. Fairer skin needs better protection than darker skin.

Antioxidants play a role in protecting skin cells from damage by free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin cells and causes the skin to wrinkle and lose elasticity. Vitamins A , C, and E are antioxidants. Antioxidant minerals include selenium, zinc, copper and iron.Other anti-oxidants are carotenoids beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein and enzymes like coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid . Research has shown a combination of two antioxidants is more effective.

Retinoids and Alpha hydroxy acids help to remove the top layer of cells and stimulate collagen production to smoothen the skin. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A while Alpha hydroxy acids are acids derived from fruit, milk or sugar.

Anti-aging moisturizers are crucial in the battle against aging. There are two types of moisturizers. Day time cream acts as a natural protective film to prevent moisture loss and also protects against bacteria and pollutants and lastly gives your skin a fresher look. Night creams are designed to be absorbed into the skin providing nourishment.

These are some of the ingredients you should look out for: petrolatum, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and cyclomethicone.

You'll find more anti-aging tips at http://www.getyouthful.com

The Secret To Creating Beauty From The Inside Out

2009-03-03T17:57:00.001+07:00

Women wanting to be beautiful is as old as civilization. At different times in history, women have ingested arsenic to improve their complexions, used warm urine from young boys to remove their freckles and took belladonna to produce dreamy eyes. The beauty business is a $160 billion, a year, global industry. The cosmetic surgery business is a $20 billion business. These industries play on the fear of looking ugly as much as the need to look beautiful and for good reason. Attractive people are perceived to be more intelligent, more successful and better in bed. Although the beauty industry has traditionally marketed to women, the male market is increasing.

Part of the challenge which the beauty industry faces is truth in advertising. Increasingly, consumers have tested products which make grandiose claims, only to be disappointed. The current trend is on well being as well as outer beauty. A healthy individual, in good physical shape, is perceived to be an attractive individual. Here are four factors which can help you to achieve beauty from the inside out.

Water. Water is an essential component of the human body. When we fail to replace lost water we can enter a state of dehydration. If you have ever been thirsty, you have experienced the beginnings of dehydration. A rule of thumb is: check your urine. If your urine is clear to light colored you are adequately hydrated. A lack of water in your system can lead to overeating. Sometimes, when we feel that we are hungry we are actually thirsty. When you feel hunger, have a glass or two of water and wait 15 minutes. If you are still hungry, eat something. I keep a 32 ounce bottle of water with me at all times and sip from it throughout the day. I usually finish two bottles a day.

Oxygen. According to Dr. Spencer Way in the Journal of American Association of Physicians, ? Insufficient oxygen means insufficient biological energy that can result in anything from mild fatigue to life threatening disease.? Sufficient oxygen is necessary for a healthy life. We can exist for up to 40 days without food, 4 days without water but no more than 3 minutes without oxygen. Due to pollution and the thinning ozone layer, oxygen levels in our air are believed to be around 21%. Adequate oxygen levels are very important in that hostile organisms cannot live in an oxygen rich environment.

Colostrum and Leptin. Colostrum is a natural food, rich in anti aging and immune factors. Leptin is a small hormone-like protein primarily produced by fat cells. Small fat cells produce more leptin than large fat cells. Leptin is important because it sends out a signal to suppress appetite. Some of the benefits of the colostrum/leptin combination are: inch loss, building of lean muscle, high energy levels, tightening and toning of the skin, better sleep and much more. I believe this to be an essential combination in achieving beauty from the inside out.

Sleep. Adequate sleep is important on more than one level. It is the number one defense against stress. Cortisol, a hormone, is released during stressful events and can, over time, lead to a risk of infection and disease. Sleep is also important in minimizing weight gain. Many Americans that are sleep deprived are also overweight. The amount of sleep suggested for the average person is 8-10 hours. When Sophia Loren, a popular actress and reigning beauty in the sixties and seventies, was asked how she still looked so beautiful at an older age, her answer was that she naps every day.

As a final note: If you are taking vitamin supplements, your urine will be darker for several hours after taking them. There are many companies that advertise products that profess to raise oxygen levels in your system. As always, use due diligence in your choice of products. If you try and follow this guide to beauty, you should see results in the form of looking and feeling younger and healthier.

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and beauty or to receive her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on health and beauty or to receive her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com.

Usefulness Of Elderberry Juice

2009-03-02T22:47:00.000+07:00

Elderberry juice supplies vitamin C to assist in the prevention and treatment of colds. Elderberry juice also acts as a demulcent to soothe the chest. It also acts to induce sweating (a property described as sudorific) which has been commonly held to be beneficial in the early stages of a feverish cold. Elderberry juice also has mild laxative and diuretic (the promotion of water loss) properties. For variety, try mixing elderberry juice with apple juice, blackberry juice or rhubarb juice.

The elderberry tree grows wild throughout Europe and has a long history of medicinal applications. In addition to the berries, the bark leaves and root of the tree have all been shown to have active properties. The berries themselves must be allowed to ripen fully before picking as the unripe fruit contains poisonous alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides. The alkaloids are characterized by their bitterness and are chemically related to quinine, caffeine, nicotine and strychnine.

The cyanogenic glycosides release poisonous hydrocyanic acid. This compound can be lethal to small animals, but in the doses present in the unripe elderberry, tends only to bring tears to the eyes of adults. While it is important to choose only ripe elderberries, the presence of poisons in the unripe fruit should not put you off this useful berry. Think of the well-loved potato. A green or sprouting potato contains the poison solanine (another alkaloid) which should be avoided, but this hasn't stopped millions of people from enjoying the standard untainted version.

In bygone days elderberries were illicitly added to red wine and port to enhance their color. Leading doctors carried out repeated studies to discover that it was only port that had been diluted with elderberry juice that had this anti-neuralgic property. The genuine article had no such value. As a result of their investigation, the physicians of Prague recommended a combination of 30g of elderberry juice and 10g of port wine in the treatment of sciatica and neuralgia.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies from different juices like elderberry,carrots, beet etc.

How To Do Body Wrap AtHome

2009-03-02T16:48:00.001+07:00

The body wrap is a beauty treatment that helps you tone up and tighten your body, improve your body circulation and detoxify your body. There are many spas that offer different types of body wraps like chocolate, aloe Vera, seaweed body wrap, etc. Body wraps basically work in two stages through absorption and squeezing. By wrapping the body, the pores get opened and fluids are extracted or absorbed by the wrap. This stage is called the absorption stage of the body wrap. Once the fluids are extracted, empty pockets are left in between the cells that when squeezed together, makes the body thinner and leaner than before. This is called the squeezing stage.

Now, not everyone has the time and the patience to go to the spa to get a body wrap done. This is when you should give yourself a partial or full body wrap in the privacy in your home with the help of home body wraps. Not only do you save time in this way, you also save money as the kit basically costs about 1/3 of what a salon may charge for the same wrap!

When applying a body wrap at home, it is necessary to choose a place in your house where you will not be disturbed for an hour. You need some space where you can lie down comfortably. To do this, you can put a camping mattress on the floor, or a plastic sheet to avoid any. Once this is ready, keep some towels handy to wipe yourself after the body wrap and a blanket to wrap yourself warm, if needed.

The next step lies in mixing the body wrap and smearing in onto the body, as you would a suntan lotion. Then the blankets have to be wrapped around your body. Sit in this wrap for half an hour to one hour, and then when you wash yourself, you are sure to be happy looking at your body that has become more slimmer and compact. However, there are some tips to be kept in mind when applying a body wrap.

It is always better to have a warm shower before applying the wrap as this opens the pores of the body and facilitates better absorption of the body wrap. The thermal blanket can be used to keep yourself warm if you feel cold with the body wrap on. It is always better to drink lots of water both before and after the body wrap helps in flushing the toxins out. It is also advisable to stay away from caffeine, soda drinks, sugar, fried fatty foods and alcohol for 48 hours after the body wrap, to experience a better effect from the body wrap.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional body wrap advice.

