Beauty Treatment Tips

Plastic Surgery: Do The Risks Matter Or Are The Benefits More Important?

2009-11-07T13:09:00.000+07:00

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, as the name suggests, is performed for aesthetic reasons. Although certain medical conditions might suggest the need for reconstructive plastic surgery, aesthetic plastic surgery is primarily carried out to alter and beautify features that the patient finds unappealing. While some people go in for aesthetic surgery to defy the signs of aging, others do so as they crave for a celebrity look.

Cosmetic surgery appears to be the most prevalent modern way of personal enhancement. Evidence of this lies in the fact that millions of aesthetic surgery procedures are performed worldwide on an annual basis. And the inherent risks hardly boggle a prospective patient, since the desire to improve appearance is rather unyielding.

Aesthetic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, has possible risks and complications. These may include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. However, such complications are a rarity, and can be further eliminated if the procedure is performed by an expert aesthetic plastic surgeon. Moreover, it is imperative that the patient heeds to the advice of the surgeon, on both pre-operative and post-operative care.

As increasing numbers of people line up for aesthetic surgery, a debate rages whether the procedure is worthy enough of the risks involved. People that hold a dissenting opinion argue that meddling with the natural aspects of beauty is not appropriate and, moreover, opting for a risky surgical procedure for mere beautification purposes is not justifiable. However, aesthetic plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity, as people seek to erase signs of aging, rare blemishes on skin, and beautify features that they find unattractive.

As long as the aesthetics govern our choices in a plethora of ways, the popularity of cosmetic surgery will never die down. With much safer and constantly emerging advanced technology equipment at cosmetic surgeons? disposal, there is no looking back for aesthetic surgery.

Nicola publishes an informational site about eyelid surgery, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty at http://eyelid.plastic-surgery-info.net

Celebrity Beauty Secrets

2009-08-10T23:15:00.001+07:00

So you want to look like a star?

Who doesn?t? It would be really nice to wake up and have someone else worry about your hair and makeup.

Celebrities have ?people? whose very jobs are to help famous faces look their best.

Award-winning actresses, runway models, even pop stars all depend on their looks.

Do advertisers want to feature close-ups of crow?s feet?

Who wants to see cellulite on the big screen?

Teen idols should look young and fresh so their audience will want to be like them. It?s their job to look great.

Without a beautifully packaged look, they?re out of work. So work they do. They work at their beauty.

And so can you.

But, you don?t have beauty professionals at your beck and call?

Oh, but you do.

Just not the same ones the celebrities do.

You're worthy of a cast of beauty professionals, too.

You deserve it and it?s not a luxury impossible to afford.

Consider your beauty ?people? and, if you choose carefully, you will have professionals looking out for you, keeping you up to date on the best products, colors and techniques available for you.

How do you choose the right people?

Use only professionals whose overall look is something you like.

If you're seeking a natural look, look for make-up and hair stylists who successfully achieve that look.

If they can do it for themselves, they can teach you the same techniques they're using.

If you want to appear polished and sophisticated, use a stylist whose own personal style impresses you.

Department store makeup counter salespeople

Use them. You don?t need to buy any of their products, unless you want to. But what they can teach you at no cost is something you should really take advantage of.

They're trained in proper technique and are up on the latest trends.

Independent beauty consultants

That neighbor leaving catalogs in your mailbox is a good source of ideas. Invite her over and let her give you a makeover. Again, you're not obligated to purchase anything unless you really want it.

Hairdressers

Hairstyles change with the times, so should your stylist. If she?s not attending stylists? conventions or changing her own hairstyle, she?s not as professional as you deserve.

So, now you have your people.

What do stars do when they?re at home being people, not stars?

Beauty Sleep

It?s not a myth. Get yours.

No caffeine?
?or limited caffeine if you must. It causes premature aging, and who needs that?

Shimmer creams and bronzers?
?help stars shine.

Eat Fish?
?like sardines and salmon. They're full of essential oils that actually nourish your skin.

No smoking
Not only is it bad for your health, it causes lines and dullness in your skin.

Your skin care regime
It doesn?t have to be expensive. Your products can come from the local drug store. Everyone benefits from a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer.

Always, always, always remove makeup at the end of the day. Two more minutes of sleep is not worth a blemished face in the morning. Quick fixes from famous faces.

*Coffee grounds can be recycled and used as a cellulite scrub.

*Castor oil, used by a certain British raven- haired actress/spokesperson/ beauty, creates star quality shine for hair.

*Cinnamon oil (check your health food or vitamin store) rubbed on the lips creates pouty, kissable lips.

*Soak your nails in olive oil, as does a Hollywood Pretty Woman.

*A combination of milk and water mixed in equal parts, spritzed on the face throughout the day is all the rage with many silver screen beauties.

*Legally Blonde hair is baby soft and shiny thanks to baby shampoo.

Glow like a star. You deserve to look your best. Treat yourself to a day of beauty - at home or at the salon. Live the life of a star, without being chased by paparazzi.

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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

Basics of Spray Tan

2009-05-18T19:09:00.001+07:00

I miss summer! I think I suffer from season depression disorder (and it?s only November). You know what would make me feel better? A healthy glow! No, I don?t want to be one of those tanning booth tanorexics. Those days went out for me in college when, after a steady month of tanning booth visits, a really cute football player told me I was starting to look like an oompa loompa.

I decided to try the new wave, the professional spray tan! I just didn?t want a Ross from Friends situation (he forgets to turn around and ends up looking like an oompa loompa too.) I did end up having such a positive experience I want to share with you some tips to ensure you end up with a beautiful healthy glow.

First step, find a reputable shop. Word of mouth is always a good idea, if you know of no one who has done the spray tan check out www.mystictan.com for a location near you. Mystic Tan is very reputable, I would consider them the leader in spray tan technology.

After you have found your salon book an appointment. If you are tanning for a specific event then I suggest a trial run maybe two weeks before the event. If you are pleased with the results then book another appointment about 3 or 4 days before the actual event. This will allow the color to settle in.

On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a loofah and shower gel OR try a body scrub. This will ensure an even application.

At the salon you will probably be given an instructional video to watch but just in case, check out the online video at Mystictan.com. The video explains the whole procedure and what you need to do. Some important steps the video will review: hold your breath when the spray is going off (for about 14 seconds and it?s very challenging), when spray stops turn around and more importantly where to apply the lotion to block the spray (feet and hands). The reason you block the spray from these areas is that due to the excess wrinkles and creases the spray will settle around those areas and cause tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases. You will be screaming Spray Tan. In fact, next time I go I will be more thorough with the cream, I had some of those white creases.

When you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not blot. This is also important so that you do not ruin your clothes, though I would not wear anything too nice anyway. You won?t see any color at first, it takes a couple of hours to emerge. The color lasts 4-7 days and to stretch it as far as it can go moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

I can?t tell you the boost it gives me to have a bit of a tan in the cold days of fall and winter without the worry of cancer. Don?t get me wrong? this is not a weekly pick me up. This is a special treat I will do when I?m really down in the dumps or if I have a special event. The treatment is pricey $30 - $40 a visit. Many places offer package deals but still they are not cheap. I purchased a package of 3 for $75 and plan to stretch it out over a long New England winter.

About The Author

Valerie is mother of 2 and co-founder of http://www.million-dollar-mama.com a website devoted to helping mothers rediscover their favorite hobbies like travel, fitness and girls night out.

val@million-dollar-mama.com

Using Water to Make Your Hair Beautiful

2009-05-15T01:03:00.000+07:00

We tend to think of hair problems as being an external thing.

In other words, we think that if we only wash with the right shampoo, condition with the right conditioner, or whatever, our hair will be beautiful. If only it were that easy!

The secret to luscious, beautiful hair is internal. In other words, it?s what you put in your body that determines 90% of what your hair will look like.

Hair grows out of the scalp, which is part of your skin. And when your skin is healthy, most of your hair problems are taken care of.

A regular hydration program (our ?20 glasses of water a day? in addition to the other liquids you?re drinking) helps to keep the body free of toxins and other waste products. When the body is not getting enough water, poisons can accumulate in your system. Even if those poisons are not enough to cause you to be noticeably sick (although I would argue that you still won?t be as optimally, vibrantly healthy as you could be) they can still cause your skin, hair, and complexion to be not as beautiful as they could be. So, get going on your water program today!

It?s especially important to maintain a large amount of fluids during warm weather, when your body will secrete a larger than average amount in sweat. And if you?re going to be out in the sun, bring a water bottle along! It sounds elementary, but it?s something that?s easy to neglect, and you?ll neither feel your best, nor look your best if you do.

But I wouldn?t want you to neglect the external uses of water for your hair as well. Water cleans the daily grit and grime from the hair. It especially cleans the pores and follicles of the scalp, enabling them to ?breathe.? And again, during warm weather, you might want to wash your hair more frequently. That goes double for times when you?re out in the sun, or when you?re exposed to a lot of salt water at the beach.

If salt is allowed to accumulate in the hair, it will leave the hair looking lifeless and dowdy. Remember what I said earlier about washing. Water is the primary ingredient for washing. Soaps and shampoos can help, but water is what you need the most, and you should be liberal in your use of it. If you?re on the beach, and there?s a public shower, for example, rinse your hair frequently. You don?t have to always use shampoo -- just make sure you rinse it well! (The same goes for any time you use shampoo: make certain all of the shampoo gets rinsed out).

The shampoo you use should be gentle and easy on the hair. Baby shampoos can be good at such times, because they are obviously designed to be less harsh than some adult shampoos. The primary thing you?re looking for is a very gentle soap to remove dirt you?ve got in your hair.

Conditioners can be useful in helping to revitalize the hair, too. They are especially useful when the hair has been damaged. Damage can come from a lot of factors. Prolonged exposure to the sun can be a biggie. But coloring the hair can do it, too, as well as other chemical exposure.

There are many conditioners to choose from, but one of the simplest and gentlest on the hair is plain vinegar. Before you think I?m nuts, give it a try. The process is easy.

After washing your hair, and thoroughly removing rinsing out any shampoo, pour over your hair a mixture of 1/4 cup of white or apple cider vinegar and 3/4 cup of warm water. (The vinegar should be pure vinegar, without additives. If it?s food grade vinegar, it?s fine to use for this). A warning: close your eyes tightly before pouring this over your hair. While it won?t really hurt your eyes, they will sting if it gets in them.

After putting the mixture into the hair, massage it into your scalp. Then rinse it all out. Your hair will be bright and lively, and will feel wonderful.

The important thing to remember, though, is the water. Make use of it. And your hair will thank you for it.

Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is http://www.NetworkForNurses.com and his health blog is at http://www.shababa.blogspot.com

Skincare From Your Fridge

2009-05-12T15:34:00.001+07:00

Beauty awaits you. Not at the make-up counter. Not at the day spa. Not at the plastic surgeon. It awaits you? in your kitchen.

Your best skin care secrets can come from your diet secrets. After all, you are what you eat. So, in the words of Italian mothers everywhere? Mangia!

When it comes to eating for beauty, the rule is: the fresher, the better. Avoid processed foods whenever possible. The fresher your foods, the more nutrient packed. Keep that in mind when planning and preparing meals. Shop like the Europeans. Buy what you need for a few days, not an entire week. Cook things healthfully, eat from all food groups and vary your diet.

Eat your veggies.

Fresh vegetables, when available, are preferable to canned or frozen. Raw produce has a greater concentration of vitamins and minerals. Less time at the stove, that?s attractive.

All vegetables are beneficial. So, if canned is all you?ve got it?ll do. But remember to hit the market tomorrow. Green leafy vegetables are high in beta-carotene which is essential for healthy hair, eyes and skin. Sprouts prevent wrinkles and age spots. Include some on your dinner menu tonight.

Fresh fruit are great for you any time of day.

Sweeten up your breakfast, indulge in a fruity mid-day snack, have a healthy dessert. Cantaloupe is high in vitamins A and C, which promotes healing and controls oil on skin and scalp. Tomatoes (yes, they are a fruit) are packed with A (wrinkle and pimple fighter) and beta-carotene. Citrus fruits provide great doses of vitamin C.

Again, fresh is best. What a sweetly indulgent way to take care of yourself!

Proteins are building blocks.

Turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, lean beef and soy all provide protein and B vitamins which support hair and nail health, and youthful skin. Prepared healthfully, they?ll satisfy your appetite and your form. Fish, like salmon and sardines, are full of protein and Omega 3 which promotes glowing skin.

Drink water.

Lots of water. It purifies you all the way down to your cells, and speeds the regeneration of damaged tissue. So, even if you aren?t at your best now, you soon can be.

Health and happiness equal beauty.

When you eat goof foods, you're nurturing your body. When you?re nurtured, you feel good. When you feel good, you smile. When you smile, you look good. So eat and enjoy your way to a healthier, happier, prettier you.

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

Botox The Temporary Wrinkle Solution

2009-05-12T15:28:00.001+07:00

Botox has made a huge splash in the health and beauty market because of its ability to erase and minimize wrinkles. The stunning success of the BOTOX solution has had beauty enthusiasts lining up to receive their wrinkle treatments. Are botox treatments safe? After all BoTOX is a protein toxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the first cousin to the deadly botulism bacteria.

Botox has been safely used by opthamoligists for over a decade without any serious side effects being reported. This drug has actually been around since the early 1960?s. Originally it was used as a treatment for crossed eyes. The manner in which botox works is that it is injected into the muscle where the wrinkles appear. When the botox is injected into the muscle the frown lines, crow?s feet and laugh lines temporarily disappear. I stress the use of the word ?temporary? because a botox treatment normally lasts about 3 to 6 months. Botox treatments were approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment of muscles that produce frown lines.

Botox injections have quickly become the fastest growing cosmetic procedure and are anticipated to be used on over 4.5 million patients in 2006. They are more popular than breast augmentation. Current botox patients report that after several treatments that the effects of this wrinkle cure last much longer. It is important to note that Botox is ineffective for fine wrinkles because fine wrinkles do not appear because of facial expression caused by facial muscles. On the flipside, the one negative of botox treatments is a slight and temporary drooping of the eyelid. At the present time this appears to be the most important side effect of botox treatment.

While botox has been safely used by millions of patients, it is recommended that pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding their babies as well as patients suffering from neurologic disease should never use botox.

Botox treatments do not work for everyone. However, over 90% of patients who have been surveyed are extremely happy with this procedure. This temporary cure for wrinkles has created quite a bit of excitement in the health and beauty field. This procedure is administered by qualified plastic surgeons. The average cost for a simple botox treatment is about $200 - $400 for each area that it is applied to.

Ricardo Sanchez Gonzalez is an active health and beauty enthusiast and the webmaster for http://www.more-answers-now.info. He is also a botox patient who is very enthused by the results that botox treatments bring about.

Free Radicals: Destructive Scavengers and the Vital Role Antioxidants Play

2009-05-05T19:24:00.001+07:00

Several years ago, it was all over the news. Free radicals were damaging - we all had them, and antioxidants were the solution. But what role really do free radicals play in damaging the body, and how are we supposed to best get rid of them? How do antioxidants work and what is the best way of adding them to our diet?

24 hours a day, while the body is constantly working, cells are metabolizing and creating energy as they carry out their tasks. This natural process results in free radicals, the same way driving to work in your car creates exhaust fumes. Some free radicals are natural byproducts of the ongoing workings of the body. Some are from environmental factors, such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke.

A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage.

Free radicals become extremely damaging to the body as they steal electrons from your cells. They begin to spread like a wildfire through the years if your body does not have enough antioxidants to keep them in check. They can attack cell walls, get inside the cell, and cause damage to the DNA. This leads to cancer. Cancer is defined as a degenerative stress condition, and we can understand this better when we understand the role free radicals play.

The brain is the most active part of the body. It uses the most energy, and therefore is subject to bombardment with the most free radicals. The significance of this is not only that we feel negative effects in our mind - such as feeling tired and muddled - but also because brain is very important in its control of so many of the vital workings of our bodies.

When a free radical attacks, it can get into the cell and cause the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, to die or cease to function fully. This can disrupt one of a multitude of processes. A dead or poorly functioning mitochondria in a cell can disrupt or slow down neuronal firing. Mental illness is largely due to imbalances in the neuronal processes of our natural brain chemistry. A poorly working or dead mitochondria can prevent certain natural functions from working, causing symptoms like hormonal imbalance.

Untreated, the damage from free radicals accumulates with age. They are the cause of many degenerative diseases, and are associated with many of the signs of the aging process.

Antioxidants are molecules loaded with extra free electrons. When we have enough antioxidants the free radicals get their electrons from the antioxidants in our body, rather than stealing them from our cells.

The body is naturally built to handle free radicals. Antioxidants are found in the vitamins A, C and E in the fruits and vegetables we eat. However even eating the 5-8 recommended servings a day, or using supplements still often does not do enough to combat the massive free radical damage.

Antioxidants from Vitamins E, C, and A actually pale in comparison to the phytonutrient antioxidants such as those found in red wine and blueberries. This is the reason for the French paradox, why it is being recommended to drink wine, eat chocolate, and drink green tea. They provide better sources of antioxidants.

There is an even better source: the newly discovered acai berry, of the Brazilian rainforest. It provides antioxidants in strengths 33 times more powerful than red wine. It floods the body with massive amounts of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. The acai berry is the number one ingredient for anti-aging recommended by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, in his book the Perricone Promise.

The acai berry can be best added to the diet in liquid form. A small dose of several ounces daily will flood the body with the vital antioxidants it needs. The acai berry is the best way to add to your diet the most powerful antioxidants combating free radical damage.

Carina MacInnes is a writer and entrepreneur who chooses for her daily antioxidant supplement a powerful nutrient packed juice containing vital amounts of the acai berry. Try it yourself: http://drinkacai.com - For information on how to make a living distributing this top-quality product, visit http://imagineacai.com

Beauty: Inner Outer

2009-04-28T19:18:00.001+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

Day Spas Facts

2009-04-24T12:33:00.001+07:00

A day spa is business that offers a number of personal care services to their customers. Some of these services include facials or massages. Unlike destination spas, people are only expected to stay at day spas until their treatment is complete. Waxing is another common service that is offered, and the body hair of the customers will removed by using warm wax. A day spa should be a place which is clean and comfortable. Each customer will have their own private room where they will receive treatments. If the customer wants to take a shower before their treatment begins, there are often showering facilities which will be available for men and women.

A high quality day spa will typically be operated by an esthetician who is licensed to work in the field. A day spa will also employ trained therapists who are skilled with massages or other products. Spa robes and shoes should be available in sizes that will match most clients. The massages that are available will fall under multiple categories, and some of these are Swedish, Deep Muscle, or Shiatsu. In addition to waxing, the facility should also have heat treatments, laser hair removal, or hand and foot treatments. As the name implies day spas will often have a hot tub or sauna. Some customers will be able to hire a personal trainer, and many establishments feature yoga as well.

A day spa is an excellent place for those who are looking to reduce stress. The workers in the day spa should give a warm welcome to their clients, and if you are new, they will explain to you the different procedures they use. Once they have explained the procedures, you will be taken to your private room where you can dress in a robe. Drinks may often be served in the form of water or juices. If you are a guest, you are expected to be on time for your appointment. If you are paying for body services, you will need to dress in a robe, and your therapist will expose the areas that will be treated. The goal of your therapist is to provide you with the treatments you need.

As you are treated, you will want to provide feedback to therapist on how you feel. The most important thing for you to do is relax. Let the therapist do the work, though you may talk to them if you wish. If you have children, it is best to leave them at home, because they can disrupt the quiet atmosphere and disturb other customers. Some day spas will require gratuities, while others will not. It is important to have this information available before you make an appointment. There are a number of behaviors which will not be tolerated at most day spas. A visitor who is drunk will be promptly removed from the facility. Customers are not supposed to be abusive to the therapists. It is also not acceptable to visit most spas without first making appointments, as many of them may be booked on any given day.

Michael Colucci is a writer for Day Spas which is part of the Knowledge Search network

The Miracles Of Tea Tree Oil For Skin And Hair Care

2009-04-13T18:39:00.001+07:00

Tea tree, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA, native to Australia, is a tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar in appearance to cypress with heads of sessile pale flowers. The popular tea tree oil is derived from this tree. The aborigines of Australia have been known to have used the tea tree oil to treat a range of ailments from colds, sores to acne and even whooping cough.

Extensively used in aromatherapy, the leaves when crushed release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. The oil is so potent that it can be diluted up to many times its volume and it still manages to retain its effectiveness all the same. Although the benefits of tea tree oil are numerous, for beauty treatments, it?s been found effective in skin and hair care. The following sections describe the uses of Tea Tree Oil for skin care and hair care.

Tea tree oil for skin care

Tea tree oil has been used effectively to treat acne, abscess, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts and wounds. You can use tea tree oil to cure sunburns, diaper rash, toenail infections and problems of smelly feet.

Tea tree oil for hair care

Add a few drops of Tea tree oil to your regular shampoo to treat hair problems like persistent dandruff, itchy-scalp and even prevent head-lice. Massage it in, leave it on for 5-7 minutes and rinse off. Adding a few drops in pet shampoo/bath helps keep tics and rashes at bay.

Other benefits of tea tree oil Fed-up with allopathic medicines? Packets of antibiotics that have gone down your throat seem to be of no use? The only things you find they have lightened are your pockets? Well, don't panic, help is at hand, Tea Tree oil can be used to treat a variety of medical problems. A great remedy to soothe your sinuses; dab a drop of tea tree oil around your nose can help clear up blocked sinuses.

Add a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer and inhale, a great relief for persistent colds and cough. Regular use of tea tree oil has been found to be effective in treating Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cough, sinusitis and even tuberculosis.

Tea tree oil is a great general disinfectant and can be effectively used to treat genito-urinary tract infections such as thrush, vaginitis, cystitis and pruitis. Tea tree oil has properties that act as a immune booster. It helps equip the body to fight off a host of infections. Using tea tree oil is particularly effective if the body is already in a weakened condition due to illness, stress or prolonged treatment-involving antibiotics that lead to a reduction of the body's natural resistance.

Using tea tree oil prior to a surgical operation or for those suffering from long-drawn debilitating illness has been found to be beneficial. The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties have seen tea tree oil being used extensively in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides, aftershaves and colognes. Tea tree oil is safe to use, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant.

Although tea tree oil has no known side effects, some individuals may be sensitive to it. This calls for consideration of the strength of tea tree oil and should never be used undiluted on the body and particularly on sensitive areas.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and references to some of the very useful oils like tea tree oils which are very good for your skin and hair .

Home Manicure Home Pedicure

2009-04-12T17:33:00.001+07:00

When you need to do manicure or pedicure at home, it is very important to have knowledge of it in general, and the requirements in particular. If you feel the need of a system of manicure / pedicure and wandering, then the following mentioned system would be of great help to you. So for creating a perfect manicure / pedicure system at home, you will need the followings:
* 1 pack of cotton balls
* 1 polish remover
* 1 emery board
* 1 nail trimmer
* 1 cuticle remover
* 1 bottle fingernail polish
* 2 toe separators
* A couple of paper towels

Now you definitely would be interested to know, how the abovementioned items will help you in doing manicure / pedicure.

Nail polish removing:

Take cotton balls as many as you need them, soak each finger well with nail polish remover, so that your fingernails true color start appearing. Use a very less quantity of nail polish remover to remove the nail polish. Since nail polish is extremely drying, never soak the nail in it, especially the cuticle. Keep the good contacts of your nails with the nail polish.

Soaking and removing cuticles:

Your cuticle is like a fore skin. It is found at the bottom of your nail, where finger nail cartilage and skin meets. To remove cuticle, soak your nail in warm water for 3 minutes or less. Now use cartilage remover to push the cuticle down.

Trimming your fingernails:

To trim out toenails, use nail clippers. To reshape or shorten nails, simply use nail clippers. If your nails are hard, soak them in water before trimming. If you have soft nails, do not trim after bathing or washing, because in doing so you may cause damage, which sometime may lead to infection. Do not cut too short toenails, because doing so increase the chances of developing ingrown toenails.

Filling Nails:

Use emery board to make your fingernails smooth and good looking. You can use emery board to smoothen the ends of your fingernails. Do not use emery board to scrap your natural nail surface at all. This will make the nails surface rough.

Exfoliating & Moisturizing Hands and Feet:

Now use sugar wash to massage your feet, legs, arms and feet. Rinse your hands first and then use pumice stone to rub away callus and other rough surfaces on the bottom of your feet. Now, rinse the scrub of your feet and legs. Now, use moisturizer or some other soothing cream for your hands and feet that may heal a cracked and roughdry skin.

Polishing Nails:

Remove excess moisturizer using polish remover. Polish your nails and dry them between coats, preferably minimum of four coats. If you have weak or brittle nails, place one or two coats of ridge filling nail polish on the nail as base coat to shore up the nail. Two coats of a colored nail polish are next, followed by a topcoat to add luster. Use foam toe separators to fingers, while polishing. Allow drying the polish.

Tania writes on home Manicure and pedicure.

Learn more about fordyce condition and celebrity makeup here.

At Home Hair Removal: Techniques To Use Part Two

2009-04-02T12:51:00.001+07:00

There are some more at home options for hair removal that you should consider. You will find these to provide you with a good quality finish. To choose, look at your conditions as well as your preferences.

Waxing: A Small Pain Goes A Long Way

Waxing is an effective method of hair removal that will last several weeks. You can purchase at home kits to help you to do it. You?ll apply a thin coating of wax, allow it to dry and then rip it away. Yes, it hurts a bit but that is only going to last a second. And, you?ll be able to take advantage of the hair free beauty for a while afterwards.

