Healthy Skin - Naturally

Your busy modern lifestyle leaves you little time for pampering your skin. The result: Your skin isn't the same baby-soft body glove you were born with. As age catches up, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands become less active, leaving your skin dryer. The number of blood vessels in your skin reduces, your skin becomes fragile, and you lose your youthful sheen and color.

Good skin care will definitely help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. We list below some vital aspects of skin care, the important factors, what is good and what is not good for your skin. These simple skin-care tips are sure to help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The best way to take care of your skin is by protecting it from the sun. Ultraviolet light the invisible but intense rays of the sun can damage your skin and cause deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking accelerates the normal aging process of the skin, contributing to wrinkles. Skin changes as a result of smoking can be seen in young adults who have been smoking for as few as ten years. This is because smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This reduces blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, which are important to skin health. Further, the repetitive facial expressions made when smoking such as pursing the lips when inhaling and squinting the eyes to out keep smoke also contribute to wrinkles.

3. Wash your skin gently

Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin; the key is to treat your skin gently. As far as possible, use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to around fifteen minutes or less and, here too, use warm, rather than hot, water. Also, avoid strong soaps those most capable of stripping oil from your skin. They leave your skin dry. Choose mild soaps, rather, with oils and fats added to them during the soap manufacturing process. When removing eye makeup, do so carefully, using a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you might have to use oil-based products such as petroleum jelly.

4. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizers definitely help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels by providing a seal over your skin to keep water from escaping or by slowly releasing water into your skin. The most suitable moisturizer and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. One good way to find out if you need a moisturizer is to wait for twenty minutes after bathing if your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

5. Shave carefully

Shaving is a common and cheap way of removing unwanted hair. Then again, shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave, press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair, or shave after a warm bath or shower. Never shave dry skin; it can cause razor burns. And always apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin. Finally, make sure to rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.

Men: Do You Love Your Hair?

Let us face it most men can be quite vain. Spending hours in front of the mirror, flexing those pecks, or even striking that killer pose to try and wow the ladies. However, one reason why men spend hours in front of the mirror is often to get their hair absolutely perfect. A wayward hair style throws the whole balance off and you have to start all over again if you cannot get it right.

Why looking after your hair is important, even for men and the styles which you can opt for!

Looking after your hair is an important part of looking good. If your hair is greasy or it has bits of last nights gooey gel left in it, how do you expect to get that style you are after. Greasy hair also attracts dirt and you could end up with skin problems as well as hair problems, then where will you be?

So, the first port of call is to take a good hard look at you, and judging by the amount of time that some men spend looking in the mirrors anyway, it should not be too hard!

Ask yourself if your hair too long, too short, or too messy? Also it is best to know what type of hair you actually have so that when you buy shampoo, you are purchasing the right one for you. Buying the wrong type of shampoo can potentially damage your hair so always take the time to find out which type you should actually be buying.

So how do you find out which shampoo is for you? Well, the best thing to do is to look carefully at your hair and ask yourself certain questions like: Do I have dandruff? Is my hair greasy or oily? Is my hair dry? Does my hair? If you answer any of these questions as yes, then you are now aware of what your hair is like, thus you can make sure that you get the right shampoo for your hair type.

You can purchase a shampoo from all supermarkets and drugstores, as well as a big range available in certain hair salons. There is also an even bigger selection on the internet if you would prefer to shop online.

For men with longer hair, more care is obviously needed than it is for those with shorter hair. The shorter your hair, the easier it can be to manage. There are many styles that can be tried out for both men with long and short hair, and the trends change quite often. If stars and celebrities try out new haircuts that seem a bit outrageous, it can be guaranteed, many men will try these hair cuts out too.

How do you achieve these looks then? There are many products available absolutely everywhere, to help you to style your hair. There are gels, sprays, foams, all of which can achieve anything from simple styles, to radical, spiky, and completely wacky styles, you are certainly are spoilt for choice.

If you always go for the same hair cut, short back and sides or just plain and boring, you may be interested in trying out a new style. It may be that you have wanted to change your hair style for ages, but you are too scared to try anything different in case it does not look right, or suit you.