Find more about infrared body wrap, mud body wraps and many other bady wrap and spa resources on http://www.alldayspas.com/

Serious Skin Care Tips and Treatments

2009-03-02T01:21:00.001+07:00

So you want to look and feel healthy but have recurring acne, eczema, pimples or perhaps dry cracking heels and elbows? Or maybe it?s those wrinkles and fine lines that have begun to appear. Now is the time for a serious skin care routine because there?s help for all.

No two people are alike so no one method of skincare is right for everyone. You have to do the research for yourself.

Some of the most common skin dilemmas come from diet, hormonal and seasonal changes; from stress, sun damage or using the wrong skin care or makeup. Getting serious about identifying the problem means knowing some things about yourself.

Products for Anti Aging
Are you plagued by skin discoloration, dry skin, age spots or other age related problems? If so, there are many sites that offer a full line of products to counter the aging process. They may include a Cleanser, Toner, Anti-Aging Serum and Toner. Look for products that are recommended for sun damaged skin as well.

Acne Products
The first serious step to a clear skin is a clean skin. There are rich, gentle cleansers, soap-free and packed with skin clearing ingredients. Oil and dirt are removed while penetrating the pores to kill acne causing bacteria. This is an important step in the a proactive acne treatment system.

A pore clearing tonic eliminates harmful contaminants and clears any clogged pores to return the skin to a natural healthy balance.

Foundation Products
Good foundation products are the easiest way to get the look of an even, perfect skin. Begin around the nose and mouth to cover then blend outward. Cover any blemishes with a shade that matches, not your hair but your skin. Follow with powder to set the foundation and to get rid of shine.

Hands and Feet
There are lotions, creams and salves that promote a natural healing for chapped rough skin and cracked heels. The product should smooth, moisturize and protect and be mild enough for man, woman and child.

Hands are used in everyday activity. They take a lot of abuse and need a lot of attention.

Tips and Treatments

1.Soften by adding a teaspoon of almond oil to dishwater.

2.Slough off dead cells with a solution of sea salt and lemon.

3.Brush on with an old toothbrush twice a week to soften and remove discoloration.

4.Microwave a cup of milk for thirty seconds and soak hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin.

5.For softer skin lavish on Vaseline and then put on a pair of cotton gloves.

Nails
Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags and then into a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes while the mixture penetrates.

To Remove Stains

?mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water
?soak nails in the liquid for a few minutes

To Harden Soft Nails

?soak in warm olive oil for 20 minutes every second day

Tips for Serious Care

?manicure after doing dishes or following a shower or bath
?don?t use polish remover more than once a week ? dries the nails
?will crack and split when not well hydrated
?clear polish will minimize chipping or cracking
?keep cuticles well lubricated with a moisturizer

Feet
Dry skin may result in deep painful cracks in the feet. Approximately 60 percent of those with diabetes suffer from nerve damage, and may not feel the sores on the soles of their feet. If left untreated, they may become infected and create serious complications.

Honey Foot Bath
Honey is a great anti bacterial agent that contains antioxidants and is a great moisturizer.
Recipe
1.1 tablespoon honey
2.1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
3.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4.2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
Mix together in a bowl that will fit the feet. Add mixture and warm water and soak 10 minutes

Elbows, Knees and Heel Care
There are great creams available that specifically targets these often neglected areas of the body. Due to their location they are candidates for dryness, roughness and cracking.

The immediate application of the product will provide hydration, softness and increased skin tone. Use generously with a gentle massage to any rough spot - morning and evening and reapply throughout the day.

Get serious with a total skin care routine that provides for a healthy body. Cleanse properly and on a regular basis. Know your skin type and know your needs then find the skin care product to do the job.

It is a great boost to our outlook on life when we are feeling great. This is achieved by what we put 'into our skin' as well as what we put on our skin. So we need to approach good skin care in a serious manner. Rest and exercise takes care of the rest. More information can be found at http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com

Home Remedies From Parsnip

2009-03-01T22:35:00.001+07:00

The parsnip has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. It was especially popular before the arrival of the potato and was used as a valuable source of carbohydrate.

Parsnips contain natural sugars which impart a sweet taste to the vegetable. The Elizabethans used parsnips as a sweetmeat with honey and spices as well as serving the root as a vegetable. The carbohydrate in parsnips is stored in the form of natural sugars. This contrasts with the potato where the carbohydrate is 90% starch. Parsnips are considered sweeter than carrots. With almost three quarters of the sugar in parsnips as sucrose, the sugar we extract from sugar cane. By comparison, sucrose accounts for only one third of the sugar in carrots. Sucrose is not at all damaging to health when consumed in its natural form in its parent plant.

Culpeper (1653) writes that 'the garden parsnip nourisheth much and is good and wholesome, but a little windy whereby it is thought to procure bodily lust; but it fatteneth the body if much used. it is good for the stomach and reins (kidneys) and provoketh urine?.

Today we appreciate that the parsnip is not fattening, with a mere 20Kcal per 100g. Compare this to fats and oils at around 900Kcal per 100g.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies by some of the common itmes in house as well as parsnips.

How To Have Beautiful Skin In 5 Easy Steps

2009-03-01T19:44:00.001+07:00

If you're like me, you're sick of the infommercials that pay these gorgeous celebrities to endorse their wonder product.

The truth is these people are paid outrageous amounts of money simply to lie to the public about how product A made them beautiful.

They post before and after pictures detailing the amazing transformation they've achieved by using the product. When in actuality most of today's super stars utilize the most expensive skin care treatments known to man.

A leisurely afternoon at the most exclusive dermatologist's office is usually what makes and keeps today's celebrities beautiful.

Well, I just don't have that type of cash. So, I started practicing some simple methods to achieve that perfect glow every woman wants.

Here are 5 Easy Steps To Beautiful Skin:

1. Wash Your Hands! We often get so caught up in cleansing our faces until we forget that one simple step. Handwashing prior to cleansing your face prevents putting more dirt and bacteria on the face.

2. Watch Your Water Temperature. Use lukewarm or tepid water when cleansing. Hot water tends to dry the skin out over time. On the other hand, if it's too cold, dirt and bacterial residue can be inadvertently left on the skin's surface.

3. Twice Is Nice. Unless you're rolling logs for a living I would advise that you only wash your face twice morning and night. Too much washing can irritate the skin which makes it more prone to bacterial infection and gives you more of an irritated look as opposed to a healthy glow.

4. Know Your Skin Type. When purchasing skin care products make sure you choose the product for your skin type. We generally have 3 skin types: dry, oily or combination.

5. Moisturize...Moisturize...Moisturize! As a woman with naturally oily skin, it was years before I realized that I needed a moisturizer. A moisturizer isn't designed to make the skin more oily. It rehydrates the skin. Our bodies are made up of quite a bit of water. Keeping the skin moisturized protects against premature wrinkling and those forces of nature we can't do anything about such as wind, cold weather and those extremely warm months of summer.

Whatever skin care regimen you use or are planning to start make sure you're consistent. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are also great ways to look and feel younger and more beautiful.

Roschelle Nelson is a work at home mom. She lives with her husband and two sons. Visit her website and blog for more resources on the work at home industry and other's women and parenting issues http://www.wah4life.com and http://www.wah4life.blogspot

Cosmetic Tattoo Procedure for Permanent Eyebrows

2009-03-01T16:00:00.001+07:00

Although sometimes cosmetic eyebrow tattooing is a necessary step in the reconstruction of a face following a traumatic accident, it can also be used for patients who have sparse eyebrows and do not want to apply brow liner daily. Most of the time, these patients are women who are concerned about the way that their eyebrows frame their face. Some patients are allergic to cosmetics or have poor eyesight and cannot apply their makeup correctly. In these and other cases, cosmetic eyebrow tattooing is a viable option. Sometimes the tattoo is a permanent tattoo done purely for cosmetic purposes.