Bleaching: Hide It

While you will not be actually removing hair, you will be able to hide it carefully. Bleaching is a chemical reaction which will remove the color from the hair allowing it to blend in with your skin. You can purchase bleaching products for the hair above your lip or in other areas as well. Make sure to follow the directions of the product that you use. It is also important to note that tanned skin can cause bleached hair to stand out.

Abrasives: A Little Elbow Grease

If you have fine hair, then abrasives can be the right method for you to remove hair. You will use an abrasive stone, pumice mostly. By rubbing the stone to the skin in a circular motion, you will lightly remove the hair without damaging your skin. Although you?ll see some redness afterwards, it will likely go away quickly. And, the results of abrasives will last up to three weeks.

Electrolysis: The Home Version

There are several home electrolysis products that you can purchase. Careful purchasing can lead to the best results. While these products promise permanent hair removal, they are hard to use and do not always provide this. They are not as effective as professional services, but far less costly. You?ll want a blunt needed version. This will get placed inside the follicle. Products called Electric Tweezers do not work nearly as well. You?ll need to make sure that the hair is in a growing cycle and follow the directions provided carefully. A small area of at a time should be attempted. It will take you a long while and it will not be as pain free as you may think.

Hair removal can happen at home. There are many methods and ways that you can effectively get rid of unwanted hair that is throughout the areas of your body that you do not want it to be. While there are many options, it is completely up to you, your preferences and your budget to determine which the right one to go with is.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about home hair removal.

AntiAging and You!

2009-03-30T13:16:00.001+07:00

We are a product of our environment and must be realistic in knowing that the environment is not pure and because of the basic instinct of greed, we are living in a polluted world. The people who live the longest, exist in the high mountains where the air is not polluted, the water is full of healthy minerals and the food is free of synthetic chemicals. In the polluted world, we must recognize that polluted air, water and food produce free radicals and pathogenic germs that cause us to prematurely age with diseases and pain. For those of us that live in the chemical world, we can live 20 years or more longer, if we prevent free radicals and pathogens from shortening our life. Anti-aging depends on fighting free radicals and pathogens. Conventional medicine may let us live 20 years longer, but with the expectation of suffering. Fortunately, the choice is ours.

ANTIOXIDANTS:
Antioxidants are chemicals that defuse free radicals and other biologically damaging molecular fragments in the body.

They consist of nutrients such as Beta-Carotene, Coenzyme Q10, Selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are well known for their antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are found in a full-range of fruits and vegetables, as well as in some meat, like fish. However, fruits and vegetables are the key source of antioxidants.

Although, our bodies produce its own antioxidants, the level of product declines over time because of environmental factors and through the aging process.

ANTIOXIDANT THEORY -- HOW THEY WORK:

Free Radicals As part of the normal cell function, cells make toxic molecules called free radicals.

Free radicals are damaged molecules-molecules that are missing electronics

Free radicals are regarded as the primary force of destruction in nearly all-living things.

Free radicals take electrons from other non-damaged molecules. By doing so, the free molecules damage the cell.

As cell damage continues, it contributes to certain diseases and aging.

Free radicals can cause cancer, diabetes, cataracts, cardiovascular disease and wrinkles.

THE BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS:

Slowing Down Oxidation Antioxidants are good at slowing down the oxidation process.

When oxidation occurs in food, fatty acids undergo chemical changes

Fatty acids are also found in the blood, which can undergo similar chemical changes, as does food.

Mental Decline Resulting From Aging A study published by the Journal of Neuroscience showed that rats fed antioxidant-rich strawberries and spinach had better memories and slower decline of nerve cells functions than rats fed a standard diet.

Most of us knows that we need to consume more fruits and vegetables than meats. Fruits and vegetables plays an important role in protecting against and possibly reversing the cognitive declines seen from aging.

Free radical destruction is said to be a key factor to a decline in memory and motor performance seen in aging.

The brain is especially vulnerable because it is relatively deficient in antioxidants to begin with.

WHICH ANTIOXIDANTS ARE BEST THEN?

Two general types of antioxidants work together to protect the cells and tissues of our bodies. One type protects the aqueous (watery) portion of the tissues and the other the hydrophobic, or lipid (fatty) component. The aqueous environment is protected by vitamin C, and at least two additional antioxidants produced by tissues, glutathione and thioredoxin. Cell membranes are protected by the lipid-soluble antioxidants, including vitamin E, and the ubiquinols (CoQ10). Another antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid, is unique in that it can enter and protect both lipid and water environments.

When vitamins C and E react with and neutralize a free radical, the oxidized or spent vitamins are converted back to the reduced or recharged, active form. Vitamin C can donate electrons to oxidized vitamin E and convert the E back to its active state, leaving vitamin C oxidized. Vitamin C, in turn, can be recharged after reacting with glutathione or the more potent antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid.

The most versatile antioxidant in the cell is alpha lipoic acid. It is one of the more potent antioxidants, owing to its property of being the most easily oxidized. Alpha lipoic acid is the foundation of an antioxidant network involved in the conversion of the spent or oxidized forms of four different cellular antioxidants back to their active protective forms. The obvious questions, then, are how lipoic acid is regenerated and whether this process ever ends.

The answer lies in the unique property of lipoic acid, its solubility in both water and lipid. Lipoic acid can be converted from its oxidized state to its reduced state with the aid of a mitochondrial enzyme (the organelle within the cell where energy is produced). Unlike vitamins C and E, the cell has machinery specifically designed for the regeneration of reduced lipoic acid. Therefore, lipoic acid can itself react with and neutralize free radicals in addition to recycling vitamins C and E (as well as CoQ10, glutathione and thioredoxin). This is critical, since each antioxidant has a unique function. The conclusion, then, is that all of these antioxidants are required for optimal cellular health.

FOODS HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS:
Beta-carotene -- Found in dark green, dark yellow and orange vegetables and fruits.

Selenium -- Found in meats, fish, cereal, dairy products, Brazil and some other nuts.

Vitamin C - Found in orange juice, kiwi, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon, green peppers, cauliflower and broccoli.

Vitamin E - Can be found in mayonnaise, margarine, salad dressing, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, crab, shrimp and fish.

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE:
Make sure you get the RDA for vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. If you rarely eat dark-green or orange varieties of fruits and vegetables, take a supplement, which supplies 100% of the RDA vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that people, especially as they age, don't get the RDA for vitamin E. Good food sources for vitamin E again are breakfast cereals that are fortified with 100% of the RDA for vitamins and minerals, shellfish, mustard or turnip greens, kale and collards.

Ito Nakamura is a Internet Health Enterprenuer specialising in marketing health supplements; health exercise equipments & beauty products. http://www.detoxprofessor.com

Hair Removal by Waxing Hot and Cold Waxes

2009-03-29T19:49:00.001+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

Beauty Salon 12 Tips They Don't Want You To Know

2009-03-27T19:43:00.001+07:00

Hair Care Professional- Breaking One In

Beauty Salon- It is so important for us to find the right beauty salon so that we can have the right look at the right time. However, there are certain things that beauty salon owners don't want you to know.

According to the September 13, 2005 issue of the LA Times, soon after Hurricane Katrina passed through the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama beauty salons with power and water reopened. Women who had lost EVERYTHING flocked to those open beauty salons. They wanted to look good even though they did not have a place to live. They wanted and needed professional hair care.

This fact alone confirms your intuition about the absolute necessity of finding the right beauty salon. This holds true for a beauty salon Santa Monica, or a beauty salon Long Beach, Mississippi.

Let me give you some general guidelines and tips to use when you are looking for a new beauty salon. I will also include some helpful suggestions about how to deal with your hair stylist.

1. How far is the beauty salon from your home or work? Is it convenient to either or both?

2. Telephone the salon. Ask if their hair care stylists have experience with your type of hair. For example, is your hair long, curly, textured or exposed to frequent changes to hair color, heat and the elements?

3. Search the Internet for reviews of beauty salons in your work or home zip codes.

4. It seems obvious, but it's crucial: Who do you know whose hair looks fabulous? Ask them where (and to whom) they go.

5. When you get to the beauty salon what does the atmosphere FEEL like to you? Is it peaceful or stressful? Which do you prefer?

6. Are you greeted right away or are you forced to wander around or ?twiddle your thumbs? until someone attends to you?

7. If you've made an appointment is it kept?

8. Is the beauty salon clean and well organized? Does everything seem to be in its place?

9. How is the staff dressed? Are they dressed appropriately to your taste?

10. What does the hair of the staff look like to you? Is the hair of the staff professionally done or is it sloppy?

Ok, you've decided that the beauty salon environment is satisfactory, now how do you deal with the hair stylist?

11. Collect and bring pictures that are appropriate for your type of hair. The biggest beauty salon hair disasters occur when your hair stylist doesn't understand what you want. Pictures help convey your message.

12. Don't immediately go for a cut, take it slower. Book a blow-dry with your selected stylist. Ask, if you were to cut my hair, how would you do it? Once you've set aside the time for a real consultation, here are some key questions to ask yourself as you talk to your stylist:

? DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE with the hair care stylist? You should like his or her sense of style. This means clothing, grooming, personality, everything.

? IS THE STYLIST ASKING YOU questions, giving ideas and suggestions that relate to your personality, rather than pointing to a style on the wall or in a book?

? IS THE HAIR CARE STYLIST ADDRESSING the health of your hair, not just proposing to cut off split ends? The two of you should be talking about conditioners and rinses that enhance shine and bounce, and special treatments that can prevent or repair damage done by the environment, such as pollution, sun, chlorine, humidity, or dry air.

? ONCE YOU'VE AGREED ON A LOOK, does the stylist preview how you'll need to blow it dry, wash it, and maintain it? These are all things to think about before actually getting the cut.

If you can answer most of the questions to your satisfaction, then you've probably found a beauty salon and a hair stylist that will make you look fabulous. If you cannot, then move on to the next beauty salon on your list.

Take the above tips with you when you come to Next Salon in Santa Monica, CA. We think that you'll find that you came to the right beauty salon.

Noori Daili specializes in making women and men look luscious and desirable. She is the founder and owner of Next Salon at 2400 Main Street in Santa Monica, California 90405. Call now at 310-392-6645 and mention this article for a 10% savings on hair service appointments. For more info go to the beauty salon website. Online appointments are welcome.

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

2009-03-26T14:35:00.001+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.

Inner Cleavage!

2009-03-25T12:58:00.001+07:00

I read an article back in March 2005 that had the words of the title of this article in it. I picked it up at the Cancer Center at Beaumont Hospital, in Detroit Michigan. It was a heartfelt story of a woman who had lost her breasts to Breast Cancer. The story went on to talk about Melissa Etheridge and of her deliberate boldness at the 2005 Grammy's, when she came out with a bald head, after her cancer treatments, as if proudly displaying it as her gift of life. The story went on to talk about women who in desperation for survival had in some ways traded their beauty for life.

I related to the story, being a breast cancer survivor myself. But, what truly touched me about that article was the woman in the story talking about how when her outer beauty had faded away, and during treatments, she was left with spirit, raw and powerful and hanging on with claws, daring her to live.

What a concept. Have you ever been dared to live? Tim McGraw has an old song titled Live like you were dying, about a man, who seemingly is given a certain number of years or months to live due to some type of fatal disease. In the song when asked what he was to do about this news, he replied with, skydiving, mountain climbing, and a wish to all of his friends to one day know what it feels like to live like you were dying.

I remember what it felt like going through my cancer treatments. I remember the ugliness of my body and the forced humbleness of a deep seeded pride. I recall wondering if I would live through it, the pain, the blisters and stress. Looking back, I realize, I lived every day. I lived more then each day then I sometimes do now. Why is it that we have to be faced with something tragic to appreciate LIFE? What is it in our human-ess that makes us forget the grace and mercy of God and the power of prayer until we are brought to our knees at a crucial point in our life and MADE to remember? Funny, how God sometimes has a way of reminding us of the fragility of life. I believe He does this just so that we DO remember.

I recently was reminded again last week when another lump was found after almost two years of survival. I'm a prayerful, faithful woman, but I found myself even MORE prayerful. I found more time to enjoy my days, to kiss my kids and tell my husband I loved him. I also found a lot more time for God. Hmmm, makes me wonder why. But isn't life funny that way? We move along forgetting that our time is short, our days are numbered, our fate is destined and we truly have no idea when Gods hand will reach down and pluck us from our busy, appointment filled, carpooling, grocery shopping, house cleaning, business building days. These precious days that we can't seem to find time to get on our knees and give thanks because we don't have the time. Why, because our lives are just too full. Too full. I want you to remember that last statement. Life IS full. Praise God our lives are filled! Live every single day of it!

We have one month, one day a year to get our families together to gather in praise and thanksgiving. A National Holiday will do that for most of us. But how about not waiting for that Thanksgiving Holiday or that crucial moment of unknown fate.

When you find yourself on your knees at times like these, stay there. We could all stand to kneel a little longer. My hope is that this year we remember Gods graces and appreciate our lives and everything in them because God is good! Something as simple as feeling your pulse each morning is proof of that. Keep on remembering. While you're at it, remember those full days when your inbox is so full that you can barely find time to breathe? Those are the days to be grateful for. Those are the days to get on your knees in praise because when your in-box is empty, you're dead.

By the way that lump in my breast? Nothing but a small cyst. Cancer Free another day! Praise the heavens for this and every day. I intend to fully live ALL of mine. How about you?

Melissa Privett is a Transformational Workshop Leader and Keynote Speaker. She is intensively trained to facilitate a myraid of seminars and workshops for personal and spiritual growth and self-acceptance. Her workshops are highly praised for their inspirational empowerment of women. Melissa is also available for Spiritual Life Coaching by phone or in person and Chakra and Energy Balancing by appointment. She can be reached at 248-231-8018 or visit her website at http://www.lifepathworkshops.com

Rosehip Seed Oil A Foundation for Beauty

2009-03-24T12:07:00.000+07:00

Rosehip seed oil has become widely recognized as an effective skin and beauty care agent in the last decade, with great interest surrounding its scientifically-validated beauty-enhancing effects. The oil has been heralded as a miracle cure for skin, useful for a great myriad of conditions, from premature aging and sun damage to scarring and other damage. What is this wonderful red liquid, where does it come from, how does it work, and most importantly, can it work for you?

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seed within the fruit of the wild thorny rose bush. Native to Chile, the plant is now cultivated elsewhere in South America with many countries producing the oil. Also found under the name 'Rosa Mosqueta', the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years, but only recently became known to the rest of the world.

The red colored oil can be either solvent extracted or 'cold-pressed' ? pressing is the really way to go, as there is no chance of any solvent residues remaining in the final product, and it is easier on the environment. The cold-pressed oil is the closest to nature; it has a high essential fatty acid content, and is considered more delicate than other seed oils. For this reasons, pure rosehip seed oil should be kept in a cool place, out of direct light, and should be used within 1 year of purchase. Otherwise the more fragile of the fatty acids could begin to turn bad, and your skin might not be so fond of them.

Rosehip seed oil is an excellent source of natural vitamin E and natural vitamin A, or 'trans-retinoic acid'. Retinoic acid, the acid derivative of vitamin A, is the active ingredient found in Retin-A or Tretinoin. Retin-A (a pharmaceutical preparation) has been heralded as a wrinkle cure because of its ability to increase skin cell proliferation ? or speed the time it takes for your skin to regenerate. In fact, rosehip seed oil has been extensively studied for many of the same actions attributed to Retin-A, and has been shown effective without side effects (like over-drying and peeling ? though unlike Retin-A, it should not be used to treat acne).

The first major study on rosehip seed oil was performed in 1983 by a team of researchers at the University of Santiago, Chile. The study's participants included individuals with diverse forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other premature aging, UV damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring, dermatitis, and other problems of this type. Rosehip seed oil was shown to have significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and helping the skin to regain its natural color and tone.

Another later study was conducted on women ages 25-35 with extensive premature aging of their skin. Again, rosehip seed oil significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: On some skin troubles like superficial wrinkles, chestnut spots and ephelides, good results have been obtained. After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible. The oil has been used to successfully treat a long list of skin related conditions, including: age spots, wrinkles and premature aging, sun damage, scars from acne, burns, and surgery, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, brittle nails, and even dry and damaged hair.

Besides its regenerative properties, rosehip seed oil is also an excellent moisturizer. This is most likely due to its high essential fatty acid content (fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself), which are necessary for healthy skin. The oil penetrates the upper layers of the skin quickly and, being known as a 'dry' moisturizer, does not leave the skin feeling greasy or oily.

As for daily use of rosehip seed oil, it is considered extremely gentle and can be applied undiluted to the skin. It may also be blended with other oils like jojoba and sweet almond, and will still have wonderful effects at 10% of the total concentration. Further, rosehip seed oil makes an excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy ? blends with essential oils having skin regenerative and soothing properties are highly recommended.

For improvement of scarring, a simple blend of 20 drops of Helichrysum Italicum per 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil, applied daily to the area, can be helpful. Helichrysum is known for its content of regenerative 'ketones'. For a more luxurious beauty blend, try the following in 4 ounces of rosehip seed:

5 drops Helichrysum
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Sandalwood
3 drops Neroli
3 drops Carrot Seed
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop Palmarosa
1 drop Ylang Ylang

Even simply the Helichrysum and Lavender will go a long way ? Lavender oil is very gentle, and is also known to have regenerative properties.

So, whether using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin, or simply giving it a little nourishment, you will almost certainly be happy with the results. This luscious oil, with its broad range of positive effects, is sure to take a prominent place in your natural beauty botanical collection.

Misty Rae Cech ND is a naturopath and yoga teacher practicing in Boulder, Colorado. She utilizes many natural therapies in her practice, including aromatherapy and flower essence therapy. She is the founder of the Ananda Apothecary Flower Essences and Ananda Aromatherapy Essential Oils.

Beauty Tips for Luscious Lips

2009-03-23T10:15:00.001+07:00

The last step in your makeup regime is lipstick application. Some women say if they could have only one beauty item it would be lipstick. Lip color brings the whole look together to create harmony. To keep your lips looking perfect, have lip color with you at all times and reapply when needed.

When you select a lip color take in consideration your clothing and blush colors. The color of your clothing and blush should complement your lipstick but doesn?t have to be perfectly matched. However, the colors should be in the same intensity and range. Wear cool colors together and warm colors together. Pink lipsticks go with blue and pink colors and corals and russets go with clothing that falls in a yellow/orange range.

Steps to apply lip color:

1.Prepare your lips by applying foundation over them (this will extend the wear).

2.Outline and define the shape using a lip pencil that has soft, pointed top. Start at the V in your upper lip drawing down to the corners. Then, starting at the middle of the bottom lip draw a line to the corners. To help lipstick stay on longer, use your pencil to cover the lips entirely.

3.Fill in upper lip with lipstick or you can use a lip brush.

4.Fill in the lower lip and then blot with a tissue and reapply.

5.Dab gloss in the centre of your lower lip to create a fuller more glamorous look.

When defining the lips with a lip pencil be sure the pencil and lipstick colors are very close. The lip liner should not be noticeable. Lip liners are meant to keep your lipstick in place, keep lipstick from bleeding, define the shape and help them look more natural. Do not try to change the shape of your lips by going outside the natural line.

* Dark lipsticks will make small lips appear smaller.

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

Food Addiciton!

2009-03-22T16:33:00.001+07:00

Hi, I have had a weight problem all my life. But I think it is more of a pleasure problem It is also a self esteem of issue. Food was always a reward or to keep me happy kind of thing. Food is a happy gathering kind of thing... holidays.. going out to eat..sweet cakes on my birthday. Even as a baby I am sure that I was given food when I wasn't given personal attention.

Diet's are a form of restrictions.

When a person is on a diet it is like a statement to everyone around them that they are trying to lose weight. They are telling the people around them they can only eat a certain foods... That food is the food that is on the diet. It is a form of restriction on a loved one. They now have to show their love by helping me stay on a diet. With a diet it seems easier for a person to watch me sweat and work out harder to obtain that new weight that I have set for myself.

I seem to think that being one of the reasons for me being fat. As a baby, a child is given a bottle to drink to make them happy and stop crying. Even I give myself pleasure with food. I have learned to have pleasure from food.

Now diet, is a plan of food a person eats for life to keep a certain weight. OK.. the rules change, and now my self esteem is up and I am worth surviving. Yes, it is a survival issue. Eating too much can kill me.

Of course the story of being fat isn't that easily answered or talked about. There are many other factors on the way I think about this issue. There is much more to it. Much, much more.

And this wonderful web site and you wonderful gals are helping me. Women need more self esteem on many issues. Women can and deserve to be happy.

- Peggy (WSE member)

Thank You Peggy for allowing me to share your post in my blog. For people with an emotional addiction for food, losing their extra weight is a lot harder than eating less food and getting on the treadmill. Many people are over weight because they are suffering with an inner issue. They will use food as an emotional void filler. The only reason they are hungry is because they are sad. They have confused hunger with sadness. They use food as their drug to feel calmness. They will eat and space out as an addict does after a fix.

They will also fall into the roller coaster of self-loathing. Loathing the fact that they once again fell into the unnecessary need for food. People that are obese and actually have lost weight, are of two minds. They feel like they are someone else when they are thinner and live a life where they fear that they could fall into that food addiction at any second. The other mind is the one that is consumed with self-disgust and a weakness for the addiction of food. People with eating addictions love and hate food. Again being of two minds. They try to justify themselves, by criticizing people without food addictions. They will drive by fast food restaurants and debate within themselves, only to increase the need for food, which only causes them to devour even more than usual. They are in a constant battle with, should I or shouldn't I. I know I shouldn't but I so want to. It's a viscous circle for them.

One of the hardest things for obese people to deal with is the whispers and snickers from other people as they pass by them. They know well enough that they disgust people just by watching their reactions, yet is is not enough to make them stop eating. Obese people are ridiculed in public all the time and they loose out on many relationships because the other person cannot understand their addiction for food. Food addicts will even ignore that they are literally killing themselves with every bite that they do not need.

They choose to not think about it, as any addict does. Some will say that solving food addiction is as easy as just telling people to stop being lazy, to exercise and to stop over eating. For them, food means so many things besides fueling their bodies with nutrients. Their addiction will totally over rule their nature to protect themselves, health wise or society`s concerns about appearance.

Depression, low self-esteem, history of abuse, poverty, family obesity and emotionally troubled childhood upbringings are a few of the greatest causes that trigger off food addiction. As I said earlier in this article, people are desperate to fill an emptiness. Food is the easiest route to reaching that full feeling they desire. Emotional emptiness is the monster that creates the addiction in obese people.

You would think that with all the methods that have proven to help people with their weight issues, there would not be a single overweight person, but the numbers are growing faster every day. Obesity is one of the only health issues the we know how to battle and prevent, yet we fail to do so.

Why is that? Is it because FAT is one of those HUSH words? Do we ignore the overweight issues of others, so not to hurt their feelings? Are we doing them any favours by pretending it is OK to be dangerously overweight? Do we feel that if they like themselves like that, who are we to judge them? Do we think to ourselves, better them than me?

People that are addicted to the food drug are just as mprisoned as any other addict. There is only one way to get off the drug, and that is to seek help. Also they must want to get off this drug, for themselves. They must want to feel good about themselves. To be able to get to that point, they must build their self-esteem and address the skeletons in their closets. This is why I created womensselfesteem.com. This is one road to an addiction-free place in your mind.

As you read in Peggy`s post, she has finally begun her climb up the mountain to a better feeling person. She wanted to share this with other women that are behind those bars of food addiction. It is beatable. You just have to want to begin the battle.

Again HUGGZZZZ Peggy.

Dorothy Lafrinere
Owner/Operator
Website- http://www.womensselfesteem.com Weblog- http://www.justblogme.com/Dorothy Forum- http://womenselfesteem.proboards29.com email- dorothy@womensselfesteem.com

AntiAging Skin Care Secrets & Solutions

2009-03-21T22:05:00.001+07:00

Anti-aging skin care is simple. But there are steps you'll need to take. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and the only one exposed to the elements. It?s also the only one exposed to the view of others, so you?ll want to make sure it ages as slowly as possible.

As time goes by, your skin tends to get thinner, dryer, more wrinkled and, eventually, age spots may appear. Although you can?t stop the process, you can slow it down dramatically. Besides using high quality skin care (mild cleansers and effective moisturizers), there are two other secrets to your skin?s fountain of youth.

Since ?garbage in, garbage out? applies to your body as well as your computer, healthy skin requires a healthy diet. Reduce your over all fats to under 30%, replacing processed and saturated ?bad? fats with ?good? essential fatty acids. Eliminate sweets and other processed carbohydrates and add more whole grains and carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables. Exercise carries the essential nutrients to your cells and eight glasses of water a day keeps cells hydrated and flushes out harmful toxins.

Carotenoids are a family of phytonutrients that have been proven over and over again to protect human cells from oxidative free-radical damage - one of the major causes of skin aging. That?s why the National Institutes of Health recommends eating nine daily servings of brightly colored fruits and vegetables ? peaches, strawberries, broccoli, etc. rather than iceberg lettuce, bananas and French fries. To make sure you?re getting optimum skin benefits, a good whole food carotenoid supplement will help.

The other important guideline for anti-aging skin care is to avoid sun exposure. Just driving with your arm out the window of your car can cause sun damage and accelerate aging. So get UV tinting on your car windows and keep your arm inside. Wear sunglasses, a hat, long sleeves and long pants and always use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Carotenoids have also been found to help prevent sunburn, so get more into your diet. Years from now, your magic mirror on the wall will confirm that you?ll be glad you did.

