Perfect guide for healthy and beautiful you...

Eyelash

2009-01-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Great eyelash tips are something that everyone should have in their makeup bag. Learning about what the right cosmetics for your skin color and eye color are is something essential. From the right dye to the right tools for improved growth of your eyelashes, there is plenty to learn. The potential for beautiful eyelashes is out there if you only look for the right tips and ideas to help you to get the look you want. There is a whole world that you gcan look into when looking through improved eyelashes. Add glamour to your look by paying attention to your eyelashes.

Thin Eyelashes

If you are looking for thicker, longer eyelashes, there are several things that you can do. The eyelash frames the eye and draws the attention into your eyes as they move. This is a key place to consider adding a bit of thickness for added benefit.

To do this, you have several options. You can select to use a mascara to do the work. Apply the same color as your eyelashes and do so in one sweeping movement from the base of your eyelash line to the tips of the lashes. Mascara is a great way to make eyelashes longer too. Select the type of mascara that does this for beautiful, naturally looking length.

Another option that you have is to apply false eyelashes. If you go this route, consider individual eyelashes rather than full lashes. They are much more natural looking. They do take a bit longer to put on, but are well worth the extra work.
An Additional Tip. In addition to these treatments, to thicken eyelashes and eyebrows, you should apply the correct color and amount of eye make up. Applying good quality products will result in a more natural look. Using eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara will improve the thickness of the eyelashes and the eyebrow.
There is no reason for you not to have the gorgeous eyelashes and eyebrows that you would like to have. All you need to do is to apply the right types of makeup to your eyes and within just a few seconds, you have beautiful looking eyes. Thicken eyelashes and eyebrows for a dramatic effect.

Eyelashes are like every other hair on your body. They have a specific growth cycle that keeps them growing regularly. Like each other hair, they will grow to a specific length and then stop. Although most do not realize it, all of the hair on your body will replace itself every few years with new hair, including your eyelashes.

Understanding Eyelash Growth

There are a few things to realize about eyelashes. For example, consider the fact that each hair on your body has a specific length that it will grow to. Even the hair on your head will stop growing at a specific length. That is why not many people have hair that grows past their middle backs. Your eyelashes are a prime subject to consider for this. It is rare to find very long eyelashes that would cover your eyes! Still, some people have longer lashes than others. It’s all about the genetics!

Eyelashes Regrow

How do eyelashes regrow, then? When your eye lash falls out or you pluck it out, it will grow back. The eyelash growth cycle takes about four to eight weeks to fully replace an eyelash. If you lose a large clump of eyelashes, it is likely to take longer for them all to be replaced as it can take up to four weeks for replacements to come in fully.

Stimulate Eyelash Growth

There are some that believe that they can stimulate eyelash growth. There are a few problems with this. For one, eye lashes are on the growth cycle and will only come back according to that. If you pluck an eye lash out, it will take several weeks to grow back. Some people mistakenly believe that if they cut the tips of their eye lashes off, that they will somehow continue to grow. This is not true and will not help you to get long, beautiful eyelashes.

Eyelash growth products are available on the market, but none have been proven to work scientifically, even if they promise that they will. One product that’s worth a look is Lilash Eyelash Stimulator.

One thing to note is that if you apply large amounts of eyelash glue to your false eyelashes, you are likely to pull out several lashes at a time, which can have you looking a bit sparse. Instead of doing this, make sure that you follow the manufacturers directions for removing false eyelashes.

Although you may not be able to stimulate eyelash growth, eyelashes usually will grow back. Those that do want those long lashes will have to hope that they are in their genetic code or will need to resort to false lashes instead.

A thick and curly eyelash is an enviable feature indeed. But not all of us have bestowed with such a cosmetic credit .So what? We can always get anything if put our minds into it. With the improvement in technology everything is possible.The artificial eye lashes are boon for those who are beauty conscious.

Artificial Remedies for Eyelash Enhancement
Eyelashes and in particular long eyelashes make the eyes look bigger, and ‘open’ the eyes up. Heavily made up lashes or eyelash extensions give a more dramatic look suitable for evening make up and can look great on people with smaller eyes. A heated eyelash curler can be used before applying eyeliner or mascara to maximize the effect.

Enhancing The Eyelids
Eyelids can be enhanced with make up (a light shade of make up will make the eyes more prominent) to make the eyes sparkle. False eyelashes or heavy mascara can be applied for a dramatic look that extends the eyelid and creams can be used on the eyelid and skin around the eye to create a glowing healthy look and reduce lines and minor wrinkles.

Eyelash Curlers And Extensions
Cold (metal) eyelash curlers create the same effect as electric heated eyelash curlers, they gently bend the lashes creating a fresh and open look. The procedure has to be applied every time that make up is applied and is not permanent. It is possible to have the eyelashes curled permanently and even to have them dyed with safe eyelash dye. These procedures all have to be repeated after 4 to 6 weeks.

Curling the eyelashes has to be undertaken with the greatest of care. Especially people with short or very little eyelashes have to make sure to not get burned when using a heated curler, as the curler is used so close to the skin of the eyelid. After excessive curling eyelashes may break or get damaged in the same way that hair that gets styled and blow dried too much, breaks and possibly falls out.

If you tend to curl your eyelashes a lot it can be a good idea to use eyelash oils (applied just like mascara) to feed and repair the eyelashes in between curling treatments. These nurturing treatments are available in any good beauty shop.

Eyelash extensions are small clumps of hair that can be stuck in between the real lashes. The fake eyelashes are longer than the natural ones, creating a fuller look. Extensions can be purchased in any possible colour and gold and silver, to create a special festive look.

Applying these lashes may take some practice, as it can be difficult to handle the very small bits of hair. The best way to go about it is to use a pair of tweezers to hold the fake eyelashes, gently apply just a little bit of eyelash glue at the very tip of the lashes and then apply them to the eyelid (while pulling the eyelid skin taunt).

Isabella ♥

Tanning

2009-01-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

What is tanning?

Tanning is the skin's reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis. This darkening of the skin cells is the skin's natural – if imperfect – defense against further damage from UV radiation.

Is tanning bad for you?

The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage. However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.

Does all UV radiation harm my skin?

Scientists divide the solar UV spectrum into three wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC. Once, UVA and UVC were thought harmless, and only UVB was believed dangerous. UVC is still deemed no threat, since it is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of solar UVR reaching Earth. Though far less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during all daylight hours year round, while the amount of UVB in sunlight varies by season, location and time of day.

By the 1990's, scientists knew that UVA exacerbates the cancer-causing effects of UVB, and is the main wavelength behind photoaging. Recently, an Australian-U.S. study found that UVA may be more carcinogenic than UVB. It penetrates more deeply and causes more genetic damage in the skin cells (keratinocytes) where most skin cancers arise. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now designate both UVA and UVB as causes of cancer.

Doesn't the melanin acquired through tanning actually protect my skin?
Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin's DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Isn't getting sunburned more dangerous than getting tan?

Both are dangerous, because both result from DNA damage to the skin cells. It is true that sunburn has been directly linked to melanoma – one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. It is usually thought that lifetime sun exposure is responsible for increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while both intense, intermittent sun exposure – the pattern that is traditionally linked to melanoma – and lifetime exposure are believed to be involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma. However, studies have also shown a marked increase in melanoma incidence in people who have developed either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact exposure pattern behind the development of the different types of skin cancer, but it is safe to say that both burning and tanning play major roles in skin cancer.

Are tanning beds safer?

Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1) they mainly use UVA rays, and 2) they offer more "controlled" UV exposure. However, we know now that UVA is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed "safe" UV limits. Study after study has shown that sunbed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan. However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanners. Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun exposure is the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.

Safer Tanning Options for Sun Goddesses

Use these safe tanning tips to sun tan safely in the glorious sunshine. Take special care of your skin against the potential dangers of sun damage.

Besides sun tanning, consider other tanning options available to help you achieve that glorious golden tan.

There are 3 ways to achieve a tan:

Sun Tanning

Salon Tanning

Fake Tanning

Let's look at each of them in greater details.

SUN TANNING

So if you are heading for the beach, don’t forget your sun block in addition to your shades, your towel and your sandals. This is the first and most important sun tanning tip.

Studies have shown a strong correlation between sun tanning and skin cancer. More and more people are being diagnosed with the disease.

Contrary to popular misconception, there is no such thing as a “healthy tan”. Tanning is, in essence, the skin’s reaction to damage already done, and a defensive attempt to protect itself from further harm.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are the most threatening component of a natural suntan.

Two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, negatively affect the skin by deeply penetrating our skin and potentially damage gene composition.

UVA rays is the predominant type and tends to cause skin cancer after prolonged periods of time.

Sunburn and the redness associated with sun exposure result from UVB rays, which are also a strong risk factor for skin cancer.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIPS

If you simply cannot avoid going out in the sun on a gorgeous day, read the following safe sun tanning tips carefully.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #1C
onsider using a sun block with a low SPF. This will still allow tanning, but the skin will receive at least a small degree of protection from the powerful rays.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #2
Be especially cautious when in or on the water, as the sun may badly burn the skin without any warning signs.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #3
Hats and t-shirts can provide a degree of protection when one is enjoying the weather, playing sports or simply relaxing on a nice day.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #4
Some individuals should exercise extreme caution when exposed to the sun, including those with very fair skin, those who burn often or tan poorly, those who have many freckles or moles, those under age 16, and those who have a history of skin cancer themselves or in the family history.

Even if these conditions do not apply to you personally, it is still very important to be smart about your own exposure to the sun.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #5
Apply sun block before you go into the sun and before you dress, to ensure that you don’t miss any areas.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #6
Gradually build up the time you spend in the sun. Never be tempted to burn – it’s a sign of skin damage.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #7
Stay out of the sun between 12 noon and 3 o’clock when the sun is at its hottest. Move into the shade or cover up with a T-shirt and broad-brimmed hat.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #8
If you’re playing a lot of sports or swimming, choose a special sports formula or waterproof formulation.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #9
Lips need a good lip screen to protect them from burning and chapping.

SAFE SUN TANNING TIP #10
Like skincare ranges, there are hypoallergenic suncare products around, so ask at your pharmacist.

SALON TANNING

Personal tanning methods available today attempt to eliminate the UV rays from coming in contact with the skin, yet you have to wonder how safe you are when shutting yourself in a tiny tanning booth for 30 minutes at a time!

Popularity of tanning beds tends to soar as teens strive for the prom-perfect hue and women of all ages aim to avoid the pasty white complexions they suffered long enough through the winter.

Though they are thought to be only slightly more protective than getting a natural tan due to the controlled environment, risks are still associated with tanning beds as the exposure to UV rays is still present.

Do you know there is a recommended allotment of time that one should not exceed in the course of a year when using a tanning bed?

According to the British Photodermatology Group (BPG-a branch of the British Association of Dermatologists), one should not surpass 10 sets of 30-minute sessions twice a year, or in other words, 10 hours of exposure per year.

Have you exceeded this recommended amount of sun exposure?

FAKING TANNING

The safest tan of all is one that comes out of a bottle. There are 3 main ways to fake a tan:

Bronzing Powders

Wash-off tanners

Self Tanners

BRONZING POWDERS

Use powders on your face in the same way as a blusher. Make sure that the one you use is not peralized, or you’ll really shimmer in the sunshine.

WASH-OFF TANNERS

This is the simplest way to create an instant tan on your face and body. You simply smooth on the cream and then wash it away at the end of the day.

SELF TANNERS

A safer method of tanning than sun tanning and visits to the salon, self-tanning products have taken leaps and bounds in technology-far beyond the “orange tone” so many worry about experiencing.

Self-tanning products come in several forms-lotions, gels, wipes, sprays, and now, even a pill! The pill stimulates the pigment to change without any exposure to the sun, which is actually thought to be a positive preventive alternative to harmful sun exposure.

For those who still enjoy the trip to the salon but don’t feel the need to visit a tanning bed, a new tanning-spray treatment is available at some salons. It is quick, about a 30 second application with instant results.

All of these tanning options involve the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA.), which is absorbed by the surface skin cells and turns brown in the presence of oxygen – which creates the “tan”. This process usually takes three to four hours, and the effects last until these skin cells are naturally shed – which can be from a few days up to a week. Self tanners are acceptable alternatives to the real thing.

Many of the products available also contain moisturizers and vitamins to help the skin remain healthy and soft while not exposing the body to any UV rays. Looking for some fake tanning products? Click here and type in “fake tanning” in the search box to search for what you are need.

Here are some self tanning tips for your consideration:

SELF TANNING TIP #1
Use a body scrub first to rub away the dead flaky skin that can soak up colour and create a patchy finish.

SELF TANNING TIP #2
Massage in plenty of body lotion over the area to be treated. This will combat any remaining dry areas and give a smooth surface on which to apply the tanning lotions.

SELF TANNING TIP #3
If there’s a shade choice, go with the lighter one, because you can always apply a second layer later on.

SELF TANNING TIP #4
Work the product firmly into the skin until it feels completely dry. Any excess left on the surface is likely to go patchy.

SELF TANNING TIP #5
If you’ve applied self tanner to your body, wipe areas that don’t normally tan with damp cotton wool pads (cotton balls) – armpits, nipples, soles of feet and fingers. On the face, work the cotton wool around the eyebrows, hairline and jawline.

SELF TANNING TIP #6
While there are self-tanning products that offer some protection from the sun until you wash your skin, it’s best to use them in conjunction with the best sunscreen for your skin type.

Even with an artificially produced tan, it is vital to practice protective measures to prevent sun damage. A simple sun block will do, in addition to monitoring your exposure to the sun.

No matter which tanning option you settle for if you simply must have that glowing tan, use caution when you bask in the rays at the shore or wherever.

Keep these important safe tanning tips in mind whenever you are exposed to the sun for a significant duration of time:

SAFE TANNING TIP #1
Do your best to avoid falling asleep while tanning. We all know how tempting it is to take that relaxing nap to the sounds of the surf, but you could wake up fried to a painful crisp!

SAFE TANNING TIP #2
Even if you are determined to go home with some color, try a very low SPF level sunscreen. Something as low as SPF15 will do more good for your skin than bare exposure!

SAFE TANNING TIP #3
When you do experience sunburn, keep aloe and cocoa butter on hand. Aloe is known to soothe the skin, while cocoa butter helps in keeping skin soft and smooth while also repairing it and preventing peeling after sun damage.

Isabella ♥

Homemade Facial Masks

2009-01-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Face Mask remove dead skin cells from the surface and help to tighten pores and make the skin appear smoother.

How to apply Facial Masks

Most homemade mask recipes are extremely easy to make either by hand or using a liquidiser/blender. Homemade facial masks containing natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, honey, egg, clay powder and oats. We provide some homemade facial mask recipes for all type (oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, combination skin, normal skin, and aged skin) of skins.

Strawberry and cream mask:

The honey, with its many trace elements, combines with the cream to nourish tired skin and prevent it from drying too quickly. The salicylic acid in the strawberries cleanses by removing impurities and dead cells.

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 medium-sized, ripe strawberries 1 tablespoon fresh double cream 1 tablespoon honey METHOD : Mash the strawberries with the back of a fork or puree them in a food processor or blender. Add the cream and honey to the puree to form a thick mixture. Add a little more cream if the mixture is too runny or 1 teaspoon of clay. Apply to the cleaned face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes, and leave for approx. 10 minutes. Rinse off with water, and finish with a little rosewater, leaving it to dry naturally.

VARIATION

Substitute live yoghurt for the cream to balance the pH of the skin. You can also use raspberries instead of strawberries. The yoghurt/raspberry variation is suitable for sensitive skin, and it is also less likely to cause minor irritation for anyone allergic to strawberries.

EFFECT

nourishes, cleanses, balances pH if substitute live yoghurt

SKIN TYPES

all (see VARIATION for sensitive skin)

FREQUENCY OF USE

once a week

SHELF LIFE

5 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

10 minutes

Almond and egg white mask

Nourishing vitamins, fatty acids, trace elements and enzymes in almond and honey combine with the astringent action of egg white to make a very effective mask for dry or ageing skin.

INGREDIENTS:

50g almonds 1 large egg white1 tablespoon honey

METHOD :

Blanch the almonds in boiling wafer for 4 minutes and leave to cool. Beat the egg white lightly. Peel the almonds and give them in a blender until you have a coarse granular texture. Add the lightly beaten egg white and the honey, and blend again to form a smooth paste. If the consistency is too thick to spread easily, stir in some rosewater, a little at a time. Apply evenly to the cleaned face and neck and leave for approx. 20 minutes. Remove with water, and pat dry. Dab on a little rosewater and leave to dry naturally.

EFFECT

nourishes

SKIN TYPES

dry or aging

FREQUENCY OF USE

two or three times a week

SHELF LIFE

6 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

20 minutes

Banana Wrinkles Facial Mask or Anti-Aging Mask :

Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain large quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and iodine, and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E and F. Here they are teamed with double cream used to prevent wrinkles, and organic honey in a recipe crammed full of nutrients.

INGREDIENTS:

1 small banana approx. 0 2 tablespoons fresh double cream1 tablespoon organic honeyapprox. 1 tablespoon potato flour

METHOD :

Mash the banana, using the back of a fork, and then add 2 tablespoons of fresh double cream, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon of potato flour. Stir to mix well. You may need to add a little more cream or potato flour to obtain the consistency of thick cream or yoghurt. Apply the mask to the cleaned face, including the area around the eyes, and the neck and leave for approx. 30 minutes. Rinse off with water and dab on a little rosewater leaving to dry naturally.

EFFECT

nourishes

SKIN TYPES

dry, ageing

FREQUENCY OF USE

2 times a week

SHELF LIFE

6 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

30 minutes

Blemish free face mask : 1 tsp carrot juice,1 tsp yougurt ,1 tsp sweet almond oil,1 tsp honey stir to mix well. Apply this to face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Remove with water. Blend 2 tsp oatmeal, 2 tsp milk and 1 whole egg. Stir well. Leave on face 10-15 Minutes and rinse with warm water, then with cold water. Mash fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries, smooth the puree over the face, and let it dry for 10 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Strawberries are time-tested skin improvers that clean pores, tighten skin, help clear blemishes,and postpone wrinkling. Turmeric facial mask : Mix 5 tsp besan (gram flour), 2 tsp of turmeric powder, 2 tsp of sandal wood powder, 2 tsp of ghee or almond oil, add some water to make a paste. Apply to face and body and leave for 5-10 minutes. And then wash with water.

Yoghurt and carrot juice mask:

This is an excellent mix for improving the elasticity of a dry skin. The yoghurt has a good balancing effect on the pH. Carrot contains precious rejuvenating minerals, and honey's moistening action is invaluable for a tired skin.

INGREDIENTS:

1 large carrot or 1 tablespoon carrot juice approx. 2 tablespoons yoghurt1 tablespoon sweet almond oil1 tablespoon honey

METHOD :

If making your own carrot juice, prepare 1 tablespoonful. An alternative, if you don't have a juicer, would be to use grated carrot, in which case you need 2 tablespoonsful. Mix the yoghurt with the carrot, and stir in the sweet almond oil and honey. Apply to the cleaned face and neck and leave for approx. 20 minutes. Remove with water and pat dry. Finish with a dab of rosewater left to dry naturally, if you wish.

VARIATION

Use wheatgerm oil instead of sweet almond oil for an even more nourishing effect. Wheatgerm contains vitamin E, which has a powerful healing, regenerative action.

EFFECT

nourishes, balances pH

SKIN TYPES

all, especially dry, ageing or damaged

FREQUENCY OF USE

once a week

SHELF LIFE

6 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

20 minutes

Fresh milk and lemon mask

You need fresh full-cream milk for this mask, which helps to balance the pH of a dry or ageing skin. The lemon juice is astringent, and therefore toning, but it also supplies a little vitamin C.

