Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Common Dental Problems
Tooth decay is the disease of the hard parts of the teeth, leading to disintegration.The only successful way to stop tooth decay is to cut down on the frequency of eating sugar.Adequate brushing alone will also not eliminate decay, but it does stop the plaque film from building up to a great thickness.
2.Plaque:The film of bacteria known as plaque forms very quickly on the tooth surfaces.Bacterial plaque is only one of the factors in the causation of dental caries.The areas of the teeth such as the pits and fissures in between the teeth where the brush cannot reach, are the places where plaque remains undisturbed despite frequent brushing.Flourides definitely helps to prevent tooth decay.Thus people who live in an area which has an optimal level of flouride in the water suffer much less from tooth decay.80%-90% of the toothpastes in the market today contain flouride.
3.Gum Inflammation:Gum Inflammation or Pyorrhoea is one of the commonest diseases in the world.The patient may sometimes notice bleeding of gums especially while brushing the teeth.Bad breath is most commonly caused by chronic inflammation of the gums.In this disease oral hygiene and interdental cleaning is the most important preventive measure.Smokers in general have a poorer oral hygiene as compared to nonsmokers.
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Diet And Teeth
Adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, flouride and vitamins A, C, and D are essential.Most of these are present in adequate amounts in the normal balanced diet.Only Flourides tends to be deficient and needs to be suplemented.Teeth containing flouride are definitely more resistent to decay
2.Carbohydrates:
There is a definite relationship between caries(tooth decay) and the intake of refined carbohydrates like flour, sugar, and other carbohydrates which have been treated in order to make them whiter, less fibrous and tastier.Refined carbohydrates become sticky quickly and cling to the teeth for long periods.They are easily broken down to acids by the bacteria in the mouth, these acids are primarily responsible for tooth decay.The best would therefore be to stick to natural unprocessed foods-fats, cereals, meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits and cheese.The sugar substitutes like saccharin also do not cause caries.
3.Other Foodstuffs:
Frequent consumption of acidic foodstuffs(like habitual drinking of carbonated drinks and excessive consumption of some fruit juices) is associated with erosions of the teeth.It is also suggested that one should end meals with fibrous foods such as carrots and other salads as fobrous foods might have a mild cleansing reaction as they remove food debris from the teeth.
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Regular Cleaning Of Teeth
How Often Should You Replace Your Brush?
Generally, the bristles of the medium toothbrush splay in about4-6 weeks.This is when the brush needs to be replaced.
How Frequently Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Ideally teeth should be brushed immediately after each meal.The brushing before going to bed is important because during sleep the flow of saliva is reduced and any food that is retained in the mouth during the night causes the most damage.
2.The Toothpaste:Toothpastes are supplementary to the brush-they aid in the cleaning and polishing of accessible surfaces of the teeth.The main constituents of toothpastes are mild abrasives, soaps, detergents, colouring agents and flavouring agents.Additional substances such as ammonium salts, chlorophyll, flourides, and clove have been used with varying degrees of success.The value of flouridated toothpastes in preventing caries is now definite.If a commercial paste is not available, salt and bicarb of soda are very cheap and effective substitutes.It is, however a bad practice to rub lime juice on the teeth as it can damage the teeth.
3.Dental Floss:The toothbrush cannot adequately clean in between the teeth.Dental floss is the most efficient method to clean this area.Waxed and unwaxed floss is available.The floss is wrapped around two fingers and gently pulled backwards and forwards between the teeth, taking care to avoid damage to the gums.It is best to learn this technique from your dentist.
4.Dentist And Oral Hygiene:For good teeth regular visit to the dentist is necessary.His role is to ensure the complete elimination of decay and stagnation.This is done by scaling, polishing and filling the teeth, and carrying out corrective techniques as and when necessary.This ensures that there is no region in the mouth where food can lodge and cause problems.Further he would advise you on the techniques of oral hygiene.A visit once in 6 months is usually adequate.
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Common Nail Problems
Brittle nails and flaking of nails are very common due to excessive dryness of the nail plate.The nail plate is made up of dead keratin cells held together by a natural glue of fats and water.Any loss of fats and water causes the cells to separate and results in flaking and brittleness of the nails.
A.Many of our domestic chores remove the natural fats from the nails resulting in brittle nails, so do wear gloves.
B.Nail polish removers also have a dehydrating effect.If you have brittle nails avoid removing your nail polish too frequently.You can use a colourless polish or a base-coat or a top-coat, because then you can keep touching it up quite happily, without having to use the remover very frequently.
C.Regular massage around the nail-base with cream can have a good effect on brittle nails.
2.Hangnails:Hangnails are tears in the skin of the nailfolds and the cuticle.The cuticle and the nailfolds have a tendency to stick to the nail plate as it grows forward; the stretched cuticle may eventually tear.Sometimes the skin of the nailfolds also cracks, particularly if it is dry.Nervous nail biting habits, chewing nails, and picking the cuticle all encourage the developement of hangnails.
A.To avoid such conditions, keep the cuticles soft by massaging in creams and regularly loosening it from the nail-plate.
B.Clip off existing hangnails.
C.Avoid pulling off slivers as this can be very painful and can even cause infection of the nailfolds.
3.In-Growing Toe-Nails:If the toenail is not cut properly, it penetrates into the nail-fold as it grows, causing redness, swelling and pain.
A.Don't cut them too short;
B.Don't ever cut down the side of the nail;
C.Always follow the shape of the toe;
D.Once the pain has started, try to push the nail-fold away from the sharp edge of the skin.
4.Fungal Infections Of The Nail:When fungus infects the nails, they become thickened, broken and discoloured.Fungal infection can be easily treated- griseofulvin is given for milder infection and ketoconazole for more severe types-but let your doctor treat you.
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Cosmetics To Disguise Nail Defects
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Nail Damage And Prevention
2.If you can't wear gloves, you could at least use a long handled mop-this allows you to keep your hands off water and your nails will definitely benefit.
3.If you do get your hands wet, remember to rinse them well and dry them carefully after the work is done.
4.Then apply ample amounts of a moisturising cream.
5.You must also take certain other precautions:
A.Use a pencil to operate the dial;
B.Use a tin-opener to open tins;
C.Use gardening gloves;
D.Avoid contact with strong chemicals;
E.Use moisturisers liberally.
6.Wear Polish-It works as a barrier for your nails and use acetone-free nail polish remover.
7.File in one direction only-Filing back and forth is bad because this frays and weakens the nails.File your nails in one direction only for the best results.
8.Keep your nails short.
9.Manicure after a bath.It is best to do your manicure after a bath because your nails are soft.
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Regular Care Of Hair
1.Care Of Oily Hair And Scalp Condition:
The principle of care for oily hair and scalp condition is the same as used for oily skin condition.The routine aims at removing the excess oil and to exfoliate skin cells which clogs up and suffocate the hair follicles in our scalp.The emphasis is laid on cleansing and toning routines.Since the hair has to be washed as frequently as it gets dirty and oily, a natural shampoo on a formulation of herbs such as amla, shikakai, trijla is ideal.Massaging hair and scalp is important for the well being as well as good growth of the hair.For dry hair, scalp massaging with oil is recommended.For oily hair massaging with toning lotion is suitable.
