Negative Side to Conventional Cosmetics

Women and men spend millions of dollars every year attempting to improve the quality and health of their skin. They spend time and money on products and services to refinish the surface of their skin only to return to habits and routines that continue to damage both their skin and bodies. Most cosmetic an

d beauty products contain additives, preservatives, and chemicals designed to improve appearances at the cost of health. Not only do conventional cosmetics clog pores and weigh down skin, they also contain harmful toxins that absorb into the blood stream and into the body. 

Companies create conventional cosmetics and beauty products using oils and fillers that weigh down skin and clog the pores. Although some of these products create the appearance of smooth, even skin, bacteria and dirt become trapped in the skin by the oils in conventional cosmetics and create pimples and blemishes. Most men and women then resort to even more cosmetic use to cover up these skin problems, resulting in an even greater incidence of clogged pores. Skin absorbs the oils and fillers in conventional cosmetics resulting in makeup that literally weighs down the face. Not only does foundation and powder look heavy, it also feels heavy. This heavy feeling results from not just the skin’s absorption of the product, but also the inability of the skin to breath.

The heavy binders and fillers of conventional cosmetics also contain chemical additives that are harmful to the body. Conventional beauty products such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and bronzer contain a myriad of binders, toxins and dyes that absorb into the blood stream. A build up of such chemicals can produce allergic reactions and increased sensitivity in some men and women. Some of these allergies and sensitivities can result in chronic conditions and sustained sensitivity to conventional dyes, cosmetics and perfumes. Hypoallergenic products have risen as a result of consumers’ needs to use products less harmful on the body. Although most of these products still contain fillers that clog skin, the rise of products for sensitive skin proves that consumers have reacted poorly to conventional cosmetics. 

Naked Minerals contains no additives, dyes, colors, fillers, binders, waxes, or any other ingredient beyond natural minerals. The Naked Minerals makeup is all-natural and uses only the finest minerals to create a cosmetic that improves skin appearance and quality without clogging pores. There are no oils in Naked Minerals that traditionally clog pores, and the weightless feel and function of Naked Minerals allows skin to breathe. Naked Minerals is completely hypoallergenic with none of the toxins or chemicals traditionally found in conventional cosmetics. All of the colors are naturally derived from their mineral origin and none contain the heavy oils found in conventional cosmetics.

Discovering Your Inner Beauty

"Looks are nothing without spirit"

That is the tag line for the new fragrance by Antonio Banderas. It’s called "Spirit" and although I have yet to smell it, that tag line appeals to my inner beauty. It’s true that looks are nothing without your inner spirit shining through. It’s your essence and your personality that makes you beautiful - not the clothes or makeup that you wear.

Many of us envy other women who we perceive as being "perfect". They have the perfect nose, the flawless face….they get to wear all the finest clothing. Little do we know that some of these women are total bitches who care about nothing and nobody but themselves. It’s almost a waste of outer beauty, ya think?

So, you’re probably wondering, Well, how do I get to have this inner beauty?

Here’s my advice…

* Stay true to yourself. What I mean by this in terms of fashion and beauty is that you wear clothing and makeup that you like and feel comfortable with - not what a magazine tells you to wear. Just because Lindsay Lohan wears Chanel doesn’t mean that you have to.

* Smile and be happy. This may take a bit of work on your part - especially if you are depressed or angry inside. Make an effort to say positive affirmations to yourself in the morning after you wake up. We are all meant to be happy! Surround yourself with positive people and they’re energy will start to rub off on you…

* Be confident. All of us have our own insecurities. Maybe we think that we’re just not as pretty as so and so or maybe we feel that people will make fun of what we’re wearing. When you stand up tall and feel comfortable in your own skin - that’s what people really pay attention to. People are attracted to people who have confidence in themselves and don’t worry about what other people think.

Causes of Acne and Herbal Remedies Treatment

It is a huge drop of self-esteem when you have acne all over your face. Acne is one of the skin problems among men and women. It usually occurs during the puberty period of a person. It is said that about 60 million people are suffering from this. You will feel too self-conscious and embarrassed about going any where public; you will be shy, irritated or even afraid what our friends and might think if they see you.

