jewelry

Tanning Booths - Safer Than You Think!

2009-02-05T11:10:00.001-08:00

Visiting a tanning booth to tan may be safer than you believe. You have to understand that skin cancer has a 20-30 year latency period, so most stories that you hear now are from the people who way back when thought that getting sun burns would fade into nice looking tans. This approach was not very good nor did it work at all. If you decide to try out a tanning booth the only thing you need to worry about is wearing protective eyewear.

The thing that causes skin cancer is the repeating pattern of getting sunburned. If you can avoid getting sunburn while using a tanning booth then you will not have much to worry about. Also, with using a tanning booth the UV rays are controlled and you can easily set your exposure time to them by using the bed. That way, you will be safe to tan for about 10-20 minutes depending on where you are at.

If you plan on using a tanning booth for the very first time and you do not tan very easily it is recommended that you do it for only 5 minutes for your 1st and 2nd sessions, and then move up to 10 minutes for the next few, then after that move to 15 then 20 minutes. You should never go past 20 minutes in one session unless the bed specifically instructs that it's safe to.

This is one of many articles posted weekly on <a href="http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/" target="_new">http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/</a>

About The Author

Adam Murray is currently the webmaster and author of several websites, <a href="http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/" target="_new">http://www.tanning-beds-resource.com/</a>, is one of his newer additions.

Hair Styles - How To Get The Most Flattering Hair Style

2009-02-05T10:50:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and just want to crawl back in bed because of the way your hair looks? We all have bad hair days, but if your bad hair days are turning into bad hair weeks or months, then you might need some help.

Many people look to celebrities to find a new hair style---spending tons of money on all kinds of magazines only to frantically tear thru the pages in search of the perfect hair style.

Then you go to your salon and get that fantastic celebrity hair style only to discover (usually after the first shampoo) that you need to spend about an hour to get it to look the same way.

There are 5 important questions you should ask yourself if you want to get the most flattering hair style that will work for you.

1. How much time you are willing to spend every day fixing your hair? Include hair drying, hair straightening, hair curling, special conditioning, styling, etc. Be realistic about your lifestyle and hair grooming habits. If you don't have the time, don't get a high maintenance hair style.

2. Is your hair in good condition? Don't plan on doing any sort of perms, hair straightening, extensions, bleaching if your hair is damaged or brittle.

3. Do you know what your face shape is? Your face shape is very important for selecting any hair style. What will look great on a square face shape might not look good at all on a round face. See HairResources.com for suggested hair styles for each face shape.

4. Are you generally happy with your hair stylist? Does your hair stylist give you instructions about how to style your hair at home? Do they address all of your concerns about your hair or hair style?

The hair stylist plays a vital role in the way your hair style will look from day to day. Sometimes you can leave the salon looking great--for a day or two. Then it's all downhill after that. You need to get a hair style that YOU can make look great on your own. This can require special instructions from the hair stylist along with specific hair care products.

5. Do you know what hair styles you like and why you like them? If you explain to your stylist what you like about certain features of a hair style--i.e. long side-swept bangs or long layers in the back---the stylist may be able to add some of these features to your hair style even though the entire hair style may not be suited for your hair.

For additional information on hair styles, including celebrity hair style photos, samples of the most popular short, medium, long, updo, bridal, prom and mens hair styles, check out the galleries at HairResources.com

Perriann Rodriguez is the founder of Hair Resources, the place to find hair styles, beauty salons + stylists, hair extensions info, hair loss info and more WORLDWIDE. Browse hair styles at <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.com">http://www.hairresources.com</a> FOR BETTER HAIR DAYS.

Beauty Tip: Perfect Eyebrows

2009-02-04T09:40:00.001-08:00

Eyebrows are a natural frame for the eyes and should be in proportion to the face. Perfectly shaped eyebrows will enhance the look of your eyes, your face and will accentuate your makeup while; ill kept, unruly eyebrows will hide the beauty of your eyes.

1. Pluck only from the underside of the brow in the direction that the hair grows. Don't pluck from the top of the brow and chance plucking too much and losing the shape of the brow. You may also want to pluck any stray hairs between the brows. If you find it painful apply a lubricant before you pluck, preferably one that had a dulling effect like oral gel.

2. If you find your eyebrows are starting to thin use a brow color to fill them in using feather strokes, do not draw on lines in place of eyebrows.

3. Brows should be the same color as your hair or a shade lighter.

4. Your brow should start right above the inner corner of your eye. To determine where the eyebrow should start place a pencil against the nostril and line it up with the inner corner of your eye. Your eyebrow should end at a diagonal with the outer corner of your eye. To determine this, place a pencil at the side of your nose ending at the outer corner of your eye. The eyebrow should arch above the outer rim of the iris.

Be careful when you tweeze and if you are unsure go to a professional. Incorrect tweezing can ruin the look of your eyebrows and after a certain time the eyebrow will not grow back. If you do use a professional, keep regular appointments and don't let your eyebrows get too unruly between appointments. Or, after you have had a professional do your eyebrows keep them in shape by plucking the stray hairs as they grow.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmer. You can visit her at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com">http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com</a> to download her ebook 'Image Makeovers' and get 'How to Build a Wardrobe' free.

Hair Stylist - Record Holder

2009-02-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen hair stylist cutting hair with Fire & Blindfolded or Glass or a paper-cutter? Imagine, Stylist burning your hair with fire, and sometimes that too blindfolded? Scary isn't? but its not like that; its fun, its art - the art of hair styling and cutting.. ask me...

Nadeem, 26, Hair stylist is a Limca Book of world record Holder (cutting hair with fire or by cutting hair blind folded, piece of Glass & papercutter). Also he was appreciated by Guiness Book of records.

He work as a Hair Stylist & Colorist at REX SALON, Chandigarh (City beautiful of INDIA). Also he is good in computers. According to Him, he is just crazy about computers and hair styling; you may find it quite weird as there is no relation between these two professions.

There are websites like www.modernsalon.com, www.indiahq.com, www.siliconvalleyguru.com, www.beautyworlds.com, www.behindthechair.com, bosshair.com and newspapers like The Tribune, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times??? Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar published about him (you can visit for scanned copies of newspapers at http://rexsalon.4mg.com/newspapers.html ) and Hewas also featured in various TV channels SAHARA SAMAY, Doordarshan, AXN, Siti Cable, Prime ChaNNEL, India TV and others.

His father runs a salon in Chandigarh and He always hated to be a Hair Dresser may be because of people's opinion (Nai, Hajjam) about this profession. After completing his studies He went to Mumbai for work, unluckily he couldn't find a good job so He started sitting at my uncle's Salon in Mumbai. And also He surfed almost each and every site on hair, hair dressing, coloring, Styling etc and use to read interviews of top hair stylists of the world. He use to sit on net for hours and use to learn different tips and techniques and use to practice on his client.

Nadeem Says "It's been 7 years I have learnt everything from structure of hair to hair cutting to hair Coloring and Still learning. Hair dressing has become my passion" He even did hair coloring diploma from L'Oreal and Schwarzkopf. Also have attended & participated in different hair cutting Competition (in 2000 organized at World Trade Centre) & Seminars in Mumbai. He have been attending various workshops and seminars to be in touch with existing latest styles, trends and always in pace with the trends & lifestyles.

"Frankly, I was never interested in becoming a hairstylist. I planned on taking up Engineering and for that, I even did computer diploma and stuff. However, somewhere down the line I changed my mind and started working on hair. I can cut hair Cut hair using Clippers, Scissors, Razor, Candle Fire, Piece of Glass, Razors and even blind folded" Grins Nadeem.

Nadeem Says "I want to be Great Hair Stylist, that's my Passion, My Ambition, My Dream; I have no gurus or people in my field who I idolize, It just my passion, my hard work, my scissors, my god who have helped me in mastering the art of hair dressing practically as well as theoretically"

"Although no one can be a 100% perfect hair stylist because good hairstylist learns something with every new client"

He want to tell them hair styling is an art and a good hair stylist is always a very valuable commodity. A hair stylist that specializes in dealing with your hair type is even more valuable and much harder to come by. He really believe that the cut and style of your hair can transform your look and personality from grossly ugly to a glamorous look.

Our little man dream is to start an Academy to teach this art of students who want to make big in this career. According to him there is lots of potential in this career. I believe sharing our knowledge and skills in the only way to stay and top - smiles Nadeem

Free lance writer, writes for various sites, magazines & sometimes TV :p

<a target="_new" href="http://rexsalon.4mg.com">http://rexsalon.4mg.com</a>

Look Better, Feel Better

2009-02-03T14:00:00.001-08:00

>Yikes! It's that me, I though after seeing my reflection. What happened? I feel like a different person and I am right. I went from being a single, ambitious young woman to a loving wife, mother and entrepreneur. All this new roles that I have acquire through life, leave me with more responsibilities and less time on my hands.

So, does this mean I have to sacrifice my physical appearance? I don't think so! Who says that moms can't be trendy or simply look more put together.

Just to make things clear, I am not talking about wearing over revealing clothes, expending every single penny on shopping sprees or basing your whole existence on the way you look.

My advice is to just make time for improving your overall appearance. Even if you are a stay at home mom, make sure you get up a couple of minutes before the kids and do your hair, apply some lotion and don't just wear worn out t shirt, sweat pants etc.

What ever your beauty routine is just make time for it. It is a proven fact, looking better will help you feel better and influence those around you.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine <a target="_new" href="http://kpatra.com">http://kpatra.com</a> "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

Email: <a href="mailto:eniamorales@kpatra.com">eniamorales@kpatra.com</a>

Sunless Sun Tanning

2009-02-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences of sun tanning, we are looking for alternatives. Remember the first self tanners that hit the shelves many years ago ? wella you became instant carrot orange.

Well we've come along way babe! The new sunless tanning products are much more natural looking than past generations of sunless tanning products.

How do Sunless Tanning Products Work? Your skin is made up of two main layers: the outer layer called the inner layer called the dermis. In both normal sun tanning and sunless sun tanning the action occurs in the epidermis level.

The deepest layer of the epidermis is called the stratum basale and this is the layer that is affected during normal sun tanning. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and this is the layer that is affected by most sunless-tanning products.

In today's market there are several different kinds of sunless-tanning products available. Since the early 1960s people have been able to get their tan from a bottle. Coppertone was the first to hit the market with its Quick Tanning Lotion.

What it is most remembered for is the wonderful carrot orange hue it produced. There have been many advancements in self tanning since the early years. Now a days you can purchase tanning pills, self tanners, sunless tanners, bronzers, and a host of other similar type products. Y

ou can smooth, swipe or spray on a light bronze glow or a deep, dark tan. Most of these products take 45 to 60 minutes to work, and then another couple of hours to dry properly.

The most effective sunless or self tanning products contain the active ingredient DHA [dihydroxyacetone]. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, the skin changes color. This changes last from 3 to 7 days, and then you'll need to reapply.

Gels, lotions or sprays that contain DHA are said to be the most reliable. There are other very good products on the market as well, such as tan accelerators that contain the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine stimulates and increases the formation of melanin, thereby accelerating the tanning process. Currently there is no scientific data available to support these claims.

Tanning pills contain canthaxanthin, a color additive used in some foods. Canthaxanthin is approved by the FDA for food use, but it is not approved the use of it in tanning agents. This is because when it is used as a color additive very small amounts are needed, but when used as a tanning agent much larger quantities are needed.

After canthaxanthin is eaten, it is deposited all over your body, including in your skin, which turns an orange-brown colour. These types of tanning pills have been linked to side effects such as hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy. Canthaxanthin retinopathy is a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye.

Bronzers are also very popular. Bronzers come in the form of powders or moisturizers. They create an instant tan that can be removed with soap and water. Bronzers are really a line of make-up, because they only tint the surface of your skin. If you're going to be outdoors make certain to still use your regular sunscreen protection.

Sunless tanning agents do not protect you from the damaging rays of the sun unless they have UVA and UVB protection. Your sunless tan will only last as long as the colored skin layer remains intact on your body, so moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more, because this will slow down the shedding process and extend the life of your sunless tan.

Tanning Mother Natures Way

When you tan, what your melanocytes produce melanin pigment in reaction to ultraviolet light in sunlight which stimulated melanin production.

The pigment is able to absorb UV radiation in sunlight, so it is able to protect the cells from UV damage.

Melanin production is slow and takes a fair bit of time, which is why people cannot get a sun tan in one day [although there is a small percentage of the population that can]. What you need to do is expose yourself to the suns UV rays for a short period of time for between 4 to 7 days. By doing this your cells will build up a level of protection.

For many races melanin production is continuous, so the skin is always pigmented to some degree, so they have a constant protection from UV radiation. Very low cancer rates are seen in these races.

Melanocytes produce two different pigments: eumelanin which is brown, and phaeomelanin which is yellow and red. Red-heads produce more phaeomelanin and less eumelanin, which is why they don't tan well.

Sunlight arrives on earth in three forms: infrared (heat), visible light and ultraviolet. Ultraviolet light is classified into three categories: UVA which causes tanning, UVB which damages the skin and causes sunburn, and UVC which is filtered out by the atmosphere and never reaches earth.

99% of the sun's UV radiation at sea level is UVA. UVB is the one the reeks havoc on our skin causing premature aging, deep wrinkles, and in the worst cases cancer.

UV radiation is reflected by different surfaces so you can amplify your exposure depending on the reflective surface. Snow reflects up to 90% of UV light and has been known to cause snow blindness and severe sunburn from skiing on a sunny day. Sand reflects up to 20% of UVB that hits it so you get extra UV exposure at the beach.

The flip to this is that some things absorb almost all the UV radiation. Glass is a perfect example ? that's why you don't burn in your car on a hot day. Sunscreens use chemicals that have UV-absorbing properties.

Sunburn Caucasian people do not have a natural built in protection as do many races. So if you are a Caucasian with no tan then your skin is not protected from the UV rays, making you susceptible to sunburn if you spend too much time in the sun. Sunburn leaves your skin red and extremely painful, and in severe cases blisters will appear.

Over the course of several hours, exposed skin turns bright red and becomes extremely painful when touched. Most times you can feel the heat radiating from the skin. When you get a sunburn you have killed skin cells. The outer epidermis are already dead skin cells, but just below these cells is a continuous supply of new cells being created to replenish the top layer of dead cells.

When you sit in the sun you expose yourself to ultraviolet light which kills cells. The ultraviolet light is able to reach the layer of living cells in the epidermis and begins to damage and kill them.

Your body knows that cells are being killed, so your immune system is activated to clean things up. Blood flow to the area is increased which opens up capillary walls so that white blood cells can come in and remove the damaged cells.

The increased blood flow makes your skin warm and red. The nerve endings for pain begin sending signals to your brain. The damaged cells release chemicals that activate pain receptors and this is the end result where your sunburn hurts or is very sensitive.

You can avoid sunburn by using a proper strength sunscreen or pace yourself getting a tan which then acts as a natural sunscreen created with its own special pigment cells in the epidermis. When you have a nice tan and go out in the sun you don't get burnt, unless you're so fair you never tan in which case you need to use sunscreen all the time.

Evidence is now showing that the massive increase in skin cancer is as a result of sun exposure that occurred, in many cases, over 20 years ago. So take care of your skin by using sunscreen, it's the only skin you've got for your lifetime.

We all seem to strive for the rich golden color of summer. It lifts our spirits and makes us feel better all over. Which ever method you decide to use to get that golden brown skin, use common sense to achieve your goals and always wear sunscreen when outside.

Your skin will thank you 20 or 30 years from now when you're not all wrinkled like a prune and not undergoing skin cancer treatments. Take care of your skin it's got to last you a lifetime!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/">Estate Jewelry International</a>.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Information

2009-02-03T07:50:00.001-08:00

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major surgical procedure for men and women generally in good shape and health but who have large fat deposits around their abdomen or have and excess of loose skin. Abdominoplasty can reduce protruding abdominal fat but it does leave a lengthy, permanent, sometimes visible scar that runs the length of the hipbones. Also during abdominoplasty, the vertical muscles of the abdomen are tightened.

Often, people who have abdominoplasty surgery are women who don't intend to bear more children and whose previous pregnancies stretched their abdominal muscles or people suffering from obesity whose skin elasticity has diminished.

During the procedure patients are either given a sedative and local anesthesia or general anesthesia. An incision is made between the hipbones and around the belly button. Then the skin is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted over the vertical abdominal muscles. These muscles are then sewn together to tighten them. Next the skin is stretched down and flattened and the remaining skin left over the incision is cut away and the skin flap is sewn into its new place.

After surgery, supportive garments should be worn and after three weeks all sutures will have been removed. Post-operative exercise is encouraged to tone the muscles and healthy lifestyle and diet is encouraged to maintain the results.

While abdominoplasty leaves a significant scar, it doesn't show under most clothes and under some swim suits and most people are happy with the procedure because they look better, feel healthier, and are in less pain.

Want more Information about <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/articles/Abdominoplasty.htm">Tummy Tuck</A> Cosmetic Surgery?

Find a qualified <A href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/" target="_new">Cosmetic Surgeon</A> in Your Area at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com">http://www.sleepingswan.com</a>

Sunless Tanning: Tips For A Safe, Gorgeous Tan

2009-02-02T22:50:00.001-08:00

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer.

When you apply a tanner or tanning lotion, cr?me, spray, or towlette by gently rubbing the product into your outer skin layer, those that are most effective (the ones that list dihydroxyacetone or DHA as an active ingredient), begin to work within around 40 minutes to an hour.

DHA reacts with amino acids in the epidermis, producing a natural pigment called melanoidin that bonds with proteins in skin cells. The results are a change of color that can last up to about seven days.

Here are some tips to get the maximum benefit from your sunless tanning products.

<h3>Apply Your Self-Tanning Products At Night</h3>

Since most self-tanning lotions have no sunscreen for protection outdoors, the best time to use self-tanners is at night before going to bed.

If done earlier, allow a minimum of two hours and test for staining before putting back on your regular clothes. Use sprays or products that contain extra coloring formula earlier in the evening, or when you have more time to "dry" after applying.

<h3>Tanning How To's </h3>

1. Choose what you want to wear for tanning lines, whether it's a swimsuit or undergarments. Choose old clothing, especially without nylon, and not loose clothing.

2. Take a washcloth to exfoliate your skin, soap, moisturizer, your self-tanning lotion, disposable clear gloves, a nail brush, a ball cap, hair pins or accessories to keep hair from your face, a sponge roller brush or paintbrush if you apply product to your back, and access to a clock.

3. If you are not going to use disposable gloves, you should to wash your hands and scrub your nails about every minutes while applying the tanning product so that they don't stain orange.

4. Start with a shower or washing to remove dead, flaky and dry skin. Wash with your washcloth or exfoliation sponge, gently going in a circular motion. Dry yourself thoroughly and get hair up off your neck. Let steam out of the room.

5. Gently rub moisturizer into knees, ankles, elbows to prepare for the self-tanning solution. Some apply this to the face and neck areas, too.

6. Suit up and apply your tanning product. Beginners should practice on small areas first.

7. Begin by applying the tanning product to your legs. Work with one leg at a time, applying in a circular motion from top to bottom. Don't rub it in thin. You want a good even coating. For feet and ankles, go ahead and apply a little thinner coating.

8. Now start on your upper body. Continue applying product upwards in circular motion. Most prefer to cover the torso first, using the roller brush or paintbrush on the back, then continue with the arms.

9. Time to finish up with the neck, face, ears, nose, cheeks. "Go thin" is the motto for these areas.

10. Now it's time for drying. Wait at least 30 minutes before coming into contact with anything. Stand and read or sit on the edge of a chair and enjoy computer games, television, a friendly phone chat or something.

11. After the 30 minutes, you can wear loose clothing. Skip the jeans and other tight clothing to allow for around one to two hours. Check your specific product instructions for guidelines.

12. Keep in mind different products have different drying times, so don't get wet, even by sweating, for at least three hours.

13. Depending upon the tanning product and your skin, you may need to wash, exfoliate the dry, flaky, dead skin cells and re-apply product every few days or so. Check your product for guidelines and monitor your skin for any rashes or other irritations that could develop.

From start of application of the tanning product until complete drying time or about three hours, you can have a sunless tan that can last all week.

The chemical makeup of tanning products as well as how they interact with different parts of your body can affect tanning results. Some areas may show color variations and the tan may last longer.

<h3>Where Did My Tan Go?</h3>

Dead skin cells rub and wear off the epidermis, resulting in the fading or losing of the tan. Roughly once a month or a period between 35 to 45 days, the epidermis is regenerated.

In order to keep a tan going long-term, many companies recommend that you reapply their sunless and self-tanning products every three days.

For more tips on getting a gorgeous, long-lasting tan check out the <a href="http://www.skincaresecrets.net/sunless-tanning-guide" target="_blank">Sunless Tanning Guide</a>.

About the author: Priya Shah is the owner of a health portal on <a href="http://www.health-naturale.com" target="_blank">Natural Herbal Health Remedies</a>

For All Those Beginners: How Do I Put On Make-Up?

2009-02-02T15:10:00.001-08:00

It is very important to start with a clean slate. Use a gentle cleanser with a light exfoliant. It is important to make sure that it is hypoallergenic. Your face is a very sensitive area and it won't take much to irritate it and make things worse. Whether you are in the shower or standing at the sink, gently apply a small amount, about the size of a pea, onto your face and softly rub onto face in an upwards motion, your forehead and left-right motion. Someday there will be a point when we are all worried about getting wrinkles and bags, and by always touching our face in an upwards motion it will help delay the aging process on our faces. We shouldn't help the aging process along at all, even if our faces are fresh and wrinkle-free now. Gently rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a soft warm towel.

Soft as a baby butt! A good moisturizer is key. Your face will feel very itchy and flakey if you don't keep it moist. I like, again, Velocity facial moisturizer. It is lightweight and doesn't leave your face feeling greasy. Plus it helps absorb oil throughout the day. Apply a small amount, maybe a little more than the size of a pea, and gently massage it into your face. Make sure you are still using the upwards motion we talked about in step 1. Massage into face until all excess moisturizer in absorbed into your skin. Now doesn't that feel good??

Build a strong foundation. Some people do not like to use foundation and that is ok. But foundation is a great way to help protect your face from all those hazardous things you literally "face" everyday. The sun, wind, rain--anything can cause your face to get irritated. A good foundation will help protect your face from whatever is out there. Try a foundation with a light sunscreen in it. The extra protection will make a big difference. Make sure that you do not get a color that is too light or too dark for your face or it will look too painted on. It is important for it to look natural. If you really want a nice warm look on your face, a darker foundation is not the answer. Try some bronzer, which will be mentioned later. The general rule of thumb is to try to match your foundation with the color of your neck. This will assure that it is the most natural color you could wear. Blend the foundation into your face and make sure that is it all absorbed before you move onto the next step. A triangle sponge is very helpful to blend the foundation the best.

Conceal those blemishes. Chances are, like most of us out there, you might have some imperfections on your face. Try a slightly lighter that your foundation shade of concealer. You have the option of applying your concealer before, or after, your foundation, but it seemed to make the most sense to put things in this order. Apply a very small amount of concealer on the tip of your ring finger and lightly dab it on the desired areas of your face. Typical concealer is placed on the under-eyes and on any pimples that might be visible at the time. Dab on the concealer and allow it to dry for a few seconds and start to carefully blend it into your skin to make it look as natural as possible. If needed apply some more foundation to help it blend even more. Let concealer fully absorb before moving onto the next step.

Loosen up with powder. Get your hands on nice large powder brush. After putting on your foundation and concealer, use either a loose or pressed powder to help set the make-up on your face. Lightly dab your brush into your powder and get a small to moderate amount onto the end of your brush. If using a loose powder, lightly tap the end of your brush on the counter to cause the powder to drop into the bristles a little so that it doesn't just fall onto the first part of your face that you touch. Lightly stroke your face with your brush in downward strokes until your entire face has been brushed and you have achieved a nice matte look on your face. This is the only time we would ever use a downwards motion on your face. Unfortunately all of us have small amount of "peach fuzz" on our faces and by brushed our faces downwards it helps to lay those little hairs down and make them less noticeable. Make sure that your powder is applied evenly and move onto the next step.

You want your make-up to last all day, right? I thought so. To make it last, I suggest using an eye shadow primer before applying any eye makeup. Try Urban Decay's Primer Potion. Apply it everywhere you apply eye makeup. Then that ever-elusive eye shadow and liner will stay put for you. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Now its time to line those gorgeous gems of yours. Eyeliner is good to start with so you don't mess with your mascara. Some of you don't like eyeliner, so you can just skip this step. Anyways, first you have to decide which eyeliner formula to use: liquid, or pencil. Both have their advantages. Liquids are usually more long lasting as they don't smudge, and provide you with a clearer, definite line. The fact that you have to "paint" it on and wait for it to dry can make it tricky though. Pencils give a smokier, sultry quality and can be applied more easily and with more precision. However, they have tendency to smudge. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, slowly apply a thin streak along your lash line. If you are using liquid, fan it dry, then open up and see how you like it. Too thin? Try it again, this time a little thicker. Too thick? Dab a q-tip with water or eye-makeup remover, and swipe away from the thickness until you're satisfied with the result. It's also a good idea to make your eyeliner thicker toward the outer corners of your eyes to make them look larger. If you would like, repeat the process on the bottom lash line, or just above it at the inner rim of your eye (this can be tricky for beginners.)

Open your eyes to the wonders of eye shadow! Yes, this sounds cheesy, but with practice eye shadow really is amazing. There are so many effects to choose from when using eye shadow. But basics are still good, so here goes. First decide what color family you want your eye shadow to be. Pink and blue are popular as well as neutrals like brown, peach, and cream. From these color group, pick one color as dark as your skin tone (think basic pink), one darker or brighter than your skin tone (think darker mauve or hot pink), and one much lighter than your skin tone (think pale pink). Using an eye shadow sponge apply the darker or brighter shadow along the crease (basically, the dip between lid and brow bone), applying more heavily toward the outer half. Then with the medium shade and an eye shadow brush, dust the lid and smudge the edges of the darker color until things look even. Then wipe the brush off on a towel or piece of toilet paper, and sweep it through the lightest shade. Then sweep the brush along your brow bone to taste. Tweak your shadow as much as you want using our other tips sections.

Bat those lashes, girls! Time to put the finishing touch on your eyes: mascara. Its less versatile but can be the most beautifying of your eye makeup. Start out by, if you wish, curling your eyelashes wish a metal lash curler. Place at the base of your lashes and squeeze gently. Then take your mascara wand, dab the tip off on a towel, and place the brush at the base of your eyelashes, under your lashes. Wiggle the as you push it up through your lashes. Repeat as necessary, focusing on the tips after the first stroke. Coat your bottom lashes as much as you want, but they are less important.

The apple of my... cheek? This is the easiest of all the steps. Get your blush, and with a nice, mid-sized blush brush, lightly brush your cheeks in an upwards motion. Starting at the apple of you cheek, right below the middle of your eye (in most cases), brush outward toward your hairline lifting the brush away from your face as you go. Doing this will focus colored where you first applied it and will blend it outwards to create the desired effect. Use a triangle sponge to blend even more if desired.

Luscious Lips! There are many options when it comes to your lips. Lipstick or lip gloss? Matte lipstick or metallic? Shimmer gloss or shiny? In the end, the only thing that matters is what you like. If you do want to use a liner, I would suggest going with a natural or neutral shade. You can change things up a bit with different colored lipstick or gloss--depending on your mood. If you want something a little more daring, try a liner a shade or 2 darker than your actual lip color. Take the liner in your hand and hold it like you would a normal pencil. With light strokes, "draw" an outline of your lips starting at the top in the center of your lips and working outwards and down. If needed, lightly stroke the liner on the inside area of your lips to help blend the color so you don't have such a definite line. If you don't want lipstick then skip this step. Take your lipstick and, again, start in the middle on your top lip and work your way out and down. Rub back and forth until you get the desired amount on your lips and then smack your lips together to ensure uniformity. Top it all off with a nice lightly colored lip gloss. Apply like you would the lipstick blending as you go. Smack your lips together again and check your teeth to make sure you don't have any smudges.

Written By:
Katie Weaver & Debbie Frantzen
<a target="_new" href="http://www.glitznspritz.com">http://www.glitznspritz.com</a>

Options Available for Cosmetic Surgery in India

2009-02-02T04:30:00.001-08:00

Medical Tourism is a new and developing concept worldwide and one of the major surgeries for which patients opt for Medical Tourism is Cosmetic Surgery, and what better place to get this done than India. Advantages include low cost, no waiting lists and a high quality holiday.