Home-made Cosmetics For Oily Hair:
A.Take some dry soap nuts(reetha) and soak them in water overnight.Mash them in the morning and strain the soapy solution.Add a tsp of shikakai powder and wash your hair.
If you are unable to make the shampoo cleanser at home, use this infusion recipe.Prepare it and mix in the shampoo you use.
B.To make the infusion, boil two handful of mint leaves in one and a half glass of water for 20 minutes.Strain the solution and mix in a 300ml bottle of shampoo.
Toning Lotion For Oily Hair:
Mix a tbsp of Malt Vinegar in a glass of water.Add a pinch of salt in it.Use 2 tbsps of it on your scalp and massage it with your finger tips twice a week.Leave the lotion on for one hour.Rinse with cool water, brush and set your hair.
2.Care For Dry Hair:
Dry hair tends to be thin and rough.It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends.The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair.
Home-made Cosmetic Care For Dry Hair:
Below are given few natural recipes that are time-tested.
The Gentle Cleanser:
Beat an egg in a cup of the 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.
The Protein Conditioner:
Beat one tbsp of castor oil, one tbsp of glycerine, one tbsp of cider vinegar and a tsp of mild herbal shampoo.Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.Rinse with clear water.
A Special Massage Oil Toner
Buy a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil.Add a tsp of lavender essential oil in it.Heat a little and massage it gently on your scalp at night.Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning.Follow this routine at least twice a week.
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How To Reverse Hair Loss
* Try drinking this- blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
* Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6 and Zinc. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources.
* Invert your head while you shampoo and massage your scalp.This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
* Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair.
* Get enough sleep.
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Know your Skin Type
The first step towards beautiful skin is working out what your skin type is. This is necessary so that you can work out how to care for your skin, and what products you should use. Below are the features of the 5 main skin types which you can compare to your own skin type. Once you have decided what type your skin is you can find out what the best way is to look after your skin.
Which of these do you think is the closest match to your skin?
Normal Skin Type
Normal skin does not feel dry or oily.
Pores are visible but not large or clogged.
After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable.
At midday it still looks fresh and clean.
Only occasionally break out in spots.
Caring for Normal Skin Type:
To care for normal skin you should start with a gentle foaming facial wash. Massaging it into your face will give you a rosy complexion. Cool your skin with a refreshing toner. to finish dot moisturiser onto your skin and massage it with your fingers in light upward strokes.
Dry Skin Type
Dry skin has a thin and papery texture.
It feels dry to touch.
The pores are very fine.
After a wash it feels tight, as though it is too small for the face.
By midday flaky patches appear.
Hardly ever break out in spots.
Caring for Dry Skin Type:
For dry skin use a creamy cleanser to melt away dirt. Leave it on your skin before sweeping it away with cotton wool. Splash cold water onto your face to clean and refresh your skin. Use a thick cream moisturiser to seal in as much moisture as possible.
Oily Skin Type
Oily skin feels very greasy.
The texture is often very thick and coarse.
There are large, visible pores.
After a wash it feels fine.
By midday it looks shiny.
Often break out in spots.
Caring for Oily Skin Type:
To care for oily skin you should start with a gentle, foaming facial wash. This will remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. Soak cotton wool in a gentle astringent lotion and sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light, watery fluid; this will be enough for your skin. Allow the moisturiser to sink in and then absorb the excess with a tissue to prevent shine.
Combination Skin Type
Combination skin is normal with a few dry patches and a few oily patches.
Dryness is usually on the cheeks.
Oiliness is usually on the T-zone.
After a wash some areas feel dry and some smooth.
By the midday the T-zone is shiny.
Often break out in spots in the T-zone.
Most women have combination skin.
Caring for Combination Skin Type:
If you have combination skin use a foaming facial wash in the mornings to cleanse your skin. This will keep the oily areas clean to prevent blackheads. In the evening use a cream cleanser to soothe your dry areas. This will keep a balance between excess dryness and excess oiliness. Use a strong astringent for your oily areas and a mild skin freshener for the dry areas. This is not an expensive option, as you will only need a little of each. Use moisturiser on your whole face, but make sure you concentrate on your drier areas.
Sensitive Skin Type
Sensitive skin can be easily irritated.
Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging.
After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places.
By midday there are flaky patches and some redness.
Occasionally break out in spots.
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Shaving Tips For Woman
* Do not shave dry skin. Wet your skin and let the moisture soften your skin. Shaving is a natural exfoliator and if your skin is dry, your razor will get blocked with dead skin and you are likely to nick yourself as well.
* Do not waste money by buying creams specially made for women, as they are almost the same as those made for men.
* To find the perfect razor you will just have to use all those available and choose the one that you like best. You can ask your friends who shave to recommend razors. Look for a razor with lubricated strips, pivoting heads and spring mounted multiple blades.
* Exfoliate before you shave to ensure that the dead skin cells do not clog your razor and prevent a close shave.
* For your legs you will have begin shaving from your ankles and then work upwards. For your underarms you will have to shave in every direction as hair grows in every direction under your arm.
* After you have finished shaving apply oil or moisturizer. The skin on your leg has few oil glands and hence may become dry.
* When hair curls back under the skin it caused ingrown hairs. To avoid ingrown hairs exfoliate everyday and use a glycolic acid body lotions.
* If you have a chronic case of ingrown hairs then use a lotion that is specially made for ingrown hairs, that is easily available at the chemists. Apply it in the morning and at night and the bumps will vanish within a few days.
* If you shave your legs coarse hair will grow back fast. Therefore consider waxing your legs at least.
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Self Tanning Tips
To ensure that your tan lasts longer, use the following tips to prepare your skin:
* Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub to remove loose flakes of skin. This will ensure that the tan does not look patchy and it will last longer.
* Moisturize the areas you want to tan. This will allow the self-tanning lotion to spread smoothly and reduce the chances of streaking.
* Apply the self-tanning product with long firm strokes on your legs and arms. Rub the lotion using a circular motion into your stomach, buttocks and checks.
* Apply self-tanning lotion carefully to the dry areas of your body, as they will absorb more color. Pay special attention to your knees, elbows and heels.
* To ensure that you have an even tan around your eyebrows and hairline, use a cotton bud to remove any tanning lotion that gets accumulated. Use this along the side of your nose and along laughter lines, as tanning lotion normally clogs around these areas and tans the areas more.
* Do not apply self-tanning product on your nails, as they will turn orange.
* Wash your hands well after applying self-tanning lotion, especially wash your cuticles and under your nails.
* Do not wear clothes or sleep on your bed cover for about half an hour at least. This will stain your clothing and bedcovers.