Eyebrow Tattoo Surgery - Finding a Surgeon

Finding a licensed and qualified technician to perform the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing may be difficult for a patient. Many people may claim to be qualified to do the procedure, when in fact their experience lies mostly in body tattoos. It is a subtle art that makes a technician able to do cosmetic eyebrow tattooing well and it also takes a fair amount of experience to make permanent eyebrows look natural. A patient can speak with friends and colleagues to see if anyone knows of someone who is reputable. If the patient wishes to be more discreet, then they can contact a plastic surgeon?s office or the local academy of plastic surgeons to see who they recommend.

Ideal Candidates for Eyebrow Tattoo Surgery

The ideal candidate for cosmetic eyebrow tattooing is one that is in good health and has realistic expectations of the procedure. The cosmetic eyebrow procedure will not return the area to a completely normal look, but will make the overall appearance of the patient more refined and balanced. Patients who are allergic or sensitive to makeup, have skin or hair loss disorders, illnesses, or just lack the time to put on makeup are all considered good candidates for the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing.

Eyebrow Tattoo Surgery - Consultation

In the initial consultation, the physician and patient will discuss the probable outcomes of the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. Many physicians will have former patient pictures available for the new patient to examine. This will give the patient a good idea as to what can be achieved by the cosmetic eyebrow tattoo technician. The doctor will examine the eyebrow area and determine what can be done with the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. Risks and anesthesia options will also be discussed in the initial consultation. A complete medical history will be taken in order to inform the doctor of any medical conditions or prescriptions that might interfere with the results.

Eyebrow Tattoo Surgery - Procedure

The permanent makeup tattoo that is applied is made up of vegetable products that are injected into the skin. After an anesthetic ointment is applied, tiny needles are used to inject the coloring and are sometimes seen on a rotary coil instrument. The tip is dipped into the dye and then the needle is placed into the skin in cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. Some bleeding may occur as the skin is punctured, but it will be minimal. Most cosmetic eyebrow tattooing procedures last an hour, but it depends on the extent of the work that needs to be done. At the end of the session, the area will be cleaned and an antiseptic cream will be applied. Eyebrow tattooing requires fine work to look good. To achieve this, the tattoos are often applied by hand rather than with electric needles. The technician can achieve much finer and pleasing results by hand, but this also makes the procedure longer.

Eyebrow Tattoo Surgery - Risks

Although the risks associated with cosmetic eyebrow tattooing are rare, they do occur. In very few cases, the patient can have an allergic reaction to the dye that is used. Infection is another main concern following the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. Not following the physician?s orders after the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing procedure can lead to a delay in healing and cause unwanted results. If a patient is unhappy with the results of the cosmetic eyebrow tattooing, laser skin resurfacing may help to remove the coloring, but may not be able to remove it entirely.

The Author Brad Jones specializes in beauty cosmetic procedures and contributes to clinical literatures on request. Other Resources are permanent eyebrows and cosmetic eyebrow tattoo.

Shampoo Killed my Beautiful Hair

2009-02-27T12:51:00.003+07:00

Hair is everybody's crowning glory.

The previous paragraph is the sole reason as to why beauty salons and shampoo companies have become the in thing in the business world. They earn money by caressing vanity, the very grain that is inherent in human nature. They awe us by parading beautiful girls with long, shiny hair. They instill in us the drama, the magic, the beautiful-girl-stories of finding fame and romance by sporting soft and shiny locks.

We buy these hair products. We try these salon treatments. But of course, none that is similar to those shampoo commercials ever happens to us. None ever will. But then we keep buying these products. We keep trying more salon treatments. Until we fail again.

It is sad that we end up forever victims of what we believe as the great solution. We don't know that what we religiously follow at the back of shampoo bottles is not really a beauty secret, but actually a deceitful commercial script to bring more business for shampoo companies. In reality, constant usage of shampoo actually diminishes the strength and the shine of the hair. But because we have so much faith, we never put the blame on these products. Instead, we use more, buy more, hope even firmer that in the long run, we still will achieve the shampoo-model-type-hair.

The rationale for this is simple. Over washing the hair rids the natural oil from the scalp, thereby prodding the latter to produce more oil to compensate. This results dandruff and grease. Also there are residues from hair creams and shampoos that accumulates in the hair, making it more difficult to wash.

In an article by Natalie in stretcher. com, she gave tips on how to maintain a less-costly but healthy hair:

1. When you wash your hair, lather once, not twice (like all shampoo instructions suggest!). Wash your hair and scalp thoroughly, and then rinse. Your hair might not feel squeaky clean, but it will be as clean as with two lathers.

2. When possible, leave your hair without washing an extra day. Try not to wash your hair every day. Your hair will become less oily over time.

3.Brush your hair and scalp every day (your grandmother was right). This will stimulate your scalp, distribute protective oils throughout your hair, and combat dandruff.

4. Unless you've had your hair colored or permed in the last month, do not condition the hair at your scalp. This will discourage greasiness, and it will also save you money!

5. If you want a fresh feeling but don't want to shampoo, just run hot water over your hair in the shower. This will rinse away some of the dirt and even out your hair, so that it will look clean without having to shampoo.

There we go. There are actually more less-costly but more effective fixes that we can think of than depending on instant treatments. It is never wrong to look for easier alternatives, but hey, a beautiful mane is a treasure unworthy of being gambled. Let?s play it slow and sure. Beauty, after all, is not an overnight thing.

Other articles from the same author can be found at: http://www.ion-healthbeauty-4u.info/

Erica Alexia Registered Nurse

It's All About Prevention

2009-02-27T12:51:00.001+07:00

As a preteen I can remember wading through my mother's magazines ignoring any and everything related to aging. I mean. Why shouldn't I have? I was invincible! But now I'm older and wiser. At the ripe age of twenty-two I've become aware of my immortality.

I know what you might be thinking. Why would someone of this age be at all concerned with aging. It's quite simple actually. Every day I see adults in their 20's and 30's making bad food choices, drinking alcohol excessively, smoking, etc., not giving a second thought to the effect it can have on their bodies. It's only when they reach their 40's, 50's and beyond that they start being concerned with their health, when their skin looks haggard and they start showing signs of illness. Many mistakenly blame these symptoms on the aging process. It's a part of life they say--nature taking it's course. But this couldn't be farther from the truth. The fact of the matter is that all of the abuse you've done to your body over the decades has taken it's toll. The reason why you felt so good during your youth despite the bad habits is because the human body is very resilient, but it can only take so much. Our bodies weren't designed to ingest cheetos and twinkies. These are merely empty calories. They have no nutritional value except to give you calories for energy. Yes. They will keep you alive, but that's about it. I would even go so far as to say that they're man-made poisons, but I don't want to come off sounding dogmatic.

If you're already middle aged and acknowledge the mistakes you've made, there's no reason to despair. Reversing the damage you've done is just as possible as preventing it. You can start by eating whole non-processed foods. This doesn't mean you can't indulge every now and then. Just do it in moderation, and make sure it's every now and then--not every day. Perhaps once or twice a week for one meal. Look into taking supplements such as green food powders, omega fatty acids, colostrum and so forth. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. And get those bowels moving by eating more fiber. (When your colon is stagnant, your body pays for it. Trust me.) Excercise at least 3 times a week and get those heart muscles pumping. Wear sunblock when going outside to protect your skin from the sun's rays. It ages you. And last but not least, try having a positive attitude. You know the old saying. Stress can kill you. And that's not lip service. It's true.

Keep in mind that while it is indeed possible to undo some of the damage that's been done, it's best to prevent these things from happening in the first place. Because for some people it may be too late. So be smart and take care of your body. It will return the favor.