A new dimension of the medical field taking off in India is cosmetic surgery which utilises some of the latest techniques in corrective procedures. Some disfigurations corrected include hair restoration (hair implants, hair flaps, and scalp reductions), rhinoplasties (reshaping or recontouring of the nose), stalling of the aging process (face life, cosmetic eyelid surgery, brow lift, sub-metal lipectomy for double chin), demabrasions (sanding of the face,) otoplasty for protruding ears, chin and cheek enlargement, lip reductions, various types of breast surgery and reconstruction and liposuction.

Non-invasive surgical procedures like streotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy for brain tumours are practised successfully.

A recent report by 'The Independent' last Sunday stated that over 10,000 Britons travel to India every year for tummy tucks, breast enlargements and facelifts with a recuperation beach holiday thrown in. A tummy tuck can cost up to 6,500 pounds in Britain but only 1,500 pounds abroad with a full holiday deal included.

To receive an approximate idea of cost and other information regarding treatments and holidays, please contact us - <a target="_new" href="http://www.medical-tourism.us">click here for Cosmetic Surgery options in India</a>

More Medical Tourism Information available at <a target="_new" href="http://www.indiamedicaltourism.net">India Medical Tourism</a> website

Effective Make-up and Beauty Tips and Products: Dos and Donts, Avoid These Most Common Mistakes!

2009-02-01T16:50:00.001-08:00

With the amount of importance given to make-up these days, many women just tend to do a bit too much. Getting the right make-up for the particular occasion is the call of the entire womanhood. But beauty shouldn't be misinterpreted as just by carrying a beautiful face. A overall healthy body reflects eternal beauty which one should be longing for. The idea is to look younger and FEEL YOUNGER.

Here are some precious makeup Do's and Dont's which one should know very well before applying make-up.

* Find the formula that meets your skin's needs and your lifestyle. Though, it isn't that hard also to get it right. Generally, we apply make-up in a hurry and we tend to ignore this vital part.

* Women generally don't wash their brushes as they are always busy applying their makeup.(Hey, Nothing against women :-), relax!). Brushes should be washed properly and allowed to be dried naturally.

* Special care should be taken, while applying and even after applying lipstick. Don't stain your teeth with lipstick. It really looks gross!

* Never use your mascara more than twice. It will definitely look clogged.

* Last but not the least, don't forget to take off all the make-up from your face once you go to bed specially from and near your eyes.

Jasdeep: for <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/">http://weightloss-health.com/</a> your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips related to various skin related issues at <a target="_new" href="http://www.weightloss-health.com/anti_ageing_products.htm">Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products</a>

Liposuction Cost: Worth Every Penny

2009-02-01T13:30:00.001-08:00

Although the national average cost for liposuction charged by surgeons is $2,224 most patients agree that their liposuction was worth the expense. The benefits of liposuction are that excess fat is removed from deposits in the body, so underlying muscle is revealed, and the incisions for liposuction are small and well concealed so they won't be seen, in contrast to scars from procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) which extend the length between the two hipbones.

Liposuction is a good choice for people who are healthy, in good shape, are an appropriate weight for their age and height, but have areas of fat that don't respond to diet, exercise or other weight loss methods. Liposuction is also ideally suited to younger people who still have good elasticity in their skin. Skin elasticity allows the skin to shrink to the new size after fat is removed. Skin that has lost elasticity is more likely to remain baggy. In this case a tummy tuck would be a better solution for removal of areas of fat. However, liposuction can be the best solution for older people as well and you should consult with a cosmetic surgeon to make the appropriate choice.

Prior to the operation, patients may be given general anesthesia, which is a common choice if a large amount of fat is being removed, or local anesthesia in addition to a sedative so he or she stays relaxed. Liposuction is done with a small cannula which breaks up and the suctions out the fat using a vacuum or a syringe. The cannula is inserted into tiny incisions made in strategic places so that fat from a wide area can be removed, but the scars will be hidden by clothing or natural creases of the body.

There are different techniques involved in liposuction, many dealing with the loss of fluids that is liked to liposuction. Patients can either remain on IV fluids or have a liposuction process of fluid injection. Here, fluids (salt solution, lidocaine, and epinephrine) are injected into the region before the surgery so the fat can more easily be removed. Different types of fluid injection techniques include tumescent, super-wet, or ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty techniques.

Want more Information about <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/articles/Liposuction.htm">Liposuction</A> Cosmetic Surgery?

Find a qualified <A href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/" target="_new">Cosmetic Surgeon</A> in Your Area at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com">http://www.sleepingswan.com</a>

Gray Hair Remedy: Is there Such a Thing?

2009-01-31T11:00:00.001-08:00

None of us want to go Gray but we have to accept some of us will at some stage be affected by it. Your hair will go Gray for several reasons:

? Heredity: If there is a history of family members going Gray then you may find you will follow and go Gray as well.

? Smoking can cause your hair to go Gray.

? Lack of B12 and Omega 3's in your diet.

So how do we go about finding a remedy to combat the onset of gray hair? There are a few options open to us. The first is diet. A lot of what we eat contributes to how our bodies produce healthy producing cells in our hair. As gray hair is usually dry and brittle it may be that you are not eating properly. As mentioned before the lack of B12 and Omega 3's are major contributors to your hair going Gray.

Even if we are on a good diet it does not necessarily mean you will be immune to gray hair. As mentioned if it is heredity then your best bet is to use a very good shampoo that will treat the hair and keep it in good condition. Some Shampoos are designed specifically for the treatment of gray hair and contain things like Omega 3's such as Emu oil. These oils actually treat the hair follicle and rejuvenate the pigment generating cells called Melanocytes. After repeated use you may find that your hair will revert back to its original color. If you are happy to stay Gray then make sure you treat your hair as no one said that gray hair can't look good.

You can always dye your hair. This is the most common. You can use dyes that will gradually change you hair color over time or you can go for an immediate effect. This usually works better for women. As they do look great with different hair colors.

If you do want to prevent or reverse your gray hair then you can take a tablet called Melancor. This is a new product on the market and works in two ways. Firstly when you get gray hair you have a genetically based tendency to produce less melanin as body pigments. Melancor triggers Melanocytes which helps overcome this tendency by increasing you body's ability to produce melanin pigments.

Secondly Melancor exerts a profound "Mleanocytes" action whereby it mobilizes stored melanin, moving it out of the hair cell and thereby increasing the number and size of the hair strands and pigments in your natural hair color.

Melancor also stops male pattern baldness by blocking increased levels of DHT. This is the hormone that is responsible for male development in the early stages, and is a major contributor in hair loss as men get older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair.

Do your research, find out why you may have gray hair and find the best solution to remedy it.

Grant Marwick is a freelance writer and owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.no-gray-hair.com">http://www.no-gray-hair.com</a> that provides solutions and advice on the treatment of gray hair and suggestions for a <a target="_new" href="http://no-gray-hair.com/gray_hair_remedy.html">Gray Hair Remedy</a>

Dental Implants in New York

2009-01-31T10:50:00.001-08:00

With many well-known specialists living and working in the area, seeking dental implants in New York can be a relatively painless process.

The process of inserting a dental implant not only will eliminate the problem of tooth loss or decay, but it can also restore that beautiful smile you longed for, giving you back the confidence you might missed.

For those who are seeking dental implants in New York, it is important to understand the procedure, including the benefits and risks, before proceeding.

Fortunately, dental implants are among the safest, and most tooth-friendly procedures while also the most effective. Since they do not rely on support from adjacent teeth, long-term tooth or gum decay is not typically a risk, as it often is in the case of a cap or bridge placement. In addition, the results often produce sturdier, more realistic replacement teeth that are virtually identical to the real thing.

But, as with any surgery, the procedure is not without a certain level of risk. Dental practitioners will only perform dental implant surgery on patients who are already in good general health, without any presence of gum disease or other oral conditions that might cause complications. For this reason it is important for any patient seeking dental implants in New York to seeking out reliable consultation before electing to receive surgery.

Besides the obvious aesthetic concerns, missing or decaying teeth can affect the ability to speak, the ability to chew as well as one's general dental health. One missing tooth often leads to many more or some form of advanced decay or disease. For this reason, dental implants in New York have become a reliable, attractive solution for many area residents.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-dentalimplants.com">Dental Implants Info</a> provides comprehensive information on the procedure and cost of standard and mini dental implants, and focuses on the Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York regions. Dental Implants Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rhinoplasty.com">Rhinoplasty Web</a>.

Beauty Doesn?t Have To Be Expensive

2009-01-30T00:50:00.001-08:00

Where do you buy your beauty supplies? If you buy them from a department store- you are paying way too much! I was a department store buyer for many years. I was hooked on a particular brand, and I thought that the products were only available at the department store. I was wrong. With a little bit of time and research, I was able to shave off 50% of my beauty supply bill. Imagine what you could do with the extra money. The process is actually really simple. All you have to do is find the right websites.

Many of us are hooked on a particular brand of beauty supplies. We have used them for years, and love the way that they make us look and feel. The price tag however isn't very pretty. Try doing a search online for your favorite beauty products. You may find that auction sites such as EBay.com have really good deals. Make sure to find out about shipping and return policies. I am a sucker for a free shipping deal, so try to find them whenever possible. You may also be able to purchase the product directly from the manufacturer's website. Look for online promotions that will give you discounts on the items you buy most. Coupon sites can give you even better discounts, so shop around.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to try a new cheaper brand, have no fear. Most websites will include a list of ingredients for all of their products. You can then compare this list with products that you have tried before. Look for products that have natural ingredients. If you can't produce anything on the label, chances are its not a good deal. There are many companies that focus on creating cheap designer knock-offs, so you may get a fragrance or cologne for much less than the name brand.

Buying beauty supplies online can be a lot of fun. You will be amazed at the level of savings, and pleased with the final product. Try getting together with friends and family members to compare beauty regimens. You may find a new product or item that you cannot live without. Always remember- beauty doesn't have to be expensive!

Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of <a target="_new" href="http://www.CouponChief.com">CouponChief</a>, is always shopping around for the best deals. You can find beauty supply <a target="_new" href="http://www.couponchief.com">bargains and savings</a> available around the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Always find an online coupon 1st before making ANY purchase!

The Benefits of Human Hair Extensions

2009-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

Several different types of hair extensions are available, including those made from human hair, animal hair, and synthetic fibers. Most experts agree that human hair extensions are the best and most natural looking. With human hair extensions, wearers are not locked into a particular color or style. The extensions can be washed, colored, and styled just like your own natural hair. Such a wide variety of human hair extensions are available that stylists can easily match the color and texture of your own hair with.

With expert selection, professional application, and conscientious care, human hair extensions are virtually indistinguishable from your own natural hair.

Human hair extensions are available in two basic formats -- strands and wefts. The strands format involves adding small sections of hair to your existing hair. Wefts are large clumps of hair attached at the top. Human hair extensions can be applied in a variety of ways. One popular method is to sew the extensions into small cornrows. Professionals will often sew strands with subtle color variations -- this tends to give the extensions a more natural look. Hair extensions can also be weaved, braided, fused, clamped, or glued.

Beyond the different formats, there are also large varieties of hair types available. Hair from most regions of the world is available, including Asia, Europe, and the Arctic. Arctic hair is chemically untreated, also known as raw or virgin. This hair is considered the best as it is most open to coloring, perming, and styling.

If you are considering adding human hair extensions to your hair, seek a licensed cosmetologist for consultation. It is also a good idea to check references or the stylist's portfolio.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-hairextensions.com">Hair Extensions Info</a> provides detailed information about human, fusion, clip-on, and wholesale hair extensions, as well as hair extension sales, prices, and more. Hair Extensions Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-salonequipment.com">Salon Equipment Web</a>.

Teeth Whitening

2009-01-28T06:20:00.001-08:00

Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the color of teeth. It involves a bleaching process that reduces the discoloration of the enamel and dentin caused due to smoking, aging, consumption of tea, coffee and colas.

You can try tooth whitening if you have healthy teeth without any fillings. Teeth whiteners are not suitable for dark gray stains, crowns, colored fillings and stains due to some medication such as tetracycline.

There are several types of products available for use at home. When selecting a whitener you must look for the ADA Seal for safety and effectiveness. Tooth whiteners gels or strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching ingredients. The bleaching gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over the teeth. The tooth whitening strips are placed on the teeth and gently pressed to make a contact between the whitener and the surface of the tooth. Results are usually seen within the first week.

You may experience tooth sensitivity to cold or discomfort in the gums during treatment. These symptoms always disappear within a couple of days after completion of treatment.

The tooth whitening toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives or chemical polishing agents. Whitening toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance program do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth, unlike bleaches.

You should never use lemon juice for teeth whitening because vitamin C will cause the teeth to lose calcium, damaging teeth quicker than anything else.

P. Mehta, Copyright www.FatFreeKitchen.com

[You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info. ]

This article has been written by <a target="_new" href="http://www.fatfreekitchen.com">http://www.fatfreekitchen.com</a><BR>For further information, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/teeth/tooth-whitening.html">Tooth Whitening </a><BR> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/teeth.html">Teeth care, Oral health, tooth decay, bad breath, dental plaque, cavities & tartar</a>

Deep Skin Moisturizing

2009-01-27T09:30:00.001-08:00

When it comes to skin care, moisturizing is usually one of the more popular, and though it's hard to believe, more controversial topics. Some experts swear by moisturizing as the best way to keep your skin youthful and healthy while others feel a bit more suspicious of its benefits. Since my grandma lived to 94 years of age with beautiful skin and touted the benefits of moisturizing for years, I tend to lean towards giving it a go. For many, moisturizing on a daily basis is already a daily part of their skin care regime while others are just jumping on the bandwagon for the first time. Regardless of where you fall, deep skin moisturizing is a cost effective and simple way to take hold of the hands of time and rein it in.

First, let's discuss why your skin needs to be moisturized in the first place. Your skin needs water and oil to carry out its natural healing process. Dehydrated skin has a decreased ability to do that. Although not directly responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and the more serious risks, such as skin cancer, dry skin is a contributing factor. Since dehydrated skin is less likely to heal itself, it is harder for your skin to recover from the negative effects of the sun and the natural aging process. For these reasons, it seems obvious that moisture is an important part of skin care and moisturizing your skin would be beneficial.

Once you have decided to moisturize, next you'll need to know just how to go about it. There are a large variety of moisturizing products on the market today that claim to be the ultimate choice in a sea of options. With all these choices it can be difficult to decide what works best for you. Some of the easier, more natural remedies for dry skin are protecting it from the sun, drinking plenty of water, and eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. This alone will increase your skin's moisture content without actually applying anything to it.

For some though, an application of some type of moisturizer is necessary. You want your moisturizer to contain not only moisturizing ingredients, but protective elements as well. Look for products that include in their ingredients including collagen, herbs like Gotu Kola, Flame of Forest, and Sensitive Plant, as well as biological oils. Although moisturizing your skin in most cases is beneficial, if you suffer from acne or particularly sensitive skin, you will need to use a moisturizer that is low in oils and allergen free.

The most effective time to apply a skin moisturizer is directly after showering or bathing. While the skin is saturated, the moisturizer will help to lock in the water and keep your skin moist longer.

Brian Fong
<a target="_new" href="http://www.NaturalVisage.com/">http://www.NaturalVisage.com/</a>

Deep skin moisturizing is a cost effective and simple way to take hold of the hands of time and rein it in.

When Clear Skin becomes an Obsession

2009-01-27T00:30:00.001-08:00

Billions of people around the world experience acne over their lifetimes. In fact, acne is the single most common skin disorder, and more common than all other skin disorders combined.

With this being the case, it is not surprising to see literally thousands of different acne treatments available on the market today. There are prescription medications, such as accutane, and Retin-A. These work well on severe cystic acne. There are also over the counter medications, such as Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid. For light to moderate acne, these can be a godsend. And of course, there are herbal acne treatments like tea tree oil and green tea cream. These both are proven to work well as alternatives to benzoyl peroxide.

This is just to name a very few of the most effective acne treatments available. There are then hundreds of brands that repackages these treatments under thousands of names, and sell them to acne suffers the world over.

However, there is one acne symptom that none of these medications can treat? Acne Dysmorphia.

Acne Dysmorphia is really more of it's own disorder altogether. It is similar to anorexia nervosa, in that the person suffering from acne dysmorphia becomes completely obsessed with a physical condition of their body. With Anorexia, it is their weight, and with acne dysmorphia, it is their clear complexion.

The truth of the matter is, Acne Dysmorphia is not strongly related to acne at all. The acne is just a catalyst for the problem. With Acne Dysmorphia, a person will become completely fixated on their skin, whether or not they are suffering from acne at all! They may pick at an area of skin until it bleeds, or becomes infected. Also, depression often results from their frustration with their skin complexion.

The sad fact is, many times these people may only have a few very small breakouts. Therefore, no amount of "acne treatment" will help reduce the fixation on the skin. It is not uncommon for someone with Acne Dysmorphia to check their face in a mirror dozens, even hundreds of times a day. And each look in a mirror reflects only a distorted image, one with a much larger acne problem than exists.

The cure for this disorder does not come from any form of acne care, but from healing within. Behavioral therapy, can be an amazing aid in curing acne dysmorphia. In many cases, this is all that is needed to help reduce the symptoms. In extreme cases, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be needed. Also, some people find hypnosis can be an effective form of treatment.

The most important thing to understand with acne dysmorphia is that it is not due to the acne breakouts, but to a mental disorder that needs to be treated completely independently of any acne. Furthermore, it is very important to treat acne dysmorphia, because the resulting depression can create many problems for a person, including suicide.

Acne is never pleasant for anyone, but acne dysmorphia can truly be a crippling disorder. Seek treatment for the mental aspects first, and then you may find that the acne you have will suddenly become an easily manageable aspect of your life!

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and the editor of <a target="_new" href="http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com">http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com</a>

Sun Protection

2009-01-25T14:20:00.001-08:00

The skin has a defence mechanism against sun-damage, in the form of melanin. The production of melanin is accelerated on sun-exposure. However, we have seen that this defence is not enough. That is why protection of the skin, with ingredients that block the sun's radiation damage, is so essential. These sun-block agents are incorporated into 'sunscreens'.

Avoidance of the sun, specially at midday and in the afternoon, when ultraviolet radiation is at its height, can help to reduce the harmful effects. It is also essential to know that ultraviolet radiation is greater near water bodies, like the seaside and where there is snow. Snow, water and even sand reflect the ultraviolet reays and thus increase their rffect.

Exposure to the sun also causes moisture depletion and dries out the skin. Therefore, it is essential to step-up moisturisation, when you have been out of doors for a long time. The use of rehydrant cleansers, which contains aloe vera, can also help to control moisture loss. Aloe vera, like sandalwood, also helps to soothe and heal the skin.

When you are swimming in the sea, or in an open-air pool, remember to apply sunscreen before and after your swim.

Protect yourself with a parasol whenever you are out in the sun.

Remember, you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation even on a cloudy day.

More about sun care: <a href="http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/suncare.htm" target="_new">http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/suncare.htm</a>

About The Author

Nitin Jain

For <a href="http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com" target="_new">www.ultimate-cosmetics.com</a>

Get more articles on beauty: <a href="http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/articles/index.htm" target="_new">http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/articles/index.htm</a>

The Controversy Behind Sunless Tanning Pills

2009-01-25T05:30:00.001-08:00

For convenience and ease of use, people may be tempted to turn to the sunless tanning pill for an effortless tan. Tanning pills are controversial and thought to be unsafe. The FDA, in fact, has not approved most tanning pills, and they can be difficult to get in the U.S. Besides some severe side effects, the sunless tanning pill may not even work at all, depending on the brand used.

The ingredients of a sunless tanning pill will vary, and in many instances, there is no clear ingredient breakdown on the label. A sunless tanning pill will generally contain either caretenoid pigments or tyrosine, or they will prove to be nothing more than hyped up multivitamins. Other ingredients vary from pill to pill, and often they are nothing more than nutritional supplements. The pills work by altering the skin's pigmentation, though not always in the way one would expect or desire for a tan. Some simply turn the skin orange rather than tan. Others end up with the pigment placed unexpectedly in the body, producing less-than-perfect results.

The caretenoid tanning pill works by depositing pigment in fat layers just under the skin, which colors it. Unfortunately, the amount of these substances that are required to be taken is high enough as to have been deemed unsafe by the FDA.

Tyrosine, another base for sunless tanning pills, is a non-essential amino acid that helps skin cells produce melanin. There's no need to supplement for it, which means that pills containing tyrosine are not up to their manufacturers' claims.

While having a great tan without effort and risk of skin damage can be a wonderful feeling, and while the convenience of a sunless tan can be immense, there are some methods that are just not worth the risks to tanners' health. The sunless tanning pill would be one of these methods. Tanners looking for a convenient, safe, sunless tan would do well to look elsewhere for that golden glow.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-sunlesstanning.com">Sunless Tanning Info</a> provides detailed information about sunless tanning lotion, booths, sprays, salons, and pills, as well as reviews of best sunless tanning products and methods. Sunless Tanning Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-tanningbeds.com">Tanning Beds Web</a>.

Facial Skin Care Tips For Your Type Of Skin

2009-01-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

With all the skin care tips and information today, you might think it's very confusing! All you want is what is best for your skin. It may be overwhelming for you to try to keep up with the constantly evolving technology.

Skin care tip #1 - your skin is unique. If your best friend uses "the most powerful product," it may do nothing for you, or you might even have a reaction to it.

Before you consider buying any over-the-counter skin care products, there are a few basic facts about your skin you must know. These include:

Your skin type. It is oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or a combination?

Your skin complexion. Do you have fair skin that burns easily or light to medium that may burn? Or do you have a medium tone that usually tans or a darker complexion the only rarely burns? Or is your complexion so dark that you never burn?

Your skin concerns. Do you want preventative maintenance to avoid premature aging? Do you have a skin problem, such as persistent acne, age spots, melasma or rosacea? You may also have large pores, sun damage, facial wrinkles or fine lines that require special attention. Do you have eye puffiness or under eye bags that will require special care?

Your personal habits. Are you a smoker? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? Do you take a daily vitamin? Do you consume a well-balanced diet? All these factors will affect how you should care for your skin.

Skin care tip #2 ? one of the most essential beauty building blocks is one?s physical health. You should incorporate some simple, but very positive lifestyle habits as: exercise, water drinking and nutritious eating.

Skin care tip #3 ? The basic steps to a flawless face consist of two key elements: cleansing and moisturizing on a regular basis.

Mike Zanov received his medical doctor degree at the age of 25 at St. Pitersburg University in Russia and then completed dermatology training there. Now he is a practicing dermatologist.
<a target="_new" href="http://www.facial-skin-care-tips.com">http://www.facial-skin-care-tips.com</a>

Silicone Breast Implants Revived by FDA

2009-01-24T09:40:00.001-08:00

On July 28 2005, the FDA issued a letter of approval to Mentor Corp ending the the thirteen year old ban on silicone-gel breast implants. This move came about as Mentor Corp. persuaded the FDA that its newer silicone implants are less dangerous and more durable than older versions. The company will employ these implants only under the following strict safety conditions approved by the FDA.

- Prospective patients must sign a consent form acknowledging that they realise the risks of a silicone breast implant including the fact that they could break and need replacement or removal.

- Mentor is only allowed to sell silicone breast implants to board-certified plastic surgeons who complete a successful practical training program to learn how to insert these implants in a way that minimizes the odds of breakage.

- Mentor must produce and maintain a registry to track the implant patients long term results.

- Patients must be educated about the fact that if an implant breaks, the effect of the breakage typically doesn't cause immediate symptoms. Further it is advised to have an MRI after 5 years and 2 years thereafter to check for breakage.

- Mentor must conduct a ten year study to determine the percentage of breast implants that will break in that time.

- The study must be reviewed by an independent committee.

- The results of Mentor's breast implant program will be reviewed by the FDA in 5 years to verify that the implants are performing as expected.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 334,052 breast augmentations were performed in the United States in 2004 - the vast majority employing salt water filled implants that are sold without restriction. Consumer surveys predict that if the silicone breast implants return to the market, 200,000 women will have them installed in the 1st year.

Silicone-gel breast implants began selling in 1962 and were banned in 1992 amid health fears. Research since then has shown no statistical correlation between silicone breast implants and cancer or auto-immune disease such as lupus. Some women will swear that their health deteriorated from the moment they had their implants placed, but this is anecdotal evidence. When researchers compare a large group of women with implants to an equally large group without them, no difference between the two groups is found in the number of women with cancer or autoimmune disease.

Formation of excess scar tissue due to a foreign-body reaction is common. If it is localized, it can cause traction and rippling effects in the appearance of the implant. If the scar tissue completely encircles the implant the condition is called capsular contraction. These scars can bind the implant into an unnatural round shape, so that it appears the woman has a baseball stuck under the skin on her chest. This condition is more common with smooth-walled silicone implants, though it occurs to a lesser extent with saline implants as well. Implants placed behind the chest muscle have a much lower incidence of this problem. Surgeons can sometimes break the scar tissue manually (which is not recommeded, as it can break the implant and void the manufacturer's warranty) , but often follow-up surgery is needed.

The asthma drug Accolate has been used with some success to prevent and even reverse capsular contraction, though months of treatment may be required.

Other possible complications include seroma (a collection of serous fluid), hematoma (blood), synmastia (breasts that appear to be fused in the center), bottoming out (implant slides too far down the chest), double-fold ( the implant's outline does not corresspond to the natural breast crease), deflation (the implant breaks), tissue necrosis (localized death of tissue) and infection.

Frank Vanderlugt

Please visit our site at <a target="_new" href="http://www.breast-implant-2006.now">http://www.breast-implant-2006.now</a> for more information and medical referrals.

Make Your Own Brown Sugar Body Scrub

2009-01-24T07:40:00.001-08:00

To promote radiant, shiny skin tone it is advisable to exfoliate on a regular basis at least every 15 days. It removes dead cells and clears your skin. You'll love the results.

Ingredients:

<ul>

<li>1/2 cup of brown sugar

<li>1 spoon of orange oil or half a fresh squeeze orange

<li>1 spoon of vitamin E oil

</ul>

Steps:

<ul>

<li>Mix brown sugar, orange oil/juice, and vitamin E oil on a bowl.

<li>Get on tub and get wet.

<li>Take a handful of mixed ingredients and scrub in a gentle circular motion.

<li>Rinse off and apply a moisturizing lotion to re-hydrate skin.

</ul>

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine <a href="http://kpatra.com" target="_new">http://kpatra.com</a> "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

<a href="mailto:Keniamorales@kpatra.com">Keniamorales@kpatra.com</a>

Natural Mineral Makeup, a Natural Alternative to Greasy Makeup

2009-01-24T05:40:00.001-08:00

Mineral Makeup is a natural alternative to acne causing and pore clogging oil based makeups that dominate the market. Cosmetics are big business, but just because something costs more doesn't mean it's better for your skin. Every liquid you put on your skin is absorbed into the skin and goes directly into the blood stream. Think about that next time you pull out your liquid foundation and apply it to your skin.

The process by which a substance is absorbed into the blood via the skin is called transdermal delivery. It is one of the fastest ways to get something into the blood in a concentrated form. Many drugs are delivered by applying a skin creme or skin patch that contains that drug to areas of the skin that absorb it readily. The face is one of those places.

Transdermal delivery is so effective in fact that many drug companies offer their drugs in some kind of creme or patch for an effective means of dispensing the drug into the blood without getting a shot or taking a pill. It actually takes the body longer to absorb something through the digestive system and get that substance into the blood than it does to apply it directly to the skin. This is something you need to consider when you buy makeup. Read the labels carefully, and if you aren't interested in putting dies, chemicals and preservatives into your blood you may want to consider an alternative form of makeup.

Oil and other chemicals, dies and preservatives not only absorb into your skin, but they also clog your pores, which then build up sebum under the clog and cause acne. Oil based makeups are simply not good for your skin in any way. Naturall many people have turned to mineral makeup as a safe and natural alternative to commercial makeup. Why?

First mineral makeup is made from all natural minerals that come from the earth. Most of them are a combination of the minerals mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural sun blocking agents and are used in almost every over the counter sun block lotion you buy. They are also water proof so the staying power of mineral makeup is usually all day with little or no touch up needed.

