Beauty Tips And Tricks

8 Proven Weight Loss Tips

2009-11-07T13:09:00.001+07:00

There are a lot of ?crash? diets out there that promise that you?ll drop a considerable amount of weight in days or a week.

I have tried a few of these, and in my experience the weight always comes back on, just as quickly since the weight loss tips given are not something that will work with your body.

One thing you don?t want to do if you are actually serious about losing weight is to follow these fad diets and their ridiculous weight loss tips.

After their ineffectiveness has been proven time and again, people will start to wise up to that particular diet, and will head off in search of a new craze.

Lets be honest, people are always searching for new weight loss tips because they want to lose pounds and they want immediate results, but this is just wishful thinking.

To lose weight permanently and effectively it will be a rather slow progress, all depending on your metabolic rate and how much you need to lose.

There are however some proven tried and true weight loss tips for aiding in the weight loss process, and I can make you familiar with them.

Weight Loss Tip 1
Don?t skip breakfast. Whatever you do follow this advice, because otherwise you are much more likely in fact prone to binge later in the day.

Weight Loss Tip 2
Don?t eat anything for at least an hour before going to bed.

Weight Loss Tip 3
Don?t snack while watching TV. It?s acceptable to eat a meal while watching television, but never is snacking at this time acceptable.

Weight Loss Tip 4
Substitute fruits like; bananas, watermelon, plums, peaches, and oranges for sugary treats like; cookies and candy.

Weight Loss Tip 5
Substitute honey for sugar, and carob powder for chocolate in all recipes. These taste just as good if not better when used properly.

Weight Loss Tip 6
Eat more vegetables. This can even be enjoyable if you have a good cookbook like Good housekeeping's latest edition.

Weight Loss Tip 7
Avoid unnecessary high calorie foods. Instead of a high calorie salad dressing for instance try cottage cheese or yogurt to improve the salads taste and peel of the pounds.

Weight Loss Tip 8
Exercise at least a half hour each day for five days out of the week. Biking on a stationery bike while reading is a great form of exercise to slim legs.

In conclusion there is nothing stopping you from losing weight except yourself. Get off the I can't do anything about my weight problem bandwagon and start dropping pounds today!

For more of Beth's expert advice visit her Website now.

Hyaluronic Acid Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?

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

We can always count on celebrities to serve as guinea pigs for the latest cosmetic and beauty treatments. During the Botox ? craze, even director Martin Scorsese commented that he couldn?t find actresses who could frown anymore! Perhaps actors, politicians, musicians and the like all grew tired of looking like Stepford wives because the latest cosmetic craze involves Hyaluronic acid, a key component of human tissue, providing the body with essential moisture and a viable way to erase wrinkles without the loss of facial expression. Hyaluronic acid is available in facial injections reportedly favored by celebrities like Charlie Sheen, Tommy Lee Jones and Oprah Winfrey who have chosen Restylane, a Hyaluronic acid wrinkle-filler that works to lift the lip, wrinkle or fold and create volume. Hyaluronic acid injections do not relax muscles but instead ?fill in? areas most affected by wrinkles and fine lines.

There are also several new, non-invasive beauty products that contain Hylauronic acid or work to stimulate the body?s own Hyaluronic acid production. Apparently full lips a la Angelina Jolie are a must-have because celebrities of all ages are going gaga for City Lips, a cutting edge product developed by City Lips Cosmetics. The City Lips product stimulates lips to produce their own collagen and Hyaluronic acid, painlessly increasing the size of lips. According to Karen Rauen, Good Housekeeping Institute?s chemistry director, The City Lips lip plumper, we found, plumps people's lips an average of three millimeters.? Celebrities like Desperate Housewives stars, Teri Hatcher and Nicolette Sheridan, Jamie Lynn Discala, Virginia Madsen, Melissa Rivers, Angela Bassett, Lacy Chabert, Lake Bell, Eliza Dushku, Bijou Phillips, Haylie Duff, Kathy Griffin, Tracy Ross, Marlee Matlin, Shannon Elizabeth, Michelle Rodriguez, Faith Evans, Giuliana Depandi, Debbie Matenopoulos and Princess Ann Claire, are reportedly huge fans of City Lip Cosmetics.

There are other Hyaluronic acid boosting ?lip plumpers? on the cosmetic market including Lucky Lips which allegedly increases Hyaluronic acid levels by 148% just 48 hours after use. Other celeb Hyaluronic acid beauty favorites include Hydrating Gel Cream from Prada Beauty, a lightweight, sheer cream featuring Hyaluronic acid and Rest-A-Line Face Treatment by Joey New York, an anti-aging cream rich with Hyaluronic acid which helps the skin hold 1000 times its weight in water, causing a natural plumping effect. All in all, between facial injections and non-evasive beauty creams, it seems like there is much hope on the frontier for finding that elusive fountain of youth; for celebrities and for common folk, alike!

Hyaluronic Acid Resource is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to E-Hyaluronicacid.com

You Can Always Shed A Few Years with a Perfect Skin Treatment

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

What?s the best way to feel young? Of course a successful skin treatment that compliments all your anti-ageing efforts. Skin care has come a long way and there?s a world of treatments out there. Hi-tech anti-ageing skin treatment is here and the concept of skin beauty is all set for a revolution.

Beauty peels

Peels are one of the most popular skin treatments. Chemical peels are generally a facial treatment that gets rid of the dry, dead skin, adds youth to old, sensitive skin and takes care of acne and oily skin problems.

This beauty treatment involves the application of a chemical solution. Almost all the chemicals used in the beauty peel are from natural sources like fruit, vinegar and sugarcane. A vitamin supplement can also be added. ?For best results, go for 3 chemical peels in one-month gaps and repeat every 6 months,? says Dr Dale Brown.

TCA Peel has emerged as one of the most popular, safe and affordable skin treatments. ?The best part is that it does not have any side effect,? says Mariam Eaton, a regular user. Many docs suggest a follow-up beauty care routine, the most common being cryotherapy (a dry ice skin treatment) and a hydrating facial, especially for dry skin types.

Deep-cleansing facials

It fights clogged pores, acne, oily skin, blemishes and sensitive skin. This beauty treatment involves exfoliating with moist steam, a facial massage and then a mask. It helps in the anti-ageing process as well.

Laser skin treatment

This treatment involves the use of heat or light to vaporize skin tissue and takes care of wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars. There are various laser skin treatments such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Lasers, Erbium (ER) Lasers, Nonablative Lasers etc.

Dermabrasion

This resurfacing anti-ageing treatment works well with age spots, lesions, wrinkles, sunspots, tattoos and dry, sensitive skin. It involves ?sanding? the skin with a spray from a high-speed device, after an anesthesia.

Microdermabrasion

In this exfoliation skin treatment, the dry and dead skin is sucked clear with a vacuum gadget, after it smears your face with an intense spill of fine, sand-like aluminum oxide crystals. It takes care of fine lines and age spots.

Alpha hydroxy acid

It helps cure oily skin, acne, sensitive skin and is easily available in skin care products.

Combo treatments

Some skin doctors also suggest combinations treatments, for assured anti-ageing. Here you might go for a laser treatment and a chemical beauty facial for deep lines, a combination of blepharoplasty and laser therapy for an eyelift and Botox treatment to clear wrinkles and crow?s feet.

But before beginning any skin treatment, consult your doc about the side effect. Once, you are educated on that, just walk into a skin treatment parlor with confidence and emerge shedding a few years.

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

Celebrity Hairstyle Secrets How You Can Look Like the Stars

2009-05-15T01:03:00.001+07:00

You are probably wondering how celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton & Reese Witherspoon look so gorgeous all the time?

How does their hairstyles always look so perfect and such dazzling colors?

Well, one of the big celebrity secrets is hair color. Just look at the hair colour of Angelina Jolie , Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing to see what I mean.

Dazzling Color

A really effective way to change your hair is the colour. The richer and deeper the colour, the healthier you will look and the more attractive you will appear, it?s a well acknowledged fact.

So if you haven?t already booked an appointment at your local salon to have a colour analysis, or follow these steps to the perfect celebrity look-a-like hair colour:

Firstly look at your natural hair colour; does it seem lifeless and dull? Take a long look at your hair in the mirror and look at your friends and work colleagues- also don?t forget to ask your hair stylist for advice.

The next step is to determine your own hair colour if you don?t already know this. A good tip to remember is that men can often be the best judge of hair colour, because they can sometimes be more objective.

Once you have worked out what your hair colour is, try thinking of shades that are really rich in your mind but sticking to your own colour palette.

For example, if your hair is a dark blonde colour, but also has some dark brown and red strands in there, colours that would work for you would be reds and browns.

Another good example is Keira Knightley, she looks at her best with chestnut-coloured hair because this is closest to her natural colour.

Consider trying colours that are slightly darker than your normal shade, and always try colours that are redder than your normal shade.

Red hair is really popular at the moment, with stars like Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts endorsing it.

If you want to dye your hair yourself, try some wash-in wash-out formulas before you commit to a permanent colour. This way you can be sure of the colour and whether it suits you. The usual recommendation is just to go one shade darker each time.

Also, if you just want to look good for one special evening you can then use one of these formulas and not permanently change your colour, but still look astounding.

Perfect Nutrition = Perfect Hair

You may have heard this many times before, but a healthy diet is really important if you want to have great hair.

The stars that look the best are the ones that eat the right foods and focus on a good diet. Gwyneth Paltrow and Heidi Klum are great examples and look great without starving themselves or resorting to strange diets.

There are a few key things that you need to make sure you get enough of that will help your hair look at its best.

The first is to drink plenty of water, this gives the hair its shine and without enough it can leave your hair lank and frizzy. The usual recommendation is eight glasses a day, but don?t stick rigidly to this, just drink as much as you can.

Secondly, protein is really important to your hair as this is what it?s made of, so be sure to eat enough dairy and meat products.

Minerals like iron, zinc and copper are also really important.

The iron helps deliver oxygen to your hair to keep it alive and fresh looking, so eat plenty of red meat and dark green veggies.

Zinc is effective in keeping the hair strong, and prevents the hair falling out; it can be found in seafood and meat.

Copper is really important in maintaining the colour of your hair, and enough of this will really give your hair colour a boost, so make sure you eat enough shellfish, seeds and fresh vegetables.

Vitamins are also effective in maintaining a good scalp and a great overall condition of your hair, especially vitamins A, B and C. These can be found in fruits and vegetables.

A great celebrity secret is the sweet potato, which is full of vitamins A and B and other great nutrients which will give your hair great life and body.

It's Simple!

Look after your health and people will actually comment on the fact that you are glowing with health. Get your hair color right and you can change the look of your hair overnight - and look stunning into the bargain!

You don't have to spend a fortune to understand the beauty & hair regimes of the celebrities - these simple tips can help you copy the hairstyle of your favorite celebrity!

For further tips and ideas for how to get great looking hairstyles, just like your favorite celebrity, visit Celebrity Sedu Hairstyles - Britney, Paris & Reese

This article was submitted by Alissa Carter, for great fashion tips and to find dresses for that special occasion, visit Dress Search - Designer Dresses, Fashion & Occasion Hairstyles website.

Tips to Look Younger

2009-05-12T15:33:00.000+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

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

Stretch Marks Can Affect All Of Us

2009-05-12T15:27:00.000+07:00

Stretch marks can affect all of us. Many people assume the cause of stretch marks (also known as striae) is pregnancy, and so only pregnant women and mothers are affected. Body builders often suffer from striae, and the majority of these body builders are men. People who gain a great deal of weight are also susceptible to stretch marks. In short, anytime skin is stretched quickly or dramatically, striae are apt to appear.

Not only can striae affect both men and women, but they can affect children, teens, and adults. Skin is a remarkable organ. One of skin's most remarkable abilities is its ability to stretch.

Elastin and collagen are two of the building blocks of skin. Collagen is a binding agent in skin. Elastin provides skin with, you guessed it, its elasticity.

And the skin is phenomenally elastic. The scar tissue that accompanies these small rips in the skin are known as stretch marks.

How Stretch Marks Can Be Prevented or Repaired

A popular home remedy for stretch marks is cocoa butter. Pregnant women, body builders, or growing teenagers can rub in an ointment of elastin, collagen, and other proteins to help prevent tearing, and subsequent scarring. The proteins promote cell regeneration, which improves the scars' appearance. Then they thicken the epidermal layer, creating a smoother top layer of skin. This further improves the look of striae, even striae that are quite old.

David Stanton
Dermaglow offer natural & organic skin care to help prevent stretch marks. http://www.dermaglow.co.uk/skin-care/129.html

Selecting a Professional Body Waxing Salon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry Skin Remedy

2009-04-28T19:18:00.001+07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Remove Toxins From Our Body

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

Detox diet is a regulated diet that helps reduce the toxins in a body. Toxins could be caused by a number of substances like alcohol, tobacco, pesticides and other elements. Detox diets help in clearing out these harmful toxins through the organs of elimination like skin, liver, kidneys etc. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved in detox and releases stored toxins. A detox program may consist of a special diet, nutritional supplements, herbs, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna.

Detox Diet: Toxin Elimination

The most important method of removing toxins from your body is through elimination of urine and stools. It is very important to have regular bowel movements to prevent the body getting back the toxic substances. Eat fibrous fruit and vegetables such as banana. You may even try flaxseed with water. This will have a mild laxative effect and help you clear your bowels. Lemon juice in water also has a slightly laxative effect and stimulates the digestive juices which are important for detox. Squeeze a wedge or 1/4 lemon into warm water and drink immediately after rising in the morning, before having the flaxseed drink.

Detox diet using simple food

There are various diets available. And these need not necessarily mean fasting or eating strange and unheard of fruits or vegetables. Your diet should consist of fresh and simple fruit and vegetables that are cooked in a very simple fashion without too much of spices or oil or fat and requires little preparation. Such foods are easily digestable and are easily absorbed and can easily be eliminated. Not only will this fresh food diet eliminate toxins, it will improve vitality and stamina, help you digest better, get you better mental clarity and focus, a feeling of calm and decreased allergic symptoms.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for having a toxin free body as well as some other diet controlling measures.

Mineral Makeup: A Natural Sunscreen

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

Mineral makeup is the thing to wear this summer if you're looking for an all natural makeup with safe and effective sunscreen. The fact is that two of the main ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens that not only reflect light but protect your skin from harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

The ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, both natural and very safe minerals are found in almost every sunscreen on the market. Titanium dioxide is so effective because of it's ability to reflect light. It has one of the highest refractive indexes in the world at (n=2.4). In fact this refractive index is surpassed by only one other mineral in the world-diamond.

Titanium dioxide is also inorganic so it keeps the skin from gathering moisture that could feed bacteria and cause or worsen acne. This is great news for acne sufferers looking for an effective makeup and sunscreen product that won't worsen their condition.

The second natural sunscreen mineral in mineral makeup is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide was not chosen as an ingredient because of it's sunscreen qualities however, it was chosen for it's vast array of colors and indeed is elimental in providing a large array of colors for makeup artists to work with when formulating different foundaitons, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Zinc oxide is a natural UV blocker just as titanium dioxide is. It also has the same very water resistant quality of titanium dioxide and wards of bacteria. Zinc oxide is as widely used in sunscreen lotions as titanium dioxide. These two elements together give most brands of mineral makeup an spf of 15.

Sure, almost any sunscreen touting makeup you buy has these minerals in it, so what's the big deal? For acne and rosescea sufferers, believe me it's a big deal. Mineral makeup is known world wide as the skin care makeup because no matter what skin care conditions you may suffer from it is a makeup that is totally safe for your skin. Recommended around the world by dermatologists and plastic surgeons it is actually so pure that you can sleep in it without worrying about acne flair ups or any adverse reaction.

Talc based makeups, although they may contain these two natural sunscreen minerals also have other additives such as dies, chemicals and oils. Talc itself is organic and can help feed bacteria which worsens acne and rosascea. Almost all makeup on the market is talc based. Another drastic difference is the way mineral makeup is processed and worn.

Minerals used in the makeup are finely milled until they are too fine to clog pores. Talc is not milled this fine and it can clog pores worsening or causing skin problems. If you're looking for a sunscreen makeup that is natural and safe mineral makeup is definately the way to go.

Find more 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.

5 Tips To Improved Skin Care

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

Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you and that is why a proper skin care regimen is so important. There are many products that claim to help improve skin tone and promote a flawless complexion, but the truth is that there is no such thing as instant results. An effective skin care regimen is one that is done consistently over a time before results will begin to develop.

Skin Care Tip 1:

Always use some type of exfoliation product, which will help to remove old skin cells and other debris and particles from your skin. This will expose the healthy cells and rid your body from the old ones.

Skin Care Tip 2:

If possible, avoid constant sun exposure and tanning beds. In addition to being dangerous where health is concerned, these may also lead to early signs of aging. Everyone loves a suntan, but there is no reason to sacrifice your skin or your health in order to achieve it. Therefore, many individuals opt for a self-tanning lotion instead. Back in the day, these products had a tendency to turn the skin orange, but that is no longer the case. Improvements have helped to give self-tanning products a more natural, streak-free look. Before applying the lotion to your entire body, apply it to a small test area just to make sure there is no irritation.

Skin Care Tip 3:

If your lips tend to become chapped in the winter months or wind burnt at other times, using lip balm or lipstick will help to protect the lips from nature?s worst.

Skin Care Tip 4:

Dry or cracked skin can be very unbearable. Not to mention the discomfort of tight red skin, it can be downright embarrassing. A container of Pacquin Plus hand & body cream will eliminate soreness, redness and help to add moisture back to dry skin.

Skin Care Tip 5:

Do not use products that irritate your skin in any way, including soaps that have harsh ingredients. If possible, use a moisturizing soap or that which is designed for sensitive skin.

In addition to these tips, skin care products are available as commercial or prescription based treatments. A dermatologist is often consulted for matters relating to acne or other skin disorders, especially if they are severe. Many skin care enthusiasts also believe in using plenty of moisturizing body lotion in order to replenish the skin?s natural moisture, which is often stripped in today?s harsh environment.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes. It should not be considered as, or used in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning any skin care regimen or if you have been diagnosed with any disorder involving the skin.

Find more on Roc skin care, Shiseido skin care, Dr Denese skin care and many others skin care products and subjects.

The Secret of Beautiful Skin

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

The secret of beautiful skin involves protecting it from the outside and nourishing it from the inside.

Women spend hundreds of millions of dollars on expensive miracle skincare products, but great looking skin does not have to be expensive!

The secret of beautiful skin is simply concentrating on both the inside and outside and this does not have to be expensive.

Protection from the outside

Harmful UV rays are far and away the biggest cause of skin damage and the advice when choosing a day cream is to make sure that is SPF 15.

In the evening use any cream you feel suits your skin type were all different, but don?t spend a lot of money, all you need to do is keep the skin hydrated.

There is no point in moisturizing your skin and then let the suns rays destroy it.

Everyday prevention is definitely better than cure. On the subject of cure, all the creams that claim to repair damage are simply pedalling to vanity ? They don?t.

The myth of beautiful skin

A moisturizer can keep the skin hydrated and with SPF protect it and that?s all.

Its common sense, however many women fall for the hundreds of millions of year advertising campaigns that claim to give them a quick miracle and end up disappointed.

The real secret of beautiful skin is protection from the outside and nourishment from within - Combine the two and you will have beautiful skin.

Here are some great foods to include in your diet for radiant skin.

Drink lots of water

Two liters of water a day should be drunk this helps keep the skin hydrated and flush away toxins from the body

Eat vegetables & Fruit

Eat 2 - 3 portions of vegetables for lots of nutrients for the skin,

The best ones are below, but really any vegetable or fruit is good and in terms of vegetables try and eat them raw if you can.

Sweet potatoes tomatoes and spinach

For three important antioxidants

Beta-carotene is present in sweet potatoes, lycopene in tomatoes and lutein in spinach.

They enter the skin and help reflect harmful UV rays and act as a permanent sunscreen.

Cherries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes

Contain anthocyanins an antioxidant that keeps the skin supplied with nutrients through the blood vessels that lead into the face.

Oily fish

As we all know oily fish are a great source of protein to regenerate collagen and elastin, as well as omega 3 oils, these are essential to keep the skin both subtle and hydrated.

Good sources include: Salmon, mackerel, herrings and sardines.

Crab, sardines, lean beef and wheat germ

A good source of copper, a trace element that is essential for the making of melanin, the pigment in the skin that helps to absorb harmful UV rays from the sun.

It also helps fight age spots which are the most obvious sign of skin aging.

Soya milk, lentils, bean sprouts, yogurt & wholegrain cereals

These contain plant oestrogens, which help make lubricating oils and collagen in the skin for a healthier complexion. They also repair collagen and elastin, which slow down the thinning of the skin and the formation of fine lines which most women fear!