Moss Greene makes it easy for you to create buoyant, vibrant health. Learn the simple things that make a big difference in how you look and feel. To receive your free newsletter visit her Health and Fitness Newsletter page.

Brushes with Greatness

2009-03-17T14:04:00.001+07:00

Your best and least expensive tools are your very own fingers. How do you use them appropriately and effectively for a natural looking makeup application? First and foremost, wash your hands! You can easily transfer bacteria onto your face causing breakouts or worse, you might transfer bacteria directly into the makeup causing it to grow and multiply. Yuck. Use a delicate, gentle touch, especially around your eyes and avoid tugging or pulling your skin.

Brushes are the second best tools to complete your makeup tool-kit. Invest in a good set of various brushes for cheeks, eyes, brows and lips. Look for brushes that are soft to ensure a gentle application. Brushes provide the least harmful way to transfer makeup to the face.

Brush Types: Powder Brush-The largest brush in the set. It is used to blend or to apply loose powder and cheek color. It can also be used to soften the foundation coverage.

Cheek Color Brush-Also a large fluffy brush. If possible, try to avoid using the brush that comes with the compact. Typically those brushes are too small and hard, leaving streaks of color on the face. Using a larger brush will help you blend for a more natural look.

Eye Shadow Brushes-There are several types of eye color brushes. However, two simple brushes are probably all you will need. One that is slightly slanted for application in the crease and another for applying color to the entire lid.

Lip Brush-A brush is a great way to use up the last bit of your favorite lipstick. You can also precisely cover your lips without disturbing the lip liner. A small retractable lip brush can be very handy to keep in your purse. Many brands of lip balm come in small jars or tins, requiring you to use your fingers for application. However, if your hands not particularly clean, you run the risk of contaminating the product and transferring bacteria to your lips.

Eyebrow Brush-Used to keep your eyebrows under control. Try applying a little clear mascara to keep your eyebrows in place. A fuller brow is ?in? now, but we don?t want you looking like a mad scientist. Just follow the arch that nature has already provided you. Clean up the stray hairs under you brow and above the bridge of your nose.

Caring for your brushes:

You probably know what I am going to tell you by now. You must wash your brushes regularly. Gently and carefully wash with warm water and mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Wash the bristles only. Never soak the brushes as that might loosen the glue that holds them together. Rinse until the water runs clean. Let the brushes air dry standing up in a cup. (Laying them down on a tissue will leave dampness on the area facing down and may pick up tissue particles.)

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

The Right Beauty Supplies Will Make You Look Great!

2009-03-15T18:56:00.001+07:00

Use beauty supplies the right way and yours could well be the face that launched a thousand ships! Growing old may be mandatory, but looking it certainly isn?t. It?s just that one has to do it right. But that?s exactly what?s difficult. The mind boggles with the onslaught of unending types of beauty supplies, countless makeup and enticing brands. Am I using the right beauty supplies? Am I doing it correctly? What about side effects? Thankfully, makeup tips are not very difficult to find.

Trust the beauty supply expert.

Generally, you can always trust a beauty supply expert. And thankfully, one is almost always available without much trouble. The media abounds with beauty supply tips. And then there are brands that you can trust your skin with. Or use exotic mineral beauty supplies that are a great alternative to chemical beauty supplies. They use natural ingredients and causes less damage to the skin. Over a period of time, the presence of wrinkled skin could make that vital difference between skin that used regular beauty supplies and skin that used natural beauty supplies.

Beauty supplies today not only means enhancing beauty that is skin-deep, it also means preservation of skin nutrition. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs adequate nutrition like any other organ. Consistent, healthy skin care is the best way to avoid wrinkles, sunspots and premature aging. It will pay off in the end. We spend our hard-earned cash on beauty and skincare. Lets make sure that its main beneficiary is our skin, not skin care product manufacturers.

About The Author

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

7 Beauty Tips

2009-03-15T12:37:00.001+07:00

For most women, part of the Literary morn and dusk routines involve a skincare regimen of applying creams, moisturizers, tonics, lotions, and the like. Why do women put themselves prep this? They do it especially to conflict the signs of aging, and to maintain youthful advent and beautiful film! It is a safe bet, nevertheless, that most women haven't put greatly thought below what is in the distribute that they are using.

Some women probably do not fulfil that what they are putting on their derma may actually be vitiation what they are irksome to prevent to begin by. In actuality the mean woman puts twelve commodities on her incrustation daily, most of which contain unhealthy chemical preservatives.

But true health and true beauty own an outer component, which is why we call protection from environmental insults such as solar diffusion, pollutants in our milieu and the drying effects of air. . . The reality is you simply cannot contain a healthy carcass if your pelt isn't healthy. And your skin can't be healthy if your are subjecting it to baleful substances that are at last engrossed prep your Slang stiff.

So, what can women do? How can they combat environmental pollutants, the affect of solar radiation, and the drying effects of air? How can they be sure they are using the exceedingly superb deal in on their skin so they can be healthy inside and out? Here are 7 tips to second in this process:

1. Be exceedingly aware of what is in skincare staples. Use market that are all customary as much as thinkable.

2. Usually for retail that contain Dermal Surface Restoration Technology. DSR smoothes gone missing factual signs of aging such as snicker lines, crows feet, and tedium.

3. Use market that have regenisomes. Regenisomes drill the skin to velocity cubicle renewal after sun revelation. They holdings use the light of photosomes to undo sun damage, and have ultrasomes to renew skin prep sleeping.

4. Reveal products with Proteo-C and Proflavonol-T. These two vitamins defend the skin from immature aging caused by the sun, pollution, and substitute environmental factors. They effects contribute advanced nutrition to the skin to keep it appearing smooth and firm.

5. If possible, use products that are paraben unconfined. Parabens are man-made chemical preservatives that are widely worn in live dolour products such as shampoos, conditioners, mane styling products, make-up, puss masks, skin lotions and creams, and deodorants. They valuables are typically fundamentals in baby lotions, shampoos, and variant personal care products for infants and offspring.

In addition, parabens are in uncountable foods and pharmaceutical products. Researchers are dawn to find parabens in benign and malignant human bosom tumors. While manifold studies have challenged their malignity in many products and question their long appellation affect on humans, using products that are paraben free can reject the risk of exposure to this destructive chemical.

6. Lap plenty of sea water! Sea water hydrates skin and hair as agreeably as flushes toxins out of the body.

7. Limit emphasis or understand to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and hysically. Find that stress reliever activity that mill best and use it on a daily basis!

Follow the on high 7 tips to true beauty and health.

Andrew runs a beauty blog: Beauty products - learn beauty products tips, beauty products secrets from our beauty products blog.

More Beauty Tips ==>
http://www-beauty.blogspot.com

Anti Aging Skin Care and Treatments Dermatologists Use and Recommend

2009-03-12T20:46:00.001+07:00

?Mirror, mirror on the wall, who?s fairest of them all? might have been the uttering of one of the most hated characters we have come across, but this concern for outward good looks is too deep-rooted in the human psyche. The basic concept of beauty has been and remains to be soft, flawless, glowing skin. Advancing age, however, takes its toll and the skin becomes blotchy, rough and dull. Seen from this angle, the topic ?anti aging skin care and treatments? calls for sincere reflection. The sagging and sinking skins have had enough of natural beauty tips that do really well unless scars and wrinkles steal appearances and the once healthy skin falls an easy prey to advancing age. It is time now that they get some insight into the steps being taken in anti aging skin care and treatments.

A number of aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery like face-lifts, thread lifts, fat transfer and a host of non-surgical skin refinishing treatments are now available to fight back the impacts of aging and the harsh treatments meted out to skin. Given the wide selection of skin-rejuvenating treatments, it is preferable that a reliable dermatologist be entrusted with the responsibility of working out the ideal anti aging skin care treatment to eliminate and soften the effects of aging.

The recommended skin care regimen prescribed by the skin specialist may be a singular or a combination cure, depending on the seriousness of the condition, age and other health related issues. The surgical part of the treatment is handled by the skin specialists but the follow-up skin care program necessitates total patient involvement.

The following section elaborates some of the anti aging skin care treatments, which can be used at home:

Glycolic Acid ? Glycolic or ?fruity acid? treatments are good for pigmented aging skin. The bleaching-cum-moisturizing action of this anti aging skin care treatment removes the skin blotches and smoothens the rough, sun-damaged skin, reviving its natural freshness. Available in two forms (cream and face wash), Glycolic Acid should be applied to the face twice daily or as recommended by the skin specialist. There are no serious medical problems associated with the usage of glycolic acids other than causing temporary skin irritation and redness sometimes. It is regarded as a safe anti-aging skin treatment. Caring for the rejuvenated skin involves use of sun block creams too.

TCA Skin Peels ? The TCA skin peels are the most sought after anti-aging skin care treatments, because these medium strength peels are perfectly safe and essentially effective. They fight back the ravages of advancing years by removing facial lines and wrinkles and give back the skin its lost elasticity, suppleness.

The best thing about this easy-to-apply, home-based anti-aging skin care treatment is that its effect lasts up to a year or so. Twice a year application of TCA peels will certainly benefit the skin and are now available for at home use (see the website below for more on this).

Adding some natural skin care tips like hydrating the body inside out, going for a balanced diet (containing anti-oxidants), a little meditation and other health tips summarize a full-fledged anti aging skin care program.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels for plastic surgeons, medispas, and in home use. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

How To Take Care Of Your Home Tanning Bed

2009-03-12T17:38:00.001+07:00

We all wanted to have our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long if the owners take good care of them.

Here are some ways to take good care of your tanning bed.

After each session, you need to do two things, ?inspect? and ?clean?. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. And you need to inspect the facial glass (if your tanning bed has it) and make sure that it has no cracks or any other ?blemishes?. Then, you need to clean. You must clean the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right cleaning liquid, not alcohol nor bleach. And use only soft non-abrasive cloth. You must also clean the tanning bed pillow. Do not use the outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions. These will damage the acrylic. And lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles. This is also for your own safety.

Everyday, you do the same thing to your tanning bed, even if you are not using them, and especially if there are many users of the bed. That is, you must inspect and clean. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution.

Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is in top condition. You must dust the lamps. But do not touch them with your bare hands. Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, the vents, and the vent hoses. Check if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then adjust it. Check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.

And monthly, you clean again the bench and canopy acrylics. You also need to clean the reflectors using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall. And lastly, check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform with the ones stated in the manufacturer?s guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.

When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer.

John Grant is a full time article writer who spends most of his time writing articles about home tanning beds and other health / beauty related topics.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Age Spots

2009-03-11T14:25:00.001+07:00

Age spots are mainly caused by long-term sun exposure. Although sun is the number one reason for developing age spots, smoking, a poor diet, poor liver function, and a diet rich in oxidized oils are also contributing factors.

These age spots are a result of the overproduction of lipofuscin, a dark substance produced by our cells. Age spots usually begin appearing when we are in our 30?s and, besides being unsightly, increase our risk of skin cancer. As is the case with most skin conditions, age spots are easier to prevent than to treat. Eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, and other foods that are high in carotene will help reduce your chances of getting age spots in the first place. If you are already are suffering from age spots, don?t loose hope. There are options available to you to reduce the appearance of age spots, as well as improve the overall health of your skin.

There are several products on the market today that will help in diminishing the look of age spots. Fade creams are a popular choice among consumers. These over-the-counter creams contain moisturizers with a two percent hydroquinone content which is a bleaching agent that will aid in the fading process. Best results are obtained with the cream is used in conjunction with glycolic acid moisturizer. Prescription creams that contain vitamin A, such as Retin-A or Retinova, work more effectively than the over-the-counter fade creams.

There are more invasive options available to you for those suffering from a more serious case of age spots. Chemical peels are one of these options. Using 30%-70% glycolic acid, the fading factor is much more pronounced than in either of the creams mentioned above. The treatment is simple and can be done in a short session, even on your lunch break if need be. You will need more than one treatment to reach the full effects of the procedure.

Laser resurfacing is another option similar to the chemical peel. In this procedure, the age spots are literally burned off the skin?s surface with a laser and can be accomplished in one treatment. It does, however, have a recovery time of about one week and can be quite expensive.

For a more natural and cost-effective way to help prevent age spots simply limit your exposure to the sun and, when you are in the sun, wear sunscreen. Limit your alcohol intake and eat a well balance diet.

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

There are options available to you to reduce the appearance of age spots, as well as improve the overall health of your skin.

Eat Your Way to Beautiful Skin

2009-03-10T14:32:00.001+07:00

Expensive creams, steam bath, careful removal of makeup and a good foundation is well and good. However, this is only partly the way to the flawless skin Hollywood-stars and models display. Beauty and perfect skin come from within, and especially has a lot to do with what you eat. This article tells you how to obtain clear, shining and beautiful skin

Drop white food
Yes, French fries will cause acne, but not because of the large amounts of fat. It is the potatoes that provoke the pimples, a new study reveals. Scientists examined the food habits of 1 200 Paraguayan hunter-gatherers free of acne, and concluded that they eat completely different compared to most people in the Western world. Their diet consisted of protein, fruit and vegetables and was stripped of simple carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and similar products ? important aspects in our daily fare. The researchers concluded that our propensity for carbohydrates makes the insulin level increase dramatically, which in the last instance causes pimples.
If you want beautiful face skin free of acne, replace all carbohydrates with whole meal bread, -pasta and brown rice ? they are decomposed at a slower rate and will not provoke acne inducing insulin intoxication like white bread, normal pasta and rice.

Eat a lot of fish
Fish is rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6,. These fatty acids counteract the blocking of pores that cause acne, and in the long term, more wrinkles. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are the species richest in the healthy acids, but if you don?t like fish you can also find them in almond, hazelnuts and flaxseed.

Goodbye blush food
A touch of color on the cheeks is nice, but bright red blushing from top to collar bone is not necessarily desirable. If you have a tendency for blushing, be alert that certain food and drinks may be the cause. This especially applies for spice, salted and smoked meat, taste amplifiers (especially sodium glutamate) and alcohol (especially red wine). This kind of food makes the blood vessels expand, and cause red cheeks and blushing neck and breast. However, everybody reacts differently on food be alert on what makes you turn red.

A lot of olive oil
If you avoid fatty substance to keep the waist slim, your face may be paying the price. A lot of young women experience dry skin that peel of because they don?t get enough fatty substance. If your daily intake is less than 20 gram (approx. two tablespoons of oil) the skin is not able to uphold. Not only will the skin look dry and dead, it will also accelerate wrinkles. Without fat the body cannot absorb vitamin A, which the body needs to counter the ageing process. Therefore: Use avocadoes and nuts in the salad and pour some olive oil on top ? it doesn?t hurt!

Stephen Ross is a http://Skin.ManageYourLoveLife.com/ article author, aiming in supplying people with the most detailed and comprehensive data on skin care issues. A one-stop online resource guide - find helpful information, tips, articles and advice available.

5 Common Beauty Mistakes That Age Your Skin Prematurely

2009-03-09T01:01:00.001+07:00

What you do now can affect how quickly you age 10 or 20 years down the road. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to premature aging of your skin. Whether you look 10 years older than your peers or 10 years younger than them a few decades from now all depends on what you do now.

These 5 mistakes are

1. Too many late nights.

Whether you party all night long or work through the night to meet deadlines. Not getting enough sleep at night is going to affect your skin. In the short run, you look terrible the next day without makeup. In the long run, your skin ages faster. Some of the women who stay beautiful into their twillight years have always gone to bed early every night since they were young.

2. Too much crash diets.

Lose weight suddenly then gain it back and lose it again quickly, over and over again. Your skin has to readjust to all that weight gain and weight loss so often it loses its elasticity. Result.. you end up looking older than if you had lost weight gradually and kept at a certain weight.

3. Too much junk food

All that sugar, salt, additives, artificial flavouring, cholesterol, fat and unhealthy stuff in your junk food all adds up. It gets worse if for lunch, you have a pack of M & Ms on the go. Not only do you get fat, stretching your skin further, you deprive your body of the nutrients you need. Your skin needs vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients you get from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, grains and wholesome food. The women who look younger than their actual age tend to have healthy diets. Snack on fresh fruit and nuts instead of junk food. Eat proper nutritious meals.

4. Getting a real tan

No doubt, lots of A-list celebrities sport that glowing tan. The gorgeous crowd is often a tan crowd. You can get that tan too, but do it without the sun or UV lamps. You see, a real tan is produced when the UV rays of the sun damage your skin. It might look healthy but someone who tans regularly when young usually ends up with leathery skin decades later, more wrinkles than their peers, and that is IF they are lucky. Some even end up with skin cancer. The smart way to get that gorgeous tan is use sunless tanning products.

5. Not using sunscreen.

You might use all the anti-aging skin care products you can find, but if you skip sunscreen, all is in vain. Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits in the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whether you are at the beach or going out to get some groceries, your skin needs protection from the sun. Each morning, as part of your skin care routine, apply a sunblock moisturizer.

The writer is the webmaster of http://www.cosmetics-online.net, where you can find cosmetics, skincare, makeup and all the beauty products from your favourite beauty brand.

Reveal Your Beauty

2009-03-08T02:04:00.001+07:00

It is a blessing for a child to hear that she is beautiful.

My family is small, just my parents, sister and me. My sister and I are three years apart. Ever since she was born, she received many praises from family members and strangers, on how cute and pretty she was. My mother too ? my relatives always complimented how good my mother looked. There are two experiences I remember vividly. My mom, sister and I were at a department store. A pretty lady from one of the make up counters rushed out and said to my mother: your baby daughter is so pretty! Then she looked at me and said nothing. Another incident happened while we were having a dinner with family and relatives. One of my aunts said to me: Noelle, I hate to tell you this, but your mother is more beautiful than you.

These incidents had hurt the heart of a little child of no more than 6 years old.

It wasn?t that I didn?t have anything good within me. I had the brains ? evident by my report cards from school. Yet brains rarely impress on first sight like beauty does. It is easy to be drawn to outer beauty. But what about the beauty we have within?

Comparisons of our looks continued throughout our adolescent and teenage years. Each one of them was painful. My mother, also drawn to outer beauty, has confirmed with others who said I was inferior in looks than my sister.

These experiences have prompted me to see beauty in all people. There must be something good in each of us. This is one of the reasons why I am now a personal image consultant, because there are elements in colour, clothing and communication skills that are harmonious to every individual. What is beauty anyway? To me, beauty is harmony. Nature is all about harmony. We can always draw inspirations from it. Take a look at the sky during daytime and night time; each flower; each blade of grass. Each is different, yet each is beautiful.

Yet, it is undeniable that people judge others in the first thirty seconds of meeting. We cannot go against this ingrained human nature and think people should not judge others by how they look, because in reality, they do. How can we make the best of what we have to bring out our outer beauty?

The key word is harmony. If your body is mainly straight and narrow, wear straight lines and stiff clothing. If you body has curves, wear curvy lines and soft, drapey clothes. If you are big, wear clothing with thick lines; if you are delicate, stay with thin lines. If your eyes, hair and skin tones are warm, wear warm colours. If cool, then wear colours that are blue based, rather than yellow based. Do not feel pressured by wearing what?s current. There are elements we can incorporate into our clothes and make up to keep our images current, but we do not have to be a slave to fashion and make up. Just pick out elements that are harmonious to you, and ignore the rest.

Most important, see beauty everywhere, each person you meet. From this you will appreciate your own beauty even more. If you are a mother with a daughter, see her inner and outer beauty, and tell her how beautiful and wonderful she is. It is a great blessing to a child. This is part of her foundation in self esteem.

What will you do today to see your own beauty?

Noelle Wong sees and unveils beauty in people. She is the owner of iN-IMAGE! Inc., a personal image consulting company in Toronto that offers one-on-one consultations and workshops to help people increase their personal presence. For inquiries please contact her at noelle@in-image.com. Her website is http://www.in-image.com

Natural Beauty Tips

2009-03-07T02:35:00.001+07:00

Let me mention first what you should follow first is fruits, plenty of fruits and vegetables.They give you the right vitamins and minerals for healthy looking skin that glows. Here is a beauty tip for your face, that will make your face look radiant and take off the dead skin.

-About a dime size portion of Miracle Whip not mayonnaise.

-Make sure you don't apply too much. You just want a a nice layer and don't forget your neck.

-Leave this on your face for 20 minutes.

-And then start with clean dry fingertips messaging in small circles. Soon you will see little balls of dead skin coming off. Keep rubbing until your face and neck are done.

-Wash with a mild cleanser, and moisturize as normal. I love to do this. You won't believe how soft your skin feels and the radiant glow that it will give you.

Apply eyeshadow with cotton swabs for an alternative of an applicator. It's soft and makes your eyeshadow apply evenly. And they are desposable too, so you toss them away.

Another way to remove your make-up on your eyes is vaseline. It removes it very well and is a natural ingredient.

Another tip is, apply clear lipgloss under lipstick for soft & shiny lips.

A soak for tired feet is always a treat. Soak them for an half an hour in warm water and add slices of lemons.

If you're not pleased on how your teeth look here is a way where you can brighten them up just by using baking soda and perioxide. Baking soda has been healthy for teeth for many years. So you know it's safe. All you need is 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of perioxide mix and brush with toothbrush. Rinse. Be sure the perioxide is no greater than 3%. It says it on the label. This is an inexpensive way to whiten and brighten your teeth. And it's a healthy way to have whiter brighter teeth.

The loofah sponge has been another way to have healthy looking skin too. Plus fights nasty cellulite, that we don't want. It was first used by women in many European countries for many centuries for healthy skin. It really works! If you don't have a loofah sponge yet, go buy one. They sell them in many supermarkets and department stores. You should apply body wash on the loofah sponge and rub all over your entire body in your shower or bath. You will soon feel a tingling sensation and your skin getting softer and smoother like a babies skin. The tingling sensation means it's working. And you will feel better using the loofah sponge because it has benefits for you and your skin.

I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips I gave you. So remember... be beautiful and stay that way!

I live with my husband. We are a Team together. I love to cook gourmet at times. I love to relax with a good cup of mocha coffee or raspberry green tea. We love the ocean and beaches. We like healthy living and many things in life. Frangesca has a Website on healthy living. A must to see website. Check it out here and/or email:fdantoni80@hotmail.com http://www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/folco

Luxurious Hair After Pregnancy

2009-03-07T00:44:00.001+07:00

During pregnancy period, especially on late terms, hairs often make a woman glad. They become strong and shining. You just cannot believe that, while looking at comb, you can see no hairs on it. This happens due to your organism?s satiation with vitamins, nutritive substances and favorable hormonal background. However, 3-4 months later you can see a reverse process: hairs fall out sometimes, suffer from fragility and look lifeless. Don?t panic! Your hairs soon will gain beauty again, but you definitely should help them. ?Delicate? life of a hair

One loses about 60-80 hairs per day. At the same time new ones come to take their place. On average, a hair grows 1-1,5 cm per month. When a new hair is formed in a bulb, old one falls out.

What do we know about our hair?

- Female hairs live up to 10 years, while male ones only ? 3 years

- Blondes have most thick hair ? about 140 thousands of hairs. Brunettes ? 102 thousands, brown-haired women ? 109, red ? 88 thousands.

- Nationality, place of living influence thickness of hair. It is known, that natives of South have richer scalp, than natives of North.

- During day time hairs grow quicker, than during night.

- In spring-summer time hairs grow significantly more actively, than in autumn and winter.

- Speed of hair growth depends on age. The most active growth takes place between 15 and 30 years, any by 40 years speed of hair growth begins slowing down significantly.

Business-ladies are in danger!

Unfortunately, not all women can boast of wonderful chevelure in modern conditions of life. According to statistics, by 2010 year alopecia threatens to 70% of men and 10% of women in Europe.

First of all, business-ladies are in risk group. The matter is, that in strong women?s blood there?s an excess of male hormone testosterone, and it contributes to ?business? pelade.

Why do hairs fall out?

When conditions of head skin and blood circulation are normal, there is no excessive falling out of hairs.

Sudden falling out can start because of:

- significant decrease of quantity of estrogens (female sexual hormones) after pregnancy, childbirth;

- taking of some contraceptive preparations, containing substances, increasing level of androgens in blood;

- bad blood circulation;

- lack of nutrition for hair roots;

- operations with usage of general anaesthetic, inflectional diseases of head skin;

- excessive greasiness;

- poor nutrition (lack of vitamins and microelements);

- stresses;

- chronic not getting enough sleep.

Young mother may have several reasons for hair loss: from hormonal ones to problems with sleep, you know, not every baby will sleep 5-6 hours per night since first months, especially if he is on free feeding and is put to breast upon request.

Recipes to keep your hair

In fact, you will not find such advices, like ?you need to sleep at least 8 hours per day?, or ?forget about stresses and be always calm? here. We have to repeat again, that full-value sleep and soul balance are almost unique events for a young mother.

Another obstacle: constant lack of time for yourself. So try not to refuse from your relatives? help: it will be good, if someone of them takes care of a baby during 15-20 minutes, while you will take care of yourself.

One of our readers writes:

- Hairs started fall our strongly 4 months after childbirth. And during following 3 months I lost, probably, 30% of my hairs, they definitely became thin. If I had enough time for myself, I would not lose so much hair. However, when I got tired, during first time I always chose an opportunity to take a nap for another 30 minutes, than doing something useful. When I sounded alarm, I started using tried remedies for hair treatment, and process of falling out slowed down, I saw fewer hairs on my comb. And 2 months later I noticed that my hairs were back to normal again. Sometimes my husband helped me to steal moments for myself, sometimes it was my mother, and I?m very grateful to them for this.