But what causes acne? For many of us acne can become the pest of our existence. Now, large numbers of people are affected by this widespread medical condition. Here are the most common causes of acne:

A hormone is the number one cause of acne which is the production of sex hormones known as androgen that starts at puberty. This perfectly explains why the majority of acne sufferers are adolescents. It is the main player for acne flare-ups during the times of menstruation and pregnancy.

When the sebaceous gland gets turned on by androgens, it manufactures additional sebum. The follicle toward the surface, the sebum conmingles with dead skin cells and skin bacteria that have been cast from the follicle's lining. This process is just normal, but the presence of more sebum in the follicle raises the probability of clogging to occur, and which then causes acne.

In certain tense circumstances, stress may cause the production of hormones like cortisol, which can worsen an acne condition. Stress puts into affect different hormone levels. When these hormone levels change the body commands the skins oil glands to expand, and which then secrete extra oil.

Oily or Heavy Make Up. Heavy make-up has the ability to clog pores, while oily make-ups add additional oil; these things only contribute to the problem if oily skin is already present. Cosmetics to avoid are certain moisturizers, pomades, particularly the ones carrying petrolatum, oleic acid, vegetable oils, lanolin, butyl stearate, and lauryl alcohol.

Other causes include: birth control pills, other drugs such lithium is known to cause acne, cosmetics, too high dosage of Vitamins B1, B6 and B12, diet, over abrasive cleansing, picking and squeezing at blemishes, environmental factors like high humidity and pollution and Genes.

How can we cure acne? There are so many treatments that are available right now. But, not all of us can afford high priced treatments. If you want to save money then herbal remedies is much affordable and natural.

Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

Acne is so hard to cure if it is not been treated immediately. Its cars are difficult and expensive to treat, and it is unusual for the scars to be successfully removed completely. So better give extra attention to you skin before it is too late.

Why Use Organic Skin Care Products?

When we say organic skin care products, it is bio-compatible and bio-available, helping create an all natural face with all natural beauty. Nowadays it has been said that the organic skin care is one of the fastest growing areas of the beauty industry. Can you imagine that by using a range of body and skin care products, woman applies more than 200 chemicals to her skin a day? Recent research has shown that 60 per cent of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. It has also been found that the number of people with eczema, allergies and skin complaints is on the rise - their conditions aggravated by the chemicals in our skincare and body care products.

There are so many skin care products contain known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins and hormone disruptors. They are synthetic as well as natural fragrances are frequently allergenic. Ingredients like lanolin, which comes from sheep's wool, can be contaminated with pesticides. Also think that other chemicals may interact with nitrites to form carcinogens called nitrosamines.

So how can we avoid these synthetic chemicals? The best way to avoid them from entering our body is to only use body care products that are organic, fresh, and synthetic chemical-free. Then, what’re organic skin care products? Organic produce has been grown without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Know that if a product claims it's organic, it must contain at least 95 per cent of organically grown produce. For a product to claim that it has been 'made with organic ingredients', it must contain over 70 per cent of organically grown produce.

Most cosmetic products require preservatives or bactericides to prevent them from being contaminated. Some of the most allergenic and irritating preservatives release small amounts of formaldehyde, which are an irritant as well as a carcinogen and neurotoxin.

We all know that our skin is responsible for maintaining the correct body temperature and it regulates our body’s fluid balance. Each day through many hundreds of thousands of skin pores, the average human secretes over 850ml of fluid. The skin functions as a nutritional factory, producing vitamin D, necessary in the formation of bone, and participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. It is important to remember, that the skin is a living part of your body – often referred to as the ‘third kidney’ - with several well-developed and interrelated circulation systems; blood, sweat, sebum, nerve and lymph, any of which can be damaged by absorption of chemicals or enhanced by a good skin care system.

I guess what we really need to learn are the effects of chemicals to our skin. Our skin is something that we need to take care of. Imagine what our skin will look like if damaged by those chemicals. Let us just be kind to our body, it is just right for us to give them the care that they want and that is caring them naturally.