Oats

Contain the trace element silic acid, which is used to make the spongy cells that lie between collagen and elastin fibers. This makes the skin full and plump and by consequence slows down the formation of fine lines.

Whole meal pitta, gogi berries & muesli

Pitta contains ferulic acid, berries contain vitamin c, muesli contains vitamin E. These are great antiaging vitamins

Vitamin C and e are great for fighting harmful UV rays and gogi berries have 15 times more vitamin C than an orange gram for gram.

The secret of beautiful skin is actually simple!

Protect from the outside and nourish from the inside. Forget the miracle cures follow the advice above and you will have beautiful radiant skin for life.

For more FREE Information on the secrets of beautiful skin as well as other articles, features, downloads and FREE fashion video's visit:

http://www.net-planet.org

SkinCare or SkinPoison?

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

Your skin is a living organ. It breaths, drinks and carries topically applied substances through to the rest of your body. Caring for your skin is like eating. We have become very concerned about what we eat in recent years - this is very good. But, an idea that is only beginning to bloom is that you eat through your skin too. What do you want your body to eat? This question needs to be considered when choosing your skincare and bath products.

Currently, the personal care industry has no regulation. This is very unnerving, especially when the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors states that ?a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from the FDA?

Manufacturers are allowed to twist their claims, by exaggerating or even outright lying. With this slack industry, it becomes nearly impossible for the consumer to know for sure what they are getting. Labels like ?organic?, ?cruelty-free? and ?hypo-allergenic? can have little to no meaning. Manufacturers can even hide behind an organic label without disclosing all of their chemical ingredients.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that 89% of 10,500 ingredients commonly used in personal care have not been adequately evaluated for safety. Among these ingredients are carcinogens, penetration enhancers, allergens and harmful impurities that can cause cancer, inhibit fetal growth, cause nerve damage, disrupt hormones and cause other severe reactions.

So what?s a pampering bath loving soul to do? Educate yourself, read labels, shop from companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics (that?s us, close to the bottom of the list), and keep your eyes out for our next personal care article.

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.

Benefits Of Brussel Sprouts

2009-03-29T19:49:00.001+07:00

Brussel Sprouts are very important nutritionally because they have a long season and are one of the top providers of vitamin C, a cupful weighing 100g (4oz) will give, when raw, over 100mg of vitamin C, which is more than twice as much as the same weight of orange.

After boiling, the vitamin C goes down to 35mg per 100g - a good example of the benefit of using the whole raw brussel sprout juice to obtain the best nutritive value. If you do want to cook the brussel sprouts as a vegetable it is wise to remember that it is best to steam them until just tender in as little water as possible, which should be fast boiling before the sprouts go in.

Any remaining water can always be used for soup or in gravy. Why throw vitamins and minerals from the brussel sprouts down the sink? Brussels sprout juice is often used with runner or string bean juice to assist in the treatment of diabetes in adults. Children who have diabetes often do not have the ability to produce insulin, but in adults it can happen that there is a defect not in the production but in the supply.

Diabetes can be a serious condition unless it is expertly managed by a qualified practitioner who will advise on individual treatment, but the Brussels sprout and runner bean mixture has been reported to be a valuable aid to treatment. Brussels sprout is a variety of the cabbage family. The early Dutch gardeners were not only skilled at creating new varieties of tulip, they also produced a number of new vegetables by selectively breeding with wild cabbage (Brassica maritime).

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies which can be provided by use of different juices as well as use of brussel sprouts.

http://home-remedies-for-you.com/

An Overview of Enzyme Peels for Your Face

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

When dealing with the refurbishing of facial skin, peels are a popular option. Here is an overview of enzyme peels for your facial skin care needs.

An Overview of Enzyme Peels for Your Face

The enzyme peel is not a new technique at all. It has been performed for a long time ago but often without a deep knowledge on the matter. This is easily confirmed after an overview of those home remedies and cosmetics intended for skin care, such as papaya or green apple facemasks or lotions.

Papaya enzymes are not only good for nutrition but also to peel off epidermal cells, which aids in regenerating the skin. This property is also observed in aloe Vera, pumpkin, pineapple, and other fruits. Restorative enzyme peel is a type of exfoliating non-surgical procedure that uses natural or chemical products to produce exfoliation.

An Enzyme peel accelerates the natural exfoliate process of the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, promote young cell renewal, and visibly diminish scars, stretch marks, aging spots and lines, sun damage, and skin discoloration. Enzymes penetrate the upper layers of the tissue, cleansing pores and improving skin texture, tone, elasticity and tautness.

Although, some enzyme peels work with the aid of acids or mechanical granules, natural enzymes are the most recommended to prevent dryness or allergic reactions. In fact, some strong chemicals used for deep peeling, such as phenol, may cause cancer of the skin or side effects.

In order to obtain the most benefits from enzyme peels, whatever the product you choose or the natural home remedy, you can get the most from it by applying a thin layer to your clean and dry skin, rather than a thick coat. Enzymes work best by rubbing gently in a mild circular motion.

An Enzyme Peel produces results in the short term after begin the application, but you need to perform a routine exfoliation to see good results. Treatments with enzymes improve your skin look and feel, but do not stop aging. Furthermore, you will have to repeat a peeling treatment after a certain period of time to remove new damaged cells and keep your fresh and youthful appearance.

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

Need to Look Your Best in a Hurry? Tips for a Quick and Polished Look!

2009-03-26T14:35:00.001+07:00

Need to look your best in a hurry? Start with your face: it?s your ?canvas.?

Two ways to improve your appearance quickly are to get the glow of healthy skin and then create a polished look.

Have a little extra time the night before your event? Eliminate the buildup of dead surface cells that dull skin with a mask or microdermabrasion (use the right products for your skin type and special needs). Replenish moisture lost during the super-cleansing by hydrating your skin thoroughly. Define fuzzy lines, like your eyebrows, by shaping them to complement your face.

On the day of your event, cleanse, freshen (or tone), and moisturize your face and eye areas; foundation and makeup go on more smoothly and evenly over well-hydrated skin. Since the eye areas don't produce their own moisture, use an eye cream; it?s specially formulated for that delicate skin. Moisturizers for the face tend to have humectants which can puff up the skin around the eyes.

Foundation and powder: Apply concealer, if necessary, and foundation. Then finish your face with powder. Powder ?sets? the foundation so it lasts longer with less need for touch ups.

Eye primer: Put on eye primer or dust powder over your eyelids. Both provide a base for eye color so the color goes on evenly and stays in place longer without creasing and smudging.

Eye color: The simplest approach to eye color is to apply a neutral or soft shade (from the upper lashes to the brows) which will enhance or ?pop? another color placed over it. Almost as easy is another technique using two colors. Follow the eye primer with a single color from lash to brow. Then apply a second stronger (or darker) color over the lids and into the creases to complement the shape of your eyes. If you?re getting ready for an evening event, be more dramatic than for an event during the day.

Eye liner: Line the eyes if it enhances them, staying close to the lash lines.

Mascara: To make your eye lashes appear thicker and longer, start with the wand close to the eyes and then wiggle the wand back and forth as you move it away from your eyes. To really ?open? your eyes, use an eyelash curler.

Eyebrows: A simple and natural way to emphasize the eyebrows is to brush them with a matching shade of eye color and then set the color with a gel. The gel also helps emphasize and maintain the shape of your brows.

Cheek color: For your cheek color, either smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks or sweep it up along your cheek bones starting two fingers away from your nose and stopping at your temples. Then blend the color gently.

Lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss: If color 'bleeding' is a problem, run a lip outliner pencil along the outer edges of your lips. Define your lips with a lip liner, fill in color with a lipstick and polish with gloss.

You're done ... your canvas is now a ?work of art!?

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 The Look catalog with free samples plus the latest in skin care and color looks (complete privacy ensured).

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

The Mirror of Beauty

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

The probe of human mind has marked every inch of success but the art of drawing parallels for what beauty is, has remained a great mystery. For some philosophers, beauty is the degree of attraction and admiration, provoked in an observer. But it is argued that the same beauty does not affect everyone the same way. It varies dramatically. A few think thanks have defined it as a degree of perfection, but perfection in one field may not be of any interest to an observer. So beauty is very difficult to explain fully, but it may be said that it is a game of comparison. Suppose there is only one woman in the world, now question is whether she is beautiful or not. The answer unambiguously is that you can?t say anything because you don?t have another woman to compare with.

But sailing beyond the ocean of imagination, one realizes that there is a factor that determines the degree of beauty, i.e. a personal dictionary, which translates the mortals and assigns degree of beauty. The holy words of human history will peep out from the gale of truth and will strongly proclaim that Juliet was a goddess for a Romeo a god for her and rest, the particles of dust. Heer for ranjha was enough, and he for her, to lead whole their life together with few straws of love. But remember, if all the lovers of the world of the world are invited to a party to ask who amongst all is the most beautiful, they certainly shall stamp the claim of beauty on the hearts and souls of their own beloved which indeed is not their narrow-mindedness but a natural fact that ?beauty lies in the eyes of beholder?.

One day a great historian whispered in my ears a story? ?once upon a time there was king so fond of beauty that he called his most loyal and faithful negro slave and ordered him to go from east to west and from north to south and fetch him such a paragon of beauty that neither moon would have risen with such splendors nor the oysters of ocean would have given birth to such magnificent pearls; neither ladies of paradise would have looked so charming not the preachers of beauty would have been able to give such bewitching example, neither any artist would have created such mind blowing portrait nor a poet from the depth of his imagination would have been able to compose such riveting verse; neither any dove would have its pinion soar such marvelously not the Aphrodite would have marked such excellence. And if I say for her that she is the most beautiful spirit God ever created, then the claimants of beauty should have said:? we are like lumps of coal in a mine and she a diamond among us.? So, go my man whose head crown of my faith rests, on whose shoulders stars of firm belief shine and on whose chest medals of sure obedience are stamped. Go and present me the beauty that should be praised and witnessed by the twinkling stars.?

The negro servant bowed down and went away calmly to the peaks from where the sun pierced its shining fingers into the dark curtains of night, from where Shakespeare and Shelley enjoyed drinks of inspiration, from where the portrait of Mona Liza was found and from where moon extracts its gleaming light; and thus he went through plains to mountains, through valleys to deserts, through unfathomable cares to celestial cities and through each and every inch of this world where life seemed breathing.

After indefatigable efforts, he went to the king, presented him what seemed the goddess of beauty to him, his Negro daughter. At this, the king asked, ?did you not find any soul more beautiful than this??

He kept silent for a while, then raised his head and said: ?Your Excellency, my blood shall be showered in your feet if I speak but the truth. You asked me to bring Aphrodite but I brought my Negro daughter; the reason was my loyalty. Your Excellency, for you her black complexion may seem coal in the dark but for me it is as beautiful as back rose or a diamond. To you her dry hair may look like that of a witch of some old myth dancing in woods but for me her hair is no less than the curtains of paradise. To you her wrinkled hands may seem as a deserted sight of this land but to me they seem as gods, to cope up the world?s fate in it has sketched these lines on it. To you her eyes may seem as those of angels when embodying eyes have mistaken but to me success. To you her wide nose may seem as dark, unfathomable caves of stone ages but to me it is no less than Noah?s Ark. Therefore, Your Excellency, my obedience and loyalty to you compelled me to bring my daughter to you.?

Then the historian smiled and said, ?Yes! Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder.?

In quest of defining and explaining the beauty, two schools of thought have emerged so far. One proclaims importance of inner beauty and the other preaches the pleasure presented by worldly beauties. But in fact all beautiful things are not necessarily good, charming and attractive but all good and true things are always beautiful. Therefore, it is well said by Keats:

Beauty is truth, truth beauty, That?s all ye know on earth And all ye need to know.?

The school of thought preaching inner beauty bore these words on the preface of its textbook:

?History is evident that the world has given birth to many worldly beauties which only could help to quench the thirst of people and awake beast in them. Many beauties passed by without any notice but the beauty of soul and conscience has claimed triumph over hearts of millions and marked its eternal existence. The people blessed with purity of soul, truthfulness of their conscience, goodness of their deeds and firmness of their faith have succeeded to scratch their name on the forehead of this earth and lead their nation to the peals of glory. And thus they are still breathing in the hearts of many mortals. Nobody asks whether Aristotle was handsome or not, whether Alexander was strong tall in stature or not and whether Anarkali when buried alive inside the walls posed like a queen or not. People do not ask such questions, but everybody does ask that how they climbed to success inch by inch. The open secret of their success, in fact, is their character, behavior, determination, zeal and enthusiasm which contributed towards their success and inner beauty.?

On the contrary, the school of thought preaching worldly beauty is thanking his God in these words:

?Thanks my God, for you have blessed us such beauties, whose single glance shuns off our day-long tiredness, whose heart may prove as a place of eternal peace to our souls, whose sight reminds us of your Excellence. Thanks my God, you have bestowed upon us such beauty, the wish to achieve, which proves a source of fuel for our body, mind and soul. This beauty has decorated this terrifying and worthless world; and it cheers us up when we are cooped in the cells of gloom, worries and misfortunes. Oh God! Really the beauty that you have blessed us with is a source of living in this frightful world.?

In fact, since the creation of this universe, beauty has been neglected and stigmas of frailty have been marked on its forehead. Beauty seems to be an emblem of nothing but thirst rubbing machine. Those who dwell in this world have been really mistaken in understanding the true beauty. When the beauty reigns its lost crown these mortals will see with their eyes open and sense smelling the truth that worldly beauty was just a mirage. Praise be to the Lord, who gifted us these praiseworthy inner beauties which indeed enabled mankind to kindle flames of love even in the dark. And, therefore, we must stop lauding the beauty only. We should also extol its creator, the Almighty GOD.

NAVEED AHMED CHANDIO, A person with bundles of knots to untie. The thinking fuel for him has been love, beauty and the inner rebelion. Most of the times, he would prefere to let the things be interwoven for the beauty of life remains in having some reason to fulfil. He is a fairly good student of Nature and feels proud of it. The unthoughtfulness, cruelity, trachery and hatred are few things that he never liked or perhaps he never got aware of. Naveed chandio lives in karachi, Pakistan.

Radio Frequency Energy Fans Thermacool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About The Author

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

Modesty In Spas

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

Modern day tensions at home and the work place make everyone tense, tired and irritable. With the shortage of time, seldom will there be time for pampering and relaxing. This is the reason many people turn to spas to relax and get pampered. Sometimes, spa treatment leaves us so rejuvenated, that we feel that we can face the whole world after the treatment.

A visit to a spa is a wonderful experience. It completely relaxes you with the various treatments it has for every inch of your body. There is a large choice of treatments available in a spa. You have to go there and choose what treatment you want to indulge in, according to your needs and necessities and thus plan your own spa routine. The different treatments available in a spa are usually different types of massages, mud baths, facials, steam rooms, saunas, manicures and various other techniques. The choice is yours.

Most of the spas are parts of an entire health resort. So a visit to these resorts let you have some physical activities like swimming, tennis and golf, while getting pampered in the spa if and whenever required. Making a trip to a health resort with a spa gives you a holiday worth spending in, long away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, the spa retreat may prove to be rather expensive if you intend to indulge in each and every treatment they provide. It may not be possible for everyone to spend that much cash in all the treatments that the spas provide. Different spas have different rates for different therapies. So it is up to you to decide whether to spend a day or a month in a spa; it all depends on your pocket and your time.

When going to a spa, it is better to wear comfortable and casual clothing. There are lockers in the spa that will be allocated to you to keep your clothes and personal belongings. If you have any jewelry or financial security needed, it is better to hand it over to the reception of the spa for safe keeping. Most of the spas have communal pools or steam rooms. If there is no mention of the attire requirements for these rooms, it is better to ask. Some spas require that you war your own swimming costume while others supply wraps or shorts. So if you are to wear your own swimming costume, you will have to bring it along with you on your visit to the spa.

Most of the spas also have a public wet area wherein you will have to arrive half an hour before your appointment to relax or enjoy a swim or steam before taking your treatments. However, like in all swimming pools, it is required that you take a shower before using these public areas! If you are worried about your modesty, don?t worry, your modesty is considered at all times. Some of the spas tell you to bring an extra set of undergarments to be worn during the treatment, while others supply disposable underwear. There are also some spas that are adept in ensuring that the body is modestly covered at all times.

So the spa not only relaxes you with its treatments, it also keeps your modesty in mind when giving you your treatments!

Find more about spa products and spa treatments and many other spa resources on http://www.alldayspas.com/

The Good Earth

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

Elements from Mother Nature have been a part of beauty regimens for centuries and she continues to provide us a bounty of hydration, antioxidants and emollients ingredients. There is Evening Primrose Oil, considered the ?King?s Cure-all?, reputed for its healing powers in a wide range of ailments. Its secret is its essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid).

Then we have glycerin, a natural moisture magnet found in natural soaps. Glycerin helps to attract and draw moisture from the air into the skin. Jojoba and almond oils also offer deep hydration to the skin.

Mimicking the lipid content of skin ingredients are canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, jojoba oil, lecithin, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and sweet almond oil, which can all be extremely helpful for your skin.

Natural skin care formulations maximize the therapeutic values of natural and organic ingredients. And, each ingredient provides its own distinctive properties from nourishment, rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory to repairing the skin. As a result, natural skin care products deliver penetrating holistic benefits to the skin and usually without side effects.

Mother Nature?s Version to Anti-aging
There is an array of anti aging supplements that can help to eliminate the signs of aging and when blended together create skin rejuvenation nutrients. For example, you will find antioxidants benefits in natural skin care product containing Grape seed Extract, Olive Oil and Green Tea.

Plus, antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which can be found in green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Of course, there are excellent natural skin care products that offer an antioxidant blend of Ester C (Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Wonderful food-grade carrier oils are light, non-sticky and allow for quicker absorption. Carrier oils facilitate the penetration of essential oils into the body. They are rich in natural fatty acids and can contain a number of vitamins including A and E which help keep the skin supple, regenerated and nourished.

She Offers You Younger Looking Skin
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) help to give the skin a younger look. AHAs consist of several acids that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells, exposing smoother, younger-looking skin. These acids include citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Look for from naturally-occurring substances derived from citrus fruits, sugar cane and sour milk.

Take advantage of old fashioned facial clay masks made from fruit, honey or yogurt, these ingredients also provide AHAs as their active ingredients.

Old Mother Earth
Autumn?s harvest makes it a good time to promote the importance of protecting the Earth's resources. It is also a time to celebrate autumns? beauty and the fruits of the past year. Take care of this earth and your earth will provide for you tenfold. Because the qualities of the soil, climate, and source of the raw materials all have an effect on the final product?, you!

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.

Colour in Cosmetics

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

Many people avoid artificial colours in their foods, but don't check out the colours in cosmetics and personal care products. It is only in recent years that cosmetics have started to carry a full list of ingredients on their packaging.

Making sense of the ingredients can be difficult for the lay person. This is particularly true for colourings, which often go under the guise of numbers rather than names.

In many countries colours in cosmetics are listed as colour index numbers. C.I. numbers are allocated by the Society of Dyers and Colourists. The scheme covers colours used in food, personal care products, cosmetics, household products and fabric dyeing. So, for example you will not normally see ?tartrazine? listed in your lipstick ingredients, but it may be there listed as C.I. 19140. Erythrosine will be listed as C.I. 45430, and so on.

The USA uses a different system: the FD & C colors have been categorised by the American Food & Drink Administration for use in foods, drugs and cosmetics. So in this system tartrazine is FD & C yellow 5, and amaranth is FD & C red 2.

The ?E Number? system is used by the European Community (EC). This is a system of giving code numbers to food additives, some of which are also used in cosmetics and personal care products. This system is also used in some other countries but without the E prefix, so E102 becomes simply colour ?102?.

All this confusion for the average consumer would not be important, but for the fact that some of these colours are known to cause problems in susceptible individuals. For example, tartrazine (also known as FD & C Yellow 5, CI 1914 and EI02) can cause migraines, itching, rhinitis and agitation in susceptible individuals. Many individuals avoid its use in food, but do not realise how extensively it is used in cosmetics, such as lipstick, and personal care products.

The big worries in terms of colours in cosmetics and personal care products are lipstick, coloured lip balms, lip gloss and lip pencils, because anyone who uses these regularly ?eats? a fair quantity over their life time, but these colours also appear in skin cream, foundation, mascara and so on too. (Remember also that these colours can also be in 'natural' cosmetics and skin care products.)

Another worry is that even the 'experts' cannot agree on an international 'safe' list of colours, so that a colour may be allowed in one country, but banned elsewhere. For example, quinoline yellow is allowed within the European Community and in some other countries, but is banned in Japan, Norway and the United States.