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Cellulite Reduction at Home
Do exercises that will help you loose weight on your legs and buttocks. Do special exercises to improve muscles in your thighs like walking, cycling, climbing stairs, yoga and pilates. Once there is a build up of muscles cellulite will disappear. Muscles will stretch the skin and smoothen the dimples appearance. Massaging the areas that have cellulite will increase circulation and break the fat up. You can use a body brush or use a body wash or exfoliator while bathing. This will also increase circulation. Use aromatherapy oils like sage, cypress and juniper help in cellulite reduction. Wearing pantyhose helps to reduce cellulite. Wear those that are body shaping and contour your thighs. Pantyhose press the fat and help circulation. There are pantyhose specially made to help reduce cellulite. Make a body wrap at home using coffee and seaweed to reduce cellulite. Spread warm ground coffee on the troubled areas, wrap with moist seaweed and then cover with plastic wrap. Keep this on for about half an hour. Unwrap and wash off in the shower, while doing so massage the area. There are a number of commercial products too that you can use to reduce cellulite. It is important to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent the buildup of cellulite.
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Hair Removal Information & Techniques
* Shaving: Shaving is a popular technique as it can be done at short notice and gives you instant results without much effort. Most women still continue to shave inspite of alternate techniques being available. This method is quick and cheap, though the hair grows back rapidly and when the hair grows back it is very coarse. You should soften the hair by washing the area with warm soapy water. Use light gentle strokes in the direction of the hair growth, to remove the hair. After you finish moisturize the skin. There are different kinds of razors, electrical, disposable, with twin blades and moisturizing strips. Choose one that suits you the best.
* Hair Removal Creams: These creams are manufactured in such a way that they dissolve the hair. These creams have an ingredient called keratolytic that will damage the skin if it is left on for a long time. Use a patch test the first time you are using a cream. But there is no doubt that they make the skin hair free, smooth and soft.
* Waxing: Though this method is a little painful, it is good to remove hair from the arms, legs and bikini line. Hair re-growth after waxing is slow and may take as much as two months. It is best to do a patch test for waxing as well. For best results one should continue waxing on a regular basis. Hair is removed from its root and when it re-grows it is finer. The problem with waxing is that the hair has to grow a little for waxing to be efficient. It helps to dust a little talcum powder on the area before waxing.
* Sugaring: This technique is similar to waxing. Here the removal solution is warmed and then applied on the area required with the help of a palette knife. The solution is applied in the direction of the hair growth. Then a cotton strip is used to cover the solution and torn away in the opposite direction and thus the hair is removed. Hair re-growth takes about six to eight weeks and it is fine.
* Electrolysis: This is a salon treatment and is expensive, but last longer and could be permanent as well. This requires a series of sittings if the results are to be good. A fine needle passes a very low electrical current into the hair follicle. After a session there will be slight swelling, redness and scarring which will take a few days to disappear.
* Laser treatment: This is another salon-based treatment that is expensive too. You need a few sessions for good results. Black activating lotion is applied over the area, to enable the hair follicle to absorb the laser energy. In this technique the best results are got from people with thick body hair.
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Herbal Beauty
Natural herbal products are skin-friendly, have almost nil side effects, provide nourishment to skin and contain minerals and vitamins that keep your skin healthy. Skin care products must be fragrance free, should not have artificial colors, should be non-irritating and non-comedogenic and must be cruelty-free. Sometimes beauty problems are born out of dietary imbalance and must be paid attention to from that aspect. Weak fingernails may be symbolic of calcium deficiency while lusterless hair may speak of silicon deficiency. Dull and dry skin needs more vitamin D. Healthy person looks naturally beautiful. Green tea, calendula, linden, chamomile and rosemary are some of the natural herbal products that work quite well as sunscreens and skin revitalizers.
Choose lip balms with Aloe Vera for they soothe cracked and dry lips and get rid of painful cold sores and fever blisters. Other herbal lip balms can include Apricot, Bee Propolis, Beeswax, Camphor, Castor Oil, Golden Seal, Icelandis Moss, Jojoba Oil, Menthol and/or Squalane. Products that use animal testing should be strictly avoided. Use only cruelty-free products. Herbal products are the safest bet in this category. Herbal shampoos and conditioners are gentle, organic, environmental-friendly, safe and are made from herbal extracts.
They have ingredients like Aloe Vera, Burdock, Chamomile, Coconut Oil, Comfrey, Jojoba Oil, Marshmallow, Rose Hips, Rosemary and/or Sage. They are effective in treating dry and damaged hair, cleanse and nourish the scalp and hair and prevent dandruff. Natural botanical moisturizers with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and humectants have herbal extracts of Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Jojoba Oil and are usually free of color and artificial fragrance.
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Facial and Skin Care
* Get a quick facial at home by splashing your face with lots of warm water and then massaging it with olive oil to moisturize your skin. Use a half-teaspoon of sugar for scrubbing your face and keep rubbing it until it melts away. Wipe off your face with a warm, wet cloth.
* Use the toning mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar and dissolve few aspirins in it twice a day to counter any aging signs in your face. Vinegar flakes off dead skin cells while aspirin is a superb anti-acne product and is also effective on deep acne spots. However, it tends to make skin thinner like store bought toner and so sun block with at least SPF 15 should be used essentially everyday.
* Wash your face several times a day and wipe off with a clean cloth to keep acne off the oily skin.
* If your eyes look puffy or swollen, wash your face and cover your eyes with sliced potatoes or cucumbers for a few minutes. This is really effective in the morning.
* Olive oil works well as face and eye makeup remover.
* Clean you nails with white vinegar before applying nail polish for a smoother finish and make it last longer.
* Olive oil mixed with melted beeswax is a great lip balm.
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Basic Skin Care
1. Cleansing The Skin
Cleansing is quite essential to avoid acnes and other skin problems. Wash your skin often using a mild face wash and wipe off with a clean washcloth. It is quite important to get rid of any impurities such as dirt particles and makeup before going to sleep so that your skin can breathe properly at night. Use mild cleanser at least twice a day but make sure that it rinses away easily, does not cause skin irritation and do not wash away natural oils too.
2. Toning The Skin
Toners not only cleanse the skin further and help in removing any remnants of particles that you may have left behind but also cools, nourishes, hydrates and freshens up your skin. It tightens up skin and close up any skin pores that may have opened up while deep cleansing the face. Toners must be alcohol-free as alcohol dries off skin.
3. Exfoliating The Skin
Exfoliants remove dead cells from the skin, rejuvenate the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles from the face. The younger skin that surfaces after exfoliation naturally looks more beautiful and glowing. These products usually have alpha or beta hydroxy acids to quicken up the process but do avoid the ones that are granular as they tend to damage the new skin too that is much more sensitive than the mature layer that it digests.
4. Moisturizing The Skin
Like our body, our skin also needs hydration and proper nutrients to keep it healthy. So, treat it with a good moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with more than SPF 15 daily and night cream daily that helps the skin to balance and restores any damage that might have occurred to it overnight.
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Saturday, April 26, 2008
You Can Have Healthy Skin
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice
popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin.
A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and
a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will
first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since
these two factors play an important role in the health of a
person's skin.
These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the
condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can't beat
the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.
Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Those eight glasses of water a day your mom always told you to be sure to drink are essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. And don't count coffee or any of the caffeinated sodas as part of the eight glasses because caffeine is dehydrating. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. Another suggestion is that you keep a liter-size bottle close at hand, or simply drink a glass or two with your meals, and a few in between.
You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of
makeup you sue. And be sure to clean your tools regularly.
Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria
and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. One
of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests that cosmetic brushes be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a month. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.
Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin
with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check
the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help
block the penetration of pollutants.
A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and
rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also,
body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own
natural moisturizer.
One skin care expert has come up with a do-it-yourself version of a treatment you may like to try. Stir the juice of half a lemon into one cup of plain yogurt. Keep it in the refrigerator and apply it as you would a cream every night before bed. You can even apply a thin coat of moisturizer over it is you like, after waiting about five minutes for the yogurt mixture to penetrate. With consistent use, you should see more even pigmentation and smoother skin in three to four weeks.
Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Be sure to get enough sleep. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion.sk to get down to the essential things.
Article by Jay Harris of IMI Concepts. Visit his website http://www.home-job-alert.com
What Are Natural Cosmetics
Natural Cosmetics refer to the cosmetics produced from things obtained from nature. They may either involve using the products directly or derivatives of these products. Nature offers innumerable products which can be wisely utilized in preparing different types of cosmetics. Plant products are the most widely used ingredients in natural cosmetics. Thus, they are also often referred to as herbal cosmetics.
Natural cosmetics have been used since times immemorial. Historical records testify that all the ancient civilizations had discovered and harnessed the utilities of natural or herbal products for cosmetic use. Medicines, cosmetics and toiletries had all been prepared from natural products- herbal products being most commonly used.
Benefits of natural cosmetics
Natural cosmetics have a host of benefits. Being natural, they are considered to be quite harmless on the skin. They contain time tested ingredients with proven efficacy. A judicious combination of potent herbs can not only produce cosmetic effect but also help cure skin ailments and hair problems. The natural products- leaves, roots, fruits etc. supply several essential nutrients to the skin too. The essential oils of certain plants can bring forth miraculous results.
All kinds of cosmetics from nature
There can be natural alternatives suggested to almost all kinds of cosmetics. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, face masks, creams, lotions, face packs- all are available in herbal varieties. Various natural lip gels and balms, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair packs, hair gels, sun protective bases and makeup ranges are also on offer.
Beauty recipes from China and India using traditional herbs have earned a special significance the world over. Ayurvedic recipes from India for skin and hair treatment also serve as cosmetics. They are often widely acclaimed as the ultimate in skin and hair care simply because of the effective results produced upon their usage.
Natural cosmetics use various parts of plants- the leaves, the bark, the roots, the oil extracted from seeds, the fruits and also at times the whole plant. Alongside, mud and mineral products, honey etc. may be used. Milk, milk cream, yoghurt and eggs are also largely used in various natural cosmetics as an ingredient to add body.
Some simple household products may also double up as natural cosmetics. These constitute home remedies for skin and hair problems. Spices and condiments like turmeric and saffron quite often figure in the list of ingredients for natural cosmetics. Natural cleansers like milk and lemon are effective natural cosmetics in themselves. Fruits can make up excellent face packs. The names of cucumbers, peaches and apricots can be especially mentioned in this regard. The oils obtained from almond and coconut act as very good massage oils for skin and hair. The application of these oils brings a healthy glow to the skin and hair and makes them beautiful. They also help restore or maintain youth by controlling wrinkle and crease formation on the surface of the skin.
Extensive range of natural cosmetics to pamper you
There is an extensive range of natural cosmetics on offer. We can conveniently choose from these as per our requirement. Associated with natural cosmetics are natural perfumes obtained from essential oils of rare herbs. These may also come within the ambit of natural cosmetics. The natural cosmetics certainly promise to pamper your beauty and aesthetic senses and bring about a transformation in the way you look about yourself and nature.
For more infomative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety
of quality herbal
supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com
Natural Skin Care Mask
Healthy skin is one of the most common health and beauty concerns for people today, and rightfully so. Our skin is our bodies largest organ, and when our skin doesn’t look or feel good, it is exposed for the rest of the world to see.
Consequently, there are hundreds of companies selling thousands of products, all vying to have the best selling skin care product. Although this is not inherently bad, many of these companies charge an arm and a leg for products that are chemically based, pose a risk of skin irritation, and damage to the environment.
However, there are effective alternatives to chemical skin care. An all natural, home remedy can often achieve the same results as the chemically based products, but without any of the irritation or side effects.
One of the best forms of natural home skin care are masks. Masks can be made from a wide variety of ingredients at home to achieve whatever your skin care needs are. Furthermore, most of the ingredients are easy to find, and very affordable.
The most popular home made mask is an oatmeal mask It is a simple, completely safe mask, and it works perfectly for people with oily skin. The ingredients are as follows:
1/3 cup of fast cook oatmeal (1-3 minutes)
ผ cup of honey
ฝ cup of water
Mix the water and the oatmeal together, and cook. Then, set the oatmeal aside to cool and thicken. As it is cooling, mix in the ผ cup of honey. Once the mask is well mixed and cool, apply a thin even layer to the skin.
Be careful when applying this mask around the eyes. Though completely safe, the oatmeal can cause slight eye irritation. Better yet, place a used tea bag over the eyelids to reduce any redness or eye irritation.
The way this mask works is simple. The oatmeal in the mask is the primary “active” ingredient. It works to absorb excess oil on the skin and in the pores. Oatmeal will also help remove excess skin cells, and exfoliate the skin. The honey is simply there to turn the oatmeal into a pasty, sticky consistency that will adhere to the skin.
Another all natural skin treatment is to use lemon juice to help exfoliate and freshen the skin.
Lemon juice is a fruit acid, AKA Alpha Hydroxy Acid. It works in a similar fashion to salicylic acid, except that it is 100% all natural. It will help exfoliate the skin by reducing the “glue” that causes dead skin cells to stick to the skin.
This is one the simplest masks you can make, and is actually more of a “rinse” than anything. The only ingredients needed are water and lemon juice. Mix 1 part water to 5 parts lemon juice, and massage the solution onto your face. Then, rinse your face with cool water. Make sure to rinse well, because it can cause skin irritation if left on too long.
Even though these are all natural, it is always best to consult a dermatologist before using any skin care treatment. When used properly, these masks are effective alternatives to many of the expensive, chemical products sold in stores.
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and the editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com
Natural Skin Care - What About It
Consumers are turning to wholesome and therapeutic elements found in Mother Nature for skin care therapies and beauty treatments. There is an awareness of the potentially harmful effects associated with the long term use of synthetic chemicals found in many formulas. To name a few - 1,4-dioxane, a cancer causing contaminant found in cosmetic products; silicone emollients which coat the skin and trap anything beneath it - not allowing the skin to breathe; formaldehyde, cancer-causing vapor that can cause allergies, irritations to eyes, nose and throat, headaches and chronic fatigue.
Few people realize that skin is a “dynamic tissue”. Up to 60% of the skin products that we apply are absorbed into our bloodstream! Cosmetics, lotions and creams are an important part of life but we need to be aware of the damage chemicals have on our system. The only way to correct this is to find something less harmful. Natural and organic herbal skin care is the answer - grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and genetically engineered seeds.
Vitamins
In the last few years many manufacturers have begun to add vitamins and antioxidants to their formulas. Look for vitamin A to assist in preventing roughness and dryness. C and E are the simplest forms of antioxidants and will help in the prevention of sun damage and in fighting premature wrinkles.