INGREDIENTS:

½ lemon 100 ml fresh full-cream milk

METHOD :

Extract the juice of the half lemon and add to the milk, stirring to mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting mixture to the cleaned face and neck, using cotton wool balls, and leave to penetrate the skin. When the skin is dry, approx. 20 minutes, clean gently, using rosewater and cotton wool balls. Leave to dry naturally.

EFFECT

nourishes, cleanses, tones, balances pH

SKIN TYPES

all, especially dry or aging

FREQUENCY OF USE

once daily for 7 days

SHELF LIFE

5 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

20 minutes

Avocado and Cream mask:

This extremely rich mask is packed full of vitamins: avocados alone contain A, B and C, plus essential amino-acids.

INGREDIENTS:

½ very ripe avocado 2 tablespoons fresh double cream1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

METHOD :

Peel the stoned, halved avocado and mash the flesh with the back of a fork. Add the double cream, and wheat germ oil, stirring well to mix. Apply evenly to the cleaned face and neck and leave for approx. 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry. Dab on a little rosewater and leave to dry naturally.

EFFECT

nourishes

SKIN TYPES

dry, ageing

FREQUENCY OF USE

twice a week for dry skin; daily for ageing skin

SHELF LIFE

6 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

20 minutes

Avocado and Cream mask:

This extremely rich mask is packed full of vitamins: avocados alone contain A, B and C, plus essential amino-acids.

INGREDIENTS:

½ very ripe avocado 2 tablespoons fresh double cream1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

METHOD :

EFFECT

nourishes

SKIN TYPES

dry, ageing

FREQUENCY OF USE

twice a week for dry skin; daily for ageing skin

SHELF LIFE

6 hours in refrigerator

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

TREATMENT TIME

20 minutes

Isabella ♥

All You Need to Know About Aging

2009-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

There are a variety of ways to help you maintain a more youthful appearance. In the area of skin aging there is some useful information available on the internet, however there is also a vast amount of unproven and possibly unsafe treatments and product claims advertised. Many 'natural' remedies can still cause harm. Consider consulting your doctor or dermatologist before taking any new medication or buying an expensive product for skin rejuvenation (reversal skin aging).

This page summarises information from the scientific literature. There are some newer approaches of unproven value. Some of the more promising of these approaches are discussed.

Cosmetic Dermatology treatments and procedures are also used to reverse the visible signs of aging. These are covered in the cosmetic dermatology section.

What Causes Skin Aging?

In Australia and much of the world, sunlight plays a major role in the accelerated appearance of changes that we normally associate with skin aging. Chronic sun exposure is probably responsible for over 90% of the visible signs of aging in Australians. These changes include wrinkles, lines and creases, uneven or blotchy colour changes such as brown spots and freckling, 'broken or burst capillaries', other irregularities of the skin surface and even acne-like 'black heads' and cysts. Compare your skin in more sunprotected sights such as your buttocks to that on your face, 'V' of neck and arms to get a rough idea of some of the ageing affects the sun has caused on your skin.

Gravity, repeated movement of facial muscles, smoking and genetic characteristics also influence the appearance and severity of these changes. Some people are blessed with a genetic makeup that partially protects them from many of the changes associated with skin aging.

How Does Sunlight Damage the Skin?

Sunlight can dramatically increase skin changes associated with 'aging'. Damage to the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) leads to an uneven, scaling surface along with many growths or bumps. Damage to the pigment cells in this top layer also causes mottling colour changes, brown spots and freckles.

Damage to cells, collagen and elastic tissue of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) contributes to wrinkles, which range from fine wrinkles to deeper creases and lines. It also reduces the skin's elasticity (ability to bounce back after stretching or movement of the skin), and can cause lumpy yellowish changes deep to the skin surface due to a process called 'solar elastosis'.

Sunlight can directly damage cells, and the other components of the skin. It leads to the generation of free radicals which can cause 'oxidant' damage to the skin. This leads to damage to the genetic material of cells, along with other components of cells and the skin.

Prevention Sun protection is the most important measure you can take to maintain more youthful looking skin.

Ongoing excessive sun exposure can inhibit your immune system from removing damaged cells, along with other repair mechanisms. Therefore, making sun protection part of your daily skin care regimen, will also give your skin a chance to repair some (but not all) of the damage.

Photoaging is a chronic ongoing process. Low (and high) levels of sunlight exposure add up over the years. Even in Winter and on overcast days you can still receive significant levels of damaging UV light.

Visit my sun damage page, for ways to reduce sun damage. Avoid sunlight in the middle of the day, seek shade, wear a hat, protective clothing and make the application of sunscreen part of your general skin care regimen. The addition of a strong anti-oxidant to sunscreens and skin care products may also be of additional benefit in reducing the deleterious effects of ultraviolet light, time and other environmental stressors on the skin.

Smoking also accelerates skin aging and the damaging effects of excessive sunlight. Smoking contributes by damaging several parts of the skin including its elasticity and support. It is particularly associated with wrinkling, acne-like changes (comedones), and drooping of the face, these visible changes may take years or decades to occur. Never smoking or giving up smoking will help you age more gracefully.

Good Skin Care, Moisturisers and the Role of Water Treating or preventing dry skin will usually smooth your skin's surface, reduce flaking and scaling changes, and assist the removal of dead cells from the top layers of the skin. The beneficial effects of treatments that preserve the skin's moisture may entirely reverse when they are stopped.

If you have dry skin, you should minimise the time you spend in hot showers (have shorter, warm showers instead). Use an emulsifiable bath oil, body washes with 'neutral' pH or 'soap' substitutes. All of these measures can help preserve the skin's natural moisturising factors.

Apply a moisturiser. This is usually more effective if used immediately after washing.

Moisturisers work in several ways. 'Humectants' draw and hold water in the skin, while other moisturising factors help seal in the water. A large variety of moisturisers are available, try a few to decide which one feels best for you. Your local doctor or dermatologist can give you advice on suitable products for you skin.

If you have acne or acne prone skin, moisturisers can worsen pimples, and many people with acne do not require a moisturiser as they have more than enough natural moisturising factors in their skin.

Drinking 'plenty' of water is good for the kidneys, and is especially important in hot weather, however, the skin's ability to hold the water is more important than the amount of water you drink for maintaining more youthful skin.

There are many face products that contain moisturisers and broadspectrum sunscreens. This is an ideal combination for a daily face cream. Daily face creams with microfine titanium dioxide and masking pigment can also cover up some of the signs of skin aging.

Don't forget to also protect your neck, chest, arms, or hands, which are also common sites of premature photoaging.

Should I use Anti-Oxidants and Vitamins? The role of anti-oxidants in preventing or treating skin aging still requires more research. There are several reasons why they may reduce many of the changes we associate with skin aging, however these all remain largely unproven.

Antioxidants have been shown experimentally to reduce some of the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, and theoretically may be beneficial in reducing many other changes associated with aging.

Anti-oxidants include: vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), vitamin C, coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), lipoic acid, along with a new generation of potentially more strong anti-oxidants on the way.
Although of unproven benefit, anti-oxidants may prove to be useful, particularly some of the newer and stronger agents. The main risk with these products is the rare occurrence of allergy, causing skin rashes. Many creams contain these products. You should talk to your doctor before taking high dose oral vitamins and anti-oxidants.

Some vitamin derivatives have beneficial effects / actions other than their role as anti-oxidants. The effects of some vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) are detailed below.

Creams That Reverse Some of the Signs of Skin AgeingCreams are often useful for milder changes of aging including fine lines, wrinkles or roughness. Tretinoin creams (vitamin A derivative or retinoid) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are commonly used. They may also improve minor colour changes.

Tretinoin creams can provide long term benefits if used regularly. Tretinoin creams have been shown to improve facial wrinkles, and are especially useful for fine lines, and minor changes in colour. They can be successfully used on the face and also the back of hands. Their main disadvantage is they can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, dryness, or flaking and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Stringent sun-protective measures are required, as a sunburn could negate the cream's beneficial effects.

There are many formulations available, your doctor or dermatologist can recommend one most suitable for your skin. Tretinoin creams are only available by prescription. Your doctor can give you instructions on how and when to apply a tretinoin cream. Once you stop using a tretinoin cream, all its beneficial effects will potentially disappear with time.

Alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs) cause superficial peeling of dead skin cells, moisturise the skin, and possibly provide other benefits to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. These can be used as a cream and/or a chemical peel. Many over-the-counter products are available. It is usually recommended to start with a low concentration, and as the skin builds up tolerance, use increasingly stronger preparations for maximal benefit. A wide variety of AHAs are available. They may cause irritation and redness, along with a burning or stinging sensation shortly after application. Stronger AHAs are available from your doctor, along with AHA facial peels. Your dermatologist can give you advice and suggest an appropriate regimen, strength and formulation for your skin. There are AHA formulations for use on different parts of the body.
As AHAs, and topical tretinoin thin the top layer of the skin, they also make you more sensitive to the adverse effects of sunlight (the top layers of the skin are important for 'filtering' ultraviolet light and form your skin's major barrier or protective layer against environmental insults). Thus stringent sun protection is important if you use AHAs or tretinoin creams.

Hydroquinone cream is also known as fading or bleaching cream. It can be used to treat some pigment changes associated with aging and sunlight. It must be combined with stringent sun protection for maximum benefit. The down side is hydroquinone may irritate some people's skin and should only be used for short periods of time. Weaker preparations are available over-the-counter in. Stronger formulations require a prescription and medical advice and assessment for their safe use. Inappropriate use may cause darkening or blotchiness of the skin.

Summary

Skin rejuvenation is an area attracting considerable ongoing interest. The cosmetic industry, dermatologists and the pharmaceutical industry are all actively researching new treatments and approaches. More scientific studies are required to help establish which treatments are most effective and which therapies are a waste of money and effort. Many claims by manufacturers remain unsubstantiated. By making sensible sun protection part of your daily skin care regimen, you will age more gracefully, and be in a better situation to benefit from new treatments and therapies.

Consider consulting your doctor or dermatologist before taking any new medication or buying an expensive cream for skin rejuvenation.

Anti Aging Nutrition

Your body is your temple, and what you give it nutritionally can have a vast impact on your health. As the body ages, many changes take place, and by taking in the proper vitamins and minerals, you can minimize the negative health effects that you experience as you grow older. In this article, we'll mention some of the important nutrients that one needs to intake as they age to help keep in proper health.

As you age, your body's ability to properly process the vitamins that you eat decreases. For that reason, it is important to increase the amounts of vitamins that you intake. Since osteoporosis occurs in those of an older age, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that your body gets enough Vitamin D. While those in their twenties only need to take in 200 IUs of Vitamin D per day, those aged 60 and above are recommended to take in about 600 IUs. The B-Vitamin Complex is also an important vitamin that our body loses the ability to process over time. A lack of B vitamins can lead to a risk for heart disease and possible memory loss, and for that reason, those of an older age need to make sure that they get all the B vitamins that they can get. Calcium is also a particularly important nutrient when it comes to aging; along with Vitamin D, it helps the bones to mineralize properly, warding off the effects of osteoporosis.

When it comes to actual foods that you should eat to avoid aging significantly, a diet that is high in both fruits and vegetables is recommended. Those who indulge in these types of foods often are found to have lower rates of disease as well as higher levels of energy and a healthier appearance. There are many reasons that these types of foods are recommended; most fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol, fat, or sodium, which are three harmful compounds that have a negative effect on health. In addition to the lack of bad substances found in fruits and vegetables, they are also rich in the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Practically every essential vitamin and mineral can be found throughout the fruit and vegetable world, and a minimum of five fruits and vegetables per day are recommended by the National Cancer Institute.

Anti-oxidants are also important when it comes to aging; this type of compound is useful in the way that it helps the body to protect itself against the harmful effects of free radicals, which are rogue cells that attack the cell membranes of your body, causing premature cell death. Many fruits and vegetables include anti-oxidants, including carrots and tomatoes.
Following these basic principles is a great way to get your health on track as you age, helping you to ensure that you will live a healthy life.

Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips
Anti-aging skin care is possibly one of the most sought after remedy in the market place today. But unfortunately, there are two things that you will never be able to escape as you get older… the effects that aging does to your health and the noticeable effects aging has on your skin. The first causes you to feel the effects of aging, and the second causes others to notice your age. And especially for women the second plays a large role in the way they view themselves.

Looking younger for a woman means feeling younger also. So, conquering the second effect of aging can reverse the first. And what better way is there to anti-aging skin care than an all natural approach! Some of these anti-aging skin care tips are effective now and others will be effective on the long term approach.

The first step to anti-aging skin care is knowing your skin type. Is it dry or oily? Sensitive or thick? Try to first pinpoint your own skin type before choosing the best method to anti-aging. And if you currently have a skin care routine, ask yourself if you are satisfied. If you are not satisfied, look for higher quality, natural products that will help improve the condition of your skin. Some of your dissatisfaction could be a result to your current petroleum (chemical) based products. Also, if you do not feel comfortable about judging your own skin, see a skincare expert like a dermatologist.

After determining your skin type, begin searching for products that are directed towards your particular type. Some of your current problems could just be from using the wrong products. Next step would be to begin hydrating your skin by drinking more water. Many people suffer from dry skin because they simply do not consume enough water throughout the day. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water can keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Hydrating your skin can help you fight against the ever devastating damage that the sun’s ultra violent rays does to your skin.

Of course, there are many other ways to help block these harmful rays. You could wear sunscreen with a high SPF number, wear long sleeves and pants, or limit your time outdoors between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its worst. A combination of all these would be the best natural remedy for avoiding sun damage to the skin.
Another tip to avoid premature aging, wrinkles, or skin discoloration is to avoid using tanning beds.

Try rub on tanning creams or lotions that help bring out your natural glow without exposing your skin to more harmful rays. Let’s face it, healthy glowing skin looks better than dark, aged and dry skin!

A final tip for anti-aging skin care is to clean your skin gently. Many people fall victim to over cleaning their face which causes more damage. Scrubbing your face with a cleanser is not necessarily needed. Rub lightly and let the foaming actions do its part and then rinse. Or if you use an all natural skin care product, try to use them when needed and not over do it just because you are seeing excellent results. Reading the directions thoroughly on any product can help you get the best results.

The Fear of Aging Not So Gracefully

We start to think about anti aging products because when it comes to aging, many men and women feel that they will not age so gracefully. Time spent in the sun with no sunscreen as a kid, those late night parties as a young adult and the never ending nights spent worrying about financial troubles, trial and tribulations can all wreak havoc on the skin and the body. This leads the aging person to the use of antiaging products in hopes of combating Mother Nature.

Anti-aging products work in one of two ways, either internally or externally. The internal products are often offered in supplement form while the external antiaging products can be purchased as lotions, and creams. These lotion and creams work in a very similar manner to the internal antiaging supplements and often contain many of the same ingredients.

Internal antiaging products are formulated from vitamins, minerals and nutrients known to have a negative effect on free radicals in the body. These free radicals collect over time due to environmental pollution and internal cellular processes. Vitamins and minerals can be used in supplement form to negate the effects of these free radicals and thus repairing the skin at a cellular level. This skin repair may make the skin appear fuller and more youthful in appearance.

External anti-aging products often use the same vitamins and minerals prepared in lotion or cream form. These products are much more pronounced in that they are often marketed toward a certain area of the body. There are facial creams, eye creams, hand creams and all over body creams that claim to hold antiaging qualities. These products have often not been tested by the FDA, but have shown a positive effect on overall skin health in studies held by the manufacturers of the products.

When it comes to antiaging and fighting that fear of aging brought on by the adding years in our lives, there are many choices for renewing the look and feel of the skin of the body. The skin is often the first part of our bodies that is seen and thus the part that tends to be the one focused on when anti aging products are produced and marketed. Anti aging products will certainly hydrate the skin and lessen the effects of the appearance of aging through a renewed outer layer of protection.

Isabella ♥

Exfoliation

2009-01-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliating is skin treatment where the upper layers of dead skin cells are sloughed off by a loofah sponge, sea salt, brush, or by other means. You can exfoliate any area of skin. When exfoliating your face, use products that are designed for your face.

Why Exfoliate?

Exfoliation helps to speed up the process of skin flaking and shedding, by taking off the uppermost, dead layer of cells to expose the finer, more translucent tissue underneath.
The average human generates a new layer of skin every two to four weeks. At the end of the cycle, the old, dead cells on the surface are shed. You can improve your complexion tremendously by exfoliating and sloughing off the old, dead skin cells. If the old, dead skin cells are not removed, they can clog the sebaceous pores, leading to superficial spots or blackheads.

Types of Exfoliators

There are two main types of exfoliators: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical exfoliators contain minuscule pieces of grit that, when rubbed on your skin, dislodge the dead skin cells. The most common grit comes from walnut shells and apricot pits.
Chemical exfoliators do the same task as their mechanical siblings but by using mild acids in place of shrapnel. Exfoliating products usually contain alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or salicylic acids.

How to Exfoliate

Wet the area of skin you want to exfoliate. Use a synthetic scrubbing sponge, exfoliating gloves or a body loofah. Apply an exfoliating cleanser to your skin or sprinkle it onto your sponge. Making circular motions, scrub the exfoliating cleanser over your skin using your sponge or loofah. Be gentle over sensitive parts of the body, like delicate neck and thigh tissue. Rinse skin thoroughly. Follow up with a good moisturizer.

When exfoliating the face, use products specifically designed for the face. Products designed for your body may be too abrasive and irritating for your face. Your skin may tingle after using alpha or beta hydroxy acids. The tingling should stop within 15 minutes. If you exfoliate regularly, keep moisturizer on your face at all times. Exfoliating causes the skin to dry out, and dry skin is an invitation for skin to wrinkle.

Exfoliation - Removing Dead Skin Cells

The average human generates a total new layer of skin every two to four weeks. At the end of this cycle the old dead cells need to be shed. If they are not removed it can lead to pores being clogged and the creation of pimples and blackheads

Exfoliation can make your skin look radiant and feel silky and smooth. It also stimulates skin cell renewal.

If we exfoliate on a regular basis we can look forward to a vibrant and healthier complexion.
Exfoliation should not be limited to just the facial area. All parts of the body other than the sensitive areas can benefit from exfoliation.

Find out how to exfoliate your skin with these tips and hints

When exfoliating your face you must only use products suitable for facial skin. Products used on other parts of the body may be too harsh for your face.

Always follow up your exfoliation with toner and moisturizer.

Removing the old dead cells enables other products to be absorbed into your skin better.
If you have dry skin you can try exfoliation only once a week whereas oily skin can be exfoliated more frequently.

Mix 1 tablespoon of medium grain polenta with 1 tablespoon of sorbolene. Store in the fridge as this doesn't keep well - hence the small amounts of ingredients used. Polenta is a corn product and it is available from supermarkets and health food stores. Sorbolene is a cheap moisturizer that can be purchased for as little at $5 for a large bottle from pharmacies.

Make up a mixture of 1/3 cup olive oil and 3 teaspoons of salt. Shower as you would normally using warm water. Rub the oil/salt mixture all over your body whilst still standing in the shower. Rinse off with warm water. Please note: I feel salt is far too harsh to use on the face so use this scrub on the rest of the body excluding delicate areas.

Mix one teaspoon of bi-carbonate of soda (baking soda) with two teaspoons of your favourite cleanser until it forms a paste. Gently rub into your skin with circular motion. Rinse off. The bi-carb will polish your skin, making it visibly radiant.

For silky smooth hands pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the palm of one had. Into the vinegar tip a large teaspoon of sugar. Rub all parts of the hands with this mixture for 2 minutes. Rinse off and apply moisturizer. This works so well.

For a very gentle all-over exfoliation add a couple of teaspoons of sea salt to your bath water.

For facial area - Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a saucer. Mix in a small amount of water and very gently rub your face with this mixture using a circular motion. Rinse face with warm water. If you have delicate skin you should swap the salt with caster sugar. Salt is very abrasive.