As ever, the advice is: keep yourself informed and read the label. Here is a list of the different names and numbers that common colourings go under:

Tartrazine: E102 or FD & C Yellow 5 or C.I. 19140
Quinoline yellow or E104 or C.I. 47005
Sunset yellow or E110 or FD & C Yellow 6 or C.I. 15985
Amaranth or E123 or FD & C Red 2 or C.I. 16185
Ponceau 4R or E124 or C.I. 16255
Erythrosine or E127 or FD & C Red 3 or C.I. 45430
Red 2Gor E128 or C.I. 18050
Allura red AC or E129 or FD & C Red 40or C.I. 16035
Patent blue V or E131 or C.I. 42051
Indigo carmine or E132 or FD & C Blue 2or C.I. 73015
Brilliant blue FCF or FD & C Blue 1 orC.I. 42090
Fast green FCFor FD & C Green 3 orC.I. 42053
Green S or E142 or C.I. 44090

Jane Thurnell-Read is a writer and researcher on health, stress, alternative medicine, and happiness. Visit her web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com for tips and information on how to live a happier, healthier life no matter how busy you are.

Proper Maintenance of Dental Implants

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

Dental implants are something you want to last your lifetime, especially after all of the money and time as a patient you put into their placement. Dental implants mimic natural teeth and therefore need to be cared for in much the same way as your original teeth do. In other words they require regular brushing, flossing, check ups and cleanings at the dentist and a careful consideration of what foods can help as well as harm them. For instance too much starch and sugar can leave behind traces of material on the teeth that can cause acids to develop on teeth and gums which can serve to cause damage in the long term.

Proper maintenance of dental implants should become an important part of your day to day routine. This can be accomplished by developing excellent oral hygiene habits. Remember, if you want your dental implants to last, you must take exceptional care of them.

A healthy mouth is a clean mouth, as free of bacteria and plaque as possible therefore if you don?t do it already, get into the habit of brushing your teeth after every meal. Even if you don?t always use toothpaste during a busy workday, just using a toothbrush and water will still get your teeth clean. Not only will they look sparkly white but also you will dislodge any food particles that are trapped between the teeth and in the gums.

As far as the kind of toothpaste that is best for those who have dental implants, look for a small sized toothbrush or a special interdental brush that can be used to easily clean the abutments of the implants. Look for a toothbrush with a bent handle as this type is best used to get behind the back teeth to clean the, aforementioned, abutments. The type of toothbrush you buy should always be a gentle one. Look for a brush that is either ?soft? or ?extra soft? in terms of the bristle. Never buy a hard bristled toothbrush nor a medium bristled one, as they are too abrasive to gums and teeth. Brushing is important but not enough. Next comes the flossing stage Buy a special floss that contains a foam coating or else use gauze to properly clean around your abutments, prosthetic teeth and gums. For a super clean result you might want to first use the floss and then run the gauze over the areas afterwards.

When it comes to the process of brushing your teeth if you have a removable prosthesis, take it out of your mouth and proceed to carefully brush both the inside and outside of the appliance. After that is done, take your toothbrush and brush around your gums as well as the abutments. Finally use dental floss around the abutments.

If you have a fixed prosthesis (meaning it stays in your mouth) then brush it exactly as you would natural teeth. Take the brush and reach it in behind the teeth to thoroughly clean the backside of the abutments. Next take your dental floss and floss around the area of the abutments. Make sure to floss the front, sides and back of the abutments.

Just as natural teeth require check ups at the dentist, so do dental implants. Make a trip to the dentist at least every six mouth to have the implants professionally checked and cleaned. At this time the dentist will determine whether or not it is fitting properly in your mouth and any repairs that need to be made can be done so at this time. Also during these six-month appointments the health of a patient?s gums and jaws will be looked at as well as how stabile the anchors of the implants are.

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

So You Think It's Cool to Flake Out on the Beach?

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

Have you had difficulty choosing the right shampoo or conditioner? Whenever you go into the drugstore or shopping center, there are literally hundreds of shampoos and conditioners on the market. Here are some important key points to remember before you make your purchase. Many people ask, is there really a difference between a $2-dollar bottle of shampoo and a $20 bottle from your salon?

Because of the wide variation available, you could say partly yes and partly no. Some cheaper shampoos contain foaming agents which can dry out your hair, but are actually good for oily or limp hair. If you've been on the beach for a while your hair can become sun-damaged, or chlorine damaged so you should definitely consider a more expensive shampoo. The only way to be sure if inexpensive shampoos or conditioners work for you is to try them. If they don't or your hair still appears limp or damaged, definitely consider purchasing a salon product.

When you look at all of the ingredients on bottles, it can be confusing. The old saying goes, ?You get what you pay for?, and this applies when it comes to purchasing the right shampoo. Rather than paying attention to the names on the bottles, pay more attention to the ingredients. Ask yourself if the shampoo includes a mild cleanser like sodium laureth sulfate or an even stronger one like ammonium lauryl sulfate. Sometimes those cute bottles and pretty colors cover up an inferior product. Try and stay away from too much coloring or fragrance, as these ingredients are not cleansers. Remember to remain skeptical of product claims. Just because a product claims to be mild doesn't mean it is so.

If you have dandruff, one great remedy is as follows: rotate three over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, one to exfoliate, one to soothe, and the other to be used as an anti-inflammatory. This trio of treatments is important and most effective when mixed with your regular shampoo. If you decide to use only one of the three, your hair fungus could actually adapt to it and become immune to it.

In conclusion, if you have colored hair remember to purchase a shampoo specially designed for colored hair as these are made to be more gentle, and will contain ingredients to preserve your color.

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.laser-hair-removal-discount.com/botox.html for more important information on botox treatments!

Professional Tips For An Instant Makeover

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

If you want to improve and enhance your appearance but don't want to wait till you lose weight, go through and recover from plastic surgery, or have enough money to buy a complete new wardrobe then try these five simple quick techniques that are used by the top professionals in the beauty and image industries to perform amazing makeovers.

1. Change your hair color - One of the most effective ways to change and improve your personal appearance is to change your hair color. You don't even have to drastically change the color. By just changing the color one or two shade or with strategically placed highlights you can make an incredible difference.

2. Shape and groom your eyebrows - Celebrity makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin used to say The perfectly groomed brow can change the face and he was correct properly shaped and groomed eyebrows can visually change your face shape and instantly give you a non surgical eye lift.

3. Only wear clothes that fit properly - When your wear clothes that properly fit your body you will instantly appear pounds thinner. You should avoid clothes that cling, are so tight that they create bulges and bumps or clothes that are so large they hang off your body and balloon out. Select clothes that are slightly tailored and gently skim your body.

4. Wear colors that flatter you - Wearing colors that flatter you especially near your face such as blouses, jackets and accessories will immediately make your complexion appear brighter and healthier, add a sparkle to your eyes and put a smile on your face.

5. Use good posture - Utilizing good posture will instantly make you look thinner, taller, and younger and allows you to project a better physique without having to actually change your body. To see for yourself the power of good posture stand sideways in front of a full length mirror has you usually do, now head up, neck straight, shoulders straight, tummy in, spine straight and WOW what a difference!

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

Tips for Rosy Complexion & Silky Hair

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

9 TIPS FOR ROSY COMPLEXION

Try these tips and get that rosy complexion that you yearn for.

Get a self-tanner. A light shade applied to your face will make you look healthy, but not so tan that your colour is obviously fake.
Use an AHA. Built-up dead skin cells can make skin cells can make skin look dull. Slough them off with a mild alpha-hy-droxy acid cream
Moisturise. Add natural dewiness to dry skin with a light layer of lotion (try one with sunscreen for the day).
Wear gel blush. Its sheer and its its see-through colour looks fresh and authentic.
Try whipped foundation. It adds luminosity to skin better than matte foundation. Many whipped formulas are oil-free too.
Lighten up the eyes. Heavy eye make-up darkens your whole face. Instead, try a shimmery taupe shadow on lids.
Add touch of gold. Apply a dab of gold face powder to the tops of cheekbones; blend well with your fingers.
Go for gloss. Super-shiny lips add light to the rest of your face. Apply gloss in plum, peach, or rose.
Blush brighter. Instead of a muted shade of blush, go one step brighter than you?re used to. Apply to apples of cheeks for a fresh look.

8 TIPS FOR SOFT AND SILKY HAIR

For head full of beautiful hair, just a plain shampoo-and-condition routine may not be enough. Your crowning glory needs more than that, especially during the rains.

Skip gel as most gels are made with strong-hold ingredients that leave hair crunchy and brittle. If you must use gel, mix it with a bit of hair, then rub a small amount of hand lotion into the ends to make th cream before applying.
Brush gently. Harsh brushing can cause hair to break and split, which leaves it rough to the touch.
Use shine serum. It coats the hair, smoothening rough and damaged spots. Apply to soaking-wet hair before styling.
Give hair the run-through. One you?ve dried and styled your hair, run your hands over your locks to break up any sections left hard by styling products.
Moisturise. If hair is frizzy and wiry-feeling when dry, then rub a small amount of hand lotion into the ends to make them touchable.
Get a trim. Dead ends turn soft hair into fuzzy, fried hair. Even the tiniest trim will restore hair?s softness.
Watch alcohol. Styling and finishing products containing alcohol can leave hair brittle and gummy-feeling.
Go light on bleach. Highlights and hair colours cab sap the moisture from hair. Colours as infrequently as you can, and have it done by a professional.

Dr. Aditry MK is the founder of HealthierLife, which offers consultancy for health and beauty. To read more articles you can visit http://kavtri.com

Clipin Hair Extensions Beautiful Result or Advertising Hype?

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

What are clip-in hair extensions and how are they attached?

Clip-in extensions are perfect if you want to turn your hair into beautiful flowing locks instantly. But, of course, on the down side, they have to be removed at the end of the day. So clip-ins are good for a party, a special date or just whenever you want to look different for a few hours. They are much cheaper than salon-made permanent hair extensions. Another advantage is that clip-ins don?t damage your own hair in any way.

Quality hair extensions are several strands of hair, each attached individually. Usually 3- or 4-inch wide pieces go on the back of your head in several layers, and a few 1- or 2-inch wide pieces are put on the sides. As the name suggests, each strand is attach? to your own hair with a clip. With a little bit of practice, clipping the extensions in becomes rather easy and takes only a few minutes. Taking them off is even easier.

You can usually find 14?, 16? and 18? clip-in extensions. Anything longer puts too much tension on your own hair.

Who can wear clip-in extensions?

Clip-in extensions are suitable for people whose natural hair is shoulder length or longer. If you have medium length hair, extensions can make it longer. If you have long but very fine hair, or your hair is not in its best condition, clip-in hair extensions are a great way to bring richness and fullness to your hair.

However, clip-in extensions will not work for women with very short hair. Extensions only look natural when they are mixed in with your natural hair, so if your hair is short, people will notice that you are wearing extensions. If you have a short haircut, but are dying for long locks, buy a wig that is similar in color to your natural hair. High quality designers wigs look very natural - nobody will guess that you are wearing a wig unless you tell them. If a wig is not for you, then you can go for salon-made hair extensions that are braided or glued to your own hair. These stay in for several months, but cost significantly more than clip-ins.

Do clip-in extensions look natural?

It depends on the quality of extensions you get. First, you should know that hair extensions can be made from natural human hair or from synthetic fibers. I will be honest: synthetic hair extensions are cheap, but you get exactly what you pay for. They just don?t look right. High quality human hair clip-in extensions, on the other hand, look like they grow from your own head.

If you look online, you will find many brands of clip-in extension. It is best to go for a well known maker of hair-pieces and extensions, such as Diva in a Box, PutOnPieces or Raquel Welch. See pictures of clip-in hair extensions (will be a link) from different brands.

Since the extensions are mixed in with your own hair, color matching is very important. And the good news is that human hair clip-in extensions can be colored to match your own hair color exactly. However, I wouldn?t recommend doing that at home - it is better to color your extensions at the salon. You can also use hot iron on the human hair extensions to curl them a little.

How much do they cost?

The cost varies greatly, depending on the material. Synthetic hair extensions will cost you less than $100. For a real human hair extensions, you might pay from $200 to $400. However, you can get good discounts through online hair extensions and wigs shops

Clip-in hair extensions can be real fun. They will help you to create a different image instantly, which is very important for a busy modern woman.

Tanya Turner is wig and hair extensions expert and a publisher of http://www.WigsGuide.info, an online hair extensions and hairstyle magazine, that provides information, reviews and pictures of all types of hair extensions including clip-in hair extensions.

The Skin Care Benefits of Azulene

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

Azulene is a constituent of the volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), or Tanacetum anuum (Blue tansy), and it is distinguished by it?s spectacular blue colour. Azulenes are unsaturated blue hydrocarbons, isomers of naphthalene. Chamomile contains a wide variety of active constituents. Each one of these constituents expresses a specific action but the fascinating holistic effect is the result of all of the components working together. The main constituents in the oil from chamomile are alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, sesquiterpene derivatives. Other beneficial substances are present as well, primarily apigenin and a number of other flavonoids.

Benefits: In clinical studies Azulenes and bisabolol have been shown to exhibit dramatic anti-inflammatory effects and Chamazulene showed significant antioxidant protection. In practical terms this means that application of these natural substances will help to prevent skin blemishes from developing and will help stop deterioration of skin cells that leads to wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation.

Quotes: With a large list of recent basic research accruing, chamomile is a perfect example of a herb having diverse therapeutic uses. Chamomile preparations are widely used in skin care products to reduce cutaneous inflammation and other dermatological diseases. George Nemecz, Ph.D., U.S.Pharmacist/Herbal Pharmacy

Chamomile soothes, heals, combats inflammation and stimulates cell regeneration. German Chamomile is the variety most widely used in skin treatment; it is rich in a fatty substance called azulene which has extraordinary healing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. Barbara Griggs, author of The Green Witch ? A Modern Woman?s Herbal and Green Pharmacy.

Azulene sensitive skin care products are available from Dermaglow @ http://www.dermaglow.co.uk

Home Remedies From Parsnip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Want to Avoid Skin Irritation? Using Herbal Skin Care Products

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

When you are looking to avoid the harmful chemicals found gracing the shelves at your local grocery store, you may want to look into some of the herbal skin care products that are available.

Herbal skin care

Herbal skin care avoids the mineral oils and other petroleum products that can cause an irritation to the skin.

Herbal skin care products use natural oils that are found within a variety of seeds or nuts, such as grape seed oil and lemon oil. These ingredients tend to unclog pores, as well as ease the appearance of blemishes and dry skin.

Home Made Skin Care Products

There are tons of recipes for herbal skin care that you can use at home, which are created by picking up a few natural products from the grocery store, health food market, as well as herbal skin care stores and websites.

To create lavender oil for the skin, you will need two cups of lavender flowers, 2 sprigs of rosemary, 1 piece of orange zest, as well as 1? cups of olive or grape seed oil.

Using a mortar or cutting board, you can create the herbal skin care mixture by pounding the lavender, rosemary and orange zest together. Next, you pack the herbs into a 2-cup capacity jar and add the oil.

Cover and shake the ingredients together before leaving the jar in a sunny window for two weeks.

Shake the jar at least once a day during these two weeks. After the time is up, you will need to strain the herbal skin care product and keep it refrigerated when not in use.

Home Made Facial Oil

To make facial oil from calendula flowers, you will need two cups of olive or grape seed oil, ? cup of wheat germ oil, as well as one cup of calendula flowers.

You should combine all of the ingredients in a jar and cover for placement on a sunny windowsill.

For the next two weeks, you will have to shake this herbal skin care remedy at least once per day.

Strain and refrigerate this herbal skin care product after preparation.

Home Made Skin Care Toner

If you are looking for a herbal skin care toner, there is an easy way to create such a product with the inexpensive ingredient of witch hazel, which can be found at any drugstore. Combine 3? cups of liquid witch hazel with ? cup of herbs and place in a jar that sits on a sunny windowsill for one week.

The mixture should be shaken at least once per day. After the herbal skin care remedy is strained, place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

When creating a toner at home, you can prepare a gentler option by adding calendula flowers; for oily skin, add lemon rind and mint to the remedy.

Home Made Facial Mask

A herbal skin care facial mask can be prepared by blending a few herbs together and applying it to the face.

If you are suffering from dry skin, you may want to blend rose petals and chamomile with two tablespoons of oatmeal and distilled water.

Oily skin craves for a blend of sage, yarrow, chamomile, and lemongrass with two tablespoons of distilled water and oatmeal.

After creating the herbal skin care remedy, apply to the face for ten minutes, and then rinsed away.

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

8 Ways to Fall In Love with Fitness

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

No, it's not impossible. You can fall in love with exercise instead of having that dreaded feeling every time you lace up your sneakers. The trick to falling in love with fitness is finding something you love to do, and trying new things because you may discover a dormant passion for line dancing, snow shoeing, or even something as exotic as fencing. It's time to uncover your inner athlete and fall in love all over again!

Balls, Bosu and Barrels ? If you were the kid who was always climbing the monkey bars and ropes at the park, you'll have tons of fun getting fit with these fitness tools. Exercise balls can be used for all kinds of abdominal exercises, a Bosu is a neat device for balance training and core stability exercises, and you can use a small barrel for practicing Pilates ? all in the comfort of your own home. So next time your at the park with your kids, they'll be chasing you on the monkey bars!

Square Dancing ? This energetic style of dance may look strange to you ? but it's great exercise ? and great fun! This folk dancing tradition has existed in Canada for hundreds of years and has maintained its popularity as a social activity often deemed friendship set to music. Now this form of dance is even more popular as people are doh-si-dohing their way to being fit! Don't knock IT before you try it! You may forget you're getting fit because you're having so much fun!

Snowshoeing ? Snowshoes are thousands of years old, and Native Canadians used to use snowshoes as a form of transport. Only in the last century has snowshoeing become a recreational sport. Now, Canadians across the country are strapping on their snowshoes and heading for the trails to spend some time outdoors, at one with nature, while boosting cardiovascular fitness and toning their backsides. Today's modern snowshoes are typically lightweight, aluminum frames with fabric decks and strap bindings as opposed to the classic bent-wood frames crisscrossed with rawhide strips. In recent years, many celebrities have talked about the physical benefits of snowshoeing, especially when it comes to toning your glutes and quads.

Snowshoes are inexpensive compared to skis and snowboards, and snowshoeing is not a difficult sport, but don't let that fool you into thinking you are not getting a good workout. Using poles, whether specially designed for snowshoeing or made for cross-country skiing, they will help you maintain balance and give your upper body a good workout too, especially when you're doing some intense climbing.

Buddy Up! ? It's no secret that having a fitness buddy helps get you going. Let's face it, when your doorbell rings at 6 a.m., you're not going to hide under the covers and ignore your buddy. Or, when your work buddy grabs you for your daily lunchtime power walk, you're less likely to sit at your desk and graze. A workout buddy provides a little extra incentive to get you going, and a little less response time to say no to exercise!

Feel Good in Fun Clothes! ? Remember the old adage about how when you look good, you feel better? This goes for the gym too. If you buy yourself some fun fitness clothes that you feel good in, you are more likely to have more confidence in yourself and as a result, push yourself harder at the gym. Stores like Winners and The Bay offer great deals on workout clothes that are able to stand up to any fitness test. Remember, if you look the part, you're more likely to feel the part!

Bring the Outdoors Inside ? So what if the temperature is way below zero and the wind chill is making you shake like a leaf. Quit lamenting warm days gone by, and bring your beloved outdoor sports indoors. Shed all your layers, and find an indoor rollerblading rink, grab your tennis partner and hit your local tennis club, climb the rock wall at your local YMCA, hit a spinning class, or throw on your bathing suit and swim laps at your local pool. Create your own warmth, and you won't be missing those days any longer.

Position Yourself Properly ? Sometimes watching others can give you just the boost you need to get going at the gym. Look around you and position yourself next to someone who inspires you and watch yourself take off! You'll soon be running to keep up with them...

Take Your Toddler With You? Most mothers never know when they'll be able to squeeze in a little exercise time while running their kids around all day. Nowadays, many gyms have daycares, but if you don't want to leave your children, you can exercise with them! Of course, you can run around outside all together, play in the snow, and build snowmen. But, if it's too cold, why not try a kid-friendly Pilates video? Most companies which sell Pilates videos have kid-friendly ones too. Your kids will have a blast getting fit with you while trying all those fun exercises!

Richard Moore is the Founder an President of Everything Health and Beauty! For Men and Women Our WebMall is quickly becoming one of the most trusted and easy to use collection of shopping stores to create a fun and relaxing online shopping experience...and we are constantly searching for other stores with quality products, great prices and top notch customer service. If there is a shop you like...please tell us about it and we will do our best to put it on our site. Our goal is to have everything you need for your Health, Beauty, Fitness and Wellness needs... all in one place.