The minerals used to make the makeup are very finely milled into a powder that is so fine that it blends very well into the skin and looks very natural. The vast range of colors availiable in the minerals make it possible for mineral makeup manufacturers to offer many different colors. Every concievable color has been made from blush, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundation in hundreds of shades. It's easy to buy two or three different foundation shades and blend them for a custom color. The minerals blend very easily together.

The minerals are also milled so fine that they won't clog your pores, and if some of them do manage to get into the blood stream, remember they're all natural and they're minerals. They are completely safe for the body. Many doctors and dermatologists have proclaimed mineral makeup as the skin care makeup because it is so healthy for the skin and does not aggrivate acne and it covers blemishes, acne, large pores, and scars very effectively.

If you're interested in a safe and natural alternative to chemical, oil and preservative laden makeup, minerals may be something for you to look in to.

Find more <a target="_new" href="http://bare-mineral-makeup.info">Natural Mineral Makeup</a> information at <a target="_new" href="http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info">http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info</a>. Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Knowing Your Skin Type

2009-01-23T22:50:00.001-08:00

People can spend years searching for their perfect skin care solution. Finding the right products can be a constant struggle. Many offer quick fixes or cures for skin conditions. Most experts agree that a skin care solution regimen includes several basic steps. Cleaning your skin is an important first step to healthy skin. Finding a cleanser that fits your skin type is best. Toners are a more aggressive product while astringents are the strongest of all these types of products.

Moisturizing your skin is the third step in a skin care solution. Chilling your moisturizer in warm weather and warming the moisturizer in cool weather helps your skin to absorb the moisture more readily.

Another important part of a skin care solution is protecting your skin in extremely hot or cold climates. Extended sun exposure can lead to serious skin problems. A skin care solution can help ease the symptoms of various skin conditions. Dry skin, a common skin condition, can be caused by many factors. Dry skin can affect the entire body. Dry skin can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Finding the Right Products Will Help You Develop a Skin Care Solution Lotions, balms, sun protect ants, cleansers, moisturizers, and many other products exist to relieve and cure skin conditions. Readily available products can often relieve most mild cases of skin conditions. Living with dry skin or other skin conditions can be annoying and frustrating. Finding the right skin care solution may take some time and effort; however, the benefits of working on your skin's health far outweigh the difficulties in finding appropriate skin care products.

Dermaglow offers ranges of organic and natural skin care and beauty products. <a target="_new" href="http://www.dermaglow.co.uk">http://www.dermaglow.co.uk</a>

David Stanton 2005

Dead Sea Minerals - Health from the Lowest Point on Earth

2009-01-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

A study involving a European occupational therapist suffering from psoriasis who had obtained compensation from her health insurance in order to undergo therapy at the Dead Sea has lead to great interest in health funds in Denmark, Germany and other European Countries. This has resulted in their subsidizing treatment from the Dead Sea for people suffering from both Psoriasis and other skin conditions. If Health Insurance companies can be considering coverage of treatment at the Dead Sea for relief and treatment of skin disorders, then it seems reasonable to advocate usage of products manufactured from the Mud and minerals of the Dead Sea.

Healthy skin and

Assisting to replace or remove electrolytes enables the body to maintain a good fluid balance thereby improving a feeling of relaxation, health and well being. Below is a list of the therapeutic physical and mental well being is dependent on the correct sodium and potassium or fluid balance in the body. This is regulated by the Adrenal gland, which in turn affect healthy function of the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for controlling 28 chemicals in the body. An imbalance of these chemicals or electrolytes can result in certain skin or other symptoms and over an extended period of time results in various illnesses. benefits of the Dead Sea products together with the conditions or symptoms they alleviate.

The <a target="_new" href="http://www.deadsea-love.com">Dead Sea Salts</a> differ from regular sea salt in 2 important ways.

1) They contain 10 times more minerals than sea salt.
2) The Dead

Sea salts absorb essential oils with ease, which enables them to be released into the bath water as they dissolve.

This is beneficial for those wishing to benefit from the Dead Sea in the privacy of their own home. Some of the minerals found in the Dead Sea are listed below together with their functions or benefits to health. This provides some insight as to why these minerals assist in cleansing, de-toxing and restoring a healthy status quo of the body, especially the skin and muscles.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.deadseapoint.com">Minerals and Chemicals found in the Dead Sea</a>

Sulfur -is found in the amino acids cysteine, and methionine; as well as in cells, hemoglobin (of the blood), collagen (of the muscles), keratin (required for skin), insulin, heparin, biotin, co-enzyme A, (required for healthy hair, skin, nails, among many other biological structures). Sulfur is necessary for synthesizing collagen. It is required for the adequate digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and a number of vitamins e.g. thiamin, biotin and pantothenic acid; It is also essential to enable cells to breathe Sulfur is necessary for the secretion of bile from the liver and for converting toxins into non-toxins.

Chlorine is necessary to maintain the correct balance of alkaline and acid in the body, together with being vital for cell metabolism

Iodine is necessary for the production of the hormone thyroxin, and is also vital for both energy and cell metabolism is necessary to maintain the water balance in order for cell metabolism to take place, assisting the cells to absorb nourishment and expel waste products. An imbalance in potassium often leads to water retention.

Potassium also plays a vital role in regulating muscle contractions and the nervous system.

Sodium like potassium plays s a vital role in assisting the cells to absorb nourishment and expel waste.

Calcium is necessary in strengthening cell membranes and cleansing the pores. In addition it is vital for production and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, together with regulating the heart muscles and nerves.

Magnesium is necessary in assisting the body to utilize other essential nutiens and in cell metabolism.

Bromine helps with the natural repair of the body together with cell metabolism and can be sued as a natural antibiotic. Saunas often use Dead Sea salts to evaporate the bromides thus creating and environment similar to the Dead Sea. Having a hot bath with Dead Sea salts and allowing the steam to collect in the bathroom will have a similar effect. Other than the benefits listed below for bath salts, steaming and using these salts in the bath can be beneficial for respiratory conditions e.g. asthma.

PELOTHERAPY The main healing property of mud is humic acid, which comes from concentration of organic matter. After the Ice Age the earth experienced a compression of plant and animal life resulting in transformation of various rocks and hence, muds. The parts of the earth, which suffered the most erosion, have higher deposits of humic acid. One of these areas is the Dead Sea, which has the largest concentration of humic acid, chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, bromine and various other minerals. Since the Dead Sea Mud (also known as Pelloid) has a high concentration of minerals together with an ability to hold heat, the mud can be used for certain healing benefits. Smearing the Pelloid onto the body in a process known as Pelotherapy provides cleansing and detoxing of the skin which has proved beneficial for skin, muscle pain and arthritic or rheumatic conditions.

BALNEOTHERAPY

Is an ancient healing form using water, usually with added salts, thereby distinguishing it from hydrotherapy, to condition, relax and revitalize the skin, body and muscles. Its benefits are seen in improving circulation, strengthening the immune system, reducing pain, stress and insomnia.

Yoav Cohen is an author for <a target="_new" href="http://www.deadseanet.com">AHAVA Dead Sea</a> products site.

Skin Care: Caring for your Skin in Cold Weather

2009-01-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

When temperatures drop it is time to think of how cold weather, chilling winds and dry air will affect your skin. We naturally think of bundling up during those frosty months but there are a few other considerations.

1. Keep your face protected by using heavier moisturizers, especially if you have dry skin. Always wear foundation when weathering the cold - give your face that extra protection. Don't forget the rest of your skin and use body washes instead of harsh soaps. Use lukewarm water and keep hot water off your face and body - it's drying in the best of times. Apply moisturizer after showering, while you skin is still damp.

2. During the winter the UV rays reflecting off the snow have an added ability to damage your skin. While skiing, snowboarding or enjoying any outdoor sports remember to wear a SPF of 15 or more. Don't forget that UV rays can harm your eyes as well, so keep them protected with sunglasses.

3. Keep your hands dry and warm during the winter months by always wearing gloves and keep moisturizer close at all times and reapply often.

4. Winter is the worst time of the year to keep nails in good shape. To avoid brittle nails moisturize your cuticles before going to bed (I use olive oil). Always protect your hands with rubber gloves when you use cleaning products. Some are harsh and will seep into your nails and make them brittle.

5. Keep your lips protected from dry, cold air by wearing lipstick regularly. Make a habit of reapplying lipstick so your lips area always covered (except when you sleep) and you will never have chapped lips.

6. Exfoliate your face and body regularly to smooth away dry patches or prevent them.

7. Visit a spa and get pampered.

Cholesterol Depostis on Facial Area - Large Pores

2009-01-22T23:30:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol Deposits

THESE LITTLE BUMPS LOOK LIKE MILIA BUT ARE MORE YELLOW WAXY TRANSPARENT IN COLOR ! These may appear around eye area, forehead or anyweheres on the skin.

This is usually an internal problem, change your diet and keep your cholesterol levels balance (high level of fat in your blood).

You may try AHA or Salicylic Acid (BHA) creams, peels or retinol products, essential oil, etc... and a good skincare regimen suggested by the help of an/your esthetician that may help reduce there appearance or may help with minimizing them by helping the skin heal itself.

In time If they do not disapear on their own no matter what you do and wish to get rid of them seek your doctor (dermatologist) for there removal either by laser or topical medication.

Enlarged Pores

It is usually determined and influenced to a degree by skin conditions. Enlarged pores can be made to appear smaller, but it is impossible to shrink follicles to the degree that they are almost invisible.

Blackheads are filled with grease deposits, dead cells, makeup and other debris which fill and stretch the pores. Once this material is removed by deep cleansing, and the pores are kept cleaned out, they will tighten and be less visible. Although the skin will still have enlarged pores, they will not seem as large. I have a client with large pores and we do see a huge difference in her pores when she has regular scheduled facials and when she doesn't! You need to get on a consistent skincare regimen and routine such as daily cleansing and toning are a must. A clay mask and exfoliant will also help to deeply cleanse and tighten the skin, facials done by yourself or a professional regularaly, peelings all help tighten up the pores making them less visible also the use of aha or bha products are very helpful also using the right products for your skin.

If the case is very extreme, there is the option of laser resurfacing. Either your dermatologist or a plastic surgeon should do this. There is down time for healing, moderate sensitivity and photosensitivity attached to this procedure, however, it does really improve the quality, tone, texture and appearance of the skin.

Linda Professional Esthetican/Owner Elle's Esthetic Studio <a target="_new" href="http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com">http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com</a>

Effects of Tanning Beds - Is it a Boon or a Bane?

2009-01-22T20:30:00.001-08:00

Tanning beds - a boon or a bane? That is the million dollar question that's uppermost on all tanning-interested people. The effect of tanning beds is not a subject that can be put to rest quickly as the pros and cons maintain almost a supernatural balance with each other. In the industry of tanning beds, tanning bed lotions, tanning bed pillows and other tanning bed accessories, the effects of use are either little understood or worse, suffer from total ignorance. Here, we try to articulate some basic facts about tanning.

Tanning is a body reaction to ultraviolet radiation, typically of two types UVA and UVB. Both these types of radiation have been associated with side effects of tanning beds where the incidence of over exposure has occurred. The effect of tanning beds that worked on UVB radiation have been well documented, with skin burning being observed frequently. This phenomenon caused manufacturers to shift to UVA-type operation where the effect of tanning beds based on this technology was perceived to be low. However, over-exposure to UVA radiation has been suspected to initiate immune system destabilization. Popular knowledge tells us that over-exposure to the sun's radiation leads to skin cancer. So sun screens are a must for protection, even in artificial tanning to negate any adverse effect of the tanning bed.

In a way, answering the question "Are tanning beds good for us" is analogous to answering the question "Are French fries good for us". Puzzled? When you have French fries in the right amount, it's a great in-between mealtime snack, but when you get consistent overdoses of it, you can be assured of the road to obesity. And so is the effect of tanning beds too! Take all steps to ensure that you are safe on the tanning bed. Do your research, ferret the internet and speak to your doctor if it means so much to reassure yourself.

Treat the tanning bed with respect and you will be rewarded with what can only be called ethereal beauty. Have a safe and enjoyable tanning time!!

Visit our articles section at <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanningwonders.com/articles_1.html">Tanning Articles and Resources</a> for more such practical tanning advice and tips.

? 2005,Yaksha Patel. This article is courtesy of <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanningwonders.com">Tanning Wonders - Making Tanning work for you!</a>

You may publish it at no cost, as long as the links are left intact, made live, and this notice stays in place.

Non Prescription Cats Eye Contact Lenses - Animal Attraction!

2009-01-22T18:40:00.001-08:00

Long gone are the days when a set of contact lenses were the domain of the visually impaired. These days, non prescription lenses are available to all, even if you are blessed with 20:20 vision. In fact, most of the special effects lenses available on the internet have 0.00 power, which means that they do no alter your vision at all. These types of lenses in particular, like cats eyes for example, are ideally suited for those just wanting a set of lenses to wear to the party, parade on the dance floor or just to frighten your unruly neighbours!

A cat's eye contact lens can be quite striking, especially if the color resembles your natural eye color. Your friends will notice the change, but the effect will be very subtle. Many movie or rock stars now use special fx lenses away from their place of work, purely for the cosmetic effect. And a very powerful effect it is too!

Imagine the scene at a night club, as you casually walk towards someone you would like to impress, with your eyelids down and head bowed, then raise your head, smile, and open your eyes wide right in front of them. Wow! Wouldn't that be a spectacular introduction?

Just make sure you don't ask for your drinks in a saucer ....

Taking Care of Your Eyes

========================

Despite the fact that lenses like the cat's eye effect are particularly suitable for non prescription cases, you should still take great care with them, and seek professional advice to ensure that your eyes do not suffer from improper use. If you have poor eyesight already, you may be familiar with contact lenses and be able to fit them with confidence. If however, your vision is good, how will you know how to:-

* Insert your lenses into your eyes, and later how to remove them.

* Clean your lenses properly

* Store your lenses correctly

Each of these points is critical to the long life of your lenses, but more importantly, to the continued good health of your eyes. The correct fitting of your lens is important for your own comfort, because a loose fitting lens will float away from the eye. A good fitting lens will also help avoid scratching of the cornea when you try and remove them.

And don't share your lenses with your friends. A guaranteed way to pass eye infections such as conjunctivitis and worse between you.

Charlie Cory is an internet entrepeneur. FX Eyes is his latest enterprise, specialising in special effects contact lenses.

Clean Your Face With Ultra Botanicals Facial Cleanser

2009-01-22T13:30:00.001-08:00

Women are chasing down ultra botanicals facial cleanser in droves. Women are pretty darn savvy when it comes to their skin and cosmetics, so they immediately recognized ultra botanicals as the healthiest facial cleanser on the market, with the papaya facial cleanser being their all time favorite.

A facial cleanser cleans the top layer of skin removing makeup, pore debris, and air pollutants that have attached themselves to the skin. It also removes dead skin cells and oil, leaving the skin with a healthy glow.

A well balanced, gentle cleanser that maintains the skins natural PH, is very important to women. Women insist on skin cleansers that not only clean their skin, but make their skin look healthier and younger. That's why the botanical facial cleansers have gained so much popularity. They are mild, they do not destroy the skins natural PH, and they replace important nutrients to the skin. After only a few weeks of use woman are seeing their skin look younger.

Just as their name indicates, these facial cleansers are made from natural products, rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C, and complete with anti aging properties. You will find ingredients such as aloe, coconut, jojoba, papaya, chamomile, orange blossom, yarrow, and even horsetail. No that's not the tail of a horse, but a very powerful antioxidant herb.

Because these botanical cleansers are so gentle, they can be used daily, both morning and night. Evening cleaning is especially important as your face has had an entire day of abuse. Your make up needs to be removed, you need to unclog your pores, and you need to remove the pollutants that you've been exposed to during your daily travels. To complete your facial cleansing you should add a botanical astringent which you should use after using your facial cleanser. You should also add a botanical scrub for exfoliating which you can use two or three times a week.

Botanical scrubs include ingredients such as apricot husks, while the astringents often include ingredients such as tea tree oil or green tea. These natural scrubs will gently remove dead skin and expose the fresh new layer of skin just waiting to reach the surface. The will help keep you skin both free of acne and bacteria which can cause acne.

So how do women really feel about botanical cleansers and related products. Aren't they like any other cleanser that's been on the market. A whole lot of hoopla, with basically the same results.

Women will emphatically tell you "no" botanical cleansers are different! They are gentler and more natural, and within two weeks you will not only feel the difference in your skin, you'll see a new healthy glow.

And here's the good news guys. There are full lines of botanical facial products available for men too. Those that have tried them are of the same opinion as the women. Now isn't that a first?

So treat yourself and your skin the way you deserve to be treated. Wrap yourself in mother nature!

M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.acnel.com/">The Acne Cure</a>

Flawless Makeup: Are You Using the Right Tools?

2009-01-22T00:50:00.001-08:00

Like organizing our closets we must from time to time clean out our makeup cabinets and make sure what we have is still working for us. If you want flawless makeup and professional looking results you must use the correct makeup tools. The right blush brush for example, will make it possible that your blush gives you a perfect glow rather than a harsh streak or blob. Also, the right tools are necessary to do the job correctly ? to define and conceal.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS:

Sponge: A sponge makes it possible to get into difficult spots and controls makeup application; used correctly a sponge will give your foundation an even finish. A sponge is great for touch-ups and is less likely to pull on the skin. Buy them in bulk and change them often.

Brushes: A good blush brush is soft with bristles that are about 1? inches. Don't use the small, hard brushes that come in compacts because it will be difficult to get a nice even finish. An eye shadow brush should also be soft. Look for a lipstick brush that is retractable. It helps keep the brush clean and in great shape. A blending brush should be about ? wide and will help blend the different color eye shadows together to create a natural look. Use a brow brush to keep eyebrows under control and give them a smooth look. Your powder brush should be large, soft, firm and fluffy.

Eyelash curler: An eyelash curler is a must if you have short, straight eyelashes or just straight eyelashes. An eyelash curler (along with mascara) will give your eyelashes the appearance of being longer.

Tweezers: Have tweezers close by to keep your eyebrows well groomed. Well-groomed eyebrows will open the eye.

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

Cleanser: To have radiant skin you must keep it clean. A cleanser that is compatible with your skin type will do that and keep it moisturized.

Moisturizer: Moisturizers will keep your face feeling fresh and will help foundation glide on. Choose one that is compatible with your skin type.

Exfoliant: Exfoliants do a great job keeping dry patches to a minimum and will get rid of flaky skin.

Foundation: Foundations give the skin an even look and will protect it from the elements. You should be able to see your skin through your foundation. It shouldn't look like a mask.

Powder: Whether you choose loose powder or a powder compact powder will give your face the final touch, keep your makeup in place and get rid of shine.

Mascara: The best mascara brush has wide spaces and does not cause mascara to clump. Only wear waterproof when you plan to get wet and change your mascara every 3 months to avoid it drying out or attracting bacteria.

Blush: Blush can be powdered or cream. A cream blush is harder to apply and is best for those with dry skin. A powder blush will go on much easier.

Eyebrow Pencil: Use an eyebrow pencil if your eyebrows are thin or to fill in gaps. Choose a color that is a shade lighter than your hair.

Eyeliner: Keep the edges rounded for a softer look; when applying make sure the eyeliner is in the lash line.

Eye shadow: Powder shadows are easier to apply than creams. Use a matte shadow if you have wrinkles around the eyes and keep eye shadow light.

Lip liner: To outline the lips choose a shade that complements your lipstick.

Lipstick: Use a shade that complements your skin tone.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook "Image Makeover" at <a target="_new" href="http://www.how-to-dress.com">http://www.how-to-dress.com</a> or go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com">http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com</a> to get the Free Report " 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won't Tell You About Beauty and Fashion".

Tips For A Glowing Skin

2009-01-21T13:40:00.001-08:00

Do you know how and where to moisturize? Here are some helpful hints?

MOISTURISING our skin is essential to maintain that 'young, beautiful' look. On another note, is it necessary to moisturize all areas of your skin? The answer is NO. Many models actually go to private 'beauty' classes to learn how, when and where to moisturize their skin. So, learn your skin type, don't be 'afraid to try many products before settling on one.

1. Do not over moisturize as it can lead to clogged pores. Your forehead and cheeks tend to be the drier areas. There is no need to moisturize your chin if it is not needed.

2. Most women misdiagnose their skin type. This can cause improper moisturizing. You also need to change your techniques of moisturizing with the changes of seasons. Know about the various moisturizers - http://beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/moisturizers.htm

3. When using a moisturizer, always apply it to the skin in a circulatory motion. Pat your skin with the tips of your fingers gently as if playing a tune on a piano. This is also a great stimulant for your skin.

4. Tired of buying moisturizers too often? Here is how to make them last longer. Use a small amount of natural vegetable oil as a base first. This will help make your moisturizer last much longer.

5. Use a moisturizer as a base before applying your foundation. For best results, wait until the moisturizer is dry and then apply foundation. However, if your foundation is somewhat dry; then apply it right away; your moisturizer will help it to loosen up a bit.

6.To get the best results from any of your facial products, rub it between your hands, this helps to heat it up, and hence, becomes easier to apply.

For more tips and article on beauty and skin care - <a target="_new" href="http://beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/">http://beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/</a>

About the Author: Nikhil Jain MBBS is an editor and author (<a target="_new" href="http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com">http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com</a>), skin specialist and veteran dermatologist whose passion is guiding others to solve their skin problems and enhance their beauty.

The Revolution in Skin Care

2009-01-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

Q: With so many skin care products on the market today, how do you know which one is right for you?

A: I encourage you to become a label reader.

The latest trend in skin care marketing is anti-aging. Many women today are concerned about reversing the signs of aging as well as prevention of the aging process. With so many well known brand name products out there, it may be difficult to find the perfect most beneficial one for you. That is why I encourage you to be a label reader and know what you are putting in and on your body.

The difference between botanically based products and those that only contain botanical ingredients is simply in the recipe. Botanicals can be added to a base of ingredients such as mineral oil, drying alcohols or animal by-products. In a base like that, your skin won't benefit from the botanicals. You are paying for useless added ingredients that do not benefit your skin or health. For example 98% of cosmetic companies use some type of petrolatum by products, mineral oil, petrolatum or petroleum, in their products. Have you ever turned your products over and read "animal by products"? No, but the labels might say collagen, elastin and lanolin. Remember that the next time you lick your lips.

Furthermore, what you put on your body, you are essentially putting in your body. Don't believe me? Put a piece of garlic between your toes, you will taste it in about fifteen minutes. Wouldn't you like to be putting something on your body that aids in beauty as well as health? The ingredients are just a important as the effects.

There is hope, I have found a company with a Swiss formulated skin care line for the whole family*. These products are hypoallergenic and formulated without dyes, chemicals, or synthetic fragrances. They are also PH correct, which is part of their pure, safe and beneficial guarantee. It is not beneficial to use a product that makes you feel squeaky-clean because the PH of skin is 5.5 and we have an acid mantel that keeps down the bacterial infections. PH balanced is what most products advertise and that is about a 7, which is too drying for our skin. A lot of the clear soap that people use on their skin is actually a 14 on the ph scale, the same as perm solution.

I hope you come away from the article with a greater understanding of the importance of skin care and the products used to achieve healthy skin. At least, I hope you have become a label reader and are aware of what you are using and what you should be using.

*Please refer to my Bio and Resource Box for more information.

Michelle Burke an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International, is a small business owner in the Consulting Services industry. My team of consultants and I have a combined experience of eight plus years in this industry. I have extensive knowledge of Arbonne's Swiss skin care line and nutritional products, and would be happy to provide advice based on your particular area of interest. You may visit my website for more information: <a target="_new" href="http://www.gohealthyshop.myarbonne.com">http://www.gohealthyshop.myarbonne.com</a> or contact me via Email: <a href="mailto:chellemybelle@pldi.net">chellemybelle@pldi.net</a> or Ph:405-694-4766.

The Art Of Perfume Notes - What Are They?

2009-01-21T08:20:00.001-08:00

When people hear the word 'notes' they often say "yeah those are the things that make up a song." Sure this is true, but did you know that notes are also used to describe the various scents of a fragrance? Most people aren't even aware that there is more than one aroma involved in perfume or mens cologne.

In this article we will take an in depth look at what levels of notes occur in a fragrance, as well as what is involved in each level.

As I mentioned above, there are actually different scents within a bottle of perfume. That's right, when you purchase your dream bottle of cologne at the local store, it isn't going to always smell the same. When you wear it, the scent will actually change throughout the day. Evaporation causes different 'notes' to come out during this period.

So what exactly are these notes? Let's take a look.

Top Notes ? This is the first scent you smell when sniffing a particular fragrance. Because this is the first scent a person smells, the manufacturer knows that the top notes are very important for a good first impression. The top notes are usually described as fresh or strong. These notes generally last a matter of minutes (10-30) due to them evaporating quickly.

Middle Notes ? Also sometimes referred to as 'heart notes', these scents are generally much less 'dramatic' than top notes. Middle notes last longer than top notes and usually appear 10-45 minutes after applying the perfume.

Base Notes ? This is the finale of every good cologne. The ingredients used here hold everything together. Musk is a common ingredient that is used as a base note.

Now that you are "in the know", next time you go to buy that special cologne, you may be able to give the clueless sales representative a crash course in fragrance study!

***************************************************
Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Mens Cologne Guide ? A site
dedicated to providing only the best <a target="_new" href="http://www.menscologneguide.com/">mens cologne</a> information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
***************************************************

What Causes Aging?

2009-01-21T05:30:00.001-08:00

Although we experience the aging process as a progressive physical deterioration of our bodies, the aging process, according to some preliminary case studies appears to be more easily understood at another level of our being.

This is what is called the energy bio-field level. Many of us have heard of the term "aura". Well this is in a small way a reperesentation of that energy bio-field. This bio-field has been shown (see Michael Talbot's "The Holographic Universe") to contain embedded in it one's entire life history.

In other words, what you experience as your personality, your consciousness and the memories of your life appear to be stored in this bio-field in energy form.

I have over the last ten years been working with a new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that heals an individual of past emotional traumas which are stored in their consciousness and hence in their bio-field.

I have made repeated anecdotal observations that reveal that when such trauma is released by MRP an individual begins not only to feel younger but actually starts to "look" younger. These observations have inspired me to try to document the changes by monitoring age related markers such as DHEA levels and testosterone levels in middle aged men in upcoming studies.

It is known that both DHEA and testosterone levels decline in a rather predictable manner in mid life. I am planning to administer MRP to men in this age bracket to show whether MRP can be shown to reverse these trends.

What does this all mean? Well, it suggests that aging is related to the accumulated "emotional" trauma that we experience and "carry" in our bio-field as toxic information. This toxic information then cascades down (see "The Divine Holographic Energy Field") and disrupts the functioning and integrity of the physical body at all levels. The result is illness and aging.

What I am now seeing with MRP is that this information can be released permanently and that this appears to "re-organize" the bio-field so that it can heal the body spontaneously. This appears then to manifest as a more youthful and healthy body.

Aging then, at the bio-field level appears to be the result of an accumulation of toxic traumatic emotional memories stored there as disruptive information. What is interesting is that all of this can be cleared (see "Eliminating the Past" and "We Are Not Our Persoanlities")with MRP.

So the next question is, is aging really necessary? In an article entitled "Do You Love Your Body?" I make the point that it is the toxic environment created by this stored toxic information, at the bio-field level, that "convinces" or "forces" us to abandon, our physical bodies. If this environment were cleaned up however would there be as much motivation for one to choose to jettison their body? I doubt it.

I elaborate on this in a longer article entitled " A Tuned Bio-Field: A New Definition of Consciousness" (Parts 1 &2).

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is a Key Note Speaker, Author of "Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation" (available in ebook format at; <a target="_new" href="http://www.telecoaching4u.com/ebook.htm">http://www.telecoaching4u.com/ebook.htm</a>), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Personal URL: <a target="_new" href="http://www.telecoaching4u.com">http://www.telecoaching4u.com</a>

How to Co-Wash Natural Black Hair

2009-01-21T03:50:00.001-08:00

If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing the hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).

Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.

* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.

* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.

* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.

* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.

* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.

(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.

(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.

(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.

* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.

* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.

* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.

* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.

* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.

(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.

(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.

(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.

In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.

Elle Paris is the owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.mynatural.com">My Natural</a> which provides no-nonsense user reviews for hundreds of products for natural hair care.

Tooth Whitening, Tooth Treatment: Get that Perfect Smile!