If you are uncertain as to what style to try, have a word with your nearest barber shop for an evaluation. They will be able to suggest ideas, and be able to help you make the right choice for you. If there is a style that you are brave enough to try, do not be afraid to tell the hairdressers or barbers about it. You can always cut out clippings from magazines or newspapers to take with you in order to show the hairdresser what style you were thinking of.

By taking care of your hair, it will take care of you. It can help with your appearance, and in turn that can do wonders for your confidence. They say you should not judge a book by its cover but unfortunately a lot of people do.

Overall, it is all down to personal preference and as long as you are happy with your hair it should not matter what anybody else thinks.

Heal Your Dry Skin Overnight Naturally

Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. Xeroderma literally means "dry skin". Xeroderma is a very common condition.

Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body".

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin. Serious skin complications, including dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin. Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications.

Thick, oily-type moisturizers work best. Drink plenty of water every day. Use bath oils and moisturizers daily.

Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Eat at least one organic apple with the skin on every day. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system.

The best treatment I've found for dry skin is coconut oil. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least daily.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.

Go to your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Continue using coconut oil and the benefits of good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions should be your reward. You should see the results with improved skin overnight following this advice.

Protecting your Curly Hair with the Right Tools

In order to appropriately style curly hair or any hair for that matter you should protect the hair with quality accessories. By accessories we are talking about quality hair care products, brushes, irons, dryers and other needed equipment. Using the wrong types of products or the harsh treatment of the hair can lead to damage hair that breaks and splits. Women with curly hair are at a higher risk of damage due to tangles in the hair. To ensure that you do not damage the hair use a natural boar bristle brush. Not only will the natural boar bristle protect the hair it also will massage the scalp, therefore stimulating growth. To avoid drying and breaking give the Denman Boar Brush (D82M) a try for a straighter appearance rather than the flat iron that can damage the hair.

When you hair is wet it is more susceptible to damage so be careful with your hair. To protect your wet hair from brushing try combing through first with a leave in conditioner. Not only does this protect the hair from brushing while it is wet, it also protects when blow drying and styling. The Denman Classic Brush (D4) is the one to use on wet hair. If you have a tender head of hair the Denman Paddle Brush (D83) should be the brush of choice for your curly hair care.

Another good tip for combing wet hair is to use a wide tooth comb to work through the conditioner. The wide tooth comb keeps the hair from being pulled or damaged during the process. Hair care is an important aspect in appearance, and unfortunately the hair can be damaged rather easily.The Super Rake Detangler comb and Curl Detangler hand pick are excellent choices to enhance your curly hair care. Not only will using the appropriate tools keep you from damaging your hair it will also keep you from pulling your hair out in the process. For extra tangles or sensitive scalps part the hair into sections, keeping a good hold to run the comb through. Another way to ease the pain of detangling is to apply a coat of moisturizer before combing through.

Hair Loss Causes: Fact or Fiction?

Think you know what really causes hair loss and hair damage? Take this hair loss quiz and find out if you know as much as you think you do!

Fact or Fiction: Dandruff can contribute to hair loss

Fact!

Dandruff is caused by a type of fungus called Malazzesi Globosa. This yeast-like fungus lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. However, sometimes it grows out of control, leading to an increase in the amount of dead skin cells and an itching sensation on the scalp. Continuous scratching by the fingernails can damage and even remove the cuticular scale, a protective covering on individual hairs. This loss leaves the hair shaft weakened and permanently damaged, making it susceptible to breakage and hair loss.

Fact or Fiction: Prescription shampoos for scalp diseases cause hair damage.

Fiction!

The two most common scalp diseases are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. People often view products that treat these conditions as harsh and medicinal. Some hair loss sufferers think they have to choose to live with the scalp problems rather than use with what they fear are harmful chemicals. However, technological advances now allow prescription shampoos to have the necessary medication to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis while also containing the same mild cleansers found in cosmetic shampoos. When used properly, prescription shampoos can effectively help keep your hair healthy.

Fact or Fiction: Blow-drying hair with heat can worsen hair loss

Fact!