There is some evidence that vitamin C may pass through the skin’s top layer and heal tissue that has been damaged by a burn or an injury. A study recently showed that applying topical Vitamin C, 15 to 30 minutes after UV exposure, sunburn cells decreased and repair to the damage had begun. The one problem of this vitamin is that it is unstable when left open to the air. Research is continuing to optimize this but one consistent way is to use an anhydrous (no water) base cream.
Vitamin D interacts with sunlight to form in our bodies and is considered an antioxidant and an anticarcinogen. Although it can be toxic in large amounts, sunbathing won’t result in an overdose.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing plant and the base of many natural cleansing formulas, offering exfoliation, moisturizing and protection. This “miracle” plant dates back to the time of Cleopatra but was lost for years. It was rediscovered during the Second World War when it was used for treating burn victims. It is now used as an ingredient that will help with antiaging, in the healing of wounds and sun damaged tissue. Apply aloe gel several times a day and watch the redness of a sunburn disappear without peeling.
Topical use of a cream containing 0.5 percent aloe vera extract three times a day for four weeks shows a high cure rate of lesions in psoriasis patients. Further research suggests that this plant may have a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect with no known adverse reactions. The problem of eczema can be addressed with specific ingredients such as aloe vera which provides soothing, cleansing and healing.
A great idea in using natural formulas is to do-it-yourself. To prepare an aloe vera home recipe, take the slippery part from inside the plant, puree in a blender and keep refrigerated. Apply a coat of the gel for 5 minutes and rinse. Over time watch for spots, acne and scars to disappear.
Jojoba Oil
Plant and animal species around the world were being identified and quickly outlawed for hunting and harvesting. The use of products derived from these sources was banned. The endangered sperm whale produced waxes that were greatly valued for their function in cosmetics. During the 60’s and 70’s a liquid wax (jojoba oil) found in the deserts of California, Arizona and Mexico was discovered by scientists. It not only replaced the prohibited wax from the sperm whale but appeared to actually be superior.
This jojoba oil is an excellent moisturizing agent and has spreading and lubricating properties. It leaves a rich non-oily velvety feel and enhances flexibility and suppleness. Studies done at the University of Michigan demonstrated that it is quickly absorbed. Because of this, pores and hair follicles remain open maintaining their proper functioning ability.
Applied directly and as often as required it is known to reduce wrinkles and bring relief to sensitive skin. The desert peoples of Southern California and Mexico had long been using it to treat rashes and cuts because of anti-bacterial qualities.
Many companies and name brands are introducing their all natural skin care lines and in many cases, samples are available to try out their product.
But you, the consumer, needs to realize that any product, natural or chemical based may have side effects. It is most important to read and study the information on your product of interest, know your skin type and what effect you want to achieve.
With so many choices in skin care and beauty products, it becomes confusing as to what is the best value for the money. No one has all the answers. But I do have the time to check out and make myself knowledgeble about what is out there. Many consumers are busy with other things and may not have the time to do the research. I attempt on my sites to give them some answers, or at least point them in the direction that will give them some answers. My sites are http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com
Natural Beauty Care
Everybody longs for that healthy glow, for sparkling eyes and shiny hair that bounces with every step. Millions of dollars are spent every year in beauty products to make skin that much clearer, wrinkles that less visible and lips pout that much more. And while there are cosmetics that do work, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of natural beauty products. Remedies that are available with nature. They’re easy to find, won’t put a hole in your pocket, and don’t have a trace of any harmful chemicals. Read on to see what gifts from nature can make you your most beautiful self.
For your hair (http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/hair-care.htm)
Lemon juice:
Lemon juice when used on your hair is an effective treatment for dandruff. Its citrus property cleanses the hair. Squeeze a lemon onto your hair and massage into the scalp, and then wash it out using water and your preferred shampoo.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is used in several parts of the world as an aid to beautiful hair. It has enriching vitamins and nutrients that help your hair to grow long and lustrous. In addition, it also combats dandruff.
Massage into the scalp before washing hair. If possible, do so a night before, so the oil can soak in overnight.
Vinegar:
Vinegar is great to add some bounce and vitality into dull and lifeless hair. Mix a little vinegar into warm water, and then rinse your hair with the solution. You hair will look revitalized.
For your skin
Water:
The important of water cannot be stated enough. It is one of the most important contributors to beautiful skin. It flushes out toxins and battles breakouts. A person should drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Warm showers are also very beneficial to the skin. When your skin is well hydrated, it looks young and healthy.
Roses:
They’re more than just pretty flowers! Rosewater is extremely good for the skin. It purifies the skin, and leaves it wonderfully scented. Combined with hazel, it is especially good for oily skin.
Turmeric Powder:
If you want your skin to naturally get fairer and more radiant, you could try turmeric. Just mix a piece of turmeric with curd and apply it onto your skin. Leave the paste on for about ten to fifteen minutes, and then wash off using cold water.
For your body:
Fruits:
Fruits are one of the best gifts that nature can give you. Most of them are low in calories, and can give you a whole lot of energy. In fact, almost all diets have fruits as an essential part of them.
Spinach:
Spinach leaves are very, very healthy. There’s a reason why Popeye enjoyed spinach so much! It helps to make your body stronger, and more resistant to illnesses and ailments.
Ellen for http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com. Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here with loads of information on skin care and skin disorders. Our forums – http://forums.ultimate-cosmetics.com.
Foods for Healthy Skin
There are certain foods that are very good for your skin and beauty. You need not to spend money on cosmetics when you can take cae of your skin at home in a natural way. eat the following foods for a healthy glowing skin.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is good for dryness of the skin and for removing scars of old pimples. Ground the outer cover of 3-5 almonds in with water and apply over the face daily.
Apples
Apply juice of green apples for fine wrinkles, cracked skin, itching and inflammations.
Apricots
Apply fresh juice of apricots on face good for sunburn, itching, and eczema.
Cucumber
Apply cucumber juice or grated cucumber over the face for skin eruptions.
Fenugreek
Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing pimples, blackheads, dryness, and wrinkles.
Garlic
Rub raw garlic on the face for persistent pimples. The pimples will disappear without scars with repeated applications.
Groundnut Oil
Mix 1 tsps groundnut oil with 1 tspn fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .
Honey
Apply honey (1 tspn) mixed with water for all skin blemishes. This will turn your skin glowing.
Lime Juice
Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples blackheads, and cracked skin.
Mint
Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
Orange
Apply a paste of ground orange peel (dried) with water for acne/pimples.
Papaya
Apply and drink the juice of raw papaya including the skin and seed for treatment of swelling pimples, acne, or any abnormal growth of the skin. It also removes whiteheads, boils, and spots.
Rub raw or ripe papaya on your face to get a smooth and glowing skin.
More remedies for hair loss and thinning of hair are given at Foods for healthy skin & skin care treatment.
Copyright, 2005, www.FatFreeKitchen.com
[Please note that this article is not a subsitute for medical advise. You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info.]