It is important to note, that anyway, you should not panic, as falling out of hair stops on average in 4-6 months simultaneously with hormonal reconstruction of organism. But the question is about how much hair you can lose. While correct care you can prevent excessive hair loss, and renew damaged hair and head skin.

So, try one of following effective methods of struggle against hair loss:

1. Apply steamed out rye-bread on wet hair, rub in skin slightly and wrap up your head with a warm towel. 30 minutes later, massaging head skin and wiping hair, wash out bread and rinse with one of herbal extracts, for example, nettle or rosemary extract.

2. Rub egg yolk in moistened hair, massaging head skin, wrap up head warmly and in 30 minutes wash your hair the way you wash them with shampoo.

3. You can wash you hair with warm buttermilk, rubbing it carefully in head skin.

Wrap up head for 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm herbal extract or decoction carefully, according to following receipts:

- Prepare a decoction of honeysuckle stalks (6 table spoons for 1liter of water, boil 10 minutes, draw for 30 minutes, filter) and use for washing your hair, if you suffer from shedding, during 3 weeks every other day.

- In German folk-medicine they use extract of nasturtium leaves and small nettle for rubbing in head skin while hair shedding.

- If you suffer from itch while dandruff and hair shedding, then you should wash your hair with a strong decoction of equal parts of willow rind and burdock roots.

- Take 20 roots of calamus, 20 g of burdock root, 25 g of great nettle, 10 g of calendula flowers, boil everything in 1 liter of boiling water on slow fire during 5 minutes. Decoction should draw in warm place for 2 hours. After you filter it, use it for smearing your hair and slight massage, after washing your hair. Repeat the procedure 5-6 times during month.

- One of effective remedies against hair shedding is washing hair with calamus and burdock roots 3 times per week during month. To prepare it take 2 table spoons of both roots, add a couple of handfuls of hop cones, pour with 1 liter of boiling water, boil during 5 minutes, draw.

- Take 3 table spoons of nettle leaves and 3 table spoons of coltsfoot leaves, brew in 1 liter of boiling water and 1 hour later filter, wash your hair 3 times per week during month, massaging head skin.

- If you can stand garlic smell well, try to rub garlic juice, mixed with honey in proportion 1 : 2, in your head skin. Carry out this procedure every other day during month. With this procedure completed, rinse hair carefully with one of herbal decoctions with deodorant qualities, for example rosemary.

Here are some other receipts from our readers:

- Carry out a course of hair treatment, consisting of 10 procedures: once a week you need to do masks, containing: egg yolk, 6 drops of appropriate for you oils and 1 mL of vegetable oil. Jojoba or avocado oils are better. Camomile, rosemary, sage, lemon, ylang-ylang, clary, lavender ? these are essential oils, most popular while hair shedding treatment. Jojoba oils are used while dandruff. If you have no jojoba oil, then you can replace it by some other one. You should spread this mixture on your hair evenly, cover head with a cap, leave for 40-90 minutes, and then you need to wash your hair.

- If you have no allergy on onion, then you can mix onion juice and honey in equal parts and rub in hair 30 minutes before you wash your head. Use hair conditioners for sure and comb hair very cautiously. You also can cut your hair shorter, so that to renew an intensive growth of stronger hair.

- Another ?onion? receipt: add onion peel to an oak rind decoction. Boil during 5 minutes. This receipt is especially useful for greasy hair.

- Massage salt in head skin during 2-3 minutes, then wash hair with shampoo.

What are other ways to help to your hair?

- During post-natal period take polyvitamins for nursing mothers.

- Eat less salty, smoked and pickled food. It is easier to observe this recommendation for nursing mothers: this is one of the conditions of a diet for nursing women, to avoid baby?s allergic reaction.

- Use hair-dryer seldom ? hot air deprives hair of moisture and makes them fragile. You should better create a turban of a towel, and then allow your hair dry naturally.

- Change combs more often, micro-cracks on them ? are niches for reproduction of microbes that damage head skin.

Yana Mikheeva is the creator of Baby Health Directory - Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting and Baby Care resources. Are you going to get pregnant? Visit our friendly resource and read information on pregnancy and parenting, painless childbirth, growth and development of a baby, baby health, safety, signs of pregnancy. She also has All about women site where you can find articles on various subjects, such as: diets, receipts, health, cellulite, figure, aromatherapy, wholesome food, psychology of relationships, pregnancy, parenting, fashion and many others.

Ever Tried to Defined The Meaning of Beauty?

2009-03-06T21:29:00.001+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.

Serious Skin Care Tips and Treatments

2009-03-06T02:12:00.000+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

Natural MakeUp: Organic Ingredients Make a Better Product

2009-03-06T01:28:00.000+07:00

What makes an ingredient natural? More and more leading make-up companies are responding to the demands of today?s educated market and offering their customers make-up containing natural and organic ingredients. Women - and more and more men - are realizing the benefits of leaving behind the man-made ingredients used in cheaper cosmetics and looking for the quality and results that come from natural make up. Cosmetics that have been made using quality ingredients - natural products close to the original state, and, whenever possible, organic certified.

One of the most popular ingredients you find in any natural make-up is almond oil. It is excellent for dry, rough skin and very sensitive skin. You will see it used as a base in massage oil, body lotions and many many bath products. Because it is so gentle it can be used on even a baby?s skin. Almond oil is a natural moisturizer and protects then skin beautifully- making it a great choice for those is drier climates. Adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as rose oil or lavender to almond oil makes wonderful massage oil.

Using natural and organic certified products only serves to enhance the healing qualities of natural ingredients. Reputable companies will not indulge in cheap mass produced ingredients such as petrochemicals, lauryl sulphate, parabins, laureth sulphate and low grade alcohol. Alcohol, which is used as a preservative is still an ingredient - but only food quality and plant derived - such as beet root. Fragrance and colors are never artificial ? artificial scents and additives are to be avoided when looking for a true natural make-up.

You will see the ingredient grape seed extract in a myriad of products. It has restorative properties and is a valuable ingredient in natural make-up - especially face creams and moisturizers. Grape seed extract comes from the tiny seeds of red grapes. Grape seed is extract is rich in anti-oxidants - in fact there are more antioxidants found in grape seed than in vitamins C and E. Grape seed extract will help maintain the skins? elasticity and is a key ingredient in any face cream.

Another ingredient listed on many cosmetic and natural make-up labels is Lemon Oil. You will most often find this in bath and body products, massage oil, lotions and foot care. Lemon oil is derived from a cold pressing of lemon peel. In quality natural cosmetics the oils will come from certified organic fruit. Lemon oil is believed to have energizing properties- often leaving the user feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Rose oil, sometimes called rose otto, is a popular ingredient found in many natural make-up and skin care lines. Be sure it is ?rose oil? and not ?rose essence?, which in most cases is synthetic. Synthetic rose oil has no healing benefits or therapeutic value. Rose oil is often used in skin care because of its gentleness - it is suitable for almost all skin types - especially dry or very sensitive skin. It?s also a much sought after ingredient in natural make-up because it has been attributed to the relief of depression, anxiety, spasms, tension, stress and menopausal problems. You will often see rose oil used in many bath products because of the relaxing and calming effect it has on the user. Rose oil?s delicate scent is thought to increase perception and for this reason and it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.

Natural ingredients, organic certified ingredients are important to the quality and effectiveness of the products you put on your skin. When you are choosing a natural make-up, look at the labels and try and get a better understanding of what you are putting on your skin - and what is being absorbed into your body. Knowing what is safe and what is effective will help you make better decisions about the products you buy. Using natural sources such as plants and herbs rather than synthetic man-made chemicals is always a better choice. Look for high-quality ingredients, ingredients that are not synthetic and are certified organic on the products you buy.

LJ Bronart is freelance writer in Toronto, Canada. She hopes to promote the organic products and the use of more natural make up.

Buying Wholesale Salon Equipment

2009-03-05T22:30:00.000+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.

A PlainEnglish Guide to Laser Hair Removal

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

Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular method of depilation in recent years, for many good reasons. But like most other beauty treatments, it should be undertaken with caution and with a little bit of research under your belt, so here are the most important factors to bear in mind when considering whether laser hair removal is right for you.

First of all, what is laser hair removal? Unless you want to understand the physics of light, there's a very simple definition. In the hands of an experienced beauty therapist, a handheld device emits a particular wavelength of light, which destroys the hair without harming the skin that surrounds it. It's a simple technique that's easy to administer, and more importantly, unlike waxing or sugaring, it's relatively pain free.

There are, however, some disadvantages associated with this method of hair removal, and it's unfortunately not suitable for everyone. Because the laser destroys dark material, the hair to be removed must be darker than the skin surrounding it, so those with very fair hair might not be eligible for laser hair removal.

Recently tanned skin is also unsuited to this method of hair removal, so be careful to avoid the sun before you schedule your appointment. Any type of skin damage may be exacerbated by the use of lasers, so take good care of your skin before you take that trip to the beauty salon, and postpone your appointment should you develop any skin injuries, such as a rash, or a cut.

Laser hair removal is sometimes advertised as a permanent system of hair removal, and while this method of depilation often does yield long-lasting results, there is not yet enough evidence to support a blanket claim of permanent hair loss. Laser hair removal is most effective on those with paler skins and dark hair, and many people matching this description have found that regrowth is minimal, with new hairs finer and lighter than prior to treatment.

Laser hair removal is more expensive than other methods of depilation, and as the area of unwanted hair can require a number of treatments before optimal results are seen, the cost can quickly add up. But for those who regular spend a small fortune on shavers, waxing strips and other hair removal tools, the effectiveness of laser surgery can make it a real money saver in the long run.

It is important to remember that a laser can be dangerous in the wrong hands, so be careful to find a professional and reputable salon to perform your laser hair removal. Find a beauty therapist with whom you feel comfortable, and ask any and all questions you need to put your mind at ease. Don't be afraid to ask about your therapist's qualifications and experience - all laser hair removal practitioners should be licensed physicians or registered nurses.

Laser hair removal is an effective technique than can bring wonderful results. Relatively painless - expect a slight tingling sensation when the laser is in use - and long-lasting, laser hair removal is, however, a technique that requires skilled hands. Treat your skin with the respect it deserves and find a well-qualified and experienced practitioner to perform the procedure, and say goodbye to that unwanted hair.

Article written exclusively for http://www.laser-hair-removal-report.com. For more information and articles on Laser Hair Removal, visit http://www.laser-hair-removal-report.com.

Massive Weight Loss Causes "Turkey Waddle" for WLS Patients

2009-03-05T02:03:00.000+07:00

A friend of mine who recently lost nearly 150 pounds after gastric bypass was sharing her excitement with an acquaintance. She was excited because all symptoms of her Type II Diabetes were gone and she no longer takes any medication ? she feels healthier than ever in her life.

Then the acquaintance, a life-long skinny-minny, burst her bubble, ?But doesn?t having that turkey neck bother you? You know, all that wrinkly skin just hanging there??

What a cruel world. My friend was crushed. It is true, she has a turkey neck. Most people who lose massive weight will have a saggy wrinkly neck so kindly referred to in the cosmetic surgery profession as ?turkey waddle?. A saggy neck is a small price to pay for better health and wellness. Even so, we want to look our best after weight loss surgery and having someone draw attention to this residue of our obesity is disheartening.

There are some surgical options to tighten then neck skin: A neck lift is actually a set of procedures used to enhance the appearance of your neck:

?Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin

?Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles

A plastic surgeon also can perform neck liposuction, which removes excess fat. In some cases, Botox injections may be the answer to your problems if you have fullness or bands.

A neck lift was out of the question for my friend, so we did some research and found a more holistic approach that yielded some improvement. From Bharti Vyas? book, ?Beauty Wisdom? we found the following advice:

?Give your neck a weekly massage

?Hold your head in proper alignment ? imagine that your head is being pulled upwards by a piece of string attached to the crown

?Cleanse your neck night and morning the same as you do your face, starting at the collarbones and working up to the jawline.

?Apply a rich-moisturizing cream at night and moisturize with sunscreen during the day. Cover front and sides of neck and the area around the collarbones.

?Exfoliate your neck weekly.

?For crepey neck, apply almond oil as a nourishing moisturizer.

Ms. Vyas also recommends some simple exercise to tone neck muscles (and *Bonus* these are wonderfully relaxing):

?Hold your head in a central position, then lean it as far over as you can towards one shoulder and hold for a count of 10. Your neck may feel rather stiff to begin with. Repeat on the other side, making sure that your shoulders remain still and relaxed throughout. Do five repetitions.

?Keeping your chin level, turn your head to one side so that the chin is over your shoulder. Incline the head backward in a ?come hither? movement. Repeat on the other side. Repeat the sequence five times.

My friend follows these practices faithfully. Her neck is not flawless, but to me it?s beautiful. She has collarbones and a chin and a beaming smile on her healthy face.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com

Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

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Tips to Look Younger

2009-03-04T02:24:00.001+07:00

Almost every woman wants to look young at all times. Most of them put in their best efforts to look beautiful and young forever. Mentioned below are a few don?ts for women who want to look young:

A woman must not apply foundation cream before putting powder, because a woman will appear pale and unhealthy instead of displaying a fair complexion.

The powder foundation must be avoided if possible because it gets gathered in the wrinkles of the skin and the wrinkles can be seen clearly.

Avoid glimmering eye shadow. The glimmering eye shadow when applied does not enhance the natural beauty of the face. Brown eye shadows bring a pale and a dull look to the face, hence it is advised to not use it.

Black colored eyeliners do not enhance a women?s look because they appear like two lines on the eyes. Do not use any faint colored liner because it does not hide any defects under your eyes.

Do not thin your eyebrows because very thin lines of brows make you look aged. Make sure that the cosmetics you use is not too dark or gaudy. See that the makeup does not get accommodated in between furrows and creases on your face. Do not put lip liner prominently as it will sometimes make you look like a clown.

Follow the above-mentioned tips and look young and beautiful.

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/qn1710.html http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1710.html

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5 Insider Beauty Secrets Other Women Don't Want You To Know! (Part 1)

2009-03-03T22:27:00.001+07:00

Imagine what you would do if you knew miracle working beauty secrets. And if you had the self confidence that comes with being beautiful.

Now before you laugh and say you'll never be beautiful, listen up.

I know where you're coming from! At one time I didn't know any beauty secrets.

Before I learned any beauty secrets I was plain, even bordering on ugly. I had acne, chapped lips, weight issues, wardrobe disasters, and not so white teeth.

But thats all become past with the 5 beauty secrets that have changed my life.

I pulled through all my beauty disasters and learned some valuable beauty secrets as a result.

Now people are always commenting to me on my beauty. Saying I should be a model, etc.... And guys are no longer even an issue! I don't have to look for them, they come to me.

It turns out the best beauty secrets are those that are won by personal knowledge and experience. Not just by reading general tips in magazines.

So by experimentation over the years and by perseverance, I've found out what really works and what doesn't.

Beauty Secret 1

Unchap/beautify your lips with this trick.

For soft, beautifully kissable lips, you need the following: a washcloth (I'm not kidding either), warm water, and your favorite brand of lip balm.

First you apply a coat of lip balm. Then wet one corner of the washcloth, put the warm wet corner of the washcloth between your lips, press them together and hold for 5 seconds.

Then gently massage any remaining lip balm from lips with the wet corner of washcloth, and dry lips with a corner thats dry.

Apply lip balm again to keep your lips chap free. You may also apply lipstick or lip gloss on over the layer of lip balm.

I learned this was the best way to keep lips from chapping, after going through too many winters with dried, and chapped lips.

Beauty Secret 2

Clear your acne, and get beautiful skin.

For clear glowing skin, a little home remedy does wonders for my complexion, as it should with yours too.

Steam your face for 20 minutes every night after washing it, then every other night after steaming your face, massage a half teaspoon castor oil over face.

Leave it on at night while you sleep and wash off immediately upon waking. Steam face for twenty more minutes in the morning after washing. When you finish steaming your face splash your face with cool water and dry it.

If your skin starts to show any signs of a pimple forming. Take one night off from steaming and applying castor oil and apply Benzoyl Peroxide over face.

Take the next night off also from the steaming, castor oil, and benzoyl peroxide. Continue facial regimen with steaming and castor oil the following night.

This beauty secret will moisturize your face at the same time it will help clear up acne and pimples. But only if you work at it consistently.

Beauty Secret 3

Good taste in clothes.

When shopping for clothes try to stay away from really big prints, or weird mixes of colors (eg. green, pink and blue flowers combined on a white background, for instance).

Clothes like these just scream I'm color blind! And if you in fact, actually are color blind, always shop with a friend who isn't and has good taste in clothes.

Buy basic colors. Solid reds, pinks, blues, whites, and blacks. Or things with small tasteful prints and designs.

Then mix and match each basic color with a corresponding one (blue goes well with white, pink, and sometimes with red, and different shades of the same color almost always go well together).

Put these beauty secrets to use, and start seeing the benefits today. Be sure to read Part 2 of this article, which contains the last 2 beauty secrets.

In Part 2 I'll teach you the beauty secrets for whitening your smile without draining your bank account. And how to use clothes to your advantage by hiding figure flaws and defects. Click Here For Part 2 Of Beauty Secrets

5 Insider Beauty Secrets Other Women Don't Want You To Know! (Part 1)

2009-03-03T17:52:00.001+07:00

Imagine what you would do if you knew miracle working beauty secrets. And if you had the self confidence that comes with being beautiful.

Now before you laugh and say you?ll never be beautiful, listen up.

I know where you?re coming from! At one time I didn?t know any beauty secrets. Before I learned any beauty secrets I was plain, even bordering on ugly.

I had acne, chapped lips, weight issues, wardrobe disasters, and not so white teeth. But thats all become past with the 5 beauty secrets that have changed my life.

I pulled through all of my beauty nightmares and learned some valuable beauty secrets as a result.

Now people are always commenting to me on my beauty. Saying I should be a model, etc.... And guys are no longer even an issue! I don?t have to look for them, they come to me.

It turns out the best beauty secrets are those that are won by personal knowledge and experience. Not just by reading general tips in magazines.

So by experimentation over the years and by perseverance, I?ve found out what really works and what doesn?t.

Beauty Secret 1 Unchap and beautify your lips with this technique.

For soft, beautifully kissable lips, you need the following: a washcloth (I?m not kidding either), warm water, and your favorite brand of lip balm.

First you apply a coat of lip balm. Then wet one corner of the washcloth, put the warm wet corner of the washcloth between your lips, press them together and hold for 5 seconds.

Then gently massage any remaining lip balm from lips with the wet corner of the washcloth, and dry lips with a corner thats dry.

Apply lip balm again to keep your lips chap free. You may also apply lipstick or lip gloss on over the layer of lip balm.

I learned this was the best way to keep lips from chapping, after going through too many winters with dried, and chapped lips.

Beauty Secret 2 Clear your acne, and get beautiful skin.

For clear glowing skin, a little home remedy does wonders for my complexion, as it should with yours too.

Steam your face for 20 minutes every night after washing it, then every other night after steaming your face, massage a half teaspoon castor oil over face.

Leave it on at night while you sleep and wash off immediately upon waking.

Steam face for twenty more minutes in the morning after washing. When you finish steaming your face splash your face with cool water and dry it.

If your skin starts to show any signs of a pimple forming. Take one night off from steaming and applying castor oil and apply Benzoyl Peroxide over face.

Take the next night off also from the steaming, castor oil, and benzoyl peroxide. Continue facial regimen with steaming and castor oil the following night.

This beauty secret will moisturize your face at the same time it will help clear up acne and pimples. But only if you work at it consistently.

Beauty Secret 3 Good taste in clothes.

When shopping for clothes try to stay away from really big prints, or weird mixes of colors (eg. green, pink and blue flowers combined on a white background, for instance).

Clothes like these just scream ?I?m color blind!? And if you in fact, actually are color blind, always shop with a friend who isn?t and has good taste in clothes.

Buy basic colors. Solid reds, pinks, blues, whites, and blacks. Or things with small tasteful prints and designs.

Then mix and match each basic color with a corresponding one (blue goes well with white, pink, and sometimes with red, and different shades of the same color almost always go well together).

Put these beauty secrets to use, and start seeing the benefits today. Be sure to read Part 2 of this article, which contains the last 2 beauty secrets.

In Part 2 I'll teach you the beauty secrets for whitening your smile without draining your bank account. And how to use clothes to your advantage by hiding figure flaws and defects.

If you want to be gorgeous, visit Get Gorgeous Now. Where you'll learn hair styling tips, wardrobe secrets, and much much more on whitening your teeth, improving the texture of your skin, and looking your best.

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

2009-03-02T22:42:00.000+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.

Tan Comfortably with Tanning Beds

2009-03-02T16:44:00.001+07:00

Say goodbye to the inconveniencies of tanning. Get a tan right at your very own home, at tanning spas and still have a tan even on rainy days. Here are few of the benefits one can get in tanning beds

1) Easy way to get it.

It is very convenient. There is no need to go to the beach. One can get it right at home if you have your own tanning bed or at the spa nearest you.

2) Tanning on a budget

Spas are always available, but if you want it at home and you are on a tight budget, watch out for tanning spas giving discounts on their services. Also, look for tanning beds on sale or second hand ones, which are available either online or offline.

Furthermore, many tanning bed companies will offer financial help that suits you. Most tanning beds are delivered right at your doorstep pre-assembled so you can easily assemble it again.

3) No more damaging sun effects

With tanning beds you can avoid sun?s harmful effects from the mildest ones to the gravest such as wrinkles, freckles, skin discolorations, thinning, thickening and skin cancer. It can also gradually weaken the skin.

Tanning beds' ultraviolet lights are constrained compared to the sun, which allows you to a much balanced tan. But remember to always wear protection for your eyes.

4) Healthy and rosy

Tan gives you those nice rosy cheeks and the skin a healthier glow without having to put some make up. Just find the correct temperature setting that you desire or that suits your skin and you are off to a rosier cheek with the natural blush.

In addition, you can always choose from tanning beds with and without ultraviolet lights.

5) Relax and enjoy

There was a study that says tanning bed?s ultraviolet light sets tanners in a better disposition. The study lasted for six weeks and was composed of 14 students. Each was given two to three times tanning sessions in a week. As a result, about 90% of the respondents chose tanning beds with ultraviolet lights and they said that their ?frame of mind? improved a lot.

6) Hot and sexy

Look hot and sexy because tan accentuates one?s features. It compliments every skin tone. But never forget your timer or you will become toasted or darker than you desire.

7) Lots of choices

Worry no more. Whether you are super tall, chubby or extra large, there is an effective tanning bed that will work best for you.

There are lots of tanning bed variations. The big ones are perfect for all sizes. If you have small space, the upright tanning beds in a booth and dressing room type are available.

8) Tan lines are out

You can wear up to nothing at all inside the tanning bed and achieve that even color all over your body. This will give you a look like you are on a natural tan. You can wear sexy clothes like backless, strapless and plunging neckline.

9) Fast and easy

Get the tan in an instant. Look like you have just stepped out from the beach without even going there. Achieve it without staying under the sun for a long time. It does not matter at all if it is raining or there is no sun.

Technology gives us the best and safest solution to the most common things we use up to the exceptional ones. Let us enjoy their benefits but keep in mind that everything should be done in moderation.

tanning-hq.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Tannning Comfortably. If you want to read or share information on Health & Fitness: Beauty, you're always welcome!

Common Pitfalls Of Plastic Surgery

2009-03-02T01:18:00.001+07:00

Common pitfalls of plastic surgery are those involving before and after pictures with photographic tricks or attractive models instead of the surgeon's patients, that are publicly displayed in printed ads, online advertisement or broadcasted by TV,audio-visual or specific tele-shopping and infomercials.

Before and after pictures are useful to help you make the decision to have cosmetic surgery when they are real, but not advisable as criteria to select a surgeon, since no ethical surgeon can guarantee results this way, but if so, be sure to get his promises in writing.

Fake testimonials implying that anyone can get these results of people sharing their experiences may only be a marketing plan whether viewed on TV, through the internet, heard on the radio or at the surgeon's office; they have a powerful influence in the patient's final decision. Pitfalls can not be easily detected due to the impossibility to verify the authenticity of any given testimonial or the identity of the happy patients.

Because the purpose of testimonials are considered to be a way to solicit patients, most professional societies and State medical boards prohibit the use of testimonials to advertise Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) considers this marketing tool a violation to the code of ethics of 97% of certified surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, members of ASPS.

Impressive sounding surgeon's credentials or a plastic surgery procedure that does not name the surgeon may be listed as pitfalls of plastic surgery. While it is obvious to expect that a surgeon has the proper training, credentials and experience to provide the plastic surgery procedure or service you are seeking, remember that many physicians may call themselves plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons with training. In fact, in most states any physician may perform any procedure without peer scrutiny and no training requirements.

Since there are no requirements that the physician be is a trained surgeon, anyone may claim to be a board-certified surgeon simply by joining a sound-a-like organization, but the true meaning is that The American Society of Plastic Surgeons enforces one of the most rigorous ethical codes in the medical profession, so the best way to find out a surgeon's facts is consulting only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Other pitfalls of plastic surgery are those offering dramatic results with superficial treatments, minimal or non-invasive procedures, no risk or little risk and downtime as well as a variety of products, procedures or manipulations without mention of the doctor's qualification, board certification or his/her specialty. These promises are designed more for marketing reasons than a real therapeutic value.

These individual procedures may be inexpensive, but offers only little or temporal improvement, so it is necessary for multiple sessions before seeing positive results, raising in the mean time the costs, often comparable to the total cost of the plastic surgery. Non surgical procedures with high tech names suggest new approaches to youthful appearance and the expectation of major effectiveness.

All these issues make it difficult for patients to separate plastic surgery hype from reality.