Everything Health and Beauty! http://www.everythinghealthandbeauty.9k.com

Supplements For Beauty and AntiAging

2009-03-07T02:35:00.000+07:00

Nowadays, there?s more to retaining and attaining a beautiful complexion than simply applying topical creams and lotions. In fact, it?s becoming increasingly common to see more and more supplements touted as beauty products themselves, because of the effect they are said to have on the condition of the skin, hair or body.

Naturally, we know that our appearance on the outside is often affected by what goes on inside the body (in other words, what we put into our bodies is shown on the outside). The better we eat, the more exercise we get and the more hydrated we are, the better we look. It?s common sense, after all! However, scientists are discovering that there are ways we can supplement our diets even more effectively, giving us far more beautifying power than good old fashioned healthy eating.

For starters we?ve got vitamin and mineral supplements we can take for healthy skin and hair. These often contain various ingredients including (but not limited to) ascorbyl palmitate, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, grape seed extract, vitamin A (or beta carotene), vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Biotin, zinc, copper, manganese, cysteine, PABA, choline as well as natural silica from horsetail and other components naturally derived from herbal sources.

There are also supplements containing marine extracts, fish oil extracts and other naturally occurring substances which have been shown to have a positive effect on the skin and body. Many claim to have anti-aging properties, which makes them incredibly popular, especially among those who are starting to show signs of aging and who are desperate to reverse the effects!

The question is ? do these supplements really give us more than we can give ourselves through good nutrition, plenty of water, exercise and adequate rest and relaxation? And, more to the point, can we take the risk that we don?t need these sorts of supplements in order to give us the best longevity and anti-aging possible? You see, that?s quite often the crux of it. Many of us (especially women) are desperate to retain our youthful looks and complexion. And why wouldn?t we be, when we?re constantly being bombarded by images of youthful beauty? When we see women in their late 40s (Madonna is an excellent example) who look barely into their thirties? Many of us believe in the adage of ?prevention is better than cure?, so we do what we can to prevent old age before it begins to catch up with us.

I?ll be completely honest here, and tell you that I?m no different to anyone else in this! As a woman rapidly approaching my mid-thirties, I?m starting to see time catching up to me all too quickly! And this is why I, like so many others, are looking into doing everything I can to maintain my health and skin long into old age. The result? Not only am I becoming increasingly aware of what I eat, the amount of activity I get, and the external skin care products I use, I?m also becoming more aware of the other things I could be doing to preserve my health, which is why I?ve started purchasing supplements designed to help a) keep my skin healthy and b) maintain my skin?s youth.

There are plenty of resources online where you can discover more about beauty products and information. It's never been easier to find supplements and beauty products to suit your own needs.

Fiona Shearer-Hann is the webmaster of several websites including Be More Beautiful and Babies and Pregnancy.

Beauty Tip: Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

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

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.

2. Spread foundation on your hands and pat it on your face, then smooth out with a sponge making sure not to pull or stretch the skin. Be extra careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.

3. To make foundation last apply moisturizer first giving the foundation a base. Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base. For oily skin use an oil-free moisturizer and powder foundation

4. On hot days foundation can be difficult to keep looking fresh. Set your foundation in the morning using a loose powder and puff, then do regular touch ups throughout the day.

5. To cover imperfections apply foundation first and then go back and dot on a concealer that neutralizes red. For noticeable imperfections like very dark circles and birthmarks use a yellow concealer (available from Mary Kay). Don?t use too much powder in problem areas because it will draw attention to it.

6. To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

7. For evening mix some shimmer powder with your powder and put it where you want to attract light such as the bridge of the nose, underneath the brow bone, the temples, cheekbone, chin and shoulders.

8. Always use a foundation with a sunscreen of at least 15 to prevent future sun damage.

9. Change your foundation shade if the color of your skin changes.

10. After you apply foundation go near a window to make sure it looks natural. Natural light is the ultimate test.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

If You Can't Pronounce It It Doesn't Belong in Your Shampoo!

2009-03-06T21:29:00.001+07:00

Do you ever take the time to read the ingredients on your shampoo label? Now would be an excellent time to start! There are so many chemicals, detergents, artificial colors, preservatives, formaldehyde and synthetic foaming agents on the ingredient list that you wonder whether you are embalming your hair or washing it. Just for starters, the researchers at the National Institutes of Health have uncovered the connection between an ingredient found in shampoos and central nervous system damage. The studies were performed with the brain cells of rats and they demonstrate that contact with an ingredient called methylisothiazoline (MIT), causes neurological damage.

The huge majority of shampoos contain toxic chemical compounds like MIT that are a factor in cancer, liver disorders, and neurological diseases. It may astound you to know that manufacturers of shampoos and personal care products in general can put virtually any chemical they wish into your shampoo, even if it is a hazardous chemical listed in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) database of toxicity and even if it is deemed a toxic chemical by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The function of shampoo is for cleansing the hair. It is to eliminate excess oil, dirt and debris from the hair known as sebum. An ideal shampoo will execute this function while leaving the hair manageable, while still maintaining its natural luster. Unfortunately, creating foam is what the industry believes is important to the consumer, who without factual information about the functions of a surfactant, takes for granted the shampoo is working and is good for you.

The only solution is to shield you and your family by educating yourself about the shampoo and personal care products that you are using. Read every ingredient on every personal care product label and be wary of every chemical ingredient. Ask yourself if you would ingest that ingredient, because when you rub products into your hair and skin, 60% of the product could end up absorbed in your body.

Remember that TRUE organic products NEVER include potentially harmful chemical ingredients. They are manufactured from truly holistic and natural ingredients without the use of synthetic chemicals, and will ultimately leave your hair clean and balanced.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals Herbal Formulas, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide range of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

Cosmetic Surgery: PostOp Care Is Essential

2009-03-06T02:12:00.000+07:00

As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery as well. Following the post-operative advice of your cosmetic surgeon could well be the difference between a stellar result and a mediocre one. Regular follow up visits are crucial in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery.

Another point worth noting is that follow-up surgeries (or touchups) might be required to eliminate undesired effects of surgery, or to attain better results. For instance, a woman?s breast implants might internally rupture and therefore necessitate a follow-up surgery. Moreover, cosmetic surgery has associated complications and risks, such as scarring, blood clots, bleeding, or an adverse reaction of anesthesia. Thus post-operative care is pivotal for attaining satisfactory results and in order to expedite the recovery process.

Post-operative care entails being careful about the body part, which has been operated upon. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice of the surgeon on this issue. In addition to this, you must have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery.

The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is to choose a surgeon who has loads of expertise in the pertinent field, since he/she can effectively advise you about proper post-operative care. Cosmetic surgery is something that one opts for in order to improve ones appearance and, in turn, ones life. So if you don?t want to settle for anything less, simply adhere to your surgeon?s advice on post-operative care.

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

Be Good To Your Health and Your Health Will Be Good To You

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

Are you working to much? You could be one of 50 million Americans taking work related health risks.

This is especially true for solo entrepreneurs, who must wear many hats.

Friends say you look great! And you feel like superman or wonder woman. But how healthy are you really?

Hidden risks such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and prostrate cancer can occur without warnings.

Doctors say, those who feel healthy will most likely not get regular checkups.

Long range health risks don't discriminate by age, race or lifestyle. Your health is akin to your car, neglect oil changes or tune ups and you`re hitch hiking.

What are your options?

1. Regular checkups

2. A healthy food diet

3. Adequate sleep/rest habits

4. Exercise

Self-health maintenance of body, mind and spirit are all wellness advantages.

Robert Wardrick is co-host of http://every-woman.biz Sidebars for the everyday woman, sidelights you won't find on Dr, Phil or Oprah.

Youthing Not Aging

2009-03-05T22:30:00.000+07:00

It is not a new concept that you are as young as you feel. This is great news, unless, of course, you feel old.

As we wake up to living today, we must let go of obsolete, outdated beliefs. Symptoms we attribute to old age are: slowing down, feeling aches and pains, poor eyesight and hearing, forgetting important information, getting sick, etc. These are all the same symptoms of toxicity. Quite simply, when we do not release toxicity, we grow old.

So, how about it? Do you want to grow young or grow old? You have a choice. The sooner you activate your option of growing younger, the sooner you can experience yourself healthy and young and wise.

I'm youth, I'm joy, I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg.
-- James Matthew Barrie

I have chosen the above quotation because of its delightful meaning of youth. A chick or bird works hard to break out of its egg. Mother bird can assist somewhat, but it is the determination of the babe that breaks through the calcification of the egg shell.

Breaking Your Shell

What is the calcification in your egg shell? Is it anger or jealousy? Is it a memory of the past or fear of the future? Is it competition, separation, or worship of money?

Knowing what it is you must break through is important to your evolution. It is not, however, necessary to dwell on it or analyze it to the point of exhaustion. Simply recognize the breakthrough issue in a word or two and then ...... break through.

The chick needs to recognize shell or calcium -- even using its nutrition. It does not blame its mother or God for putting the shell there nor is it angry that the shell did not break sooner. The chick simply knows, now is the time! And it is born.

Thoughts Create Reality

What great power is knowing that thoughts create reality! If you cannot accept that this is true, assume for a few moments that it is. If your thoughts create your reality and you are not content with your present reality, all you need to do is change your thoughts. The level of consciousness with which you put the thoughts into the universe determines the speed with which the new reality manifests.

So, if you have an untenable relationship with your boss and you accept this condition as truth and affirm it in your self talk, you continue the relationship as it is. If, however, you consider that the uncomfortable aspects of the relationship are temporary and can be changed, you take the first step in changing the relationship. This is not simply about positive thinking (though that is a good start). The change must be deeper than just thinking about. You must believe it, deep in your heart. You must know that it is possible. You must feel the idea, as well. A passion for change fires the vision that puts the new reality within your grasp.

Perhaps you are not all that enthusiastic about a change. That is fine, also, because you can just relax and let your reality change. Letting go of the belief that you must control the outcome is an important part of the change process. If your thoughts are positive and optimistic and joyous, the changes will take place in those directions.

And just in case that all I am saying is incorrect, consider how much more satisfying will be your relationship with your boss if you have positive thoughts and compassionate feelings and view both of you as being able to change.

Activities for Youthing

Play. Play at what you love to play. If your play is competitive or intense, find some leisure play to balance the intensity.

Laugh. Laugh at something. Or just laugh. Laughter brings oxygen into your body and exercises inner muscles and facial muscles.

Play with Children. I recently visited a friend who is a retired kindergarten teacher. At age 66, she looks 46 and has the spirit of a 22 year old.

Monitor your self-talk about age. Listen to yourself. For example, do you say...... Oh gosh, I really feel old today. Or, Well, what can you expect after age 40? Or, I'm just too old for .... Stop, stop, stop! These and many other beliefs and expressions are responsible for the aging you observe and accept as inevitable. These false beliefs become real only because so many people believe them.

Listen to Guided Visualizations. Many are on the market. You may want to focus particularly on health and well-being and vitality or other attributes we associate with youth. We even have some online for your listening with my healing voice.

Look at you as a child. Find a happy picture of yourself at an early age, say 3-6 years of age. Look at this picture often. While you may not want to be three years old again, or even eight years old, you want the child-like feelings of wonder and playfulness. In your maturity, you can claim these. If you like, you can take a peek of me at age 3.

Take Care of Yourself. Do those self-care measures that you believe support your health and well-being. Do this for only one reason: self-love!

Affirmations for Youthing. Here are several affirmations that you can use everyday. They are especially useful on your birthday.

Each day I grow younger and wiser.

I love life.

I am beautiful. I feel beautiful.

I am healthy and strong.

I have all the time I need to do all I love to do.

I claim my birthright to be healthy, happy, and free!

You can find or develop other affirmations that support you in being young, healthy, and positive.

Copyright ? 1994, 2005 Marshall House. All rights reserved. You may save this article, send it to a friend, or reprint it in your online publications, provided the article remains complete and this information is attached. DailyAffirm Positive Affirmations http://www.dailyaffirm.com

Skin Care Basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fat Acceptance

2009-03-05T02:03:00.000+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

Cosmetics The Practical Way To Beauty!

2009-03-04T02:24:00.001+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/

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care with Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.

2009-03-03T22:27:00.000+07:00

?Every person is born perfect. Inferiority is a mistake of the mind, a cloud covering the light. Dissolve the clouds by observing a balanced life with healthy habits. Nourish your mind and body. Connect with your own inner self. Celebrate your own magnificence and your beauty will always shine through.? -Dr. Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Ayurvedic physician and dermatologist

The Three Pillars of Beauty

Maharishi Ayurveda (MAV), the modern, consciousness-based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition, considers true beauty to be supported by three pillars; Outer Beauty, Inner Beauty and Lasting Beauty. Only by enhancing all three can we attain the balanced state of radiant health that makes each of us the most fulfilled and beautiful person we can be.

Outer Beauty: Roopam

The outer signs of beauty - your skin, hair and nails - are more than just superficial measures of beauty. They are direct reflections of your overall health. These outer tissues are created by the inner physiological processes involved in digestion, metabolism and proper tissue development. Outer beauty depends more on the strength of your digestion and metabolism, the quality of your diet, and the purity of your blood, than on external cleansers and conditioners you may apply.

General Recommendations for Outer Beauty

As we will discuss, the key to skin care is matching your diet and skin care routine to the specific skin type you have. Meanwhile, there are some valuable recommendations for lustrous skin, hair and nails that will be helpful to everyone, regardless of skin type.

1. Diet: Without adequate nourishment, your collagen layer thins and a kind of wasting takes place. Over time, your skin can shrivel up like a plant without water from lack of nourishment. To keep your skin plump and glowing:

A. Eat fresh, whole organic foods that are freshly prepared.

Avoid packaged, canned, frozen, processed foods and leftovers. These foods have little nutritional value and also they are often poorly digested which creates impurities that localize in the skin. The resulting buildup of toxins causes irritation and blocks circulation depriving the skin of further nourishment and natural cleansing processes.

B. Favor skin nourishing foods.

Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins, minerals (especially iron and calcium) and are high in antioxidant properties. They nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging.

Sweet juicy fruits like grapes, melons, pears, plums and stewed apples at breakfast are excellent for the skin in almost everyone.

Eat a wide variety of grains over different meals and try mixed grain servings at breakfast and lunch. Add amaranth, quinoa, cous cous, millet and barley to the wheat and rice you already eat.

Favor light, easy to digest proteins like legume soups (especially yellow split mung dhal), whole milk, paneer (cheese made from boiling milk, adding lemon and straining solids) and lassi (diluted yogurt and spice drinks).

Oils like ghee (clarified butter) and organic, extra virgin olive oil should be included in the diet as they lubricate, nourish and create lustre in the skin.

Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper to improve digestion, nourish the skin and cleanse it of impurities.

Avoid microwaving and boiling your vegetables. They lose as much as 85% of their antioxidant content when cooked in this way. Steaming and saut?ing are best.

Caring for outer beauty through knowledge of skin type

Besides these general recommendations the key to Outer Beauty is to understand the difference in skin types so you can gain the maximum benefit from your individualized skin care regimen. MAV identifies three different skin types based on which of the three main metabolic principles (doshas)- present in everyone, but to different degrees- is most dominant in your body.

Vata Skin

* Description: Vata is composed of the elements of air and space. If you have a vata skin type, your skin will be dry, thin, fine pored, delicate and cool to the touch. When balanced, it glows with a delicate lightness and refinement that is elegant and attractive. When vata skin is imbalanced, it will be prone to excessive dryness and may even be rough and flaky.

* Potential problems: The greatest beauty challenge for vata skin is its predisposition to symptoms of early aging. Your skin may tend to develop wrinkles earlier than most due to its tendency to dryness and thinness. If your digestion is not in balance, your skin can begin to look dull and grayish, even in your 20?s and 30?s. In addition, your skin may have a tendency for disorders such as dry eczema and skin fungus. Mental stress, such as worry, fear and lack of sleep, has a powerful debilitating effect on vata skin leaving it looking tired and lifeless.

* Recommendations for care

With a little knowledge, you can preserve and protect the delicate beauty of your vata type skin. Since your skin does not contain much moisture, preventing it from drying is the major consideration. Eat a warm, unctuous diet (ghee and olive oil are best) and favor sour, salty and sweet tastes (naturally sweet like fruits, not refined sugar) as they balance vata. Avoid drying foods like crackers. Drink 6-8 glasses of warm (not cold for vata types!) water throughout the day and eat plenty of sweet, juicy fruits. Going to bed early (before 10 PM) is very soothing to vata and will have a tremendously positive influence on your skin. Avoid cleansing products that dry the skin (like alcohol-based cleansers) and perform Ayurvedic oil massage to your whole body (abhyanga) in the morning before you shower.

Pitta Skin.

* Description: Pitta dosha is composed of the elements of fire and water. If you have a pitta skin type your skin is fair, soft, warm and of medium thickness. When balanced, your skin has a beautiful, slightly rosy or golden glow, as if illuminated from within. Your hair typically is fine and straight, and is usually red, sandy or blonde in color. Your complexion tends toward the pink or reddish, and there is often a copious amount of freckles or moles.

* Potential problems: Among the many beauty challenges of pitta skin types is your tendency to develop rashes, rosacea, acne, liver spots or pigment disorders. Because of the large proportion of the fire element in your constitution, your skin does not tolerate heat or sun very well. Of all the three skin types, pitta skin has the least tolerance for the sun, is photosensitive, and most likely to accumulate sun damage over the years. Pitta skin is aggravated by emotional stress, especially suppressed anger, frustration, or resentment.

* Recommendations for care

Avoid excessive sunlight, tanning treatments and highly heating therapies like facial or whole body steams. Avoid hot, spicy foods and favor astringent, bitter and sweet foods which balance pitta. (Again, naturally sweet, not chocolate and refined sugar!) Sweet juicy fruits (especially melons and pears), cooked greens and rose petal preserves are especially good. Drinking plenty of water helps wash impurities from sensitive pitta skin. Reduce external or internal contact with synthetic chemicals, to which your skin is especially prone to react, even in a delayed fashion after years of seemingly uneventful use. Avoid skin products that are abrasive, heating or contain artificial colors or preservatives. Most commercial make-up brands should be avoided in favor of strictly 100% natural ingredient cosmetics. And be sure to get your emotional stress under control through plenty of outdoor exercise, yoga and meditation.

Kapha Skin.

* Description: Kapha dosha is composed of the elements of earth and water. If you have a kapha skin type your skin is thick, oily, soft and cool to the touch. Your complexion is a glowing porcelain whitish color, like the moon, and hair characteristically thick, wavy, oily and dark. Kapha skin types, with their more generous collagen and connective tissue, are fortunate to develop wrinkles much later in life than vata or pitta types.

*Potential problems If your skin becomes imbalanced, it can show up as enlarged pores, excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads, acne or pimples, and water retention. Kapha skin is also more prone to fungal infections.

* Recommendations for care

Kapha skin is more prone to clogging and needs more cleansing than other skin types. Be careful to avoid greasy, clogging creams. Likewise, avoid heavy, hard to digest foods like fried foods, fatty meats, cheeses and rich desserts. Eat more light, easy to digest, astringent, bitter and pungent (well-spiced) foods as they balance kapha. Olive oil is the best cooking oil and a little ginger and lime juice can be taken before meals to increase your characteristically sluggish digestive fire. Take warm baths often and use gentle cleansers to open the skin pores. Avoid getting constipated and try to get some exercise every day to increase circulation and help purify the skin through the sweating process.

Inner Beauty: Gunam.

Happy, positive, loving, caring individuals have a special beauty that is far more than skin deep. Conversely we all experience the quick and deleterious effect on our skin from fatigue and stress.

Inner beauty is authentic beauty, not the kind that shows on a made-up face, but the kind that shines through from your soul, your consciousness or inner state of being. Inner beauty comes from a mind and heart that are in harmony, not at odds with each other, causing emotional confusion, loss of confidence, stress and worry. Inner peace is the foundation of outer beauty.

Maintain your self-confidence and a warm, loving personality by paying attention to your lifestyle and daily routine and effective management of stress (I highly recommend the TM technique for its scientifically-verified benefits on mental and physical health and reduced aging.) You will also be healthier and feel better through the day if you eat your main meal at midday and make a habit of going to bed early (by 10 PM is ideal.)

Remember, kindness, friendliness and sincerity naturally attract people to you. On the other hand, being uptight or tense makes people want to walk the other way, regardless of your facial structure, body weight, or other outer signs we associate with attractiveness.

Lasting Beauty: Yayastyag

In order to slow the aging process and gain lasting beauty there are two additional key considerations beyond those already discussed,

1. Eliminate toxins and free radicals in the body: The main deteriorating effects of aging come as toxins and impurities (called ama in Ayurveda) accumulate throughout the body. These toxins may begin as free radicals in the body, or over time may become oxidized into free radicals, all of which contribute to premature aging in the body. For lasting health and beauty it is essential to avoid and neutralize free radicals, to prevent impurities of all kinds from accumulating and to remove those that have already become lodged in the body.