For rough elbows cut a lemon in half and gently squeeze out some of the juice to form a hollow in each half. Rest each elbow in the lemon halves for about 10 mins. The lemon juice acts as an exfoliator. Add a cup of powdered milk to your bathwater. It has lactic acid in it and that acts as a dead skin remover.

Body exfoliation

When the summer comes, every woman prepare yourself for the beach and summer parties remove the unwanted hair, buy special products, sunscreens, bronzers, protective face creams etc., but there is something that you shouldnt forget full body exfoliation. When exfoliating you remove the dead skin cells accumulated through the year. The clean epidermis is something necessary in order to achieve great and even complexion.Exfoliation is a technique aimed to improve the skins appearance by removing the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Exfoliating your body twice a week is recommended in order to get rid of any dry skin, as it stimulates circulation and increases your skin’s absorption of any nourishing or moistrurizing ingredients. If you dont remove these cells your skin will look dull, older, rough and lusterless. Regularly exfoliating the skin will help you maintain the skin in its optimum condition and accelerates the skin renewal process.Exfoliating the whole body is also an effective and easy way to further eliminate the toxins in your body. A weekly full body exfoliation will stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the release of toxins through skins pores. It is also especially effective on ageing skin as cell turnover slows and skin begins to retain less moisture.

For a body exfoliation you will need:
Exfoliating gloves - pat them dry and gently rub the exfoliator around your body. The gloves revitalize your body by massaging, stimulating blood circulation and cleansing the body.

Exfoliating sponge - it works the same way as the gloves, but are also appropriate for exfoliating the face. They not only cleanse and exfoliate your skin, but also gently massage your body.

Body brush - the brush is works perfectly when exfoliating the body. The bristle body brush is especially good for exfoliating the back.

Pumice stone - it removes the dead skin from the soles of the feet by gently abrasion.

Exfoliators - they eliminate the dead skin cells and purify the skin. The exfoliators contain small particles for very gentle and precise smoothing to even the skins texture. There is a wide range of exfoliating products, some of them containing granules, sea salts, fruit seeds. The exfoliating gels and creams eliminate easily the dead skin cells. It should be applied on wet skin and is appropriate for delicate and sensitive skins. Apply it as if it is body milk, but in larger amounts.

The exfoliators containing granules sometimes may irritate the skin. They should be applied on wet skin, following the instructions written on the pack. They are appropriate for those with normal or combination skin.

A full body exfoliation should be done not more than two times a week.

Step 1
In the shower, take small amount of the exfoliating product and gently rub it onto your already cleansed skin. Begin by exfoliating the feet and ankles up to the entire leg to the abdomen. Exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone and a little bit exfoliator. For the legs use the gloves, as they are less abrasive.

Step 2
Use the exfoliating gloves or the body brush. Apply exfoliating cleanser to the brush or to the gloves and gently scrub all over your body in circular motions. Exfoliate your back with a long-body brush and then your chest and abdomen but scrub more gently, because the skin on these areas is more delicate.Nobody likes cracked hands, thats why a hands exfoliation is essential. It will keep your hands looking great, soft and smooth.

Step 3
Rinse your body lavishly first with lukewarm water and then with cold water. Use a shower gel to soften your skin. Let your body dry and then apply a nourishing lotion or body moisturizer.

Tips:
Over exfoliating can seriously damage your skin If your skin is sensitive or dry, use less abrasive products and avoid using products containing sea salts

Use exfoliator only on wet, clean skin

Exfoliation should be done with caution on dry or sensitive skin, in order to avoid irritation

Never use body exfoliating products for your face as they are too abrasive

Never exfoliate of your skin is sunburned or has open wounds

Always use products of high quality

Isabella ♥

How to get youthful skin

2009-01-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

What you ingest affects facial muscles and supportive tissues as well as the epidermal surface. To compensate for the body's gradually slowing cell production and less efficient metabolism of foods, it is important to provide it with ample protein (meats, eggs, dairy products, legume-grain-milk combinations), and with a generous supply of vitamins. Here are tips to enhance natural skin care as you grow older: Taking a daily B-complex tablet is good insurance.

Laboratory tests have shown that a deficiency of any one of the B's causes young animals to develop the wrinkled aspects of old age. If you smoke, stop. Smoking has been shown to accelerate aging of skin, so quitting now is important for good skin health. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more whenever you go outdoors, especially when you are participating in sports or exercise. Be sure to reapply the sunscreen every two hours.

Vitamin C is good for collagen and elastin, the intertwining fibers supporting your face.

Collagen cannot be absorbed from even the most convincingly advertised cosmetic, it is produced and maintained by the body from ingested protein and vitamin C with the assistance of the B complex. Taking 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C in divided doses each day helps preserve and rejuvenate collagen's ability to prevent lines, sags, and wrinkles. You may have been noticing the signs for a while: increased roughness, wrinkling, irregular pigmentation (coloration) or inelasticity. These are all normal changes in our skin as we age.

You may have enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands. Sometimes, precancerous and cancerous lesions can occur with aged and sun damaged skin. Sunscreens and sun protection are important to prevent further sun damage.

Your skin requires different skin care as you age. As we grow older, our skin doesn't produce new cells at the same pace. Environmental and biological factors take their toll. Often we develop enlarged pores, and the effects of the sun become evident in sunspots, freckles and wrinkles.
Here are three tips to enhance natural skin care as you grow older:

Seek out skin care products that help you manage your skin, such as creams with ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C. If you smoke, stop. Smoking has been shown to accelerate aging of skin, so quitting now is important for good skin health. Eat a well-balanced diet - with or without a multivitamin. A healthy diet helps the skin get the nutrition it needs to help repair ongoing damage from the sun and other environmental elements. Drink a lot of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

There are many topical non-prescription and prescription products currently available that help maintain and protect your skin's health. Ask your doctor or skin care specialist which medications are best for you.

How to Get Youthful Skin

Skin is more than just a covering; it is a barometer that registers the state of our health and reveals the story of our lives. The decline and fall of our epidermis does not become apparent until we pass the 30-year milestone, but it actually begins at birth. Our "perfect" baby skin alters with puberty; undergoes more variations from hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause; then gradually becomes thinner, drier, and less supple as cell functions slow with age. Chronologically, we all grow old at the same rate. Visibly, we age at an individual pace—and it's never too early or late to start improving your skin. Acne attacks more boys than girls during the teenage years, but besets more women than men because oral contraceptives, menstruation, and menopause cause hormone levels to surge and wane.

Pregnancy profoundly affects the skin. For the first five months, increased estrogen production suppresses the natural skin-lubricating oils to make skin drier than normal. Use a mild, non detergent cleanser, a nourishing moisturizer during the day, and apply a rich night cream before retiring. During the latter half of pregnancy, an upswing of progesterone hormones may make skin oilier and more subject to blemishes.

Cleanse your skin thoroughly, use an astringent toner, cut back on your moisturizing routine, and guard against the brown splotches of a pregnancy mask by applying a potent sunscreen before venturing forth in daylight.

While waiting for the fountain of perpetual youth to be discovered, you can prolong a youthful appearance if you: Incorporate more moisturizing in your daily-care routine to compensate for the reduced activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, which causes gradual drying and thinning of the skin.

To prevent photo aging by applying a sunscreen and sunning safely.

Drink water at least 8 glasses a day. Exercise regularly to maintain the blood circulation essential for bringing nourishment to the dermal vessels and for carrying off wastes from the skin. Deliberately relax away

tension to help prevent "expression lines" in your face and other stress-related skin problems. Get sufficient sleep so your skin can receive its fresh supplies of oxygen and nutrients.

Keep your weight fairly constant to avoid the saggy wrinkles that can develop stretched marks.

Eat a well-balanced diet to help maintain and rebuild the supportive tissues, and to preserve the visible surface.

The Secret to Youth: Collagen
Collagen is the key to healthy skin that tends to age well. The change in the pH level of the skin caused by just a few uses of a retinoid product such as Retin-A or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can help generate collagen. "Collagen is the skin's structural fiber," dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. "As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores."

The best way to keep collagen from breaking down is avoiding the sun at all costs. Dermatologists warn that up to 90 percent of wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage are caused by sun exposure. This is why they're always preaching the use of sunscreen . However, if the damage is done, you can try to recoup the gorgeous skin you once had. To find out your best option, read on.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A really cuts down on the wrinkles, perhaps better than any other type of skin product. I would recommend skipping the over-the-counter vitamin A products and consider getting a prescription from your doctor for Retin-A, Renova or Retin-A Micro. These contain the ingredient "tretinoin," which is proven more effective on fine lines and wrinkles than retinol, found in most OTC products.
Keep in mind that you shouldn't expose skin to the sun when using Retin-A, Renova or Retin-A Micro. You'll want to cover up with sunscreen and a hat. Vitamin A makes skin very susceptible to skin damage.

Retinoids
Retinoids are the tamer, non-prescription versions of the vitamin A derivatives listed above. Retinoids contain a less harsh Vitamin A derivative called retinol. These products are less potent and therefore great for weekly upkeep.

Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids
AHAs and BHAs are better options for women who find the Vitamin A products dry out their skin. AHAs are acid extracts that tend to be more moisturizing. You'll want to look for products that include glycolic (an acid extract from sugarcane), lactic (milk) or citric (citrus fruits).
The secret to youthful skin and natural anti aging is in your colon. Have you even wondered why so many celebrities go to expensive cleansing spas? Is it because they are particularly health conscious? No, it's because they are obsessed with looking young and beautiful. Luckily you don't have to be a celebrity to have youthful skin and youthful vitality. All it takes is a good colon cleansing and lots of fresh, clean, filtered drinking water.

It's not what you put on your skin that makes it youthful
Each year there are billions of dollars spent of beautifying and anti aging products. The ironic part is that the health of your skin is largely governed by the amount of water you drink, the type of food you eat and how well you body eliminates waste. If these three things are working well chances are you will have youthful skin. Anti aging begins with what you eat. When any of these areas become unbalanced then your skin will be one of the first places to show it.

Anti aging creams attack the surface but not the cause
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It has many functions but one is the elimination of toxins. Think about it - you sweat when you have a fever or when you are hot. There are literally millions of pores all over your body with the specific ability to move toxins out of you. As you get older more and more toxins are building up inside your body. Toxins from the air we breathe, the food and water we consume and environmental exposure to a host of deadly chemicals. Youthful skin comes from healthy toxic elimination. A regular colon cleansing can help you have youthful skin and more energy.

Even food can be anti aging
Our diets are often lacking in whole grain fiber and the volumes of fresh and uncooked vegetables that it takes to clean out the gunk. Highly processed foods like white flour and sugar turn into a sticky goo once inside your belly. Most of this foodstuff is only waste since there is little nutrition to digest. Literally, every time your colon gets overloaded trying to process too much waste it has no other choice but to reabsorb the toxins into your fatty cells or try to eliminate them through your skin.

The skin is an interesting organ. It is the backup if the colon is not working. Another thing is; when we have undigested food material, if it is not liquefied enough, it sticks to the sides of the intestine. Eventually it will harden and when it hardens it also prevents the muscles around it from contracting. This dehydration coupled with the slow clogging and hardening means that less and less of the waste is eliminated. It also means that it takes more effort for your body to eliminate anything effectively. Now you can see how youthful skin and anti aging starts in the colon.

Youthful skin is a result of a healthy digestive system. Gentle colon cleansing will break down this hardened matter and remove it safely. Dehydration makes you look older than you are and makes it very hard for your skin to stay elastic and subtle.

Anti aging starts in the colon
A lot of people think that poor skin simply comes with age. Not true. We all know at least one person who looks great for their age - without plastic surgery, botox or drugs. Chances are it is because of what's going on with their colon. When your colon works efficiently - your skin will glow naturally. A good colon cleansing on a regular basis will help draw out toxins and undigested waste.

Drink plenty of fresh, filtered, clean water every day - this is the first step. Next you may want to eat a good wholesome diet -filled with fresh vegetables and lots of whole grain fibers. Then add a super green, whole food supplement that will boost your vitamin B and give you the added nutrition your body craves. Colon cleansing is one of the simplest ways of getting a healthier more youthful skin.

A lot of things go into making sure that the colon cleansing work and I would say that the number one thing is sufficient water intake. Clean, filtered water is the elixir of life - so drink your fill and enjoy natural youthful skin.

Isabella ♥

Sun Damage

2009-01-13T14:47:00.001-08:00

What is Sun Damage?
Sun damage, also identified as photo damage, refers to how the sun alters the look and feel of the skin. Sun damage is a form of extrinsic aging, which is early aging that is caused by the surroundings. Extrinsic aging is collective, means that effects exacerbate with repeated, unprotected contact to the sun.

What Causes Sun Damage?

Sun damage is caused by frequent exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV is an undetectable form of radiation emitted by the sun. There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are the major source of early aging and skin cancer. UVB rays primarily access the surface of the skin and are the key source of sunburns.

How Often Am I Exposed To Harmful UV Rays?
Whether you are walking to your car, driving to work, or simply sitting near a window, you are exposed to harmful UV rays. This type of daily contact is known as secondary UV exposure.
Secondary exposure occurs where you least expect it. It can occur in the shade, on cloudy days, even while you are indoors. It is likely that the usual individual is exposed to more than 10 hours of indoor UV rays every week. Add to that over 7 hours of outdoor UV rays a week and without a suitable shield, your weekly UV-radiation exposure might total nearly 20 hours. That's like spending the weekend at the beach without wearing sunscreen.

Increasing The Sun's Damaging Effects
We are all vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. However, some people may be more at risk than others. People that have sustained burns are definitely in one of the top groups of individuals that are at higher risk. Below you will see a list of what else can put you in a high risk bracket.

1. Where you live: If you live closer to the equator, the sun is directly overheard and the UV rays are stronger. Anyone who lives in the mountain regions, should look out. Studies suggest that there is roughly an 8% to 10% increase in UV intensity for each 1,000 feet of increased altitude.

2. How Do You Live: Do you enjoy outdoor activities? Remember, sun damage accumulates over time-the more you are exposed, the more damaged your skin becomes. Apply sun protection every time you venture out.

3. Your Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, cause heightened sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity. The results are sun rashes and sunburns. Ask your doctor if any of your medications can cause photosensitivity.

4. Genetics: Are you fair skinned with light hair (red or blond) and freckles? If yes, you are at a high risk of developing sun damage and skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer, take extra safety measures and use daily sun protection.

5. Cosmetic Procedures: Cosmetic procedures can intensify your sensitivity to the sun. If you have undergone, or are considering microdermabraision, laser resurfacing, or a chemical peel, talk to your dermatologist about how to protect your skin.

Is Sun Damage Dangerous?
The answer is yes. In addition to premature aging of the skin, sun damage also increases your risk of skin cancer. The three common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Melanoma is the most dangerous of all types of skin cancer. This type of cancer is almost always curable when treated early. Melanoma usually starts in or near a mole or other dark spot on your skin. A normal mole is symmetrical in shape, has even coloration and border. An abnormal mole is asymmetrical in shape. It has shades of various colors. Those colors are brown, black, tan, white, blue, and red.

Sun Damage Prevention

1. Protect Yourself: Protect yourself against daily sun damage by applying sun protection prior to every time you are going to be in direct or indirect contact with the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should give broad-spectrum UVA and UVB treatment. Daily sun defense with a moisturizer is the best selection for defending against incidental UV
exposure.
Sun protectant ought to be applied to the face, ears, lips, and neck. Do not forget to protect your scalp if you have bald spots or your hair is thinning. Put the protectant on 20 minutes before you will be in UV contact. For extended or intentional exposure when you are working, exercising, or relaxing outdoors, sun protectant should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.

2. Take Cover: In order to minimize sun exposure, you should search for shade on every possible occasion. Firmly woven, loose-fitting, full-length clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat can offer additional protection. To help avoid damage to your eyes, sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays
should be worn.

3. Avoid The Afternoon Sun: UV rays are at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid the sun during these hours. This will limit the effects of being in contact with harmful UV rays.

4. Oppose The Temptation: Refuse to give in to the desire to tan outdoors in natural light or indoors under artificial UV light (sunlamps or sun beds).
UV rays enter the inner layers of the skin. In reply, the body produces additional melanin. That causes the skin to be obviously darker. A tan is proof that UV has damaged some of the skin's cells. It has been verified that a tan is not healthy or safe.

5. Get Expert Advice: To help ensure the potential of a healthy, beautiful skin, you should schedule regular appointments with your dermatologist.
He/She can walk you through the steps of a monthly self-examination. Monthly self-examinations can help make sure that you discover any abnormal spots or changes to your skin and get proper medicine attention from your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can also offer education and information about skin care and explain the numerous sun damage prevention and all treatment options that are available to you.

Sun Damage Treatment
There is a range of treatment options available for sun damage. The treatments include prescription and non prescription medication. Cosmetic procedures are available for more serious sun damage. It is important that you speak with your dermatologist about your level of sun damage and treatment that will best suit your individual needs.

Non Prescriptive Treatments
Non prescriptive treatments are generally appropriate for almost no sun damage and are available at most drugstores.

Types of Non Prescriptive Medication Available

1. Retinol: Retinol is pure Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a part of forming and maintaining healthy skin. Retinol encourages the production and elimination of skin cells and stimulates the renewal of keratinocytes, which is the cells that synthesize keratin. Keratin is also the protein that makes up the skin, hair, and nails. The effects of retinol include softer skin and reduced appearance of fine lines.

2. Copper/Copper Peptides: Copper is a necessary trace metal in the body that is responsible for power and flexibility of the skin. Copper is added to specific antiaging formulations to enhance the skin's elasticity and strength.

3. Alpha Hydroxin Acids (AHAs): AHAs removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin. This increases creation of new skin cells and controls moisture levels. That results in a smoother, more healthy skin tone. AHAs are resulting from natural sources, such as fruit, milk and sugar cane.

4. Antioxidants Vitamin C & E: Oxidative stress (primarily caused by sun exposure) damages the skin's support formation, the collagen matrix, Vitamin C and E, fights oxidative pressure and helps cells mend prior damage. When applied to the skin, antioxidants can lower the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration, and enhance skin vivacity.

5. Soy: The effective components of soybeans are mild and efficient additions to numerous skin care preparations. The benefits of soy consist of smoothing and moisturizing the skin, evening overall skin tone, and delaying the look of hair regrowth.

Prescription Treatments
A prescription medication treatment is only available with a prescription from a dermatologist. The following prescription medications are available at most pharmacies.

1. Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a derived from vitamin A that works at the cellular level. Medical studies imply that topical tretinoin increases collagen production to better the skin's inner arrangement. Tretinoin has been clinically confirmed to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, fade brown spots, and perfect overall skin texture.

2. Hydroquinones: Hydroquinones are topical treatments, that are applied directly to the skin, which inhibit melanin production, the material that colors the skin. Hydroquinones helps remove overpigmented cells to enhance overall skin tone and clarity.

Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures are more complex treatments for more serious sun damage that can only be done under the direct management of a skilled skin care professional.

1. Microdermabrasion: During microdermabrasion, lightly scrapes away minute surface skin particles and stimulates the structure of new skin cells.
This reduces the look of fine wrinkles and skin discoloration, improving skin texture, and ever-increasing skin sparkle. Multiple treatments are typically needed.

2. Chemical Peels: A chemical solution which is applied to the face in order to remove the outer layer(s) of your skin. As the skin regenerates, it is noticeably smoother, softer, and less wrinkled.

3.Laser Resurfacing: Surface imperfections (wrinkles, lines, and age spots) are removed using controlled laser light penetration. Through laser resurfacing, undesired skin tissue is vaporized layer by layer.