2009-01-20T21:10:00.001-08:00

I would say a smile throughout the day keeps doctor away. Undoubtly, laughter is the best medicine as it not only supplies nutrients to the skin but also makes your skin glow. But if the condition of your teeth doesn't allow you to smile confidently, don't worry, just read on to learn how to improve the condition of your teeth.

Thanks to your tight schedule and fast lifestyle, you have yellow teeth which not only affects your confidence but also puts off the other person. But with the help of modern dentistry, your teeth can be bleached. You can have that perfect set all over again. But the sad part, the bleaching affect is temporary. The bleaching or whitening affect depends on the discoloration of your teeth. Obviously there are home remedies for whitening of your teeth like baking soda but then, tooth whitening is a very delicate process(as it involves gums) and should be left to experts only.

The best you can do to your teeth is to eat the right food and brush them properly. Even then if the condition of your teeth doesn't improve, then its time for you to visit your doctor or undertake some tooth whitening program. When i say eat properly i mean, eat a balanced diet to provide essential vitamins and minerals to your teeth which will help teeth and gums to grow strong and healthy. Calcium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D are most essential minerals and vitamins for your teeth.

Tip: It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals. It is because the increase flow of saliva during mealtime protect your teeth by washing sugar away. Eat snacks without sugar between meals and snacks with sugar during meals.

With brushing teeth properly i mean, brushing your teeth twice a day. Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush. Even brush your tongue to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL as it may effect your enamel.

Tip: The amount of time for which our teeth are exposed to sweets affect our teeth more than the number of sweets. So avoid sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints.

Other reasons which can stop an individual for showing off a 440 watt smile can be Bad Breath(Halitosis), some kind of gum diseases, some stains(internal or external), ill-formed teeth etc. Now good news for you, learn how to fight bad breath here at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Bad_breath_halitosis.htm. Some handy home remedies to get you back the most refreshing breath. Also, too much smoking of cigarettes leave really ugly stains(external) on your teeth. To counter that, you can some whitening toothpastes but then you have to be extra careful with such toothpastes as they may abrade to tooth enamel. Internal stains are mostly caused by ageing or calcium or fluoride deficiency. In this case, whitening toothpastes are not helpful whereas bleaching can be really effective.

--> To learn more on tooth whitening, tooth care and LAUGHTER THERAPY, visit http://www.weightloss-health.com/teeth_problem_treatment.htm

About the Author

Jasdeep: for <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/">http://weightloss-health.com/</a> your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free tips and tricks on skin care and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/Articles4.htm">Skin Care Tips, Products and Tooth Whitening Programs</a>

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

2009-01-19T22:10:00.001-08:00

Age - It is going to affect each and everyone of us, you cannot stop the aging process but you can influence the impact it has on your skin, Whether you are young or more mature, it is never to late to start a skin care program that will improve the skins hydration and overall appearance Regardless of your age, keeping your complexion healthy and glowing is one of the smartest things you can do.

The first step to a glowing complexion is cleansing your skin daily. Cleanses with ground oatmeal, sunflower seeds, aloe vera or organic sugar can help you with this step. Follow this step with a good toner for your skin type.

Cleansing scrubs, should also be used as an important part of your weekly regime. Scrubs will exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, and improve the texture of your skin.

You should follow cleansing and toning with a good moisturizer designed for your skin type.

Microderm Abrasion is used to eliminate the top layer of the epidermus, bringing newer skin to the surface. It removes the old layer of skin by polishing or acting as an abrasive, to improve imperfections and fine lines this is a wonderful addition to your skin care regime and should be done weekly.

The skin you have tomorrow will be determined by the way you treat your skin today.

Please enjoy the Free recipe.

Herbal Bath Tea
Ingredients:
1/2 cup grated ginger root,
2tbs dried chamomile flowers,
2tbs dried lavender,
fresh or dried rosemary sprigs,
fresh or dried any mints,

Combine all ingredients ia a bowl then place in the end of and old panty hose cut up,be sure to tie open end. Place into hot Bath. And Enjoy

Visit us at www.fruityfacials.com

Welcome to Fruity Facials and Body. We can customize a skin care plan designed to address idtentified problems. We can work with you to develop a skin care solution that is appropriate for your skin type and affordable.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.fruityfacials.com">http://www.fruityfacials.com</a>

SPF? What Does It All Mean?

2009-01-19T21:40:00.001-08:00

Spf or sun protection factor, is the amount of increased protection a sunscreen provides. If you are like most people, you will begin burning after 15 minutes without protection. An SPF helps protect against sunburn, and does not "stop" the tanning process completely!!! It's the burning that you want to omit, that is what causes skin damage! it's not the tan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Determine your protected sunning time by multiplying the SPF number by the amount of time it normally takes you to show signs of burning if unprotected.

For example: Spf 8: 8 x 15 = 2 hours of increased protection.

Spf 15: 15 x 15 = 3 3/4 hours protection.

If you burn in 5 minutes (usually very sensitive skin) with an spf 15: 15 x 5 = l h 15 increased protection.

Most common sunscreen ingredients are: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone (also called parsol 1789) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

Avobenzone (also called Parsol) is less pore clogging than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but some people do experience irritation (rash or little red bumps) from avobenzone. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc oxide are natural products but can be more pore clogging as they sit on the skin's surface and deflect back the UV rays, rather than absorbing into the dead layer of the epidermis.

A combination of Avobenzone and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide may be less clogging then td or zinc alone for some people. But in the end they all block the pores to a certain degree because of there texture.

Remember the lesser the spf in your cream or lotion the less chances your skin will react!! for example an spf 8 in your cream will give you minimal to no skin irritations or pore clogging!!! So it comes down to choose what works or is best for your skin or what you feel more comfortable with!

spf 2 blocks: 50%
spf 8 blocks: 86%
spf 15 blocks: 92%
spf 30 blocks: 96%

Spf 8-15: Is sufficient to give your skin ideal protection against the harmful effects of light for normal exposure to the sun like at home, at the office, in the city, day to day errands,. but the more sun you are exposed to (an entire day at the beach, for instance) the higher the SPF should be to give your skin optimal protection.

Sunscreen: Is usually a cream or lotion. It is a chemical protective product works by absorbing a minimal amount of the uv rays and filtering them. Many people have allergic reactions to the chemicals in sunscreen seen as a rash...

Sunblock: Is usually an opaque cream or paste. Provides a physical block that functions by reflecting rays. sunblocks contain natural minerals. Sunblock protects you by reflecting the uv rays before they penetrate your skin. Makeup with spf in it do not offer enough protection against the sun you are better to skip those entirely and splurge on a good moisturizer with sunscreen or a sunblock.

One should never go to bed with sunscreen on your face, not to mention all the chemicals that will sit there causing irritation and blocking your pores. At night your skin heals and renews itself taking in nutrients from the air and your treatment creams. The skin's optimal renewal action takes place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. this is a time to nourish the skin not block the pores...... Please wash off your sunscreens as soon as you can.

Again I stress my view on spfs use - apply them when you need them do not abuse there use...... they are meant to be used when you are outside....

When you need protection from the sun especially during summer time, or whenever you are out in the open, for day to day use in the summer while doing errands, in and out of the home/car all day then an SPF 8 to 15 is sufficient... You can apply 30 when you will be outside for a longer period of time. In my opinion high spf lotions are not to be used daily all year round if you are not working outside or if you will be inside most of the day.....

If you really feel the need to wear a cream with spf daily stick with the ones that have a low spf... like an spf 8 and use an spf of 30 on areas (spot treat) where you need extra protection such as discolorations spots..... In my opinion if you are inside most of the day you do not need a cream with an spf in it!!!

Best protection is to wear a hat whenever possible and stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10/11 a.m. - 3/4 p.m.

Note: If you have pigmentation spots (discoloration) and are worried about them you can spot treat them with an spf 15-30 if you wish!!! instead of putting an high spf all over the face.

Did you know that Vitamin C,Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Carrot Oil and Vitamin E help support the skin's natural defences against uva/uvb! Vitamin E protects the cells against the adverse effect of free radicals, it protects skin during sun exposure!

Many studies have shown that antioxidants may be a very important strategy for preventing skin cancer.!

Aloe Vera was used 1000s of years ago as an essential protection against the rays of the sun.!

If you will be spending time out in the sun please always apply a sun block/sunscreen over your serums or creams containg vitamin A or C.!!!!!!!!!!

My tips for this summer!!

- First time you go out in the sun, go for no longer then 30 minutes - fairer skin less time and find a shade place you can go too after the initial 30 minutes then increase gradually through the summer always protecting the skin!

- Go out between the times of 9-11 am and after 3-4 p.m.

- Prepare the skin properly and treat the skin after being out in the sun!

To prepare the skin properly apply your moisturiser under your sunscreen or sunblock, the layers help to protect the skin! After your time in the sun wash off your sunscreen or sunblock and apply a moisturiser or product designed for after sun!!

Please try and stay away from tanning beds, in my opinion they are not safe for your skin!

Professional Esthetician
Elle's Esthetic Studio
<a target="_new" href="http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com">http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com</a>

Eye Care: Make Your Eyes Look Beautiful and Let It Say Your Hearts Voice

2009-01-18T17:40:00.001-08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson very rightly said, "One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity". Eye is cosidered to be an integral party of one's beauty and we at times completely ignoring taking care of it. The unhygenic environment around us along with inevitable aging deteoriates the beauty of eye unless we make a concious effort to take care of it. Here are few healthy tips which will help making your eyes an asset to you whole of your life.

Some valuable Tips for Eye Care

1) All of us have tendancy of forming dark circles just under our eyes. You can fix these dark circles by putting just two slices of potato over your eyes for 20 minutes. Trust me, you will be glad with the results once you take off the potatoes.

2) Another technique to get rid of dark circles is by applying warm tea bags over your eyes for 15 minutes. This method works too.

3) After having a taxing day, your eyes get tired too like your body and mind. So do make it a point to refresh your eyes. For refreshing your eyes, try squeezing cotton pads out of ice water and place them on eyelids for at least 20 minutes. This will give a soothing effect to your eyes.

4) Other traditional and well known remedy is to place cucumber slices on eyelids while relaxing in hot bath. This will be like pampering yourself to the acme, treating yourself like a queen.

5) To make sure your eye shadow last all day, apply a layer of concealer before applying eye shadow. Add a dash of mascara to your eye lashes to give final touch.

6) Last but not the least, dont forget to take off all the make-up from your face once you go to bed specially from and near your eyes.

Random Tip for great, juicy lips!

. Wet a tea bag and press it against your lips for thirty seconds. The tannin acid in the tea helps to repair damaged skin cells and softens rough lips. See the difference. Put a sexy lipper, and there you are!

Random Tip for chappy lips

. Apply vaseline and drinks lots of water. Water helps your skin glow all the time. If vaseline doesnt work for you, then try some chapstick which doesnt have petroleum. Carmex is one other good option besides vaseline which does heal your lips. But vaseline works in most of the cases. Also, keep brushing your lips and take of the dead skin from your lips and apply vaseline again. Be regular in it and you will have lovely lips again!

About the Author

Jasdeep: for <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/">http://weightloss-health.com/</a> your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

To get more free tips and advice on skin related issues, visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm">Skin Care Tips and Advice</a>

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Seven Things to do Now to Look Good Always!

2009-01-18T10:30:00.001-08:00

Fashion magazines target people every day with lists and charts telling them the latest trends and techniques to look better, skinnier, smarter, where to buy the hippest clothes or the latest shoes! If you're a woman, you are probably bombarded more often than you like, and if you're a man, you may not get the information that you really want to know! Due to the glut of information available, most people know the obvious things to do to look elegant or well groomed, such as getting a good haircut or wearing certain brand name clothes. However, this may lead people to overlook some simple, basic things that can be done RIGHT NOW to add that subtle flair and polish to your everyday look!

Renu Dalal-Jain, a certified image consultant and the owner of Flair Consulting in Philadelphia, PA, works with men and women to help them put their best personal face forward in social or corporate settings. She maintains that there are seven essential things any man or women can do, and often overlook, to help them present a well-groomed, neat, and elegant appearance to the world! And all this without spending a dime!

1) Keep your skin and lips well conditioned. Ashy knees, flaky skin and chapped lips do not look nice, and will make your skin look old and tired. This is especially important in colder weather. If you wear lipstick, it is imperative that you keep your lips moist, because chapped lips are even more apparent under color. Keep lip balm in your car and your bedside table and apply it whenever you get in the car and before going to bed at night.

2) Make sure your nails are well shaped and all a similar length. Nothing says you don't care like ragged nails or nails that are different lengths! (Ladies, I know you worked hard to grow those nails but just because only one broke, you shouldn't think nobody would notice!) If you polish your nails, keep your everyday color one shade brighter than your skin-tone. This looks professional and clean and makes your hands look elegant, especially if you wear rings. If you like brighter colors make sure you repair chipped polish right away! Chips in bright polish are extremely noticeable and make you look sloppy.

3) Make sure your clothes and accessories are in a similar color family ? don't wear shades of beige or brown clothing with black shoes or a white belt. As a rule of thumb, make sure your belt, shoes, and watchstrap are in the same color family. Sometimes a strikingly different purse or shoes can make a statement, but it has to be well planned. The article in question must be of good quality and in good condition, since you want people to notice it.

4) Your socks or hose must match either your shoes or your pants. Do not EVER wear blue socks with brown shoes, or black socks with sneakers! If you are wearing sling-back or open-back shoes, make sure your socks or hose are the color of your shoes or nude-colored. If you are wearing sandals, do NOT wear hose unless it is patterned (think fishnets) and "deliberately worn to make a trendy statement".

5) Wear the highest length socks you can (at least mid to high calf-length). NOBODY wants to see shiny shins peeking out when you sit down!

6) Polish your shoes and clean your sneakers! The number one thing people forget to do when going out is to check their shoes for scuffs or dirt. Polished shoes show that you care about your appearance. The most expensive shoes in the world will look horrible if they are dirty or scuffed!

7) Keep your wallet or purse organized all the time. Nothing makes you look disorganized like an overstuffed wallet hanging on for dear life in your back pocket, or a purse bursting at the seams! Make yourself a system to keep the business cards, credit cards or receipts you don't need all the time, in your briefcase or at home.

And a bonus: an understated use of scent (aftershave, cologne or perfume) shows that you take an extra step with your grooming and can have a positive effect not only on your own mood but on those around you. According to the Social Issues Research Center in Oxford, UK, subtle fragrances can have dramatic effects in improving your mood and sense of well-being. In addition, in experiments, subjects exposed to pleasant fragrances tend to give higher 'attractiveness ratings' to people in photographs. The regular use of pleasant fragrances helps to reduce mood disturbances in men and women.

About The Author

Flair Consulting

<a href="http://www.flairconsulting.com" target="_new">http://www.flairconsulting.com</a>

<a href="mailto:rdalaljain@hotmail.com">rdalaljain@hotmail.com</a>

The Evils of Tanning Beds

2009-01-18T05:10:00.001-08:00

OK, so you've had a few days of steady rain, and going to the beach isn't an option. But you're starting to notice your pasty white skin, and you'd like to do something about it. Or ... it's January, and tanning outside is a little brisk.

So you head to a tanning bed, and -- voila! -- in a few short minutes, you've got that tan you wanted.

What's the problem with this scenario? You're inevitably going to get complaints from people who tell you that a tanning bed is somehow dangerous.

Nonsense.

A tanning bed is not "dangerous," is not a "voluntary coffin," (to quote my mother's dermatologist) and isn't silly.

It's a way of getting tanned, a way of getting your body's needed dose of vitamin D.

Your body doesn't differentiate: the UV rays react on the skin whether you're out on the sand for a few hours, or spending 10 minutes on a tanning bed.

10 minutes is a good rule of thumb: it's roughly equal to an hour in the sun. It's easy, relatively cheap (look for specials) and is especially good for those times when you don't have time to spend in the sun, or can't because of the weather.

Of course, watch your time. Most places won't let you use more than 20 minutes at a pop, but even that's a long time, if you haven't had any UV exposure for a while. Start slow, ease in, and enjoy your tan.

And if it's December, enjoy the envy of your pasty-skinned friends. If your looking good bothers them, suggest they get therapy.

Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is <a target="_new" href="http://www.NetworkForNurses.com">http://www.NetworkForNurses.com</a> and his health blog is at <a target="_new" href="http://www.shababa.blogspot.com">http://www.shababa.blogspot.com</a>

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 2)

2009-01-18T04:30:00.001-08:00

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do wonders for your looks and health. Here are some precious natural skin care tips which will make your skin glow round the clock.

1) Wake up your looks: Tossing and turning all night can show on your face the next morning. But you can look rested even when you are not. Try these quick-picker-uppers to wake up your looks.

. Shower 'up': Take a shower with an energizing body scrub and a nylon loofah. Let the spray massage tension away. Switch to cool water for the final rinse.

. Wear an energizing fragrance: Try scents with hints of lemon, jasmine, bergamot, lily of the valley, hyacinth, basil, and geranium.

2) For Dark Circles: Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener. Put the potatoes in a food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheese cloth. Apply to the area directly beneath your eye- dont let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself - and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe away the starchy residue.

3) Fixing Dark Circles: Other traditional and well known remedy is to place cucumber slices on eyelids while relaxing in hot bath. This will be like pampering yourself to the acme, treating yourself like a queen.

4) Soft Hands: So your hands dont feel soft anymore? Before you go to bed, lavishly apply vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.

5) White nails: To whiten your nails, try these:

. Use a common whitening tooth paste. Try scrubbing your nails with toothpaste, its just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.

. Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains.

Hungry for more? Look out for more such natural skin care tips which can do wonders to your skin at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm

Ashley Green: for <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/">http://weightloss-health.com/</a> your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get more informative skin care tips and anti-aging tips and treatment at <a target="_new" href="http://www.weightloss-health.com/anti_ageing_products.htm">Anti Aging Skin Care(Tips) Treatment and Products</a>

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

2009-01-17T19:50:00.001-08:00

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat, skin and muscle from the area around the eyes. As people age, their skin loses elasticity, they accumulate more fat and their muscles lose tone. This aging process can make the arms or stomach or breasts sag, but on the face this loss of tone and elasticity can make you look tired, angry, upset, sick and much older and can even impair vision. Eyelid surgery can be frightening because complication risks, like infection, involve the eyes and your vision. However, a vast majority of people who have undergone eyelid surgery are happy that they did so.

As with most cosmetic procedures, patients undergoing eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are given either general anesthesia, which will require a longer stay at the medical facility and a person to take care of the patient for 24 hours following surgery, or they are given local anesthesia and a sedative, so they are awake but they cannot feel the area being operated on and they are much calmer about the procedure because of the sedative.

Blepharoplasty can be done on either the upper or lower eyelids or all four. The variation will determine the length of the surgery. In eyelid surgery, tiny incisions are made along natural creases in the upper eyelid and below the lash line on the lower eyelids. The skin of the eyelid is then separated from the fat deposits and muscle so the fat can be removed. Depending upon the patient, the skin and muscle can then be trimmed as well before they are sewn back together. Recovery can be uncomfortable because of the swelling associated with any surgical procedure which will, in this case, dry out the eyes and sometimes prevent them from comfortably closing fully before the swelling goes down.

Blepharoplasty does not remove wrinkles, dark circles or a sagging brow. For this reason, eyelid surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures such as brow lifts.

Want more Information about <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/articles/Eyelid_Surgery.htm">Eyelid Surgery</A>?

Find a qualified <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/">Cosmetic Surgeon</A> in Your Area at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com">http://www.sleepingswan.com</a>

How to Use Avocado as Your Hair Care Product

2009-01-17T07:10:00.001-08:00

Let's role on?life must go on and the life of your natural hair is in your hand. Take care of your hair with avocado and don't let it look dull due of incorrect caring. It's your responsibility for having good looking hair since your appearances is based upon your healthy hair. You probably need good natural hair care products.

But, what does it mean when people said about natural hair care products? Well, hair care products that are advertised "natural" may probably mean free from chemical substance or it may also environmentally friendly products with plant and herbal additives as their substances.

How do you choose natural hair care products? Hmmm?.when you purchase hair care products please read the labels and make your own decisions on what level of "natural" ingredients you wish to accept in the hair care products that you use on your hair. This is the most responsible way to select the best products for you.

But there is other way; besides using natural hair care products, you can do some favor for your hair to make it more wonderful here using real natural fruit. This is the hair conditioning treatment using avocado. Check this out:

- Mash one avocado which is recommended for its hydrating benefits and proteins and mix with one-tablespoon lemon juice, one teaspoon of sea salt, and one tablespoon of pure aloe until it becomes a paste.

- Comb through hair with your fingertips.

- Cover hair with a plastic shower cap or bag, and wrap a towel around it to seal in the treatment.

- Leave in for 20-30 minutes and enjoy a great book, CD or even better - just savor the peace and quiet!

- Unwrap you newly conditioned hair. Rinse, shampoo and rinse again for soft, luxurious hair!

Of course there are other fruits you can use for your hair natural treatment. But the step you do is the same like have been described above. You will have good looking hair by the time you check the Internet for more natural hair care products.

Why you need to look for your other natural hair care products at the Internet? Based on some people experiences, Internet is the best place to search for your hair care product. Although you already use fruit such as avocado above, your hair still need more nourishment from hair care products that is available in the Internet.

About The Author: Loraine Lesley is editor for some Website concerning women. She wants to help women to look beautiful, that's why she offers practical articles and tips on Skin Care, Hair Care, and more. To discover her advice, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.myskincareonline.com">http://www.myskincareonline.com</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.myhaircareguide.com">http://www.myhaircareguide.com</a>

Benefits of Soy in Facial Creams

2009-01-16T21:40:00.001-08:00

Creams with soy are recommended around 40yrs and up or 30s if skin is dry, sun damaged or showing signs of ageing.

Soy is an incredible source of important nutrients providing the necessary ingredients to build protein in the body.

Soy proteins are rich in amino acids, vitamin E and many anti-oxidants, they assist the skin in retaining moisture, aid in eliminating free radicals and maintaining skin elasticity! They can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.

Soy lipids helps to regenerate damaged tissue and promote quick regeneraton of the skin cells. Soy also contains nutrients such as lecithin that are beneficial in repairing the skin, renew collagen production making skin soft and flexible, also helps tone the contour of the face therefore avoiding the natural process of aging.

Soy is rich in isoflavones which have estrogen-like properties, particularly valuable for mature women. Diminshes dryness, smoothes texture, improves radiance and firming. The soy's role in skin is to stimulate, stabilize and influence production of collagen and elasticity.

Ageing Gracefully does not mean ignoring oneself and hope for the best, it means taking care of yourself the best that you can or know how and looking and feeling your best at any age or stage in your life with the use of good products and living a healthy lifestyle to prevent cosmetic/non cosmetic surgery in the future! An ounce of prevention will bring long lasting rewards!

You are never too young or too old to combat the signs of aging.

Linda
Professional Esthetician, Elle's Esthetic Studio
<a target="_new" href="http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com">http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com</a>

The Secrets of Becoming More Beautiful

2009-01-16T19:50:00.001-08:00

Like every organ in your body, our skin requires adequate nutrition to function properly. Nutrients that enhance overall body health will also promote healthy skin and hair. It needs pharmaceutical-grade supplements that provide advanced levels of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and cofactors in convenient morning and evening packets for a difference you will see and feel.

The skin contains natural enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix--proteins that keep skin looking youthful--leading to lines and wrinkles. And, these enzymes, or MMPs, become more active as skin ages. MMP inhibitors that reduce the activity of these enzymes help slow the signs of aging. A new scientific breakthrough increases cell turnover rate and maintains a firm and elastic intercellular matrix for visible results you will see right away.

The skin reflects the state of the body's health and looks its best when all cells in the skin's layers are properly nourished and hydrated. The skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the body, and the first to show signs of nutritional deficiency, imbalance, or illness. While some nutrients can be applied topically, others can only be produced from within the body. Therefore, the secrets to becoming more beautiful comes from a synergy of internal and external nutrition, as well as protection from environmental toxins and oxidation damage, which can accelerate sagging and wrinkling.

To achieve this synergy of internal and external nutrition and a protection from environmental toxins and oxidation damage, you need to develop a beauty regimen that is designed to be a comprehensive approach to skin and hair care that takes into account the nutritional needs of both the skin and body. You would need to use outer nutrients that hydrate and reduce the signs of aging. This regimen is most effective when used in conjunction with pharmaceutical-grade supplements that help to replenish and nourish the skin cells from the inside out.

To achieve a results-oriented, morning and evening regimen designed to leave skin clean, hydrated, and healthy, begin with a deep cleanse followed by a soothing toning treatment that will leave your skin refreshed. Follow with an application of one of our powerful refining treatments to help diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone, imperfections, and signs of aging. Finish with a deeply hydrating moisturizer for your face and eye area to achieve a soft, smooth appearance.

Two to three times a week, enhance the benefits of this simple skin-care regimen by exfoliating your skin with a gentle polishing scrub, followed by a luxurious, pampering masque that will leave your skin incredibly hydrated and radiant.

When used together as a system, products are clinically proven to increase elasticity, decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture, and boost skin's moisture levels. In just a few short weeks you could experience dramatically visible results.

Because of the close link between nutrition and the appearance of the skin, dietary supplements are also an important step in your daily inner and outer beauty regimen. Skin is the body's largest organ and it can absorb healthy and unhealthy substances that are applied to it. Pharmaceutical-grade products focus primarily on the cellular health of the skin and use the newest technologies available to create products that are both effective and safe. Pharmaceutical-grade complexes should be thoroughly tested by dermatologists, allergists, and ophthalmologists to ensure quality and safety. To ensure safety and quality, an independent, third-party laboratory should test them again to demonstrate effectiveness. Along with added trace minerals that encourage healthy cells, pharmaceutical-grade products should contain powerful ingredients that are clinically proven to nourish, revive, and refine the skin as they help defend against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Now the science of skin care has been revolutionized with groundbreaking, self-preserving technology. For years, scientists have worked to find an alternative to parabens, the traditional preservative used in beauty and skin-care products. After nearly ten years of research, the answer has been found in a unique, patent-pending blend of botanicals, antioxidants, and active ingredients that keep every product fresh without the need for parabens. It truly is the next generation of skin and body care.

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required. Mail to: eagibbs@ureach.com

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Management Consultant and Trainer , conducts seminars, lectures, and writes articles on his theme: "... helping you maximize your potential." He offers a free health survey at <a target="_new" href="http://eagibbs.usana.com">http://eagibbs.usana.com</a> ; free state tourism guides at <a target="_new" href="http://www.ExecutiveAndGroupTravel.com">http://www.ExecutiveAndGroupTravel.com</a> ; and travel updates at <a target="_new" href="http://www.executiveandgrouptravel.blogspot.com">http://www.executiveandgrouptravel.blogspot.com</a> . Reach him at <a href="mailto:eagibbs@ureach.com">eagibbs@ureach.com</a> or at 502-386-1175.

Help Prevent Wrinkles Through Dieting

2009-01-15T16:00:00.001-08:00

How many times has your mother told you, you are what you eat? As you probably know, Mom knows best. So it's no surprise that what we feed our bodies does affect what the final product is. For healthier, younger skin it's no different. But what should we eat in order to have the radiant skin we all covet? Here is a list of simple things we can all incorporate into our diet to help fend off wrinkles.

Fish Meat. Salmon especially. Fish meat is stock full of protein. Consuming more good protein like fish meat will give cells the fuel they need to repair themselves.

Dark-green, leafy vegetables. Another thing you've most likely heard from Mom: eat your vegetables. Again, she's right. Foods such as romaine lettuce or kale will help prevent your skin from ageing. Rich in iron and vitamin A, these vegetable will assist in healing damaged skin.

Nuts. Nuts are a valuable source of iron and zinc, and are an easy add on to most desserts and dishes. Almonds are replete with zinc which also will boost skin restoration.

Berries. The most fun food for last. Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries ? yummy!) have hundreds of different recipes for dessert time. A healthy-skin diet doesn't have to be a boring one. Berries are rich in strong antioxidants which will aid skin defense.

Just remember these easy things the next time you're strolling through the grocery aisles. Eating these foods will arm your skin cells with the necessary tools to help preserve and keep your skin looking young.

Daniel Vang is publisher of

Color Contact Lenses - Change Your Eye Color in the Blink of an Eye

2009-01-15T00:10:00.001-08:00

Did you ever wish that you had a different eye color? Or maybe you just want to do something a bit crazy and have different color eyes for each party? Color contacts can do wonders for your appearance, but only if you select the right type and color. Learn how to get the best out of your color lenses, what your options are and what to consider when selecting color contacts.