The most powerful cleansing therapy in Maharishi Ayurveda is panchakarma therapy, a series of natural treatments ideally performed twice yearly, that involves 5-7 days in a row of massage, heat treatments and mild herbal enemas. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of undergoing this cleansing program once or twice a year to prevent impurities from accumulating, localizing and hardening in the tissues. Just as we change the oil in our cars regularly for optimal performance and lifespan, Ayurveda recommends that we cleanse the ?sludge? from our tissues on a regular basis through panchakarma treatments.

Best of all, panchakarma treatments are luxurious, blissful, and make you feel (and look) completely rejuvenated in just a few days time. I have had many a patient who told me that friends asked them afterwards if they had gotten a facelift, they looked so fresh and youthful!

Other free radical busters include: reducing mental stress, eating antioxidant foods like leafy green vegetables, sweet, juicy fruits and cooking on a daily basis with antioxidant, detoxifying spices like turmeric and coriander.

2. Add rejuvenative techniques to daily living:

The daily activities of life in the modern world systematically wear us down and speed up the aging process. Ayurveda maintains it is crucial to practice daily rejuvenative regimens to counteract the stressful wear and tear of everyday life. According to Ayurveda the most important rejuvenative routines for your life are:

Going to bed by 10:00 PM. This simple habit is one of the most powerful techniques for health and longevity, according to MAV.

Meditate daily. Any meditation that does not involve concentration (which has been shown to increase anxiety) can be very helpful. I highly recommend the twice-daily deep rest and enlivenment of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique, whose benefits have been verified by over 700 published research studies.

Eat organic, whole fresh food that is freshly prepared. There is an Ayurvedic saying: Without proper diet. medicine is of no use. With proper diet, medicine is of no need. Be sure to avoid those leftovers, processed and microwaved foods for better nutrition and vitality.

Perform Ayurvedic oil massage in the morning (abhyanga). Morning oil massage purifies the entire body, reduces anxiety and stress, helps prevent and heal injuries and supports circulation. It is especially helpful in creating a radiant complexion and keeping your skin youthful. Research shows it may also help prevent skin cancers.

Practice yoga asanas. Maintaining flexibility and circulation is key to health.

Practice pranayama (yoga breathing) techniques. Pranayama enlivens the mind and body. Ideally practice the following sequence twice a day. Asanas, pranayama and meditation.

Summary

Everyone's unique beauty shines forth when they have radiant health and personal happiness. Beauty is a side effect of a balanced, fulfilled life. Supreme personal beauty is accessible to everyone who is willing to take more control of their health in their day-to-day life through time-tested principles of natural living.

For most of us, beauty is not a gift but a choice. Every woman can be radiantly beautiful simply by beginning to lead a healthier life. You will be rewarded by the glowing effects you will see in your mirror each day and the powerful, bliss-producing effect your special beauty has on everyone in your life.

About The Author

Nancy Lonsdorf M.D. received her M.D. from Johns Hopkins and did her postgraduate training at Stanford. She has studied Ayurveda with some of the world's most renowned Ayurvedic physicians in India, Europe and the U.S. Dr. Lonsdorf has 17 years of clinical experience with Ayurveda and is currently the Medical Director of The Raj Ayurveda Health Center in Vedic City Iowa.

Dr. Lonsdorf has authored two books on Ayurveda and women's health:

A Woman's Best Medicine (Penguin/Putnam 1995 ; ISBN 0-87477-785-2) describing the Ayurvedic approach to the major issues in women's health

A Woman's Best Medicine for Menopause (Contemporary/McGraw Hill 2002; ISBN 0-8092-9335-8) describing the Ayurvedic approach to menopause

Doctor Lonsdorf's contact information is:
Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.
1734 Jasmine Avenue
Vedic City, IA 52556
641-472-8246
web site url: http://www.ayurveda-ayurvedic.com/

info@ayurveda-ayurvedic.com

Beauty Salons

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

To pamper and take care of ourselves, beauty salons exist. Skin care is not just the hype of today?s world. Prevailing even during the ancient days, it has always been a way of life. Grooming our bodies has at all times remained a pleasure, both with the royalties and common masses.

Setting up a professionally competent, efficient, and reputable beauty salon can be a daunting task. Any beauty salon rests on proper management, service, equipment, and products. And thankfully, to help us, multitudes of companies supply all the necessary things to enable us to set up a good beauty salon.

Equipment and supplies are a must for any beauty salon to work successfully. Without them, no beauty salon can exist. Equipment needed for a beauty salon include salon chairs and stools, salon stations, shampoo bowls, styling chairs, hair steamers, reception furniture, facial beds, and many more things.

Some brands which make good beauty salon equipment include TISPRO, Jeffco, Hotspa, and GiGi besides others. Equipment is generally costly, but they can be bought at a cheaper rate from some wholesale companies. Some starter packages are also good-value-for-money. Such packages include styling chairs, styling stations, shampoo units, and hair steamers. Besides this, there are other packages too, offering much more items at reasonable prices.

Beauty salon supplies usually include all the necessary topical creams, gels, and other products used for styling and taking care of our hair, skin, nails, feet, hand, and hair removal. A huge number of products of different brands are all available in the market which can be bought at wholesale and even discounted packages.

To modernize beauty salons and organize its work, we need beauty salon software. ?Inventory systems?; ?service support?; ?client history?; ?multiple users?; ?bar code support?; ?point of sale?; ?appointment booking?; ?sales tax report?; and many other features are provided by beauty salon software. Such software supports nearly all higher versions of windows and is quick and easy to learn.

With support for learning and free demo CDs available, software companies have helped us greatly in managing the work of salons.

Beauty Salons provides detailed information on Beauty Salons, Beauty Salon Software, Beauty Salon Equipment, Beauty Salon Supplies and more. Beauty Salons is affiliated with Natural Beauty Products.

Splitting Hairs What Can You Do About Split Ends

2009-03-02T22:42:00.001+07:00

Isn't it a shame when you have to worry about covering split ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self- respecting woman's life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.

Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically, the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.

But you don't necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. Back in the sixties and seventies, women used to burn off their split ends! Sure that's a little excessive. And there are easier ways to get rid of those dead ends before they split further... do-it-yourself hair trims.

These do-it-yourself trimming tips are for women who are happy with their hair; for those who don't need a restyle, but simply want to freshen things up with a 'homegrown' sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!

To Remove Split Ends:

* Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

* Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don't cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

* Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist. Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming! You'll not only save a bundle but also time that will ease your life.

Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latest hair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hair removal. Click for daily updated blog of hair news and articles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/

The Best Skin Care Products Clean and Moisturize Your Skin

2009-03-02T16:44:00.001+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 a skin care product, 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 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.

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.

One of the best skin care products for blemished skin is 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.

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.

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

Make Your Own Fashion Statement With Crazy Contacts

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

Who would have thought that something as boring as a sight correction device could become a must have fashion accessory? But they have!

Contact lenses started out in the 1950s as hard glass lenses. Over the years they progressed into hard plastic lenses, which were both uncomfortable to wear and expensive to buy.

In the 1970s manufacturers developed soft plastic lenses and the contact lens revolution began... and now color and crazy contacts have become the latest and greatest fashion craze.

They're not called crazy contacts for nothing! There are an amazing variety of different looks that you can achieve with these lenses: you can change the color and even the shape of your eyes with ease.

Going out to fancy dress party? Then have some fun. Grab yourself a cat costume, a pair of cat eye contacts - with their yellow background and vertical black slit pupils - and you'll look 'purrrrrfect'!

Want to be a Werewolf instead? Easy. Wear the wolf lens with it's lunar yellow around the pupil and the black border - just make sure you don't go out on the full moon!

Going as Dracula? Wear the scary Vampire contacts with their blood red pupils and outer black rim and make an immediate impact. Suddenly you're transformed into a Spectacular Dracula!

Try out some of the other wild shapes available: like the Red Spiral, which transforms your eyes into a red and white spiral. Or the Fire contact lenses with their yellow flames circling your pupil around a red background.

Why not freak out your friends, put in your White lenses and turn the whole of your eyes completely white!

Have some fun after long night out on the town, next morning sneak in the Bloodshot contact lenses. With their criss-crossing red blood vessels they're sure to get a laugh!

Be a patriot! Crazy contacts also come in flags.. no guessing what your eyes will look like if you wear the Stars and Stripes contacts!

They also come in handy when supporting your favorite football team. Pop in the NFL lenses and proudly sport the logo of your team in the whites of your eyes.

Despite all the great things you can do with them let's not forget, of course, that crazy contacts are real contact lenses, so you'll need a prescription from your eye doctor.

Although anyone can wear them, even if you don't need them for vision, it's still advisable to see your eye doctor and get them fitted properly so you don't put yourself at risk from eye infections.

With all of their weird, wacky and wonderful patterns, shapes and color combinations, it's no wonder Crazy contacts have become a must have fashion accessory - they're fun with a capital F!

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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.

How Can Waxing Rid You Of Unsightly Body Hair?

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

Are you using waxing as a hair removal technique? If not, then you should consider it. The process of waxing is very old and one that has been used in one way or another for thousands of years (dating back to ancient Egypt even) and can work very well for you today. What is it? It is the removal of hair from the root through a process of applying a wax and then quickly removing it. And, yes, waxing does hurt a bit but it is only temporary and can give you hair free results for up to six to eight weeks. All in all, it can be well worth it.

Where To Wax?

Waxing can safely be done throughout the body. Individuals use it for their legs, eyebrows, bikini areas and much larger hairs such as their chest, stomach and back. You can have it done so that you can shave time off of your swimming competition or to help you to just look the way that you enjoy looking.

What Is It?

What?s in the wax? The mixture that you will use is a combination of paraffin or beeswax and natural oils. These products are chosen since they work well with the body and stick to the skin. There are two types, cold and hot waxing. Some have supplements in them to help improve the skin?s feel and texture.

Hot Waxing: In this method of waxing, a hot but comfortable temperature is used for the wax. It is spread onto the area in the direction of the hair growth. When the wax cools, it is torn off quickly in the opposite direction, pulling the hair out with it. Usually, this gives the best results in waxing.

Cold Waxing: In this method of waxing, the strips of cloth are coated with the wax and them applied to the skin. The strips are rubbed in the direction of the hair growth and then ripped off in the opposite direction.

After you wax your skin, you can use a treatment of a non perfumed moisturizer. This will help to restore the feel of the skin by adding Vitamin B and Aloe Vera to it. Whatever you do, you do not want to go swimming, use a spa or hot tub, tan, or apply perfume, deodorant or other chemicals to the area that was just waxed as these can cause infections and pain.

It is important that you carefully look at your skin prior to using any type of waxing. You should not use in areas where there are open sores, infection, moles, warts or other skin irritations. You should never attempt to wax eyelashes, ear hair, nose hair or nipple hair. And, you should make sure that you use the appropriate combination of wax for specific areas such as pubic hair. Make sure to test the temperature of the wax so that you do not get burned too.

Waxing has been around for centuries because it is an effective way to remove hair. There are not normally side effects besides a little bit of pain and redness. And, you can do it at home or in a salon. Waxing is an effective method to remove unwanted hair from virtually every area of your body.

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

Fitness Fun

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

If you'd rather have teeth pulled than hop on an exercise bike, you're not alone.

Finding the motivation to squeeze your bottom into a pair of Lycra shorts is just too much to bear after a exhausting day at the office. So what's a weight conscious person to do?

You want to get more active, but you want it to be fun too. What's so unreasonable about that? Nothing. What's more, there are plenty of ways to feel the burn that means you don't have to go within a mile of that nasty, mean old gym instructor.

And while you may not get an aerobic workout with most of these activities, you can see how they will add up to affect your overall activity levels and help you tone up - as you have a bit of fun too!

Activity Boost Level: Mild

Kiss Me

Pucker up with a loved one and your heart will start racing. Put a bit of oomph into it and you'll not only get flushed, you'll be working it that part harder too.

Laugh It Off

Laughing is thought to improve your immune system and skin condition. Rent a good comedy or get together with a friend who really gets you giggling to feel the immediate benefits.

Make Love

Boost your activity levels by making whoopee. And, if you feel in a frisky mood, a particularly vigorous session can give you a really good aerobic workout.

Scream for Your Team

The last time you screamed for your local sports team you'll have felt your blood pumping. If you watched last year's Stanley Cup Final, even better!

The Write Stuff

An hour spent furiously scribbling can really give you an energy boost, especially if you're concentrating hard.

Activity Boost Level: Moderate

Sing Hallelujah

Believe it or not, a rousing sing song can give you a decent workout ? just make sure you belt it out at full volume.

Have a Tinkle

If you're musically minded, playing the piano is good for toning those muscles ? choose something energetic like rag-time or a dramatic classical piece to really feel the benefits.

Do a Delia

Have a dinner party for six people or more. All that furious cooking chopping and grating will really give you a rush! Have a look at our recipe section for inspiration.

Get Under the Hood

If you're handy with a screwdriver, mending your car gives your day a bit of extra activity - especially if making heavy repairs.

Milk a Cow

Milking by hand can really get your heart pumping. Slight snag ? first find your cow.

Activity Boost Level: High

Do It Yourself

Both woodwork and plumbing will give you a decent activity boost ? now there's a handy way to lose weight and check things of your to do list too!

Child's Play

Young kids never seem to sit still. Take a leaf out of their book and go play; it's not just great for family bonding, you'll also feel the burn after a bit! Try a half hour game of energetic soccer or some backyard gymnastics.

Disco Diva

Put on your sparkly skirt and head for the dance floor ? a good half hour boogie will tone your whole body.

Move House

If the prospect of changing homes is getting you down, be cheered by the fact that shifting and carrying furniture is quite a strenuous workout. So get packing!

Using Water to Get Glowing Vibrant Skin

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

I?ve mentioned your skin?s need for water before, but it?s such an important topic that it deserves a section all its own.

We sometimes forget our skin -- until something goes wrong! Your skin is the largest organ of your body. The skin protects us from infections, guards us against harmful effects of the sun?s rays, and helps to regulate our body temperature.

But what most of us think about with the skin is how it looks. All of us have seen those with unhealthy skin or complexions. Their skin has a sallow look, pasty, or drawn. It?s not a pretty sight.

And, of course, what the skin needs is moisture. When the body is inadequately hydrated, there?s not enough moisture in the skin tissues, and that can contribute to the drawn and haggard look so many have.

The skin also needs hydration to clean the body of toxins. Your body is constantly in contact with things that are not good for us. Those things can come from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and things we come into contact with by touching. (And in some places in the world -- thankfully not usually in North America! -- even water itself can bring in those toxins).

The simplest way the body gets rid of toxins is through washing. Washing your hands is probably the very best thing you can do to prevent infections, whether your own or someone else?s. Bathing or showering (and shampooing) also get rid of toxic materials our bodies don?t need.

But the cleaning works internally, too. Water courses through your body, a never-ending stream flushing out harmful substances. And if there?s not enough of that water, your body itself can become polluted, something like a river in a time of drought, when there?s just not enough water to clean out all the junk.

Your body can operate like that, too. Because there?s not enough fluid to clean out the toxins, they accumulate in the body?s tissues. The whole body can start to act sluggish, but the place where we see it first is in our skin. And while we are quick to put on lotions and skin treatments, the primary and most important ?skin treatment? you can use comes in a glass -- and it?s available from the tap!

Again, the most important means of taking care of your skin is our regular, 20 glasses a day water plan. Keep drinking on a regular basis. You will find that it becomes a wonderful habit very quickly, and you come to miss it if you?re separated from a water source for very long.

Prevention is of first importance, but if you find you?ve been exposed to something toxic (such as secondhand smoke), first wipe your face with cool (not cold) tap water, and then drink a couple of glasses of water right away. You want to give your body a chance to get rid of the toxins right away, and there?s no better way than water.

You may also notice times when your skin looks drawn or haggard, even when you?re drinking enough (or at least think you are!) In most of these cases, what has happened is that you have become busy or pre-occupied, and haven?t been drinking enough. Whatever the reason, start pumping the water right away. You will even find that water will help you to look better if you?ve temporarily not had enough sleep. If you have to miss a few hour?s sleep (or even a whole night) really load up on the water. It will make you feel better and look better until you can catch up on sleep.

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

10 Common Symptoms Of Depression

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

Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1.An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2.Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3.Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4.Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5.A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7.Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8.Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9.Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10.Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor?s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888articles.com/depression-articles-888.html, the premier website to find help on Depression Articles including topics on meditation, obesity, beauty, diabetes, fitness equipment, exercise, yoga, weight loss, aerobics cardio and more. He also freelances for the premier Medical Press Release site http://www.1888PressRelease.com/medical-0-27.html

Real Beauty Fitness

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

Fitness and beauty can be one and the same. Being fit and healthy will automatically make you look better. A healthy inside creates a healthy outside.

Fitness through exercise can help you to maintain a healthy body weight and improve muscle tone.

Our looks reflect the sum total of who we are and how we live, and the best we can do in life is to make the best of what nature has given is, without excuse, apology, or pretense. If we try to live otherwise, we find ourselves acting on a stage with other actors and actresses--great pretenders without real friends, without real lovers, without real relationships.

While we realize that there is such a thing as natural beauty, which is beyond all standards of culture and history in some sense, there are also relative standards of beauty.

We all know about fads, styles, and adornments that are in one season and out the next. This includes cosmetics, hair styles, clothing, and even body weight and size.

These standards may vary from country to country, year to year, or even among different age groups in the same country and year.

For example, full figures are considered the ideal in some historical periods, but slender figures are valued now--at least in Western countries.

The point is that cultural standards change--and we may choose to follow or ignore them--because the cultivation of natural beauty is not dependent upon fads.

In order to get along harmoniously, whether at the level of dating, courtship, or marriage, men and women have to get past physical looks and into the more important qualities that make up human relationships, such as kindness, friendship, and areas of mutual interest.

There is such a thing as a beautiful personality. There can be beauty in the way a person thinks. An attitude or smile can be beautiful. Love is certainly beautiful, and all of life is beautiful when we are in love.

A person is truly beautiful when he or she is healthy. Any disease or illness affects all parts of the body, sometimes for many years before the symptoms are manifested. If the body and mind are not healthy, then a person cannot feel or be truly attractive.

Good health brings a glow to the skin, a ring to the voice, a twinkle to the eye, and a spring to the step that no beauty school can teach.

Learn more at Beauty Fitness.

Ruby Boyd is the owner of a Natural Health and Beauty website that offers information on how to achieve health and beauty fitness goals naturally.

You may contact me at: 3rdsista@bellsouth.net

It's All About Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Beauty Tips For A Healthy And Natural Look

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

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

Pamper Your Body

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

A Little Thought for your Eyes, Hands and Feet

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

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

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

Magic of Natural Make-Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haute Hair Tips

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

Do's 'N' Don'ts

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

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

Mind Matters

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

Laser Skin Enhancements

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

Ah, the joys of modern technology. Plastic surgery benefits from our advances in technology just like any other industry or medical field. This brings us to the subject of laser skin enhancements.

If you think you might be in need of a procedure to rejuvenate your face and restore your youthful appearance, you might be considering facial plastic surgery. However, for some individuals, surgical intervention is not the proper choice due to medical conditions or the particulars of your situation. In such cases, laser skin enhancements offers corrective solutions not previously available.

A laser skin enhancement is performed by plastic surgeons using advanced laser technology. The laser is strong enough to burn the first layer of dead tissue and a few living cells on the surface of the skin, but does not affect the other layers of skin tissue. The laser also reaches down to the underlying collagen. Instead of removing the collagen, the heat results in a reduction of the collagen. This reduction results in the tightening up of the collagen and skin giving the patient a less wrinkled look. In practical terms, laser skin enhancements give you a bit of a lift and peel at the same time.

A laser enhancement is not the best procedure for all facial concerns. It does not work well on areas such as deep creases in the neck and cheek, creases around the lips and the upper eyelids. For smaller, fine lines and light wrinkles, however, it can be a less invasive choice than surgery. There are many advantages to choosing the laser procedure. There is less recovery time, general anesthesia is generally not necessary, and there is very little blood loss. There are also normally no scars following the procedure.

There are some potential side effects to having laser enhancements as there are with any cosmetic surgery. The recovery takes about ten days during which you can have very sensitive skin with some weeping. During this period, you will see a progression of skin color from red to pink to normal. There can also be a permanent lightening of the area treated, which can be a problem for some dark skin individuals. It is also not recommended for people looking to remove large quantities of skin or who have severe facial damage due to sun or age. If you are such a patient, laser enhancements can help but will not be a total solution.

Laser skin enhancements are a popular alternative to traditional facial surgeries. Make sure to speak with your doctor to find out your options and whether this surgery is appropriate for you.