4. Collagen and Fat Injections: Injections of collagen or fat taken from another place in the body are used to fill out wrinkles, deep creases, and acne scars. Improvement differ from patient to patient. Regular injections may be necessary.

5. Botulinum Toxin Type A: Botulinum toxin injections block nerve impulses to facial muscles, by paralyzing the action of those muscles. Botulinum Toxic Type A is most often used to decrease deep wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes.

Sun protection is an important part of all of our lives. Many of us have a more difficult time then others taking care of our skin. Some need to use Prescription medication to help protect and improve our skin. Remember to discuss everything with your dermatologist.

Isabella ♥

Hair Care

2009-01-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

Comb your hair regularly. Combing helps spread the natural oils through hair, making it look shinier and healthier.

Massage scalp regularly to increase oil secretion.

Always wash your brush and comb when you shampoo your hair. Avoid lending your brushes and combs to others.

Don't wash you hair in soaps or harsh shampoos. They are highly alkaline and will upset your hair's natural pH balance.

Avoid sratching scalp with finger nails or fine combs, because damage to scalp causes damage to hair.

Leave your hair untied for atlease four hours a day. This eases the pressure on your scalp and gets blood circulation back.

Finally, follow a healthy and balanced diet. Nothing promotes hair growth better.Basic Hair Care

We recommend that you follow the suggestions listed below to help you to get your hair into a good condition.

Cleansing
Your should wet your hair with warmish water and using only a little amount of shampoo get it into a lather in your hands and then apply it onto your hair.The choice of shampoo should reflect you own type of hair and how you wish to present yourself.

Conditioning
After you shampoo your hair it is important to use a conditioner on every occasion as a conditioner will help the hair cuticle cells and help to get them to lay flat. it will also allow the hair when dry to be more easily looked after.
The conditioner that you use is very important and there are different formulas for dry hair and for hair that is more greasy.
It is essential that you make regular trips to a hairdresser every six to eight weeks otherwise there is a danger of getting split ends in your hair.However, by keeping your hair clean and conditioned following the plan above you will be able to ensure that your hairdresser is able to really get the best look and shape to your hair.

Healthy Hair
Healthy hair responds to what you eat in the same way as your skin and the whole of the rest of your body.Iron deficiency is the biggest problem for non genetic hair loss amongst women in Britain.
For iron to be absorbed in the body Vitamin C and Lysine acid needs to be taken. If you do not eat alot of red meat then it could be difficult to absorb enough iron, so it is advisable to consider using a supplement. It is very important to look after your digestion by eating vegetables and fruit on a daily basis. It is also important to eat the following foods on a regular basis.Salads, Figs, Almonds, Dates, Peas, Beans, Lentils, Sesame seeds, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines.
It is also important to drink alot of water and keep your caffeine content down to a minimum by drinking very little tea or coffee, chocolate or any cola drinks.

Unlike your skin your hair cannot repair itself. That's why you need to care for it and protect it - for the state of your hair reflects your internal health. To revive your hair's natural health and shine, follow this:Keep your scalp clean and cool.

Nutrients are the key to healthy hair, but to be effective, they must reach the roots. So, whatever you use, you must learn to massage it in well, using the pads of your fingers.

Tension in the scalp or fatty deposits block blood circulation, drying the sebum and thus starving the hair roots. So, message scalp with a good oil to improve circulation and free the hair roots of dry sebum.

Make a pre-shampoo conditioner with natural herbs like henna, 'shikakai', neem, sandalwood, 'amla' and 'brahmi' and add curd and eggs to it. Apply to scalp to beat dryness and lend bounce to otherwise limp and dull hair.Follow a balanced diet rich in minerals, proteins and vitamins, the essentials for healthy hair. Especially good are iron, sulphur, zinc-B complex and vitamin C.
Treat specific hair conditions the herbal way:

Dry hair

Message well with a herbal oil at least twice a week. Follow a diet rich in zinc. Use a mild herbal shampoo and avoid harsh ones since the chemicals in them can strip hair of its outer protein layer, further drying the scalp. Do not use electric curlers and hair drayers.
Oily hairWash hair every alternate day and rinse out with lemon. Use oils and shampoos rich in need and henna. A head massage with a herbal oil helps maintain the pH level of the scalp. Avoid oily foods and binge on green leafy veggies and fruits.

Dandruff

Message scalp with essential oils like rosemary, cedar, lemon and eucalyptus to reduce flaking and itchiness of the scalp. 'Methi' seeds are also helpful in fighting dandruff. Soak them overnight, grind the next morning, mix in the juice of need leaves and apply on the scalp. Avoid fatty foods and red meat.

Hair fall

A diet lacking in zinc, minerals, proteins, vitamins and B-complex. Excessive body hat, stress and tension, hormonal imbalance, thyroid imbalance, prolonged illness and excessive medication. The chemicals used in perming lotions and hair colourants. They are all responsible for hair loss. The remedy: Change your diet to include healthy food; massage hair with essential oils and treat hair to nourishing packs.

Greying

With age, the middle layer of hair loses its pigment, resulting in grey hair. Besides, excessive body heat and the heat generated by constant mental activity can lead to premature greying. And, of course, perming, colouring and bleaching work to promote greying, too.If you want to colour your hair, try doing it naturally. Use henna along with other herbs like 'amla', 'shikakai' and brahmi'. Add coffee for that dark brown colour. Those of you with no option but to use a dye, remember to keep the scalp nourished with vegetable juices. Brush your hair regularly before going to bed each night.

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use very little but enough to cover hair completely with lather. Use a conditioner to keep hair manageable.

Avoid brushing wet hair. This will cause the hair to stretch and finally break. Finger-dry, or use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to gently remove the knots.

Restrict blow-drying your hair. The process of blow-drying is harsh on hair as it robs it of moisture.

Avoid dyes. Use mehandi (henna) instead as a conditioner and colouring agent.

Take a calcium supplement or drink two glasses of milk a day.

Always hold hair dryer away from your hair. Direct air from the hair dryer down hair shaft and not directly into the roots and keep it moving.

After a perm, never brush your hair. Instead comb hair gently.

Trim your hair once in 7 weeks to avoid split ends.

Avoid pulling back your hair tightly.

Never use a rubber band on your hair as it can pull and damage hair considerably.

Never go out in the sun without having your head covered.

Stimulate circulation by massaging your head with oil to which some vitamin E has been added. This will make hair soft and silky.

Never wash your hair with very hot or very cold water.

Learn to relax. Hair loss can happen because of stress. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B, C and E.

Add iron and minerals in the natural form in your diet.

If your hair is oily, cut down on fried food and fat. Drink plenty of water.

DANDRUFF
Dandruff is the presence of small while flakes usually appearing on the scalp and the hair. Dandruff is known by medical term "pityriasis". The direct cause of dandruff is the excessive shedding of outermost cells. The indirect causes are
Poor blood circulation
Improper diet
Un-cleanliness
Use of strong shampoo
Insufficient rinsing of hair after shampooing
Types of Dandruff
Dry type
Greasy or waxy type
Cause for dry dandruff
Poor blood circulation
Lack of nerve stimulation
Emotional disturbance
Glandular disturbance
Not producing sufficient oil
Treatment of dry dandruff
Scalp treatment (ozone treatment)
Herbal shampoo
Hot oil therapy
Use of antiseptic lotion
Henna treatment
Waxy type dandruff is mixed with sebum which makes the scalp itchy. If the scales are torn off, bleeding or oozing may occur.
Treatment
The best thing to do is to keep the scalp clean, and do oil massage twice in a week.
Herbal Treatment
Massage scalp with essential oils like rosemary, cedar, lemon and eucalyptus to reduce flaking itchiness of the scalp.
'Methi' seeds are also helpful in fighting dandruff. Soak them overnight, grind the next morning, mix in the juice of neem leaves and apply on the scalp .
In half cup of olive oil, put a small amount of camphor warm it lightly and apply to the scalp parting the hair straight and give a circular massage for the entire scalp.
Avoid fatty foods and red meat.
For more herbal Hair care tips click here
Graying of Hair
Causes of Graying hair

The colour of the hair depends on the presence of pigment granules in the cortex of the hair. With age there is a gradual dilution of pigment in the hair, so that in different hairs the full range of colours from normal to white can be found.
Grey hair can some times appear earlier. Rapid graying of hair may occur after severe emotional stress. In certain internal diseases hair might gray early. This is especially true of diseases of the thyroid gland and certain types of anemia's. Localised patches of gray hair can appear in certain areas. Perming, colouring and bleaching work to promote graying.
what can be done?

The usual and the most effective way of dealing with graying of hair is dyeing it. There are several types of dyes available. The oxidative dyes are the most versatile and the most frequently used. But dyeing has its drawbacks- once you start dyeing it is seen to increase gray hairs. Henna is also used because apart from its safety, it is a superb conditioner. Having calcium pantothenate in the dose of 200 mg daily is a good treatment.

SPLIT ENDS
Causes:-The most common causes of spilt ends are; use of heated appliances (Hair dryers) and chemical processing (like using dies), using the wrong type of brush and comb and general neglect.
Cure:-
Since hair grows 1.25 cm. a month, a trim of 6.3 cm. every five weeks should suffice.
Switching to a wide -toothed, non-metal comb or brush with a padded base and widely spaced bristles to prevent getting trapped at the base of the brush
Avoiding the hottest temperature setting on your hair dryer
Using a conditioning treatment on the ends of hair.

DULL HAIR
Causes:- In healthy hair, the cuticle lies flat and reflects the light. Harsh chemicals and environment assaults can cause healthy hair to become rough and damaged, spoiling the reflective surface. The cause of dull hair is a build-up left by styling products or the conditioning agent that two-in-one products contain. Some times an illness, like flue releases toxins from the body through the sebaceous glands in the scalp, coating the hair, eventually leading to listless hair.
Cure:- The most important rule is to keep your hair clean. It is better to follow a well- balanced diet -protein and iron are essential for shiny hair, as is vitamin C.

DRY HAIR
Cause :The main reason for dry hair is the over use of heated appliances, perming, colouring, bleaching, incorrect use of products and environmental damage.
Cure: Switch to a shampoo and a rinse-out conditioner for dry hair. Don't apply conditioner to the roots, it will leave hair heavy and limp. At least once or twice a week, use a deep conditioning treatment to re-moisturise. Alternatively, you can rub hair oil between your palm and then massage it into dry areas. Avoid rollers and tight elastic bands on the brittle hair as they may cause it to break.

HAIR LOSS

It is quite natural to lose about fifty to hundred a day. More than this amount of hair loss could result from any one of a number of factors and may be cause for concern.
Cause:-
Daily repetition of certain hairstyles, like hair tightly pulled back, braided or wrapped around rollers can pull out individual hairs. Such pulling can damage and destroy follicles completely and the hair will not grow back.
Emotional stress may bring on alppecia areata, a disorder that results in bald patches on the scalp and may be associated with changes in the immune system. Emotional stress can also cause hair to fall from parts of the scalp.
Body stress is also known to cause excessive hair loss. Hair loss can result from pregnancy or begin when a woman stop taking birth control pills.
cure:
It is better to see a trichologist if handfuls of hair fall out after shampooing. For mild hair loss, use products that tone and invigorate the scalp and stimulate the growth. Scalping massage is good, which aside from being relaxing and reducing stress levels, loosens and stimulates the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
Most hair loss is temporary, but when the follicles are destroyed by serious scalp burns, excessive exposure to x-rays, or vital infection, hair loss can be permanent.

DRY SCALP
Cause: It may or may not be a cause of dandruff
Cure: Dry scalp can be controlled by using a very gentle shampoo and intensive conditioner regularly.

Isabella ♥

Lips - more tips for soft & smooth lips

2009-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Your lips are the most important and exquisitely sensitive part of your body and therefore you have to take special care of your lips. It is very important to take care of our lips and to eat well-balanced food and lots of fruits. Apply cold cream or moisturizer or lip balm before applying lipstick. To get natural pink lips apply beetroot juice before bed. Grind rose petals and apply on lips to get smooth pink lips.To get rid off chapped lips, apply menthol based lip balm and take an old brush and brush gently on lips.dark lips and Dry or Cracked lips are common lips problemIf you have dark lips, try the following tips:Avoid lipstick.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stop smoking.Apply cream from curds with saffron on your lips. Apply a layer of oil and leave it on for several hours. Best apply before going to bed. If you have dry or cracked lips, try the following tips:Take vitamin B, C foods in diet.Protect the lips from weather by applying heavy plain cream. To cure dry chapped lips apply peanut butter or coco butter to your lips before going to ed.Grind rose petals with cream on the top of milk and apply on lips to cure the cracked lips.Avoid licking your lips.

When you greet people, your smile is probably the first thing that catches their attention.

A smile, especially one that reaches the eyes, can be engaging enough to beckon someone’s interest and winning enough to hold their attention.

Oftentimes, people place all the attention on beautiful, white teeth that shine out through your smile. While this is important, the health of your lips is also important.

If your lips are sore and cracked, a smile can be painful and therefore, less engaging.

When you talk, your lips move constantly and therefore dry, cracked lips can create a desire to remain silent.

Do you ever think about how much depends or rests on your lips? Your lips are your gateway to so many different avenues. With them you can:

Whisper sweet nothings into the ears of your loved one.
Push away the boogieman as you sooth and comfort your little ones.
Pray for peace for all of humanity.
Extend love and kindness to the people you cherish.
Offer encouragement, support, and guidance to those who need it.
Provide thoughtfulness and generosity in a time of need.
Invite the sandman to elicit sweet dreams while you slumber.
Sing dulcet tunes to instill peace and harmony.
Winter can be a harsh companion, especially on our lips. Therefore, caring for our lips should be part of our daily routine. Many products are available to help prevent dry and cracked lips. First and foremost, avoid problems with daily care. Take the time to invest in a few products that will keep your lips smooth and delectable.

An ounce of prevention (once or twice a day) is worth a pound of cure (all day long).

Preventative measures can be as simple as:
Applying a small coat of Vaseline or lip balm when using a dry lipstick.
Using a bit of lip balm to moisturize as you sleep.
Using a lip balm before going out into harsh weather, especially one with a good SPF factor to protect them from the sun’s rays.
Drinking plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and supple.
Avoiding the use of lipsticks that can dry out your lips if they have become chapped.
Resisting the urge to lick your lips (saliva does not moisturize).
Resisting the urge to nibble at your lips.
Using a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove flaky skin from your lips.
Remember that pain is unnecessary, lips that hurt can and should be avoided, and there are many products available to help us.

How to get rid of black lips

Black lips often tend to cast a sad reflection on one ¡s shoddy lifestyle despite having been blessed with a flawless skin and figure. While having naturally dark colored lips from birth is absolutely fine, researches state that there are a number of reasons behind why the lips of a lot of fair and medium complexioned people turn black or start turning dark black after a certain point of time.

Here Are a Few Major Reasons Why Lips Turn Black

Using lipstick and other lip products of cheap brands

Exposure to sun

Heavy application of lipstick

Excess drinking of tea or coffee Smoking (This is the most important and the commonest reason) Allergy Dryness

Remedies / Treatments for Dark Black Lips

Pink is the original color of the lips most of us were born with. However with the passage of time and lack of proper care, they often tend to lose their natural tone and slowly turn dark. Since pink lips are a major indicator of good health, people adhere to a number of remedies or treatments to get rid of dark lips. Here are some you too can follow: You can use your toothbrush simply to exfoliate the dead skin cells off your lips. But remember to use them gently to avoid hurting your delicate lips. Apply a thin coat of a good lip balm after this. Incase your lips are chapped too, then stick to the same remedy, but with the toothbrush coated with Vaseline this time. Massage your lips gently with a good lip balm every night. Also make sure that you drink at least eight glasses of water every day. During daytime, use lip balm with at SPF 15 or higher to protect them against glaring sun rays. Follow this routine religiously every day. Try using concealer on your dark lips before wearing your favorite lipstick. For better outcome, use a lip liner to outline your lips and then fill them up with lipstick or lip gloss. Always go for best brands as far as cosmetics are concerned. Incase you have noticed that your lips have started to turn dark after you have begun using a lip balm or lipstick from a mediocre brand, discontinue use immediately. Consult a dermatologist for repairing the damage undergone. Maintain a healthy diet and have lots of fruits and green vegetables. At the same time, avoid consuming caffeine and smoking totally if you don't want your lips to turn dark. Try working out at least thrice a week to keep a good health.

How to Keep Lips Wrinkle-Free
Our faces are the first places that people notice the signs of aging. Wrinkles appear around our eyes, mouths and on our lips. If you take care of your lips, you greatly increase your chances of avoiding lip wrinkles.

Step1 >Stay out of the sun. Too much sun exposure causes wrinkles to appear on your lips. Limit the time that you sunbathe to keep this from occurring.

Step2 >Use a lip balm with SPF protection. When you are out in the sun, protect your lips by regularly applying a lip balm. Ideally, the lip balm should have a SPF of 15 or higher.

Step3 >Apply a lip treatment before you go to bed at night. These anti-aging lip balms can help reverse the effects of aging. Try the Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Lip Treatment.

Step4 >Drink a lot of water. If you drink plenty of water, your lips stay hydrated and are less likely to develop wrinkles.

Step5 >Get collagen injections. If all else fails, you can get collagen injections as a way to keep your lips wrinkle free. This method should only be used if you are comfortable with the procedure and the wrinkles have already appeared.

Lip shape tricks:If lips are thick then don’t use bright colors. Use the soft color and avoid lip liner.If lips are too thin then use dark colors to highlight it.Never draw lips exterior from the normal to make it false thicker.If you have curved lips then softly use your lip liner to smooth them.

Lip care

Put the powder on the lips stick to stay it longer.Use moisturizer on lips in winter to assure smooth and soft lips.To get rid of flakes from dried lips, lightly brush on it.If you desire various colors from one lipstick color, apply various quantity of toner, until you get the preferred color. To avoid lips from chapping at the time to use dry lip sticks, apply a light layer of Vaseline.Avoid licking the lips; take a lot of water to avoid dryness, and use lip balm before sleep for the nourishment of your lips even in your slumber. Apply a sunburn cream on your lips when you get outside. To get an ideal lip line, dip your pencil in the water for couple of minutes (with the cap on), then use it normally. This makes your pencil firmer and deeper.

Lip Exercise

Here is a work out that will smoothen up your lips. You can do it while sitting up or lying down.
Clasp your lips jointly, devoid of compressing your teeth.positioned the tip of your index finger just in the middle of upper and lower lips.
Compress lips jointly and in this positionslowly, drag out your finger from the lips.Beat your finger up and down rapidly for a count up of 30.

Note

Work out this exercise twice daily to make the lips fleshy.
Lip color depends on your skin tone as well as your clothing colors:

For fair skin: light colors

For medium skin: slight deeper shades

For olive and yellow skin: light brown and light pink

For dark skin: deep shades, like: red, chocolate brown or blackish brown

Isabella ♥

Anti Aging

2009-01-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Now, everyone of us faces ageing at some point in life. Some are worried about their health state, others want their bodies to keep their youth and some might want to know what aging is really about sciencewise. Anti aging treatments come in many different forms from products to plastic surgery but we aim to cover them all and also provide anit aging care tips and advice along the way.

How well will you age?

Watching the years go by? That's not a very big problem for you, is it? Read our six tricks guide for a bright and young look. Only by taking care of the things below you’ll manage to remain ahead of your age!
The aging process begins when you’re 20-30 years old, which is when you need to start to take into consideration the factors which can affect your body’s balance:

1. Use UV screening cosmetic products
If you protect your skin from the sun’s rays only in the summer, when you’re sunbathing, you must know that this singular habit isn’t an effective barrier against wrinkles. Sun exposure is the main factor of skin aging. Some experts actually estimate that about 80% of aging is due to sun effects. Even more, sun exposure can cause skin cancer after the age of 50. Protection must be adapted depending on each type of skin. People with very light skin color need to use UV screening creams all year round. If you’re using these kind of products daily there’s a chance that your skin will have less wrinkles or sun-caused spots.