This article has been written by http://www.fatfreekitchen.com
Visit the web site skin problems like, age spots, blackheads, whiteheads, dark circles under eyees and stretch marks for more hair loss remedies and natural beauty treatment.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cosmetics Tips
Looking your best is easy with these simple cosmetics tips!
Keep your cosmetics fresh
Makeup does have an expiry date! It might not be written on the packaging, but there will come a time when your cosmetics won't be as vibrant, smooth or nice to wear as they used to be. Not only is it a good sign that you're possibly in the wrong season, it's also important if you want to be looking your best! Keep your makeup rotated every 6 months or so.
Make sure you're wearing the right cosmetics for your skin tone
The tragic flaw many people make when buying cosmetics is not matching them to their skin tone. This makes it almost impossible when trying to find the right foundation and concealer, but it also affects the lipstick and eye shadow you should be wearing. There are ways to determine skin tone, and you should base your cosmetics selections around the right tone:
Ruddy skin tone is associated with burning easily, but also with becoming easily flushed or pink-cheeked.
Yellow skin tones respond poorly to yellowish foundation and concealer and make the skin look more flawed than it did before.
Yellow-olive skin tone is easily identified because it's mainly found in people who tan easily and don't burn often. So if you come in from the beach a shade other than bright red, yellow-olive is you!
Olive skin tones are slightly gray or ashen, do not burn easily and have greenish undertones.
Neutral skin tone has no obvious yellow, olive or ruddy tones, nor any features of these skin tones.
Cosmetics counter assistants will be able to assist you in determining your skin tone, and also offer you the best options for cosmetics and colors. Similarly, you will find great tips just by looking through fashion magazines: ruddy skin responds well to earthy colors such as browns, greens, corals and reds; medium yellow and ruddy skin tones go well with both light and dark browns; darker olive skin looks great in more vibrant shades of ruby and cherry; and dark skin tones love more natural, soft pinks, corals and browns.
Wearing the 'wrong' cosmetics for your skin tone can result in you looking washed out, accentuating blemishes and otherwise causing flawed skin.
Learn to apply your cosmetics properly
Make sure you don't look like a ... well, clown ... after you put your makeup on in the morning. Most of us learn how to put on our faces from our friends in junior high or our mothers, and that's all well and good until we have to go to an important business meeting and we realize we actually don't know how to apply eyeliner!
Many makeup artists will actually visit you in your own home or as part of a cosmetics party and teach you how to do it properly, or you can visit a cosmetics counter and have them take you through the process. There's more to a great look than just throwing your makeup on, but there are simple and easy tricks that will have you looking gorgeous in no time!
Foundation: don't forget to blend foundation into your neck, or you'll end up with an unsightly line around your jaw; apply concealer after foundation!
Eye shadow: apply your base color from the inside out, then define your eyes with a darker shade in the crease of your eyelid; for extra definition, use a light shadow on your brow bone.
Eye liner: steady your hand by resting on a flat surface, and always apply from the inside to the outside of your eye; extending the liner beyond the end of your eyelids will give a great exotic look!
Mascara: two layers is best; apply the first layer downwards from the roots, then again upwards from the midway point of the lashes; apply a finer layer to the bottom lashes so you don't look like a panda, then leave for a couple of minutes and repeat.
Lipstick: the way you apply your lipstick depends on the shape of your mouth, but make sure your lip liner (if you use one) matches the color of your lipstick, use a base or primer, apply color with a lip brush and remember to blot; finish off with an application of lip gloss for perfectly luscious lips.
Accentuate your best features, improve the rest.
Barb S - your personal beauty expert. See our name brand salon hair products makeup and cosmetics at http://www.Stuff4Beauty.Com
5 Simple Tips for Your Makeup
Have you ever been putting on your makeup and when everything is going well, you suddenly make a mistake that ruins all of your effort? Have you had to take off your makeup some time because, without meaning to, you’ve ruined your makeup? Surely you have; it happens to all of us.
In this Article, you will find five of the most common mistakes and the best tips to quickly fix them without having to take off all of your makeup…
We hope you’ll like them and that they’ll help you easily improve your personal image…
“I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH FOUNDATION”
This is a very common mistake that we all make when we put on makeup. If you are totally made up, to take off any excess foundation, do the following:
• Lightly moisten a clean sponge with water (the sponge should be almost dry and without any makeup residue) and sponge all of your face with downward movements.
TIP: It’s very important, most of all, to avoid excess foundation and concealer around the eyes. To eliminate any excess in this area, perform the same step and afterwards use your fingertips to softly blur the product in that area.
“MY EYESHADOW LOOKS TOO DARK”
If you’ve put on too much eyeshadow, or it looks too dark, follow these steps to quickly fix the problem:
• If it happened on your upper eyelid, blur the eyeshadow toward the edges with a clean brush to reduce the color. If it still looks very dark, apply a little bit of matte cream eyeshadow with a brush (if you don’t have cream eyeshadow, you can use translucent powder) and blur the eyeshadow.
• If it happened on the lower part of your eye, use a fine, clean brush to blur, or pat it softly with a Q-tip.
• If as you were blurring, you’ve left the contour of the eyelid and the shadow looks very dark, blur it with a clean sponge and afterwards apply a little bit of foundation, patting lightly to fix the foundation.
“I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH BLUSH”
If you applied too much blush, try the following tip:
• Stroke your cheek with a thick, loose powder bush—the brush should be completely clean. If you still have too much blush on, apply translucent or clear powder with the same brush, just over the blush. That way the two powders should mix, clarifying the original color.
“I’VE PUT TOO MUCH MAKEUP ON MY EYEBROWS”
When we put too much makeup on our eyebrows, we look harsh and we can’t even recognize ourselves. Follow the following tip to quickly solve this:
• Simply brush the eyebrow with a clean Q-tip, going against the grain of your eyebrow. You will see how quickly the color you initially applied disappears.
“I’VE SMEARED MASCARA ON MY EYELID”
That’s all right. Just follow these next steps and you’ll see how you can quickly fix the problem:
• Continue applying makeup and when you have finished, allowing enough time for the mascara to dry, apply a Q-tip right over the smudge. You’ll see how it quickly disappears and you don’t need to remove the makeup from your whole eye.
TIP: A good trick to avoid smudging yourself is applying makeup first to your inferior eyelashes and then to the superior.
Maria Llorente is qualified make up artist that writes on a regular basis in the spanish beauty site.
http://www.tuimagenpersonal.com
Tips for Beautiful Makeup
Beautiful makeup tips are useful to know what you should do to make the makeup work to its fullest capacity, for, makeup done unprofessionally and without any thought would not be able to give you the desired results. Before applying the makeup that you hope would create a magical aura around you, consider these following tips for beautiful makeup:
Beautiful Makeup Tip 1
It is better to use toner on your face first. Use of a good moisturizer is also a good option, as this helps in proper and better blending of foundation. This is where most of people do not put proper care and end up in a mess of things, as the foundation does not give desired results!
Beautiful Makeup Tip 2
Use your fingers for working the foundation on one area of your face. It is better if you are moving your fingers in circular motion, and after you have finished this finger-walk, you can use sponge for the final working of the foundation.