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

Preparing The Canvas

2009-02-25T00:45:00.001+07:00

I continually remind my clients of the importance of applying makeup to a clean, fresh face. Cleansing twice a day with a gentle, non-drying cleanser is best. Avoid using soap on your face. Soap has a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils and leave the skin much too dry. Over drying the skin can lead to many undesirable consequences, like flaking skin, a burning sensation, pre-mature fine lines and wrinkles and even acne in some cases.

The next step is moisturization. However, many women, especially those with oily skin, have a tendency to skip the moisture step. Oil and moisture (hydration) are not the same. Moisture seals the skin and protects it from the environment. It keeps the skin from flaking and chaffing as well as giving the skin a smooth appearance and soft texture necessary for laying your makeup well. It is also a good idea to use a product with an SPF of at least 15 every day of the year.

The next step is eye cream. Although this step is optional, I highly recommend it. The skin around the eyes is delicate. There are very few oil glands there which increases dryness, leaving your concealer or foundation cake-like and crackling. Eye cream deposits moisture to this otherwise barren area, helping to reduce the signs of aging as well as provide a smooth canvas for your makeup.

Occasionally, throughout the year, we may find that our skin needs extra hydration. It is perfectly okay and highly recommended to supplement your every day moisturizer with an extra hydrating cream or lotion. Keeping your skin properly hydrated year round will help you look and feel healthy, radiant and just plain gorgeous.

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

5 Insider Beauty Secrets Other Women Don't Want You To Know! (Part 2)

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

By far one of the most important of our beauty assets is our smile. Who can resist an enigmatic sparkling white smile?

You also can't hide yellow teeth like you can most other physical defects. So you should always be sure your smile is at it's best.

Perfectly straight teeth aren't always necessary either, so if you could never afford braces or retainers don't worry too much.

Some of the most beautiful women I know (and even myself), have never worn braces in their life. And have small imperfections in the straightness of their teeth.

Even some famous actresses have teeth that have obviously never worn braces (think Amber Tamblyn, Kirsten Dunst, Kristin Kreuk).

And yet they still manage to be amazingly beautiful because their teeth are well cared for, and shine like pearls.

So how can you make your smile enviable without spending a fortune at a dentists or on teeth whitening products?

Beauty Secret 4

Whiten and brighten your smile.

For this little beauty secret you use two household items that are rock bottom cheap to buy; Baking Soda, and Peroxide.

Yep, thats how simple it is.

You take the baking soda and peroxide and you make a thick paste out of them. You shouldn't need more than a tablespoon of the paste.

Apply the paste to teeth, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes every morning and night.

The most effective way to do this, and brighten your smile, is by brushing your teeth with the paste.

Baking soda and peroxide will not only whiten your teeth but clean them too, if you use them in place of toothpaste.

Then just sit back and watch the results!

Your smile will become visibly whiter, and to boot you'll save a bundle on toothpaste, and teeth whiteners.

-----------------------------------------

Don't you always hate it when summer rolls around, and your body is hardly swimsuit or shorts ready?

Or even the rest of the year when it seems impossible to disguise those figure flaws!

Beauty Secret 5

Hide figure flaws and defects.

If you are bigger in the butt and upper thighs than in the hips and waist:

Wear tighter tops to show off your trim upper body, and skirts that taper towards the hemline to disguise your pear shape.

Buy jeans that are a snug fit and are low rise (the low rise will emphasize your small waist and the tightness has a surprisingly slimming effect on legs and butt).

Dresses that end just a little above the knee work nicely for pear figures as they hide bulky upper legs.

The best swimsuits for pear figures tend to be bikini's that have low cut bottoms with a flounce skirt. This draws eyes away from the legs, and minimizes them at the same time.

If you are bigger in the waist and bust, and your butt and thighs are more slender:

Wear shirts that tend to fall from the peak of your breasts downward, to hide a bulky stomach.

Or wear a snug t-shirt with a button up shirt or sweater over it, leaving the buttons unfastened on the shirt or sweater.

Wear shorts and skirts that are short to emphasize your good feature (your legs).

The best swimsuit for women who are big on top and little on bottom is a full piece that is high cut in the hips.

This hides the stomach, and shows of slender legs and buttocks.

If you are an extremely skinny woman all over:

Wear skirts that flounce out and shirts that ruffle to give you a more rounded appearance.

Wear semi loose dresses that are tight only in the right spots.

For instance emphasize a small waist with a dress that is cinched in the middle but flounces out from the hips to give a curvy appearance.

Wear tight jeans, or loose slacks with a pull over sweater, these will both work well for your figure type.

The best swimsuits for skinny women are of course bikinis. Full pieces give slender women a little girl appearance, and are not very attractive.

The bikini's are best if they're high cut in the hips and butt. This flatters a thin woman best by showing off her waist and legs.

Low cut bikini's will also work well with a skinny woman though, if you want to emphasize slender hips.

If you're a large woman all over:

You should go for just slightly loose fitting clothes. Too loose and you'll only make yourself appear bigger.

Wear panty hose to make your legs look slim. Avoid overly tight clothes at all costs, this will make your skin roll, and you'll look larger than ever.

Choose mainly capris and knee length skirts or dresses for summer.

Avoid shorts, mini skirts, or short dresses until you slim down.

The best swimsuit for a full figure is (you guessed it) a full piece, cut low in the hips, and with a skirted bottom.

If you're a curvy woman (also known as an hour glass figure):

You can wear almost anything you choose to and look good; loose slacks, tight jeans, loose shirts, tight shirts, loose skirts, tight skirts, dresses, bikini's, full pieces, etc...

So be proud of your figure and choose your clothes with some taste to best show off your unique shape.

Now that you'e armed with these beauty secrets, go out and put them to use. You'll definitely start to turn heads, and command a respect in people wherever you go.

Because, remember it's not the shape of your body, or face, or the size of your nose or lips or eyes, that denotes beauty.

It's the proud way you carry yourself, and the neatness, and good taste with which you pick your clothes and accessories.

Be sure to read Part 1 of this informative article. In Part 1 I'll teach you the beauty secrets for clearing acne, making your lips soft and kissable, and a few fashion tips every woman should know. Click Here For Part 1 Of Beauty Secrets

Read This Article if You Just Want to Be Buff

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

Many men want to have more muscular bulk to attract a mate, which makes a lot of sense as the significant other wishes to have a mate who is fit. There appears to be much to the idea of the natural selection in the human species. Although many will not admit it, this appears to be part of the evolutionary process of homo sapiens. Still being lean and trim has many other advantages, such as more energy and strength. Not to mention the positive self-confidence which comes with it.

What seems to be very unfortunate about all this is that kids in high school often start taking steroids in order to build their muscles up to look good, without considering the long term effects. Sports encourage athletes to cheat because winning becomes more important than competing. Although the victory may not be as sweet to them knowing that they cheated, they still get all the trappings of the winnings, such as the prize, girls and status.

Unfortunately we are a society which favors beauty over substance and that is not taking anything away from the beautiful people out there, as many of them do have substance, but we should be honoring both together and paying less never mind to those who only care about looking good over inner character. Anyway those are my thoughts however I am more interested in yours today. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

How To Get Skin Smoothening & Scar Correction

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

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

This technique is helpful to those suferring from:

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

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

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

http://www.icls.in

Home Remedy For Dry Hair

2009-02-19T10:30:00.001+07:00

Dry hair tends to be thin and rough. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends. We suggest a few remedies you can try at home for managing dry hair.

The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair. That is why the emphasis is on the conditioning aspect of hair care. Strong cleansing routines and dry toning exercises and massaging of the scalp promote dryness and flakiness of the scalp.

The use of strong-action shampoo is prohibited for dry hair. Often a generous oil application and massage is recommended before washing the hair. Frequent shampooing is harmful for dry hair.

For the moisture-dry hair, a moisturizer application is required.

Home remedy for dry hair: The Gentle Cleanser

1. Beat an egg in a cup of skimmed milk. When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.

2. Take a cup of coconut milk and add two tablespoons of gram flour or one teaspoon of shikakai. Apply on your scalp and hair and massage gently. Rinse it out after five minutes. Follow this recipe at least once a week.

Another dry hair home remedy: The Protein Conditioner Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerin, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of protein, plus a tablespoon of mild herbal shampoo. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

A Special Massage Oil/Toner

Get a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.

Other tips on home based treatment of dry hair

1. First assess whether your scalp and hair are moisture dry or oil-dry.
2. Condition your hair as often as you wash it.
3. Never comb, brush or massage vigorously if the hair is extremely dry.

Before any kind of routine care is followed, be familiar with the needs of your scalp and hair.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and for loss of hair as well as taking care of your dry hair.

The Benefit of Natural Skin Care

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

Natural skin care is basically skin care product which encompasses natural ingredients. They do not contain any chemical compound thus reducing the possibility of developing irritation or allergic reaction when applied to your skins.

Our skin is one of the most sensitive organs in our body, thus, we should keep it healthy to prevent any skin disease or irritations. There are many skin treatments as well as skin products to help you in maintaining your skins? health.

However, when not carefully picked, the skin care products can cause you some side effects such as allergic, irritations, or even infections. These side effects are cause by the unusual reaction of your skin towards certain chemical materials on the products. Therefore it is recommended to use natural skin care solutions to lessen the risk of getting those side effects.

Natural Skin Treatment

How to treat and pamper your skin naturally? Actually it?s pretty easy. Some vegetables and fruits can do the trick. Your veggies and fruit can be cost effective and healthy.

For instance, you can use peach, carrot, apple, or strawberry for your facial skin care, toner and etc. You can find a lot of prescriptions for these natural skins care available in the internet.

Because of the increasing market demand for natural skin care products, companies have been responsive and produce a wide range of natural skin products, thus giving you plenty of choices to choose from.

Natural skin care products extend widely from facial skin care product to body care products. With the increasing awareness of skin care importance, natural body care products are increasingly popular in the market.

Natural body scrub, whitening essence, shampoo products, hair treatment, and soap are only some of the ever-increasing popular natural body care products. Ingredients are extensive from tropical fruit, shea butter to mineral water and many more.

With this wide range of skin care products, it is easier than ever for you to stay healthy and beautiful yet far from the risk of developing skin allergic or irritations. Isn?t nature wonderful?

Vitamins that May Affect Hair Growth

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

Several different vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause dry hair. To treat dry hair, try taking a multivitamin with 100 percent of the daily value of the essential vitamins. A multivitamin and mineral combination may provide some added coverage for possible deficiencies.

It's been shown that too little biotin and pantothenic acid (both B-complex vitamins) can lead to dry hair. Shampoos and hair treatment products commonly contain pantothenic acid (or pantothenol).

But evidence supporting the benefits of pantothenic acid for dry hair and hair loss is very weak. Also, some people with hair loss do show low blood levels of biotin. While the evidence isn't strong, it may be worth it to try taking supplements of biotin and pantothenic acid for bothersome hair conditions that are not helped by hair treatment products.

Iron and Zinc also affect hair growth. Iron is an important trace mineral that is found in every cell of the body, including hair, usually combined with protein. Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell, including our hair.

It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis.

Eat right and you will glow from head to toe.

About The Author

Nicole Elizabeth Smith, the author of Healthy Black Hair (2003), is a freelance health and beauty writer and a graduate of Michigan State University. She and her son Zack live in Michigan. Currently, she is beauty editor for www.myhairbook.com.

nicole@myhairbook.com

Surgical Solutions If the Appearance of Your Ears Bothers You

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

For many people, the appearance of the ears can be something that generates a lot of self-conscious activity. There are surgical solutions that can let you pursue any haircut you want.

Surgical Solutions If the Appearance of Your Ears Bothers You

Big ears. Pointy ears. Ears sticking out to far. Large earlobes. There are a number of complaints people have about their ears of which these are only a few. At first glance, ear enhancements may seem like a very small percentage of all plastic surgical procedures undertaken. This assumption is entirely incorrect.

The appearance of ones ears can be a major issue for each of us. Our ears are located on the focal point, the head, of our body. They are as much a part of the physical impression we give people as our nose. If you catch people glancing at your ears when they speak to you, you know this is the case. Fortunately, surgical solutions exist and are a very popular procedure in the plastic surgery field.

Medically known as Otoplasty, plastic surgeons perform frequent surgeries to enhance the appearance of patient?s ears. Unlike most plastic surgical procedures, the enhancement is not pre-defined. It depends entirely on the condition of the ears and how the patient is bothered by the condition. The most common complaints are the ears are too large or stick out from the side of the head too much. Otoplasty is a method for dealing with both.

Ear surgery is most often done at a younger age. Given the effect on psychological development and the inherent teasing abilities of other children, this is hardly surprising. This psychological impact is so established that otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that health insurance may cover. Obviously, you should check with your insurance carrier to see if this is the case in your situation.

Depending on the situation, ear surgery can take a couple of hours or longer. The exact procedure can?t be described because it depends on the specific condition each patient has. That being said, general anesthesia is often used, but the procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with no hospitalization required. Recover time is usually a week or so and the changes are permanent.

If your ears are a constant source of aggravation, you need not continue to suffer. Ear enhancement is a fairly common procedure and one that can make a major difference to children and adults.

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

Facial Modifications with Collagen

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

Facelifts are on the expensive side, a bit painful and can take months to fully heal. Collagen offers a cheaper alternative that heals quickly and can make a noticeable difference.

Facial Modifications with Collagen

There are many different procedures that plastic surgeons can use to restore and rejuvenate the human face. Facelifts, Botox, brow lifts and many other procedures can all be used to create a more youthful and smooth appearance. Of this group, collagen is undisputedly one of the more popular options for enhancing facial areas.

Collagen is a natural substance produced in the human body that helps to form connective tissue. It also provides hydration and strength for the skin. Collagen is made in less quantity as we age. This reduction results in skin losing its elasticity, softness and tightness. Typical effects include sagging skin, wrinkles on flat plains of the face, as well as deep creases on the forehead and the neck. Both collagen and fat harvested from your own body can be used to plump up these areas that are sagging and creased. Collagen can also be used to plump up thin lips, a personal favorite of many celebrities as you no doubt have noticed!

Collagen is made using collagen harvested from animals, so there is a slight chance that your body may react to it. Also, collagen enhancements are not permanent. You will need to have repeat injections later on to maintain the look that you want. Besides collagen, other materials such as Alloderm and Goretex can be used to create the desired look without any cutting or major surgery. Recovery time is slight and the procedure is much less expensive than traditional surgery. No general anesthesia or operating room is involved. In fact, you can be in and out of most procedures in under an hour.

Side effects from collagen enhancements are rare, but there is always a chance they can occur. Side effects include bruising, swelling and allergic reactions. Some people also have allergic reactions to the local anesthetic used to numb the site. As the materials used are foreign to your body, you should discuss any medications you are taking and things you are allergic to with your plastic surgeon. To avoid reactions, of course, you can always choose to have the material drawn from your own body. Hips and buttocks are the most typical harvesting areas.

With collagen, there is a temptation to shop by price. Don?t! We are talking about modifications to your face. It is strongly suggested that you use a board certified plastic surgeon that can show you before and after pictures of his or her previous patients. This will allow you to understand the possible results and get the best care.

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

Hair Extensions

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

Hair extensions started being used in the 1980s, but because of poor results and high expense, were abandoned until about 5 years ago. Their popularity has been boosted by all the celebrities who now use them.

What are hair extensions? Hair extensions are hairpieces that can be attached to your natural hair or scalp; they enhance the thickness of your hair or the length. There are several kinds, but the most popular ones are
?Strands, small clusters of about 30 pieces of hair
?Wefts, slightly larger curtains of hair, joined at the top and free flowing at the ends. The best wefts are hand-made, not machine-made.
?Braids and dreadlocks, which are pre-wound.

Some are synthetic and some are made of human hair. The natural hair of Caucasians is different from that of Asians or Afro-Caribbeans and you should choose an extension that will match your own hair.

They come in many varieties and can be pre-colored, pre-highlighted or pre-permed with curls or a body wave. Depending on how it was attached, you may need to have your hair extension re-done after 6 or 8 weeks, or it might last up to 4 months. Re-attaching will always be periodically necessary because our natural hair continues to grow, the bonding agent becomes loose, life happens, and you?ll need to re-adjust and refresh your hair?s appearance.

How are hair extensions attached?
?Strands are woven, glued, or clipped to your natural hair. If they?re clipped, you can take them off easily any time. If they?re glued, various bonding agents may be used and care must be taken to protect your scalp and natural hair.
?For wefts, your stylist will make a small corn row or weave in your natural hair, and sew the weft to this weave. This method uses no chemicals.
?Braids are usually woven in with your own hair and again no chemicals are used.

What kind of hair extension would best suit me? That?s a very personal matter and should be decided between you and your stylist. There are extensions for every kind of hair, even thin and baby-fine hair. Your stylist will assess your hair type, discuss how you would like to look and whether it?s possible given your particular circumstances and hair status, and explain alternatives. When an extension is decided upon, she will personally customize it to match your hair, will attach it, explain how she?s doing it, and give you information on how to care for it.

How do I care for my hair extension?
?Hair extensions can be shampooed, styled and brushed the same as your natural hair, but don?t try to alter their color. This should be professionally done.
?The most important thing is to be gentle with it so as to preserve the bond attaching it.
?Use a soft bristle brush and brush out tangles from the bottom ends up towards your head.
?At night, to avoid matting, tie it up or braid it if it?s fairly long, and never sleep with wet or damp hair.
?Avoid using any silicone-based products or conditioners on the extension where it is bonded to your natural hair, as this will make the extension slip off.

Does it hurt to get a hair extension? No, not when it?s properly done. In the first day or two it will feel a little heavy perhaps, and this added weight on your head may feel slightly uncomfortable until you get used to it. The process of attaching it should not hurt at all. If it does, something isn?t right. Sometimes if the cornrow method is being used, the weaving might be done too tightly, pulling too hard on your scalp. This can even cause headaches. But you should not accept this. The weaving doesn?t have to be so tight that it?s painful.

You may come across stories of how a person?s hair was broken, burned, or otherwise damaged by their hair extension. The odds are that this person had it done by an untrained stylist, or one with little experience.

Do your homework

Since the demand for hair extensions is growing, more varieties will become available and research will give us more methods of creating and using them. The hair styling industry is not regulated, so do some checking and reading. Many websites recount personal experiences and have Frequently Asked Question pages.

Choose a stylist with training specifically in hair extensions, and with plenty of experience using them. Ask to speak to other clients who have purchased hair extensions, to hear what their experiences were like.

Please click here for more information regarding hair extensions and other salon treatments in the Sacramento, California area

Holiday Beauty: Make Up and Cosmetics Tips

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

The holiday season are just around here, so now is the time to assess your beauty and skin-care need. To make sure that your looking and feeling are very best inspiring of your appearance for Christmas activities, events, family get togethers, and New Year's Eve parties.

Make this holiday season for a personal checklist of things you can do, such as getting your hair restyled and makeup updated, so that you will not look like a creature from another era.

Here you will find the beauty, make up and cosmetics tips for your look and feel gorgeous during the holidays and throughout the winter season.

CLEANSING the skin properly, especially the face, is fundamental to good skin care. Oil-based makeup, which is preferred by those with drier complexions, should be removed with oil-based cleansing creams. Never go to bed without removing your makeup and thoroughly cleansing your face.

BEFORE makeup is applied, moisturizer should be applied to the face and neck after thorough cleansing. Moisturizers will keep you looking younger with smoother skin. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you wash or shower, when the skin is damp and the moisturizer can seal in the moisture.

FOUNDATION is very important to one's overall beauty. Foundation is used to enhance the color of the complexion. Choose a foundation to match your skin tone. Using the right foundation makes your skin look flawless and smooth. Choose the shade closest to your skin tone by testing it on your jaw line. When applying the foundation, be sure to blend it into the hairline and neckline to achieve a consistent tone. Set the foundation by brushing it with loose powder that matches the foundation and the color of your skin.

LIPS especially take a beating during bad weather. A good lipstick will moisturize the lips and shield them from the sun without interfering with the final sheen or finish of the lipstick. Keep your kissers moisturized with vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly or a lip balm or gloss.

NAILS that are beautiful certainly will enhance your overall festive appearance. Our nails are designed to protect the fleshy fingertip and help us manipulate small object. Remove dirt lodged underneath nails. Nails are polished with a buffer. This improves blood circulation and gives nails a shine. Two coats of nail polish and a topcoat later.

MEN should make sure that they always look well-groomed, especially during the holidays. A man should be stylish and elegant in his dressing. If you wear a beard, it should be neatly trimmed. Mustaches should also be trimmed. Trim nails and scrub hands if necessary. Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.

The above steps will certainly is one way you can make your holidays happy and bright.