2. Eat fruits, vegetables and fish every day
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and you’ll do your skin a very big favor! Lacking vitamins is the next major cause of body deterioration. You must pay attention to your meals more often, by that meaning you have to supply it with antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C and selenium), zinc and copper. You need a daily quantity of 60 miligrams of C vitamin (about as much as an orange has). It is recommended to give up sweets, meat and fat-rich food. Don’t forget breakfast! It’s well known that even a piece of bread and butter or some cereals with milk will help your digestive system deal with the food more efficiently. Besides that, it also make you less hungry between the meals.

3. Drink more liquids!
Correct body hydration helps keep your skin young. Drink natural juices as much as possible, mineral water and tea. Avoid consuming too much black tea and coffee. In the summer your body will need up to 6 liters of fluids while in the cold season 1.5-2 liters will do the job.

4. Give up smoking
Both nicotine and alcohol “steal” the skin’s vitamins and minerals thus leaving it dehydrated and exposed to wrinkle conditions. Smoking should be definitely forbidden because it directly affects the skin, large part of the toxins being eliminated through it. These factors contribute to the whole body aging, also increasing the risks of cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis. Alcohol in moderate quantities isn’t as harmful as tobacco is, unless there’s strict recommendation against it from your doctor.

5. Take it easy!
It has been proven that chronic stress increases the aging process' speed. Don’t forget the 3 eights rule: have 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work and 8 hours of relaxation each day. It sounds impossible, right? Try yoga, meditation, massage or aromatherapy. You can use oils that create a peaceful sensation such as lavender. Can't get enough sleep? You should try harder, otherwise your efficiency at work will suffer, you’ll do a lot of mistakes and you'll get old quicker. Try harder to spend quality time with your friends, in a relaxing environment. Laughter has its benefits!

6. Use quality makeup
If the cosmetic products you’re using are carefully picked, they are specific to your skin type and you don'’t "forget" to remove your makeup every night, they won't harm your body. Instead, quality makeup protects the skin from harmful actions of the surrounding environment.

All of us wish to postpone our grey days .But one day we will reach old age whether we like it or not. But even in our old age also we can flaunt young look. This possible by following certain important steps regularly.

Tips For Anti Aging

Anti Aging Secrets

Anti Aging tips helps us to know what the effective ways to slow down aging process are. Who likes graying and reducing hairline, wrinkled face, protruded belly and above all flawed memory? We all want to look young and feel energetic all the time. Aging cannot be stopped but it can be delayed by following healthy lifestyle.There are ancient therapies and modern treatments that effectively reduce the effects of aging. Before knowing anti aging tips for healthy skin care we need to understand and accept the fact that:
Aging is a natural process
It is a continuous process
It increases with time
It cannot be stopped but can be slowed down We try to slow down aging by following certain lifestyle, behavior, treatment, medicine, surgery and therapy.

Tips For Anti Aging
Intake of Anti Aging Herbs Herbs like Ginseng, Rhodiola, Maca have active ingredients that directly/ indirectly suppress aging. There main properties are:
They boost our energy level and acts as anti stress.
They strengthen our internal system and increase our resistance power
They are natural and safe to use and do not have adverse side effects compared to chemical based medicines.

Yoga And Meditation
Practiced in ancient India and Asia they are gaining huge followers in the west. Few benefits of yoga and meditation are:
Meditation is excellent for mind and practicing it releases stress.
Meditation increases concentration. Yoga is a combination of breathing and body postures that increases blood circulation.
Yoga strengthens muscles and regulates the flow of oxygen in our system.
Yoga has long-term effect and should be practiced regularly.
Yoga keeps your body fit and energy level high thus suppressing aging.
Yoga helps in maintaining weight by burning fat and increases metabolic rate to certain extent. It involves no external application or intake of any medicine. It is the most simple and natural way to stay fit physically and mentally

Exercise
Exercising regularly keeps you slim and fit. Today doctors recommend regular exercising to make you fit and healthy.and to keep your health insurance premiums low. Benefits of exercises are:
It increases your cardiovascular capability and hence you feel more active.
Staying slim is one of the key factors to look young.
Exercising tones your muscles and they do not sag early. It burns your extra flab and prevents bone loss.
It helps to fight high blood pressure, cholesterol and gives you good sleep. Exercising hence will keep you slim, fit, stress free, and thus reducing your aging process.

Natural Skin Care
Regular cleansing is very important to keep our skin free from dirt and dead cells. Natural products are soft on skin and they do not harm our skin. Few Benefits of natural skin care are:
Cleaning our skin with natural scrubs free us from dead cells and adds a glow to our skin.
Proper toning and moisturizing using natural toner and cream keeps the skin soft and clean.
The cleaning regimen followed dedicatedly, is an anti aging process in itself. It is very important to keep our skin clean from pollution, harmful UV rays and other external impurities.

Restricted Diet

What we eat is what we gain on our body. Obesity is one of the most prevalent diseases the world is fighting. We need food to extract energy for our survival.Some benefits of proper diets are:
Restricted Diet provides you with what body actually needs and keeps extra calorie away.
Low calorie diet with a balance of all nutrients is the ideal menu for all.
Starving or over eating should be avoided. Going for crash diets and binges are fatal for life and may lead to depression. Hence eating what your body requires needs proper diet planning.
Taking raw food rich in vitamins and minerals acts as rich source of anti aging agents.

Oral Supplements

No matter how efficiently and carefully we eat, at times we all have lows in body vitamins and minerals. The main reasons to take oral supplements are:
In elderly age the food intake decreases and hence the sufficient proportion of vitamins and minerals do not reach in body.
Certain food restriction also lowers the intake of vitamins and minerals from natural source. This is the time when oral supplements come into picture. Multi Vitamin supplements are given during pregnancy, illness and in chronic diseases and for anti aging. Vitamins are responsible for maintenance of our body they are effective anti oxidant and anti aging agents.

Anti Oxidants

Anti oxidant is a substance that protects body from the ill effects of oxidation. Vitamin E, C and A have strong anti oxidant properties. Some benefits of Anti Oxidants are:
Extra amounts of free radical in anti oxidants controls compounds such as Lipoic acid and help slow aging.
Anti Oxidants reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Hormones (HRT)

Hormones are strong chemicals produced from cholesterol, amino acids and proteins from endocrine glands. They work as a messenger between our brains to body organs. Hormone Replacement Therapy adjusts the body to aging.Few benefits of HRT are
It improves skin and body moisture.
Increases sexual drive rejuvenates brain. Hence, the person feels young and energetic. HRT should be taken strictly under the supervision of specialized medical practitioner.

Best Information on Anti Aging Secrets

There are few other ways to maintain your youth which are a part of the anti aging secrets that is to be strictly followed

Avoiding Alcohol and CigarettesWe all are aware of the ill effects of smoking and drinking alcohol. The main side effects of Cigarettes and Alcohol are

Each cigarette reduces our life by 11 minutes.
Research suggests people who smoke and drink have premature aging symptoms like graying hair, wrinkles and loose skin.
Cigarettes and Alcohol increases the risk of gaining weight and other chronic disease like cancer.Avoiding them keeps the body fit and healthy and slows down aging process.

Avoid StressIf you are stressed it shows on your body and mind. The main effects of stress are
Prolonged stress makes you look older than your age.
Stress leads to cardiovascular diseases and ailments like high blood pressure, high sugar level and high cholesterol.
The more you can keep stress at distance the more fit, energetic and youthful you will feel.
De-StressIt is very essential to de-stress our self once in a while. Some tips for De-Stressing are:
Indulge in an activity that makes us happy.
Listening to music, going out, talking to friends or relatives anything that will make you happy After all we all need a break from our daily life and spice it up with other activities.

Weight Loss

Slim is in and Fat is out. No one wants to be over weight and get the ill effects of the same. An obese person is more likely to develop diseases than a fit person. A person who is over weight looks prematurely old. Benefits of weight loss are:
Losing weight by proper diet and exercise will make the person look young, fit and energetic. It adds up dollops of confidence in the person
It reduces the risk of high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and other health risks.

Alternative Medicines

Gaining huge popularity, they are considered to be natural, safe and effective. The treatment is a mix of natural medicines and therapies. The main properties of them are:
The treatment uses dietary manipulation.
Herbs, vitamins and minerals, homeopathy, detoxification, ozone therapy, and natural hormonal replacement treatments are used in order to optimize the body's innate ability to heal itself. Hence the overall effect is anti aging, refreshing and fitness enhancing.

Avoiding Caffeine

Caffeine is anti nutrient and hence should be avoided. It leads to temporary relief but has many side effects like:
Causes lack of sleep, stress.
Dilates blood vessels if taken in large quantities. More than that a habit smoking is an addiction. It affects skin, hair and tooth and hence intake should be reduced gradually.

Aspirin the Magic Pil

lAspirin is known as magical pill. It has the magical property to work fast on blood platelets thereby reducing heart risks. It relaxes the flow of blood in muscles and reduces clumps.

Green Tea

Green tea is a strong antioxidant. Research proved that taking green tea is helpful in fighting cancer, arthritis, tooth decay and other chronic illness. Green tea has less caffeine than coffee and hence can be used as a healthy substitute. It contains catechins, which fights viruses and slows aging. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, is said to be 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells.

Active Lifestyle

Active lifestyle means a better cardio, fast metabolic rate and faster burning of calories. Fit is fast, and effective. No one will ever suggest you to be a couch potato. One does not have to be sporty for an active life just adding a little bit more effort on your physical activity will work as an anti aging formula for you. Walking is one of the simplest options to make your self more active and required no great effort.

Laughing

It is an old saying “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. Laughter not only just makes us feel happy it has more underlying effects. It increases our blood circulation. Maximum muscles of our face are stretched when we smile. Laughing has been added in various yoga and meditation as a natural healing exercise.

Social Connections

Research suggests that most of the families in USA die in solitude amidst unknown doctors or nurses. We all want to age gracefully and not neglected by our family. It is very important to meet people, as socializing is very rejuvenating. Sharing thoughts, discussing problems and smiling together lower our stress. It makes us more health conscious.

Chocolate

Chocolates have active properties that slow aging. Flavonoids present in chocolate have anti oxidant property. Dark chocolate retain the highest level of flavonoids. The anti oxidants present in them are anti aging agents.
Getting a PetTouch therapy is said to be very effective in relaxing and making one feel stress free. Keeping a pet in a house is a good option to practice touch therapy. Pets are caring and giving. Pets bring out the child in you and playing with them can be very refreshing. The tips for anti aging are sure to work on you. They are simple to follow and you can see the difference as soon as you start following them.

Isabella ♥

Lip Plumper

2009-01-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

The most important question you should ask yourself before you invest in a lip plumper is does your lip plumper work?

Now what is a lip plumper?
Lip plumper is a cosmetic product which when applied to the lips makes it appear fuller. It can be in the form of lip gloss or if it is a nude color you can apply lipstick over it. Just wait a few minutes for it to work on your lips and then wipe off with a tissue and apply lipstick as usual.

But what is the necessity of using it?
Some women are born with thin lips. Some have thin lips as they advance in age.
Age has its effect on lips………..As we advance in age lips lose collagen and become visibly thin. Dehydration or dry and chapping of lips also make the lips look thinner. But full lips are not only considered beautiful and alluring, they are also sign of youth and beauty.

So how do we make our lips look full, plump and beautiful?
There are many methods.
You can try using cosmetics like lip liner and lipstick to make your lips look fuller.

Or there is another method.
You can go for surgical lip enhancement.
And there is yet another method……….Easy, cheaper and non-evasive method…….

Use a good quality lip plumper.
How does a lip plumper work?
Well lip plumper as we have already mentioned is a safe alternative to costly and sometimes not so successful lip enhancement procedure like collagen injection or surgery. In surgery lip implants are inserted into lips to make them look fuller. This method can be permanent or temporary.
And various materials are used with different results for this.

The most popular are collagen and Restylane. But one never is sure of the result in case of implants and injections. This may require you to go for repeated procedure to correct the initial mishap. It is rare to find the desirable result in the surgical lip plumping technique.
But lip plumper on the other hand can give you fuller, shinier and full moist lips within minutes and you are ready for that special occasion or party without a visit to the doctor.
Surgical lip enhancement can land you in deep health problem if your body rejects the implant.

Now let us see how a lip plumper works………….
1. Different lip plumper products work by irritating the skin of the lips with ingredients like menthol, camphor, Cinnamon leaf essential oils etc. This cause temporary redness and swelling - which is supposed to last 3-4 hours.
2. They make blood vessel dilate, increasing the blood flow to the lips.
3. They contain ingredients that reduce lip lines and nourish the delicate skin of the lip.
4. They fill in cracks and fine lines on the lips.
5. They enhance the natural collagen in the lips which is essential for fuller lips.
6. Some of the lip plumping products is in the gloss form which reflects light and makes the lips look additionally full.

Now let us see what does a lip plumper has as its ingredients.
Some of the reputed brands like Cushy Lips contain macadamia oil, vitamin B-12, menthol, camphor, vitamin-E etc. But what is important to keep in mind is that all products don’t give the same results.

The ingredients in lip plumper that cause increased blood flow beneath the surface of the lips and cause the lips to become plump differ from product to product.
And hence they differ in their efficacy.
Lip Plumper That Works

So now we come to the point how to choose a lip plumper that really works.
The first step is to look for product reviews. You may have to try different products before you find the one that works best for you. Ask for before and after photographs if available. Go for free trials if available. Ask someone who has already used a product with desired results.
Some of them have money back guarantee option if you are not satisfied with the result.How to apply a Lip Plumper

Now how do we apply a lip plumper?
The way to apply a lip plumper depends on the way the product is packaged. If it is in a tube, a wand applicator is usually attached to the inside the cap. But when the lip plumper comes in a small pot you need to apply it with your fingers or a lip brush.
You can use direct application when it comes in a roller ball. The effect of lip plumper is temporary.
So you need to apply it 2 or 3 times a day (or as directed in the product) to maintain the plump look.
Some lip plumper require you to first exfoliate your lips and then apply the plumper for effective result.
So go through the instructions first before you apply the plumper.
Be sure to apply the lip plumper within the lip lines.If there is any excess that bleeds outside your lip line carefully wipe it off with a tissue.

What Does A Good Lip Plumper Do For Your Lips
1.A good lip plumper is supposed to nourish and make your lips look beautiful.
2.It should of course plump your lips the way you desire it.
3.Make your lips soft and luscious.
4.It should be cost effective and deliver the result it is supposed to.
Natural Lip Plumper

There is some natural lip plumper that you can try to use with considerable good results if so inclined.
Macadamia oil is one of these. In fact some lip plumper has it as one of the ingredients.
Some use castor oil.
Another one is vitamin B-12. It is essential for forming and maintaining healthy blood cells.
Vitamin-E when applied locally penetrates the lip’s outer skin layer and stimulates the growth of new cells and replaces old cells with healthy new cells and hence increases skin elasticity and firmness. This makes the lip appear plumper.
Another home remedy is to apply peppermint extract.
Just put a little on your lips with your finger tips.
Yet another technique is to add a few drops of Cinnamon leaf oil to your regular lip gloss.
But be careful……..Never apply undiluted essential oils to your bare skin.
Always do spot testing for skin reaction before you actually apply it to your lips.
It will tingle and irritate your delicate lip skin and that is what causes the lip plumping effect.
Keeping the lips hydrated is the most natural way to plump the lips.
There are lip plumping devices also available.It is a small device that gently sucks your lips outward pulling fluids to the lip and thus giving you plump lips for a few hours without the hassle of numbing of lips that some lip plumper may cause.They are inexpensive and one time investment and chemical and irritant free.
But if you don’t want to be adventurous with natural plumper, you can go for many reputed and tested ones available in the market.
So why not go for a lip plumper that works best for you.

Isabella ♥

Eyes

2009-01-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

Natural eye care tips for dark circles mainly focus on herbal methods to cure it. Dark circles under eyes are a condition of skin in that area caused by different issues.

Darkcircles under the eyes is a very common problem and a major concern for ladies.

Darkcircles makes you look and feel older, tired and depressed.

There are many causes for darkcircles including -
allergies
stress
lack of sleep
poor health and
it may also be inherited from your parents.

Darkcircles might get worse with age due to puffiness under the eye or through extra pigmentation.

Natural tip-
A drop of almond oil gently dabbed above and under the eyes keeps the skin there smooth and supple. Regular application is a good preventive measure.

Almond oil is very fine-textured oil that is easily absorbable, giving the skin a plump, healthy feel. Don't rub very hard the area around the eyes.

Apply used chamomile tea bags after you have chilled them.

Tannic acid in the tea has an astringent effect that will shrink swollen tissues.

Chilled cucumber slices can also be placed over the eyes, but their action is gentle and only useful for crow's feet a few days old.

Grated potato wrapped in a cheesecloth works faster. Natural eye care tip - Darkcircles under eye - Treatments and Home Remedies

1. Powdered fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and milk are said to tackle darkcircles. Apply a paste of fenugreek mixed in milk on dark circles in the night. Wash off in the morning and watch dark circles vanish for good.

2.Soak cotton wool in cucumber juice or potato juice & apply around the eyes to get rid of darkcircles.

3. Freeze grated cucumber. Massage the grated cucumber ice cubes on the eyes.

4. For eye puffiness, any tea bag (herbal is better, especially eye bright), slightly cooled, placed on the eyes while you rest.

5. To lighten darkcircles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

6. The best overall eye tonic for under eyes darkcircles cure is eye bright (a herb). Make a tea of it and either use the tea bags or soak cotton balls or soft gauze in the tea and apply to eyes as a compress while lying down.

Find more tips at home for darkcircles:
* Use sunscreen every day and moisturize in the night preferably using a good under eye cream.

* Get enough sleep. Try to have regular sleeping hours. Odd sleeping hours can flare-up the problem of darkcircles under eye.

* Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Iron deficiency can be a cause for darkcircles around the eyes.

* Drink 8 x 8 glasses of water each day to hydrate the skin.

Darkcircles and eye Makeup Remover
A great way to get off eye makeup is to mix water and baby bath. Removes it in seconds, even waterproof.Using concealer to hide the under eye darkcircles:The fastest cure for dark circles is to apply concealer. The most common mistake women make when applying concealer is choosing a color that's too light -- this only achieves a "reverse raccoon" effect.Another common problem related to under eye darkcircles:putting the concealer only under the eye? You should apply it all around the eye area, and be sure to blend well. Set the concealer with a light dusting of translucent face powder so that it stays put. And to avoid drawing attention to your under eye area, don't apply eyeliner or mascara to your lower lashes. The natural eye care tips on dark circles are finished here.