Do color lenses really change your eye color and look natural?

This is a question that worries most people who want to try color contacts for the first time. After all, you want people to think "what gorgeous eyes she has" not "what nice contact lenses she wears".

Color lens manufacturers are aware of the issue and try to make color contacts look vivid, yet natural. There is a lot of sophisticated technology involved in the brand name color contacts like Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook. The lens isn't just solid color, it has a pattern similar to the pattern of a human eye. Also the color isn't consistent throughout the lens, just like in most people eyes. See <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html">color contact lens comparison</a>

Color lens choices for light eyes

Depending on the effect you want to create, people with light eyes can wear enhancement or opaque color contacts. If you just want to enhance your natural color, half transparent, enhancement lenses would be great for you. The best choices are:

<li>Acuvue 2 Colors Enhancers ? to brighten your eyes.</li> <li>Freshlook Radiance ? lenses with an illuminating effect that enhances your color and makes your eyes appear sparkly.</li> <li>Freshlook Dimensions ? unique lens design makes your eyes appear not only brighter but also creates the impression of depth and dimension.</li>

If you feel adventurous and want a dramatic change, go for opaque lenses: <li>Acuvue 2 Colors opaques</li> <li>Freshlook Colorblends</li>

If it is your first time with color contact lenses and you aren't sure what effect you want, start with enhancement lenses. This way your friends will notice that you look more appealing, but they probably won't notice what it is about you that attracts their attention.

Color contact lenses for dark eyes

If you have very dark eyes and tried color contact lenses a few years ago, you probably were not very impressed with the effect. Contacts of the previous generation didn't look quite right. However, recently developed color lenses like Freshlook Colorblends can do wonders for dark eyes.

One thing to remember, however, is that enhancers don't work on brown eyes, so your only choice is opaque contact lenses. Acuvue 2 Colors opaques and Freshlook Colorblends work best for dark eyes.

Also you should be careful, when selecting the color. It should be a color that would look right with your skin and hair. See <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contact-lenses.html">color contact lens chart</a> with suggestions and photos.

If you just want to make your eyes seem brighter and more vivid, without changing their color, go for brown or hazel color lenses. This way your eyes won't look a different color, but people will notice that they are bright and lively.

Opaque color contacts work very well. The only thing they can't do for you is to make your eyes light. Blue, green and aqua opaque contacts create a deep, vivid color, which suits people who have naturally brown eyes.

Do color contacts come with corrective powers?

Acuvue 2 Colors and all Freshlook collections come with visual correction powers as well as in plano (no correction). Additionally, Freshlook Colorblends is the only color lens that comes in toric, so it is suitable for people with astigmatism.

So which is better: Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook?

There is no single answer to this question. Both brands of lens are very comfortable to wear and create a great look. The only difference is in the colors. On the same person, blue from Acuvue would look very different from Freshlook blue. It really depends on your eyes and face, and it's almost impossible to predict the result until you wear your color contacts.

Don't pay to much attention to how the lens looks in the picture, because on you it will probably look different. This happens mostly with enhancer lenses ? blue enhancers over blue eyes look very different from enhancers over gray eyes. Opaque color contact lenses also can look very different on different people; this is not due to your natural eye color, but because of eye shape, skin and hair types.

When you narrow your choice to one color, I would recommend asking your doctor for two prescriptions: one for Acuvue 2 Colors and another for Freshlook. Then order both. They cost pretty much the same, so you would spend no more than if you were to order 2 boxes of each.

Then, after wearing your new color contacts for a while, you can decide for yourself, which looks better.

Also, doctors usually give you free trial color contacts. You can't really wear them in public because trial lenses have the word "test" imprinted on them, but it gives you a fair idea about the color. Ask for two free pairs, one from Freshlook and one from Acuvue, and see which looks best.

As far as the price is concerned, Freshlook and Acuvue 2 Colors cost about the same for a 6-lens box. However, all Freshlook lenses are monthly disposable, while Acuvue 2 Colors is a 2-week disposable contacts lens. So it turns out that Freshlook is twice cheaper.

If you were thinking of giving yourself a little treat, getting color contacts would not disappoint you. And now when you know what would work best for you, you can make your choice with confidence.

Happy changing!

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/">Contact Lens Consumer Guide</a>, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures

Collagen Injection

2009-01-14T11:50:00.001-08:00

Collagen injection is a type of cosmetic procedure that augments skin and soft tissue to make them firmer and younger looking. The benefits of collagen injections are that collagen is a natural substance to be in the body so it incorporates with the body and doesn't degrade as quickly over time, there aren't serious complications or side effects, and it is a non-invasive procedure. Collagen injections are used to improve unsightly scars and fill in cheeks that have sunken in.

Different types of collagen fillers have different advantages. Zyderm is a bovine collagen that lasts for six to ten months and is used for shallow scars.

Zyplast is another bovine collagen, but is crossed with a heavier filler so it lasts longer than Zyderm (nine months to a year.) These two are easy to implant and are not often abused but certain patients can have allergic reactions to the collagen.

Fibrel is a filler containing gelatin, amino caprotic acid and plasma or saline and lidocaine. Its effects are seen for one to five years and is a good alternative for people who are allergic to Zyderm and Zyplast.

Artecoll is a synthetic filler consisting of polymethyl methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), collagen, lidocaine and saline. After the collagen degrades, the PMMA spheres are left. It has been shown to be reliable and long lasting in European markets but has yet to be released in the United States.

Hylan B gel is another filler made from substances in rooster coxcombs. It lasts nine months to a year but requires a series of injections rather than just one session and, again, has not yet been released in the United States.

Resoplast is another bovine collagen similar to Zyderm and causing the same allergic reactions.

Autologen is a filler made from autologous collagen which resists enzymatic degradation and allergic reactions and has been shown to last for over a year. Similarly, Isolagen is autologous collagen taken from the patient and prepared for intradermal injection. Isolagen has not been fully tested yet. AlloDerm is, in fact, not an injection at all, but is a dermal sheet and has been used mostly for burn victims and patients undergoing oral surgery.

Finally there are fat injections. These take time and careful preparation before they can be used. The fat is removed from a region such as the abdomen, thighs, knees, or backside. The fat has to be purified, washed, separated, centrifuged and prepared before use.

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Look Natural ? Wear Makeup!

2009-01-14T05:30:00.001-08:00

Have you ever considered how difficult it is to look natural? Quite difficult ? isn't it? Especially if there had been no makeup available to achieve it! Many-a-website points out how ordinary our glamorous celebrities look in real life without makeup on. No wonder then that they are always on the lookout for innovative makeup supplies. Such demands have seen a virtual makeover for the makeup business much to the delight of a demanding population yearning to look good.

The art and science of good makeup.

Makeup is still an art ? supported ably, of course, by science. Gone are the days when good makeup meant just soaps, perfumes and oils carefully selected after word-of-mouth recommendation. Today, your persona comes through in MAC makeup ? or was it Max Factor? Take your pick! Show off your gorgeous eyes - wear eye makeup. Impress your peers with a prom makeup worn specially for "the nite".

Make a statement with a tattoo or a strategic permanent makeup. Take expert advice ? makeup tips are available for the asking. Desist from using chemicals which may harm your sensitive skin ? wear mineral makeup instead! Consider this ? you don't have to wear stage makeup if you don't need to flaunt your expressions under the arc lights to an audience.

Wear makeup ? an appropriate one. Or better still; don't wear any ? especially if you are among the lucky few who can carry off that natural look ? naturally!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

<a href="http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/" target="_new">http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/</a>

<a href="mailto:mjy610@hotmail.com">mjy610@hotmail.com</a>

Get Free Cosmetic Samples Just for Completing Offers

2009-01-13T20:20:00.001-08:00

There's almost nothing more irritating than buying a lot of expensive cosmetics and finding out after you get home that you don't like them. You can protect your wallet from this drain by trying out free cosmetic samples first.

You don't have to throw money down the toilet any more. Trial offers for free cosmetic exist online. With just a little investment of your time, you can get freebies to help you better choose what's right for you.

Cosmetics companies and other manufacturers want you to have freebies so they can build a fiercely loyal customer base. It does a company no good if you get home and find out your perfume stinks or the color on the package didn't match the shade inside. What's even worse for them and for you in this situation is that most stores won't take the items back once they're opened. But, thanks to trial offers for free samples online, those worries could be a thing of the past.

Why not try before you buy? Go ahead and take advantage of the offers available online from manufacturers. Even better, you can receive great free stuff or make extra money for completing the offers!

To take advantage of free cosmetic samples online or other offers for free product samples, just look at the list below and decide what you're interested in. To get the good freebies, you might have to invest a little bit of your time by completing offers, but the money savings in the long run makes the time investment pale in comparison.

You can:

Get free cosmetic samples, learn more about other freebies, find out about offers that reward you for completion with free money or free merchandise, learn how to get free stuff and/or money for shopping online.

The only thing standing between you and getting free stuff online including free cosmetic samples is a little bit of your time. Manufacturers want to know what you think and they want you to become a customer for life by providing you with products that make you happy.

So, sign up with a rewards program today and get paid cash or receive free stuff for accepting offers including free cosmetic samples.

Sherri Lonon is a successful author and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1st-in-rewards.com">http://www.1st-in-rewards.com</a>

Great tips on receiving free merchandise and money from top online rewards programs.

Publishing Guidelines: You may freely distribute or publish this article provided you publish the whole article and include the copyright notice and links in full. A courtesy copy is requested upon publication.

The Art Of Perfume Notes - What Are They?

2009-01-13T10:30:00.001-08:00

In this article we will take an in depth look at what levels of notes occur in a fragrance, as well as what is involved in each level.

So what exactly are these notes? Let's take a look.

Base Notes ? This is the finale of every good cologne. The ingredients used here hold everything together. Musk is a common ingredient that is used as a base note.

Now that you are "in the know", next time you go to buy that special cologne, you may be able to give the clueless sales representative a crash course in fragrance study!

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

2009-01-13T07:30:00.001-08:00

While most people have heard of rhinoplasty or nose surgery, most do not know what the procedure entails once you enter the hospital operating room.

Once you are in the operating room and have spoken with the people who will take care of you during the surgery, the anesthesia will be administered. The exact type of anesthesia used will depend on the duration and complexity of the surgery about to be performed, any allergies you may have to any of the anesthesia drugs available, and the preference of the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Before any incisions are made, before any intrusive procedures begin, the nose is anesthetized with a local anesthesia either lidocaine or marcaine with epinephrine. This is used to numb the tissue, the surrounding cartilage and facial bones and further protect the patient from feeling any of the surgery. In addition, many surgeons use a diluted form of cocaine possibly mixed with epinephrine to shrink the mucous membranes inside the nose as well as to seriously reduce blood flow to the area.

There are two basic approaches to rhinoplasty and depending on the artistry and sophistication of the surgeon and the type of work required, either approach may be employed with equally indiscernible success.

1. Internal (endonasal) rhinoplasty ? here the surgeon makes incisions only on the inside of the nose, opens the skin up and proceeds to do his work without making any incisions on the external facia. Internal rhinoplasty requires more skill and artistry to perform and can only be properly employed in cases where the amount of surgery being performed is minimal or at least of such a nature that all of the work can be reached from the interior of the nose.

2. External rhinoplasty or open-tip rhinoplasty means the doctor is making incisions on the outside of the nose, at the crease where the nose joins the face so that there is no discernible scarring after the procedure has been completed. Open-tip rhinoplasty is usually employed where the surgery requires more extensive removal or manipulation of the skin and cartilage tissue.

Either of these procedures can be performed utilizing a local anesthetic or a general anesthesia and can usually be completed anywhere from two to four hours again depending on the complexity of the work being performed. Using either the internal or the external incision methods, the skin and cartilage of the nose is exposed and the surgeon can then begin the artful process of sculpting the existing tissue to achieve the desired goals of the patient.

Remembering that rhinoplasty is really more art than surgery, the doctor will frequently refer to the photographs and notes he has made prior to the procedure. He will carefully check the symmetry of the shape of the nose and make sure that the changes he is making are the right ones to achieve the desired result. Very small alterations, incisions as small as a millimeter or two, can make large differences after the swelling has gone down in the overall appearance and balance of the finished look. This is the artistry of the surgeon you have selected.

When the surgeon has completed the sculpting process, he will carefully check the blood vessels in the area to see if they have been affected by the surgery, he will measure the nostril openings to see if they conform to his pre-op notes and measurements and then he will begin the process of closing up the nose. Small sutures will be used to close the incisions made during the procedure whether internal or external. These incisions are similar in size and form to the ones employed by heart surgeons when they are closing up small veins and arteries after cardiovascular surgery.

Finally, a small protective splint is placed around the nose. Your surgeon will have fitted you for the splint prior to the surgery and you will be expecting it when you awaken. After about 24 to 48 hours, on your next visit, the splint will be removed and your new nose will be ready to "face" the world. You'll be left with some swelling, a small amount of pain and some antibiotics to ward off infection.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rhinoplasty.com">Rhinoplasty Info</a> provides comprehensive information on preparing for and recovering from rhinoplasty, as well as costs, surgeons, and procedures, including revision rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-dentalimplants.com">Dental Implants Web</a>.

EDT, EDP, EDC? The Various Types Cologne And Perfume

2009-01-12T16:30:00.001-08:00

Not all cologne and perfume is made equally. In fact there are four different concentrations of perfume, each one being very different from the other.

In this article I am going to discuss the four different variations of cologne as well as what each concentration may be used for.

Did you know that most cologne's and perfumes are comprised mainly of alcohol? In fact, most of the fragrances that you see in any shop will only be comprised of 4-10% of actual scented compounds. Of course this varies depending on the perfume that you look at. The rest of the 86-90% of the bottle is made up of alcohol and water.

Some fragrances actually have a lower concentration of scented compounds, and some have more. This is where the commonly used EDP, EDT, and EDC come into play. Let's take a look at what these mean.

Perfume ? Also known as Perfume extract, 'Perfume' is the most concentrated and smoothest of the four types. Typically made up of a 20-40% concentration of scented compounds, perfume is definitely the most expensive to buy.

Eau de Parfum ? EDP is typically made up of an 8-16% concentration of scented compounds. EDP is probably the most common type of concentration you will see at the store. An EDP scent will usually fade after four hours, but the base notes can linger for a 24 hour period. Fragrances with an EDP concentration are perfect if you need an all day scent

Eau de Toilette ? EDT is another very common concentration found in many fragrances. EDT is typically made up of a 4-8% concentration of scented compounds. Some people find that some EDT perfumes last a long while, but generally these are better left for night time use where the scent isn't needed for as long.

Eau de Cologne ? EDC isn't commonly found in any fragrances anymore. It doesn't last that long, and is typically only made with a 2-4% concentration of scented compounds.

Now you will know what all those fancy French names are on the side of your favorite mens cologne bottle. Whether you need a longer duration scent for work, or something a little shorter for the clubs, you are now one step ahead of the crowd!

Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Mens Cologne Guide ? A site dedicated to providing only the best <a target="_new" href="http://www.menscologneguide.com/armani-cologne.html">armani cologne</a> information.

Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.

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

2009-01-12T14:30:00.001-08:00

Start with your face: it's your "canvas."

Have a little extra time the night before an event for which you want to look your best? Super - exfoliate your face with a mask or microdermabrasion (using the right products for your skin type and special needs) and then moisturize your skin thoroughly. Also shape and clean up your eyebrows to complement your face.

On the day of your event, perform steps two through four for healthy skin: cleanse, freshen and moisturize. (Step one is exfoliate, which you've done.) Your foundation and makeup apply much more smoothly and evenly over well-hydrated skin so carefully moisturize your face and eye areas.

Since the eye areas don't produce their own moisture, apply an eye cream; it's specially formulated for that delicate skin. (Moisturizers for the face tend to have humectants which can puff up the skin around the eyes.)

Foundation: Do you know that foundation is the fifth and "protect" step for healthy skin? Apply your foundation and finish it with powder. The powder will "set" the foundation and help it last longer so there's less need for touch ups.

Eye primer: An eye primer allows eye color to go on more smoothly and stay in place longer without creasing and smudging.

Eye color: The simplest approach to eye color is to apply a neutral or soft shade (from the upper lashes to the brows) which will enhance or "pop" another color placed over it.

Almost as easy is another technique using two colors. Follow the eye primer with a single color from lash to brow. Then apply a second stronger or darker color over the lids and into the creases to complement the shape of your eyes. If you're getting ready for an evening event, be more dramatic than for an event during the day.

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

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

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

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

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

Your canvas is now a "work of art!"

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print as long as the bylines, URL and copyright are included. Please print the article in its entirety, unchanged and send a copy of the publication to charlottemaddox@marykay.com.

Charlotte Maddox is an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc. Her goals are to share her knowledge and expertise in helping clients develop skin care and beauty routines which suit their preferences and lifestyles and to save valuable time and effort in busy clients' lives. <a target="_new" href="http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox">http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox</a>

More Care Hair Myths - the Truth and the Lies

2009-01-12T05:10:00.001-08:00

We all have a favourite myth about hair care ? some of them are as old as the hills! In this second in a series of 3 articles, we examine some of the most widely known myths - and seek out the reality?

1. Dry hair is damaged by too-frequent washing

FALSE: Hair is more likely to be damaged if it's left too long between washes. Not washing can cause the scalp's natural oil to be blocked, and unable to lubricate the hair shaft. As a result, hair can become dry and brittle. Things that damage hair include bleaching, coloring, styling and brushing when wet.

2. To stop the frizzies, use shampoo only twice a month. The rest of the time, rinse daily with conditioner

FALSE: Oil becomes rancid when it stays on the surface of the scalp, so regular shampooing is required to keep hair and scalp clean and healthy. Avoid frizzies by conditioning after every shampoo and try a leave-in conditioner, too.

3. A rinse out conditioner does not provide benefits because it is rinsed out

FALSE: Rinse out conditioners applied to your hair after washing will leave a deposit of moisturizing proteins and other ingredients on the hair shaft giving hair that is softer, shinier and better conditioned.

4. Blow-drying hair can cause it to smoke

FALSE: This strange myth has circulated in different variations for many years. On the rare occasion that hair "smokes" it is due to the evaporation of condensation on the hair from styling gels or similar hair care products.

5. Brushing thinning hair makes it fall out faster

FALSE: Although, brushing can damage hair (see above), as long as you use a good brush, normal daily brushing will not accelerate the normal loss of hair from the scalp. If your hair is suffering from a hair loss condition like alopecia brushing will only cause you to lose hair that is already ready to fall. Excessive brushing is always discouraged under any circumstances.

6. Shaving a baby's scalp will alter their natural hair texture

FALSE: The hair that a baby is born with may or may not be the hair that they grow up with. Shaving a baby's head will not alter the texture of their ultimate hair nor will it cause their hair to grow faster or thicker.

7. Gray hair can only be covered with permanent color

FALSE: Depending on the percentage of gray hair that you have, you may be able to blend or cover the budding gray with a semi-permanent or demi-permanent blend that does not contain harsh chemicals.

8. Excessive use of hair products causes hair loss

FALSE: There are no known, (professionally produced) hair care products that cause hair loss. You may sculpt your locks with as much gel, mousse or spray as you desire. However, be careful of home-made remedies, or any product that you don't know the contents of.

9. Hair care products advertised as natural are chemical-free

FALSE: Not all hair care products sold in health food establishments, etc are completely natural; some may contain chemicals like SLS. When in doubt read the label.

10. Eating Jell-O will make your hair grow faster

FALSE: According to dermatologists, there is no evidence that Jell-O will do anything for hair growth. Syncronized swimmers use Gelatin on their hair to protect against chlorine damage), but there's no evidence that it will stimulate growth.

11. Stress causes your hair to thin

FALSE: Everyday stress won't cause your hair to thin. The problem may be hormonal or nutritional in nature.

12. Steroids have no side effects on hair

FALSE: Bodybuilders beware! Anabolic steroids are very potent chemicals that have some treacherous side effects including acceleration of hair loss. The problem is that these side effects are usually delayed by several years.

13. Standing on your head cures hair loss

FALSE: Hair follicles need more than blood flow to grow hair. Standing on your head to increase blood flow to your scalp, may be great for your gymnastic skills, but will have no effect on your hair.

14. Split ends will travel

TRUE: Uncut split ends can travel up the hair shaft towards the roots. Hair that is not tended to, over time, may develop splits that migrate and split all or part of the entire hair. Some ends can actually tear multiple times so that your split ends have splits.

15. Hair will always remain the same texture

FALSE: Although you may be born with straight, curly or wavy locks, there are many circumstances under which your hair's ultimate texture can be permanently altered. Pregnancy, medication, chemotherapy, age and other variables can cause your texture to be temporarily or permanently altered.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research ? ask an expert! This doesn't include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths ? you owe it to your hair.

Michael Barrows

(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know ABout Hairstyles and Hair Care" at his website; <a target="_new" href="http://www.great-hairstyles.com">http://www.great-hairstyles.com</a>

Natural Rosacea Products & Rosacea Medications : The Common Thread

2009-01-12T04:20:00.001-08:00

If you are one of the thousands of men and women suffering from the skin discorder rosacea or acne rosacea, you may already be familiar with the standard dermatologist-prescribed courses of action and medications.

What many people don't know, is there are actually non-prescription, natural rosacea products that are just as effective, if not more effective, than prescription rosacea medications and topical rosacea gels and ointments.

First, let's look at the common ingredients in pharmaceutical rosacea medications. Two popular topical prescription drugs for rosacea are Metronidazole and Azelic Acid.

As an oral medication for rosacea, physicians may utilize a variety of medications, mostly antibiotic in nature, to help control rosace by controlling severe facial flushing and swelling. Sometimes in severe cases, even cardiovascular medications are used to help control the facial flushing.

Because of the higher risk of negative reactions associated with the long term use of oral antibiotics, topical therapy is usually the preferred long term treatment method. There is also the danger of antibiotic resistence becoming a problem for people who are treated long term with anitbiotics.

Topically applied rosacea medications, especially those of a natural origin, are becoming more and more popular, since there is no risk of them becoming ineffective over a period of time, as there may be with man-made topical rosacea solutions.

In addition to topical rosacea gels, creams, and sprays, a complete skincare regimen including face wash and moisturizer should also be employed as a preventive measure for rosacea.

People with rosacea have skin that requires intense and very specific care, every day, from cleanser to makeup. It is important that anything that comes into contact with the face does not have any skin-aggravating properties, but rather possesses skin-calming and anti-redness peoperties. There are natural rosacea skincare systems that will do just that, and before you know it, you will be "back in the clear".

Danna Schneider is the webmaster and founder of CosmeticsGalore.com, a cosmeceutical and nutraceutical review site focused on natural self improvement and cosmetic correction. More information on the natural rosacea treatment system mentioned in this article can be found at <a target="_new" href="http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/acne-rosacea-treatments.html">http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/acne-rosacea-treatments.html</a>

Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search

2009-01-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

The main problem is that of abundance. Finding an Orange County plastic surgeon is easy, the problem is to find THE Orange County plastic surgeon - the one who will meet your expectations. Start from searching the Internet. There you will probably find about fifty plastic surgeons for a start. When you have the list, start contacting them, one by one. I know this is time consuming, but the plastic surgery is a surgery, not some kind of magic. Narrow your list to those who specialize in the kind of surgery you want to have and visit the clinics.

How can you find the best plastic surgeon available?

Every Orange County plastic surgeon worth choosing will offer you a short walk around the clinic to show you what's going on there. If they ask you to sight tight in an office, it's a big minus. The second checkpoint is the plastic surgery picture. Ask them to show you the "before/after" photos of patients that had similar surgery to yours. Even in Orange County, every plastic surgeon will have to show you the pictures. Check them carefully - if in any of them you will see makeup, resign. All these photos are used for medical purposes and taking photos in makeup means only that there is something to hide. If both the walk and the pictures' check went good, you can get down to business.

Things you should check before the surgery

The prices are quite high in Orange County. Every plastic surgeon living there is a professional, so the prices are "professional" too. Don't worry about the money, though. You are about to have a surgery any saving $300 and risking some surgery complications instead isn't a too bright idea. Remember, it's the professionalism you're looking for, not a discount. Every Orange County plastic surgeon is a professional, but you want to get "the best of the best", don't you? The money you will spend is only a secondary problem then. I say this because we tend to forget about it during any purchases or negotiations and we start thinking only about our money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.tummy-tuck-photos.com">Plastic Surgery Resources</a> a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Look Younger Now!:

2009-01-11T12:40:00.001-08:00

While we have made significant progress in our understanding of the human body and of life, still we find that the vital health and youthfulness we're looking for is somewhat elusive. What we scientists ultimately come to recognize is that the "Fountain of Youth" lies "naturally" within each of us.

As we take a look at nature and the lifestyles of earlier cultures, we do not find the problems of disease, sickness or excess weight that occur in our modern society. This should prompt us to see what these cultures are doing that has proven to work throughout time. For example, I try to live a more natural lifestyle in regards to diet (loads of raw vegetables), activity and exercise, environment, and pure distilled water. I incorporate each of these as much as possible, though not perfectly. Nevertheless, the result is a better quality of life largely free from sickness and disease.

Our SAD (Standard American Diet) of today unfortunately consists of highly processed "foods" that starve the body of nutrition and create difficulties for the digestive system, which results in colon problems. It's known in the natural health industry that over 90% of all human diseases and sickness are from a congested (constipated) colon. This also accelerates the aging process. Modern science hasn't and won't find a break-through drug that will restore your health. But they don't need to. The solution simply is a more natural lifestyle involving the integration of corrective and preventative measures over time. Let me mention a few here.

One corrective measure is to cleanse and detoxify the body to get rid of some of the causes of disease and sickness. This can be done by:

Drinking adequate amounts of pure distilled water.

Stimulate the digestive track by reflexology massage on the sole of the feet every other day. Reflexology charts are available in health stores or online.

Stimulation of the elimination process. There are several great ways to do this, but the easiest is to simply eat a large green salad (full of fresh, raw, preferably organic vegetables) with each of your meals throughout the day. Consuming 3 ? 5 salads per day not only helps you look younger, but it also adds years to your life, gives you energy, and helps you lose excess body weight ? fast.

If your day is too busy to eat enough raw vegetables each and every day ? then simply find yourself a high quality vegetable drink like those listed here...<a target="_new" href=http://www.maximizeyourmetabolism.com/supplements.htm>Click Here</a> for more information.

Some youth enhancing measures can involve the following:

Start today to migrate your diet from processed and refined devitalized "foods" to whole, raw, organic foods that are full of nutrition and are easily digested.

Increase physical activity and enjoy nature with regular outdoor activities, or by integrating an exercise program, etc.

Take time outdoors each day to breath deeply clean, fresh air.

Be happy, smile often, and laugh daily. Sounds too easy, but eliminating stress is proven to increase health.

Nature has everything to offer if you are willing to indulge. Start today to make these suggestions a part of your new lifestyle. Enjoy good health and long life and find the true fountain of youth within yourself!

For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com">http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com</a>

? 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning 'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com">http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com</a>

6 Ways to Destroy a Beautiful Complexion

2009-01-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

Women (and men. too) spend billions of dollars trying to make their complexions look great. Sometimes their efforts are self-defeating. Some of the following problems you have heard of before but I bet you haven't heard of all of this.

Sun damage

Harmful UV rays can cause scarring of the elastic tissues in your skin. These elastic tissues make skin soft and easy to move. A condition called solar keratosis develops from long term exposure to UV rays. This will cause the skin to lose its flexibility and will make a 30 year old woman look 59. Plus skin cancer can ruin your entire day. Use sunscreen.

Also, many women, after years of sun exposure develop a condition called, Fungal Solar Keratosis. The sun damage cracks the skin, allowing fungal parasites under the skin. These parasites will interfere with normal healing even if therapeutic skin creams are used. Special fungal skin creams are the only solution.

http://www.themoldlab.com
GrandPa@GrandPaGraham.com

Bad make up

Many manufacturers put chemicals in their products to make them last longer. It costs money to remove spoiled lipstick et al from the shelves of grocery stores and pharmacies. So they put things like phenol and formaldehyde in all their skin care products. Germs can't live with these poisons around. But these products are very caustic. They burn skin and can cause cancer.

Use only skin products without these poisons. Check the labels.

Dryness

If you live in a dry or salty environment, the dry air will suck moisture out of your skin. This causes the skin cells to shrivel up and makes puckering lines develop. Women in moist environments like Great Britain are noted for their youthful complexions.