Matthew Leo is the publisher of http://www.CosmeticEnhancement.info, http://www.AcneMedicine.info and http://www.ADietGuide.com websites.

Japanese Hair Straightening Is It Right for You?

2009-03-01T22:32:00.001+07:00

Japanese Hair Straightening, also known as Thermal Reconditioning, is one very popular hair straightening technique you just might want to think twice about before having done.

Originating in Japan in the late 90?s the chemical products used in the process go by the names Liscio, Yuko and U.S. made Bio Ionics.

The treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours and involves numerous steps with costs ranging from $300 to $1,500 depending on the salon.

A cheaper price should raise some red flags as to the quality of the chemicals used or the expertise of the stylist according to the experts.

The result is permanently straight hair but after 4 to 6 months any new hair growth will need to be treated as well. This usually costs close to the same amount as the original treatment because it is a more time-consuming process involving straightening hair closer to the roots.

Because of the chemicals and techniques used you will not be able to curl the treated hair so you definitely want to take that into consideration beforehand.

There is also a growing concern from some stylists that thermal reconditioning may not be the perfect hair straightening solution after all.

First off, experts estimate that at least 80 percent of people that are having the treatment are not really good reconditioning candidates for several reasons:

Any recent chemical processes done to your hair such as hair coloring, bleaching or hair relaxing can cause serious problems including hair loss and breakage if you elect to have the treatment done. A hair strand test must be done first to determine whether your hair can accept the chemicals. If the salon does not offer a strand test you might want to reconsider who you trust your hair to.

It does not work on African hair because it is too fragile and can?t take the heat required during the straightening process. It is not the same as a hair relaxer which is made especially for African hair.

In fact, a growing number of women are claiming serious hair breakage problems and it has been reported in the press that one of the top Hollywood celebrity hair stylists refuses to perform the treatment because she thinks it is too much of a risk to her client?s hair.

Many women are led to believe that the process is actually good for your hair but there have been no clinical studies to prove this and by definition anything that physically alters the hair structure at the molecular level is damaging.

Even though many women have had the Japanese Hair Straightening process done to their hair with great success you should know that there can be some risk involved and if you decide to have it done to your hair be sure you use a reputable salon with properly trained stylists that will test your hair first.

For alternatives to permanent hair straightening please visit us at: http://www.hair-straighteners-experts.com. We specialize in information about sedu hair straightener products that offer great temporary hair straightening results.

How To: Quick and Easy Natural Massage Melts

2009-03-01T19:41:00.001+07:00

Massage melts are a unique body product because they stay solid at room temperatures, but when applied directly to your skin, start to soften and melt due to body temperature. Their main purpose is to moisturize dry skin, as well as, relax and soothe tight muscles.

Essentially, massage bars are composed of natural butters and oils. Most recipes for this type of product call for the use of cocoa butter. Even though it has great moisturizing properties, I feel this butter produces too hard a product. Therefore, I recommend using such butters as shea and mango, which create a silkier, luxurious feeling to your melts.

For oils, I highly recommend using sweet almond and jojoba. Sweet almond oil is light and penetrates easily making it well-suited for dry skin conditions. Plus, it is effective on all skin types. Jojoba oil, which is not actually an oil but is a liquid wax, is similar in composition to the oil your skin secretes, which is known as sebum. Jojoba is a quickly absorbed oil that soothes the skin, as well as, extends the shelf life of other oils.

Other ?light? oils you can substitute, for the above, are apricot kernel, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean. Rounding out the rest of the ingredients are beeswax, vitamin E, and essential and fragrance oils.

Beeswax helps formulations keep their shape, as well as, act as a humectant. Vitamin E oil protects your product from rancidity and is also a great natural antioxidant. Essential oils are natural ingredients that are the very essence of the plant itself. Extracted from the flowers, fruit, leaves, bark, and roots of the plant, the oils are used for scent and therapeutic purposes. A word of caution, due to their volatility, research any essential oil before use. Fragrance oils, though synthetic in nature, do provide an inexpensive and easy way to achieve a scent that might not be possible with essential oils.

Ingredients:
3 ? oz. of shea butter
3 ? oz. of beeswax
2 oz. of jojoba oil
2 oz. of sweet almond oil
? tsp. of Vitamin E

Equipment:
Mold(s) of your choice
1 digital cooking thermometer
2 Pyrex glass measuring cups
1 small digital postal scale
1 set of measuring aluminum spoons
Wax paper for measuring on the scale
Plastic wrap to cover Pyrex cups

Directions:
Step 1: Gather all equipment onto a clean, sterile surface. Place a sheet of wax paper over the small digital postal scale to measure out the shea butter and beeswax base. Place base in a Pyrex cup and cover with plastic wrap. Melt ingredients, completely, in the microwave.

Step 2: While the base is melting, use the second Pyrex cup for your jojoba, sweet almond, vitamin E, and essential/fragrance oils (if used). Mix, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.

Step 3: Once the base has melted, mix thoroughly. Pour the Pyrex cup from step 2 into the base Pyrex cup, mix together, and pour into your mold(s). Set aside for a couple of hours to cool and set. When soft, transfer the melts to the fridge until they are really hard. They should just pop out of the molds easily. Massage into skin and let product become absorbed. Due to melting properties, keep unused portions out of direct sunlight and store in a cool place.

Note: If you plan on using essential and/or fragrance oils in your recipe, place a digital thermometer in the melted shea butter and beeswax base. Wait for the temperature to drop down to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher will burn off the fragrant oils. After the temperature has reached this point immediately dump your Pyrex cup from step 2 into the Pyrex cup with the base, mix quickly, and pour into your mold(s). Follow the rest of step 3 instructions.

Muscle Relief Essential Oil Blend
? tsp. of Eucalyptus
? tsp. of Peppermint (do not use if pregnant)
30 drops of Rosemary

Tropical Fragrance Oil Blend (Substitute shea butter with mango butter)
? tsp of Heliotrope fragrance oil
? tsp of Coconut Milk fragrance oil
30-50 drops of Tahitian Vanilla fragrance oil

All recipe ingredients, listed above, can be found by searching Google.com.

Mindy Schwartz is a writer for the handmade beauty industry, as well as, the owner of a handmade bath and body business called Grayson?s Apothecary of Beauty. For more information, go online to http://www.graysonsco.com.

Beauty Products

2009-03-01T15:58:00.001+07:00

People have always strived to become more beautiful, and the modern beauty product industry has put this within the reach of most of us. If you wish to truly change your look, you need to visualize specific changes. Most women enjoy experimenting with varieties of beauty products as a way of expressing themselves and relieving stress. And with modern beauty products, anyone can afford to add a bit of glamour to their lives.

A wide variety of products are available on the market today, which can help enhance your physical attributes to make you feel younger and more glamorous. Beauty products range from skin care products such as soaps, bath salts, creams, exfoliating scrubs, and face and body packs, to hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair colors, and various perming solutions, to overall body-care products such as moisturizers, cold creams, deodorants, nail care, and accessories for bubble baths. Each product helps revitalize your body, build your self-esteem, and erase imperfections.

Today, science has allowed for better analysis of the ingredients of beauty products. Harmful ingredients such as chemicals are easily absorbed by the skin, which is why it is wise to replace them with natural and herbal ingredients specially formulated to protect the skin and provide added benefits, such as the lightening of acne marks and uneven pigmentation. In addition, certain beauty products are known to smooth wrinkled skin and delay the signs of aging.

Many cosmetic companies have adhered to regulations to provide us with better and more effective products. Their products cater to every need and mood, and are suitable to all skin types.

Fortunately for those who cannot afford expensive products, easy-to-make recipes are available at book stores and on the Internet. Ingredients are found in almost every kitchen and market. So do not despair, but take control of your own beauty regimen.

Beauty Products provides detailed information on Beauty Products, Discount Beauty Products, Natural Beauty Products, Herbal Beauty Products and more. Beauty Products is affiliated with Beauty Salon Equipment.

Fix Your Face: Plastic Surgery

2009-02-27T12:48:00.003+07:00

Plastic surgery is the most common avenue for personal enhancement. It can be used to enhance the original features that a person may find unattractive. It instills a sense of confidence and self-esteem in the patient. Facial plastic surgery is one of the most prevalent forms of cosmetic surgery. Though a multitude of women opt for facial surgery, even men are not lagging in the race for beauty and superb looks. Surgeons are often confronted with strange requests from patients, who crave for facial surgery so they may acquire the gorgeous looks of their favorite Hollywood star.

Facial plastic surgery is not solely used to impart drop-dead good looks; its use extends much more than that. Reconstructive surgery, a type of plastic surgery, can be used to reshape certain facial features, which might have been disfigured due to congenital defect, accident, trauma or disease. The key intent of such a facial surgery is to improve function, impart a normal appearance, and to help the patient lead a normal life.

A comprehensive surgical facelift involves a series of operations, which may entail work on ears, nose, lips, eyes, chin, and forehead, among others. For instance, women may opt for lip enhancement to make the lips look more pronounced. An eyelid surgery creates the impression of permanent beautiful eyelids. Nearly every aspect of the face can be altered using facial plastic surgery. Those who can bear the expense do crave for a celebrity look that emulates their favorite actor.

The increasing number of facial surgery procedures is strong evidence to the fact that both men and women benefit from plastic surgery. It widens their horizon as far social activities are concerned. Moreover, with unprecedented advances in technology, sophisticated software tools are available at a surgeon?s disposal. These tools enable the surgeon to achieve a more predictable result. With such a favorable scenario, facial plastic surgery is set to achieve immense worldwide popularity.

AntiAging Insider Secrets to Get a Beautiful Maturity

2009-02-27T12:48:00.001+07:00

A beautiful maturity awaits you. You only need to take to heart the following information to get your reward. Appetite is the only true guide to bodily need and will gauge this need exactly, and cut off short when enough for the moment has been taken.

The Flectcher eating style - see free ebook in link below - cannot provide a list of what to eat, when to eat, nor how much to eat; neither can anybody else. Be guided by your individual bodily signals and respond to these needs.

If fish is the preference, eat this. If it is needed late at night eat it then, but eat it right.

Understand the food filter at the back of the mouth as described in an earlier article, and adjust the eating to the needs of the pie.

If it is used properly, consumed at a thoroughly peaceful pace and all taste is extracted from the pie and it is swallowed only in response to the natural opening of the gate, restful sleep will follow.

Few of us will crave mince pie or Welsh rarebit late at night. The worker on a morning paper run may do so and often does.

He has earned his appetite, and sometimes it is so robust as to call for mince pie or Welsh rarebit; but if these are eaten properly they will then be utilized by the body, eagerly and easily.

This style of eating is to accentuate the fact that as we mature the need to get as far away as possible from irrelevant and tedious advice in the matter of food is essential. This can be both time consuming and irrelevant.

Ordinary people will more than likely discover an appetite leaning toward the simplest of foods, and away from frequency of indulgence.

Even this has the power to bring change to a body and life.

You can embrace this change with ease and have a beautiful maturity.

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com

Remarkable How I Became Young at Sixty brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook How I Became Young at Sixty by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Creating a Holiday Look Gold or Silver with a Kiss of Red

2009-02-27T12:38:00.001+07:00

Is there a special occasion or a formal get-together in your near-future? Consider some silver or gold sparkle with a ?kiss? of red.

For your event, cleanse and moisturize your face thoroughly. Wait a moment for the moisturizer to be absorbed and then remove any excess. *Tip* ? Coverage (foundation, etc.) goes on more evenly over well-hydrated than dry skin. If necessary, use concealer on dark circles and blemishes. *Trick* ? Squeeze concealer in the palm of your hand to warm it and then mix it with foundation for more consistent color. Apply foundation either on specific areas to even out skin tone or all over your face. (Blend any foundation carefully with the surrounding skin so there are no noticeable lines.) *Trick* ? ?Set? the foundation with loose powder for longer lasting wear. *Trick* ? Getting fine lines? Try a face primer; it fills in fine lines and, followed with foundation, makes skin appear smoother.

For fun, decide whether to enhance your eyes or lips. You want to draw attention to one set of features but not both at the same time.

If you want the focus to be on your eyes, you can dramatize them with one, two or three colors. Opting for a single color? Choose a silver or gold, whichever blends with your skin tone and complements your outfit. *Tip* ? Silvers and grays are cool colors while golds are usually warm and less aging. *Trick* ? Use an eye color cream or an eye primer with eye color for longer wear (a real plus when you?re out). You can mix both a cream or powder eye color with the eye primer. Apply your choice of silver or gold from eye lashes to brows.

Prefer more than one color? Select one as a mid-tone (over the eyelids). Add either silver or gold as an accent (lashes to creases of eyes). Highlight (under the brow bones) with whichever you haven?t used as an accent. *Trick ? mix the mid-tone color with either silver or gold for an extra ?pop.? *Tip* ? Sparkle emphasizes fine lines so, if it?s a concern, just add sparkly color under the brow bones.

Define your eyes with eye liner only if it makes them appear larger. If your eye shadow is predominantly golden, consider a gold or brown liner. If your eye shadow is mainly silver, try a gray or black liner. *Trick* ? Lining the lower lids seems to draw the eyes down. If signs of aging are a concern, concentrate on the upper lids.

Curl your eye lashes. *Tip* ? Curling the lashes gives the impression of more open (wider) eyes. Follow with a mascara that meets your needs for lengthening or widening lashes. *Tip* ? Brown tends to be softer and less aging while black is more dramatic.

Don?t forget your eyebrows; they help frame your face. Darken your eyebrows with either a matching brow liner or, for a softer touch, a brow powder or powder eye shadow. *Tip* ? You can also brush your eye brows and set them with a clear gel.

Put on cheek color to emphasize your cheek bones. *Tip* ? Either pat the color on the high points of your cheek bones or start roughly two fingers away from your nose and sweep the color up to your temples.

If you want the focus to be on your lips, tone down the eye makeup and consider a red lip shade. There?s a red for everyone. Let your skin tone determine which reds are most becoming: those with cool undertones berries) or warm undertones (corals). Then choose muted or bright, matte or shimmer depending upon the look you want to achieve. Lip liner and lip gloss are optional.

For softer lips to complement dramatic eyes, try a subdued red. Then razzle dazzle! You?ve created a special holiday look.

Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc.

Register on Charlotte's Mary Kay Inc. web site to receive a monthly email newsletter, Beaut-e-News(tm), with tips & techniques and a seasonal mailing of The Look catalog with free samples plus the latest in skin care and color looks (complete privacy ensured).

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

Look Years Younger In Minutes

2009-02-27T00:33:00.001+07:00

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first few lines or you are experiencing more advance signs of aging you can painlessly and safely achieve a healthier, youthful, wrinkle free beauty in minutes with these simple professional techniques used by the world?s top makeup artists.

Lift a Sagging Jaw line ? After applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter from ear to ear along the top of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly. Next apply a thin line of contour cream or shadow on the bottom and the underneath area of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly.

Make Wrinkles & Lines Disappear ? Before applying foundation use a Q- Tip or very thin makeup brush to apply a professional line filler product or highlighter inside the creases of your lines and wrinkles. Using the thin end of your makeup sponge or a clean Q-Tip gently blend.

Perform An Instance Face Lift ? A well groomed medium width brow with a strong arch will visual lift your face instantly. To create a well groomed brow with a strong arch pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Create Fuller Younger Lips ? After covering the lip area with foundation and your lips with a lip cream or balm take a lip liner the same shade or a shade slightly lighter then your lipstick and line just outside your lips natural lip line . Apply your lipstick with a lip brush blending lipstick to lip liner. Place a dab of pale light color lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Give Your Eyes A Quick Lift ? Applying eyeliner has close to lashes as possible line eyes from where the inner corner( tear duct ) of your eyes end to slightly pass the outer corner of your eyes. Has you get to the outer corner of your eye slightly tilt line upward to create a slight slant. This technique works whether you line just your upper lids or both your upper and bottom lids. Curl your lash with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

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

Extreme H2O Contact Lens An Insight

2009-02-25T00:53:00.001+07:00

The Extreme H2O is a technological breakthrough in the field of contact lenses, being the first moulded spherical lens that are perfect for inexpensive daily wear.

If you decide to calculate the cost of these contact lenses per hour of wearing then you will find that the Extreme H2O contact lens will work out cheaper than your typical lenses. That is because you can wear them for much longer during the course of the day and they can be kept in your eyes for extended periods of time.

The new, visionary technology behind the Extreme H2O contact lens makes it ideal for people who usually experience what is called end of the day discomfort, or sometimes referred to as, 5 o'clock syndrome.

It is around that the time of day that most users begin to be aware of their contact lenses, mainly because that is when the lenses start to become irritating, bothersome and scratchy.

Because of the Extreme H2O's cutting edge comfort you will not think about taking them out as most of the time you will not even remember you have them in. That is how advanced the comfort technology is in these contact lenses!

Sometimes with most normal contacts you can barely see enough to drive home at the end of the day, your lenses are so itchy and annoying that you are ready to give up contact lenses for good. Well, do not put on those glasses just yet...

With an Extreme H2O contact lens in your field of vision, however, you will not have to keep your eye on the clock! The lens all but eliminates late-day lens awareness and discomfort. That makes it a true cut above most other two-week contact lenses presently on the market.

The secret behind the Extreme H2O contact lens is the key ingredient: hioxifilcon A, a co-polymer GMA-HEMA - it does not matter if you cannot pronounce the name! All that matters is that the compound helps the contact lens to retain moisture on your eye, even when most lenses would shrivel up!

This durability and consistency in performance means that these lenses will literally not shrink or distort as the day progresses. Helping them retain the same dimensions and amount of oxygen permeability at the end of the day as they did in the morning, when you first put them in.

The Extreme H2O high-tech polymer makeup, means that you will be able to enjoy the benefits of greater comfort and duration of use, whilst the lens will always provide you with the fit and the power that your eye doctor prescribed for you.

If you wear two-week contact lenses and frequently experience late-day dryness and discomfort, then consider the benefits of the Extreme H2O contact lens.

Elaine Clay is the owner of Online Contact Lenses Guide.com. A one-stop online resource guide - find helpful information, tips, articles and advice all about the different types of contact lenses available.

Feel free to use the above article on your web site or ezine. Provided that it is published in it?s entirety, including my resource box above and a ?live? clickable link to: http://www.online-contact-lenses-guide.com.

The Way We Were And Never to Return

2009-02-25T00:45:00.000+07:00

It used to be whatever the dominant beauty brands told us to buy; one could say almost a limited concept of taking care of our skin. Today, we are now facing interesting choices when shopping for beauty products.

Age Old Secrets
Nature holds pearls of wisdom that enhance life's splendors. Essential oils a perfect example and in their pure natural state is effective for all manner of things. Take Lavender, a very good relaxant and effective for those plagued with insomnia. Best of all, it is natural and therefore, not addictive.

We?ve rediscovered plant oils. Research has shown that some plant oils have much smaller molecules allowing them to penetrate into the upper layers of our skin. This offers the skin not only moisture but the additional benefits of nourishment.

Age old secrets with today?s technology are bringing us innovative formulas and rich blends. A perfect example is Green Tea Extract, a powder which is extracted from the leaves. Green tea offers us powerful antioxidants beneficial to human health.

Magic Potions
The skincare market is now the arena of a fierce battle between prestige and mass outlets. In the mist of this battle, the cosmetic industry now increasingly looks to the organic or natural skin care niche as the newest in a long series of innovations to drive their market, constantly repackaging hope in a bottle.

Except, nature gives us an amazing array of botanical ingredients and essential oils that naturally protect and nourish our skin. Essential oils are made from the distillation of flowers and provide tremendous benefits to our skin. For centuries, plants and herbs have been used for the vitamins and nutrients they deliver to the skin.

Some natural skin constituents, such as: ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), hyaluronic acid (found in plant oils), vitamin E, collagen (new technology has produced collagen from soy and wheat), lactic (goat?s milk) and citric acids, can also be found in natural beauty products.

The skin recognizes these ingredients as compatible with those already in the skin, so there is minimal risk of a sensitive/allergic reaction.

Truth Serum
What we now know that to feel good about ourselves is by taking care of our looks - because beauty and health go hand in hand. Great looking skin arrives by limited sun exposure, good health and finding the right products for your skin. And, that the finest make-up in the world cannot disguise the effects of poor nutrition, lack of sleep, exercise, too much stress or emotional problems.

We also know that as more and more traditionally 'mainstream' customers begin adopting natural ingredients, the demand for efficacy data and documentation grows. Perhaps we?ll start to see a list of ingredients in all skin care products. We can start with commercial soaps, which most are made of detergents leaving the skin dry.

Because after all with perfect beauty as an elusive concept; consumer education should therefore be an important part of this business.

Cecilia loves skin care products. So, it?s no surprise that she co-created A Natural Perspective to be ?The Place? for Canadian-made 100% natural, holistic skin and health care products. A Natural Perspective is a resource for the busy consumer who wants quality skin care. This site also serves high-end retailers and spa centers that look to offer signature and quality skin care products.

Closed Nose Job Procedure

2009-02-20T22:25:00.001+07:00

While it is true that a nose job is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery, there is more than just one procedure. This brings us to the subject of closed nose job.

Closed Nose Job Procedure

When choosing plastic surgery, it is important to have all of the information and options for your type of procedure presented to you beforehand. This is especially important with a nose job. A nose job is a procedure where the surgeon forms or shapes the nose to a desired position. In performing a nose job procedure, surgeons have two choices on how to proceed: open nose job or closed nose job.

An open nose job is by far the most common technique used to cosmetically (and medically) correct issues with the nose. In an open nose job, a small incision is made in the columella, which is the small column of skin that separates the nostrils. When this incision is made, the surgeon is able to lift the skin off of the nose exposing all of the tissue underneath including the cartilage. Surgeons find this easier to work with than a closed nose job, as they are more easily able to see all of the nasal structures. They can also work on the nasal tip cartilage in its natural position, making it easier to see how the final result of the surgery will come out. The biggest disadvantage to this surgery is the little scar left on the outside of the nose in the columella, though it does heal to an unnoticeable size in most people.

A closed nose job, on the other hand, leaves no external scarring. All of the incisions made with a closed nose job take place internally through other openings in the nose, and some feel that it heals more quickly. A closed nose job is better for nasal surgery that requires less extensive shaping and work than someone who would need open nose job. It is not recommended for extensive reconstruction or surgeries that require a lot of work done on the cartilage at the tip of the nose. The two biggest advantages to closed nose jobs are the lack of any scars, and usually, a shorter surgery time.

Only your board certified plastic surgeon will know for sure whether an open nose job or closed nose job is the right surgery for your nasal needs. Be sure to consult with your doctor and weigh the options carefully before choosing a type of nose job. If you have your heart set on a closed nose job and your surgeon feels it is not right for you, a second opinion is always a good option. Just be sure to feel completely comfortable with your choice before proceeding.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.

Professional Makeup Artists Not Just For Celebrities: How to Choose One

2009-02-19T10:52:00.001+07:00

Liz Taylor has always had them, and so do the new crop of film femmes. In fact they rarely go anywhere without them. They are personal makeup artists. And they are the latest Hollywood elite to come along. In fact many are upstaging the personalities signing their paycheques. Five years ago, few people knew the name Kevyn Aucoin, the famous artist to the stars who passed away in 2002. But now, you often hear either a name like Kevyn?s, or star artists Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier, who have their own cosmetic lines, or you witness a celebrity thank their makeup artist during awards broadcasts?either way, we are getting the message loud and clear that professional artists are lurking behind the famous faces we dream of having.

Most women can transform themselves with the flick of a well-directed makeup brush. And they can get professional help. In fact, just ?internet? your way to ?google?, type in makeup artist and you are on your way. Freelance makeup artists who come directly to your home abound, not just in major city centres but all over now. The training and hatching of seedling artists is on the rise big time, as the nation?s focus on beauty continues to escalate.

Maybe you?ve been so busy planning your hair, nails, massages, waxing, and facial appointments to think of how a makeup artist can add the icing to your beauty cake, but why all the fuss if you are left with a squeaky clean but blank canvas? Think about how an artist can turn your entire look around with a specialized makeup lesson tailored just for you. No time to master the skill for ongoing ?do-it-yourself? applications? Then have an artist on speed-dial for those dinner parties, client meetings or impromptu get-togethers. You just need to know where to find them and how to know if they are worth their weight in lipstick.

Not all artists are created equal. To find an artist to come to you, follow a few key guidelines. Find someone who is trained by a reputable school or program known for specializing in the art of makeup not cosmetics sales. Watch out for artists who?ve been trained to sell products and who only use one line of makeup on you. You?ll be up against a big sales pitch to drop a lot of cash on products you end up shelving later because you break-out or your face rejects the horrific colour choices. Also ask to see photos of an artist?s work?preferably pictures from professional photographers who are fussy about the artists they work with. Expect the artist to speak with you before your appointment about everything that will make your session together successful?skin care, your colouring, your makeup preferences, the products and shades you currently use, your skin condition, the reason for getting together and what you want to get out of the makeover.

Beyond makeup, a great makeup artist doesn?t just show you where the colour goes. She looks at you and sees the shape of your face and how to showcase its features?she can tell you how to shade and highlight areas to make them stand out or disappear, how to shape your brows to suit your face or to make your eyes seem further apart or closer together, how to line your lips to reshape and balance their look, and more. A great makeup artist also looks at a clean face and sees the finished product. The transformations can be theatrical.

Colette Cormier is a freelance makeup artist serving Toronto area. She graduated from one of North America?s prestigious makeup schools and is an award-winning published writer. Colette has worked with world-known celebrities, as well as Toronto and New York models, film producers, fashion shows, video producers and has a variety of personal clients including brides, business executives, lawyers, accountants, Moms and teens. She offers services at your location?home, office or event.