Crista Rose
RESEARCHER AND WRITER ON BEAUTY, HEALTH, AND SEXUALTY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CristaStyle/

The Benefits of Discount Salon Equipment

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

Many suppliers of salon equipment offer products that are labeled as ?discount? for various reasons. Some discounted salon equipment may be a good bargain, but the buyer must always be an educated consumer when purchasing such discounted items.

Discount salon equipment may pertain to both new and used equipment. There are many suppliers that tout the word ?discount? to entice consumers to purchase their products. In an effort to convince the customer that they offer better prices than their competitors, they loosely advertise that they offer ?discount? prices. There are numerous, reputable suppliers that do offer great buys and low prices on quality equipment; however it is extremely important to be a wise consumer and conduct basic product research prior to purchasing discount salon equipment.

Suppliers of discount salon equipment typically offer many different styles and brands of equipment. Large suppliers are often able to offer deep discounts to the customer due to their ability to make bulk purchases directly from the factory. This can equate to great cost savings for the consumer. Unlike smaller suppliers, businesses specializing in discount salon equipment typically do not offer customization of equipment. They offer what is currently in stock and quickly ship to the customer in an effort to bring in new equipment. Many discount suppliers have elaborate e-commerce sites and online catalogs that allow potential customers to easily research available products and prices.

Suppliers of discount salon equipment frequently offer financing or leasing options to qualified customers. Even at discount prices, some salon equipment can be very expensive. The option of financing or leasing equipment often makes good business sense to a salon owner. The ability to break a large payment into smaller monthly payments or take advantage of lower monthly ?lease? payments may appeal to a new salon owner or simply entice a thrifty customer to make a purchase.

In purchasing discount salon equipment it is important to know that the supplier is reputable. Ask questions about their return and exchange policies. If the policy is not easily understood or does not exist, make a purchase elsewhere. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource when attempting to ensure that a supplier is reputable. Networking and asking other salon owners where they purchase their equipment may also lead to capturing a great deal.

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.

Plastic Surgey: The New Beauty Norm?

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

This is a good topic to discuss especially now since the popularity of all the make-over shows. I have always been curious as to why people, mostly women, have this idea that they are expected to look a certain way in order to fit in with society.

We all would like to believe that quaint saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but how true and meaningful is that phrase when the beholder has been brainwashed, so to speak, into subscribing to the belief that beauty is the artificial look we see on glamour mags, in TV commercials, and even in some children's books? For some time now, that image has consisted mainly of white women and the white standard of beauty.

I decided to take this question of plastic surgery and the search for beauty and see how it can affect some women in the African-American community. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, African-Americans make up only 6% of plastic surgery patients. Why is this? Do African-American women have a more positive self/body image or is it that many cannot afford it? And for the 6% who do have surgery, to which standard of beauty were they trying to aspire?

I chose to start my search for the white standard of beauty in 1960. I chose that year because at the time, a TV show was airing that sought to teach moral and societal lessons through fantastical tales. Two episodes of this show were very telling and prophetic, and they both dealt with how society viewed beauty and the expectations placed on women to be beautiful. That show was, The Twilight Zone.

Beauty in 1960... Rod Serling offered us a tale of beauties and beasts in episode #42 entitled: Eye of the Beholder. Here's a brief synopsis of the show I found at The Twilight Zone Guide: Janet Tyler anxiously awaits the outcome of her latest surgery. Janet, who's abnormal face has made her an outcast, has had her eleventh hospital visit - the maximum allowed by the State. If it didn't succeed, she will be sent to live in a village where others of her kind are segregated. As her bandages are removed, she is revealed to be very beautiful. The doctor draws back in horror. As the lights come on we see the others, their faces are misshapen and deformed. As Janet runs from her room crying, she runs into another of her kind, a handsome man named Walter Smith. He is in charge of an outcast village, and he assures her that she will eventually feel she belongs. He tells her to remember the old saying: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Although the show was filmed in black and white, we can clearly see that Ms. Tyler is Caucasian. The doctors appear to have darker skin, nevertheless, the idea here was that the viewers empathized with Ms. Tyler because she was the classic blonde, slender beauty commonly seen in 1960's fashion magazines. As the show closes, the narrator speaks: Now the questions that come to mind. Where is this place and when is it, what kind of world where ugliness is the norm and beauty the deviation from that norm? The answer is, it doesn't make any difference. Because the old saying happens to be true. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in this year or a hundred years hence, on this planet or wherever there is human life, perhaps out among the stars. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lesson to be learned...in the Twilight Zone.

1964: The Standard Continues Episode #137, in Season Five, is called, Number Twelve Looks Just Like You, and was adapted by a short story called The Beautiful People. In this episode, we meet Marilyn, a young woman who is about to go through a rite of passage in her community. This rite is called The Transformation and it requires citizens to choose among several models of bodies into which they will be transformed. The message here is that this society only sees one standard of beauty and that one will not be happy unless they look and act just like everyone else. Opening Narration: Given the chance, what young girl wouldn't happily exchange a plain face for a lovely one? What girl could refuse the opportunity to be beautiful? For want of a better estimate, let's call it the year 2000. At any rate, imagine a time in the future when science has developed a means of giving everyone the face and body he dreams of. It may not happen tomorrow--but it happens now, in the Twilight Zone.

Once again, the beautiful people are all white and we don't see any women or men of color. What was this episode trying to tell black women about beauty? The closing narration: Portrait of a young lady in love--with herself. Improbable? Perhaps. But in an age of plastic surgery, body building, and an infinity of cosmetics, let us hesitate to say impossible. These and other strange blessings may be waiting in the future--which after all, is the Twilight Zone.

Beauty 40 Years Later

Some aspects of beauty standards have changed, but not much. We do see more black models and beautiful black women, but when you look at the majority of the more famous ones, (Tyra, Halle, Janet, Vanessa Williams, Beyonce, a few of whom have had plastic surgery, on their noses and other body parts), you can see straight away that they have many Caucasian attributes: small, pinched noses, lighter complexion, lighter eyes, straight, lightly colored hair. It is rare that you will see a model with very dark skin, a tight afro, wide, round, larger nose, and full, large lips. Flip through any issue of Vogue or Glamour and look for that image I just described. Then look for the first image I described.

So, are black women trying to aspire to the white standard of beauty when they seek plastic surgery?

According to Cynthia Winston, assistant professor of psychology at Howard University in Washington, D.C., We really don't know much about how blacks are influenced. Most of the research focuses on perceptions related to skin color. Foe most African-Americans, perception can be shaped by their environment. For example, an African-American woman growing up in an all-white neighborhood in Nebraska may be more likely than an African-American woman raised in inner-city Detroit to compare herself with white images of beauty.

(Source: African-American Women & Plastic Surgery: Self-Improvement or Self-Hatred? By Angela D. Johnson, Sept. 2, 2003)

Now What?

I suppose, it all comes down to how one feels inside about themselves. But there is this viscous cycle of doubt that women constantly face so it's often hard to reconcile your inner voices with the outside images thrown at you everyday. Many women buy into the trends and fashions that dictate beauty. TV shows and print ads abound with images of sexy women. Fitness clubs persuade women to join not so they will lower their risk of heart disease, but so they will aspire to be beautiful on the outside. No one tries to sell things that will help them on the inside.

In the end, you can look at all of this and say that there will always be standards of beauty and those who aspire to live up those standards, and those wanting to make a profit off those standards (cosmetic companies, ad agencies, modeling agencies, fashion designers, plastic surgeons, psychotherapists). The media portrays what people want to see and apparently, it's sex and beauty.

Ms. Martin currently resides in sunny Southern California with her son. When she's not writing, she works part-time as a preschool teacher where she hopes to help all children develop positive self and body images.

Beauty from the Inside for Sensitive Skin

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

If you have sensitive skin you may find that many of the treatments you try are too harsh for your skin. While other women are buying skin care products with vitamin C or anti-oxidants, you are using the mild brand with no anti-aging benefits.

So, what can you do about it? How can you, with your sensitive skin get the same anti-aging effects that other women are getting?

While others are applying expensive anti-aging products on their skin, you can eat them. Now, of course, I don?t mean for you to eat your expensive night cream or any other store-bought skin products, but you can eat the effective ingredients in them. Since your skin is your largest organ, the benefits of eating the ingredients will be similar to applying them directly to your skin.

Here are some ingredients you can start with.

Green tea: There are plenty of skin care product now that contain green tea. You?ll hear about green tea everywhere and it?s now in many brands of skin care. However, if you have sensitive skin and can?t use those products, then you can drink green tea and have the same effects on your skin. Plus, the bonus is that you?ll be benefitting every other part of your body as well. Some of the other benefits of green tea are weight loss, lower cholesterol, and possibly a lower risk of cancer.

Cucumbers: An increase in fruits and vegetables in your diet can have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your skin. Increase your vegetable intake and your skin will thank you.

Vitamin C: Take a supplement or increase your intake of oranges and other fruits. The anti-oxidants in them are wonderful for your skin.

Remember, your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it by feeding it well, whether you?re putting products on it, or feeding your body with nutritious foods. And, for those of us with sensitive skin, we?ll be saving a fortune, avoiding those expensive jars of cream and heading straight for the grocery store produce aisles.

Tina Titas is a columnist for several health-related publications. She recommends http://www.EasyNaturalRemedies.com/skincare.html and http://www.MyBeautyRecipes.com for natural skin care that you can make with ingredients in your kitchen cupboards.

Recipes For Beauty Products

2009-02-10T23:46:00.001+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

Hair Care Home Remedies

2009-02-10T23:43:00.001+07:00

Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.

Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair. You don't want to overdo it - too much will make your hair look greasy. Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Rinse your hair with one tablespoon baking soda mixed with one cup of water to get rid of shampoo build-up and styling residues.

Rinsing your hair with one juiced lemon and one cup of water is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair.

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with two cups of water will give your hair shine and bounce.

Add essential oil of ylang ylang to your shampoo, conditioner and styling agents as a hair rejuvenator.

Ylang ylang and rosemary essential oils are also believed to stimulate hair growth.

Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables and getting plenty of rest is probably the best way to achieving healthy hair.

What goes into your body is reflective on the outside including your hair.

Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK Shower Caps: http://www.EKLBC.com

Soft Contact Lenses Are They Safe?

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

I have a very bad eyesight and I don't look good in glasses. I want to switch to contact lenses, but there is a lot of talk about contact lenses causing eye infection. Are soft contact lenses safe?

This is a very common question. Many people would like to switch to contact lenses, but they are afraid that this can cause diseases such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) Lets look at the dangers wearing contact lenses might present and how you can avoid them.

There are two main lens types - RGP (rigid gas permeable lenses) and soft contact lenses. Here we will talk about soft contact lenses, since they are the most popular type.

Contact lenses features that can put you at risk of keratitis

The quality of your contact lenses, how much oxygen they let through to your eyes and how high is the percentage of water in the lens should all be considered. It is important to select lenses made from high quality polymer with a high (more than 50%) water content. Also the lenses should breathe - in other words, they should let enough oxygen through. A good choice would be Acuvue Advance lenses or any of the Focus contacts. Also see more suggestions on healthy contact lenses.

Another consideration is how the thickness of the lens. The more corrective power your eyes require, the thicker the lens is. A thick lens presents a higher risk of infection. If your eyesight is very bad, RGP lenses might be a better choice for you, instead of soft contact lenses.

Third, having your lens properly fitted is especially important. The lens shouldn't be too tight across the surface of your eye. There should be space for tears between the lens and your eye. Only an experienced eye doctor can fit your lenses properly. You should never buy contact lenses without a prescription, on the assumption that they will fit you. Most likely they won't, and you can do irreparable damage to your eyes.

Another problem is exposure to pollution, smoke, dust or pollen. Lenses tend to collect even the smallest particles from the air. This causes discomfort and, quite often, inflammation of the cornea. If you feel that there is something stuck between your eye and the lens, take your lens off immediately and wash both the lens and your eye. See additional eye health suggestions.

Sleeping in your contact lenses isn't recommended. Contact lens manufacturers realize that people would very much like to have a lens that they can wear continuously for several days. They put a lot of research into producing such lenses: for example, Focus Night and Day is said to be safe for 30 days of continuous wear, and Acuvue is designed to be worn for a week.

However, from your health point of view it is better to be safe than sorry; don't sleep in your lenses. Of course, if you live in the mountains where the air is crystal clear, wearing your lenses for several days might be all right. But most of us live in polluted cities and travel a couple hours a day through peak hour traffic. Just imagine all that dust collecting between the delicate surface of your eye and a lens for a week, or a month ? It's not a pleasant thought, is it?

Early symptoms of keratitis are blurry vision (while wearing lenses) and discomfort when exposed to light. If you notice these signs, don't wear your lenses and see a doctor.

After reading this article you probably think that soft contact lenses are dangerous and you are better off with your old glasses. Please don't. Modern brand-name contact lenses are designed to minimize the risks and, if they are properly fitted, worn according to the schedule and properly cared for, they are quite safe. The most important thing is to follow the advice given above and see your eye doctor immediately, if you start to feel discomfort.

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

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever! And that can be You!

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

It is said that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. That probably explains why possessing beauty and being beautiful is one of the foremost preoccupations of human beings. Over the years, consumerism has transformed such preoccupations into frank obsession. Inner beauty is no longer in ? skin-deep beauty certainly is! But what is wrong with that? Cosmetology and the beauty industry have come of age, aided steadily by advances in cosmetic surgery. Daily workouts, gym sessions, visits to beauty parlors and keeping in sync with beauty and fashion tips has certainly become trendy.

Enhancing your beauty.

Beauty is in the eye of its beholder. Perfect beauty is but an illusion, but if you can feel good about yourself by enhancing your looks, you may find more joy in your life. And it is not too difficult to achieve. The media is full of beauty tips and beauty products. Beauty supplies are always at hand ? be it at the Shopping Mall or on the Net.

However, it is beautiful to be simple and yet simple to be beautiful. One can surely start from ones home itself.

Maintain a regulated lifestyle.

Six to eight hours of sleep with fixed times for fixed quantity meals, avoidance of junk food and high calorie stuff, lots of fluid intake, high priority for vitamin-rich fruits and a rigid regime of self-discipline, would certainly make a good start in ones quest for beauty.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

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

mjy610@hotmail.com

Cleanse and Stimulate Your Scalp with the Right Shampoo!

2009-02-10T23:32:00.000+07:00

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

Don?t take shampoos for granted.

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

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

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

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

mjy610@hotmail.com

Shampoo Killed my Beautiful Hair

2009-02-10T23:31:00.001+07:00

Hair is everybody's crowning glory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erica Alexia Registered Nurse

The Miracles Of Tea Tree Oil For Skin And Hair Care

2009-02-10T23:29:00.001+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 .

Bowel Remedy Saves Face!

2009-02-10T23:27:00.000+07:00

You'll be simply amazed at the merit a good facial mask has! Most people remember to cleanse and moisturize at bedtime as it is a habit, but they aren't as diligent when it comes to applying a facial mask. Incredibly relaxing, the facial mask is something that can be applied on a regular basis and you should consider giving it some serious thought. It is very soothing and super good for your skin! Masks come in a wide range of prices and some are as simple and low-cost as a plain tub of yogurt. Facial masks re-hydrate your skin and if you have oily skin, it will tighten up the pores soaking up the excess oil on your face. Facials should be applied once a week. The results can be amazing.

One of the best things about applying a facial mask is that it gives you 20 minutes of relaxation and most people nowadays just don?t get enough of that. Clay masks do a wonderful job in cleaning out the pores around your nose that contribute to blackheads. The larger your pores are the more room there is to trap the oil.

If you're looking for a facial mask for oily skin, you must try Milk of Magnesia. This excellent product is just as the effective as the masks you find on shelves, and sometimes even better! Magnesium, which is found in the Milk of Magnesia, is a great disinfectant and absorbs facial oil. Any parts of exposed skin are candidates for masks. A lot of skin is exposed when you wear a swimsuit and this skin can benefit as well. If you have trouble with your back breaking out, a mask can be applied by giving the sponge to your significant other if he or she is handy, and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then step into the shower to rinse it off. It's that simple!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.laser-hair-removal-discount.com/facial-hair-removal.html -for information on facial hair removal, laser hair removal, and permanent hair removal and other skin and hair related articles.

The Secrets of Celebrity Makeup Artists

2009-02-10T23:26:00.001+07:00

Who hasn?t looked at the perfect beauty of a model on the cover of a magazine or seen the flawless beauty of movie star on the red carpet and wished that they too could possess such ultimate beauty? Now with these surprisingly simple secret techniques used by Hollywood?s top makeup artist on some of the world?s most famous celebrity faces you can discover your own star quality and possess flawless beauty as well.

Model High Cheekbones ? To create model high cheekbones after applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter in a diagonal line on the top of your cheekbones starting at the center of your pupil and ending at the end of your cheekbone, blend thoroughly. Next apply a very thin line of contour shadow or cream in a diagonal line directly underneath your cheekbones starting at the center of your pupil and ending at the end of your cheekbone, blend thoroughly.

Ready For Your Close Up Flawless Complexion ? To create a flawless perfect complexion that can stand up to the closest close up, mix color correctors with your concealer apply after moisturizer and before foundation. Color correctors counteract specific flaws in facial complexions, hides imperfections, evens out skin tones, and covers blemishes. Mint Green Correctors neutralizes redness. Lavender Correctors covers sallowness. Orange Correctors covers blue tones such as veins, dark circles, and bruises.

Cover Girl Perfect Brows - To create cover girl perfect brows 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.

Dramatic Movie-Star Eyes ? To create dramatic movie-star eyes apply a matte nude eye shadow over the entire eyelid. Next apply dark brown eyeliner to highlight your upper and lower eyelids from the inner corner to the outer corner. Finally apply another layer of eye shadow two shades darker to the crease of your eye and blend it upwards to your eyebrow.

Sexy Starlet Lips ? To create sexy starlet lips trace the outer edge of your mouth with a lip pencil that matches your lips. Next, apply a slightly lighter lip color over your lips, and then blot. Finally, purse your lips and dab a little white eye shadow right in the center of them

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

The Ultimate Beauty Tip: Good Posture

2009-02-10T23:24:00.000+07:00

When you think of projecting a professional image, do you consider your posture? Most people don?t think of it, but the way we stand, sit, and move affects just how professional we look. So, if we take the time to wear the clothing that best suits us, get the most flattering hairstyle and perfect our makeup, then it would make sense that we wouldn?t want to ruin our look by having poor posture. And that?s what poor posture will do ? it will ruin an otherwise professional look.

There are other advantages to having good posture:

1.Good posture will boost self-confidence. Try this: take a deep breath and stand straight. Do you feel better? More confident?

2.Good posture opens your diaphragm making your voice sound better.

3.It improves your health by allowing your organs to function more easily.

4.It also makes you look slimmer, younger and your clothes look better.

To know if you have good posture stand sideways in front of a full-length mirror and stand as you do naturally. Is your:

*Neck straight

*Shoulders square

*Tummy in

*Feet pointing forward

Or do you have:

* Slopped shoulders

* Drooping bust

* Chest caved in

To achieve good posture you must make it a habit by keeping your shoulders back, abdomen pulled in, your head lifted and chin parallel to the ground. This won?t be easy if you are not used to it because you will have to build the muscles that keep your body in the correct position. It will take patience and practice. When you make a decision to work on your posture don?t expect it to happen overnight but rest assured it will improve and you will see and feel the difference.

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

Beauty and Youthfulness

2009-02-10T22:30:00.001+07:00

In all ages, the endeavor of man has been to remain beautiful and youthful. For this he spends all his income in housing, food and dress. However as he gains age, nothing helps him in his endeavor to remain beautiful and youthful, diseaseless and ageless. This is because of thousands of years of ignorance, prejudice encoded in the mind.

Body is just like a burning flame. A flame exists and gives light so long as oil or wax burns. Fresh oil is drawn up into the flame and burnt out oil leaves the flame into the atmosphere. Similarly food, water and air enters into the body and used up and toxic materials leaves the body in the form of sweating, urine and stool. The body remains as burning flame giving beauty and youthfulness.

However the difference is that oil in the body is inexhaustible. It is the life-force(prana) pervading all parts and all cells in the body. The source of this life-force is the soul(atman) within each living being. Soul and its life-force is eternal, unending and uncontaminated. Hence so long as this life-force exists in the body, the body should be beautiful, youthful and uncontaminated with disease and death.

Again if we view the body scientifically, the cells in the body are being regenerated continuously. After every seven years all old cells are replaced by newly created cells. So after every seven years we get a new body and never remain the same. Hence the body should always remain beautiful and youthful.

So long as we don't realise our life-force(prana) and source of this life-force i.e. soul(atman) or true self, we cannot remain youthful. In order to realise true self one has to practice Yoga. Yoga is a method to control body and mind and finally the mind. We are nothing but a mind. What our mind thinks up it materialises. When we practice Yoga to remain youthful and beautiful it really happens. We rule over the body and mind and overcome disease and death. This is liberation and this may come right in this birth.