There are lots of options available in the market for proper eye care. But have you ever explored some basic home tips for eye care, if not this article is for you–

٠ Castor Oil can be used for strengthening eye lashes. Apply it at night time for better results.
٠ Cucumber is not only good in eating, but can be useful for eyelids. Create a mixture of cucumber & potato juice. Chill it & apply it on eyelids for some time then wash it.
٠ Use salty water (salt & water) for washing eyes. It makes the eyes bright.
٠ Apply mixture of lemon & tomato juice around the eyes. Wash the same after some time with cold & hot water.
٠ Coconut oil is good for removing dark circles around the eyes.
٠ Mixture of cucumber juice & rose water is good for removing black circles around the eyes.
٠ Applying cold milk helps in reducing dark circles around the eyes.
٠ Take A vitamin diet to make eyes brighter. (papaya, eggs, fish, milk, cilantro etc.,) Wash eyes with cold water to get sparkling eyes.
٠ Put sliced cucumber over your eyes to treat dark circles.
٠ Put potato slices on your eye to get rid off those dark circles.
٠ Soak amla overnight in water and use this water the next morning to wash the eyes.
٠ Soak cotton in Luke warm milk and cover eyes with it for 15 min.
٠ To soothe tired eyes, dip cotton pads in chilled milk and place on closed eyes for 10 minutes. Now relax completely.
٠ To completely relax the eyes and the surrounding muscles, close your eyes and think of something that is pleasant or soothing and at a distance. Now gently open your eyes and look into the distance. Next focus on an object at arm's length. Do this extremely relaxing exercise four or five times a day.
٠ If your eye twitches, or your eyes are red and feeling itchy, massage your scalp with curd.
٠ Soak 1 tsp. dry amla in one cup of water overnight. Next morning strain it through a muslin cloth and then add one extra cup of water. Splash your eyes with this solution each morning. This makes your eyes sparkle.
٠ For Puffy Eyes: Grate a potato with its peel and apply on your closed eyelids for about 20 minutes and relax completely. You may even take a nap.
٠ Wash your face before sleeping, and ensure that there is no make-up on your face before you sleep, because, make-up creams may spoil your face as it will be there for the whole night. It is better if no cream is applied. What I feel is, wash your face before sleeping and if at all you want to apply any cream, just apply night cream and none other than that.

Isabella ♥

The Tea Tree Skin "Miracle" - The 7 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

2009-01-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

Tea tree oil has become a popular natural ingredient in all kinds of shampoos, face soaps and ointments because of its amazing healing powers.
This skin miracle comes from Australia, where over 300 species of tea trees naturally grow.
Aboriginal tribes in Australia have known of the tea tree's healing qualities for thousands of years.

Australian aboriginals have known the secret to healthy glowing skin for centuries. They used tea tree oil to soothe skin and to heal cuts, and now you can use tea tree oil too!
They boiled the leaves of the tea tree to make tea and antiseptic poultices that treated cuts, wounds, and skin infections.

One legend even describes a magical lagoon where native people bathed to heal their burns, cuts, and skin disorders. Tea trees surrounded the pool, and the fallen leaves created a natural healing bath.
But you don't have to travel all the way to Australia to get the benefits of the tea tree.

It's widely available now as an essential oil, and it treats a variety of conditions!
Tea Tree: Skin Treatment
Tea tree has so many anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits that the Australian army puts it in soldiers' first aid kits. Now, you can use tea tree oil in a variety of ways, especially to heal your skin.

Tea tree oil can benefit the following skin conditions

░ Ring worm and athlete's foot
░ Softens corns
░ Cuts and scrapes
░ Itching of insect bites and chicken pox
░ Warts
░ Acne
░ Dandruff

In fact, tea tree oil may be a better alternative to conventional skin treatments.
Tea tree oil is an excellent treatment for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects like redness and peeling.2 Tea tree oil can also treat minor wounds, encourage healing, and prevent infection, so you may want to add this versatile oil to your own first aid kit!

Besides improving your skin, tea tree oil has all kinds of other health properties, including:

░May help reduce fevers and end headaches
░ Pain reliever
░ Treats lice
░ Can help lower blood pressure
░ Helpful for infections including vaginitis, sinusitis, cystitis
░ Anti-viral and anti-candida

Tea tree oil from Forever Young is 100% pure and should be a part of your natural skin care regimen. Use this versatile oil to help with acne, skin problems and fungal infections... and keep a bottle in your first aid kit too

Tea tree essential oil is a potent healer, especially 100% pure tea tree oil like that from Forever Young Essential Oils. Keep in mind that many essential oils on the market (even those sold in health food stores) have potentially toxic extenders. (Labeling laws allow manufacturers to use up to 50% chemical extenders and still say they are 100% pure.)
Dana Young, founder of Forever Young Essential Oils, suggests that you can use tea tree oil in the following ways:

Directly on your skin in the area affected. For cuts and sores, add 1-2 drops to targeted areas.
Mixed with a carrier oil. Mix 3 - 5 drops with a carrier oil and apply to skin after a bath or shower.You can make your own Body Ecology friendly carrier oil by using a lightly scented oil like almond oil that is unrefined and organic. A household cleaner. Add to water and vinegar for a non-toxic household cleaner.
Treatment for lice and dandruff. Rinse your hair with warm water and 2 drops of tea tree oil to control lice and dandruff.
Healing bath. Add 6 drops to your bath water for a soothing soak.
Diffused. Using an essential oil diffuser, tea tree oil may be diffused into the air, creating a medicinal antiseptic.

Tea tree essential oil is an amazing tonic for your skin and can support your health in so many other ways, so if you experience skin conditions and also for cuts, etc., Body Ecology recommends always keeping some on hand.

Isabella ♥

Hair Care

2009-01-11T03:59:00.000-08:00

The way your hair looks can make or ruin your appearance completely. Beautiful hair completes any appearance. Your hairstyle has to be perfect for you to look your best. There are a few of hair care secrets that are very handy and will help you make your hair look wonderful. Read these hair care tips to make your hair look and stay they way you want them to. Do not shampoo your hair everyday. Hair that has not been washed for a day or two is easier to style. Infact washing your hair once every two or three days will actually make your hair healthy. Washing your hair everyday robs hair of essential oils and dries your scalp and hair. If you have oily hair squirt water at the roots. Water adds lift to the hair roots. You can sprinkle some baby powder to the roots of the hair as well. For dry coarse hair condition the ends of your hair well every time you wash them. If you want to tie your hair up in a bun, keep the bun loose. Finger comb your hair into a low disheveled bun. For beautiful wavy hair use a sea salt spray. Mix sea salts in water and fill a spray bottle. Squirt sea salt on damp hair, scrunch your hair and let it air dry. As most of us have hair that has a natural wave and the sea salts will bring it out. While blow-drying your hair finger comb your hair and separate the tangles with your fingers. Dry your hair in this manner till your hair is almost dry and then use a brush. Bangs are the in thing. Layering hair with bangs is the perfect hairstyle. Keep the bangs thick and heavy or choose side-swept bangs. Side-swept bangs paired with long layers look beautiful. Coloring your hair is another hair treatment option. It is a nice change from the way you normally look. But choose a hair color that will suit your skin color. Ask a professional to help you choose the right color for your skin tone. Cut your hair in layers, this will make you look a lot younger. While curling your hair before using Velcro rollers use curling irons. Squirt your dry hair with styling spray and then use a medium curling iron to curl 2-inch sections of hair before rolling hair in Velcro rollers.Color your hair regularly. Color your hair every 28 days by doing this you may actually prevent your hair from getting damaged. For shiny hair add a few drops of shine serum to water and squirt it on to your hair. Sleek and $exy hairstyles don’t have to take hours to create. If you are comfortable working with your hair, you can design beautiful new styles for yourself in just minutes. Once you know how your hair responds to heat, humidity, rain, styling products and other factors, you can quickly and easily style your hair for any occasion.Even if you don’t know what to expect from your hair, try these unbeatable tips for a quick fix or a lasting style!

Change Hairstyle :To add impact for the holidays, change your hairstyle. If you usually wear it down, wear it up. If you usually wear it up, let it down.

Glamour for Long Hair :Add that extra touch of glamour to extra-bare party attire with long,smooth hair parted off tothe side. Apply a dollop of smoothing cream (like Redkin Straight) to damp hair before blow-drying it straight. Finish off with a dab of shine serum (like Matrix Biolage Shine Renewal).

Homemade Hair Spray :Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

Short Hairstyles :To add impact to short hair, slick it back or curl and crush with fingers.

If Your Hair Is Wavy :Lather up with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse well. Smooth and separate wet strands with wide-tooth comb, then spritz a silicone-based shine-enhancing spray from ends to roots.
Dry hair using a blowdryer with a tapered nozzle to direct air down the hair shaft and seal the cuticle.

A Bit About Leave In Conditioners :Have you tried leave in conditioners? They are especially ideal if are pushed for time. The nice thing about them is that they won't weigh down your hair and even helps tame flyaway hair. It is also a good solution if the ends of your hair are extremely dry. Simply smooth a small amount of conditioner to the ends to help hydrate and protect. Your hair will even look better.

Are The Ends of Your Hair Frying? :Cup the ends of your hair in your hands and direct the heat (set at cool) over your hands. Drying in this manner will prevent the air from hitting the dry fragile ends of the hair.

Colouring? : The week before you color you hair, be sure to really condition the ends so that they don't absorb too much color during the process. The ends of your hair tend to be the most porous and have a tendency to really soak up color.

Boost That Shine :Once your hair is completely dry, finish it off with a cool blast to seal the cuticle. If the cuticle is ragged, no shine.

Condition Your Hair :Conditioning is not a step you want to skip. It adds protection to your hair by coating each strand against wear and tear and offers added shine as well. By coating each strand, it offers easier detangling which will prevent your hair from breaking at this critical time.
Fine Hair and Conditioners :Use conditioners sparingly so that you don't weigh down your hair. A medium size round brush and a volumizer will definitely make it look thicker.

Foods To Avoid For Healthy Hair :To ensure that the hair that is forming beneath the surface of your scalp is healthy, there are a few foods that you should avoid and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables. They include too many sweets, chocolate, cakes and cookies. Unfortunately, these favorites simply don't do a thing for your hair.

Gels For Your Hair :If your hair has curl, a gel can be your best friend. Dry it to the stage where it is almost dry and then squeeze a little into your hand. Distribute it through your hair with your fingers and then scrunch it through your hair. Allow hair to completely dry and the gel will hold it in place. What is especially nice is the fact that you can reactivate it teh next day by misting your hair with water and scrunching again.

Going Red :Your skin tones will play a big part in choosing the shade of red that you will choose. If you have olive skin tones, go for a cool red, while those with fair skin tones will look better with a red/orange cast to the color.

Growing Out Your Hair :There are a few ways to gracefully grow out that cut. You can use a gel to help lift up the roots, you can use a hairband to get the hair off your face or change the lok of your bangs with a little help from a blow dryer and a round brush.

Hair Coloring At Home :If you color your hair at home, always save the package that the product came in. It will provide you with important information on active ingredients an emergency hotline you can call if anything goes wrong. It will also remind you of the color name and number for purchasing the next time around.

Hair Drying and The Brush :We all know how vulnerable our hair is while it is wet and using the brush can really do some damage. After you shampoo your hair, blot it dry with a towel and then try to detangle it with your fingers. Don't use the brush. This is the time when you can stretch the strands and weaken them to the point where they snap. The brush used on wet hair can also cause frizzing to occurr. Don't pick up the brush until your hair is somewhere between damp and dry and then it is okay to use the blow dryer and a round brush until it is styled and completely dry.

Hair Moisturizer Recipe :That old fashioned mayonnaise (not the low cal variety) is a great moisturizer for your hair. Shampoo as usual and then apply about a tablespoon. Wrap your hair in a plastic shower cap for a half hour and then re-shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Hair Style To Make Your Neck Look Longer :Did you know that according to the hairstylest simply known as "Garren", a shag can make your neck look longer and your face look thinner.

Hair Tips :Washing brushes should be done on a need to basis. They will collect natural oils from your hair as well as an assortment of styling products. A mild soap should be used and then the brush should be air dried. When the bristles start to soften, it's time for a new one.

How Diet Can Affect Your Hair :The hair that you can see is already dead and there's nothing your diet can do to help this hair but the hair beneath the skin is still being nourished by the papilla. A good diet ensure healthy hairs being formed.

How Do I Shampoo Correctly? :Pour about a tablspoon and a half into an empty shampoo bottle and then dilute with a little warm water. Give it a good shake. Shampoos are very concentrated and most of the time, we use too much.
Wet your hair thoroughly and then pour on a little of the diluted shampoo. Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingertips, not your nails. Be sure to pay attention to the hairline where makeup can collect.
Rinse well and then check for shampoo residue. It should be visible on your fingertips. If you notice traces of shampoo, continue rinsing.p>Add conditioner to your hair following instructions given on bottle. Rinse if required. Squeeze the water from your hair and then blot it dry. Don't rub because wet hair is very vulnerable and breakage can occur.

Keep Moving :If you don't keep the blow dryer moving every few seconds, you can damage the cuticle and there goes your shine.

Let Your Brush Add Shine :Use your blow dryer and a natural bristle brush to evenly distribute scalp oils. This will accentuate your hair's lustre.

Lock In That Curl :Using your diffuser attachment, lean your head to one side and start scrunching your hair from the bottom to the (top all around your head) Finish off with a blast of cool air to lock in the curl. So simple a procedure but very effective.

Make Your Own Spray-On-Conditioner :Here is a quick way to make your own spray on conditioner and it works just as well as the brands that are on the store shelves. All you have to do is mix 1 part of your favorite conditioner with 5 parts water. Pour it in an empty hair spray container and spritz it on instead. Tangles are gone and so is the frizz!.

My Hair is Falling Out :If you find that suddenly your hair is falling out in handfulls, it would be a good idea to mention the fact to the doctor. There are a lot of factors that could be causing the problem which include hormones, stress, anemia, poor diet, pregnancy and genetic factors. This condition can also take place at menopause. Thyroid and Alopecia can also be reasons so be sure to have the condition looked at. We naturally lose about 100 hairs a day so if you are losing more than this, it is something that should be looked into.

Save The Outer Hair :The blow dryer most often hits the outer layer of hair. to give it a break, bend over and dry your hair upside down. You can use any of the previous techniques given for blow drying.

SHAMPOO TIPS!! :Shampooing your hair...there are some tricks!never use hot water..use tepiduse about a quarter size amount of shampoo and massage it into your scalp from front to backrinse..this should take between 3-5 minutesapply conditioner from the ends of your hair up to the roots (not the other way around) and comb it gently through your hairrinse another 3 minutes, followed by a blast of cool water to help sealblot your hair dry, don't tousle...not good for your hair or the style.

Shine Up Your Hair :Mash up an avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tsp of baking powder. Mix until well combined and then work the mixture through your hair. Go and surf my site for 15 minutes and then wash out.

Simply Smooth :Here is a quick way to shower, blowdry and come out with a sleek look. Roll the hair at the crown around one or two large rollers. Separate the rest of your hair into small sections and wrap your head, securing each section with a clip that does not leave ridges. Blowdry and then remove rollers and clips.

Swimming and Hair Care :Always rinse your hair after swimming. The chlorine will not only dry out your hair but it will dull your color as well.

What A Good Style Should Do For You :A really good style should promote your best feature... gorgeous eyes, good jaw line etc. It should also draw the eye away from a bad feature.

What is Hair Wax? :Hair wax is a styling aid that is either a gum consistancy or that of paste. It is great for those styles that are freeform ringlets. Simply rub a little between your palms to warm up and then distribute through your hair. Now twist away. Bumble and Bumble makes such a product

Yanking Gray Hair :Pulling out gray hairs will not contribute to more gray hairs. It will just be replaced with another one...gray too I'm afraid.To ensure that the hair that is forming beneath the surface of your scalp is healthy, there are a few foods that you should avoid and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables. They include too many sweets, chocolate, cakes and cookies. Unfortunately, these favorites simply don't do a thing for your hair.

Hair care includes number of things hair type test, the tips you should take for hair care, brushing and combing, shampooing and drying, treating baldness, hair conditioning, dandruff, hair dyes, split ends and hair loss, studying about hair lice and how to treat it, laser hair removal and the electrolysis method taken for hair care.Hair is the crown of the body. It does not matter how beautiful you are if you neglect your hair.Good hair care should be started at home. With proper care and attention you can restore its vitality and glossy sheen.Brush your hair before washing so as to remove the tangles and surface dirt.Although brushing is less damaging than combing but a soft brush does not cause more damage to hair than a comb. Prolonged brushing can also harm the hair. Back combing also damages the hair. It causes knotting which is very difficult to untangle.A good comb should always be preferred. A good comb is that which have rounded and not sharp teeth. Brush ends should always be rounded to minimize the mechanical damage to hair. Nylon brushes with spiky ends also damage the hair.Dandruff is the most common problem. It is an exaggeration of the scaling process by which the skin renews itself. It is just the waste material through the pores of the scalp.Lice are small insects living in dirty condition in our head. Neglecting the lice in head means neglecting hygiene of head. Head should be kept clean.Laser is an important source of hair removal.

Laser are of four types-ruby, diode, alexandrite and Nd: YAG laser. Laser light destroy hair follicles by thermal, mechanical or photochemical mechanism.

Unwanted hairs can be removed permanently by electrolysis. In this a needle is inserted into hair follicle and an electrical pulse is sent through the needle. If this hair follicle is in the active growth stage at the time of treatment, it will probably not grow again.

Baldness is caused due to inadequate nutrition.

Isabella ♥

Sebastian Haircare Form Collection: Re-Shaper Hairspray

2009-01-11T03:51:00.000-08:00

I have long, straight, fine hair. And a lot of it. I’ve never been able to find a hairspray that keeps my hair in place, doesn’t flake, and I can still run my fingers through it.
Is that really too much to ask?
I think I’ve tried everything. From pricey salon brands to the cheapest drug store finds. I’ve even bought some at fancy department stores. Then Fashion Week came along and our own Paul Baranda visited the Sebastian event and left with some awesome goodies.
Inside the package (a beautiful black and white bag with matching tissue paper wrapping a coordinating box) was three products. One of these three was Sebastian’s Re-Shaper Hairspray, part of the new Sebastian Form Collection for total control.
“Hmmm,” I thought. “Hairspray.”
Could it really be all it says it is on the bottle? A brushable, humidity resistant, strong hold hairspray? Humdity resistant? Is that even possible? Brushable? Without FLAKES?!
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and… YES!
With my hair down and my bangs “done” I gave it a quick spray and left for work. Even with the sunroof open, my style survived. Around 3 pm, I brushed my bangs (I tend to brush them to the side all day long). Afraid to look, I braced myself for the inevitable flakes. There were none! Amazing. Seriously.
The next text was the poofy ponytail. I have no idea what to call it, but I pull back the top of my hair. I twist it and pin it and then pull the rest back into a sleek pony. Think Gwen Stefani. The only thing is, with my bangs as short as they currently are, little pieces of hair sneak out of the poof all day long! So frustrating. Here comes Re-Shaper. My hair held up all day and even passed the sunroof test.
Paul has already said “I do” to Craft Clay and Liquid Steel; and if I could marry a hairspray, Sebastians Re-Shaper would be it.

Isabella ♥

Skin Care Antioxidants

2009-01-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

Our skin is constantly damaged by free radicals. When the collagen and the elastin in the skin degrades, our skin will find it hard to renew these damaged cells. Antioxidants can be used to fight off these free radicals. They are found in naturally occurring substances, and you don’t have to worry about them harming your skin.

If you apply antioxidants directly to your skin, you can reduce the free radicals and it is possible that they may actually reverse the damage to your skin that has taken place over the years.

Sunlight is one of the sources of problem, so you need to protect yourself with skin care antioxidants. With antioxidant vitamins, you may actually get some form of rejuvenation.

You may ask where we should look to find such products. Vitamins A, C and E are commonly used in skin care products and in many scientific tests, they are known to improve the skin condition and to sharply reduce additional damage from happening on your skin.

Grape seed extract is one such antioxidant that has numerous beneficial properties. It helps to strengthen the capillary walls. Many skin care products contain grape seed extract and they will have positive effects on the skin.

Apart from this, another product that occurs naturally is the green tea extract. This has catechins. What it does is to reduce the size of pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Grape seed extract has specific properties that help to reduce inflammation of the skin. It has also shown to help strengthen the capillary walls and more skin care products are adding grape seed extract due to these positive effects on the skin.

Another natural product is green tea extract and this antioxidant is well worth mentioning here due to the active ingredient catechins. This ingredient of green tea has been shown in tests to reduce the size of pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Finally, Vitamin A can be found in skincare products too. The derivatives are retinol and retinyl palminate. These ingredients are typically used in anti-acne products. Unless your acne problem is internal, where you require antibiotic acne treatment, such skin care products would suffice.

