Homemade Facial Mask Recipes

1:45 PM

Have you ever calculate how much money you have spent for beauty purpose in a month or a year? $200? $500? or maybe $1000 or more? Maybe it's time for you to stop wasting too much money by trying some cheaper beauty products which also will bring you the same results (or even more) compare with those expensive ones.

These are all natural homemade facial mask recipes, which you can prepare easily within minutes and the best part is: won?t cost you much!

* Normal, combination skin, oily and blemished skin

Mix one egg white, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal, a teaspoon olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice until smooth. Spread on your face and neck, leave on for 15 ? 30 min then rinse with lukewarm water. Few drops lemon juice will help to reduce blackheads while egg white will leave your skin feel ?tight? after this mask application.

* Dry skin

Mix one egg yolk, a teaspoon honey and a teaspoon olive oil and some vitamin E oil. Spread over your face and neck, leave on for 15 ? 30 min then rinse in lukewarm water. You can add more olive oil if you still feel dry on your skin.

* Dry and spotted skin

Mix dry oatmeal (you may grind it in a blender), honey and plain yogurt to make a paste. Spread it over your face and neck, leave on 15 ? 30 min then rinse with lukewarm water. You may add a little salt and olive oil to make an exfoliating mask or scrub for your bocy dry skin area.

For more information about beauty, health and fitness, please visit http://beauty-health-fitness.blogspot.com and for beauty, health and fitness selected stuff, please visit http://beauty-health-fitness-estore.blogspot.com

Home Remedy For Dry Hair

11:51 PM

Dry hair tends to be thin and rough. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends. We suggest a few remedies you can try at home for managing dry hair.

The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair. That is why the emphasis is on the conditioning aspect of hair care. Strong cleansing routines and dry toning exercises and massaging of the scalp promote dryness and flakiness of the scalp.

The use of strong-action shampoo is prohibited for dry hair. Often a generous oil application and massage is recommended before washing the hair. Frequent shampooing is harmful for dry hair.

For the moisture-dry hair, a moisturizer application is required.

Home remedy for dry hair: The Gentle Cleanser

1. Beat an egg in a cup of skimmed milk. When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.

2. Take a cup of coconut milk and add two tablespoons of gram flour or one teaspoon of shikakai. Apply on your scalp and hair and massage gently. Rinse it out after five minutes. Follow this recipe at least once a week.

Another dry hair home remedy: The Protein Conditioner Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerin, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of protein, plus a tablespoon of mild herbal shampoo. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

A Special Massage Oil/Toner

Get a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.

Other tips on home based treatment of dry hair

1. First assess whether your scalp and hair are moisture dry or oil-dry.
2. Condition your hair as often as you wash it.
3. Never comb, brush or massage vigorously if the hair is extremely dry.

Before any kind of routine care is followed, be familiar with the needs of your scalp and hair.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and for loss of hair as well as taking care of your dry hair.

An Overview of Enzyme Peels for Your Face

7:45 PM

When dealing with the refurbishing of facial skin, peels are a popular option. Here is an overview of enzyme peels for your facial skin care needs.

An Overview of Enzyme Peels for Your Face

The enzyme peel is not a new technique at all. It has been performed for a long time ago but often without a deep knowledge on the matter. This is easily confirmed after an overview of those home remedies and cosmetics intended for skin care, such as papaya or green apple facemasks or lotions.

Papaya enzymes are not only good for nutrition but also to peel off epidermal cells, which aids in regenerating the skin. This property is also observed in aloe Vera, pumpkin, pineapple, and other fruits. Restorative enzyme peel is a type of exfoliating non-surgical procedure that uses natural or chemical products to produce exfoliation.

An Enzyme peel accelerates the natural exfoliate process of the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, promote young cell renewal, and visibly diminish scars, stretch marks, aging spots and lines, sun damage, and skin discoloration. Enzymes penetrate the upper layers of the tissue, cleansing pores and improving skin texture, tone, elasticity and tautness.

Although, some enzyme peels work with the aid of acids or mechanical granules, natural enzymes are the most recommended to prevent dryness or allergic reactions. In fact, some strong chemicals used for deep peeling, such as phenol, may cause cancer of the skin or side effects.

In order to obtain the most benefits from enzyme peels, whatever the product you choose or the natural home remedy, you can get the most from it by applying a thin layer to your clean and dry skin, rather than a thick coat. Enzymes work best by rubbing gently in a mild circular motion.