Contrary to this, religious leaders would declare that disease and death is truth. So pray for the mercy of God and after death one may enter into heaven. Hell, heaven and God are imaginary things which have remained as ignorance and prejudice for thousands of years. They have no real existence; they exists in the mind only. These things have been created by a few in order to rule over the majority. The real truth, the real divinity and the real bliss lies in soul, life and consciousness only.

So one should give up ignorance and prejudice at once and get liberated. One should search for real truth which only give peace, beauty and youthfulness. In order to hold the truth firmly one has to practice that Yoga which may drive out ignorance throgh the dawn of right knowledge.

For reading more about Yoga and spiritualism readers may go through the book 'Quest for Truth: the spiritual and yogic way' published with Thornton Publishing, Inc. Also readers may email to the Author for guidance. http://www.bookstobelievein.com/questfortruth.php

premansuchand@rediffmail.com

Facial Enhancements with Surgical Implants

2009-02-10T00:11:00.000+07:00

It goes without saying that the appearance of the human face plays a massive role in interactions between each of us. Implants offer an opportunity to put forth your best side.

Facial Enhancements with Surgical Implants

There are many definitions for plastic surgery. One of the more common is the correction or modification of abnormalities in the body. What exactly constitutes an abnormality is the subject of great debate, to wit, an actual abnormality or something a person subjectively does not care for in their appearance.

Surgical implants used for facial enhancements definitely tend to fall within a more medically determined definition of plastic surgery. The implants are often used to address imperfections that are both subjectively perceived and physically present from a medical perspective. Seriously small chins and uneven or collapsed cheek bones are a common area of surgical intervention.

Surgical solutions for facial defects are all about reshaping the face to a more traditional structure. The goal could be to increase the size of a chin to create linear balance from side views or to enhance one side of the face to create balance in appearance. Obviously, there are other situations as well. What is not disputed, however, is the emotional and psychological benefit of such enhancements when a serious defect exists.

To reshape a facial area, plastic surgeons will often use implants. The implants can be preset or customized for the particular problem. For individuals with seriously reduced chins, for example, an implant is placed at the point of the chin to create volume and more natural look. The goal in the surgery is to create a more balanced face by moving enhancing the chin in such a way that a view from the side shows a generally uniform slope from forehead to chin.

Facial surgery of this type is surprisingly uncomplicated for the patient. It is often done in less than two hours and hospitalization is rarely required. Generally, patients can return to work in a week and any indication of a surgical procedure can be gone as soon as two weeks after the fact. Obviously, each situation is different so consult with your medical professional to gain an understanding of your situation and the reasonable results that can be expected.

Facial abnormalities, whether perceived or medically significant, can be the crux of confidence problems. If you fall within this classification, do not hesitate to contact a plastic surgeon to discuss the options available to you. Make sure to look at before and after pictures to get a definitive idea of the solutions available.

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

Beauty Can Be An Ugly Business

2009-02-10T00:10:00.001+07:00

Last night I was at a show. The women looked so glamourous, and their make-up was so beautiful. Later, backstage, they looked garish and old up close.

This is a lesson that all women over thirty need to learn. Hard lines, perfectly applied streaks and dark eyeliner can look beautiful as you walk through the door at an event. But it is terrifying up close, it puts off men and women alike. It becomes a Halloween mask.

I see a real life example of this every single Friday. A woman walks by on her way to a business meeting, once a week I watch all of the men that attend my own meeting look up to admire this 50+ beauty as she walks through the door. She is dressed immaculately and she's in wonderful shape. But up close, in the words of my teenage daughter she's a mess.

She's not Tammy Faye Baker, but she channels her. Her foundation is two shades two dark and she does a flawless job of blending at the hairline, but the demarcation at th neck makes her carefully applied cosmetics looks mask like.

She wears false eyelashes, they are too long, but when she bends down to reach for her meetings agenda, the eyelashes become obvious. It's a bit like seeing what you believe is a beautiful piece of art and getting close to find its a crayon rendering.

As we grow older and want to remain looking youthful. Less is more. It's time to invest in one of the lighter, light reflecting foundations. Blend, blend, blend should be the watch words for those of us that no longer have a perfect canvas.

Am I saying we shouldn't update our look? No! (Update by all means, go to the Trish McEvoy counter and buy one of the new color wash eyeshadows. Yves Saint Laurent offers one of the best highlighters ever made, bringing light to our faces and actually giving us a youthful look. )

I am saying less is more. Leave the heavy handed make-up to twenty year olds and their forgiving complexions. The advantage of age is discretion, our experience gives us the upper hand and remember if it would look good on the runway...it would look scary up close.

Today's Beauty Affirmation, Today I acknowledge that aging beauty is not about covering up. It is about adding light to my best features and uncovering, not covering my beauty.

Jillian Hurley, Editor http://www.AmericanBeautyAdvisor.com to see a complete bio please visit About Us on our website.

What is Tanning Lotion?

2009-02-06T12:03:00.000+07:00

Tanning is a very popular thing to do. There are a lot of people that want to have that golden-bronzed look for summer. When you want to achieve the best-looking kind of tan, you need to use a tanning lotion to help it along. There are so many different kinds and brands of tanning lotions that are available to buy. Many of them do different things and it is important to figure out the best one for your needs.

There is no best tanning lotion. There are better products for different people. Everyone's needs are not the same. For some people, they are going to need more protection from the sun than others. Many people have a harder time than others tanning and they find themselves getting a stronger tanning lotion, which may be more expensive too.

It will depend on the person's skin type to decide the tanning lotion that is right for them. There are many different types of skin. Dry skin, oily skin, and normal skin. It is going to depend on the skin type and what kind of tan the person wants to achieve. Another factor may be if the person is getting a tan from sun or from a tanning bed. Outdoor tanning lotions are made to be used with the sun and uncontrolled conditions, while indoor tanning lotion is to be used in tanning bed with the artificial light.

There are some tanning lotions that have a certain degree of SPF. You should have some form of sun protection outdoors. This is what will help to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays. There are different levels of SPF. You have to use the right one for your skin tone. If you have lighter skin, it is important to use the right lotion to protect your skin. You need to make sure that you have all the protection that you need. If you are looking for deeper and darker tan, you can go lower on the SPF.

You can find tanning lotions in many department stores or you can find them in a lot of beauty salons. You may find that you will get a better lotion when you choose buying it from a professional salon. You may find that different lotions will give you a separate look. You will find that you may go through a few different ones before you finally find the right one.

Achieving a great summer tan will give you confidence and a slimmer look. You will feel more attractive and better about yourself when you have the bronzed glowing look. Getting a great tan should be something that you have control over. You need to make sure that you protect your skin and get the natural sun kissed look that you love.

Copyright 2006 - Agust Hauksson. Agust is a regular contributor of articles to many online publications. Find more great information at: http://www.tanning-lotion.info/, http://www.tanningbed-guide.info/ and http://www.tanningsalon-guide.com/

Aromatherapy Hot Picks

2009-02-05T15:01:00.001+07:00

Aromatherapy has definitely been a hot topic for quite some time. We hear people talking about it, books writing about it and commercial businesses selling it all the time ? Aromatherapy Spa, Essentials Oils, Scent sticks ?etc. Indeed, the concept existed during the Roman and Greek civilizations too, it was just not as sophisticated and convenient now.

I believe part of popularity of the concept is due to the stressing environments we are living in today. We are facing different pressures at work, home, relationships ? etc. and we would love to have some nice scents to help us relax. Good scents bring us lovely and good memories and this is why we always feel so nice and calm after a rosy bubble bath or a lavendar massage.

There are so many different essential oils available these days and it?s really hard to pick one with decent quality. It costs a bit more to buy good aromatherapy products because its purity has wonderful effects on us. In view of different scents, some of the followings are most common and popular: Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemongrass, Mint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang.

Let?s not forget we do need a healthy method to ease our stress and tensions from time to time, different people have different ways to deal with their emotional distress and I believe aromatherapy is a good and convenient choice.

Very much interested in investigating different topics of beauty, including but not limited to skincare, haircare, and makeup...etc. I have always been reading about the abovementioned topics in the hope to find some interesting and valuable information on the concepts and definitely love to share with the interested people about my findings!

BEAUTY TIPS BLOG

Hair Removal All About Waxing For Hair Removal

2009-02-04T01:35:00.001+07:00

Some of us have problem of hair loss, while a majority wants to get rid of hair from different places on the body. it may the bikini are, or the thin hair line over the upper lip, or hair on the chest and back of men, or hair on legs, and armpits. Everybody wants to know about the method that will help remove hair for a long time without undergoing much trouble. Let us take a brief look at the methods of hair removal.

Waxing- One of the oldest and most common methods for hair removal is waxing. Waxing can be done both with cold wax and hot wax and now with waxing kits available in the market, you can wax yourself at home. In hot waxing, hot wax is spread on the skin, covered with a strip of cloth, allowed to dry and pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth. This pulls away most of the hair from the hair shaft. This method may be painful and you must take care of the temperature of hot wax, and skin irritation after waxing. Waxing can also cause folliculititis, ingrown hair a, scars and hyperpigmentation.

You can wax any part of the body, small or big in size, except the bikini area. If you are taking oral Vitamin A derivative pills such as Isotretnoin, you need to avoid waxing till your doctor advises. It also applies to topical applications of Vitamin A derivative creams. All these products dry the skin and there is a possibility of hurting the skin while waxing. You should avoid waxing if you have irritated skin, broken sun burnt or bruised. Waxing should be performed on healthy skin only.

Waxing removes hair from the root of the shaft and removes a large quantity of hair at a time. It takes about two weeks for hair to grow. With repetitive waxing of hair, you can expect less hair because of permanent damage to the hair follicle.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

C.D.Mohatta writes articles on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit Doctor Good Skin for more information about how to have good skin. If you love solving quizzes on personality, relationships and career, you can try hundreds of them at Fun Quiz Cards. For sending free animated flash ecards and greeting cards on topics such as holidays, birthday, love, friendship, family, expressions, celebrations, etc. please visit http://www.ecarduniverse.com/

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

2009-02-03T20:36:00.001+07:00

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

Exercise 1. Massage

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

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

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

Exercise 2. Movement

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

Exercise 3. Mark on the glass

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

Exercise 4. Follow a pencil

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

Exercise 5. Writing on the wall

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

Exercise 6. Watch the time with your eyes

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

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

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

See other simple tips for your eye health

SkinCare or SkinPoison?

2009-02-03T13:11:00.001+07:00

Cleopatra's Beauty Secrets

2009-02-03T07:24:00.001+07:00

The Legendary Queen of Egypt was known for her exquisite complexion. One of her secret beauty treatments, the milk and honey bath are still being used today.

One of the main ingredients, Milk, contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate your skin. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to cleanse the deepest layers of the skin.

Honey has an abundance of health properties. First of all, it is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose so it is also a gentle alpha hydroxy acid. It?s made up of both minerals and vitamins to help nourish and heal the skin. Since it also contains phytochemicals that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus, it?s has a natural anti-inflammatory effect which heals wounds quickly. This makes honey a good substitute for wound dressings.

Here are a couple of ways to enjoy these 2 main ingredients found in her ancient beauty secrets.

Cleopatra Honey & Milk Bath

Ingredients
?1/2 Cup Powdered Milk
?1/2 Cup Raw Honey
?2 teaspoon Jojoba Oil (optional)

Mix ingredients in a large bowl and pour your warm bath. Soak for up to 20 minutes to infuse these beneficial ingredients in your skin. This recipe makes enough for one bath.

Milk & Honey Rinse for Wrinkled Skin

Ingredients
?1 oz raw honey
?1 Cup skim milk
?2 teaspoons aloe vera gel

Combine Ingredients in a jar and shake well. Apply to your face morning and evening with a cotton ball. Store mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Incorporating these beauty recipes in your daily regime will help you to experience healthy, vibrant, and ageless skin.

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

Dry Skin Causes and Solutions For Great Looking and Feeling Skin

2009-02-02T21:27:00.001+07:00

Dry skin, also referred to as xerosis or eczema or asteatosis, and erroneously as icthyosis, is a multi-faceted condition which periodically afflicts most of the population regardless of race or sex at one time or another, and through a wide age range. Dry skin may become more pronounced with aging if not treated when young. The symptoms of dry skin range from mild to severe, and may afflict virtually any part of the body. Arms, hands and legs are most frequently involved. Most dry skin conditions arise from conditions which can be modified or prevented and treated without medical intervention.. People residing in areas where climatic conditions include cold dry air accompanied by strong winds are most often affected during the winter months. Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances, including urea, which retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface. When urea is applied to the skin it penetrates the stratum corneum, where it readily absorbs and retains water. This increases the capacity of the skin to hold moisture, and the skin therefore becomes rehydrated. The moisturizing base that the urea is mixed in, especially when it contains Shea Butter or Jojoba Oil, also provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, which helps prevent water from evaporating from the skin surface. Both actions soothe and soften the skin, and reduce the scaling and itching of dry skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis.

Common dry skin should be treated by:

1. Decrease the frequency of bathing/showering; maintain tepid water; and limit the duration to 5 minutes or less.

2. Use a mild bar soap. Liquid soaps are more drying. Avoid glycerin soaps and those which contain deodorants.

3. Always apply a good moisturizing lotion after bathing/showering. Eucerin lotion is a moisturizer that contains urea as the active ingredient. Urea is a substance that is found naturally in the skin, which by its nature is very attracted to water. It is used to help rehydrate dry, scaly skin. Lotions and creams which contain urea, Shea Butter and/or Jojoba Oil are effective in mild to moderate cases of dry skin, whereas lighter petrolatum-containing lotions should be applied for less severe conditions. Petrolatum is the chemical name for Vaseline.

4. Operating a humidifier in your home during cold climates, especially in the bedroom, may add moisture to the air and protect the skin when the heat is on.

5. Apply a moisturizer-sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater to all areas of the body exposed to the sun.

6. Finally, and very important, drink plenty of water and liquids to keep the skin moist from the inside.

We can't rule out other pathology. Dry skin may be a symptom of a more complex problem, i.e.Ichthyosis commonly referred to as fish-scale skin. This is a medical problem and must be treated by a physician specializing in dermatology. The origin of this condition is frequently hereditary with associated metabolic factors, i.e. under active thyroid. In addition to those precautionary measures indicated for the treatment of dry skin, your physician may prescribe a topical steroid and various emollient creams and lotions.

If you want to learn more about Hygiene and Health issues, especially for kids, Please visit KidsHygieneAndHealth.com

Kaaryn Walker is the creater of KidsHygieneAndHealth.com Offering free advice for hygiene and health related issues for youth and teenagers. Kid's Hygiene and Health has an Ask the Expert section which covers such topics as body odor, skin conditions, oral hygiene, etc.

Your EyesThe Windows to Your Soul

2009-02-02T14:28:00.001+07:00

Our eyes are one of the most important features on our face. Our eyes not only allow us to see, they show emotion?joy, love, fear and even anger. It is said that when we address one another we should look directly into the eyes of the speaker. A baby?s eyes get noticed for being so large and round, a man?s eyes get noticed for their color and expressiveness. A woman?s eyes should get noticed for the same intrinsic qualities, not for the amount of makeup she has adorned them with.

I like to start with the eyeliner. No matter which type of liner you prefer, (liquid, pencil or even powder) get as close to the lashes as possible, staying on the outside of the eye. Do not apply liner inside the lash line, as this could cause the transfer of bacteria into the eyes. Keep this line of color subtle. Gently smudge it a little with the end of an eye shadow applicator or a brush for a softer, more natural look.

It is always a good idea to apply your eye shadow prior to your cheek color. This way, if the product finds its way onto your cheeks, you can simply brush it away. You may want to dust a little translucent powder on your cheeks and under your eyes to make for an easy clean-up. For a simple, natural look, stick to the neutrals.

Choose a midtone shade for over the entire eye lid. Gently blend a darker color into and slightly above the crease. Blend with a soft crease brush, using gentle strokes up and down so that the crease color fades seamlessly onto the brow bone and the lower lid. Use the midtone again on the lower lid and blend up into the crease. If you are feeling daring, choose a third, lighter color to highlight the brow bone. Blending is the key operation here. No heavy lines of color please. For evening, use the same technique but try more shimmery eye colors.

Lastly, let?s not forget our trusty friend, mascara. Apply your mascara last to avoid smudging it when applying your liner and shadow. Also, any loose shadow particles will stick to your freshly applied mascara?not a good look. Waterproof mascara is great for sports or for going to a tear-jerking movie, however, it is difficult to remove. This can cause product build-up on the lashes, creating a cakey look. Worse yet, continuous use of waterproof mascara and product build-up can cause your precious lashes to break, thus causing you to use even more mascara. A better solution would be a water-resistant mascara. It is much easier to remove. So just remember, what goes on, must come off.

The windows to your soul now sparkle with subtle color, making your eyes and you, yourself, impossible to ignore. Those around you won?t be able to take their bulging spheres off of your beautiful eyes.

Have a great day!

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

Acupressure For The Face

2009-02-02T08:10:00.001+07:00

In the last twenty years, alternative medicine from Asia has become popular. Acupressure for the face is a new approach that has come on the scene and is worth discussing.

Acupressure For The Face

Time takes a toll on our bodies, particularly our faces. There is just no hiding the damage of the sun, wrinkles and so on. Many people look to surgical lifts for a solution. Others, however, are nervous about the invasive nature of the surgery, possible side effects or the cost. A possible alternative for those not needing intensive repair is acupressure.

The results that you will get from an acupressure session are not going to be as dramatic or long lasting as those from traditional surgical options. Acupressure procedures are meant to be a holistic, massage-oriented alternative to having surgery, but are not to be considered on the same level. Acupressure is an ancient Chinese art of applying pressure to specific points on your body. This is believed to allow more blood and energy flow to the area that is pressed, which can correspond to other areas of the body. The results of acupressure have been seen for centuries by those practicing this craft.

Facial acupressure takes advantage of pressing these points on the face, and therefore allowing additional blood and oxygen to flow to these areas. This tightens the areas that are being massaged and pressed, leaving the client with a relaxed, youthful look. The facial area is massaged and stimulated with light pressure, which not only improves the facial circulation, but also helps to clean the facial lymph system. This technique also stimulates the underlying collagen of the face, which allows it to loosen and possibly regenerate faster, making the youthful look you get from the acupressure last.

Having an acupressure facial is not considered a medical procedure, but it is a certified practice by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. It is considered to be more intensive than a traditional facial which is commonly performed by a cosmetician. Some massage therapists will recommend more than one acupressure session to achieve full results, and you will want to consult with your therapist for the best course of action for your face.

Facial procedures are more and more common these days, but there are non-surgical options if you are not ready for the knife just yet. An acupressure session can give you a more youthful glow without surgery or any side effects. You also get the bonus of the relaxing technique of acupressure. It is a great compromise for those who need just a little help in the facial aging department.

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

The Important And Useful Benefits Of Papaya

2009-02-02T01:25:00.001+07:00

The papaya is an amazingly rich source of the proteolytic enzymes. These are the chemicals that enable the digestion of protein. Papain, which is the most important of these enzymes in the papaya, is extracted and dried as a powder for use to aid the digestion, and it is often used as a meat tenderizer, the enzyme partially breaking down the meat fibers - digesting them in fact.

Many experts, such as Dr Lytton-Bernard, have claimed rejuvenating properties for papaya, especially for the control of premature ageing. It may be that it works simply because a poor digestion leaves the body without the correct nutrients. Those who find it almost impossible to digest anything frequently find that papaya used regularly, either in tablet or juice form, marks the turning point in the climb back to vitality and good health.

As a cleanser you can take a quarter pint (150ml) of papaya juice alternated each hour for twelve hours by the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice. Papaya loses some of the enzymes as it ripens, so if you have the choice select them green. They are easy to obtain in most parts of America but are not found in British greengrocers very often. Fortunately there has been a rapid expansion in the numbers of specialist shops providing for the needs of the Indian and West Indian communities where papayas can be bought.

Papaya contains arginine which is known to be essential for male fertility and also carpain, an enzyme thought to be good for the heart. Fibrin also occurs and this substance is not commonly found in the plant kingdom; in man it forms part of the blood clotting process. The papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, with 82mg per 100g (4oz), and is rich in carotene.

After treatment with antibiotics the use of papaya juice will quickly assist the restoration of the normal bacteria in the gut which will have been destroyed by the treatment. Papaya is good for many digestive disorders and is excellent for improving poor digestion. It has also been recommended as part of the treatment for cancer. Therapeutically it can often be combined with pineapple juice in which there is another important enzyme bromelain.

The skin of the papaya is a first class external treatment for skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly. The pulp from the juicer can be used for this and as a poultice.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for common problems as well as the value and importance of papaya .