So the next time you buy skin care creams, check what type of antioxidants they have in their ingredients. The manufacturers know the benefits and they try to include them in their skin care products.

Isabella ♥

Mineral Makeup

2009-01-10T05:13:00.000-08:00

What is Mineral Makeup?
There has been a great revival of interest in mineral make up in recent years. More and more people are choosing mineral make up since it fits in well with their health-conscious and wellness-focused lifestyle. This mineral make up review covers some of the benefits of these rediscovered natural cosmetics.
Not a Mask - Beneficial
Mineral make up is most highly valued for its naturally-derived ingredients. Good mineral make up formulations will contain nothing but minerals extracted and refined from the earth. These ingredients are also cited as being ‘natural’. This is true in that they are not artificial creations, but you should keep in mind that most mineral ingredients are processed to ensure they are safe for skin. Mineral make up is free of the harsh chemicals and damaging ingredients that can actually age your skin.
Mineral make up contains no preservatives and serves as a natural sunscreen against the damaging effects of the sun’s harsh UV rays. The purity of the minerals contained in mineral make up make it perfect for sensitive skin. In fact, mineral make up even has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also dry and inorganic, which makes it impossible for bacteria to survive.
Mineral make up is highly resistant to water. Not only does this make your look immune to unexpected sprinkles or the occasional tear, mineral make up is incredibly long-lasting. You’ll rarely have the need to re-apply your make up as the day wears on.
Most first time users of mineral make up remark at how weightless mineral make up feels. There’s no tendency for the make up to slide and it will not clog your pores.
More Cost-Effective Than Synthetic Cosmetics
Mineral make up is more cost effective than most chemically-based cosmetics, especially when you compare the two based on results and benefits. In general, you need much less mineral make up to achieve the same results as conventional cosmetics. The same amount of harsh and synthetic chemically-based cosmetics that might only last for months could last years in mineral make up.
In addition, you also have the option of making your own mineral make up. There are several sources of mineral make up components that you can purchase and mix yourself, saving even more money.
Flexible, Individualized Make Up
Mineral make up is very flexible and you can easily individualize your look. Different mineral components can be mixed to achieve a wide variety of effects, producing just the right amount of shine, sparkle or translucence that you desire.
You can also choose different mineral make up formulas that are perfect for your particular skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you should choose make up that has higher concentrations of Kaolin clay or silica powder. These two minerals are excellent at reducing and absorbing oil. Of course, if you have dry skin, then you’ll want less of these components, or you may want to add a few drops of jojoba oil. Zinc-oxide is a perfect ingredient for reducing redness or if you suffer from rosacea.
Even the most casual mineral make up review reveals significant benefits of this popular cosmetic product. If you haven’t given mineral make up a try, you might want to take advantage of an introductory offer or starter kit online. You may discover a whole new look for yourself.

Ingredients Info
Loose mineral make up uses a range of micronized mica-based pigments and blends of metal oxides such as zinc-oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxides, as well as other inorganic pigments – however, the best mineral make up companies will exclude the use of micas that are coated and blended with artificial dyes. Some companies may use other inorganic pigments besides the metallic oxides. The best companies will eliminate the use of artificial dyes and pigments as far as possible, especially the petroleum-based food and drug colours (f&dc). The ultramarine pigment is also used occasionally in loose mineral make up - although technically all minerals used in make up are clarified to remove toxins, ultramarine is generally a synthesized pigment. But it is important to remember that chemically it is the same as the naturally occurring ultramarine (lapis lazuli) pigment.
Ferric Ferrocyanide (Prussian blue) can also be used – although it has some environmental stigma and is combined with salts, it is still deemed completely safe for use in mineral make up. It should be manufactured in such a way that it meets the standards set by both the US FDA and the EU Cosmetics Directive – if you are interested, it is always worth checking out the company’s FAQ page, or contacting them directly. If you would rather not use products that contain Ferric Ferrocyanide, the best companies always clearly label the ingredients on each of their products to allow you to make informed decisions.
Even if you choose to omit these ingredients from your mineral cosmetic range, there is still an absolute plethora of colours available, from earthy natural and pastel tones through to shimmery, pearlescent and iridescent vibrant hues. The titanium oxide used in the make up also acts as a natural sunscreen against UVA and UVB rays, thus to an extent protecting the skin from the ageing and damaging day-to-day effects caused by exposure to the sun.

Mineral Makeup for Dry Skin

Mineral makeup is one of the oldest forms of cosmetics in the world, but was generally replaced with synthetic chemically-based makeup in the 20th century. As people became more interested in naturally-derived alternatives a few decades ago, mineral makeup was essentially rediscovered, and its popularity continues to grow today.
Women who have made the switch to this all-natural option enjoy mineral makeup’s wide range of benefits, including its weightless feel and easy, long-lasting application. Mineral makeup is portrayed as being beneficial for all women with all skin types. But what if you have dry skin? Does mineral makeup for dry skin really provide any improvement over standard, everyday cosmetics?
The occurrence of dry skin is connected with low levels of sebum. Because dry skin is unable to retain moisture, it tends to feel tight and look parched, chapped or cracked if it doesn’t get the care and moisture that it needs. The careful use of moisturizers and neutral pH cleansers is your best bet for basic dry skin care.
Mineral makeup specifically blended for dry skin may be difficult to find, because dry skin is less common among women than other skin types. However, mineral makeup provides a full complement of benefits for women of all skin types, even dry skin. Mineral makeup is composed of finely milled minerals that blend well on the skin and can be mixed to create any color desired.
The ingredients in mineral makeup naturally disperse light, providing a photogenic, soft-focus look even to dry skin. In the long run, mineral makeup may be less expensive than chemically-based solutions, simply because mineral makeup can be used for more than one function. Dry mineral formulas can be used for lip gloss, eye liner, eye shadow and even nail polish.
One job of the skin is to provide a barrier to infection. Very dry skin may not be able provide an effective barrier by itself. Since mineral makeup is inorganic and doesn’t support the growth of bacteria, it will provide a beneficial boost to your natural protective systems.
In certain climates, the low temperatures and low humidities of winter weather can cause anyone to have dry skin, regardless of their normal skin type. Of course, those who already have dry skin suffer even more. The sun protection factor of mineral makeup can help to protect dry skin from the damaging and drying effects of UV rays.
Most mineral makeup has an SPF of at around 15 (but should never be used as a sunblock), due to the blocking effect of zincoxide and titanium dioxide. In addition, titanium dioxide is highly reflective, providing a radiant, healthy, and natural-looking glow.
Some women with dry skin have reported difficulty using standard dry mineral makeup, complaining that it made their skin look even drier and older. However, with the proper use of moisturizing agents, such as apricot, jojoba or avacado oil or cold-pressed shea butter, even women with dry skin can take advantage of the naturally-derived benefits of mineral makeup.
Dry skin sufferers may find that liquid mineral makeup formulations work better than the usual mineral powder. Liquid mineral makeup provides all of the advantages of mineral makeup in a liquid form. Try a blend of a hydrosol spray and your mineral powder, or aloe vera gel. The mineral makeup will hold in moisture and provide extra nourishment for dry and damaged skin. Ideally, when selecting mineral makeup for dry skin, make sure you avoid mixtures that add artificial ingredients, or mineral makeups that have a high kaolin clay content. Kaolin clay is best suited to oily skin as the kaolin draws the excess oil from the skin.
Mineral makeup provides women with a fresh, healthful alternative to cosmetics that have many synthetic and harsh additives. Using mineral makeup for dry skin allows women to achieve a beautiful look while at the same time helping to retain a beneficial moisture balance.
Always patch test your mineral makeup before fully applying.

Mineral Makeup for Oily Skin

Mineral makeup is currently enjoying greatly increased popularity. Women of all ages have discovered that mineral makeup for oily skin offers significant advantages for skin health and beauty. Mineral makeup for oily skin can be specifically formulated to counteract many issues with problem skin. Mineral makeup in general is non-comedogenic, which is especially beneficial for oily skin.
About 70 percent of women have what is called normal or combination skin type. It’s called combination because most women tend to have dry skin on their cheeks and oily skin in the t-zone (your forehead, nose and chin). The normal skin type also has medium-sized pores and a smooth texture. Women with an oily skin type usually have enlarged pores and the skin tends to stay shiny. It’s more prone to blackheads and acne blemishes, and tends to attract more dust and dirt. On the plus side, oily skin needs very little moisturizing and will stay less wrinkled and younger-looking longer. Women with oily skin should opt for makeup that addresses the problems of oily skin.
Mineral makeup for oily skin can be specifically blended to deal with oily skin. Mineral makeup is free from cheap (and often irritant) fillers and harsh synthetic ingredients, but there are naturally derived minerals that can be added to increase its oil absorption properties. Silica powder is often used in formulations of mineral makeup for oily skin. Silica powder is very translucent and a great oil absorber. Kaolin clay is another ingredient often found in mineral makeup for oily skin. Kaolin clay increase adhesion and oil absorption of the mixture, and prevents a shiny complexion.
Mineral makeup for oily skin is non-comedogenic, which simply means that it does not block skin pores. Another term for non-comedogenic is non-occlusive. One of the advantages of non-comedogenic makeup is that by leaving the pores open, your skin can breathe naturally and the incidence of acne blemishes are reduced. The findings of some skin care studies have found that using products that are occlusive (meaning they clog your pores) can actually accelerate the aging of your skin.
Personal customization is the primary benefit of using mineral makeup for oily skin. One of the biggest makeup challenges for women with oily skin is that their makeup can wear off easily during the day. By using a makeup formulated for your specific skin type, you can combat this tendency and achieve all-day coverage. And, you can do so knowing that you are providing the most naturally derived and beneficial care for your skin type. Start by applying a base that will help absorb your skin’s surface oil. The mildest clay available is kaolin clay. Your best option is to use a base containing both kaolin clay and silica powder. Adding aloe vera gel to your base will reduce shine even more and help you achieve a matte finish.
Regardless of your skin type, mineral makeup offers a healthy, natural alternative to today’s synthetic chemically formulated cosmetics. Mineral makeup for oily skin helps women with this skin type attain the look they desire while maintaining the health of their skin. The ability to customize mineral makeup to fit your personal skin type and style is only one of several advantages. Mineral makeup has been available for some time, but now that its strengths have been newly rediscovered, its attractiveness (and yours) will continue to grow.
Always do a patch test before fully applying any new makeup.

Mineral Makeup is Good for Your Skin

The irritations that happen with most standard cosmetics tend to occur as a result of the “added” ingredients such as perfumes or talc. As mineral makeup does not need these fillers the risk of such a reaction is dramatically reduced – however, if you have extremely sensitive skin it is always best to consult your doctor or do a skin patch test first. Most mineral makeup companies can send out sufficient-sized samples that cost only a couple of dollars or pounds sterling at most It is important to remember that mineral makeup can be used by those who suffer with Cosmetic Intolerance Syndrome, so the likelihood is that you will be able to use it. As the makeup is naturally derived, it also works very will with the skin’s natural oils – it is what is known as ‘non-comdogenic’, meaning it will not block the skin’s pores - and so tends to be the best option for those who suffer with oily skin and acne.
Interestingly, mineral makeup can work as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as Rosacea and acne. It also gives excellent, non-irritable coverage to those who have scars and other skin sensitivity problems – it is so gentle that it is even recommended for use after cosmetic surgery! Zinc and titanium oxide are best for sensitive skin, those with extremely sensitive skin should perhaps avoid mica, especially when in foundation bases.
Those with sensitive skin should also avoid mineral makeup that contains bismuth oxychloride. This mineral tends to be used as cheap filler, as it has light diffusing qualities. However, although it is a naturally derived mineral, it can actually be an irritant to some skins. Certain mineral makeup companies do not use this ingredient in their products, and most clearly label their ingredients so if you feel you need to avoid this ingredient, it should be fairly easy.
Unlike many conventional mainstream cosmetics, mineral makeup from reputable sellers should not contain any harmful or toxic ingredients, gums, petrochemical fillers, or preservatives such as parabens. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the body absorbs 60% of topically applied products, the FDA does not monitor or regulate cosmetics in the same way that it regulates preservatives and chemicals in food. it is worth noting that studies have shown that the parabens found in many popular brands, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, can build up in the body over time to significant levels, and deposits of parabens have actually been found present in cancerous tumors. Also, the phthalates (plasticizers) used in many cosmetics have actually been linked to hormonal abnormalities, particularly when used during pregnancy.
This in itself is a huge warning that we have to be responsible and extremely careful about which products we choose to put on our skin. Mineral makeup from a reputable vendor is therefore an extremely safe option for both the health and environmentally conscious consumer. The natural ingredients and preservatives used in mineral makeup should be derived from natural oils and completely abolish the need for parabens and phthalates.

Mineral Makeup for Ethnic Women

For years, it seemed that the cosmetics industry had chosen to ignore women of color. Ethnic women often had trouble finding the right foundation, and achieving the right color usually meant buying two or three different shades and mixing them at home. The pigments that were available were often unflattering to the wide spectrum of ethnic skin tones. Beyond difficulties in putting together the right look, conventional cosmetics, with their many chemical ingredients, often led to a worsening of the particular skin problems faced by ethnic women.
Ethnic women truly are women of color. African-America, Hispanic and Asian women define a complete spectrum of skin tones and shades. In addition, ethnic women also face the challenges of several complex skin problems. African-American women tend to have sensitive, oily skin that often scars easily. Asian women must be careful to avoid cosmetic preservatives and fragrances due to their higher sensitivity to irritation. Asian skin also tends to have more difficulty with acne. Hispanic women (especially when they are pregnant) are at greater risk for melasma (hyper-pigmentation, or dark spots) triggered by exposure to the sun. And for all women of color, even temporary skin problems may leave hyper-pigmentation behind.
Mineral makeup has proven to be an ideal solution for women of color. Most mineral makeup brands provide a wide range of foundation colors that work well with ethnic skin tones. Ethnic women have increased their presence in the market and mineral makeup suppliers have increased their product line accordingly. In addition, a few mineral makeup companies have been started that specifically cater to women of color.
The natural, pure quality of mineral makeup ingredients are particularly well-suited to the needs of ethnic women. Mineral makeup is non-comodogenic (it doesn’t clog pores), which is beneficial for all women. But this property of mineral makeup is especially welcome news for Asian women, who typically have more pore-related challenges.
Titanium dioxide, which is present in most mineral makeup formulations, is recognized as one of the most effective sun screens available (however they do not offer a specific SPF). This will provide Hispanic women with some protection against the dangers of melasma. African-American women will especially benefit from the oil-absorbing, anti-inflammatory properties of mineral makeup. The superior coverage offered by mineral makeup will allow women of color to lessen the visibility of any areas of hyper-pigmentation.
In addition to the benefits and personalization options of mineral makeup foundations, mineral eye makeup is especially well-suited to ethnic women. The deep, vibrant colors that can be achieved with mineral eye makeup are quite flattering to ethnic skin tones.
After decades of limited options, ethnic women are now able to access a wide array of mineral makeup options. Mineral makeup for ethnic women provides the ability to match colors for a flawless appearance, and its pure mineral ingredients provide healing and comfort for even the most problematic skin.

Mineral Eye Makeup

Mineral makeup offers an infinite array of colors for highlighting and defining your eyes. Not only is it possible to achieve rich, vibrant colors, you can also choose from a variety of finishes from simple matte to exotic sparkles. Mineral eye makeup has the advantage of being made from naturally-derived ingredients for your eyes. For people with sensitive skin or eyes, mineral eye makeup is an excellent option. In some cases people with sensitive skin or allergies have reported reactions to mica or bismuth oxychloride, so always check the labels carefully and either avoid these ingredients or get a sample to test before purchasing.
Pure loose mineral eye makeup (sometimes labelled as ‘multi use mineral makeup’) alone may not be as lasting as what you have previously used, but there are different ways to apply both eye and foundation minerals to use that solve this problem. Using an eyeliner sealant or other product specifically for this purpose across the entire eyelid before applying color creates better adhesion of the mineral eye makeup. These products also prevent eye shadow creasing for people with oilier skin. Using a mineral ‘base’, ‘primer’ or ‘veil’ will help with adhesion, as will mineral eye shadows that contain ingredients such as silica and boron nitride. Basically the larger, more sparkly mineral particles do not have as good adhesion and slip as the smoother and smaller blends, thus will probably require a base to ensure longevity.
You may apply mineral eye makeup either wet or dry. Using different tools and methods to apply mineral eye makeup varies the shade, intensity, and shimmer of the eye shadow. Use a dry eyeshadow brush to create a sheer color on your eyelids. Use a sponge to apply eyeshadow to achieve a more intense color. Use a taklon brush to apply wet mineral eye makeup for “foiling”.
When you apply mineral eye makeup wet, it is referred to as “foiling.” Foiling is an excellent technique for achieving bolder colors with your eye shadow and works very well for eyelining as well. It’s quite easy–mix your mineral eye makeup with water or primer until you get a creamy consistency. Then apply normally. In some cases you can apply the mineral eye shadow over the entire eye area dry and then wet the eye shadow brush, squeeze out the excess, and dip it into the dry eye shadow again and reapply to the lid only. This application will give more intense version of the same color and a different effect to the eyelid. For a more natural look simply apply mineral makeup base color or bronzer either dry or wet over eyelids for a subtle change of the natural color.
You can even vary the look of your eyeliner, eyebrows, and mascara using different methods of application. Using a dry eyeliner brush with a darker shade or contrast color will give a softer liner look. Or for “wet lining” mix the color with water or an eyeliner sealant before applying with the eyeliner brush for a darker more defined liner that will last all day. Choose a color that is a close match to your natural brow color and use a brow brush to brush in the color to fill in and shape your brows. You can even change your mascara or brow color to subtly match your eyelids by dipping the brush into a small amount of the mineral eye shadow you are using.
A great thing about mineral makeup is that since it is made from non-organic naturally-derived ingredients almost all of the mineral makeup is safe for use on the eyes. So using the methods described here you can apply foundation, blushers, rouges, and even body shimmers as eyeshadows! Check the labels and then enjoy experimenting to achieve the perfect effect for you.

Acne and Mineral Makeup

If you have acne-prone skin, you may cringe at the thought of social situations that put you in close contact with people. Acne break outs can be embarrassing and your natural reaction might be to try concealing your blemishes with thick creams or foundations. In fact, this is probably the worst thing you could do. Most brand-name cosmetics contain preservatives, chemicals and oils that will clog your pores and lead to even worse acne break outs. The most highly recommended solution for acne-prone skin is mineral makeup.
Mineral makeup is composed of pure, natural minerals that are very finely milled and purified before mixing. Mineral makeup is easy to blend into your skin because of the extremely small size of the mineral granules. Blending produces a smooth, flawless look for your skin and provides an excellent disguise for acne blemishes.
Acne and Mineral Makeup: Causes of Acne-Prone Skin
There are several reasons why you might be suffering from acne-prone skin. Some of the reasons are directly tied to skin care products and lifestyle. Washing your face too often can irritate your skin and actually make acne worse. The use of greasy skin care products or oily cosmetics also have a negative effect on your blemishes. It’s possible that your acne could be a side effect of medication–check with your doctor. Other root causes of acne must often be accepted. Genetics play a role in determining whether your skin is acne-prone or not. During adolescence, the levels of certain hormones become elevated, increasing oil production and leading to acne break outs.
Acne and Mineral Makeup: How Mineral Makeup Helps
The most basic cause of acne is clogged pores. Mineral makeup is the better choice for reducing acne blemishes because it is non-comedogenic. Mineral makeup does not block the pores of your skin pores. By leaving your pores open, mineral makeup allows your skin to breathe naturally and reduces acne blemishes.
One bonus feature of mineral makeup is that is serves as a natural sun block. Two common ingredients in mineral makeup, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, provide broad-spectrum sun protection.