An Enzyme Peel produces results in the short term after begin the application, but you need to perform a routine exfoliation to see good results. Treatments with enzymes improve your skin look and feel, but do not stop aging. Furthermore, you will have to repeat a peeling treatment after a certain period of time to remove new damaged cells and keep your fresh and youthful appearance.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.

Aromatherapy Tips ? Enhance The Way You Look And Feel

1:39 AM

Aromatherapy tips enhance the way you look, for aromatherapy is the art of massaging volatile, non-oily essences of plants and flowers for enlivening mind, body and soul of all. Aromatherapy oils include geranium, Rose, Neroli, Lavender, Lemongrass, Basil and Roman chamomile, which are mingled with base oils like almond, walnut, and grape seed and other vegetable oils to produce a wonderful effect on everyone.

Aromatherapy tips for using the oils

Since ancient times aroma is favorite to all. So the aromatherapy oils not only soothe your senses but also heal all physical pain and mental depressions. So before you start using aromatherapy oils, you should know how to use these oils. The aromatherapy massage oils are used in the spas and healing centers but you can also use it for self-massage in your own home.

In case of self-massage make your own personalized oils by blending neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, nutmeg, and peppermint in the base oils and also add a few drops of basil to make a wonderful mixture. While bathing you can add oils like lavender, Roman chamomile and rose to the waters, so that you feel fresh. Diffuser means dispensing essential oils into the air. You can add the scented oils to a bowl of water placed on a radiator and inhale them to realize the effects.

Aromatherapy tips for various body parts

Other than typical beauty care, aromatherapy can also heal depression, insomnia, acne, joint pains, stress, cough, and other diseases. Aromatherapy tips can include tips for skin, body, mental concentration, headache, depression and insomnia.

Aromatherapy tips for skin care

When it comes to skin care, aromatherapy can heal acne and dry skin, enhance facial glow, provide pedicure and manicure effects, prevents skin wrinkles and make your skin look soft and smooth. Following are the tips for skin care: Use oils like bergamot, lavender, jojoba oil, sandalwood oil and avocado. Massage every morning after bath and at night before sleeping.

Aromatherapy tips for depression

If dark circles and affected mind is your regular problem then undergo aromatherapy for depression. Following are the aromatherapy tips for depression: Use oils like ylang-ylang, lavender, clary sage, marjoram, frankincense, sandalwood, chamomile and rose. Use the oils in bath, inhale them using a vaporizer or add them in carrier oils for massage.

Aromatherapy tips for insomnia

If you are spending some sleepless nights, then get massages instead of drugs to cure your insomnia. Following are the tips for insomnia: Use oils like neroli, ylang-ylang, marjoram, chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood, and lavender. Mix these oils in warm water and take bath before sleeping or sprinkle few drops in the pillow so that you can smell it for whole night.

Aromatherapy tips for pregnancy

Aromatherapy massage during pregnancy provides relaxation, reduces stress and backs pains, enhances flexibility and decreases your labor pain. Following are the tips for pregnancy massage: Use Tangerine, petit grain, geranium, mandarin, sandalwood, and tea tree. Areas that need massage include legs, back areas, abdomen and body massage.

Precaution tips in aromatherapy

Aromatherapy tips when followed properly can overcome both physical pains and mental stresses. It calms the anxious mind and heals all physical body pain. Following are the forbidden things of aromatherapy massage: Do not mistake perfume oils for real aromatherapy oils. Do not buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated, which will turn the rubber to gum thus ruining the oil. In case of pregnancy, never use oils like cypress, basil, jasmine, juniper, arnica and marjoram.

Now enjoy absolute unique health, excellent mental strength and wonderful physical wellness with aromatherapy tips and procedures.

For more infomative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

AntiAging And You

4:09 PM

What follows is merely a brief memo on anti-aging, this is not a to be construed as a full recitation or as an entire toolkit for preventative and precautionary practices on anti-aging. Aging is inevitable. But it doesn?t have to boil down to just waiting around for the assault of illnesses, wrinkling, degeneration and weakness to attack you without appropriate strategic preparation. You cannot stop the aging process, but you can undoubtedly slow it down.