Jennifer Dawson publishes Forever Twenty, a health-related blog dedicated to informing readers how to age gracefully while keeping them up to date with new information and a little commentary on the side.

Ever Tried to Defined The Meaning of Beauty?

2009-02-27T12:40:00.001+07:00

Beauty is a word just like any the word. Looking it up in Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary it means A quality or combination of qualities that delights the senses or appeals to the mind. Nice words. It really doesn't say anything about defining beauty.

When it comes to defining beauty one might envision that famous model walking down a catwalk with a frown on her face and a some fancy designer clothes on her back. Or maybe that guy in the latest action movie shirt-less that just takes your breath away, making your heart pound in your chest. Handsome equals Beauty just depending on the person thinking about it.

Still, what is the meaning of beauty?(Don't bother looking it up again.)

What is missing is questions to think about when asked what defines Beauty?
How about a woman's joyful smile lighting up her face with the thought that finally, she is pregnant?
Or how about children seeing snow for the first time, ever?
Or rain needed to save a crop to a farmer?
Or even snowcapped mountains at sunset to a skier,
Or dew on a prized rose at first morning light to a gardener?
How about the eye's filled with tears of the woman you just asked to marry you , again after 25 years?
What about love?

Beauty is so many things to so many people who are all so different. The Dictionary left out a few words when it defined Beauty. It left out what appeals to the heart. The next time you might be asked if something is beautiful, ask yourself, does it appeal to my heart? If it does, you just defined beauty.

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder, owner Overallbeauty.com.
Great lover of all natural beauty care and products.
Never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all.
Visit her at http://Overallbeauty.com
Visit to see the latest in cosmetics and so much more.
Attn Ezine editors/website owners Free feel to preprint this article in its entirely in your ezine or on your website. As long as you leave the links in place. Do not modify the
content and include our resource box as listed above.

Dry Skin Remedy

2009-02-27T00:35:00.001+07:00

If you are looking for a dry skin remedy, look no farther than your kitchen pantry. You can make a dry skin natural remedy just by combining common foods and applying them to the skin. Some foods act as an internal remedy for dry skin as well. Some of the ingredients that can be used in a home remedy for extremely dry skin are honey, yogurt, olive oil, and oatmeal. Some herb teas are useful, too, as are a variety of other fruits and seeds.

Honey, a dry skin natural remedy, is a substance that is healing to the skin. When applied to the skin it is healing and moisturizing. It helps dead skin cells move from the surface and stimulates renewal and regrowth of skin tissues. It is also antibacterial. In severe cases, you can put honey on skin that needs a bandage. It will keep the bandage from sticking to the wounded skin. Yogurt can be used as a skin cleanser, acting as a natural moisturizer. Oatmeal heals and soothes dry skin, and helps the skin to slough off dead skin cells.

Cold-pressed olive oil works as an emollient, which means it soothes and softens. It helps the itching of eczema, which is a itchy skin condition characterized by oozing lesions. Eczema is sometimes associated with dry skin but not always. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair. Not only can olive oil be used externally, it is also an internal remedy for dry skin, along with other healthy oils. If you suffer from dry skin, try adding some heathful oils to your diet. It doesn't take a lot, as oils are very high in calories. Nuts are full of beneficial oil, as are fatty fish, such as salmon and mackeral.

Certain herb teas work as an internal remedy for dry skin. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Covering the cup with a saucer while it is steeping will keep the medicinal properties of the herb from evaporating away. Some herbs that are beneficial as an internal remedy for dry skin problems are marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, calendula, borage, and chamomile.

Soap and body wash are drying to the skin. You can make an alternative to a bar of soap by tying oatmeal flour or in a cloth tea bag can be used instead of soap. For extra moisturizing, add a little almond meal and aloe vera gel.

The following home remedy for dry skin is a soothing facial mask that can be made from ingredients in your kitchen. Combine an egg yolk with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt and and another tablespoon of honey. If you use yogurt, add a 1/2 tsp. of almond oil. Apply to skin lightly and let it dry. Wash off gently with warm water. Another healing facial mask that is a remedy for extremely dry skin is to beat an egg and add oat flour to it. You can make oat flour by whizzing oatmeal around in the blender. Spread the mixture on your face and relax for 10 minutes before gently washing it away. Always treat your delicate dry skin with the utmost of care.

Here is an alphabetical list of botanicals (plant products) that have been found beneficial in creating a dry skin natural remedy (to be used on the surface of the skin): aloe vera, apple, apricot pulp, banana pulp, chamomile, comfrey root, coriander seed, elderflower, fennel seed, grape pulp, green tea leaf, honey, kefir, lavender flower, licorice root, mango pulp, marshmallow root, whole milk, oatmeal, rose petals, and yogurt. Add to these whole milk, either cow's or goat's, and the cultured milk products yogurt and kefir. Honey and egg yolk round out the kitchen pharmacy for dry skin solutions. If you wish to try creating your own dry skin solutions using these ingredients, please choose plant products that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Furthermore, don't gather wild herbs that grow near a busy highway. The plants will absorb the exhaust fumes from the traffic and might do more harm than good. If you use seeds, make a strong tea of them by boiling them gently for 10 minutes and then letting them steep for an hour.

Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Visit http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com for essential skin care tips.

The Top 7 Age Defying Beauty Secrets

2009-02-25T00:55:00.000+07:00

Now with today?s scientific breakthroughs and discoveries you can defy the signs of aging and look great at any age. Whether you want to correct years of sun damage or you want to prevent wrinkles before they start these seven age defying techniques will give you the ability to stop the aging process dead in it?s tracks, protect and repair your skin and promote younger healthier skin.

Avoid Direct Sunlight ? Research indicates that about 90% of skin changes that begin in your 30?s and 40?s stem directly from the cumulative effects of exposure to the sun?s UV radiation. Prolong exposure to the sun at any age can increase your risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin from sun damage , avoid prolong exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3p.m. when UV rays are the strongest , apply a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or above on all expose skin 20 minutes before going outdoors even if it is a overcast day. UV rays can penetrate clouds and harm unprotected skin.

Don?t Smoke ? Smoking ages the appearance of your skin and cause premature wrinkles. The chemicals inhaled from cigarette smoke constrict tiny blood vessels in the skin, reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to delicate facial tissues. Blood vessel constriction lasts at least an hour after a cigarette has been extinguished.

Nourish Your Skin From The Inside ? Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Eat a balance healthy diet. Take antioxidants and vitamins such as green tea, soy, vitamins A, B, C and E all of which are excellent for creating healthy younger skin.

Be Smart About Your Skin Care Products ? There truly are amazing skin care products on the market today that can defy the signs of aging, repair and protect your skin. However not all skin care products are created equally. Did you know that a vitamin C product that contains concentrations of less then 5 % is ineffective, or that a topical product that contains collagen won?t increase the collagen in your skin because it?s molecules are simply too large to penetrate the skin. To receive the full benefits of today?s technology and breakthroughs it is essential to become a smart consumer and reach the best products and the most beneficial ingredients that are available.

Don?t Over Exfoliate ? Exfoliation is one of the best renewal processes for your skin. It helps to shed the top layer of dead skin cells, unclog pores, makes skin more receptive to moisturizer and improves the look and feel of your skin. However dermatologists? caution that the over use of exfoliating products can leave the skin dry, red, irritated and more vulnerable to sun damage. You should not use exfoliating products such as AHA products, micro-dermabrasion treatments or facial scrubs more then twice a week.

Before Going To Bed Use An Antioxidant & Vitamin Enriched Moisturizer ? Research has confirmed that our skin?s ability to absorb active ingredients from skin care products is greatest at night. This makes bed time the best time to topical nourish your skin with antioxidants and vitamins.