Beautiful Makeup Tip 3
It is advisable to use a translucent loose powder to set the makeup with the help of a soft brush. When you are using the brush, dust the makeup in downward motion.
Beautiful Makeup Tip 4
If you are using blusher for your makeup, care needs to be taken in its application, for, it is better to apply in circular motion with fingers along the bottom of cheekbones. Mind you, application of blusher over the line that would pass from the center of your eyes is always prohibited!
Beautiful Makeup Tip 5
If you want to provide more natural look, you can fend the brush after you have loaded it with the blusher to remove the extra blusher.
Beautiful Makeup Tip 6
It is better to opt for a colorless eye shadow as a base. Darker colors need to be applied on outer side of eye shapes, and if you have already used more than required, you can use translucent or colorless coating over the already made.
Beautiful Makeup Tip 7
Sometimes, people get carried away with the colors of their clothes and try to match the color of makeup with it. Mind you, this may not look beautiful, so, it is better to opt for colors that actually suit your complexion. Using mild colors can lend a rare beauty to your face.
Beautiful Makeup Tip 8
If you are using eyeliner to make your eyes attractive and talking, it should be applied close to base of eyelashes, so that it can make them look thicker.
If you follow these tips for your makeup, the possibility of finest outcome for your face is more and you will enjoy the place for which you have intended the makeup!
Tony Smith
For more Makeup Tips vist http://www.makeup-guide-plus.info
Natural Beauty Tips
Let me mention first what you should follow first is fruits,
plenty of fruits and vegetables.They give you the right vitamins
and minerals for healthy looking skin that glows.
Here is a beauty tip for your face, that will make your face look radiant and take off the dead skin.
-About a dime size portion of "Miracle Whip" not mayonnaise.
-Make sure you don't apply too much. You just want a a nice
layer and don't forget your neck.
-Leave this on your face for 20 minutes.
-And then start with clean dry fingertips messaging in small
circles. Soon you will see little balls of dead skin coming
off. Keep rubbing until your face and neck are done.
-Wash with a mild cleanser, and moisturize as normal. I love
to do this. You won't believe how soft your skin feels and the
radiant glow that it will give you.
Apply eyeshadow with cotton swabs for an alternative of an
applicator. It's soft and makes your eyeshadow apply evenly.
And they are desposable too, so you toss them away.
Another way to remove your make-up on your eyes is vaseline.
It removes it very well and is a natural ingredient.
Another tip is, apply clear lipgloss under lipstick for soft &
shiny lips.
A soak for tired feet is always a treat. Soak them for an half
an hour in warm water and add slices of lemons.
If you're not pleased on how your teeth look here is a way where
you can brighten them up just by using baking soda and perioxide.
Baking soda has been healthy for teeth for many years. So you
know it's safe. All you need is 1 teaspoon of baking soda and
1 teaspoon of perioxide mix and brush with toothbrush. Rinse.
Be sure the perioxide is no greater than 3%. It says it on the label.
This is an inexpensive way to whiten and brighten your teeth.
And it's a healthy way to have whiter brighter teeth.
The loofah sponge has been another way to have healthy looking skin too. Plus fights nasty cellulite, that we don't want.
It was first used by women in many European countries for many
centuries for healthy skin. It really works! If you don't have
a loofah sponge yet, go buy one. They sell them in many supermarkets and department stores. You should apply body wash
on the loofah sponge and rub all over your entire body in your shower or bath. You will soon feel a tingling sensation and your
skin getting softer and smoother like a babies skin. The tingling sensation means it's working. And you will feel better using the loofah sponge because it has benefits for you and your
skin.
I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips I gave you.
So remember... be beautiful and stay that way!
I live with my husband. We are a Team together. I love to cook gourmet
at times. I love to relax with a good cup of mocha coffee or
raspberry green tea. We love the ocean and beaches. We like healthy living and many things in life.
Frangesca has a Website on healthy living. A must to see website.
Check it out here and/or email:fdantoni80@hotmail.com http://www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/folco
Tips For Smooth, Healthy, and Beautiful Skin
Beauty of the skin starts from inside your body! Your skin needs fresh air, exercise, a proper diet, minerals and vitamins and it needs protection from the sun.
Many people just put skin cream on their skin, thinking it is going to make it soft and smooth. Skin cream on the skin feels soft and smooth, but if you want your skin to benefit from that cream, you need to dampen your skin first then add the cream. The cream will help retain the moisture in the skin.
Start walking and building up your muscle tone. Muscle tone will keep your skin from looking so saggy.
Keep your skin clean. Do not scrub your face. The face does not need scrubbing. And, neither does your back. In fact, the more you scrub on it, the more acne you can get and more trauma to your skin.
A warm face cloth with a non-chemical soap, patted. Then a good gentle rinse. You next dry your face by patting with a soft clean towel. You can actually not use soap on your face at all, especially if you have dry skin.
USE Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) as a perfect exfoliate for your face. A good cream should last a long time and not be expensive. Use it at night when you wash your face before going to bed.
It is derived from fruit, milk and sugar cane and when used on the skin it helps remove the dead skin cells, which will give your face a much younger, fresher look.
Easy, effective and cheap ways to do a mask are:
Use an egg yolk and honey mask. Just mix one egg yolk with a little honey and spread it on your face and neck. When it dries, rinse it off. It makes your skin feel very soft.
Another one:
Use plain egg yolk. It is good for acne, too. Mix it up. Spread it on your face for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse it off.
Another one:
Take plain egg white, beat up the egg white, and then spread it on your face until dry about 20 minutes, rinse off with water. This leaves your face refreshed and helps clean the pores. You can make masks of many things that are right in your kitchen, such as oatmeal. Grind it up. Mix it with some skimmed milk and let it dry. Rinse well. Milk can attract bacteria so you don’t want to leave it on your face.
Ancient Chinese Secrets from Ning Hua: Wrinkles Reduction
Two tablespoons of fresh cucumber juice and same amount of egg white (about one egg), stir well, and then apply on wrinkles every night after cleansing. In the morning, rinse off thoroughly using warm water. Keep using for a month, your skin will be firmed, your wrinkles will disappear.
Pigment Fading:
5 teaspoons fresh tomato juice with 1 teaspoon honey, apply on the pigment, rinse off thoroughly. Keep using for 10-15 days; your pigment will fade away.
Fruit Mask:
Juice apple, cucumber and pear, mixed with flour, add a teaspoon of water, and stir thoroughly. Apply after cleansing, avoiding eye and mouth areas, leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off thoroughly.
Do you want to have beautiful skin every day for the rest of your life? Visit Skin Care Center for the latest news and information on how to get beautiful skin.
Health and Beauty Tips
Our society is one which is somewhat obsessed with appearances. Magazines, movies and television feature those with beautiful faces and bodies almost exclusively. Characters in a television shows or movies are often stereotypes rather than independent characters lending credence to the theory that beauty is more important than other aspects such as intelligence, personality and creativity. While this may not be true it is certainly the image which is promoted in the media. This focus on the beautiful people of the world has ignited a thriving beauty industry.