Facial Skin Care Tips and Remedies

As far as new technology is concern, many people undergo the process just to look younger and to look beautiful. Mostly, they do that is their faces. As we grow old, wrinkles, dark spots and blemishes start to rule our faces. That is the reason why facial skin care products were designed to reduce the visible signs of aging and improve the health and beauty of the skin.

It is true what that beauty is only skin deep, so it is just right to do what feels right for you. With the huge advances made in skincare products today , most of us still prefer taking the less invasive way.

Here are some facial skin care tips and remedies that will help enhance the skin’s appearance at any age without the help of needles and knives.

At the age of 20’s, the skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurtures its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Just continue using that at any age. Try to stay away from oily makeup and cover-ups. If possible use an oil free moisturizer every day. By this age using an eye cream under the eye area especially at night is also a good idea. Use products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

If you reach your 30’s, it is when the skin becomes a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. Start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Just continue using with eye creams at night and use sunscreen too. Skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage. It is good to put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

It’s time to kick it up another notch when you reach your 40’s. It is when your skin loses much of it tightness. This s when your skin may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Then the blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible.

With this, the retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40’s would be a good time to begin using them. It is still essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis. Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin’s texture and color.

At the age of 50’s, the changes in your skin have reached high gear. That is the time where menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Try to begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin’s hydration levels. Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

There is always a way or even ways to get away with skin ageing. Surgery is never always an answer to that. Always put in mind that you can still manage to stay beautiful and have that flawless skin using facial skin care products and remedies.

Five Common Chemicals Used in Skin Care Products

Have you notice that when you buy certain products you will encounter different terms that seem unfamiliar to you? Most of these terms are known to be chemicals. These chemicals are the ones commonly used in skin care products such as lotions or creams for your skin. Sometimes it gives us trouble deciphering the language of skin care products. But do not worry, I have here guide that will help you understand some ingredients that may give benefit to your skin.

Here are the five common chemicals used in skin care product:

First is the chemical known as Retinol. This is a derivative of vitamin A, and a lot of over the counter skin care products contain retinol. Retinol's stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova, available by prescription only. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative.

Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and retinol also helps to re-hydrate your skin. You may also hear about retinyl palmitate. This falls into the same family as retinol, but if the skin care product you choose contains retinyl palmitate, you will need to use more of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same effect.

Second is the Vitamin C which is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, which is essential since your body's natural collagen production decreases as you age. Collagen is considered a person's fountain of youth; it's responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars and wrinkles.

It is still important to be choosy when selecting a vitamin C product. Vitamin C in its most commonly found forms is highly unstable when exposed to oxygen, making it useless. Also, many topical vitamin C preparations do not penetrate the skin enough to make a difference.

Third in line is the a chemical called Alpha-hydroxy Acid or better known as AHAs. It is an Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. 0Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may reduce the size of enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with low concentrations of AHA. Also, give your skin a chance to get used to the product. Start out by applying AHA skin products every other day, gradually working up to a daily application.

Next is the Hydroquinone which is popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyper pigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). Some over-the-counter skin care products contain hydroquinone, but your doctor can also prescribe a solution with a higher concentration of hydroquinone if your skin doesn't respond to over- the-counter treatments.

Fifth and the last is known as the Kojic acid. Is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. If you are allergic to hydroquinone, use products that have Kojic acid. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin.

Use this information to sort through various skin care products on the market. But for your own safety, and if you're still unsure which skin care products are right for you, ask your dermatologist.

All About French Manicures

All About French Manicures

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about manicure to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from manicure experts.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of manicure is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about manicure.

All About French Manicures

A French manicure is a nice way to have polished nails without drawing too much attention to your hands. The absence of color makes for easy outfit changes, without having to think too much about clashing colors. French manicures also last longer than traditional manicures with colored polish because you cannot see chips as easily. They are also easier to touch up without being too noticeable.