Use Cosmetics Fortified With Vitamins & Antioxidants ? Cosmetics formulated with vitamins and antioxidants have been found to have therapeutic benefits for your skin and to aid in the promotion healthier skin.

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, Smart Skin Care-Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image and Smart Grooming By Smarter Image. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Radio Frequency Energy Fans Thermacool

2009-02-25T00:47:00.001+07:00

I guess you wouldn?t think that radio frequency energy would be making waves in the beauty industry? But, it is. A device that uses RFE is being used in the Thermalcool procedure. If you don?t know what Thermacool is, then you haven?t had your ear to the station. Thermacool is the new non-surgical procedure that gives men and women a healthy alternative to surgical facelifts. The process tightens your skin by contracting the deep layers of skin. Thermacool is also known on the market as Thermalift and Thermage. Let?s call it Thermacool because it sounds hip.

Two thumbs up! That?s the rating The Food and Drug Administration is giving Thermacool. The FDA?s approval is leading to the procedures widespread use. Doctors and their patients believe Thermcool irons out wrinkles and reduces sagging skin. The face is the best place to use Thermacool, however it is used on the neck and arms as well. It is a good treatment anywhere there is loose skin. Some folks are using it under the arms and to treat stretch marks on the abdomen and hips.

60-Year Old Lynn Shores had a treatment six months ago and is looking forward to having another one in about three more months. She says, ?I was looking twice my age! I had the procedure done because I wanted to look younger and prettier in my face.? Shores began to see results about two months after having the treatment. She is among a growing number of people who believe the benefits of Thermacool far outweigh the risks. Thermacool may cause some discomfort but the risk of surgery, anesthesia and scarring are less than with surgical procedures. In fact, some people say the procedure really doesn?t hurt that much at all.

So you may be wondering how does it work? It takes anywhere from thirty to forty five minutes to complete the Thermacool procedure. Most patients? only need a topical anesthetic cream placed on the face. Your technician will do that about an hour before the treatment is scheduled to begin. Other people may need Valium or some other kind of oral sedative. ?I was just so jittery about having it done, says 35 year old Marc Thompson. I didn?t know if it would improve my appearance or make it worst. I guess men are just not supposed to try these things, but I took my wife?s recommendation.? Thermacool is not any different from any other surgical procedure if you need a stronger sedative, you?ll need an anesthesiologist to administer the dose.

As I mentioned, Thermacool uses radio frequency energy to apply heat under the epidermis or top layer of the skin. The heat is applied directly into the dermis layer. The dermis layer is right under the epidermis. I could feel a warming on my face. It felt unusual. I couldn?t do anything but lay still,? says Tonya Morgan.

You?ll want to lay still too as the heat causes the tissue in the dermis layer to warm up. This controlled heating of deeper layers of skin and tissue causes the skin to contract and tighten. This is known as volumetric tissue heating. There is some pain every time there is a pulse, but a cooling spray brings some relief after each pulse.

The volumetric tissue heating causes the collagen underneath the skin tissue to contract and shrink. At the same time, the top layer of the skin is kept cool by cryogen cooling. Cryogen cooling keeps the temperature on the surface of the skin cool while the dermis tissues are heated up. The heating action causes two reactions. The first result is an increased thickness in the top layer of skin. It?s the heating that actually causes works to reduce the wrinkles.

The second result is collagen remolding and the production of new collagen. The skin continues to tighten over time as the skin heals. You may be able to see a difference in your appearance immediately. However, it takes most people up to six months to see a difference. It is possible for the procedure to be repeated again after six months. You should let your technicians take before and after pictures to help you see any subtle changes.

Now, you?re probably wondering whether Thermacool, Thermage and Thermalift are right for you. Patient?s who live on a pacemaker cannot undergo the procedure; it?s just too risky. You may want to pass on the procedure if your skin is really, really loose. Surgery may be your only hope. However, Thermacool works best in combination with laser treatments, Botox, resytlane, and collagen injections. Traditional eye, forehead and eyebrow surgeries also work well with Thermacool.

Research shows Thermacool works! If it didn?t the FDA wouldn?t have given it a nod. Patients wouldn?t have issued a strong endorsement either. ?I?ve never felt better about myself. I know most people would be afraid to try a procedure like this, but not me! I?m all for looking younger and healthier. The best part is how good I feel about me,? says Shores.

About The Author

Barry A. S. Lycka is an internationally known cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon who practices in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he has worked from 1989. Recently, Dr. Lycka was chosen as Alberta's Dream Makeover Doctor. For more information you can visit his website at http://www.BarryLyckaMD.com.

Beauty Product Deals: Are They Out There

2009-02-20T22:27:00.001+07:00

Finding beauty product deals is ideal but seems next to impossible most of the time. Even when some of the products that you are looking for seem to be being offered at discount prices, in most cases they are still relatively expensive. Is there a secret way to getting the beauty product deals that you need? Whether or not it is a secret is uncertain, but what is for sure is the fact that you will find many of these deals available on the web.

Okay, so it may not be the first thing that you see, but there are some great opportunities for saving money through beauty product deals in cyberspace. You will likely find these opportunities by looking through the web. For example, you may be lucky enough to stumble to a beauty product wholesale dealer who is sure to be able to find you some great deals on all the products that you want.

You can often find discounts available on designer beauty products as well as many generics by watching for sales that are offered at your favorite designer?s website or the website of a large product dealer. These are some of the best sales. Make sure to check out if they have a clearance area where they may be trying to get rid of some of last season?s colors and styles to make room for the new. You will see that many times things are marked considerably down just because they need to get ready for the new stuff.

There is little doubt that the best products for you are those that you can find on the web. You will have access to virtually every location in which you can purchase these through and you can easily monitor sales and discounts as well. Beauty product deals are out there, throughout the web.

for more information please see http://www.beauty-product-deals.co.uk

Great Tips To Cure Skin Blemishes Naturally

2009-02-19T10:54:00.001+07:00

Instead of using harsh chemicals or potions on your body's largest organ, consider using natural methods to clear up any acne problems or embarrassing blemishes.

There are many great tips to cure skin problems using all natural items that cost considerably less than expensive lotions, creams, or cleansers that may do more harm than good.

Look no further to find excellent tips to cure skin issues, from acne to other problems that can wreck an individual's self esteem or social life.

Most individuals who suffer from skin problems are teenagers and may be experiencing difficult times at home or school.

The teenage years are awkward for any child, but especially for those who suffer from acne or other issues.

This time is one of great hormonal imbalance, which usually is the root of the problem.

Some excellent tips to cure skin problems involve your overall health and quality of life.

The old adage, you are what you eat comes to play, since individuals who enjoy well balanced, healthy meals tend to be healthier, their skin will be healthy as well.

These simple treatments will allow you to create a better sense of overall health. In addition to eating well, be sure to drink plenty of water in order to keep your skin hydrated.

Properly hydrated skin is less likely to experience break outs or other problems usually associated with acne.

Also, carefully watch the beauty products you use, since some products will encourage break outs.

When working to control skin problems naturally, you may should turn to you're the items in your kitchen.

A simple masque made from baking soda and water is an excellent way to extract any toxins and clean out your pores.

Instead of using a store bought masque or other skin treatments from your drug store that may contain harmful chemicals and can put a dent in your budget, consider these natural ideas.

Also, egg whites are excellent for especially dry skin and honey is great for oily skin.

Using the natural beauty methods will allow you to control your skin problems naturally without breaking the bank!

'Discover the Remedies and Treatment regarding Acne and Skin Care', find some at Skin Care and Acne Control

Selecting a Professional Body Waxing Salon

2009-02-19T10:44:00.001+07:00

When performed properly, waxing can be one of the quickest and longest-lasting hair removal methods available. However, done improperly it can be painful and dangerous, risking infection, deep tissue bruising, and torn muscle tissue, and worse. This is why finding a skilled, safe, and clean professional waxing salon is an important part of this hair removal method.