Isabella ♥

The Scoop on New Natural Skin Care Products 2009

2009-01-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

New natural skin care products are coming out all the time. I want to make you aware of some information about these products that you might not know. My goal is to help you become more informed consumers.

The packaging and fancy bottles are no surprise and are in fact a great sales strategy! That aside, quality research is sometimes sacrificed because of the time and money that goes into sales and marketing. In some cases, the product may not be new but just packaged in different packaging and the container may be fancier or brighter.

The processing of a product may be what makes it different from an earlier version of it. You can process the same ingredients in a different way and call them new. Calling a product natural is another thing. Be forewarned that a product may say it is natural when it's really been made with synthetic material that has naturally occurring substances in them.

These so called natural products may have very unsafe ingredients in them. For example, synthetic materials may have natural substance in them. It's the artificial chemicals, preservatives, and fillers that can damage your skin and put your health at risk. Companies may use animal fats including beef fat as fillers.

I think you should be told what ingredients to look for and to stay away from for your skin's health. These ingredients can put your general health at risk as well. I don't think we can be told often enough to learn to read product labels on anything we put on our body or in it.

You are smart and I am sure you might recognize the ends of words that usually indicate some kind of chemical such as alcohols. You might even recognize chemical names. Do avoid purchasing these products and if you have them at home get rid of them. These toxic ingredients and others are being linked to different kinds of cancer, depressive disorders, stress disorders and skin disorders. New information is coming out really fast these days. I think we would all benefit from paying attention to news reports or we can do searches online to keep informed.

Now, the news isn't all bad.
There is really good news about new natural skin care products. Reading the label is truly the best thing you can do for yourself. Do you want to know whether an ingredient you see on the label is safe? All you have to do is decide if the ingredient is safe to eat. If it is than it is safe to use on your skin. You are probably thinking that who'd want to eat this stuff? In case of an accident ingestion of these products occur, you will not be harmed.

There are two new substances that have been discovered and are in some of the best current natural skin care products. The first is Active Manuka Honey. It destroys bacteria on the skin and can heal infections. The Manuka bush is native to New Zealand and one species of bee feeds on this almost exclusively.

It has the following the following safe effects on the skin and your health.
It has antioxidants.
It in anti-inflammatory qualities for sensitive skin.
It's a great moisturizer.
It helps to stimulate your immune system.
The second new substance is called Cynergy TK. This a very unique substance.
It enables your body to rekindle its ability to re-grow collagen.
It also starts elastin re-growing.
It might help the body retain its moisture.

Other natural ingredients include an exotic kelp that is native to the Japanese Sea. It is called Phytessence Wakame.
It blocks an enzyme called Hyaluronidase that strips your skin of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic acid holds collagen and elastin fibers together and makes skin more firm.
May help your skin to retain the skin's much needed moisture

Coenzyme Q10 is not something that can penetrate your skin easily. A nano emulsion form called Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 can.
It is a powerful antioxidant.
It goes deep into the skin: it goes as much as 7 layers deep.
It also helps to grow collagen and elastin.
Nano-lipobelle Q10, Phytessence Wakame and Cynergy TK together make the strongest skin care products now available. New natural skin care products with the ingredients will prove effective in treating you skin.

Isabella ♥

Skin Lightening Tips

2009-01-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

Our skin color depends on the color of the pigment under the skin. When sunlight falls on the skin, pigment becomes darker to protect us from UV rays coming from sun. May be your back and neck area is exposed to sun so it has developed tan. If that is the case, you can not lighten it, but you can develop the tan for rest of the body by exposing it daily 20 minutes to sunlight when light is not very strong. say at sunrise and sunset.
On the other hand, if the darkness is in patches, not a tan, then lightening can be carried out by taking lemon water thrice a day. 1 lemon juice in a glass of water, 2 pinches sea salt and jaggery or honey as sweetener. This is to be taken three times a day. This detoxes the body, lightening the skin, in a months time.
A week long fast using fruit juices alone will cause lightening of the skin. This fast should be carried out while taking lemon water thrice a day.
Avoid spicy, fried, mutton, chicken, eggs, dairy, bakery food made from refined floor. Leafy veggies soups made by boiling them for 2-3 minutes also help lightening the skin.

Skin whitening is a prime objective of skincare for many women, with hyper pigmentation due to sun damage or hormones now considered as much of an aging factor as wrinkling. Many cosmetics companies claim that their products provide skin whitening or brightening, but there are only a few active ingredients that really are able to fade skin discolorations. The most effective ingredients for skin whitening are hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, and vitamin C. Avoid treatments that contain mercury, because though it’s effective, it’s highly toxic.

Skin Whitening Products
Hydroquinone is the most common skin whitening ingredient used in the U.S. It is available in concentrations of up to 2% in over-the-counter products, and stronger solutions (up to 4%) can be prescribed by a dermatologist. However, hydroquinone is banned in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa due to fear of a cancer risk. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production and is very effective after 4 weeks of continuous treatment; using hydroquinone products for longer than 3 months is not recommended, however, because overuse can actually cause darkening of the skin.
Kojic acid also inhibits melanin production. Derived from a fungus, it is a more natural skin whitening alternative to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is more effective when combined with glycolic acid, and can be extremely irritating to sensitive skin, so try a small test patch first. People using kojic acid products will usually see results within 8 weeks. Many Japanese skin whitening products use kojic acid as the active ingredient. Recent studies have also called kojic acid’s safety into question, however.
Arbutin is a relatively new skin whitening ingredient that is made from bear berry extract. Since it also has soothing properties, it’s an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. However, it hasn’t been tested as extensively as the other skin whitening treatments, so its efficacy is as yet unproven.
Vitamin C can also be effective at inhibiting melanin production. However, the tests that show it to be effective have used a concentration of over 5%, which is much more than what is usually used in cosmetic products. Vitamin C is also notoriously unstable, which means that by the time a cosmetic product containing it gets home to you it may have broken down and become useless. For this reason, Vitamin C is a last resort skin whitening treatment for those who can’t use the other topical treatments for one reason or another.
For those for whom topical skin whitening treatments don’t work, laser resurfacing or visible pulsed light treatments, available from a dermatologist’s office, may do the trick. These treatments, which need to be repeated periodically to be effective, cost from $3,000-$5,000 for a set of four treatments. Laser resurfacing and visible pulsed light are not recommended for people with dark skin, as they can leave disfiguring scars.
Whichever active skin whitening treatment you choose, make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily. Using skin whitening treatments without sunscreen actually accelerates sun damage and makes it worse.

Some of my fav tips for skin lightening

In summer face skin pigmentation becomes plainly visible. Those, who know what this is, agree with me that it is not good-looking. Are there any means helping to get rid of pigmental spots? Yes, there are some. Cosmetologists usually advise to use whitening and peeling means. Of course you can use natural means too.
For example, lemon juice, viburnum juice, and also juice of red currant, sauerkraut, fresh cucumber, parsley, grapefruit. You always find the whitening mean in every season. You’ll get the good result making compresses with wine vinegar and clabber. Wet wad of cotton wool in 5% solution of vinegar and put on the pigmental spot. In 10 minutes put compress from clabber mixed with wheat flour on the same place. Proportion is ¼ glass of clabber to 1 tea-spoon of flour. Make such compress every day for one week and then every other day. When spots become lighter use this procedure once a week.Mask from sauerkraut can be made every day. Wet napkins in the juice of sauerkraut and put on the pigmental areas 3 times one by one for 10 minutes.
Mask from beans is easy-made and effective. Pour 1,5 glass of beans with 1,5 glass of water and keep to infuse for 36 hours. Then knead, squeeze and add juice of one lemon. Put this mixture on the face before going to bed. If skin is oily, make this mask every other day, if skin is dry, make mask twice a week.

For Glowing skin
A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.
Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

For Black Spots
Make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face
Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots
Apply the paste of turmeric and curry leaves on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply a mixture of mehndi and turmeric. For a piece of turmeric, 2-3 leaves of mehndi are used
Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100 gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.
Grind betel leaf and add a little coconut oil and apply it on the spots
Soak a chappathi in milk overnight . Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. Repeat for several days
Make a paste of saffron and add some honey , apply it on the face to remove black spots.
To remove black spots... apply a paste of turmeric and basil.
To remove wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. Wash with cold water after some time

Few very good masks to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. continue to care your skin is always important to maintain your skin and look fresh all the time.

Mix 1 table spoon of milk powder, 1 table spoon of honey, 1 table spoon of lemon juice, and ½ table spoon of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

You can do a fairness massage easily at the privacy of your home. Soak four almonds overnight. In the morning remove their skin and grind them fine. Make a paste by adding one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk and four drops of limejuice. A regular massage with this paste will assure a long lasting fairness to you.

For 15 days, apply a paste of gram flour (besan), milk (2 teaspoon) and lime juice(3-4 drops) on face and neck for 15 minutes and wash with water. You complexion should improve. Repeat every 2 weeks.

SANDALWOOD:This is best home remedy for dark skin. Sandalwood is one of the most expensive, most exotic, and most aromatic plants known to humans. Sandalwood has a use in treating most skin problems. It is a cooling agent, stimulant, and blood purifier. It protects skin from the sun's rays, acts an anti-aging agent, and keeps skin smooth and aromatic. Sandalwood is extremely effective on pimples, prickly heat, skin eruptions, itching, rashes, spots, freckles, and swellings.

Mix oatmeal with yogurt and tomato juice and apply on the face. Wash it with cold water after 15 minutes.Apply a mixture of 3-4 drops of lime juice and a grated tomato on face and neck for 15 minutes for 15 days. Wash with cold water.Mix almond, neem leaf , turmeric, sandlewood and poppy seeds. Blend this mixture into a fine paste using milk . Apply this paste on face and allow it to dry. remove the dried mask by massaging your face in circular motion and wash your face using luke warm water.

Wheat germ scrub: Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oatmeal powder1 tablespoon wheat germ (powder)1 tablespoon skimmed milk powder1 teaspoon sandal wood powder.

Rose:This is a popular herb for dark skin. Rose oil is a cooling agent and is excellent for tired skin. It is a good source of vitamins C and E. Rose oil has a very pleasant fragrance to it. It removes dead cells from the skin, and provides relief from burns. It slows the aging process and balances the skin's chemistry. Rose oil is used for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and nourishing of the skin.Mash the cucumber with the skin still on to get the juice. You may then need to squeeze the juice out with your hands.

You can use lime juice with haldi and besan, and scrub your face with this to try and remove the tan. However. simply applying lime juice and cucumber will help lighten skin over time.

Fair look, dry skin:Apply a mixture of equal amounts of cucumber juice and honey on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off.

Fair look, oily skin:Apply a mixture of equal amounts of lemon and cucumber juice on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off.

Even though these tips may improve your overall skin complexion, don't expect to wake up 5 shades lighter.
Love the skin your in!
There is no magic potion to instantly give you fair skin if you have dusky complexion.
This is your skin..so respect it and love it..
All parts of our body including our skin are precious gifts of nature. The skin that we live in is the largest organ of the human body. We all admire, revere and desire beautiful, flawless skin. Having bad skin can be a physical as well as an emotional threat. But the good news is that nature has provided us with many things to combat skin problems and heal them. Many people have problems with their skin colour. The dusky ones want to be fair; the fair ones want to look tanned. Finally, no one loves what they have. The saying rightly goes, 'the grass is always greener on the other side'. The desire for a different skin tone rather than healthy skin usually ends in making huge investments in having a whiter or tanned skin. But such skin obtained with cosmetics and bleaching is temporary. Bleaching face using chemical products not only harms skin but also makes it rough. Tanners can be bad for skin. Similarly getting a plastic surgery done for your skin requires lots of money. Remember your skin belongs to you whether dark or fair. It makes you different from the rest. So put your money to good use and read on so that you learn to love your natural skin.

Isabella ♥

Citrus fruits – a natural remedy during the winter months

2009-01-10T04:38:00.001-08:00

Doesn’t the orange smell bring up associations with the Holiday season? Winter is the season of the citrus fruits and you can enjoy their abundance during the cold months and holiday daays. Which fruits are citric?
Citrus fruits are slightly sour and juicy. These include oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, limes, satsuma, clementine and all hybrids of these. The kiwi is often mistaken for a citric fruit due to its high content of Vitamin C and the fact that is a more exotic fruit; however it does not classify as a citric fruit.
Citrus fruits are, without a doubt, one of the healthiest foods. Their thick peel reduces the amount of pesticides and nitrates, which can otherwise penetrate it easily and are found in higher amounts in any other fruit. Citrus fruits are most commonly thought of a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, containing a particularly high amount of Vitamin C, which makes them the best defense for the immune system. Consuming several citrus fruits a day prevents flu and colds during the winter months. Besides these substances, citrus fruits also contain an impressive list of other essential nutrients, including glycaemic and non-glycaemic carbohydrate (sugars and fibre), potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a variety of phytochemicals. The specific citric acids have been valued as part of a nutritious and healthy diet as they help dissolve fats and reduce the weight. Nutrients contained in citrus fruits are easier to absorb by the organism than any other fruits due to the specific tastiness.

Orange

The well-known and preferred by many round orange fruit is a hybrid of the ancient Chinese grapefruit with a tangerine. It originated from Southeast Asia, most probably South China. Like all citrus fruits the orange is acidic and although not as strong as the lemon, it is still quite strong, which makes it an integral part of any healthy diet. It aids digestion, strengthens blood circulation and the heart. Regular consumption of oranges detoxicates the body. It also influences tonus, work capability and mood. Two oranges are a much more powerful energy source than the morning cup of coffee.
It can be consumed raw or in the form of juice. However, bear in mind that the juice needs to be consumed right after been squeezed as all the healthy nutrients disappear once they contact oxygen.

Lemon

Lemons fist grew in India, northern Burma and China. The fruit was known for its antiseptic properties and was used as an antidote for various poisons. It was a common belief that lemons could cure plague, jaundice and malaria and that they were a strong pain reliever. A lemon is rich in vitamins C, A, B, B2 and P. Its consumption stimulates the inner secretory glands, digestion and the liver’s function. Several drops of lemon juice in a glass of water or coffee instantly relieve headache. A glass of lemon juice a day is strongly recommended for people who work long hours and have little time to sleep as it energizes and strengthens the organism.
Lemon aromatherapy is efficient in the case of systematic headaches, fatigue and problems with concentration and memory. Massages with lemon oil enhance your well-being and are recommended during a cold or a flu.

Grapefruit

The grapefruit actually bears its name due to a misunderstanding. Centuries ago an English botanic wrongly classified the fruit as a type of grape and although later it became clear that the fruit is citric, its name was so common that changing it was deemed unnecessary. The grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados.The slightly more sour taste comes from the higher concentration of citric acids. This makes the fruit perfect for

loosing weight. Just as other citrus fruits, the grapefruit enhances digestion and can even be used as a diuretic, strengthens the immune system and energizes the organism. However, studies confirm that the consumption of grapefruit along with a medication should be avoided as some of the fruits’ substances can block the medication’s efficacy. Apart from this, the excessive consumption of grapefruit leads to the blockage of a particular enzyme, which is responsible for the production of the estrogen hormone. Scientists believe that this may be the cause for breast cancer.

Tangerine

This citrus fruit also originates from China. The tangerine contains all the nutrients found in other citrus fruits and its peel is thought to be the most efficient for the production of ethereal oils. The tangerine’s peel is the most valued part of the fruit - in the past it was used as a cure for stomachache and lack of appetite. Only last year scientists proved that the tangerine’s peel can be used successfully in the treatment of cancer, but it will take more time until this method is optimized and fully developed.Due to its rich stack of vitamins, the tangerine is particularly efficient during colds in the winter. It also relieves digestion problems and tiredness. It has been argued whether the tangerine is allergen-free and children should be allowed to consume large quantities of it.

Isabella ♥

Quick makeover!

2009-01-10T04:08:00.000-08:00

There are tons of girls who love spending hours and hours doing their hair and makeup every day, primping and preening to look their best. But sometimes, it’s just like, who has time for that stuff!? And who wants to fool with it? Or, are you like me and are too thrifty to spend all that money on a closet-full of stuff you don’t know what to do with? Here are a few tips...it’s as easy as 4,3,2,1!

4. Things You Need for a Flawless Face:

Eight-Hour Lipstick: You apply the lipstick, or Benjamin Moore paint, as I like to call it, and you’re set for the day. Just put it on and use the moisturizer throughout the day to keep your lips soft and shiny. Try Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick; usually around $8-9 in drugstores, though I found some at Trade Day (a sort-of flea market) brand new for a dollar, and sometimes you can find some at closeout stores like Big Lots.

Mineral Makeup: If your skin isn’t flawless, and you need this type of thing at all, invest in some mineral makeup. It’s easy to apply, lasts a long time, and is good for your skin. You might be torn between Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover, but Sheer Cover is half the price, and all the research I did seems to state that customers who had tried both were generally happier with Sheer Cover. I have SC, and I love it!

A Good Waterproof Mascara: Staying power is a biggie for the woman-on-the-go, and if you’re like me, you want to put on a few things at the beginning of the day and not have to worry. I’m addicted to my Almay Intense I-Color Mascara in Brown Topaz, because it’s safe for contacts. I was buying it at Wal-Mart for $7.50, but then I got lucky and found some at Big Lots for $1.25, so I bought a lot of it. Maybelline is always good for mascara, though.

A 3-in-1 Color: If you’re not someone who’s ready to spend hours in the bathroom applying eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick, then something like a 3-in-1 color is always good to have on hand. It’s especially handy when you’re in a hurry. Try: Neutragena Shimmer Sheers 3-in-1 for cheeks, eyes, and lips.
*Honorable mention: It’s always good to keep your eyebrows in shape if you don’t have time to get them waxed. Revlon makes the best tweezers you can get at the drug store, and they’re usually between $4-6 and stay sharp a long time.

3. Things You Need for Hot, Sexy Hair:

Texturizing Cream: This is a new discovery for me. I’m not someone who can spend forever curling and straightening my hair, and I can never figure out how to get the back of my head, anyway! When you get out of the shower, towel-dry your hair and run some texturizing cream through your hair. It’s supposed to make your hair thicker, but I have really thick hair already. I use some by Aro Pur my grandmother gave me, but try Garnier Fructis or Got2Be, generally around $3-4 at drugstores.Round Brush: With the texturizing cream, you can use a round brush to straighten out your hair, curl the ends under, or make your hair look wavy. The cream makes your hair mold like putty to what you want, and the round brush gives it shape. I like the ones made by Con-Air with the squishy handles, $4.Hurricane Hairspray: That is to say, the type of hairspray that could withstand a hurricane. Finish off with that, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your hair looking out of place, unless you’re going for that bedhead look, which that’s good for, too. I use some in a purple can by Jheri Redding, but Big Sexy Hair and Tigi also make a good ones.

2 Tips for Nice Looking Nails:

Don’t have the money or time for manicures, and hate the chipped-off polish look? Here are a couple of things you can do to keep them looking nice and in shape:
A Multi-Sided Emory Board: There’s a seven-sided one you can get at most drug stores for under two bucks. It buffs, shapes, and shines your nail.
Clear Polish: Why even worry about the colored junk? I mean, it’s fine when you have the time, but when you don’t, there are still ways you can look neat and clean, and a shiny clear nail is pretty. I use Sally Hansen Diamond Shine. Sally Hansen also makes some that lasts for days without chipping. They stay generally between $2-4.

1 Tip for fail-safe outfit:

Jeans and Heels: Not sure whether a certain event really calls for you to be dressy or casual? A good pair of jeans and some nice heels with a fitted top look classy and sexy and can be worn out almost anytime.
*Honorable Mention: Earrings. If you’re not a jewelry person, a pair of dangly earrings are just the thing to make you look girly and pretty without being too blinged out!

Isabella ♥