To try that something new or to get makeup advice from Colette, you can reach her at 905-841-5250. You can also see her work at www.facemaker.ca

Beauty Today: All Smoke and Mirrors?

2009-02-19T10:42:00.001+07:00

Did you ever notice that the bar is continually being raised on exactly what physical characteristics define beauty? As I sit in front of the TV, I am bombarded by beauties with pouty lips, perfect bone structure, flawless skin, more voluptuous upper regions, size 2 waists, and hair that resembles spun silk. Take these same beauties and plop them back in time 20-30 years, when the advent of modern cosmetic technology had not even begun to reach its full potential. Do you think they would have had those same attributes you find yourself longing for when faced with these images? My guess is probably not, or at least not to the same extent.

True, genetics play a role in physical beauty, but with the likes of total extreme makeover reality TV (The Swan, Extreme Makeover, Dr. Beverly Hills) and abundant publicity, we see that beauty and cosmetic improvement can now be achieved by a few thousand dollars and a good plastic surgeon. Not only that, but cosmetics in general are now so technologically advanced, you can improve your looks by personal makeup application and home treatments.

There are now do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments such as home microdermabrasion kits, chemical peels, botox creams and gels, teeth whiteners, hair removal treatments, cellulite treatments, professional hair straighteners and colors, self tanners, lip enlargers, acne treatments, and the list goes on and on. Cosmetics marketers and science have joined forces to give women everything they ever wanted to be their most beautiful, and feel better about themselves. Women are benefitting by so many companies competing for a piece of these fairly new markets by lower, more competitive prices.

Not only are there new breakthroughs in the world of cosmetic science, but there are constantly new studies and discoveries in the field of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Combine this with the new wave of technologically advanced cosmetics, supplements, and treatments, and you've got a recipe for a healthier, longer, more satisfying life for those of us who decide to take advantage of the advanced knowledge of our time.

So, does your desire to be your best and most beautiful self make you shallow, less credible, or somehow jeopardize your feminist agendas? Unless you've somehow compromised your integrity, morals, or core beliefs along the way, the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you are not putting yourself at high risk for physical harm, obsessing endlessly, or spending your life savings, investing time and money into your beauty ultimately is an investment in your well being, self esteem, and many times, mental and physical health. Feeling beautiful is part of what makes us women. Come on, it's just plain FUN to experiment with different looks and different products! It feels good to be noticed, and when you feel beautiful, you tend to radiate confidence and power. It is inherent in our nature to want to feel feminine and look and feel our best, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as it is not all-consuming.

As a self-proclaimed product junkie, I can attest that many of these newly engineered products really do work, as I have tried nearly all of them in the quest to look and feel my best. I can't wait to see what they'll come out with next, as every new product seems to top the last. Hey, women have come a long way, and we deserve to feel sexy and confident - beyond smoke and mirrors!

Danna Schneider, Webmaster
Provides unbiased cosmetic and beauty product reviews, along with sophisticated beauty and makeup advice, through her website CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews and Comparisons

Fine Hair and Protein Myths

2009-02-19T10:30:00.001+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

How Sunless Tanning Products Work

2009-02-19T01:15:00.001+07:00

Sunless tanning products are not the same as they were a decad or so ago. You no longer have to worry about orange or blotchy skin. The bronzers of the past have been replaced with lotions and sprays that actually chemically react with your skin giving you a natural looking tan. But how exactly do they work.

Today's tanning lotions and sprays use a chemical called Dihydroxyacetone or DHA for short. DHA is a sugar that will react with amino acids. The dead cells on your skins surface contain amino acids and when the DHA reacts with it, it darkens your skin. It is a totally harmless process which is easier to control than bronzers of the past. You can control how dark of a tan you get by applying more or less of the product. The only drawback of these sunless tanning lotions and sprays is that they have a relatively short life. Because your body is constantly shedding the dead skin cells on your skins surface, you will have to reapply the tanner often.

You should use some caution when using sunless tanners. Remember that unlike a regular tan from a tanning bed they will not protect you from sun exposure. Use sun screen just as if you had no tan at all. Also, you should test the tanner on a hidden part of your body before applying it over all of your skin. Everyone's body is different and you do not know exactly how yours will react.

So before you go bake yourself in the sun, consider the other alternatives. You might thank yourself in ten years for the damage you didn't cause your skin.

James C operates the Tanning Salon Directory.

Synthetic Wig Care Professional Secrets

2009-02-17T18:33:00.001+07:00

Synthetic wigs are very easy to care for. You don?t need to restyle your wig after each washing, like you would with a human-hair wig. However, it is important to point out that human-hair shampoos and other care products are unsuitable for synthetic wigs. Even the mildest shampoo that you might use on your own hair is too strong for the synthetic fibers used in a wig. The same can be said about hair styling mousses, sprays and gels - don?t attempt to use them on your synthetic wig.

Instead, use shampoos, conditioners and hairsprays specially formulated for synthetic wigs. Raquel Welch, Revlon, and Tress Allure produce wide ranges of wig care products, and all of these brands work well with any synthetic wig. Most websites that sell wigs offer wig accessories, too, so it is smart to pick a wig shampoo, conditioner and spray when you order your wig.

Another thing to remember is that synthetic wigs cannot be styled with curling irons, hot rollers or blow dryers. In fact, any heat can destroy your wig, so be careful to keep it away from lamps, ovens, etc. Most synthetic wigs are already prestyled but, if you want to add a bit of personality to it, you can use a mousse that is specially formulated for synthetic wigs and style it with your fingers.

Washing synthetic wigs - step by step

A synthetic wig doesn?t need to be washed very often - after 10 or 12 wears is usually enough. Still, you might have to wash your wig more often if you use a lot of spray or mousse on it. Every washing shortens the life of your wig, so our advice is try not to use excessive styling products on it, and don?t wash your wig until it looks like it needs to be washed.

1. Remove tangles with your fingers and gently brush your wig. The only exception is wigs that are very curly - don?t attempt to brush them

2. Fill a basin with cool water (hot water can damage your wig), mix a little bit of synthetic wig shampoo into it and place your wig in the water. Leave it to soak for about 5 minutes.

3. Swirl your wig around in the water, but don?t rub the fibers

4. Rinse your wig under running water

5. Shake excess water off your wig and spread it on a towel to dry. Alternatively, you can put it on a wig stand. If you have wig conditioner, put it on the wig and gently work it through the strands with your fingers. Remember you can?t use blow dryer on a synthetic wig, so place your wig in a warm room with good ventilation and let it dry naturally

6. Brush your wig when it is completely dry and it is ready to wear again. Again, don?t brush wigs that are very curly.

As you can see, caring for a synthetic wig is really easy. And having a wig or several differently styled wigs can really help you to change your look in an instant.

Tanya Turner is wig and hair extensions expert and a publisher of http://www.WigsGuide.info, an online wig, hair extensions and hairstyle magazine, where you can find information, reviews and pictures of wigs and hair extensions

Look Better Feel Better

2009-02-17T18:13:00.001+07:00

>Yikes! It?s that me, I though after seeing my reflection. What happened? I feel like a different person and I am right. I went from being a single, ambitious young woman to a loving wife, mother and entrepreneur. All this new roles that I have acquire through life, leave me with more responsibilities and less time on my hands.

So, does this mean I have to sacrifice my physical appearance? I don't think so! Who says that moms can?t be trendy or simply look more put together.

Just to make things clear, I am not talking about wearing over revealing clothes, expending every single penny on shopping sprees or basing your whole existence on the way you look.

My advice is to just make time for improving your overall appearance. Even if you are a stay at home mom, make sure you get up a couple of minutes before the kids and do your hair, apply some lotion and don't just wear worn out t shirt, sweat pants etc.

What ever your beauty routine is just make time for it. It is a proven fact, looking better will help you feel better and influence those around you.

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.

Email: eniamorales@kpatra.com

Cosmetics The Practical Way To Beauty!

2009-02-15T16:52:00.001+07:00

Want that healthy, tanned look without that elusive Spanish holiday? Use cosmetics! For cosmetics is the easiest way to enhance your image. Image is what the cosmetic industry sells through its products. And although it's up to you to believe it or not, I?m sure you won?t complain. Definitely not when you can get that look without being much the poorer for it.

There are cosmetics for almost every need.

There are cosmetics for almost every need. Foundations, lipsticks, hair dyes, hair straighteners, hair sprays, skin conditioners, contact lenses, sunscreens, tanning products, glosses, shadows and what have you?.. The list is seemingly endless.

Branded cosmetics abound! Choose between MAC cosmetics or Mary Kay cosmetics if you will. And if you can?t afford it ? well, there?s always discount cosmetics which give you famous brands at a fraction of their price! So despair not!

Get rid of that patch of graying hair, mask that niggling pimple, and banish the ugliness of your nose albeit temporarily with some prudently used cosmetics.

Do take care, of course, to check out the contents. Certain cosmetic additives are harmful for the skin.

Don?t use so called cosmeceuticals unless their content, medicinal benefits and safety is verified. Having done that, go right ahead and indulge. And, if a lipstick is all that?s between you and that Marilyn Monroe look, go, get it!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.beforeandafterpage.com/

Best Skin Care Products

2009-02-14T00:54:00.001+07:00

When you want to look and feel your best, sometimes you need a little help from one of the best skin care products on the market.

When looking for one of the best skin care products, you may want to find something that will not only leave your skin feeling clean, but moisturize the skin as well.

Some of the best skin care products on the market are in the form of a face cleanser, lotion, or moisturizer.

When it comes to the best skin and face care products, you should know there are a variety of price ranges and quality that are available for a consumer working with any type of budget.

Below you will find a list of some of the best skin care products that are broken up into different categories.

Best Skin Care Products - Face Cleansers The next time you are at a drugstore, don?t forget to pick up Cetaphil, a product recommended by dermatologists. This item does not contain chemical or scents that create irritated skin.

When looking for the best skin care product containing shea butter, you may want to look into Clarin Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which also leaves the skin moisturized.

If you have oily skin, some of the best skin care products to combat this particular appearance, includes Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, which is soap and oil-free.

Other selections include Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser and the Lancome Clarifance Oil-Free Gel Cleanser.

For normal to combination skin, Dove Essential Nutrients self-foaming cleanser takes care of oil, as well as removes dead skin cells.

Looking for an aromatherapy cleanser? Bloom Facial Cleaners contain the fragrant scent of lavender and grapefruit oils.

Working with sensitive skin? The inexpensive Avon Clear Skin Foaming Cleanser is a gentle option, as well as the moderately priced Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser.

Some of the best skin care products for blemished skin includes the popular Neutrogena Pore-Refining Cleanser, which does not dry out the skin.

If money is no option, you may want to try out the Murad Acne Kit for $60, which offers a cleanser, pore-cleansing gel, exfoliating lotion, as well as spot treatment.

Best Skin Care Products - Moisturizers The moisturizer that is perfect for you should never irritate or create burning sensations on the skin. When applied, it should feel smooth, smell good, and feel good.

Some of the best skin care products are those that have passed the tests of dermatologists, as well as an assortment of opinions from the top of the health and beauty world.

If you have dry skin, some of the ingredients to seek out in your moisturizer include glycerin, dimethicone, as well as hyaluronic acid.

Dove Sensitive Essential Day Lotion is light and void of scents or dyes.

Looking for a great product with natural ingredients? Check out the Lancome Absolute Night Treatment, which contains sea algae, soy and wild yam extract. An expensive choice in this category is called Cr?me de la Mer, which is considered one of the best.

Oily skin consumers should look for products that are oil-free, as well as non-pore clogging. They may find a solution within choices such as Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion UV Defense Combination/Oily, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15, and Lorac Oil-free Moisturizer.

A gel formula is the best bet for consumers who have normal/combination skin. Some of the best skin care products for this type of skin includes Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer and Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15.

For more information and skincare products

For more information on skincare generally as well as a great range of skincare products to protect your skin and even turn back the signs of aging visit our website.

More skin care products information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

Health Benefits Of Dandelion Juice

2009-02-12T00:17:00.001+07:00

Dandelion leaves, when young, are a tasty salad vegetable. Dandelion roots can be dried, roasted and then ground as a good coffee substitute without caffeine and which has beneficial healthy effects on indigestion and on rheumatic complaints.

Nutritionally, dandelion juice is of remarkable value with a high iron content, quadruple the carotene content of lettuce plus rich supplies of calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and E.

With the juices of the stinging nettle and watercress it is the ideal basis for a 'spring clean' and is used this way in Germany as pan of a two week course combined with a diet without meat or much sugar or starch. This treatment helps to make the liver and the gall bladder normal, and it has a beneficial effect upon the nervous system.

The secret of growing your own is to use well dug soil and then to remove the flowers as soon as they appear. This avoids the random seeding of the plant and ensures a lush growth of leaves for several years. It is best to select seeds from a broad leafed variety as those are more tender and juicy. It is often mixed with the juices of the leaves of carrots and turnips.

As a diuretic, it can be taken alone. The Romans called the plant Herba urinaria, but this effect is the consequence of a dose of several ounces a day, whereas for other uses 2floz (50ml) is sufficient.

The humble dandelion is so often seen as an annoying weed in the garden and in the farmer's fields. Yet this attractive golden sunburst is a herbal medicine of renowned effect and great antiquity. The Germans call it Lowenzahn, or Lion's tooth, but the French Pissenlit, which means 'wet the bed' is more descriptive of its diuretic properties. In Belgium the dandelion plant is grown as a crop.

The botanical name Taraxacum comes from a Greek word which means to alter or to stir up and this refers to its medical properties. The specific word officinal used to be given to all officially recognized herbs.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on information on various vegetables, their benefits are being provided with the inclusion of dandelion and other juices.

The Why When Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

2009-02-12T00:11:00.001+07:00

A cosmetic case that won?t zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you?re saving just in case. We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don?t need to stockpile your cosmetics. In fact, you really shouldn?t for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

Lipstick - one year.

Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

Powders and stick concealers - one year.

Eye shadow and blush - two years.

Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors ? when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you're a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you'll get your money?s worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it?s hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota. If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale. HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend?s opinions, and don?t get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much... develop your own unique personal style.

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

Skin Care and Protection

2009-02-10T23:52:00.001+07:00

Skin care and protection of skin should be an essential part of your health for fitness & beauty regime. If you take care of your skin, your skin will take care of you! If you're stuck in a skin care rut, or if you are just looking to learn a bit more about the basics of skin care, read on to learn more about this important step in your daily activities.

Some Opinions for Skin Care:

The first step to taking care of your skin is preventing damage. Sun, wind, pollutants, and simply aging can degrade the condition of your skin. Common complaints include dry and itchy skin, wrinkles, sagging, color changes, and age spots. There are steps that you can take to keep you skin looking and feeling its best.

Exercise, rest, and good nutrition lay the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin, inside and out. A proper diet is not only good for your overall health, it also helps to ensure that your skin will receive all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs to maintain and repair cells. Drinking purified water is another good way to keep your skin healthy. Water helps to hydrate the skin and move waste and nutrients through the system. It is very effective mixing a teaspoon or capful of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in with your water. Do not drink Tap Water.

The most important way to care for your skin is to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation damages the skin and can lead to wrinkles, premature aging, age spots, and cancer. Take extra precautions to make sure your skin is not exposed to the sun?s rays.

Dry skin is very common, especially with age. Older skin has fewer sweat and oil glands than younger skin. Dry skin may be caused by frequent baths, certain cosmetics or medications. But whatever the cause, there are ways to alleviate the itchiness associated with it.

3 Tips for Skin Care:

A skin care routine does not have to be elaborate in order to be effective. But you should develop some kind of skin care routine based on your skin type, daily activities, and nutritional needs so that you can be sure you are taking the very best care of your skin. Following a daily skin care regime will also allow you to more closely evaluate your skin for abnormalities. Here's a simple routine that you can adapt to fit your needs:

1. Cleanse: Wash your skin thoroughly on a daily basis to remove the dirt, debris, pollutants, and perspiration that accumulates on a daily basis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use only warm water to wash your skin and use a mild natural cleanser every few days like the product Oxy-Skin. If you have normal or oily skin, be sure to wash with a gentle cleanser on a daily basis. Be sure to brush your teeth before washing your face, as toothpaste residue can irritate sensitive facial skin.

2. Moisturize: Unless your skin is very oily, you will want to use a moisturizer everyday to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Your skin needs moisturizer all year long as both the indoor winter heat, and summer sun can be equally damaging to your skin. The most advanced product is ?Parfait Visage? which is used for the face.

3. Protect: Use a natural sunscreen when possible, regardless of whether or not you plan on spending much time in the sun. The sun's rays are very damaging and if you get in the habit of applying sunscreen everyday, you will never be left without protection. The suns most beneficial rays occur at sunrise and sunset.

(Beauty Oil) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=6363
(Colon Clenz) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=23487
(Beta Sistosterol) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=885

Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Clinic

2009-02-10T23:48:00.001+07:00

No one likes to deal with hair removal. Shaving can be tedious, not to mention painful if you cut yourself. Waxing is also painful, and can be expensive to maintain. And if you have a large area on your body that you would like to have hair removed from, such as your back or chest, shaving can be time consuming. That is why laser hair removal has seen such a surge in popularity. A laser hair removal clinic promises quick removal of hair from the root, and pledges that the hair will grow back very slowly, eliminating the need for frequent and expensive maintenance. If you are considering the procedure of laser hair removal, make sure that you know the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, as well as how to find a reputable laser hair removal clinic to perform the process on you.

Laser hair removal is so popular today because of the many advantages involved. The primary advantage is the removal of your unwanted hair, which tends to grow back very slowly as a result of the procedure. There is a chance that you will see a permanent reduction in the re-appearance of hair. When the hair grows back in, it often comes in lighter in color and a finer texture, which helps alleviate the embarrassment of having unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is considered safe if the clinic performs the procedure correctly in a safe environment. For people that do have large areas on their bodies (back, legs, chest) from which they want hair removed, laser hair removal is the most beneficial. Fair skinned people with dark body hair tend to get the best results with laser hair removal.

There are potential risks with the procedure, however. These can include burns, abrasions, and or even skin discoloration on darker-skinned people. Laser hair removal tends to not work as effectively on gray, red, and blonde hair, and is not recommended for people with dark skin tones, or for people who tan themselves. Some people do not respond to laser hair removal at all.

Be aware that there are numerous establishments that claim to be laser hair removal clinics. Many of these supposed specialists claim that their procedures are pain-free, that hair removal is permanent, and that there will be absolutely no regrowth. According to the FDA, it is illegal to make these assertions. But, because there is no regulation of who can buy laser hair removal machines or parameters for training or quality control, there is a great risk for physical harm and the loss of your money if you get the procedure done at a place like these. When exploring the many laser hair removal clinics, be sure to only interview clinics or physicians who will give you a free in-office consultation. Ask lots of questions about pain relief, costs and fees, and post-treatment. Ask them questions about the laser hair removal devices they use, to see how much they know. Don't even consider a clinic that is not clean, well-staffed, and organized. Get feedback from former customers, and ask them questions about the clinic or physician's service and demeanor. Insist on getting a test patch done, so that you will have a clearer idea of what laser hair removal is like first hand, before you make any commitments. Do not commit to the procedure at the consultation. By shopping around to various laser hair removal clinics, you will be able to save money and get the best possible experience and outcome from your laser hair removal. You can avoid pain and aggravation down the road if you take the time to select the most reputable and capable laser hair removal clinic in your area.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment. Laser Hair Removal Clinic

Does Anti Wrinkle Cream Really Work?

2009-02-10T23:46:00.001+07:00

Wrinkles are signs of old age and for anyone who gives great value to beauty, wrinkles are simply upsetting. The first thing one would want to do is to get rid of those ugly lines and creases on her skin. If you are one of those who want to counter natural aging process and maintain a youthful glow on your face, you are probably thinking of buying an anti-wrinkle cream by now.

Anti-wrinkle cream and other anti-aging products are saturating the market nowadays and lots of people are patronizing them?men and women alike, young and old. Who doesn?t like to look younger and more beautiful, anyway? Even men now are conscious about the way they look and so many anti wrinkle cream advertisements nowadays aim at the men, too. They are usually marketed as part of grooming and skin care kits for men.

Apart from good looks, however, people use anti wrinkle creams for many other reasons. For one, an anti-wrinkle cream may be one?s solution to finding a job that demands an attractive and youthful appearance. Perhaps you?re dreaming of Hollywood but are less confident because of those ugly wrinkles that appeared too early in your life?an anti-wrinkle cream can do the trick for you. Moreover, it?s a lot cheaper to buy an anti-wrinkle cream rather than to avail of expensive cosmetic treatments like plastic surgery or even botox injection.

With all the anti-aging products available in the market though, it?s so hard to pick one that can give you your desired results. Each product promises to reduce or prevent wrinkles caused by aging, but then again, you can never be too sure which one really works?or do they all really work?

The answer is yes; however, effects of each anti-wrinkle cream vary. Some anti wrinkle cream and other beauty products may provide major changes to your skin while others only have a very little effect on the skin. Also, there are products that work effectively and quickly while others don?t. But in reality, no anti-wrinkle cream has really given a permanent rejuvenating effect as aging is a natural process nothing can really totally defy.

What an anti-wrinkle cream really does is it hides those ugly wrinkles and moisturizes your skin so you can achieve a more beautiful face. It has ingredients like oils, collagen and silicon dioxide whose molecules are smaller than those of the skin. They penetrate through the wrinkles and deflect light; thereby, making the wrinkles invincible to the naked eye.

An anti-wrinkle cream actually makes the aging process more pleasing and agreeable to you. It helps you cope with aging more gracefully by making you feel beautiful. And that great feeling about oneself actually does the work of making you look good. Remember that real beauty shines from within, so whatever kind of anti-wrinkle cream or anti-aging product it is that you use, always feel good about yourself and wear a smile no matter what life brings?only then you can be beautiful in every sense of the word.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in beauty care. For more information regarding anti wrinkle cream, please drop by at http://beauty.answerwisely.com

Fat Acceptance

2009-02-10T23:43:00.000+07:00

With tons of information out there on ?Fat Acceptance? does it do more harm than good? Being body positive and body fat are two different topics. South Beach Diet may work for one but not the other.

How can one confuse having a body positive attitude than with a ?Fat Acceptance One? Are you really fat and happy? Most women are in emotional pain around their body size but to hail on for ?Fat Acceptance? is a no-no, neither should one be ostracized for be overweight or fat.

This is more than just a debatable topic of ?Fat Acceptance? what about health. Can you really sit and tell yourself you like wearing a size 22 and find the extra ?Pinch an Inch? to be conformable and contrite? Can you feel both? Ask yourself, deep inside, how you really feel.

So where is the ?happy medium?? Eye Candy yes, waif like magazine models perhaps not, but some women are naturally thin. Shows like ?The Biggest Loser?, ?Fat Actress? make fun of those who do not fit into the cookie cuter world of what we deem as ?Eye Candy?.

We should all be accepted and not ostracized for size, and looks. ?Size acceptance? and ?Fat Acceptance? are two different issues here. Yes, promote size, we all come in different shapes, but promote ?Fat?? What about health?

We strongly condemn any diet marketing strategy based on guilt and unrealistic expectations, says Peggy Howell, a spokesperson for the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Such approaches cause untold suffering to fat people by ruining their self-esteem.?

This would fall under stapling!?!

However some sites, and blogs take this too far, can you be happy, fat, and un-healthy at any size?

Why make this harder than it has to be, follow the BMI chart. However getting within our range can be difficult, while women and men, work their way from a high BMI to a lower healthy one, we should accept people of all sizes, ?Size Acceptance? but not promote fat. Promote Health, Size and not Fat.

Discuss this online at http://www.sheunlimited.com

The Daily Scandalmonger
?Scandalmonger Diaries?
Fat Acceptance
Entry 3
By Veronica Marie Kettler

Marie is Editor-in-Chief for She Unlimited Magazine. http://www.sheunlimited.com and heads up the community at http://www.sheunlimited.com/forums. Marie is committed to making a difference. Marie Is Making a difference in the Women sectors online, media and print. Marie believes that individual style is a form of self-expression. Marie knows the trends and where to find them. Her expertise and knowledge give consumers everywhere the insight they need to get the latest styles and products that fit everyone and every budget, both online and off. For More information or how to become and editor for She Unlimited Magazine please e-mail: admin@sheunlimited.com

Quick Professional Beauty Tips For Today's Busy Woman

2009-02-10T23:40:00.001+07:00

If you are ready for beauty to be made simple these quick easy beauty tips are for you. Used by some of the top beauty professionals in the industry these fast and simple beauty tips will instantly improve your appearance and correct some of today?s most common beauty problems.

To reduce the redness and shrink the size of a blemish ? soak a cotton ball with visine. Place the cotton ball on blemish, hold it there for a minute. This will reduce the redness. Next apply a small drop of Preparation H to the blemish. This will shrink the blemish.

For longer lashes ? use a small makeup brush to dust your lashes with face powder before applying mascara and between coats.

To minimize dark under eye circles ? Before applying your foundation use an orange tone concealer mixed with your foundation to cover under eye circles. Apply foundation and set with face powder. Avoid using blue or purple eye shadows.

To instantly lighten eyebrows ? rub a small dot of foundation through your eyebrow and gently brush eyebrows with an old toothbrush.

To disappear wrinkles ? After applying your foundation use a thin small makeup brush to apply highlighter directly in the crease of the wrinkle, blend and set with face powder.