First, you'll want to scout out the prospective salons. Ask your friends, look online, look in the yellow pages. Remember, a good salon will have good things said about them.

Once you have several places in mind, time to get out the phone and make some calls. Talk to the aestheticians. Some questions you may want to ask, are... How long has she been waxing, and where did she train? What type of wax do they use? Is it hard wax, soft wax, or do they actually use sugaring? What does their procedure and consist of? Do they use any powder or lotion? What does their sanitation consist of? Also pay attention to her mannerisms. A good waxer should be friendly and make you feel comfortable. If she is cold or seems reluctant to talk about her methods this not a good sign. Also you'll want to discuss cost and the area you want to be waxed.

Now, once you have a feel for your prospects, pay them a visit and check out their facilities. Talk to the employees, they should be friendly and personable. Get a feel for the place. Everything should be clean and neat, akin to a doctor's office. Ask if you can view the area where the waxing is performed. It should likewise be clean and tidy.

So far so good. Time to schedule a visit. Remember, during the waxing procedure if anything makes you uncomfortable or concerned, you can tell them to stop right there. After all, this is your money and you deserve acceptable, professional treatment for it.

Prices can range from $30 to $100, depending on the area to be waxed and quality of the salon.

by Greta of http://hairemoval.blogspot.com/

7 Beauty Tips for Looking Younger

2009-02-19T10:32:00.001+07:00

Ever since Eve took that first bite of the apple, the human race has been obessed with beauty.

The truth is we begin the aging process just as soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate new cells. The speed at which that process takes place when we are children is vastly different as we get older.

Every day you are bombarded daily with commercial messages and beauty tips that attempt to lure you into believing that the most recent miracle drug is just what you need to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.

We are living longer as a whole. Singularly, that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on your perspective. The best route to natural beauty and healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn?t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:

1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid, even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!

2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn?t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should, contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don?t leave home without it!

3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.

4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn?t listen to your Mom when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!

5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat, can make a huge difference in how you feel. Improper eating habits can cause depression, weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.

Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you get older, it loses it's elasticity and you're left with sagging skin. The best solution to this is to maintain a proper weight.

A rule of thumb for eating habits are...don't eat more calories than you consume. Don't go one single day without doing something extra and physical for at least 30 minutes per day. This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30 minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.

6: Don't worry, be happy. A happy outlook appears to trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and cytokines which alert the immune system to pay attention in detecting abnormalities like cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If you have put yourself down since childhood, over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages can take their toll by turning you into a pessimist. Spend one week writing down the phrases you use in your ?self talk.? Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen or so phrases over and over again that reinforce that negative image. If you know about them, you can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand in hand.

Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy, hope and optimism that will work no matter what your age:

Make a list of at least 50 great things that happen to you every day.

Laugh a lot. You?ll heal your body and your mind.

Discover a new challenge each month.

Try meditating for just five minutes each day.

7: Sex After 50 ? Ha! How many of you jumped ahead to this section?

The importance of physical intimacy actually depends on the couple. An alarming number of men used to give up on sex after 60 and many women used to feel that their sex life ended with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Sex at middle age can actually become better and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity gives a couple more experience in lovemaking. The children are usually grown and left home. The pressures of building a career and day to day life are usually less stressful than in younger years.

Is beauty really skin deep?

The answer is yes and no. It?s a paradox, isn?t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don?t you wish there was some way to ?wriggle your nose? and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true ?Fountain of Youth? we are stuck with what we have.

Just remember that getting older doesn't have to mean getting old.

Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club. Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth and beauty. Go here to find out how. Timeless Beauty Tips

The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure

2009-02-19T01:17:00.000+07:00

Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional sun exposure is necessary for Vitamin D formation are getting quite a bit of media coverage lately.

Yet, dermatologists still advise the public to practice sun protection to prevent skin cancer.

At a recent American Academy of Dermatology?s Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., clinical professor, New York University Medical Center in New York City, debunked the myths surrounding Vitamin D and offered advice on getting an adequate dose of this nutrient.

?As a dermatologist who treats the ravages of skin cancer on a daily basis, it is appalling to me that anyone in good conscience could make the claim that intentional sun exposure ? for any length of time ? is beneficial,? stated Dr. Rigel. ?The fact is, skin cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and scientific research confirms that our best defense is avoiding excessive, unprotected sun exposure.?

Dr. Rigel addressed the following myths about vitamin D and sun exposure:

Myth #1 ? Sunscreen blocks Ultraviolet (UV) light. Consequently, UV radiation is prevented from reaching the skin, which leads to an inadequate amount of vitamin D in the body.

Fact ? A 1997 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosa (a disease that predisposes persons to skin cancer who are exposed to very low levels of ultraviolet radiation), showed that these patients have normal vitamin D levels despite negligible amounts of UV exposure.

Myth #2 ?A considerable amount of UV exposure is necessary to maintain normal levels of vitamin D.

Fact ? Normal vitamin D levels are maintained through a normal diet.

Myth #3 ? Sunscreen does not allow UV radiation to reach the skin, so if people wear sunscreen, their bodies can form vitamin D.

Fact ? Even the best sunscreen cannot block all UV radiation. But the amount that does hit the skin is enough to promote adequate vitamin D formation.

Myth #4 ? Skin cancer is not a serious disease, so sun protection is not important.

Fact ? One American dies every hour from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Myth #5 ? Low levels of Vitamin D lead to more cancers and other diseases.

Fact ? ?There are no scientific studies that prove this statement,? explained Dr. Rigel. ?The claim is based on a study that finds that overall cancer rates are higher in the northeast United States, a location with lower sunlight levels than many other places in the country. Those making this claim conclude that since the northeast has lower UV levels, this is the reason why cancer rates are higher in this region. However, several studies prove this theory is false. These include studies that show that cancer rates are low in the northern plain states (areas with the lowest UV levels in the country) and small regional studies (New York state), where cancer rates are highest in areas with industrial pollutants and are not related to sunlight levels.?

?When we take a close look at these myths and evaluate the facts, the course of action is clear,? said Dr. Rigel. ?Until there is science that tells us otherwise, it is imperative that people protect themselves from the sun. Anyone concerned about not getting enough vitamin D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin D-fortified milk every day. Given the fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation as a known carcinogen, exposing oneself to it for the sake of vitamin D is not the answer.?

The American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to engage in the following sun protective practices:

avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun?s rays are the strongest.
seek shade whenever possible.
wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
reapply sunscreen every two hours.
wear sun-protective clothing.

About The Author

Diana Clarke is a teacher and the founder and editor of The Sun and Your Skin at yourskinandsun.com.

dianaclarke2001@yahoo.com

Winter Skin Care Strategies

2009-02-17T18:34:00.001+07:00

As the cold weather approaches, it may be time to consider your skin care strategy for the winter months ahead. Dry air and cold wind can have a significant effect on the health of your skin, and you will want to do everything you can to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. Give some serious consideration to the following information, and be proactive about the health of your skin.

Even though you will be bundled up in winter clothing, you should still consider using a sunscreen of some sort. For daily use, it may be a bit extreme to cover yourself in sunscreen in the winter months. Instead, try to use a moisturizer or makeup with an SPF of 15. If you are going to be out on the slopes, you ought to use a sunscreen with an SPF as high as you would use in the summer. The snow on the hills reflects an incredible amount of sunlight. Don?t forget to use a quality lip balm, too.

Try to avoid taking long, hot showers this winter. We all know how wonderful a hot shower can feel on a cold day, but try to resist the urge as best as you can. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural moisturizers. Instead take a short, warm shower. Try to pat your skin almost dry, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp. This is a great strategy to help you avoid dry skin.