What is the purpose of having a manicure, if you are just going to put clear polish on top of your nails? Why bother to go through all that time and trouble, to look natural? Well, we women do tons of crazy things, and spend countless hours in the salon trying to make ourselves appear naturally beautiful. Why should manicures be any different? Besides, the polish is not actually clear. The polish is two different colors. A very thin white or off white coat is applied to the tips of your nails and allowed to dry. Then the entire nail is painted with a soft beige or pink color, making the nails very clean and polished looking, but not quite as dramatic as red or pink polish.

While French manicures may look almost natural, they are the most difficult type of manicure to have done to your nails. Most salons charge more money for a French manicure, than a regular manicure with one solid color. Some salons use an actual paint brush, with very fine bristles to apply the thin white coat to the tips of the nails. Other salons will very quickly apply the white coat without much attention to detail. Then they will come back before the polish has dried and remove the excess color with an orange stick wrapped in cotton. This is interesting to watch. I always get nervous when the manicurist paints half of my fingernail white. I'm thinking to myself, great, I could do a better job at home blindfolded and I'm paying her my hard earned money to make a huge mess. But then, she is always redeemed when she had cleaned off the excess and my nails look great. Watching her perfect this skill with ease, I was enticed to try this process at home. I made a huge mess; I think that next time I will leave this skill to the professional.

The popularity of having a French manicure started around the seventies, and is just as popular today. People have been getting French manicures for years. You can see these types of manicures just about anywhere from magazines, to moms at the grocery store. One thing that is kind of interesting about French manicures is that they really don't have any target age range. Anyone from teenagers, to grandmothers can be seen sporting a French manicure, that is something that cannot be said of most fashion trends.
In recent years, there has been a new addition to the French manicure family. It's the French pedicure. They have all of the flexibility and versatility of the French manicure. I love that I can wear pink shoes, red shoes, or black shoes without having to rethink my toenail polish.

How to Enhance Under the Eye

One of the main skin problems that women have issues with under-eye bags and puffiness. There are many different remedies available for you to use in order to get rid of them. It’s up to you to decide which one is going to help you in the best manner. There are many things that you can do in order to take care of under-eye bags and puffiness. A few of the solutions will be discussed in detail here.

Determining the Cause

Before you choose any method of treatment, it is important to try and figure out the cause of your under-eye bags or puffiness. It could be hereditary, as in many cases, and although this certainly does not mean that you are not going to be able to get help, you should be prepared that it may be more difficult to treat if that is the case.

It could also be allergies that are causing this swelling and puffiness under your eyes. If allergies are the root of your problem, you can try removing the allergen or take a good over-the-counter allergy medication. However, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any type of medication.

It is also very important to make sure that you get plenty of sleep at night. Otherwise you can wake up feeling tired and restless and may have the under-eye bags and circles to prove it. Lack of sleep also causes the skin to become paler, especially under the eyes, and reduces circulation as well. Your goal should be to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and try to stay away from drugs and alcohol, because these are only going to add to the problem.

Cucumbers

One of the most popular methods used to get rid of bags under the eye involves cucumbers. Cut a few pieces of a regular cucumber and then lie back, placing one piece on each eye. You can also use figs or even rose water on cotton pads, if rose water is available to you. Regardless of what you use—cucumbers, figs, or rose water—keep it on your eyes for at least twenty minutes or more.

The cucumbers work particularly well because they have a high water, silicon, and sodium content, which helps to soothe and cool the eyes, thereby shrinking bags and relieving puffiness and irritation. They also help in toning and firming the skin around the eyes while reducing the effects of daily lifestyle stress at the same time. Even if you do not have bags or puffiness, you can use this method once or twice a week as a preventative measure and help ease stress.

Products

There are various products available to help with under-eye bags and puffiness. These under-the-eye products work by using cooling and relieving ingredients that help to calm and soothe the skin around the eye. Some under-the-eye products will be pricier than others, but the effectiveness that they offer is well worth it.

Besides products that are specific to under-eye bags and puffiness, there are also various overnight facial masques you can use that will help to reduce the appearance of puffiness or discoloration. These work best when you apply them at night and remove them in the morning, allowing them to do their job overnight. Seeing a naturopathic physician also may help you, especially if you have been trying other methods of treatment with little to no success.