Nail salons are opening in large quantities all around the world. Although women make up the majority of the clientele in these establishments, men are also flocking to salons and spas for manicures and pedicures. Manicures and pedicures used to be considered luxury treatments reserved for special occasions such as weddings and other formal events but today many women visit salons weekly for nail care treatments.
Nails aren’t the only part of the body get a great deal of attention lately. Gleaming white teeth have become an asset desired, and achieved through treatments, by many. Both over the counter whitening products and dentist performed procedures are becoming increasingly popular. These products and procedures help people to obtain a coveted bright smile.
Salons and spas are also offering services and treatments to help individuals gain desired hairstyles. These treatments and services can help a person to achieve a completely different look. Those with short hair can have hair extensions, made with real hair, attached to create the illusion of longer hair. This can have the result of creating a dramatic effect. The extensions can be either very natural looking or completely outrageous. Hair straighteners are also popular options for those who want straight locks. Those with curly or wavy hair can have chemicals applied to remove the curl from their hair or may employ the use of products such as flat irons to achieve the desired effect.
Laser hair removal is another service offered by spas for the purpose of beautification. Laser hair removal can be somewhat painful as well as expensive and time consuming but many women still invest in these services. Laser hair removal is used to permanently remove hair through the use of lasers applied to the hair follicles.
These treatments are most effective in areas involving a small surface area such as the face, the underarms or the bikini line.
Some who are seeking physical perfection are taking even more drastic steps than those mentioned above in their pursuit of beauty. Laser vision correction is one such extreme measure those looking to improve their appearance are undergoing. Surgery to correct vision is often utilized by individuals who do not wish to wear glasses anymore. Although contact lenses are a viable
solution for correcting vision without surgery, many individuals are not satisfied with the use of contacts because there are still times when they are required to wear eye glasses. For these individuals corrective eye surgery is worth the risk in return for not having to wear eye glasses anymore.
Allen Maccey writes for several health websites and magazines including Feeling Lighter, Feeling Fitter and Beautiful Body and Face
7 Beauty Tips for Looking Younger
Ever since Eve took that first bite of the apple, the human race has been obessed with beauty.
The truth is we begin the aging process just as soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate new cells. The speed at which that process takes place when we are children is vastly different as we get older.
Every day you are bombarded daily with commercial messages and beauty tips that attempt to lure you into believing that the most recent miracle drug is just what you need to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.
We are living longer as a whole. Singularly, that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on your perspective.
The best route to natural beauty and healthy skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The truth is that your skin takes a beating from the environment every single day. Here are some of our favorite beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and healthy:
1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any other type of liquid, even if it is low cal. Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need fluid that will hydrate and flush your body free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day!
2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The truth is you can poison yourself with too much sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn’t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should, contributing to unsightly wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make certain you are using an adequate sun screen. Don’t leave home without it!
3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth. Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do more harm than good if you do.
4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have them in the first place! If you are like most of us, you didn’t listen to your Mom when she tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand up straight and stop squinting!
5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat, can make a huge difference in how you feel. Improper eating habits can cause depression, weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.
Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you get older, it loses it's elasticity and you're left with sagging skin.
The best solution to this is to maintain a proper weight.
A rule of thumb for eating habits are...don't eat more calories than you consume. Don't go one single day without doing something extra and physical for at least 30 minutes per day. This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30 minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.
6: Don't worry, be happy. A happy outlook appears to trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and cytokines which alert the immune system to pay attention in detecting abnormalities like cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If you have put yourself down since childhood, over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages can take their toll by turning you into a pessimist. Spend one week writing down the phrases you use in your “self talk.” Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen or so phrases over and over again that reinforce that negative image. If you know about them, you can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand in hand.
Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy, hope and optimism that will work no matter what your age:
Make a list of at least 50 great things that happen to you every day.
Laugh a lot. You’ll heal your body and your mind.
Discover a new challenge each month.
Try meditating for just five minutes each day.
7: Sex After 50 – Ha! How many of you jumped ahead to this section?
The importance of physical intimacy actually depends on the couple. An alarming number of men used to give up on sex after 60 and many women used to feel that their sex life ended with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.
Sex at middle age can actually become better and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity gives a couple more experience in lovemaking. The children are usually grown and left home. The pressures of building a career and day to day life are usually less stressful than in younger years.
Is beauty really skin deep?
The answer is yes and no. It’s a paradox, isn’t it? True beauty begins from the inside out. Don’t you wish there was some way to “wriggle your nose” and regain that soft skin you had as a child? Well, until someone comes up with the true “Fountain of Youth” we are stuck with what we have.
Just remember that getting older doesn't have to mean getting old.
Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club.
Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth and beauty. Go here to find out how.
Timeless Beauty Tips
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Acne: How It Is Good for Your Health
There have been a lot of comprehensive discussions of acne taken place for a very long time, particularly about the solution. Since acne does not only affect to people's appearance but it also has social impact.
Acne has been considered as an undesired symptom which needs urgent treatment. Medical researchers are working on new drugs to treat acne, particularly topical antibiotics to replace some of those in current use. As with many other types of bacterial infections, doctors are finding that, over time, the bacteria that are associated with acne are becoming resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics, though it is not clear how significant a problem this resistance represents.
The fact is, people with acne generally hate the way they look with acne. But how many people know that it is not just a skin problem anymore since Leonard Darke Institute claimed that positions of acne on face can tell you whether there is anything wrong with any part of your internal organs.
The institute researchers analyzed the western-style facial care and treatment with Chinese physiognomy and concluded that acne occurring on each position on face can tell if something wrong happens with human body. This information identifies the relationship between spots on face and internal organs as follows:
1. Left side of forehead
It may relate with digestive system, urinary system, urinary bladder, and adrenal gland. This acne occurs when you get stress or your face is not cleaned thouroughly.
2. Between both eyebrows
It may relate with liver, problem with Lactose digestion. This acne occurs when you eat strong flavored food or have late night meal.
3. Right side of forehead
It may relate with digestive organs, stomach, and adrenal gland. This acne is caused from stress or bacteria on dirty face.
4. On ears
You may have a problem with kidney. Or it may be caused by shampoo or soap. Using cellphone for a long time or consuming too much coffee, alcohol, or meat can also cause acne on ears.
5. Both sides of cheeks
Acne on higher area of cheeks may relate to sinus and lung while the lower area may relate to gum and teeth. This kind of acne can be caused by smoking, allergy, chronic flu, or bad-quality foundation. Deep wrinkles around cheekbone can identify lung or respiratory problem.
6. Around eye areas
Problem with kidney or allergy can be identified by this position. This acne is caused by cosmetics, eyeglasses, high residue in body, less relaxation, or malnutrition.
7. On nose or above lip
It may relate to heart problem and Genito-urinary system. Red pimple occurring on nose can identify hypertension, impact from hormones, or menstruation period.
8. On left or right area below lip
Problem with Ovary can be identified. Hormone balance and menstruation period can cause this acne.
9. On tip of chin
It may relate to stomach and small intestine caused by strong flavored food.
10. On neck and chest
Stress can cause this kind of acne.
Source : http://www.b4uindia.com/forums/diagnostic-acne-good-your-health-t9363.html?s=66d5af6a400498cd7125faa2e62331e7&