Good chemical free moisturizers will help. Also moving to a lake will help.

Bad diet

Skin needs proper nutrition in order to replace dead skin cells with new softer, healthier cells. Of course, you entire body needs proper nutrition. But the skin shows the signs of improper diet long before the liver does. When did you ever see an unhealthy, ugly liver anyway? You've seen a lot of ugly skin.

Look up the food pyramid put out by the US government. Stick with this and you will generally be ok.

Air toxins

Household cleansers contain some of the deadliest materials known to humankind. Yet we cover our bodies with them when we clean our homes and offices. Many contain bleach which will destroy our skin and make us look like mummies. It's also bad for the lungs and kills sperm development in small boys.

Also chemicals in the air from household mold will cause the skin cells to toughen up and get scaly. The molds live in the walls and under sinks and send these chemicals into the air of your home.

http://www,tennesseemold.com

Illness

Of course, being sick makes you look terrible.

You don't need a dermatologist for most of these probems. Just common sense and a little time checking ingredient lists.

For 30 years, Dr Graham has been helping people treat and prevent disease by showing them how to live in a clean environment.

<a target="_new" href="http://tennesseemold.com/ebooks.shtml">http://tennesseemold.com/ebooks.shtml</a>
<a href="mailto:DrGraham@themoldlab.com">DrGraham@themoldlab.com</a>
<a target="_new" href="http://www.GrandPaGraham.com">http://www.GrandPaGraham.com</a> for free newsletter

Contact Lens Makeup Safety Tips

2009-01-10T15:40:00.001-08:00

If your teenage daughter wants to wear contact lenses, you may have some reservations, so get as much information as you can for her when it comes to applying makeup. Contacts are nice because eyeglasses may get in the way if your teen plays sports and girls like their pretty eyes to show instead of being hidden by eyeglasses. Your teen needs to be responsible so that she will take care of them and put on her makeup with eye care in mind. If you misuse cosmetics when wearing contacts, you may develop allergies, dry eye, injury, infection, or deposits on the lenses. There are a lot of things you can do to safely put on makeup if you wear contacts. Here are some tips and product information when it comes to applying makeup safely around the eyes:

? Wash your hands prior to putting in each contact, then apply makeup

? Don't expose your eyes to water while wearing contacts

? Take out the lenses before you remove your makeup. Avoid greasy or oily makeup removers as they may build up on the contact lenses

? Avoid getting too close to the eye with any type of makeup

? Use makeup that is hypoallergenic to avoid sensitivity. Use only well known trusted brand names

? Use water soluble makeup

? Don't use waterproof mascara as it may permanently adhere to the lens. Also avoid mascara that contains volume building fibers

? Avoid eye shadow that is powder. Use only gel, liquid or cream. Never use eye shadow that is frosted or iridescent. These may contain oyster shells or mica.

? Do not use eyeliner that is directly drawn on the rim of the eye. Keep all eyeliner pencils sharp enough so the wood doesn't scratch the surface of the eye

? Use pressed powders

? Don't use hairspray or other aerosols if you have already put in your lenses. Allow all hairspray to settle before walking into a room that has just been sprayed. Many times hair products can irritate the eyes and they are more susceptible now to problems because you wear contacts.

? Keep all nail polish remover and perfumes away from your contacts.

? Never swap makeup application sponges or brushes with your friends and wash your application brushes frequently

? Don't put on make up if your eyes are already red or swollen, this will only irritate them more

? Beware of flaking mascara because pieces of nylon can reach the eye and never purchase mascara refills

? Never use saliva or water to thin cosmetics

? Never swap your contacts with your friends

? Never wear the contacts if they become cracked, chipped or torn

? You may want to use an eye wash to remove any excess oils from makeup residual ? Replace your cosmetics every six months to avoid bacterial growth

? Never apply eye makeup while in a car or worse yet while driving

If your teenager follows a few common sense ways of putting on makeup properly and purchasing the right products, there should be no problems with the contacts, or maintaining eye health and safety.

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying contact lenses, reading glasses, safety glasses and more. Her many articles found on <a target="_new" href="http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net">http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net/reading_glasses.htm">http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net/reading_glasses.htm</a> give information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

Contact Lens Chaos with Colorful Eyes

2009-01-10T07:40:00.001-08:00

If you have teenagers, then you will encounter this end-of-the-world dilemma at some point if you haven't already. There's a big party or concert or some other function that everyone who is anyone is going to be attending and your teenager wants to stand out and have this be their night (although they'll never admit it).

Although it was years ago for most of us, if you think hard enough you can still remember what is was like not having the undivided attention from someone that you thought was the best thing walking the face of the earth. Times may have changed, but certain cultural habits never do. So how can you stand out in the crowd gracefully and attractively without doing something crazy that you will regret down the road?

Try wearing a pair of colored contact lenses. You will be amazed by how much influence and appeal something as simple as the color of one's eyes can have over the masses. With so many varieties and new colors to pick from, you can find a colored contact to fit almost any occasion.

To make matters even better, you don't even have to need vision correction to wear cosmetic contact lenses. You may even have access to a greater variety of tints because several contact lens manufacturers only produce certain colors for certain types of contact lenses.

This doesn't mean that those who do need vision correction are limited in their choices of colored contacts. With newly developed technology, almost all types of contact lenses including toric, rigid gas permeable and soft disposable lenses can be specially ordered with your favorite color tinted in the lens.

So the next time you are in the midst of the crowd and feel yourself blending in rather than standing out, try wearing a stunning colored contact lens to intensify and add vibrancy to your eyes. Remember, it has been said that eyes are the windows to the soul. Sometimes those windows just need a little color added to them to get people to stop and take notice. Talk with your optician today about ordering a pair of colored contact lens!

Mike Schwartz is the owner of the popular web site <a target="_new" href="http://www.bestcontactlensesonline.com">Best Contact Lenses Online</a> His site provides useful tips, resources, and reviews to help you make the best decision when purchasing contact lenses on the Internet.

What Exactly is a Tan Towel?

2009-01-10T07:30:00.001-08:00

Many of us have heard about the latest trend in self-tanning, which comes in the form of a moist towelette, called a Tan Towel. How exactly does it work? It's actually very simple. A towelette, similar to a baby wipe, is impregnated with dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, DHA is the safest, most effective ingredient in sunless tanning. As a colorless chemical derived from glycerin, it interacts with amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change. The resulting color change usually lasts anywhere from five to seven days, depending upon individual skin chemistry.

A Tan Towel self tanning towelette can be applied to clean, dry skin to produce an even, natural looking color which will develop in approximately 3-4 hours. It is generally not recommended to apply moisturizers after a Tan Towel application, since it could potentially interfere with the tanning process. One of the many benefits of tanning towels is that they dry within seconds, and tend to be nearly odorless, which allows for you to get dressed right away.

Tanning towelettes such as Tan Towel do not contain any added dyes or stains, and thus will not produce orange color or stain clothing the way many messy self tanning lotions, creams, or sprays can. Depending upon the actual brand, most tans will last anywhere from 3-5 days.

Tanning towels can also be used several days in a row to achieve a deeper level of color. However, it is important to note that although you can go into the sun after applying a Tan Towel, it is not going to protect you from the sun's harmful rays.

If you are a self tanning enthusiast and you have not yet tried Tan Towels, you are missing out on one of the simplest, cleanest, safest ways to achieve a healthy, natural looking self tan! For more information on Tan Towels, you can visit http://www.sensationalskin.net/

Paige Hallett is a skin care product consultant at Sensational Skin, and holds a Masters Degree in Business from Pepperdine University. For more information on Tan Towel, please visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.sensationalskin.net/">http://www.sensationalskin.net/</a>

New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability

2009-01-10T07:10:00.001-08:00

Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from the vitreous humor of fish has shown great promise. This method is highly efficient and easier than derivation from rooster combs and other traditional sources of HA.

Specifically, scientists have pinpointed a way to derive highly pure Hyaluronic acid from the vitreous humor of fish. This method has the potential to be extremely important for the commercial Hyaluronic acid market as it provides an easy, safe and economical way to synthesize high amounts of Hyaluronic acid. If patent approved, the process could make Hyaluronic acid products even more readily available and could help scientists in the search for uses of Hyaluronic acid other than Hyaluronic acid injections, supplements, beauty products, liquids and serums.

The specific protocol to obtain pure HA from vitreous humor of fish consists of the following:

1: Using platinum electrodes for protein electrodeposition.

2. Diafiltration, which reduces ethanol consumption

3: Redissolution of the pellet

4: Alkaline treatment of concentrated extracts

There are many competitive advantages to this new process of creating hyaluronic acid. The two most compelling advantages are that the process results in higher quality HA, and requires less alcohol use which makes the process easier and more economical.

Hyaluronic Acid Resources is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/">http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/.</a>

Discover Why Tanning Beds Wed Technology With Cosmetics

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

Since a sun tan tan is in vogue, it has created high demand for tanning equipment such as tanning beds and tanning booths. This has motivated research for sophisticated and affordable tanning equipment.

Many innovative tanning devices are available for striking tan at very reasonable prices. The following are common tanning devices available in the market:

* Tanning Beds
* Tanning Booths
* Tanning Canopies
* Tanning Lamps

Tanning Beds : Two type of tanning beds are available in the market. Commercial tanning beds have wide range of user-friendly features and fit for longer use. The commercial tanning beds are large, programmable and expensive. Usually only Tanning saloons install these tanning beds.

There are many specifications laid down to regulate tanning saloons. Only well-trained saloon employees can handle and program these tanning beds for clients. They also suggest the number of treatments needed to achieve and maintain the desired effect.

Home tanning beds are normally smaller and most of them are foldable and consume very little space. They are easy to use and very effective even with their limited features. All members of your family can use it. Therefore, it is cheaper to use a home tanning bed.

Tanning Booths: Tanning booths are a vertical version of tanning bed. Instead of lying, you have to stand in tanning booth and ultraviolet lights hit your body from all around. Most saloons will provide stools to sit on while you enjoy the tan.

Tanning Canopy: This canopy only has a tanning roof. You need to use your own bed and chair below it. Tanning canopies are cheap and convenient. You can store them easily. However, you have to roll over to tan you full body under a canopy.

Tanning Lamps: Some people like to tan only the face or hands. They can use Tanning lamps. These are small, economic and compact enough to carry.

Tips To Own A Tanning Bed At Least Cost Many tanning bed companies offer huge discounts on tanning beds. They also offer a monthly payment plan to purchase tanning equipment.

With a few dollars per month, you can get a gorgeous look and become the talk of the town. If you still suspect the utility of tanning equipment, try purchasing pre-owned tanning equipment or tanning beds. Many people, who upgrade to better equipment, sell their tanning bed at throwaway prices in garage sales or online auction sites.

You can often pick up very good bargains here. Since the tanning equipment and beds are electrically operated, gorgeous looks are now just a 'click' away!

Find out all you need to know about tanning beds. Are they safe? Do they work? Why should you use tanning beds instead of normal sunshine... Click <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/tanning-equipment.html">http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/tanning-equipment.html</a>

Cosmetic Surgery Procedures - Buttock Lift

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

Every patient has their own individual needs for plastic surgery. Reshaping the buttock to the region of one's body can be performed by a procedure called the buttock lift. Depending on the patient, sometimes liposuction and implants are also used to compliment the procedure and produce a more desirable shape.

Patients who have a large amount of loose skin on their buttock region are perfect candidates for a buttock lift. The operation will remove the extra skin and lift the buttock which results in an optimal position with tighter skin and a better texture. Although incisions are made during the procedure scars can be placed so that they are hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Occasionally buttock lifts are performed on patients who have also undergone tummy tuck or liposuction procedures. This procedure helps remove excess fat from the body but will sometimes leave behind loose skin that has lost its elasticity. On the other hand, some patients desire a fuller buttock shape which requires the use of implants. These implants are made of a material that can't rupture, deflate or spill. This procedure is referred to as buttock augmentation.

Buttock lifts have gained popularity in the United States as of late. There has been a 152% increase in these procedures between 2002 and 2004. In 2004 there were approximately 4000 buttock lift procedures performed.

To learn more about <a target="_new" href="http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com/topics/buttocklift.html">Buttock Lifts</a> and other <a target="_new" href="http://colorado.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com">cosmetic surgery procedures</a> please visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com">http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com</a>. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyper links.

How Does Sunless Tanning Lotion Work?

2009-01-08T19:20:00.001-08:00

Perhaps you want a suntanned look for just one occasion such as an evening out. Maybe you want something with more even coverage and a longer life. Or, maybe you've looked at all options available in sunless tanning products and decided to get your tan the old-fashioned way, after all. All of this is perfectly fine. If you choose the latter, however, be sure to take measures to protect your skin.

UVB rays, at 290 to 320 nm, and UVA rays, at 320 to 400 nm are the most harmful to our skin. UVB is easier to protect against than UVA, but both cause very real damage. Even when using a sunless tanning lotion, it is usually necessary to use sunscreen. They don't all come with sunscreen added.

Our skin protects us from UV damage by producing melanin, a substance that absorbs the harmful rays in order to protect our DNA. When the body produces melanin, our skin darkens, taking on a darker appearance, and this is how we get a suntan. Sunless tanning lotion works to make us darker by replicating this process using a chemical called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA.)

DHA adds color to skin by interacting with the amino acids in dead skin cells. As these skin cells are shed, the color fades. The effects of sunless tanning lotion last from five to seven days, depending on the quality of the product, application, and the individual's characteristics.

Sunless tanning lotion works particularly well for people with fairer complexions, allowing them to achieve a darker tan than they would through sun exposure.

To get the best application from a sunless tanning lotion, make sure to clean and exfoliate areas where the lotion will be applied first. Apply the lotion in a circular motion, instead of a back-and-forth or brush-like motion. It's often necessary to wait for at least fifteen minutes after application of the lotion, as it can stain or rub off. Lighter application is recommended for areas like knees, elbows, and ankles. It's always a good idea to patch test the product before use. Finally, be aware that some lotions can make some wearers look orange, rather than golden tan.

With sunless tanning lotion, you can go to the beach and not sit in the sun! You will still be able to hit the boardwalk with what should be a flawless tan.

What Is This Passion for Tanning?

2009-01-08T09:20:00.001-08:00

Tanned skin is very popular among gorgeous women. Everybody wants to have attractive bronzed looks. Whether you are on a date, a business trip or partying, a perfect tan can make you the center of attraction.

Having a tan is hot, and many teens and celebrities across the country seem to agree. Throughout the 20th century and indeed in the previous one, men and women hung out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays to get a tan. However, with the advent of tanning beds you can enjoy the perfect tan right in the privacy of your home or saloon.

Tanning results from sunrays. The sun emits two types of radiations - UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis) causing sunburns. UVA radiation penetrates the lower layers (the dermis) and causes tanning. However, a sunbath exposes our body to unlimited and uncontrolled dose of ultraviolet radiations. Studies have proved that an overdose of these radiations can cause skin cancer.

Sunbathing is a natural process of tanning, but it takes a lot of time. The young generation is not fortunate enough to have enough free time for sunbathing as earlier generations had. Many of them may not have spare time during the day at all.

Tanning beds and tanning lotions have emerged to help them. The tanning beds create a similar environment as under the sun. Unlike sunrays, however, a tanning bed controls the amount and nature of rays. This ensures that the harmful effects of radiation are controlled. This is a great advantage of tanning beds and you can enjoy the perfect tan without exposing your skin to harmful radiation.

Tanning beds control the amount and time of ultraviolet radiation. A tanning bed programs the emission and intensity of ultraviolet rays according to the recipient's body. The tanning beds stop the radiations after the stipulated time. In fact, a tanning bed is like a controlled dose of ultraviolet rays.

Tanning machines and tanning beds require a few precautions because of the presence of ultraviolet light. Some of the precautions required for tanning beds are:

* You should always wear protective eye goggles while using the tanning beds. Tanning saloons have the goggles available for their clients. Never use a tanning bed without the goggles because ultraviolet rays are more harmful to the retina than to your skin.

* Tanning Bed Exposure Timings: It is important to observe the tanning bed timings. Over exposure at the tanning beds could be harmful. Exposure times also vary with the brand of bed. Make sure you are following the manufacturer's guidelines. You can check other regulations with local Department of Health & Human Services.

Using a tanning bed is quite a simple activity. Just a few sessions and you will find everyone asking about where you have been to!

Find out all you need to know about tanning beds. Are they safe? Do they work? Why should you use tanning beds instead of normal sunshine? Click <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/">http://www.tanning-beds-101.com/</a>

Complexion Problems - Getting a Clear, Healthy Complexion

2009-01-08T08:50:00.001-08:00

Most of us do. There are the few lucky people who have near-perfect skin tone and color, and who never break out with an acne blemish, and yet their skin stays perpetually moisture balanced and clear.

What is their secret? And is there a way for you to duplicate this perfection, or are you doomed to a life of never-ending, genetically-impossible-to-defeat complexion problems?

The good news is, there are some simple ways you can greatly improve your complexion. Some may seem fairly common sense, and other may be something you never thought of, nor incorporated into your skin care routine.

1.) Adding a splash of lemon juice to your drinking water is a healthy complexion booster. Lemon juice can help clarify your skin tone. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

2.) Using a gentle toner in your cleansing routine (after cleansing but before moisturization)will help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and prevent blackheads from forming.

3.) Supplement your daily diet with a good multivitamin specifically formulated for skin health. There are some great skin supplements today that will help eliminate complexion problems and produce noticeable improvements in your complexion with continued and consistent use.

4.) Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week. Even if you are prone to breakouts, gentle exfoliation is still a must for smooth, new skin cell turnover, and great tone and clarity. If you have any acne blemishes, just work around them to prevent further irritation.

5.) Another great weapon against acne breakouts are herbal acne remedies. The quality "real deal" herbal acne supplements will not only help to eliminate acne, but also will help to heal existing blemishes, and minimize scarring by delivering potent vitamins and herbs which soothe and heal the skin.

6.) Eat your antioxidants! Eat a diet rich in natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This includes dark leafy greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants combat free radicals, the primary perpetuator of healthy skin cell destruction and deterioration.

7.) Take a few moments to give yourself a relaxing facial massage in your cleansing routine (preferably while cleansing, for ease of movement). Take advantage of skin cleansing time by gently massaging the facial muscles. This helps increase circulation, and even helps encourage skin cell turnover for a fresher, more vibrant complexion and a healthy glow.

8.) Get your ZZZs. Nothing wreaks havoc on one's complexion more than lack of sleep. Chronic inadequate sleep results in loss of color, a "slackening" of the facial tone due to muscle fatigue, and even can contribute to stress-induced breakouts.

Following these eight simple rules to perfect skin will really help conquer your complexion problems. Especially when combined with the right skin care products, this routine will have people noticing how beautiful your skin is in no time!

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of Herbal-Therapeutics.com <a target="_new" href="http://www.herbal-therapeutics.com">http://www.herbal-therapeutics.com</a>, an herbal remedy and natural skin care product focused site bringing the latest in advanced natural skin care technology for acne, aging & wrinkles, rosacea, and general skin care and health.

A Guide to Hair Salon Equipment

2009-01-08T00:01:00.001-08:00

Hair salons require many different types of equipment to ensure the business is run efficiently. Because many different items are required, it is not necessary that each piece of salon equipment be new. It is possible to find good quality, used hair salon equipment that will serve the purpose of new equipment.

Basic hair salon equipment consists of styling chairs, shampoo chairs, washbasins, hair dryers, mirrors, and trolley carts. These pieces of equipment are available in a large variety of styles. Many salons opt to purchase basic, inexpensive, equipment that is simply functional. Other salons choose to purchase equipment that works toward creating a certain feel or ambiance in their salon. There are many retailers that specialize solely in "high end" designer hair salon equipment. For an additional cost, these pieces can be customized to match a salon's d?cor and color scheme.

Many salons are expanding the services they offer clients by adding in day spa services. Day spa services may include manicures, pedicures, tanning, facials, waxing, and massages. When these types of services are offered there is specific hair salon equipment that must be added to the salon's equipment inventory. Many of the items are pieces of equipment that are quite costly. For example, a new pedicure station can cost a few thousand dollars, prompting some salon owners to purchase used hair salon equipment to save money. For this reason, used hair salon equipment is a rapidly expanding business.

When salons expand the services they offer they often choose to sell hair care, skin, and body products. To appropriately display the items they must purchase display racks. The type of display racks they choose will depend on the size of the inventory that will be displayed and how much square footage they have to dedicate to the display. Hair salon equipment retailers typically offer a large selection of display tables, racks, and shelving for sale.

There are a growing number of retailers that specialize in selling used hair salon equipment. Many of these retailers are easily found online through search engines. Much of the used equipment that is offered is in very good condition and is a good investment for a salon owner. Used hair salon equipment is a wise choice, particularly for a new salon owner who is just starting out.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-salonequipment.com">Salon Equipment Info</a> provides detailed information about beauty, hair, nail, tanning salon equipment, as well as wholesale and discount salon equipment. Salon Equipment Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-hairextensions.com">Hair Extensions Web</a>.

The Art Of Perfume Notes - What Are They?

2009-01-07T05:30:00.001-08:00

In this article we will take an in depth look at what levels of notes occur in a fragrance, as well as what is involved in each level.

So what exactly are these notes? Let's take a look.

Base Notes ? This is the finale of every good cologne. The ingredients used here hold everything together. Musk is a common ingredient that is used as a base note.

Now that you are "in the know", next time you go to buy that special cologne, you may be able to give the clueless sales representative a crash course in fragrance study!

Divine Food for Divine Beauty

2009-01-06T23:00:00.001-08:00

Excerpted from the book "Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You" by Tonya Zavasta. The book is available at: <a href="http://www.beautifulonraw.com/html/righttobe.html" target="_new">http://www.beautifulonraw.com/html/righttobe.html</a>

The phrase "natural beauty" has been abused and misused beyond restoration. The modern use is almost never associated with its true meaning. Someone said there should be a portrait of a healthy person in a museum so people would know what they are talking about. If we don't know what a healthy person looks like, how do we know what natural beauty is?

In our unnatural world, the word "natural" no longer means without effort, at least not in the realm of obtaining your best look. One thing is a must in defining natural beauty: its achievement must not involve any sacrifice of health. None, period. If health is compromised in any way beauty is not natural.

Our body was created in the image of God, the Supreme Beauty. When our actions are in opposition to nature, the results are different types of bodily ills, deformities, and ugliness. Since there can be no natural beauty without eating 100 percent natural food, most of you have never seen the natural you.

There is an urgent need for another word. The contemporary meaning of natural is too far from the divine. I suggest filling this void with "rawsome", a new word circulating in the raw food community. It is a combination of two words:" raw" and "awesome" with the meaning being something between natural and divine. The diet of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds also needs to be renamed. I have often been told that the phrase "the raw food diet", sounds like eating raw meat, particularly sushi, which is misleading. The raw food diet is so awesome that it should be called the very name it inspired- the Rawsome Diet.

Most of us feel our appearance lacks something. In reality, ugliness is more about excess. Toxic accumulations in our bodies are responsible for stealing our health and attractiveness. Beauty lies latent under cushions of retained fluids, deposits of fat, and sick tissues. Your beauty is buried alive, but in most cases it can be revived in a version that will be satisfactory to you. You must take immediate action to revitalize it. When you do, your uncovered beauty will surprise and delight you.

Eating cooked food will leave residues the body cannot utilize, and they will be deposited in places our Creator never intended. Everything not fully digested and properly eliminated, the body will treat as an abnormal substance. It will pocket these toxins as far away from the vital organs as possible--on the peripheries of the body--where it will invariably be reflected in our outward appearance. If the body cannot use it inside, it will deposit it on the outside. Nutrients from the food you eat spiral upward to the epidermis, and their quality will determine whether you will have a glowing clear complexion or skin spotted with growths, such as moles and skin sores.

Some physical characteristics of our face and body we cannot change--they were determined prior to our birth. But the consumption of the raw plant diet as an adult will make a difference in the texture of skin and hair, the health of nails, weight and complexion. All of these traits and more are determined by daily choices, with food being one of the most important and, luckily, the one we can fully control.

The Rawsome diet is the most suitable one for human physiology. It is salubrious to the body's health and salutary to its beauty. The ability to renew cells is built into your body, and the body itself is capable of making you look more attractive. After all, we were designed to bloom continuously as old cells get replaced by new ones. The Rawsome diet makes the most of this rejuvenating ability of our bodies.

Rawsome beauty is not manufactured from the outside but cultivated from the inside by nutritionally charged food. Whole raw food restores the integrity of every cell and facilitates the optimal operation of every organ inside and out. The body, having been awakened by the improved diet, in its wisdom, will reach out to the places where health was lacking, and you will gradually see your beauty surfacing. The Rawsome diet will eliminate all the toxins on a deeper level and bring amazing changes to your appearance.

Only the body sustained on raw food will host natural beauty, or should we say Rawsome beauty. The landscape of the body will change. The surface of the skin will become soft and smooth but still firm and supple. Visible pores will diminish. A sallow skin with a yellow pallor will turn into a porcelain-like complexion. The whites of eyes, once red, will become bright with a bluish tinge. As natural collagen production improves, it will fill in the places where it is needed as in hollow cheeks. Raw food eating will clarify and refine your features and bring delicacy to your face.

On the Rawsome Diet, you will marvel at how the Master Artist will make the most of your individual features and bring balance to the entire face. Texture, hues, and shape will be harmoniously arranged into a genteel whole. Perfection and imperfection will be tied together into a unique original version of beauty.

Each time I see a woman, I study her appearance, and I see not just the way she looks but the way she could look. What I see is how far her image falls short of her potential beauty. I perceive her beauty as it would stand out after the body has cleansed itself from toxins and excesses.

From age 15 until recently, I wore my hair permed, only to discover at 45 that straight hair in my natural color was the best possible frame for my face. Did my preference change? Not at all. My face did. So let me give you a hint, if you need a camouflaging hairdo, you are not looking your best. The changes in your face brought about by raw foods will bring the freedom to arrange your hair in any way you want. When your peer group is thinking: "I am losing my looks", you will be finding yours. At 45, I enjoy looking in the mirror while before I detested my reflection.

As the cleansing initiated by this diet is completed, you will be very pleased to see how you were meant to look. Your body will exhibit beauty and dignity. You will become satisfied, even fascinated, with your appearance. When you look your very best, you look perfect, in a sense that you are as close to the divine image for yourself as you could ever be. You accept yourself completely. Natural beauty is above conformity; it doesn't demand to be accepted by the dictates of the beauty norm.

People who have been on the raw food lifestyle for several years begin to have a glow, the kind not often seen in middle-aged people. Optimal health is recognized by an emerging radiance. Glow is hard to fake because it is internal. It comes from an abundance of clear, pink, almost transparent cells that light up the face. Only superior blood circulation can bring this transfiguring glow. Several years on the raw food diet will make you look as though you just stepped out of a painting by Renoir--the impressionist best known for his preoccupation with light.

I have come to believe if you do not embrace the 100 percent raw food diet, you will never meet The Most Beautiful You. The best proof that the Rawsome diet is optimal for the body is it makes you beautiful. Slim face, slender waist, and clear skin with smooth coloration-these subtle changes will convince you the raw plant diet is the best for good health and graceful beauty. No woman knows her true beauty until she cleanses her body completely of all waste.

You can say there are people who are beautiful, and they are not on this diet. That is true. It is hard to believe, but even they haven't seen the best of themselves. Dissatisfaction with one's appearance arises not from perceiving our bodies inaccurately but because subconsciously we are aware we haven't achieved our optimal look. The Rawsome diet gives a feeling of authenticity, an assurance we have become what we were meant to be.

Raw food not only corrects beauty's shortcomings but also lifts the limitations of one's spirit and releases strains and tensions in both your mind and body. People on the raw food diet have an aura about them, a transcendent nobility and complacent dignity. Sickness is goodness lost, and our unhappiness is a longing for goodness. One takes in the goodness in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables and feels its purifying process on the inside. Goodness in one's food summons up goodness in one's appearance and character.

Do you think it is hard to follow this life style? Women have done so many outrageous and dangerous things to themselves in the pursuit of beauty, I believe they should at least try the Rawsome lifestyle, which promises to transform them into beautiful people. What a woman won't do for health, she will do for beauty. This is the first time beauty asks no sacrifice from health.

?2003Tonya Zavasta

This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety as long as the entire article, byline and URL are included.