Another thing to consider is your home heating system. As your furnace will be in constant use in the colder months, the air in your home can become extremely dry. If you do not have a humidifier built into your heating system, you should invest in a portable humidifier. Using a humidifier can prevent your skin from drying out, and it can help you avoid dry nasal cavities. If you do suffer from a dry or bleeding nose in the winter, apply some petroleum jelly for short-term relief.

In my opinion, the best way to deal with dry skin is to hydrate from the inside out. Drink as much water as you possibly can, regardless of the time of year. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, will flush countless toxins from your body and will help keep your skin healthy and fresh. By following these suggestions, you can have beautiful skin all year round.

Alisha Burke loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys going for walks in the park with her dog and shopping for vintage clothes with her friends. When she finds herself with some free time, she writes for yourskin101.com ? an online resource dedicated to helping you care for your skin, with information including Skin Care Facts, Skin Care Basics, Getting Rid of Acne and more.

The Disaster of Hair Loss: Take It Easy

2009-02-17T18:14:00.001+07:00

Human hair is one of those essential things that form the notion of beauty. Since long time ago hair comprised men power. Everyone knows the sad story of Samson who lost his incredible power after his wife Delilah had cut his long hair off.

Today it?s more the matter of beauty and looks rather than strength and power. And basically everyone knows why: plenty of ads, healthy lifestyle propaganda and social dimension of human existence. The problem is that the more we care about our hair, the less hairs we appear to have on our head. The world is facing the disaster of hair loss, which means more time and money will be spent on hair in future.

The problem is somewhere between environmental situation, stress, genes and harder brain work. Yet, hundreds of specialists that try to work the problem out are not quite positive about the real root of the hair loss pandemic all over the world. It?s mostly individual and can be either one negative factor or the group of negative factors that contribute to it.

Each hair on human?s body has its own follicle to grow from. The follicles produce cells that eventually turn to hairs. So, hairs are those dead cells that have been pushed out of follicle. It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily. If a person loses more, that can eventually lead to baldness.

Baldness is not that much devastating as it seems to be. It can be treated more or less successfully by special drugs like Propecia, and what?s more - it is not dangerous for your health. Still, the numbers show that about 50% of men of the world suffer from slight or severe baldness and the age groups go down averaging at 30-40.

People that start losing hair usually have to follow simple rules to prevent further hair loss. But if the problem grows to real baldness it is recommended that you consult a specialist first. Anyway, preventing methods are also appreciated. Hair needs care every single day. It is generally advised that you wash your hair due to your hair type and if you do that every day, then you have to find an appropriate shampoo and balsam, especially in summer.

Yet, it is pretty hard to stay cool, when there are so many myths around hair and baldness. Most of them basically touch men as men are considered to suffer from baldness more than women. In fact, men more suffer from the so called horse-shoe pattern around the sides of their head which makes the baldness more visible.

Another matter has something to do with the genetical theory of hair loss attaching a rumor that it is just enough to have a look at a father and you?ll see his son when he gets older, which is not biologically correct as assumes the sole influence of father?s genes in forming son?s cells.

Popular hair loss myths also include:

-it is useless to care about my hair as I cannot prevent my old age baldness anyway;

-baldness can be one of the side effects of shampoo/balsam overuse;

-it is harmful for the hair to wear a hat etc.

You can find more articles of Rachel Bergsman at http://www.pillwatch.com, your experienced advisor on how to tackle various health problems.

You can find more detailed information on hair loss treatments, causes, hair care, and people's stories in the hair loss section of Pillwatch.com - a unique web resource, providing user-friendly information on such health problems as hair loss, overweight, obesity, skin problems etc. I especially recommend to read Hair Loss Myths for better understanding baldness mythology.

Acne Rosacea Symptoms Causes Treatments

2009-02-15T16:53:00.001+07:00

Acne rosacea is a skin condition characterized by reddish discoloration of the facial skin, particularly in the area of the cheeks, forehead and the nose. It is usually found in fair skinned adults, and is often mistaken for acne. The tiny blood vessels under the skin dilate and give the appearance of ?blushing?. While pimples may occur with acne rosacea there are no whiteheads or blackheads. At first the redness may come and go, but if untreated it will continue to worsen, with pimples and permanent flushing of the face. Extreme cases of acne rosacea that have not been treated can lead to disfigurement of the nose and puffy cheeks. Cosmetic surgery is the only way to repair this severe damage. Acne rosacea may also cause a gritty feeling in the eyes that, if not treated, can lead to impaired vision.

Acne rosacea can occur in men or women. Women tend to get acne rosacea more often than men, but men have more severe symptoms than do women.

Causes of Acne Rosacea

One of the most frustrating things about acne rosacea is that there is no known cause. There are many suggestion as to the origins of rosacea such as:

- Emotional factors that cause blushing or flushing of the face may trigger acne rosacea.
- Changes in the weather may cause acne rosacea to occur.
- Sun exposure generally worsens the condition.
- Mites or certain bacteria may cause the initial outbreaks of acne rosacea.
- Some medications for heart conditions that are used a vasodilator may bring about the onset of acne rosacea.

Treatments Available

It is important to remember that acne rosacea is not the same as teenage acne, and will not respond to over the counter acne treatments. These treatments are more likely to further irritate the skin and cause a worsening of the condition.

The most successful treatment of acne rosacea includes:

- A strong oral antibiotic that gradually decreases to a maintenance level.
- A topical cream that is applied regularly to the affected area. This cream usually will contain antibiotics in conjunction with cortisone or a prescription acne mediation.

Things to avoid/moderate

- Minimize skin exposure to the sun.
- Avoid or minimize smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Avoid spicy foods

As promised - you now know what acne rosacea is, what causes this condition and how it can be treated/controlled.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/. On his website, he shows how to cure a pimple and articles about acne causes and treatments.

African American Skin Care

2009-02-14T00:55:00.001+07:00

The fact is that any type of skin condition can happen regardless of the pigment of skin you have. When it comes to African American skin care and others with darker complexions however, there are a few skin care problems that are much more prevalent.

Here are five of the most common African American skin care issues?

Acne

Acne is a chronic disorder characterized by excess production of oil from sebaceous glands causing the hair follicles generally on the face, chest and back to become plugged. Pimples, papules, pustules and comedone, (black heads and white heads) cysts and infected abscesses can be treated in acne. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. In regards to African American skin care, acne may result in long lasting discolorations of the skin. Therapy is the same for all skin types but it is very important to use topical agents that minimize irritation of the skin.

Ingrown Hairs of the Beard (Razor Bumps)

Another African American skin care issue is Ingrown Hairs. African Americans have curved hair shafts and this is true of beard hair as well as other body hair. Often after a very close shave, the pointed hair may curl back into the skin and it may pierce the wall of the hair follicle, causing a reaction resulting in bumps called pseudofolliculitis barbae. If you can, growing a beard is a viable option for helping this.

African American men should try different methods of hair removal if they suffer with ingrown hairs, which are also called razor bumps. Shaving with a special type of safety razor that does not permit a very close shave may help. Do not stretch the skin during shaving and don't shave on a daily basis. If hairs become ingrown, lift them up with an alcohol-cleaned needle (don't tweeze or pluck) just before shaving. Sometimes using a rough washcloth before shaving can help to loosen hairs about to grow inward.

Hair removal chemicals do remove hair but should only be used once a week. They must be wiped off promptly according to package directions and wash your face twice with soap and water immediately afterwards to guard against irritation.

Permanent removal of hair performed by an experienced Electrolysis Operator may be an effective solution and there are new medicated creams that may slow hair growth and help. Be sure to consult your dermatologist about treatment options.

Variations in Skin Color

African American skin has larger melanosomes (cells that determine skin color ) and the melanosomes contain more of the pigment melanin than those found in white skin. Because of the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure.

Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation is quite common in dark skinned individuals, even after minor trauma. An area of the skin may darken after an injury such as a cut or a scrape, or after certain skin disorders such as acne. To avoid or reduce post inflammatory hyper pigmentation, avoid picking, harsh scrubbing, and abrasive treatments. Darkened areas of skin may take many months or years to fade, although topical (surface) bleaching agents may help. Also chemical peels (using alpha and beta hydroxyl acids) and microdermabrasion can be helpful.?

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common African American skin care condition where pigment cells are destroyed and irregular white patches on the skin appear. Many dermatologists think that the cause of this common disorder is an autoimmune process, where the cells of the body attack the pigment producing cells.

The extent of color loss differs with each person; some people lose pigment over their entire bodies. Some patients with vitiligo do not regain skin color, however some cases of vitiligo do repigment. See your dermatologist as soon as possible, as the extent of the disease will determine the appropriate treatment. .

Several skin care methods are used to treat vitiligo, but none have been perfected. Topical medications, including corticosteroids and new non-steroid anti-inflammatory preparations are commonly used. In cases where vitiligo affects most of the body, it is sometimes best to destroy the remaining normal pigment. A dermatologist can determine what treatment is best based on the extent of the disease.

Keloids

When the scar from a cut or wound extends and spreads beyond the size of the original wound, it is known as a keloid. Keloids may vary in size, shape, and location. They occur more often in brown or black skin making this a very common African American skin care issue.

Keloids are a common skin care issue on the ear lobes, neck, chest, or back, and usually occur after an injury or surgery. Occasionally they occur spontaneously, especially on the mid-chest area. Keloids often follow inflammation caused by acne on the face, chest, and back.

Keloids may be painful both physically and emotionally (from a cosmetic perspective), but it's important to address keloids primarily as a medical, rather than cosmetic condition.

Depending on the location of the keloid, skin care treatment may consist of cortisone injections, pressure, silicone gels, surgery, laser treatment, or radiation therapy. Unfortunately, keloids tend to return and even enlarge, especially after treatment with surgery.

Find more great information on not just African American skin care but all skin care needs. Find up to date and step by step skin care articles, resources, products and the latest skin care news. Visit us today at http://www.Skin-Care-101.com

Your Skin can Speak Volumes

2009-02-12T00:33:00.001+07:00

Everyone dreams of having skin that is healthy, smooth and radiant. This state of skin perfection would have to derive from proper and attentive care. Your skin could convey its wishes, its needs for nutrition and concern. Listen to its voice, pamper it with timely care, and your skin will maintain its very best condition always. Balance: The First Criterion for Perfect Skin

At the crux of the latest global beauty concepts, lies the need for skin balance, which is the first criterion for perfect skin. Here, ?balance? refers to the natural physiological functions of the skin, such as regulation of moisture, oil secretion, sensitive reactions and organisational structures. Only when these four areas are regulated and balanced, can the skin present its very best. Conversely, if there is an imbalance in the four factors, the skin will develop problems accordingly.

Warning Signal 1:
Dryness, lack of moisture, slight peeling, dry wrinkles

Skin?s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in regulation of moisture

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of moisture

Suggested Method:
Give skin the ample moisturising nutrition it needs. Choose special moisturising skincare products that contain natural minerals, effective moisture-replenishing factors, natural compound vitamins, collagen, etc.

Warning Signal 2:
Insufficient or excessive oil, whiteheads, blackheads, acne　

Skin?s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in oil secretion

The Best Solution:
Balance oil secretion

Suggested Method:
Choose skincare products that have oil-absorption, inflammation-reduction and germ-elimination properties. For skin that secretes excessive oil, take care of cleanliness and inflammation reduction.

Warning Signal 3:
Sagging, signs of aging such as wrinkles

Skin?s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in organisational structure

The Best Solution:
Emergency replenishment of nutrients

Suggested Method:
Focus on the replenishment of effective anti-wrinkle and skin-firming ingredients, such as amino acids, various vitamins, protein essences, etc, so as to enhance skin metabolism and restore its natural vitality within the shortest time.

Warning Signal 4:
Weakness, itch, red spots　

Skin?s Revelation:
Functional imbalance in sensitive reactions

The Best Strategy:
Emergency desensitisation

Suggested Method:
Conduct a self-diagnosis first. If the condition is mild, nurse it using Bel?Air?s prescription. If the condition is severe, involving burns or abnormal swelling, consult a doctor or specialist.

Listen to Your Skin

These are some of the warning signals that will be sounded when a problem in skin balance occurs. Usually, the prologue will take the form of itch. When your skin gives the signal for help, it is time to give it the nutrition and moisture it needs. In this way, you can effectively maintain your skin at a state of healthy and optimum balance. So, when your skin sounds the warning signal for imbalance, don?t ever neglect it. Putting the balance back into your skin will ensure its radiance and beauty!

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com

AntiAging Facts & Myths

2009-02-03T22:47:00.001+07:00

Every single one of us begins aging the moment we are born -

If you?re alive, you?re aging - you can?t avoid it. But there are a number of things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and active, and to eliminate or at least slow down many of the factors that contribute to aging.

Ever since Ponce de Leon went searching for the Fountain of Youth, people have been looking for ways to slow down the aging process. Medical science has made great advances in keeping people alive longer by preventing and curing diseases, and helping people to live healthier, happier lives. Average life expectancy keeps increasing and most of us can look forward to a much longer life than our ancestors.

Our bodies were actually designed with the ability to fix themselves, as long as you take care of yourself properly. Your body is made up of about 100 trillion (100,000,000,000,000) living cells, which keep themselves strong and healthy with the proper food. Each and every one of those trillions of cells dies off and is replaced with a new cell at regular intervals. Your entire body is literally completely replaced every few years ? you really aren?t the same person you used to be!

What happens with your cells is the key to anti-aging -

When a cell dies, one of three possible things must happen:

A) If the cell has not been receiving proper nutrition, its replacement will be a weaker version of the cell. In this scenario, your body is degenerating.

B) The replacement cell may have the same strength as its predecessor. In this case, your body essentially remains in the same place.

C) The third possibility is that the new cell is stronger than the previous one. Now you?re actually regenerating the body, and reversing the aging process. This can only happen if you give your cells plenty of the right kind of food energy to work with.

Sometime, usually in our late twenties or early thirties, many of us start noticing those first signs that we aren?t kids anymore ? a few gray hairs appearing, facial wrinkles, skin starts sagging. As more time goes by, other signs gradually appear ? it?s a little harder getting up in the morning, our vision and hearing aren?t what they used to be, our sex life isn?t as lively as we remember. As we look around, we see the same things happening to our friends and family. Most of us generally accept what we see as an inevitable process of nature.

You?re only as old as you feel -

And if you feel and think that you?re getting older ? well, then you are! Your mindset does influence what goes on in your body. Meanwhile, you see your body getting older, so you feel older, which reinforces the aging processes in your body. It becomes a vicious circle.

You can turn things around -

As you notice your body looking and feeling younger, your mindset will improve, which motivates you to continue your anti-aging practices, which sets up a positive feedback loop, instead of a negative one. And so the process accelerates.

People are living longer than ever nowadays, due to advanced medical breakthroughs, increased awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and other related factors.

The human body can take an awful lot of abuse and neglect -

We don?t always think about our bad habits, since it may take years or decades for the effects to become apparent. But neglect yourself long enough and you may one day find yourself suffering through the late period of your life with a wide range of ailments and complaints - from difficulty seeing and hearing to cancer, heart disease, brittle bones, and many other problems.

Yet it only takes knowledge and a little bit of work to prevent most, if not all, of these common old-age problems from manifesting. There?s no magic pill or instant cure, and it will take some effort on your part. But the results will be well worth it. How much would it be worth to you to enjoy your final years as a healthy, active adult, able to continue doing many of the things you most love?

Find lots of Tips and Tricks about Anti-Aging at http://www.anti-aging-trix.com

http://www.anti-aging-trix.com