Blow drying can damage hair as the high heat from a blow dryer can actually boil the water in the hair shaft leaving it brittle. In addition, vigorous towel rubbing or combing of wet hair also can cause hair loss, since wet hair is more elastic and more vulnerable to breakage than dry hair.
In order to minimize hair shaft damage hair should be allowed to at least partially air dry before styling and combing.

Fact or Fiction: Stress is one of the most common causes of Hair Loss:

Fiction!

In some cases, under extreme stress, hair loss can indeed occur, but stress is not a common cause of hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is genetic.

Fact or Fiction: Improper hair care can lead to hair loss

Fact!

If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in perms may cause swelling of the hair follicle, which can also result in scarring and hair loss.

Fact or Fiction: Laser therapy can help hair loss

Fact!

Clinical studies have shown that FDA approved hand held laser combs can contribute to hair re-growth and hair loss prevention.

Say 'No' To Aging - Anti Aging Secrets

We all have seen our grandparents and parents grow old and most of us protest against the idea of aging in the same ways they did. In fact, we look for safer, more convenient and medically sound way to live longer, empower ourselves, and remain healthy throughout life. We may refer to it as 'quality longevity.' The everyday choices that we make have a greater impact on us than genetics, which account for only one-third of what determines our health as we age.

Hence, the quality of life is very much in our hands. Empowering ourselves for the future requires learning new skills as well as honing the ones we already have. Try some of these strategies to live longer, feel and look younger.

Sharpen your mind:

A sharp mind helps in staying fit. We're more inclined to have good relationships, eat well and live a healthy lifestyle with a sharper mind. Doing mental aerobics can improve memory and lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease. A recent study found that when we keep our minds active, brain efficiency increases dramatically, even after just a few weeks. Try different approaches to expanding your mental horizons, whether it's travelling to new destinations, learning a musical instrument, or going back to school. Stay mentally active through puzzles, games, reading and other stimulating hobbies, but be sure to train and not strain your brain.

Cultivate healthy relationships:

Socially connected people have longer life expectancies than isolated individuals. Cultivate intimacy with your partner since good sex makes for a longer life. Not only does it bring people closer together, it lowers blood pressure, reduces pain, promotes restful sleep and boosts the immune system so we are better able to fight off infections. Our ability to understand another person's emotional viewpoint and to express that understanding is the social glue that keeps us together.

Reduce stress:

We can't completely eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn healthier responses to it. We all can try to minimise stress to live longer and better. You can do it in many ways. Like control clutter in your home. Get more realistic about how much you take on each day. Try eliminating just a few items from your to-do list. Regular meditation reduces stress and also boosts the immune system. Empower yourself with the word 'no.'

Think positive:

Optimists have a greater life expectancy than pessimists. Make an effort to see the cup half-full. Recent studies show that we can learn optimism when we set our minds to it. Discover your spiritual life. Attending a house of worship once a week is associated with a seven-year-longer survival compared with never attending. Take care of your needs. Satisfied people are twice as likely to survive compared with dissatisfied individuals.

Manage your environment:

Our environment has a big influence on how we feel and how long we live. Whether it's traffic, noise, or other aspects of the environment at large, or more personal environmental issues such as aesthetics or bedroom temperature, our 'quality longevity' requires that we not only adapt to these influences but learn to shape them to meet our individual tastes and needs. Bear in mind function and aesthetics when designing your home and workspace. Manage your technology to avoid information overload.

Wrinkle Treatments - Seven Popular Cosmetic Procedures For Wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused by different factors including age-related changes, sun exposure, smoking (or exposure to cigarette smoke) and heredity. Generally speaking, wrinkles can be divided into two categories: fine lines closer to the skin's surface and deeper lines or "furrows". Wrinkle treatments are more effective for the fine, surface lines with the deeper lines requiring more extensive cosmetic or surgical treatments. This article discusses popular non-surgical medical/cosmetic procedures.

Before proceeding with any of these treatments, you are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of an experienced professional. If you need help locating a professional, you may find The American Academy of Dermatology web site to be of help. You MUST understand the risks (possible side effects, recovery time) and potential benefits (expected results, limitations, duration of treatment) or you could be in for an unpleasant experience.

AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTIONS
(Autologous: where the donor and receipient are the same person.)

With this treatment fat from another part of the body (such as the thighs or abdomen) is injected into the face to fill and smooth out wrinkles. Because it uses the body's own fat, it is considered a more natural treatment than some others currently available. If interested in this procedure, you will want to discuss with your doctor the risks of the fat not staying where injected (although newer techniques have improved the success rate). Usually performed in an operating room (often under sedation), can result in some swelling and bruising with recovery time of one to two weeks.

BOTOX INJECTIONS

This popular treatment involves the injection of small amounts of Botox, a purified toxin (botulinum toxin A) into "wrinkle specific" muscles. Within a few days these muscles relax (losing their ability to contract) which lessens frown lines and smooths surface wrinkles. Popular areas for injection include frown lines between the eyes, wrinkles around the eyes ("crows feet") and around the eyebrows. This treatment is so effective that too much Botox can make facial features appear fixed (frozen). Possible side effects include swelling and bruising plus nausea and temporary headache. Also the possiblity of a burning sensation may be experienced during injection.

CHEMICAL PEELS

With this treatment a chemical solution is applied to the skin causing the treated skin to peel off and be replaced with "new" (smoother, less wrinkled) skin. Used to reduce fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes, treat wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage, reduce age spots and freckles, etc. Not for severe wrinkles or sagging skin. Chemical peels are categorized in light, medium and deep treatments. Light peels are the lowest risk with little to no recovery time. There are several do-it-yourself kits on the market but if you decide on this, understand what you are buying and the expected results. Medium peels and especially deep peels are more serious treatments (qualifying as medical procedures) with possible side effects being swelling of the face and extended recovery times.

COLLAGEN INJECTIONS

Like fat injections, collagen is used as a soft tissue filler. With this treatment synthetic collagen is injected at the edge of a wrinkle (or line) to fill out the skin. Slight bruising is possible. Synthetic collagen can cause allergic reactions so it is wise to insist on a skin test 3-4 weeks before having the procedure done (allergic reactions can result in itching and redness). At this time, at least one biotech company is developing a soft tissue filler made from recombinant human collagen. You may want to check with your doctor on availability of non-synthetic collagen if you are interested in this treatment.

LASER PEELS

Also known as Laser Skin Resurfacing this treatment utilizes short, concentrated light pulses to remove skin layer by layer. Results similar to dermabrasion (a treatment affecting deeper layers of skin) can be achieved with greater precision and accuracy. Can be used to treat the entire face or wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or forehead individually. Two types of lasers in common use are carbon dioxide (CO2) and the newer erbium which causes minimal burning of surrounding tissue resulting in faster recovery time (one week) than that of CO2 (up to two weeks). Done under local anesthesia unless treatment is more extensive (such as full-face) then general anesthesia may be required. Side effects can include slight swelling and skin redness plus possible stinging or itching. Use of a topical cream is usually necessary as skin dries/peels within the first week of treatment. If interested in this treatment, ask your doctor about the new non-ablative laser treatment.

MICRODERMABRASION

This treatment involves the controlled spraying of fine crystals (such as aluminum oxide) onto those areas of the skin where dead skin cells are to be removed. Most effective for fine lines and upper layers of the skin (Dermabrasion is a more extensive procedure for deeper layers of the skin). Microdermabrasion is not effective for more obvious signs of aging such as sagging skin and deep lines. Irritated skin is a possible side effect. There are several do-it-yourself kits now on the market for you to shop and compare prices, expected results, etc.

RESTYLANE INJECTIONS

One of the newer filling agents, Restylane is a sugar-based gel filler (chemical name hyaluronic acid) for smoothing out lines and wrinkles. Treatment areas include softening frown lines, adding volume to the chin and jaw line, lifting the corners of the mouth, filling out the lips and more. Its popularity is due to the fact it is a natural water-retaining protein in the skin. When injected under the skin, hylauronic acid begins to absorb and hold water thereby filling out the immediate area. May require a topical or local injected anesthetic. Restylane injected in the lips may produce swelling from 24-48 hours. Allergic reactions are rare to non-existant.