To whiten and brighten your teeth ? use lip colors with blue undertones such as cool red, berries, burgundies and wines.

To refresh oily hair ? sprinkle baby powder onto your hairbrush before brushing your hair.

To prevent bed hair ? before going to bed comb a dime size drop of leave in conditioner through your hair.

To remove yellow discoloration on nails ? soak nails in any over the counter denture cleanser for 5 to 10 minutes.

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

Anti Aging Skin Care Products

2009-02-10T23:36:00.001+07:00

When a person wishes to purchase an anti aging skin care product, they will most likely wind up choosing a cream because it is one of the most popular forms of anti aging skin care products on the market.

These anti aging creams are broken down into three different categories, including natural, herbal, and artificial cream products.

Herbal Creams

Herbal creams are the most popular choice because of marketing ? advertised as not creating any side effects. But when using any new product, testing it for a short period of time is suggested to make sure there is no allergic reaction to any of the anti aging skin care products that you are considering.

Natural Products

Choosing a natural anti aging skin care product means that they will be encountering a cream consisting of collagen, as well as ingredients extracted from plants that are used to combat wrinkles in the skin.

Many people turn to the use of anti aging skin care products to achieve a more youthful appearance and feel better about themselves while battling the natural occurrence of aging.

The aim of some anti aging skin care products is to enhance the skin?s texture, as well as retain an extra amount of moisture within the body.

Many find anti aging skin care products beneficial for achieving a more contoured, toned body with a reduction in the appearance of fat throughout the body.

Excessive drying and wrinkles, which is the number one culprit regarding signs of aging, move many to try an anti aging skin care product. There are plenty of products on the market to fight against these natural signs.

When sporting a tired, dry face, an anti aging skin care product with soy extract should be considered.

For women, it is the loss of estrogen that creates this excessively dry skin.

Some face creams to consider include Murad Sheer Lustre Day Moisture ($60) and Kinerase Cream ($65), which not only offers soy, but also features an anti-withering agent found in some plants.

Wrinkles

As a natural effect of aging, wrinkles creep up on the face and body of everyone. The loss of collagen can sometimes create wrinkles. Retin-A is one of the best anti aging skin care products on the market for wrinkles.

If you are looking for an over-the-counter option, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15, available for $12.99.

So, what causes the most wrinkles on a face besides stress? Sun damage is to blame, which makes it important to use sunscreen throughout the entire year. Sun damage can occur even during the winter season, as well as on a day filled with clouds.

Moisturizers

To get the most out of your anti aging skin care products, two moisturizers should be purchased: one for night use and one for daytime use that contains sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreens should contain at least one of the following ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzene.

UV protection

If you are looking for a good anti aging skin care product with UV protection, consider purchasing Olay Total Effects 7X Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex with UV Protection during your next grocery store trip. This product contains an avobenzone-based sunscreen and contains no fragrances or artificial colors. The anti aging properties of this product do not come from retinal, but is found within the sunscreen and it is filled with additional vitamins, including vitamin C, zinc, titanium, magnesium, as well as vitamin E.

More skin care products information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

The Fundamental Of Fitness

2009-02-10T23:33:00.000+07:00

Physical fitness is a set of features a person has in regard to his ability to perform physical activities that require endurance, strength or flexibility and is determined by a combination of regular activity or exercise and genetically inherited ability. It also measures the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and without undue fatigue and with sufficient energy to engage in leisure-time pursuits and the vitality to perform at one?s fullest capacity.

Physical fitness is achieved by regular physical activity, proper diet and nutrition and proper rest for physical recovery within the parameters allowed by the genome.

Physical fitness is often divided into following types:

Flexibility: Joint rotation, Static stretching and Dynamic Stretching are all the various forms of flexibility exercises used in warm up.

Cardiovascular endurance: Aerobic capacity describes the functional status of the cardio-respiratory system which includes the heart, lungs or blood vessels. It is defined as the maximum volume of oxygen which can be consumed by ones muscles during exercise. The higher a cardio-respiratory endurance level, the more oxygen is transported to exercising muscles and longer exercise can be maintained without exhaustion which means a higher the level of aerobic fitness.

Muscular strength & endurance: Weight training is a form of exercise for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles which can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being.

Body Composition: In physical fitness, body composition is used to describe the percentages of fat, bone and muscle in human bodies. The percentage of fat is of most interest because it can be very helpful in judging health in addition to body weight.

An average healthy male's body should have 12~18 percent fat while in females it is 14~ 20 percent fat. Body fat percentage can be measured in several ways. The most common method is by using measurement calipers to measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat in multiple places on the body. Another method is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), which uses the resistance of electrical flow through the body to estimate body fat.

Agility: Agility is the ability to change the body's direction efficiently, and this requires a combination of balance, coordination, speed, and strength.

Balance: Equilibrioception or sense of balance is one of the physiological senses which allow humans to walk without falling. When the sense of balance is disrupted, it causes dizziness, disorientation and nausea.

Speed: Some biological factors that can determine a sprinter's potential are muscular strength, adrenaline use and anaerobic respiration capacity

Task-oriented fitness: A person is said to be physically fit for a particular task with a reasonable efficiency, for example, fit for military service.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Fitness, Exercise Fitness and Female Fitness

Reshape And Firm Your Stomach With A Tummy Tuck

2009-02-10T23:31:00.001+07:00

In the present day, even the slightest of flab around the belly can be a source of embarrassment and social discomfort. Moreover, flaunting a protruding tummy won?t help you much in wooing the opposite sex. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess flab and skin around the belly button, thereby tightening the abdominal wall. This lends a slender appearance to the tummy, making the overall figure to be more appealing.

Though tummy tuck surgery is carried out on both women and men, the procedure is usually sought by women who have no plans to conceive any more children. People who have excessive fat deposits, which cannot be curtailed through diet and exercise, may also opt for tummy tuck plastic surgery. Abdominoplasty is a complex procedure that can be classified into two broad categories ? complete and partial. Complete abdominoplasty involves a series of incisions, tightening of muscles, removal of extra flab and skin, and replacement of skin flap to allow healing. The complete process may take around 2-5 hours. The partial procedure requires less and smaller incisions and takes around 1-2 hours.

Tummy tuck surgery may be performed in combination with liposuction treatment. Abdominoplasty, being complex, requires a significant amount of time for recovery ? nearly 4 to 6 weeks. The patient is recommended to avoid undue stress or exertion during the recovery period, since this might lead to unnecessary complications. Patients might experience mild discomfort and contusions around the abdomen. But, such complications subside with time as the patient recovers completely. However, smoking is strictly prohibited both prior to surgery and during recovery, since smokers are at a higher risk of facing complications.

On the whole, abdominoplasty is a superlative procedure that could help you attain the much desired slender look and awesome appeal.

Nicola publishes an informational site about liposuction, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Liposuction and Lipoplasty at http://lipo.plastic-surgery-info.net

Herbal Skin Care Secrets Hidden At The Greengrocer's

2009-02-10T23:29:00.001+07:00

Interest in skin care supplements, or beauty foods, has been strong in Asia, and that trend is growing fast in Europe as well. These nutrient rich beauty foods make a good case for starting a beauty regime from within, one that is designed to prevent or reduce the effects of aging, like sagging skin.

Some products on the market include a supplement containing lacto-lycopene, vitamin C, and soy isoflavones. This is aimed at restoring firmness to the skin for women over 40, and was developed by Nestle and L'Oreal. Others have been developed using lycopene and grape seed extract, both antioxidants. Grape seed extract also stops enzymatic reactions that lead to collagen in the skin being broken down.

Antioxidants protect the capillaries in skin and thus ensure that enough nutrients get to the living cells that eventually push their way to the surface and become the skin you see in the mirror. They also protect from broken veins and early wrinkling. Capillaries also deliver oxygen to the cells, and remove the waste products of cellular metabolism. This prevents puffy, sagging, and dull skin.

But you don't always need to reach for a bottle of supplements. Simply by eating more antioxidant rich food on a daily basis should see some improvement in skin tone. Fruits rich in antioxidants include blueberries, prunes, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, cherries and plums. And of the vegetables, eat more artichokes, broccoli, red cabbage, pontiac potatoes, brown onions, asparagus, non-green capsisum, beetroot, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Women are more prone to the damage caused by antioxidants than men, according to research from the University of Berkeley, and hence possibly their aging effects (Angyal).

Another strong antioxidant is beta carotene. Beta carotene is found in green leafy vegetables, fruit and carrots. This antioxidant has been found to counteract the effects of a particular type of oxygen free radical, singlet oxygen, which occurs after the skin is exposed to UV radiation in sunlight. UV exposure can lead to premature aging by the effects of singlet oxygen. A study found that whilst the provitamin A aspect of the carotenoid did not combat the singlet oxygen, the beta carotene did. It prevented the action of two enzymes, associated with UV light and the destruction of the skin cell's extracellular matrix, which happens in premature aging of the skin. Sunlight also destroys beta carotene in cells after sun exposure, so this beta carotene has to be replaced.

Beta carotene has been reported as having a mild sunscreen effect too, though it needs to be taken as a supplement to get this effect.

The skin care supplement beauty market is still not a strongly developed one however, as these types of supplements tend to be more expensive than other supplements. And there needs to be more research and clinical trials to prove which products do what they are designed to.

References: 1. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=54477-beta-carotene-boosts
2. E Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days
3. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=57434

For an anti aging skin care treatment rich in antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid, try this herbal remedy. If you're troubled by acne, try reading this article on acne skincare products.

Natural Mineral Makeup a Natural Alternative to Greasy Makeup

2009-02-10T23:27:00.001+07:00

Mineral Makeup is a natural alternative to acne causing and pore clogging oil based makeups that dominate the market. Cosmetics are big business, but just because something costs more doesn't mean it's better for your skin. Every liquid you put on your skin is absorbed into the skin and goes directly into the blood stream. Think about that next time you pull out your liquid foundation and apply it to your skin.

The process by which a substance is absorbed into the blood via the skin is called transdermal delivery. It is one of the fastest ways to get something into the blood in a concentrated form. Many drugs are delivered by applying a skin creme or skin patch that contains that drug to areas of the skin that absorb it readily. The face is one of those places.

Transdermal delivery is so effective in fact that many drug companies offer their drugs in some kind of creme or patch for an effective means of dispensing the drug into the blood without getting a shot or taking a pill. It actually takes the body longer to absorb something through the digestive system and get that substance into the blood than it does to apply it directly to the skin. This is something you need to consider when you buy makeup. Read the labels carefully, and if you aren't interested in putting dies, chemicals and preservatives into your blood you may want to consider an alternative form of makeup.

Oil and other chemicals, dies and preservatives not only absorb into your skin, but they also clog your pores, which then build up sebum under the clog and cause acne. Oil based makeups are simply not good for your skin in any way. Naturall many people have turned to mineral makeup as a safe and natural alternative to commercial makeup. Why?

First mineral makeup is made from all natural minerals that come from the earth. Most of them are a combination of the minerals mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural sun blocking agents and are used in almost every over the counter sun block lotion you buy. They are also water proof so the staying power of mineral makeup is usually all day with little or no touch up needed.

The minerals used to make the makeup are very finely milled into a powder that is so fine that it blends very well into the skin and looks very natural. The vast range of colors availiable in the minerals make it possible for mineral makeup manufacturers to offer many different colors. Every concievable color has been made from blush, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundation in hundreds of shades. It's easy to buy two or three different foundation shades and blend them for a custom color. The minerals blend very easily together.

The minerals are also milled so fine that they won't clog your pores, and if some of them do manage to get into the blood stream, remember they're all natural and they're minerals. They are completely safe for the body. Many doctors and dermatologists have proclaimed mineral makeup as the skin care makeup because it is so healthy for the skin and does not aggrivate acne and it covers blemishes, acne, large pores, and scars very effectively.

If you're interested in a safe and natural alternative to chemical, oil and preservative laden makeup, minerals may be something for you to look in to.

Find more Natural Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info. Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Acne And Carbohydrates Is There A Link?

2009-02-10T23:26:00.001+07:00

There has been a lot of speculation about how diet and food intake affects acne. There is a relationship between what we eat and how our skin reacts, although the exact interaction is not clearly understood. All food has properties that are helpful or harmful to our bodies. Most foods have a combination of helpful and harmful components and our bodies are designed to utilize the positive attributes of the food and to eliminate the negative. Sometimes, based on our bodies? ability to process food, there may be changes in chemical and hormonal balances caused by food. Some contributing factors to changes in body metabolism are:

- Change in diet
- Change in climate
- High stress levels
- Natural hormonal changes in the body due to age and development
- Illness and infections within the body

In this article we are going to explore the relationship between carbohydrates and acne.

Carbohydrates

There are low-carbohydrate and high-carbohydrate foods found in the average daily diet. Teenagers and adults who eat a high carbohydrate diet are more prone to acne and outbreaks. Teenagers and adults who eat a lower carbohydrate diet that limits the amount of refined sugars have significantly fewer acne problems and outbreaks. High carbohydrate foods include candies, highly processed foods such as white bread, sugary cereals and fast foods. It is believed by scientists and nutritionists that the high carbohydrate foods trigger a sharp increase in insulin production that in turn triggers hormonal increases leading to oily skin and clogged pores.

Best Diet Choices

If you have acne, we recommend that you try the following changes in your diet (after discussing it with your doctor of course):

- Eat as much natural food as possible such as fruits and vegetables.
- Limit high carbohydrate items and switch to whole grain wheat products.
- Avoid fried foods or foods cooked in oils.
- Drink at least six glasses of water per day.
- Eat high fiber foods. These high fiber foods tend to be generally low carbohydrate foods.
- Avoid any foods that you may be allergic to. Keep a record of what is eaten for a week and see if there is any pattern to outbreaks.

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

Collagen and Fat Injections for Smoother Skin

2009-02-10T23:24:00.001+07:00

Most surgical procedures, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing are meant to remove the outer layers of skin, forcing new collagen growth which eventually fills in the wrinkles. The opposite approach is to fill in the wrinkles with an injectable substance such as collagen or fat. This fills in the defects giving the skin a smoother appearance.

The most common filler is bovine collagen. Since there is a risk of allergic reactions, a skin test is required before its use. There are now bioengineered collagen products that are non-allergic and do not require a skin test, as well as synthetic fillers. Another choice is a transplant of your own collagen or even fat removed by a mini-liposuction procedure just before injection.

Usually you will receive a local anesthetic and the collagen product will be injected directly under the surface of the skin. There may be some bruising or swelling in the treated areas.

The collagen injection restores the skin?s natural collagen and you skin will look younger as it fills out.

Just like your own natural collagen, injected collagen will eventually start to break down and need to be replaced. You might have to repeat the treatment several times a year. However, injected fat tends to last a lot longer and the results may be permanent, especially if it was injected into other areas in the face containing fat.

According to a report issued by the Harvard Medical School, a new product is being developed that is designed to produce new collagen as needed. Called Isolagen, it uses a sample of your own skin to clone fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Since this is a new procedure, its long term effects are still unknown.

Anyone who watches movies or TV knows the results of overdoing these types of procedures. Many famous actresses wound up with lips reminiscent of Bozo the Clown from overzealous collagen injections. Make sure you use a doctor experienced in this procedure and be frank with him on the results you expect to receive.

When properly done the results should be undetectable and natural looking, giving you another weapon against wrinkles and creases in your face.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice. Consult a qualified physician if you are interested in any of these procedures.

Jean Bowler was a ballet dancer and instructor, a teacher, a personal trainer and a cosmetics consultant. She is editor of Ageless Beauty ? http://www.ageless-beauty.com

Natural Beauty ? Making Your Own Skin and Hair Treatments Is As Easy As 123

2009-02-10T22:30:00.001+07:00

The quest for beautiful skin and hair is prevalent among women. You can make inexpensive, natural beauty and hair treatments from ingredients you have in your home that will perform just as well or better than products you purchase in the store.

If you only have one natural beauty remedy in your pantry, make it Olive Oil. It's extremely versatile and can be used on every part of your body.

Olive oil is excellent for removing mascara. It's much better than petroleum jelly or baby oil and is beneficial to the skin around your eyes.

Use a few drops of olive oil in warm water for a wonderful at-home manicure. Apply your favorite lotion afterwards to lock in the moisture.

Beeswax and olive oil melted and poured into a small tin makes wonderful lip balm that will keep your lips soft and smooth. Dry feet can be healed after one night of this treatment.

Before bed, rub olive oil into your dry, cracked feet. Do not rinse. Then, put a cozy pair of socks on and go to sleep. Your feet will drink in the moisture and feel much better by morning.

Add a few drops of olive oil to your bath water for the best skin softener you can imagine. And, if you're feeling extra decadent, then add a few drops of essential oil for a natural aromatherapy bath.

A very small amount of olive oil applied to dry hair will condition and get rid of frizz. This is a great leave-in conditioner.

Olive oil can also work as a shaving cream for men with sensitive skin.

Don't buy those expensive Sea Salt Scrubs. Make your own. Just add sea salt to olive oil and you've got a sea salt scrub that will feel like heaven. Add a drop of essential oils if you'd like your scrub scented.

Please use caution when using olive oil in your bathtub as it will get quite slippery and you don't want to fall.

It is not necessary to pay a lot of money for beauty treatment products. The things you have in your very own kitchen can often be the best beauty products available.

Melissa B. Rayn loves to experiment with different homemade bath and body recipes. Her passion for creating beauty and spa recipes inspired her to share them with others at her website http://www.mybeautyrecipes.com

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

2009-02-10T00:11:00.000+07:00

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

In this article we return to a time when beauty was defined in natural terms. An almost time-forgotten sensual approach to self-care, with simple rituals that will pamper you from the inside out. Where beauty was within every woman and man?s reach and where sometimes, just sometimes less is more.

Dare to be Bare

From time to time leave your skin bare. No make-up, foundations or facial care products that contain chemicals. Know your Skin

Maintaining your skin's moisture balance is essential for overall skin health. However, generally, moisturizers do not replace the essential water needed in skin cells. It is therefore important to leave your skin damp to help your moisturizer or cream penetrate deeper into your skin.

If your skin is oily, you may discover that you do not even need a moisturizer. Even acne prone individuals should not over-wash their skin. Dry skin can actually make the condition worse.

Furthermore, most cleansers and toners with alcohol tend to dry the skin, creating the sensation of needing a moisturizer.

Something as simple as drinking more water will help your skin, nails, your whole well being feel better. All natural, soaps should also be an important element in your skin care regime. These handcrafted soaps maintain its glycerin, which is a water-binding agent. Water-binding agents keep water in the skin, which aids skin damaged by sun and dehydration.

Good Cleansing

Soaps and scrubs should not strip the natural moisture from the skin; instead, these products should help the skin to find its balance as well as enhance your skin?s natural inner glow.

The ideal formulation should help to hydrate the skin so that during cleansing your skin can absorb adequate molecules of water into the cells.

Organic Oats Honey Lavender Facial Scrub is a classic quartet for the face. Its formulation contains organic oats to gently slough off dead skin cells, organic honey to nourish the skin while organic lavender essential oil helps to reduce inflammation.

Create a Bathing Ritual

Water has a healing power for many of us. Just the thought of the vast expanse of clear blue water will tend to relax the inner you. Creating a bathing ritual can offer you the same many physical and mental benefits.

Even cool summer baths can let a fresher you emerge. Surround yourself with nothing but soft candlelight, soothing sounds of nature and sink deep into cool relaxation. Select Citrus bath fizzy to sharpen the senses and restore energy or Lemongrass bath fizzy to relieve exhaustion and fatigue.

The Healing Power of Touch Include a full-body massage with warm oil to your bathing ritual. A body massage can help to increase the firmness of the skin and can even reduce physical and mental fatigue.

A warm Spirit Body Oil will help lift your spirits and nourish the layers of your skin. Spirit Body oils are nothing more than pure plant oils that purify the skin; enhance the complexion and make you feel more attractive.

http://www.anaturalperspective.com is The Place for natural, holistic and organic skincare products.

http://www.anaturalperspective.com sources different skin care products with an emphasis on promoting your well-being. A Natural Perspective brings you all-natural beauty products especially formulated to help bring back your skin to its beautiful, natural balance. You will feel the difference!

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Discover The MakeUp Artist in You

2009-02-10T00:10:00.000+07:00

As a licensed cosmetologist, I would like to share how to develop the art of truly being a makeup artist on your own face.

First, please toss out old ideas you may have had, as well as the ?one size fits all? beauty tips you?ve picked up along the way. You don?t want any pre-conceived ideas that may cloud your judgment.

Get in front of a mirror, with natural light. Cleanse your face, moisturize, etc. to get it ready for makeup. Get all your brushes, makeup gathered and pull your hair back out of the way. Imagine yourself as your own artist, with your face as the canvas upon which you are about to create a look.

There are 2 very important principals to remember. Light colors bring out, gives the illusion of an area being forward or front. Dark colors set back, creates a look of depth. Now, really study for your face for a few minutes, don?t focus for now on any particular area, look at shape overall.

It might help to even write down notes about impressions you get. What areas seem to need brought out? What areas seem to need to be set back? An example would be a very round face would need an area in the cheeks set back (darker) to give the illusion of higher cheekbones, more slender face, at the same time using some lighter shades on the forehead area above the temples to also create a look of lengthening the face. A chin that is a bit undercut would need to be brought forth more to give the appearance of being more prominent than it is (lighter color).

When using lighter & darker colors for shading & highlighting, be sure to blend very well and use a light touch. Choose a foundation that is very close to your natural skin coloring. I personally have recently discovered mineral makeup (you can do an online search for several brands) or you can use any brand you want. I just have found these very easy to use for using light & dark colors where needed. Blend, blend and blend more, you don?t want anything that looks obvious or any streaking appearance. Also if you?re a light blonde, you wouldn?t use something super dark for shading because you wouldn?t be able to blend it in a way to look natural. Use a shade that?s 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone, same with lighter shades, 1 or 2 shades lighter than your own skin tone.

Look at your eyes closely now. You want to create balance. Not every eye will look best with the typical medium color on the lid, darkest in the crease and highlighter on the brow. Again, look at your eye shape, what needs brought forth (light), and what needs to recede (dark). A person with deep-set eyes for example will do best with a light to medium shade on their lid, the lightest side in their crease, and a medium shade on their brow bone. The person with the deep-set eyes needs to avoid dark colors altogether, it will only accentuate the problem. Having the lightest color in the crease will help bring forth their eyes, making their eyes look bigger, wider and not set back.

This is the opposite pattern of what is typically told.

If a person has eyes that are close set together, you want light colors around the inside areas of the eyes (near the nose) to give the appearance of more space being there, making the eyes look wider apart, and darker colors on the outside edges.

Play with the different looks until you get the right one for your bone structure. It also helps to stand back away from a mirror, from across a room to look, as you get a better feel of overall balance than right up close. Don?t be afraid to try new combos you hadn?t thought of before, it might be the perfect fit for you!

By Valerie Garner-Mother, grandmother and candlemaker / owner of Joyful Designs in Soy. She loves to write on a variety of topics with a warm, and engaging style. http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

2009-02-06T12:03:00.000+07:00

Dental implants are considered to be ?one of the most important advances in dental treatment over the last two decades.? Dental implants allow for the replacement of individual teeth and/or a variety of teeth. Dental implants are defined as, ?titanium rods about a centimeter long that are placed inside the jawbone and serve the same purpose as the roots of teeth.? There are both pros and cons when it comes to dental implants. Patients considering getting them should consider both sides of the coin before making a final decision.

Starting with the pros, dental implants once in place can last a person a lifetime which makes them well worth the money. Dental implants are very practical and look as natural as real teeth. Dental implants look a great deal better than other forms of dental fixtures such as traditional, removable bridges and dentures (which can be both loose fitting in the mouth). Dental implants also feel better in the mouth than do bridges and the biting action of the dental implants is every bit as good, in not better than that of bridges.

Dental implants are excellent in their fit and look very striking. Dentists can replace one, two, three and even more teeth in a patient?s mouth or the implant can be used to create supports for dentures. Implants allow a patient to look younger and they can make it possible for bridges to be positioned in the mouth where there is no individual tooth or teeth to connect it to. Dental implants can correct a jaw that is completely toothless. As well dental implants can prevent bone that is toothless from what is called as resorbing (in other words, dissolving and shrinking).

The cons are the downside of dental implants. One of the biggest is the cost of them which is great. Dental implants can run a patient into the thousands. They are a great deal pricier than removable full or partial dentures and fixed bridges. Dental implants are not always covered by insurance policies. It is a very time consuming process that involves frequent visits to the dentist. In the most complicated of cases, patients can be making multiple visits for a period of one to two years.

Dental implant surgery involves a certain degree of pain afterwards as well as bruising and swelling. This will vary from person to person. The false tooth that is positioned on top during the surgery, known as the crown, will likely have to be replaced sometime during a ten to fifteen year period. Dental implants do not always ?integrate? or take to a patient?s mouth. In other words, sometimes the surgery is a failure. This can depend on a number of different factors, the most common being the type of implant that was used and the overall health of the patient in question. Most often this surgery is a failure when it comes to specific diseases such as diabetes that is not under control for example, as well as in those individuals who smoke. Breakage of dental implants commonly occurs which are definite cons as well as the occurrence of infections inside the mouth.

Stephanie Dilson is a Cosmetic Dentist and runs an informational website on dental implants. For more information including costs, benefits,alternatives, types of implants and more see http://www.dentalimplantsguide.com

Yet More Hair Care Myths The Truth And The Lies

2009-02-05T15:02:00.001+07:00

Those hair care myths just keep coming! In this third of 3 articles, we examine some of the most widely known myths - and dig out the truth?