About The Author

Tonya Zavasta is the author of the book "Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You" and of the soon to be published its sequel "Beautiful on Raw". In these books Tonya comes across as an ambassador for plain looking women in their quest for physical beauty. Tonya knows firsthand what it is to be humiliated, face adversity and meet the complex obstacles of daily living with a congenital disability. Facing several reconstructive hip surgeries to enable her to walk, she sought a way to offset the devastating effects of anesthetics on her health and appearance. She became more and more convinced that the solution to her quest for health and beauty was to be found in the raw food lifestyle or the Rawsome Diet as she calls it. The Rawsome Diet not only helped her to sail courageously through troublesome times, brought her general health and appearance to an all time best, but also opened a new chapter of her life. Firmly believing that the roots of under-performing and under-achieving lie in feeling and looking less than your personal best, she is on a mission: she wants every woman to look and feel beautiful. Tonya is convinced that by eating as God intended everyone can look uniquely beautiful as God envisioned.

To learn more about how you can uncover your Rawsome beauty, visit: <a href="http://www.beautifulonraw.com" target="_new">www.beautifulonraw.com</a>

<a href="mailto:Tonyazavasta@hotmail.com">Tonyazavasta@hotmail.com</a>

6 Ways to Destroy a Beautiful Complexion

2009-01-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Sun damage

http://www.themoldlab.com
GrandPa@GrandPaGraham.com

Bad make up

Use only skin products without these poisons. Check the labels.

Dryness

Good chemical free moisturizers will help. Also moving to a lake will help.

Bad diet

Look up the food pyramid put out by the US government. Stick with this and you will generally be ok.

Air toxins

Also chemicals in the air from household mold will cause the skin cells to toughen up and get scaly. The molds live in the walls and under sinks and send these chemicals into the air of your home.

http://www,tennesseemold.com

Illness

Of course, being sick makes you look terrible.

You don't need a dermatologist for most of these probems. Just common sense and a little time checking ingredient lists.

For 30 years, Dr Graham has been helping people treat and prevent disease by showing them how to live in a clean environment.

Soothing The Itch - Natural Remedies For Itchy Skin

2009-01-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

Has your scalp or skin ever been uncomfortably itchy? Do you know someone who has an itchy scalp or itchy skin? Itching can cause extreme misery for the sufferer, however many causes of itchiness can be solved with simple remedies. There are many reasons why the scalp or skin may be irritated. So before you seek a dermatologist's help, ask yourself the following:

1)Are you using a shampoo or shower gel made from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate? Although these detergents lather wonderfully they can dry your scalp or skin out to the point of being extremely itchy. Consider switching to a natural soap-based liquid or bar cleanser, or try making your own cleansers yourself. Natural soaps are much kinder to the skin and scalp because they are made from vegetable oils instead of petroleum derivatives.

2)Is your laundry detergent making your skin itch? Laundry detergents are made from harsh cleansers and they are so strong that some of the residue may be left on your clothes even after the rinse cycle. When you dry your clothes, that laundry detergent residue is left on them. When you wear your clothes the laundry detergent residue comes into contact with your skin. As an alternative try a natural laundry powder available at health food stores or make your own soap, grate it, and use it as a natural laundry powder.

3)Are you suffering from allergic reactions to one or more food items? Commercially prepared foods contain many different ingredients which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Try changing your diet by eliminating one food item at a time and see if this helps.

4)Has your skin come into contact with a bacteria or fungus that could cause itching (like athlete's foot)? Try applying tea tree oil, or a product containing tea tree oil to the spot that is irritated. According to Dr. Ruth Winter, M.S., author of A Consumer's Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients, tea tree oil is "eleven to 13 times stronger than carbolic acid" and is non-toxic to the skin.

5) Are you suffering from bug bites? Bites from mosquitos and other insects usually swell and cause intense itching. Try applying several drops of lavender essential oil directly on the bug bite itself to soothe the itching.

Ololade Franklin publishes Making Good Scents(TM) a newsletter for those who want to make their own skin care products. For information about Making Good Scents(TM) visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.MakingGoodScents.com">http://www.MakingGoodScents.com</a>

Unique Fun Contact Lenses - How To Stand Out In A Crowd

2009-01-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

Unique fun contact lenses are what will make you stand out from your friends. Since special effects contact lenses are created for cosmetic purposes, they come with a power of 0.00, which means that they make no correction for your eyes. This in turn means that anyone can wear them. So, if you need something for a party, the night club, or just to scare your kid's friends, then there is something available for you.

Probably the most common contacts to be classed as unique fun contact lenses are those that just change the color of your eyes. Having striking blue eyes when they used to be brown can have a pretty dramatic effect, especially on those that know you. And vica versa, having say green eyes and suddenly turning up in cool smoldering browns will certainly get people talking! And even if you don't know the people you are with, say at a nightclub, who can resist baby blues?

But maybe, you are a little more reckless, a little more adventurous than that? Well, how about cats eye contact lenses? Imagine talking to someone you had not met before in a bar, and they raised their eyelids to reveal a feline gaze? Wow! Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but you can see the impact that you could have.

Or maybe it's Halloween, and you want to give those pesky trick or treaters something to remember you by? How about some Vampire eyes? Would that do it? My guess is that you would cut down on the number of treats that you give out.

Or you could try out zombie eyes. They are quite similar to Vampire eyes in that they are red, but with some subtle additional colors to give a slightly different effect. Either way, the effect can be pretty scary, so remember to stick a health warning on your porch before showing your eyes to anybody of a nervous disposition.

You can even be a little creative too, and be truly unique. Some manufacturers will allow you to choose your own colors, so the world is your oyster. No correction is used in the manufacture of the lenses, so that the core element of the lens will fit anyone. You should expect to pay more for this type of lens though, because they are not mass produced.

You can even get blank out eyes, which means that the lens is one solid colour, with a little peep hole in the middle for you to see out of. Pitch black mirrored contact lenses are probably the ultimate in cool, but there are others too. These too can be fun, but they have use in dramatics as well. A white blank out lens can give a very effective impression of blindness, so if you are into acting, fun contact lenses can be a great prop.

The article was written by Charlie Cory, who is the owner of FX Eyes, a website dedicated to providing advice about buying special effects contact lenses online.

You can visit his website about <a target="_new" href="http://www.fx-eyes.com">special effects contact lenses</a>.

Cellulite Clinical Study results

2009-01-06T04:20:00.001-08:00

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of Vital Science's Cellu-System products which consist of the following four items:

Cellu-System Toning Tea
Cellu-System Toning Capsules
Cellu-System Toning Cream
The study looked for effectiveness of these products in reducing the visible appearance of cellulite over an eight week trial period.

Selection of Participants

34 participants were recruited through a community posting. Criteria for participation in the study was as follows:

Female

Over eighteen (18) years of age

No chronic or severe medical conditions that could affect results of the study

Not pregnant or nursing

No significant changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise) during the study

Obvious cellulite skin condition

Age ranges of participants who have completed is as follows:

Between 18 and 24 = 1
Between 25 and 30 = 5
Between 31 and 40 = 14
Between 41 and 50 = 5
From 51 and over = 9
Evaluation Tools:

Subjective evaluation by the participants

Professional evaluation by the practitioner through assessment of skin tone, hydration and appearance

Participants degree of satisfaction with their condition, both before and after the trial

Participants opinion of the products for: their effects, their ease of use, and side effects or benefits

Monitoring of weight

Thigh measurements

Before and after photos

Instructions

Participants were asked to attend the study clinic for a ? hour assessment at the beginning and at the end of the study period. During the eight week period, the instruction was as follows:

TEA - drink 1 cupful, one hour before retiring at night.

CREAM - apply to cellulite areas twice daily, once in the morning, once in the evening

CAPSULES - take two capsules in the morning.

For more information on Dermaglow telephone +44(0)800 328 7612, or e-mail <a href="mailto:info@dermaglow.co.uk">info@dermaglow.co.uk</a>; web site <a target="_new" href="http://www.dermaglow.co.uk">http://www.dermaglow.co.uk</a>

Face Lift Information

2009-01-06T00:20:00.001-08:00

As you age, your skin becomes slack and your muscles become less taut. This makes your skin sag and you look older than you actually are. People ask you if you are tired or sick or angry when you are actually in a pleasant mood. While it cannot restore skin elasticity, a facelift can make you look and feel years younger. Facelifts (rhytidectomy being the clinical term) are designed to pull the excess skin tight again and tighten the muscles underneath.

Different doctors recommend different modes of anesthetizing facelift patients for surgery, but you should discuss what you are comfortable with in your consultation. Patients on general anesthesia will sleep through the entire procedure but are more likely to be hospitalized for a day. The other option is to have local anesthesia and take a sedative. Patients who chose this option will be awake but relaxed and drowsy during the operation and due to the local anesthesia will feel no pain.

Then the incision is made behind the hairline to hide the scar and then around the front of the ear. Sometimes a second incision is made in the chin. The surgeon separates the skin from the underlying tissues and removes excess fat that affects the way that the skin hangs over the face. Then the facial muscles are tightened. Finally the skin is pulled up to the incision line and the excess is trimmed away and the incision is sewn back.

Pain associated with recovery from a face lift is usually minimal and most patients are glad that they had the surgery. Facelifts are often performed in conjunction with other types of cosmetic surgery including brow lift and eyelid surgery.

Want more Information about <A target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/articles/Facelift.htm">Face Lift</A> Cosmetic Surgery?

Find a qualified <A href="http://www.sleepingswan.com/" target="_new">Cosmetic Surgeon</A> in your area at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sleepingswan.com">http://www.sleepingswan.com</a>

Cancer in Your Shampoo?

2009-01-05T06:50:00.001-08:00

You may be amazed to discover that some of the common ingredients found in everyday personal care products are known to be potential carcinogens. Read the warning labels!

It has been a widely held belief that our skin protects us, like a barrier, against potentially harmful chemicals that we would not ordinarily eat or drink. At the same time, medical science has found a much more efficient delivery system for pharmaceutical products in "the patch," which is now used for everything from weight loss to smoking cessation to insulin.

Obviously, the skin is not as "solid" as we had imagined.

So we read the list of ingredients on the shampoo label, and we find things like propylene glycol, and sodium laurel (or laureth) sulfate. In the chemical world, these are industrial antifreeze and engine degreaser. On top of our skin, they are irritants. Inside our bodies, they are free radicals and cellular mutagens.

Sodium laurel sulfate is used because it is cheap, it creates mountains of foamy suds, and when salt is added it thickens up into that "rich" consistency we have been taught to expect and even admire. However, sodium laurel sulfate has been documented (see the Wall Street Journal, 11-1-88) to cause improper eye development in children, and cataracts in all ages; penetration into the brain, heart, and liver; nitrate absorption equal to eating an entire pound of bacon! (Nitrates are known carcinogens.) Yet, almost 20 years later, this ingredient is still found in nearly every cleansing product on the market.

By the way, the salt (yes, regular table salt) that is added to thicken it up is extremely drying to the skin.

SLS stays in the body and brain for five days. So if you wash your hair more often than once a week, you have a constant level of this chemical in your eyes, brain, organs, body, at all times. SLS is found in baby shampoos and body wash and toothpaste, including many so-called "natural" brands. Read the labels for yourself!

Propylene glycol is found in many beauty creams, cleansers, and makeup, as well as children's products, such as baby wipes. A clinical review published in 1991 by the America Academy of Dermatologists, Inc., showed that propylene glycol has been found to cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation), kidney damage, and liver abnormalities; it inhibits skin cell growth and damages cell membranes.

Propylene glycol is used because it is cheap and available. Its purpose in personal care products is to retain moisture content: for example, it keeps shaving cream from drying out. It works by drawing moisture to itself, either from the surrounding air (in high humidity) or, once applied to the body, from the lower layers of skin. So although it gives a surface feel of moistness, it is in reality drying the skin from the inside out.

Propylene glycol is used in the production of varnishes; the Material Safety Data Sheet states that through skin contact it causes liver and kidney damage. Is it in your body lotion? Read the labels!

Other ingredients of concern include coal tar, a known carcinogen used in shampoos to prevent scalp itching; PEG and nitrosamines which are both easily absorbed and are known carcinogens; PAH in petrolatum (petroleum jelly) which is a probable carcinogen; ethylene oxide which is usually found with PEG and is a probable carcinogen.

There are actually over 10,500 ingredients available for use in cosmetics and personal care products, and nearly 90% of them have NOT been evaluated for safety by the FDA or other governmental groups. Independent research has uncovered substantial data in the area of harmful ingredients and toxins, and some of the research goes back to the Cold War when Russia was looking for a way to "subdue" America for an easy takeover (the chemical to be used was fluoride).

So, what is a person to do? As the public is growing in awareness of the problem, thanks to more and more news articles (such as the June 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times mention of MIT (linked to nerve damage in lab tests) in some hair care products), a few health conscious companies are going to become very well known in the near future. Some of the companies specialize in a certain few products, mostly cosmetics and skin care, but only one has the broad range including skin care, cosmetics, dental, hair, household, pets, plants, as well as nutritional supplements of all types: antioxidants, Noni, trace minerals, weight loss, muscle building, anti-aging, and more.

Neways International manufactures a tremendously wide range of <a target="_new" href="http://www.ineways.com/healthshop">safe products</a> all without the use of harmful ingredients or toxins. It is the only company of its kind in the world. The mission is to produce the safest, most effective consumer products in the world without the use of harmful ingredients or toxins, and to improve the health, wealth, and happiness of people around the world.

Neways has helped hundreds of thousands of Independent Distributors in over 23 countries to achieve financial independence, greater freedom, and improved health. Even if you decide to simply be a consumer only, the safest alternatives available are with Neways International.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.ineways.com/healthshop">Charlotte Colby</a> is an Executive Level Independent Distributor with Neways. She has had a lifelong interest in health and nutrition, and currently seeks to educate the public about the dangers of harmful ingredients and toxins in common everyday personal care products and cosmetics. <a target="_new" href="http://www.ineways.com/healthshop">http://www.ineways.com/healthshop</a>

Look Years Younger In Minutes

2009-01-05T04:20:00.001-08:00

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first few lines or you are experiencing more advance signs of aging you can painlessly and safely achieve a healthier, youthful, wrinkle free beauty in minutes with these simple professional techniques used by the world's top makeup artists.

Lift a Sagging Jaw line ? After applying your foundation apply a very thin line of highlighter from ear to ear along the top of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly. Next apply a thin line of contour cream or shadow on the bottom and the underneath area of your jawbone. Blend thoroughly.

Make Wrinkles & Lines Disappear ? Before applying foundation use a Q- Tip or very thin makeup brush to apply a professional line filler product or highlighter inside the creases of your lines and wrinkles. Using the thin end of your makeup sponge or a clean Q-Tip gently blend.

Perform An Instance Face Lift ? A well groomed medium width brow with a strong arch will visual lift your face instantly. To create a well groomed brow with a strong arch pluck clean the area underneath the brow bone and shape the brow with widest part of the brow at the inner corner of your eye and the brow getting thinner has it goes out toward your temple. The highest part of the arch should be just above the outer edge of your pupil.

Create Fuller Younger Lips ? After covering the lip area with foundation and your lips with a lip cream or balm take a lip liner the same shade or a shade slightly lighter then your lipstick and line just outside your lips natural lip line . Apply your lipstick with a lip brush blending lipstick to lip liner. Place a dab of pale light color lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Give Your Eyes A Quick Lift ? Applying eyeliner has close to lashes as possible line eyes from where the inner corner( tear duct ) of your eyes end to slightly pass the outer corner of your eyes. Has you get to the outer corner of your eye slightly tilt line upward to create a slight slant. This technique works whether you line just your upper lids or both your upper and bottom lids. Curl your lash with an eyelash curler before applying mascara.

Eileen Hammel President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert. <a target="_new" href="http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/">http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/</a>

Should You Get Hair Extensions?

2009-01-03T17:50:00.001-08:00

Are you sick and tired of your current hair style and want to change it immediately? Hair extensions can add instant length volume, thickness or highlights to your hair in just a few hours. They can be attached to your natural hair using many different methods available today. For example, there is bonding, cold and warm fusion, sew-in, braid-in, heat-sealed in and even clipped in. The hair that is used can be synthetic or human and varies in price and quality. The method of attachment often times dictates the type of hair that will be used.

Hair extensions can be a little pricey, especially if you are going for quality. You definitely get what you pay for with hair extensions, as they are not cheap. Many stylists receive special training from various hair extension companies and become certified to perform specific methods of attachment. Hair extensions are not a one size fits all, and some methods may not be suitable for certain hair textures and conditions.

Here is a list of the TOP FIVE reasons that women and men get hair extensions added to their natural hair.

1. Add INSTANT length, volume or thickness to their hair. They have always wanted long hair or thicker hair and for whatever reason have never been able to grow their own hair out.

2. Cover up a really bad hair cut. So, you got a really short shag hair style and you absolutely hate it? Solution: Hair Extensions

3. Add bold or subtle highlights to your hair without chemical processing.

4. Get a new look for a special occasion, i.e. wedding, prom, formal event

5. Just for fun!!!! Some people like to experiment with their hair styles. Hair extensions offer an instant new look.

In short, Hair Extensions can be a fun and exciting way to add length, volume and highlights to your natural hair. It is important to do your research on hair extensions by finding out about the different methods available, finding a qualified stylist and maintaining the hair extensions once they are in.

Perriann Rodriguez is the Author of the book: 2005's Most Popular Hair Extensions, available at <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.net">http://www.hairresources.net</a>, as well as many other feature articles on hair extensions, hair styles and beauty salons. She is also the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.com">http://www.hairresources.com</a>, a global online resource for hair styles and beauty salons

What Exactly is a Tan Towel?

2009-01-03T17:30:00.001-08:00

Japanese Hair Straightening

2009-01-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It goes by several different names - Japanese Straightening, Thermal Reconditioning, Straight Perm, and Japanese Straight Perm. So, what exactly can you expect after a thermal reconditioning service? Well, it's actually nothing short of miraculous, if you choose the right product and stylist.

I had my treatment done at a Japanese salon in Ohio that specializes in this service. After about six hours of sitting in the salon, being alternately shampooed, heated under intense heat lamps, blown out, flat ironed, and then going through the entire process again, I emerged from the salon with a completely retexturized, smooth and sleek head of hair. All together, the straightening process cost about $750, including a VERY generous tip and a large bottle of shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for my new tresses. The hourly rate for the service was $80, which is actually below most others that charge about $100 an hour. I was under strict instuctions to guard my hair from water or any type of moisture for the next 72 hours.

I was completely thrilled with my new hair. The light reflected off of it like crazy, and it blew naturally in the breeze, not at all dried out or artificial, like you might expect after a chemical treatment. It actually was in the best condition ever, which seemed counterintuitive since it had esentially just been through six hours of chemical and heat treatment. Nevertheless, it was absolutely and undeniably true.

I was told I would need to come back for a touch up on the new growth anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on how straight I wanted it to stay and the rate of hair growth. It is now six months later, and even though it has more body, it is still shiny and smooth. I actually like it a little more with some body at the roots. It gives it a little extra lift, and the remaining hair is still straight and manageable.

There are some things you want to look out for when searching for a salon that offers thermal reconditioning. First, find out which straightening product they use. The best Japanese Straightening System is Liscio, and the second is Yuko. Both are made in Japan. Any others are to be cautiously researched. Liscio has produced the best results on clients, and if you've read about it anywhere, there is nothing negative to be reported. This is the system the salon I went to used, and my results were healthy and beautiful. Second, make sure the technician performing the service has plenty of experience in the process. Any good salon will provide you with before and after pictures of their work.

Third, be sure to be open and honest with the stylist about any prior haircoloring or processing, so they can adjust the treatment accordingly for the best results. Don't fall in to the trap of buying expensive shampoos and conditioners like I did (I spent about $85 on shampoo and conditioner).

You can actually use several quality, gentle shampoos and intensive conditioners and get the same, if not better, results ( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-haircare-products-reviews.html ).

After Japanese Straightening, you do want to be sure to keep hair protected from the sun and moisturized, so frequent deep conditioning and an SPF spray or other UV protective hair product is highly recommended. You must wait at least one to two months before coloring your hair after the treatment, depending on your stylist's recommendations. If you can, go to a stylist who was actually trained by a top technician at the corporate headquarters for the system they use. This assures they have been trained correctly and specifically on how to get the best results possible.

What this means for you is a lower risk of getting a "botched" straightening job or damaged hair. Do your research. Get online and find the salons in your area that offer the service along with their credentials. After all, you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on something that is less than a superior result. The cost of the treatment can be very high, especially if your hair is particularly long or hard to "de-curl". Typically, the longer and curlier the hair, the longer the process takes, and the more you will spend.

Bottom line, if your hair is unruly, frizzy, or overly curly and you would like to have low maintenance, hassle free hair that is shiny and straight, the "Japanese Straight Perm" is just the thing for you. I know I will be going back for a second round!

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of the beauty and makeup product review and advice website CosmeticsGalore.com <a target="_new" href="http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com">http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com</a> and her new dedicated natural breast-enhancement site <a target="_new" href="http://www.natural-breast-guide.com">http://www.natural-breast-guide.com</a>.- providing reviews and research on everything from natural breast enhancement products and cellulite treatments to self tanners, acne treatments, and makeup. She is a cosmetics and beauty product researcher and enthusiast.

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

2009-01-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses several years ago, you were probably disappointed. Color contacts of the previous generation ether gave your eye color only a very slight change or your eyes looked blue but completely unnatural.

Creating color lenses that would truly transform brown eyes into sky blue or emerald green is a very difficult task, but modern color contact lenses can do it. The trick is to select the lenses that would work for you.

There are two types of color contacts - enhancement color contacts and opaque color lenses. Enhancers usually come in different shades of blue, green and gray and are designed to make your natural eye color look brighter. They are translucent and create a natural-looking effect. Unfortunately, enhancement color contacts work only for light eyes. Over brown eyes, enhancers would be either completely invisible or create only a very light tint that was not enough to change your color.

Opaque color contacts, on the other side, are specially designed for brown eyes. As the name suggests, they aren't transparent; only the center of the lens is clear, so you can still see. Opaque lenses aren't solid color, of course: they simulate the natural pattern of a human eye.

However, not all opaque color contacts do a good job of recreating a natural pattern. Here, I will highlight the brands that create a vivid, but natural-looking, effect.

Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision looks very realistic, because the base color for each lens is actually a mix of three different shades - just as it usually is in the human iris. The lens is lighter toward the middle and darker at the edge, with a pattern imprinted on it. The color created is vivid, but dark, so Freshlook Colorblends won't make your eyes appear light. Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable color lenses. In my opinion, Amethyst and True Sapphire are their best colors.

Acuvue 2 Colors Opaques also create a beautiful, realistic effect. Like all Acuvue contacts, Acuvue 2 Colors is a comfortable lens. The lenses are designed to be replaced every two weeks - this is what the "2" in the name means. Acuvue 2 Colors is manufactured by Johnson ' Johnson.

Illusions, also by Ciba Vision, can transform your brown eyes into light blue or green. The effect they create is truly amazing. One drawback of Illusions, though, is that they are traditional, annual replacement contact lenses, which means that they are thicker and not as comfortable as Freshlook or Acuvue.

Problems opaque color contact lenses can create.

One problem is that a lens can slip a little on your eye, so part of your brown iris is visible. Most people, however, don't worry about it, because the brown is visible only under close scrutiny; otherwise, it blends with the black of your pupil.

Another problem is that opaque color lens might affect your vision. As you know, pupils get larger or smaller, depending on the lighting conditions - it is smallest under a bright light and largest in the dark. Since the clear part of color contact lens isn't adjustable, in low light situations, part of your pupil will be covered by the opaque lens and your vision will be decreased. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to see in the dark, just not as well as you would see if you weren't wearing your contacts. For this reason, driving at night while wearing your color contacts isn't recommended - at least, not until you know for sure how they affect your eyes.

If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try. Eyes are the focal point of your look, and you would be amazed how different you appear with eyes of a different color.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/">http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/</a>, where you can find unbiased information about eye health, all types of contact lenses and comparison of <a target="_new" href="http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html">color contact lenses</a>

Home Tanning Beds

2009-01-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

More and more people are opting to buy their own tanning beds rather than frequent a tanning salon. The main reason for this is that over a period of months or years, frequenting a salon can cost you thousands of dollars. That's money you could have spent on your own machine. And then there's the matter of time spent traveling to and from the salon. If you tan often, why not invest in a home tanning bed?

Indoor Tanning Beds

Very recently the World Health Organization issued a statement, backed up by the National Institutes of Health, recommending that no one under the age of eighteen should use an indoor tanning bed, citing tanning bed popularity among youth, high ultraviolet radiation levels in the beds, and a general increase in skin cancer cases.

Whether minors should be prohibited from using indoor tanning beds is a question of politics, but the point on safety is well taken by the majority of the tanning bed industry, as the warnings on their websites can attest. Indoor tanning beds must be used in moderation. A good rule of thumb is this: If you think your tan looks good, take a break from your tanning schedule.

Residential Tanning Beds

Residential tanning beds run off 120V or 220V power and take the form of two basic designs. Mostly likely the design you buy will be a horizontal tanning bed. Also known as capsules or clamshells, these beds consist of a lid lined with tubular ultraviolet lamps, and a glass or plastic "bench" contoured to fit the body. Set the timer, lie down on the bench, close the lid, rest your head on a pillow and allow the UV light to penetrate your skin. Relax. Turn your body over one time halfway through your session for even tanning.

Almost as common for home use is the vertical tanning bed, also known as a tanning booth or stand-up. The interior walls are lined with UV lamps to tan you on all sides simultaneously. Just step inside and close the door. A tanning booth tans with twice the speed of a clamshell tanning bed.

Portable tanning beds are also popular in the residential sector. A portable tanning bed consists of a "canopy" of UV lamps on a wheeled support structure. Position the hydraulically mounted canopy over your favorite deck chair or beach towel and you're golden. The best part: tanning canopies cost half as much as clamshell tanning beds. The down side: canopies don't deliver as high a quality tan as stand-ups or clamshells.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.i-tanningbeds.com">Tanning Beds Info</a> provides detailed information about home, commercial, and wholesale tanning beds for sale, as well as tanning bed lotion and other products and accessories. Tanning Beds Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-sunlesstanning.com">Sunless Tanning Web</a>.

Sexy People Have This: Do You?

2008-12-31T21:50:00.001-08:00

Nothing More Sexy than Self Confidence

What you see in the mirror is awesome and the sooner you accept that, the better! I adopted the attitude very early on that I was so incredible that men would swoon and women would be asking for beauty tips and I've carried myself with that attitude my whole life. Even when I wake up with a huge pimple in the middle of my forehead, even when my face puffed up with mental-pause nonsense (menopause, I laugh in your face), even when I do look horrid, I still think I'm the most awesome horrid; if nothing else, I'm the best, always. After all, who's to say I'm not.

I see myself as beautiful because that's how I want to see myself. You could say I'm my own best friend. I build myself up, rather than tear myself down. I do the same thing regarding health so even if I feel lousy, I'm more likely to say (if asked), that I feel fine, thank you very much. It's a mental game, yes, but it's a game I play to win. I believe (which makes it true for me) that if I tell myself positive things, then positive things will follow.

Catching yourself in a negative comment is step 1, so if you hear yourself saying anything negative or demeaning to yourself, just stop right then and there, and soften your self talk. There's no sense arguing about it. Just do it, and see what happens.

Finding Beauty in all Forms

I also truly appreciate the human form (i.e. from mountainous Jabba the Hut, to Kate Moss tiny twig thin) and I love it in all styles and shapes. When I meet someone I look first into their eyes. Can I see who's inside to find the real person and see their inner beauty? Only then do I see what's outside. How someone looks on the outside is, in my opinion, not reality. I learned this when I was a teenager and thought I was such a goddess that no man could resist. I quickly learn that sure, some fellows liked me best but other guys preferred my friend. Wow, reality bites! It was a major life lesson; beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

You are a lovely human being, male, female, short, tall, sleekly thin or lusciously thick. No matter what your outer shape displays, it is the beauty within you project outwardly that people see. It's confidence and an inner glow that attracts a mate. If you're embarrassed to believe you are lovely, or just won't believe it, practice saying, "I am awesome, I am lovable, I am friggen great and you just are missing if you can't see it." You're a beautiful lady, a gorgeous guy. We've all seen movie stars who suddenly take on "sex appeal" because of the power they project. Power has always been sexy, and self confidence is your inner power. Project your inner confidence, and the beauty shines through.