1. Hair should be washed every day

FALSE: There is no correct schedule for washing hair. Every person should shampoo according to the specific needs of their hair type and texture. While some people do benefit from a daily shampoo, others benefit from a variety of shampooing schedules.

2. More lather = a more effective shampoo = cleaner hair

FALSE: Lathering agents are often added to shampoos, but more foam doesn't mean cleaner hair.

3. Hair develops immunity to the same shampoo over time

FALSE: There is no scientific evidence to prove this myth.

4. Brushing your hair is better than combing it

FALSE: Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.

5. Split ends can be repaired without trimming

FALSE: The only successful treatment for removing split ends is with a scissors. Some hair care products may temporarily merge split ends together, but this only lasts until your next shampoo. Always remember that damaged ends tend to grow slower than healthy, well-maintained, trimmed hair.

6. Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmful

FALSE (PROBABLY): Some physicians disagree, but most believe that coloring the hair during pregnancy is not dangerous to the baby. When in doubt always get your physician?s permission to color your hair during pregnancy. Most experts believe that the key danger with hair coloring is not the application of the product to the scalp but the inhalation of the strong chemical odor.

7. Virgin root hair should be treated differently

TRUE: The hair that is closest to the roots reacts differently to the application of new hair color and chemical treatments. Hair color applied directly to the roots will process differently that color applied on hair that has already been treated.

8. Lemon juice will bleach hair blonde

FALSE: Some naturally light haired people may notice a slight lightening or brightening after prolonged sun exposure soaked in lemon juice, but most people wont not see any obvious change in their hair lightness or brightness.

9. A sunburnt scalp can lead to hair loss

TRUE: Severe sunburn or a series of burns that occur over time may damage delicate hair follicles at the root level. People with a genetic predisposition towards hair loss may accelerate the onset of hair loss activity. Avoid scalp burns by applying sun protection products to your scalp along with your hair.

10. For thick, shiny hair, eat a diet that's rich in iron and protein

FALSE: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, but dermatologists say the reverse is not true: eating extra iron will not give you thick hair. In fact, overloading on iron can cause serious health problems (the correct amount for optimal health is about 15 milligrams a day for a woman). The same thing is true with protein. Dermatologists say protein-deficiency will cause lackluster skin and brittle hair. It's important to get enough protein, but eating more than normal won't make hair any shinier.

11. Wearing hats causes hair loss

FALSE: In order for the hair to fall out, the hat would have to be so tight that it cuts circulation to the follicles. Milliners can breathe a collective sigh of relief!

12. Hormones are not related to hair loss

TRUE: Although hormonal imbalance can cause temporary hair loss, as is common with women after pregnancy, the important thing to remember is that the hair will grow back.

13. Swimming pool chemicals can turn hair green

TRUE: Frequent swimmers with natural blonde or chemically highlighted hair that is extremely porous may experience the development of green tints and shades over time. This problem can be prevented with regular use of moisturizing shampoo and conditioners that provides a natural barrier to chlorine and related chemicals.

14. Hair grows faster on different parts of the head

TRUE: There is some scientific evidence that the growth rate of hair may vary on different parts of the head for select people. There is also some indication that the growth rate of hair on babies may be faster on the crown than on any other parts of the scalp. Usually the growth rate differences are very marginal and will not impact the hair appearance in any way.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research ? ask an expert! This doesn?t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths ? you owe it to your hair.

Michael Barrows
(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook (Nearly)Everything You Should Know About Hairstyles and Hair Care at his website; http://www.great-hairstyles.com

Bounce Back From the Wintertime Blahs With A ThreeDay Cleansing Diet

2009-02-04T01:35:00.001+07:00

Wintertime leaves a lot of us feeling blah and washed out. Our skin gets dry and pale, our eyes can seem dull and lifeless ? and let?s not even get started with the foods we eat.

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties and New Year?s Eve ? all came with plenty of rich, decadent dishes and calorie-laden cocktails. It?s no wonder that by the time spring arrives, we could really use a pick-me-up.

And those are just a few of the things a quick cleanse can remedy. Have you been plagued by chronic constipation, allergies, sinusitis, or any other chronic aches and pains? If you?re tired of relying on over-the-counter medications to make it through day to day life, there might just be an unexpected culprit ? blockage(s) in your body?s elimination system.

Basically, what this means is that you might be suffering from mucus and other wastes building up in your body?s major routes of elimination:

?Your lungs
?Your pores
?Your kidneys, and
?Your bowels.

Getting rid of this waste build-up will better allow your body to get the most out of your regular diet ? a bit like the performance difference you see between low- and high-octane fuel.

Important Things to Consider Before You Begin...
Of course, the three day cleansing diet isn?t for everyone. Some people may be too weak or may suffer from conditions that make the cleansing diet too dangerous to undertake. For this reason, it?s important to stress how vital it is to first consult with your doctor before you begin a new dietary regiment.

Also, I can?t stress enough that this is a diet to help you cleanse your system out, not too help you lose weight. Misuse could be extremely hazardous to your health!

Now that we?ve covered the basics, let?s delve on into the specifics of the cleansing diet.

The Diet in a Nutshell...

While you may come across several different variations of the 3 day cleansing diet, here are some of the things they?ll all have in common:

?You?ll have to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day
?When it comes to foods, be ready to restrict your diet to 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, preferably raw or steamed.
?In case you didn?t get the hint, that means NO meat.
?If you do opt for breads or cereals (and you probably shouldn?t), it?s important that you only chose whole grains
?During this 72 hour period, it?s important to avoid sugars, coffees, and sodas. If you?re afraid you?ll suffer from headaches from caffeine withdrawals, you might want to begin slowly reducing your coffee intake prior to the ?fast.?

The Cleansing Diet in Action...

While there are many different variations of the cleansing diet being touted by various different experts, most of them follow a pattern that looks something like this:

Day 1 ? A complete food fast, water only
Day 2 ? 5 or 6 servings of fruit and fruit juice only (water is still a must)
Day 3 ? 5 or 6 servings of vegetables and veggie juice only (water is still a must)
Day 4 ? Go back to your regular diet

Of course, variations do exist, and with a little research, you should have no trouble finding one suitable for your own unique needs. Three days later, a whole new, detoxified woman will be looking back at you in the mirror!

About the Author

Nathan Fischer writes for BeautyProductsUSA. Stop by for emerging beauty products and trends, and fine products such as Claus Porto soap.

Recipes For Beauty Products

2009-02-03T20:36:00.001+07:00

We all want to look our best and beauty products help us to look and feel the best. But often it happens that we don't have time to visit a salon or we always cannot afford buying expensive beauty products. Homemade beauty products help in this case. You only need to know the recipes for preparing these beauty products; you are all set to use them according to your convenience.

Today, the market is flooded with a wide range of beauty products ? starting from hair to toe ? we get beauty products for each and every part of our body. However, homemade products have their own specialties, as you get the pure and chemical free products to use, means less harm on your skin as well as hair.

Beauty products for your hair

Here are some quick recipes for taking care of your hair. The ingredients are easily available; you will perhaps find all of them in your kitchen.

Hair Conditioner: Beat one egg yolk and mix a cup of plain yoghurt into it. Rub this mixture before washing your hair and wait for 30-45 minutes. Rinse well and finally wash it.

Hairspray: Take a lemon and cut it into 4 pieces. Place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Boil it until the water becomes half. Cool, strain and keep it in a spray bottle. Keep this spray in refrigerator to use it for a long time. If you find the spray is sticky, you can add a little more water into it.

Hair Color: Coffee gives a warmer glow to brown hair. Brew a cup of coffee and cool it completely. Then strain it and rub it in your hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it out.

Beauty products for your face

Face masks can moisturize your face skin and make it glow with beauty. Here are some recipes for preparing facemasks.

Citrus fruit mask: Take 1-tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix them with 1 apple puree with ? teaspoon sage. Mix all the ingredients well and then heat the mixture for few minutes in microwave. Apply this pack evenly on your face and keep for 20 minutes. Then wash clean with a warm washcloth. This mask is suitable for all skin types.

Cucumber mask: Take ? cucumber, 1 egg white, ? teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of apple mint, and make a mixture of these ingredients using a food processor or a blender. Keep this mixture in a refrigerator for 10 minutes. Then apply it on your face and keep it for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with hot washcloth and then rinse with cool water. This mask is very good for oily skin.

Other beauty products

Recipes for teeth whitening product:

Take 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a paste and apply this on the yellowish tint.

Take the inner white part of orange skin and rub your teeth with it. This will help you get a lovely white shine.

Recipes for home made perfume:

Place cheesecloth in a bowl and fill with 1 cup of flower blossoms of your choice (Lavender, Lilac, or any highly fragrant flower). Pour water over the flowers until they are completely covered. Cover the bowl and keep it overnight. Next day, take out the water by pulling the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze the scented water into a small pot. Simmer the water until one-tablespoon amount is left. Cool and place it in a bottle. You can keep this perfume for 1 month.

You don't need to use costly beauty products to maintain your beauty. You can achieve professional results following the recipes for beauty products and using these products.

For more informative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

Skin Care: Organic Natural or Scientifically Advanced Which is Best?

2009-02-03T13:11:00.001+07:00

In an age where fear of water impurities has millions drinking bottled water, and concerns about genetically engineered corn has others searching for ?natural food sources?, many people are also wondering what type of products to use for healthy skincare.

We are frightened by the new world we seemingly live in, and at first blush may think that organic or natural is the way to go - as the words organic and natural in and of themselves engender visions of a time when life was simpler, purer and more wholesome.

This fear often drives us to the multitude of publications promoting organic or natural lifestyles; however once we delve into their pages the information barrage may be overwhelming.

Are soy beans really good for us, and if so do we have to eat five pounds a day to see any benefit? Lemon juice may help bleach out age spots, but is all that acid really healthy for our skin? Can ginseng actually alleviate wrinkles, and if so, why doesn?t every skincare company in the world use it as an ingredient?

The truth of the matter is: organic and natural skincare promotions cannot be trusted in a vacuum no more than any other information concerning our health. It is logical to believe that many substances which are an indigenous part of the natural world around us are extremely beneficial to our health, but let?s use some common sense. We were given brains to scrutinize, analyze and research for good reason.

This is where scientific research comes into play. Unfortunately, high profile abuses by pharmaceutical companies and others have somewhat tainted the word ?science? in our society, but we must admit that scientific research has more successes than failures to its credit.

The skincare industry, in particular, has been able to rely upon scientific research with great success, in part, because ingredients considered for skincare products can be researched without the high risks associated with products that are internally ingested.

Skincare research that not only investigates the benefits, safety and effectiveness of natural ingredients, but also explores how these ingredients can be enhanced to give us the healthiest skincare product possible, gives us the best of both worlds ? a wholesome natural approach that results in the most advanced skincare possible.

The answer to the question posed in the title of this article comes down to how we feel about the following: Would we eat mold to cure an infection? Absolutely not, but availing ourselves of the benefits of penicillin is an entirely different story.

Alpha Ward-Burns is a cancer survivor and co-founder of Skin Solved, a skincare company devoted to achieving healthy skin through the use of scientifically advanced skincare with natural ingredients. You may contact Alpha at http://www.skinsolved.com

Natural Prescription for Eczema

2009-02-03T07:24:00.001+07:00

-Identify food allergies and eliminate the offending foods from you diet. Eggs, milk, cheese, chocolate, peanuts, soy, potatoes, and the glutens in wheat are common allergenic foods. It will take four to six weeks for the results of an allergen-free diet to be observed, so be patient.

-Investigate the possibility of the food additive tartrazine contributing to the eczema and, if it does, eliminate it from the diet.

-Eat fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel at least twice a week.

Some steps to relieve symptoms:

-Do not use hot water for bathing and showering: Use warm water.
-Use bath oil to soften skin. Use a nondrying soap substitute instead of soap
-Do not use over-the-counter ointments that contain benzocaine or antibiotics.
-Avoid lanolin in skin lotions, cosmetics, cleansers, and the like.
-Try to avoid temperature extremes and any activity that will involve excessive sweating.
-Aerobic exercise is beneficial to eczema and other skin ailments. Just be sure to take a warm shower after exercise to wash away sweat.
-Avoid any oily or greasy ointment that prevents skin from breathing.
-Try to wear cotton and other natural fibers next to your skin with the exception of wool, which you should avoid.
-As stress can exacerbate eczema, practice stress reduction techniques.

This article is brought to you by IH Distribution, LLC.

Bringing you health, anti-aging and skin care products from around the world. Shop online: www.ihdistribution.com & www.ihd.myarbonne.com or contact us: sales@ihdistribution.com

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Skin Care and the Physiology of the Skin

2009-02-02T21:20:00.001+07:00

The largest organ of the human body is the skin. It protects our bodies from the environment, maintains body temperature, excretes waste matter, gives sensory information to the brain and regulates body moisture. We think about our skin more than any other part of our bodies, and we manifest that attention by investing our emotions and about 6 to 20 % of our disposable income into our skin (Lappe, 1996). It is worthy to consider, then, how cosmetic products affect our skin. In this article the psycho-social impact of cosmetics will be examined as well as why cosmetics are deemed necessary. The physiology of skin, how cosmetics affect skin function and the effects of synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients on the skin will also be considered.

The Psycho-Social Impact of Cosmetics

Our society is preoccupied with the culture of beauty (Lappe, 1996) which includes the notion that our skin must always look young and appear free from blemish. Our psychological well-being is often closely enmeshed with perceptions of how our skin appears to ourselves and others. We define our self-image to include the visible representation of our skin to others, so as a result, it has become the primary canvas on which our cultural and personal identity is drawn (Lappe, 1996). Cosmetic companies set aside concepts of natural beauty so that flaws such as large pores, fine lines and wrinkles are brought to the fore, influencing our spending habits in pursuit of flawless skin.

In the animal kingdom, most male species are endowed with colourful physical attributes so that a less colourful, but wisely camouflaged female mate will be attracted to it. Humans do not have equivalent ornamentation, so women use cosmetics, specifically make-up, to decorate their faces to attract prospective mates.

The Need for Cosmetics

A cosmetic is any substance which, when applied, results in a temporary, superficial change (Anctzak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, from moisturizers to lipstick. Make-up alters our visual appearance by enhancing our facial features through the artistic application of colour. It can beautify the face and be used to express our sense of self to others. Make-up can hide blemishes, scars, under-eye circles or even out our skin tone. It can boost self-esteem, make us feel more attractive and increase our social acceptability in some social situations. Using make-up can contribute to a well-groomed image, which positively influences our confidence, self-esteem, health and morale.

Skin care cosmetics treat the surface layer of the skin by providing better protection against the environment than skin left untreated. Creams treat the skin's surface by imparting moisture to the skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. It also forms a thin barrier which traps moisture underneath, thereby preventing the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Creams also accelerate the hydration of skin cells on the outer layer, giving the skin a temporarily smooth, plump appearance. Exfoliants improve the appearance of the skin by sloughing away flaky skin, blackheads and some dead skin cells. Astringents improve skin tone and texture by swelling the pore walls so dirt and debris do not collect within. Soaps loosen particles of dirt and grime by dissolving the greasy residue left on the skin from natural skin oils, creams and make-up.

The Physiology of the Skin and How Cosmetics Affect Skin Function

Skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the only layer we can see with our eyes and as we age, remarkable changes occur which are hidden from our view. For instance, the skin gradually thins over time, especially around the eyes. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken the skin, but the process of thinning is inevitable. Elastin and collagen, located in the dermis keep the skin resilient and moist, but with ageing these fibres break down to create lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and since few cosmetics can actually reach the dermis, the idea that a cosmetic can reverse this process is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation.

The skin is a highly complex, dynamic tissue system. One square inch of the skin is composed of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 metres of blood vessels (Lappe, 1996). The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the cornified layer, and is made of sheets of keratin, a protein, and squames, dead, flat skin cells. It is our barrier against dehydration from the environment. It receives its primary supply of moisture from the underlying tissue, since constant contact from the external environment tends to dry out the skin's surface. When the skin is exposed to dry conditions, the cornified layer can become dry, brittle, firm and if untreated, it can crack and lead to infection. Creams create a waxy barrier to prevent dehydration and keep the skin moist and supple. Underneath the cornified layer lie six more layers of the epidermis responsible for cell generation. The life cycle of skin cells within this layer takes approximately 28 days, so it may take three to four weeks to observe any changes at the skin's surface from using a new cosmetic.

The skin surface is also home to millions of healthy micro-organisms which increase our immunity to pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, our desire to sterilize the skin also destroys beneficial bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, and micrococcus luteus . Toners, for instance, are beneficial in keeping bacterial populations down, thus reducing acne flare-ups resulting from microbes which invade and proliferate in the pores. Overuse of anti-microbial agents can produce harmful results when too many beneficial bacteria are destroyed, allowing pathogenic bacteria to multiply unchecked on the skin. The skin also produces antimicrobial proteins, two of which are called defensins and cathelicidins, which increase when the skin is damaged. Perspiration, necessary for the maintenance of internal body temperature, also excretes a germicidal protein called dermicidin to combat bacteria producing body odour. Deodorants also assist in keeping the bacterial population down, thus decreasing the odours produced as they feed on the waste matter excreted by the sweat glands. Research has shown that people who wash excessively are more prone to infection and eczema as a result of 'washing away natural bacteria and germicides too frequently (Awake!, 2004).

The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients on the Skin

A natural substance is any plant or animal extract, rock or mineral which is obtained from the earth (Antczak, 2001). An artificial or synthetic substance is a substance which has been modified through chemical reactions in an industrial process (Antczak, 2001). We use a myriad of cosmetics on our skin, but before we use these beauty aids, three essential questions should be asked:

- What is the composition of the cosmetic?

- Why is each ingredient used?

- Do the ingredients have positive or negative effects on the skin and body? (See glossary at www.organicmakeup.ca)

Many products claim to be safe or even may appear to be safe, but beyond the short-term benefits of using the cosmetic, are there any long term effects from daily absorption of its use? Skin used to be considered an impermeable barrier, but transdermal drugs have proven that the opposite is true; the skin allows many substances to pass through its layers into the bloodstream.

Several factors affect the rate with which the skin will absorb various cosmetic ingredients. The condition of the skin, such as whether it is dry or damaged will increase absorption. Cuts, acne or abrasions also increase absorption. Other ways to absorb cosmetic ingredients is to inhale them, such as with hairspray or talcum powder, or through the mucous membranes. Moist substances are most readily absorbed and powders are absorbed the least by the skin. Many products claim to address a skin issue, such as acne or dry skin, but contain ingredients which exacerbate these problems. For instance, acne treatments may contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients. Creams that are supposed to treat dry skin may actually strip the skin of its natural oils which are useful in preventing dryness. Some contain chemicals which seep through the skin and dissolve skin oils and defat the skin (Lappe, 1996). A growing trend is chemical sensitivity, which can develop at any time, even after long term use of the same product. The ingredients in many cosmetics cause 20% of the population (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002) to develop the symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Natural cosmetics emphasize more traditional skin treatments with few of these harsh effects, acknowledging that short term beauty does not balance with long term hazards to health.

The health of the skin is dependent on sound nutritional practices, healthy living and effective, safe protection on its surface. The organic make-up co. can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering a complete line of cosmetics and makeup composed of all natural ingredients, with no animal, synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order, and contain preservatives such as d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other plant oils with anti-microbial properties.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. Our cosmetics and make-up are developed on the basis of sound, scientific principles and the physiology of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan, and an excellent alternative to conventional make-up and cosmetics.

Please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca for further information.

References:

- Anctzak, Gina & Stephen, Dr., (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collin, London.

- Erickson, Kim, (2002). Drop Dead Gorgeous, Contemporary Books, USA.

- Lappe, Marc Dr., (1996). The Body's Edge, Henry Holt & Co., New York.

- Purvis, Debbie, (1989). The Business of Beauty, Wall & Thompson, Toronto.

- Awake! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Canada, February 8 2004.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

Natural Skin Care What About It?

2009-02-02T14:28:00.001+07:00

Consumers are turning to wholesome and therapeutic elements found in Mother Nature for skin care therapies and beauty treatments. There is an awareness of the potentially harmful effects associated with the long term use of synthetic chemicals found in many formulas. To name a few - 1,4-dioxane, a cancer causing contaminant found in cosmetic products; silicone emollients which coat the skin and trap anything beneath it - not allowing the skin to breathe; formaldehyde, cancer-causing vapor that can cause allergies, irritations to eyes, nose and throat, headaches and chronic fatigue.

Few people realize that skin is a ?dynamic tissue?. Up to 60% of the skin products that we apply are absorbed into our bloodstream! Cosmetics, lotions and creams are an important part of life but we need to be aware of the damage chemicals have on our system. The only way to correct this is to find something less harmful. Natural and organic herbal skin care is the answer - grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and genetically engineered seeds.

Vitamins
In the last few years many manufacturers have begun to add vitamins and antioxidants to their formulas. Look for vitamin A to assist in preventing roughness and dryness. C and E are the simplest forms of antioxidants and will help in the prevention of sun damage and in fighting premature wrinkles.

There is some evidence that vitamin C may pass through the skin?s top layer and heal tissue that has been damaged by a burn or an injury. A study recently showed that applying topical Vitamin C, 15 to 30 minutes after UV exposure, sunburn cells decreased and repair to the damage had begun. The one problem of this vitamin is that it is unstable when left open to the air. Research is continuing to optimize this but one consistent way is to use an anhydrous (no water) base cream.

Vitamin D interacts with sunlight to form in our bodies and is considered an antioxidant and an anticarcinogen. Although it can be toxic in large amounts, sunbathing won?t result in an overdose.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing plant and the base of many natural cleansing formulas, offering exfoliation, moisturizing and protection. This ?miracle? plant dates back to the time of Cleopatra but was lost for years. It was rediscovered during the Second World War when it was used for treating burn victims. It is now used as an ingredient that will help with antiaging, in the healing of wounds and sun damaged tissue. Apply aloe gel several times a day and watch the redness of a sunburn disappear without peeling.

Topical use of a cream containing 0.5 percent aloe vera extract three times a day for four weeks shows a high cure rate of lesions in psoriasis patients. Further research suggests that this plant may have a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect with no known adverse reactions. The problem of eczema can be addressed with specific ingredients such as aloe vera which provides soothing, cleansing and healing.

A great idea in using natural formulas is to do-it-yourself. To prepare an aloe vera home recipe, take the slippery part from inside the plant, puree in a blender and keep refrigerated. Apply a coat of the gel for 5 minutes and rinse. Over time watch for spots, acne and scars to disappear.

Jojoba Oil
Plant and animal species around the world were being identified and quickly outlawed for hunting and harvesting. The use of products derived from these sources was banned. The endangered sperm whale produced waxes that were greatly valued for their function in cosmetics. During the 60?s and 70?s a liquid wax (jojoba oil) found in the deserts of California, Arizona and Mexico was discovered by scientists. It not only replaced the prohibited wax from the sperm whale but appeared to actually be superior.

This jojoba oil is an excellent moisturizing agent and has spreading and lubricating properties. It leaves a rich non-oily velvety feel and enhances flexibility and suppleness. Studies done at the University of Michigan demonstrated that it is quickly absorbed. Because of this, pores and hair follicles remain open maintaining their proper functioning ability.

Applied directly and as often as required it is known to reduce wrinkles and bring relief to sensitive skin. The desert peoples of Southern California and Mexico had long been using it to treat rashes and cuts because of anti-bacterial qualities.

Many companies and name brands are introducing their all natural skin care lines and in many cases, samples are available to try out their product.

But you, the consumer, needs to realize that any product, natural or chemical based may have side effects. It is most important to read and study the information on your product of interest, know your skin type and what effect you want to achieve.

With so many choices in skin care and beauty products, it becomes confusing as to what is the best value for the money. No one has all the answers. But I do have the time to check out and make myself knowledgeble about what is out there. Many consumers are busy with other things and may not have the time to do the research. I attempt on my sites to give them some answers, or at least point them in the direction that will give them some answers. My sites are http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com

No Pain No Shaving No Razors Why Hair Removal Using an Epilator is Best for You

2009-02-02T08:10:00.001+07:00

Hair removal with an epilator is getting better all the time. Many women complain of the pain that is associated with the various epilators on the market today. But, they must not have tried using one in awhile.

Several companies today are creating systems for hair removal with an epilator that has pain reducers, items that will ensure less pain when having the hair pulled from the root. Most of these new epilators can even be used on sensitive skin, all any parts of your body, and even are designed to be hypo-allergenic.

The idea behind hair removal with an epilator is that it differs from razors in that an epilator uses a rotary head that has rows of tweezer type discs that will actually pull the hair out from the root. This will give you sometimes up to 6 full weeks of being hair free.

Hair removal with an epilator is great for your legs and arms and the unwanted hair will be gone for a longer period of time than if you used a regular shaver. It can even remove small, finer hairs that the shaver sometimes misses.

You will find that technology has changed so hair removal with an epilator is fast, efficient, and will leave your skin smooth and silky for much longer periods of time.

The most popular hair removal systems include Braun, Philips, Remington, Emjoi, Panasonic, and Epilady. Each one of these have the newest technology to provide you with the best hair removal with an epilator available on the market today. You can find one that is compact, battery operated, designed to fit the contours and curves of your body, or created just for those sensitive skin areas such as your underarms or bikini line.

You can compare all the various epilators online to find the one that you prefer to use. You will see that hair removal with an epilator has come a long since mother?s time.

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.

Plastic Surgery: Do The Risks Matter Or Are The Benefits More Important?

2009-02-02T01:19:00.001+07:00