You deserve the very best life has to offer, and you deserve to believe in yourself. Today, tonight and throughout all of your days, see it, believe it and you will become it.

Just for fun, today as you go about your usual routine, pretend you are the richest, most beautiful creature alive. Smile at the world with the knowledge that you are perfect, window shop knowing you can have anything you want. Hold your head high, your back straight and notice how much better you feel with this newfound confidence. Notice also how people see you differently. They smile and nod. They wonder, what is it about that lady that makes me want to watch her? What's he got, that I don't? There is a seed of beauty and self confidence inside you. Water it, nurture it, and it will grow.

Kathryn Martyn, Master NLP Practitioner, EFT counselor, Weight Loss Mentor and owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.OneMoreBite-WeightLoss.com">OneMoreBite-Weightloss.com</a> is the author of "Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss," and "5 Steps to Blast Through Weight Loss Plateaus."

Get both e-books and learn the One More Bite method with "The Daily Bites" mini lessons in using EFT for weight loss and developing self confidence <a target="_new" href="http://www.OneMoreBite-WeightLoss.com/getnews.html">The Daily Bites</a>

Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search

2008-12-31T17:30:00.001-08:00

How can you find the best plastic surgeon available?

Things you should check before the surgery

Jeff Lakie is the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.tummy-tuck-photos.com">Plastic Surgery Resources</a> a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Contact Lenses - A Beginners Guide To Inserting & Removing Them The Right Way

2008-12-31T17:10:00.001-08:00

I must admit that putting contact lenses in for the first time is a bit awkward. The natural reflex when any object comes close to the eye is to automatically close the eye. However, once you get over the fear of placing the contact on your eye, you will become a pro at it overnight. Just remember to follow these guidelines when you are inserting and removing your contacts:

1. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before inserting and removing your contacts.

2. Use the recommended contact lens cleaning solution as directed before inserting and after removing lens.

3. Check your contact for debris, residue, tears, or any other particles that may irritate your eye.

4. Don't put your contacts in over a sink or area with an open drain. If at all possible, insert your contacts over a flat surface. That way, if the contact falls, you will have an easier time recovering it.

5. Make sure that you are putting the correct contact over the corresponding eye. Generally each contact (left and right) has a different prescription in it for that eye. Always double check to make sure that your left contact is going on the left eye and vice versa.

6. Hold your eyelids open with one hand and either look towards the ceiling or directly at the contact.

7. Take your forefinger and place the contact (cup side up) on the white of your eye if you are looking towards the ceiling and then release the bottom eyelid first and roll the eye down.

8. Next, look straight down to have the eye finish positioning the lens.

9. If you are looking directly at the contact lens before inserting, simply place the contact on the center of the eye very gently and look down to position the lens.

10. To remove the contact lens, wash and dry your hands first. Then while holding the eyelid open, look towards the ceiling and slide the contact over the white of your eye.

11. Next, take your forefinger and thumb and gently press the contact lens and remove it.

12. After removing contacts, store them in the appropriate contact lens case.

By following these steps, you will easily be inserting and removing your contacts in no time at all. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands before handling contacts and use only the recommended cleaning solution for your contact lens. If you have any problems or questions concerning inserting or removing your contacts, call your eye care practitioner. They will be more than happy to address your concerns.

Face Off

2008-12-31T09:10:00.001-08:00

The other day, I indulged in one of my many guilty pleasures. Specifically, I watched a programme called "Face Lifts From Hell."

Like many factual programmes, you can learn a little something from "Face Lifts from Hell", and tonight I took away this little nugget: It's not immigrants or asylum seekers that are putting a drain on the national health service. It's idiots from this country.

One woman on tonight's programme (and I don't want to appear misogynistic, but there were no men featured; draw your own conclusions) went on a surgery holiday. The basic premise is that you go on a package trip with a group of other desperate people, and they cart you off to Poland to have various bits of your anatomy sucked, snipped, sliced and tightened.

This woman, who, due to numerous face-lifts, looked like she was constantly hurtling forwards at about 97 miles an hour, had some sort of breast-enhancement and, after surgery, was taken to a small apartment in a block with all the other patients and left there to recuperate. She was essentially dumped in a flat in Poland and left to her own devices with a group of equally vacuous and recently-mutilated women.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, she contracted an infection.

She then came back to the UK and, at a cost of ?5,000, had to have things fixed. (Her bosom was left comically lopsided, to my great amusement, but this is a serious point. Ironically, a serious point is also what one of her boobs was left with.)

If this was an isolated case I could let the matter go, but the entire programme was like a hit parade of idiots who now had bodies as defective looking as their brains almost certainly are.

One woman - I swear this is the truth - was talked into cosmetic surgery by a travelling face-lift salesman. I'm not making this up. Someone came to this woman's door and convinced her to get a face-lift she didn't really want. I have enough trouble figuring out how my dad always seems to end up with windows and bank accounts he didn't have any intention of aquiring after someone knocks on the door, but how in the name of all that is holy can you even consider listening to someone who goes door to door trying to convince people to be drugged to unconsciousness so that a stranger can slice into them and pull their skins on tighter?! Am I the only one who would hear alarm bells ringing in my head if this happened to me?! Possibly, yes, as this woman leapt at the chance and was genuinely surprised when things ended in tears.

Another woman travelled from Turkey for liposuction, and woke up a week later in a different hospital with what can only be described as a seam. She now looks like you could unzip her and keep pencils in her stomach. Apparently the surgeon, who, wouldn't you know it, had a history of this sort of thing, botched the operation, severed an artery, and had to rush her to a (stop me if you see this coming) NHS hospital for treatment.

While I'm ranting, I may as well mention the lap dancer who wanted her breasts increased from a B cup to a C. She woke up with an F (am I the only one who pictures her relatives standing around with deeply interested looks and yelling "SURPRISE!" as she comes to?) and as a result could no longer lap-dance. Not to fear. She's since become a teacher. Perhaps this goes some way to explaining the state of the education system, too, but that's another story.

Our penultimate contestant tonight was a heavy smoker with a heart condition (who, funnily enough, was starting to look a little aged.) She was, to be charitable, nothing special to look at anyway. She also happened to neglect to mention her heavy smoking and heart problems to her surgeon, and ended up having a stroke from the stress of the procedure. What a shocker.

However, our prize winner tonight was a woman who had two children and put on weight (she actually put on the equivalent amount of weight of two ten-year-old children, by my calculation) and was offered a stomach reduction and lyposuction on (just the girls! People on the left! All together!) the NHS. Her operation wound became infected, and she contracted gangrene. But this isn't the end of the story. Oh no. After three days, she was allowed home, and was, in her own words, in agony. She then suffered several fits. This, I'm sure you'll agree, is where most of us would plan a return to the hospital. Instead, without going into the exquisite and mind-numbingly sickening detail she indulged in, she waited a further five days (with her condition becoming progressively worse) and nearly died.

Now, is it me, or is there a pattern, here? From what I can see, the sort of people who have cosmetic surgery are the same sort of people who travel to a Polish ghetto for operations, accept advice from travelling facelift salesmen, who don't think that mentioning your liability to have a heart attack mid-operation is anything to trouble your doctor with, and decide that having a series of fits following an operation should be considered a "wait and see" sort of situation.

People who go in for cosmetic surgery, by and large, are stupid.

Now, I'm not for a moment suggesting that there aren't good reasons. If you've been burned or damaged in some severe way that wasn't your fault, or if your body really does look terrible for whatever reason, I can understand the desire to do something about it. Otherwise, here's a pretty solid, iron-clad law of physics from someone who was a straight C student in science: People get older!! Believe it or not (you probably will, I'm quite dull) you've aged since you started reading this. Yeah, you. You, there, in the chair, looking at the screen with the slightly slack-jawed expression you didn't realise you adopted when you read things.

Most people just accept it and move on with things.

If you can't, here's the first of my tips: Stop smoking. Without exception, every single woman of 50-something I've ever seen cram her flabby, drooping body into an outfit far too low, high, tight and stretchy for her has also had a cigarette in her mouth. And too much makeup, but one thing at a time. If you want to stay young-looking, stop poisoning your lungs and skin with nicotine. It'll do you wonders.

Secondly, here's my tip for losing weight without having to have a vacuum cleaner inserted into any orifices or incisions. It's a simple equation: Less food, more exercise. Or, even, equal it out. Exercise proportionate to how much you're eating. Keep an eye out for this, you'd be surprised how many fat people seem oblivious to this law.

As soon as people start to accept that shit (and age) happens, and begin to look after themselves, they'll stop being a drain on the NHS from their botched face-lifts ("Who knew 'Crazy Achmed' wasn't a reputable surgeon?!") and everyone else with real injuries might get some frigging treatment.

This, more than anything else, is the problem with the world today. Years of increased convenience (remember when you had to walk to a certain part of the house just to make a phone call?!) has left western humanity softer than an impotent marshmallow and just desperate for someone or something to blame, and for someone or something else to fix it. "I'm 50 and don't look as good as I did at 19! There must be someone to blame and some procedure I can have!" It's just going to happen, people, and until we all start to face up to the simple and oft-overlooked fact that life has a habit of sucking, we'll never get anywhere. And the people who can't accept that, of course, also can't accept it when their desperate, sad attempts to beat the cosmic house fail, and so they complain about that. I guess, at the end of the day, I'm trying to get across a simple message: You were the one who chose to have that operation, madam, and if it doesn't turn out well, there's nobody to blame but yourself.

Incidentally, I have another weight loss tip. If you can't bear to exercise and cut back on what you eat, just smoke yourself thin. You'll look old, but I can give you the number of a really good plastic surgery salesman. Honest. He's just knocking on the door, now...

Luke Haines

How to Halt the Train of Aging

2008-12-30T23:20:00.001-08:00

Aging would not be so bad if it did not tell on us at every encounter. As we hug one another, we register the love handles on the other's waist, the flab on their arms and the sag on their cheeks. We stare into each other's faces. After all, only saints find no pleasure in the wrinkles of their peers. We are not inexcusable sinners; we are checking to see how well we are holding up. Estimating someone's age and deciding how well that person has aged tells us a lot. Looking and feeling younger than chronological age has increasingly becomes a yardstick of success. Preoccupation with age is a reality for our rapidly aging society. It is part of our resume and every bit as important as our employment records.

We may be justified in our dismay at aging, even scientists are puzzled by the purposelessness of the process. Every biological event in the human body, from conception to puberty to maturity, has a purpose except aging. Aging makes no sense. Scientists are baffled as to why mammals have much shorter life spans than more primitive species. We don't live nearly as long as the Galapagos turtle but we usually wind up looking like one.

Nowadays, researchers hunt for the gene that causes aging. If they find it, they will look for a pill to disable it, as though it were a virus. They face an appalling task. A cell, the simplest form of life, is more complex than Mexico City, the largest city in the world. No one gene or any one hormone is responsible for health and youth. It is the ideal work of all the cells and organs functioning together in complete harmony to prevent the breakdown of the body. What makes us think we can think stop aging just by turning a switch in the body?

The signs of deterioration that we consider the signs of aging are the result of waste overload on the cellular level. When our actions are in opposition to nature, the results are different types of bodily ills, deformities, and ugliness. Eating denatured and devitalized food leaves residues the body cannot utilize, and they are deposited in places our Creator never intended. Whatever the body cannot use, becomes toxic accumulations that steal our health and our youth.

Body acids enter in chemical reactions with waste products causing calcification of the soft tissue. Now tissues of vital organs and glands become burdened with mineral salts and crystalline deposits. Overloaded with waste, they not only can no longer function normally but also become more responsive to gravity's pull. As every tissue elongates and sags, drooping jowls and sagging cheeks begin to drape on both sides of the mouth, and the eyebrows begin to hang over the eyes.

External deformities are direct manifestations of internal pathologies. Ugly ropes of varicose veins, puffy faces, and cellulite are telling tales about your inside condition. Every pimple, psoriasis, or pigment change on your skin is in fact a reflection of some organ struggling to do its job. Every bulge, boil, or swelling is a sign that the body is pushing out some toxins in its effort to protect itself.

Since there can be no natural health without eating 100 percent natural food, most of people have never explored optimum health. In my book Your Right to Be Beautiful, I advocate a diet made up solely of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds-Rawsome Diet. No, you will not be asked to graze the garden, dig up the squirrel's nuts or dine out on the birdfeeder, but you will be introduced to an unexplored world of preparation techniques that allow you to create not only the most nutritious meals, but also dishes that are delicious, filling and satisfying. Some raw food recipes even mimic traditional cuisine and make the transition to the Rawsome diet easier. There are 100s of different kinds of fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds with a variety of tastes and flavors, which awakened taste buds will begin to appreciate. If you combine only two or three ingredients at each meal, then the number of dish combinations is endless.

The ability to renew cells is built into your body, and the body itself is capable of making you look more attractive. After all, we were designed to bloom continuously as old cells get replaced by new ones. The Rawsome diet makes the most of this rejuvenating ability of our bodies. Rawsome beauty is not manufactured from the outside but cultivated from the inside by nutritionally charged food. Whole raw food restores the integrity of every cell and facilitates the optimal operation of every organ inside and out. The body, having been awakened by the improved diet, in its wisdom, will reach out to the places where health was lacking, and you will gradually see your beauty surfacing. The Rawsome diet will eliminate all the toxins on a deeper level and bring amazing changes to your appearance.

Only the body sustained on raw food will host natural beauty, or should we say Rawsome beauty. The body becomes transcended and will unfold from the inside out. While your non-raw eating peers discover new blemishes, blotches, and moles on a nearly daily basis, you will see your own skin irregularities gradually fade or disappear. Feeding your body raw food will make eyes, once sunken in bulbous flesh, look larger and more round by eliminating the surrounding puffiness and by firming the eyelids. Eyebrows that were beginning to form an awning over the eyes will regain their youthful arch. As natural collagen production improves, it will fill in the places where it is needed as in hollow cheeks. It will not just patch your face, but every one of your 3,000 square inches of skin will improve.

The landscape of the body will change. The surface of the skin will become soft and smooth but still firm and supple. Visible pores will diminish. A sallow skin with a yellow pallor will turn into a porcelain-like complexion. The whites of eyes, once red, will become bright with a bluish tinge. Raw food eating will clarify and refine your features and bring delicacy to your face.

Colette, France's greatest woman writer, once wrote: "The fear of aging, a commonplace neurosis, does not usually wait for age and spares neither sex." But aging is full of mercy towards people on the raw food diet. This diet will allow you to ripen, not to decay. Beauty does not have to erode or disappear with age. You will be lithe and limber and keep your loveliness for a long time. It is like winning the Jack Pot in the Age Game. You become age-proof. When you discover The Most Beautiful You, old age will lose its sting, and you will have victory over the ravages of time.

Even on the 100 percent raw food diet, no one lives forever. For individuals who follow this diet for many years, aging comes a week or two before death. Deterioration takes place rapidly. Perennial youth is a perpetual dream. The raw food lifestyle is the closest anyone can come to reaching the maximum life span with the quality of life intact. The diet allows the body to mature gracefully. It produces an alliance of character and health. The Rawsome Diet allows everyone to live as long as God intended and look as God envisioned.

? 2004 Tonya Zavasta

This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety as long as the entire article, byline and URL are included.

About The Author

To learn more about how you can uncover your Rawsome beauty, visit: <a href="http://www.beautifulonraw.com" target="_new">www.beautifulonraw.com</a>

<a href="mailto:Tonyazavasta@hotmail.com">Tonyazavasta@hotmail.com</a>

Should I Lease A Tanning Bed?

2008-12-30T20:20:00.001-08:00

You can lease a tanning bed or beds for your salon and it may be the best way to go. There are advantages when you lease a tanning bed or beds.

If you are the only owner of a tanning bed salon it may be best to lease the tanning bed or beds. Even if you are part of a partnership you may want to consider leasing a tanning bed or two.

When you lease a tanning bed or beds for your business you can have the best equipment for a decent price.

There are many companies that will lease a tanning bed or even several tanning beds. Check the reliability of these companies before you lease a tanning bed. Also compare prices and service when you are thinking about leasing a tanning bed.

When you lease a tanning bed instead of buying you will have more capital to work with. This can be beneficial to your business. Leasing a tanning bed will keep your line of credit open should you need it for other business expenses.

You may find a nice tax break when you lease a tanning bed rather than purchasing it. When you lease a tanning bed you will have a dollar for dollar write off on the lease rental payments.

If you are thinking about leasing a tanning bed or beds for your business you can contact the companies and ask for information concerning your monthly payments. These companies should be able to give you a lease quote over the phone.

Consider leasing a tanning bed or beds if you need this type of equipment for your business.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Tanning-Bed-Solutions.com. He provides more tanning bed information on tanning bed bulbs, tanning bed lotions and <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanning-bed-solutions.com/home-tanning-beds.html">home tanning bed information</a> that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Eczema: Getting the Facts

2008-12-30T12:10:00.001-08:00

People from all walks of life and all ages live with eczema; however, it typically appears in infants. Also called contact dermatitis, eczema is actually a group of skin conditions. Although it may sometimes look like a contagious condition, eczema is not contagious.

Symptoms related to eczema depend on the causes and severity of the form of eczema. A person with mild eczema has dry, hot, and itchy skin. Severe eczema causes the skin to crack, bleed, and often takes a long time to heal. Inflammation in the area is common depending on the type of eczema.

Type of eczema

More information

Atopic eczema

- Most common form of eczema; affects children and adults.Symptoms include:

- extreme itchiness

- dryness of the skin

- redness

- inflammation

Irritant contact dermatitis
- Occurs when skin becomes irritated by detergents and other chemicals (e.g. perfumes, soaps, bubble bath powder and more).

Varicose eczema
- Affects skin on the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation of blood.

Allergic contact dermatitis
- Body's immune system attacks a substance in the skin.

- Symptoms are similar to those listed for atopic eczema.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema
- Found on infants under one year old.

- Often looks unpleasant but does not affect the infant's comfort and may appear on the scalp or bottom.

Discoid eczema
- Typically associated with adults.

- Found on upper body and lower legs.

Dealing with eczema

In order to deal with eczema, you need to figure out what type of eczema you have. A doctor can help a person living with eczema or someone caring for a child with eczema manage the condition.

Diagnosis of eczema is not simple. A doctor must look at the person's medical history, when they first recognized the condition and what triggers the condition. Some people with atopic dermatitis have allergies and may need allergy testing, especially if treatment with medication is not working.

Reducing the number and frequency of outbreaks is the goal of any eczema treatment. To reach this goal, a person living with eczema may need to:

- make certain lifestyle changes (e.g. avoid certain irritating products)

- use medication to control the outbreaks

- kidneys

- follow a regular skin care routine

Lifestyle changes are often useful in reducing and preventing the symptoms of eczema. However, some of these lifestyle changes work for some people and not others. Some changes to consider include:

- wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to reduce the itchiness associated with the condition. Synthetic fibres don't allow the skin to breathe and wool can irritate the skin.

- using biological laundry detergents, also avoid using fabric softeners. Synthetic laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may increase itchiness and cause a person to scratch more often. As a result, not using them may help reduce the skin's itchiness.

- vacuuming, dusting, and changing bedding regularly. This is extremely important because it reduces the number of house dust mites and the droppings from dust mites that are found in bedding, mattresses, curtains, and carpets.

- possible changes to the foods you eat. Even though the link between diet and eczema is not conclusive, making changes to certain foods consumed in some severe cases of eczema, especially in babies and young children seems beneficial. Always ask your doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the foods eaten will include all necessary nutrients for growth and development.

Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of the skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person's age, health, medical history as well as the type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:

- lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on the skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since the non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing the skin after showering helps lock in moisture.

- medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.

Other tips that may help people with eczema improve the skin's condition include:

- keeping nails short

- avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments)

- relaxing to reduce stress

References:

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl

- www.eczema.org

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl

- http://www.naturalmake-up.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

Short Hair Style? Make It Stylish, Sexy, and Chic

2008-12-29T05:30:00.001-08:00

In all of its transformations and variations, the short hair style has always been numbered at the top of the list when it comes to versatility, style and manageability. No other style catches the eye quite like the short hair style and no other style makes the wearer look as professional, chic and sexy as the short hair style

Short hair styles worn by women are a fairly new style trend when compared with women's hair styles in general. In fact, cropped styles only came to the forefront of fashion a little more than 50 years ago. Since that time, the short hair style has given women the freedom to express themselves in numerous ways. From the funky and spiked to the soft and feminine, the short hair style can be worn by any woman of any personality, style and age.

Short hair no matter what the age

It has long been a held belief that an older woman should wear a short hair style to make her appear younger. While there is some truth in the belief that long hair tends to make wrinkles and flaws more noticeable, short hair styles and long hair styles can both be worn by women of all ages if they choose the right style to compliment their particular face shape and bone structure.

A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to choosing a short hair style to suit your age is to pay more attention to your overall appearance rather than focus too much on how old you are. For example: Trendy, spiked styles can emphasize flaws and sagging skin, but I have seen women in their 70s with exceptional bone structure wear these short hair styles and look amazing. On the other hand, I have also seen younger women try to wear these same short hair styles and not be able to quite carry it off. So, if you want to wear a short hair style, pay close attention to your face shape, build and style of dress before deciding how to cut your hair.

Short hair to flatter your face

I've heard it said many times by many people, "I always wanted to wear a short hair style, but I don't look right with short hair" Ladies, this is nonsense. Granted, not every woman can wear every short hair style, but every woman can wear a short hair style that is tailor-made to compliment their face shape and beautiful features.

There are five basic face shapes: oval, heart, round, square and triangular. All of these shapes can be beautiful, but one is ideal: oval. No matter what shaped face you have, achieving the perfect look involves picking the right cut or short hair style that will make your face appear more oval.

To do this, you and your stylists can try different variations of popular short hair styles to compliment your individual features. For example: If you have a round face shape, you can still wear your favorite short hair style as long as you bring some hair forward on your cheekbones and wear a little height in the bang to give your face the illusion that it is oval.

The bottom line is that the short hair style is not for just a few who have been blessed with perfectly proportioned features. With the right short hair style, you too can sport trendy sexy cropped locks that will be guaranteed to turn a few heads.

Michael Barrows' website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.great-hairstyles.com">http://www.great-hairstyles.com</a>

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

2008-12-29T04:30:00.001-08:00

When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate the different things we would - or are going to - have done: that bump on the nose smoothed down, the perky boobs put in, the fat we'll have sucked out. But perhaps the most important question we should ask when considering plastic surgery is not what - but rather why?

Plastic surgery is becoming an increasingly popular choice as people realise that they no longer have to tolerate a body part that they find aesthetically upsetting. And while the procedures involved in plastic surgery can be as risky as having any other operation performed, the truth is that technological advances have made having plastic surgery easier than ever before. Within minimal time frames, patients can be up and about again, with all manner of altered body parts, and, theoretically at least, with exactly what they wanted. So why is it that many plastic surgery patients are no happier after surgery than they were before?

Plastic surgery is not a cure-all, and must not be seen as such. Many prospective patients await anaesthesia with unrealistic expectations in mind. And no matter how obvious an assertion it might seem, too many patients are not grasping it fully - plastic surgery can alter our bodies, but not the way we feel inside.

For many patients, it is not the decried body part that is the true problem, but rather the self-perception with which it is viewed. In other words, the wish to change a physical attribute can be a symptom of a larger problem. While there is no doubt that many patients find their confidence improved ten-fold after surgery, there are many other who, without realistic expectations of what the operation would change, simply remove their dissatisfaction from the altered body part to a new one.

Plastic surgery changes the body, not body image. So before considering any physical alteration, ask yourself whether your issue is something that can only be changed from the inside out. Because unless you are having surgery to simply change the dimensions of a part of your body, you will be disappointed with the results. Approach your self-perception first - you might be surprised with the effectiveness of a little surgery to the psyche.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.before-and-after-breast-augmentation.com">Plastic Surgery Resources</a> a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Petroleum and Cosmetics: What are the Potential Health Risks?

2008-12-28T16:50:00.001-08:00

What is petroleum?

Crude oil, sometimes called petroleum, is a fossil fuel that was produced deep in the earth through a process that took millions of years to complete.

Millions of years later, almost all of us come into contact with a derivative of petroleum every day. Through a process called fractional distillation, petroleum refineries break petroleum into many of its smaller components. Each of these smaller components is made up of molecules called hydrocarbons.

The world is full of products that come from petroleum. For example, gasoline, styrofoam, lubricating oils, and many other items are all derivatives of this raw material. How are petroleum and cosmetics related? The two seemingly unrelated items, petroleum and cosmetics, are indeed closely related in our modern world.

Mineral oil and petroleum are the basic ingredients in many cosmetic products today. Both mineral oil and petroleum have the same origins in fossils fuels. Cosmetics such as foundations, cleansers, and moisturizers often contain mineral oil. By locking moisture against the skin, mineral oil sits on the skin's surface and can potentially block pores. This may cause the appearance of pimples because the skin cannot properly 'breathe'.

Fragrances in lotions, shampoos, and many other cosmetic products are composed of aromatic hydrocarbons. Perfumes and products containing fragrance can contain many hundreds of chemicals to produce a distinct scent. A significant number of these aromas are derived from petroleum.

One popular chemical additive that carries moisture in cosmetics is propylene glycol. It is also a derivative of petroleum. Some products that list propylene glycol as an ingredient include:

- anti-freeze

- laundry detergent

- paint

- shampoo

- conditioner

Past research links propylene glycol to serious health problems as liver and kidney damage as well as respiratory irritation or nausea if swallowed.

An antiseptic, isopropyl alcohol, kills bacteria on the skin. You can find it on the ingredient list of cleansers, toners and other cosmetic products. Unfortunately, this derivative of petroleum dries the skin and may cause miniature cracks in the skin that allow bacteria to enter, potentially causing irritations or pimples.

Do these petroleum-derived products affect your health?

Your skin covers your body and acts as a physical barrier to many of the pollutants in the atmosphere. When you use products on your skin such as cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos, the ingredients in these products come into direct contact with your body's largest organ; your skin. You may ask yourself, where do the ingredients in the products go? Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream. Today, hormone therapy treatments and smoking cessation medications are often prescribed as patches that you apply directly to the skin. The medication passes through the skin and directly enters the bloodstream.

For pregnant women, the risk is not only for her body but also for the developing fetus. If the chemicals found in cosmetics readily enter the bloodstream when applied to the skin, then they will also reach the developing baby. Researchers at the Brunel University in England are looking closely at a family of preservatives called parabens. Their research has recently linked parabens to the possibility that male babies will have lower sperm counts. These preservatives are derived from petroleum and help to maintain the freshness and integrity of the product. Currently, many manufacturers add parabens to cosmetics to allow a minimum of 3 years shelf life. Therefore, the parabens kill any bacteria that could potentially enter the product. If these chemical ingredients can kill the bacterial cells, what are they doing to your skin cells? In most cases, there is no conclusive answer to this question. However, the research mentioned strongly suggests that the synthetic ingredients may have a significant impact on our bodies.

In many cases, the long-term effects of many of the chemical additives in our cosmetics are not known. However, other chemical additives are known carcinogens. These types of chemicals can cause cancer in humans. Such chemicals include some artificial colours in cosmetics. The effects of chemicals and other synthetic ingredients in cosmetics may lead to mild allergic reactions causing rashes and minor skin irritation to more significant problems such as lesions on the skin.

What are your alternatives for cosmetics?

Luckily, there are alternatives to cosmetics filled with synthetically produced ingredients. Increasingly, cosmetic manufacturers are answering the public's demand for alternatives to the chemically loaded beauty and grooming supplies. The Organic Make-up Company is one such company that is leading the way in producing high-quality, organically manufactured cosmetics! As a consumer, you have the ability to decrease the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body. To avoid using the synthetically derived fragrances, look for products containing essential oils. These are pure oils derived from flowers and other plants in nature.

All you have to do is make the simple choice of purchasing cosmetic products with all-natural, organic ingredients. Whether you continue using cosmetics that contain petroleum-based ingredients or not is a personal choice. What is the most important is to get the facts and to know that you have a choice when it comes to buying organic or synthetic cosmetic products.

References:

- Fairley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley : London, 2001.

- http://www.hans.org/web_articles/h07drugschemicals/h0799whatisreallyinyourhbprods.aspl, accessed Oct. 3, 2004.

- http://www.naturalmakeup.ca