We all appreciate beauty, in fact a beautiful woman is and historically always has been the most worshipped of all beautiful things and nothing, I repeat nothing is more mind-boggling than a 40+ woman that looks like a 25-year-old and has the vitality and stamina to boot. Well, be boggled no more, the secret lies ahead! My wife is an ageless, beautiful and vibrant woman; she is a fantastic mother, loving, caring, and giving wife and thoughtful friend. She is lean, femininely muscular and fit. Her skin is tight and still full of collagen?she is absolutely stunning and looks amazing! Oh, by the way?she is 44 years old! She looks under 30 and is an example to all women; I am so enamored and so, so proud and you can see what I am talking about, just check her out for yourself at www.infinitywellnessspa.com. What is the elusive secret of the ages? Well, it is actually amazingly simple?here is the long and the short of it.

As complex as the media has made this out to be, there really are only six primary strategic points necessary to concentrate your attention on initially to manifest a more youthful, functional YOU as you grow into maturity. Here they are!

1. WATER, WATER?Consume 8 to 12 glasses of water every day. Water, the miracle elixir, keeps skin hydrated, cleanses cells and eliminates toxins, enhances the circulation of the nutrients in the body, and aids in helping body systems to work more efficiently. With too many beverages available in the market today, keep in mind that water is still the best option.

2. GOALS? goals are something that are tangible, specific and have a deadline and a date on them. Know where you want to go, how to get there and by when. Setting goals and having very specific objectives is absolutely vital.

3. FOOD?Obtain and maintain a healthy supportive eating regimen. This means incorporating fresh and essential foods like the all-important vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts, and grains and beans in your diet. Consumption of fish, chicken, and meat must be done in appropriate portions for you the individual. Fats and proteins are crucial in the diet, but excess consumption of any of these is not prudent.

NOTE: Adapting to a vegetarian based diet often will result in a healthier and longer life. In contrast to those whom eat more meat, vegetarians are less likely to be inflicted with diseases and the only really downside is the challenge of maintaining adequate protein intake.

4. MOVEMENT?Exercise recurrently. A whole, complete and well-balanced exercise regimen must include developing a proper resistance program, flexibility, and improving strength and endurance. These can be achieved through weight training, stretching, and engaging in frequent aerobic exercise. Regular exercise will not only relax the mind, spirit and the body from the everyday feelings of anxiety, rage and frustration; but it can also keep you younger.

5. YOUR SACRED SELF?Love yourself unconditionally. It has been proven since the dawn of man that this is one of the most important keys to achieving a healthy long and fruitful life. You are the only you that you have?love yourself.

6. ELIMINATE TOXIC CONSUMPTION...Smokers and or drinkers typically look a 10 to 15 years older than they are. They also bring upon the added risk of contracting smoking and or drinking-related diseases. They acquire more wrinkles on their faces; develop a pallid color to their skin, usually suffer from depression or low-self esteem and numerous other conditions I will not comment on in this article. Numerous studies and researches also show that smokers are indirectly making their lives shorter.

This memo is really just a reminder, a whisper of a wake-up call and if you carefully follow and apply the healthy habits mentioned above you will realize a bounty of benefits that WILL otherwise escape you.

Anecdotally? Every human being either fears aging or is lying about it. But to those people who get the big picture, are strong-willed and have an impeccably positive attitude and outlook about life, the act of aging can just be considered as just another challenge that they will endure triumphantly through. Life is a truly about the journey?not the destination!

Kurt's website http://www.kreatefitness.com, as well as his Provo Utah Private Fitness Facility Synergy Fitness Systems, specializes in in providing leading edge exercise and nutrition programs and the Neo Physis super premium supplement line. All of these superior products offer superior results.

How To Take Care Of Your Home Tanning Bed

4:03 PM

We all wanted to have our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long if the owners take good care of them.

Here are some ways to take good care of your tanning bed.

After each session, you need to do two things, ?inspect? and ?clean?. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. And you need to inspect the facial glass (if your tanning bed has it) and make sure that it has no cracks or any other ?blemishes?. Then, you need to clean. You must clean the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right cleaning liquid, not alcohol nor bleach. And use only soft non-abrasive cloth. You must also clean the tanning bed pillow. Do not use the outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions. These will damage the acrylic. And lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles. This is also for your own safety.

Everyday, you do the same thing to your tanning bed, even if you are not using them, and especially if there are many users of the bed. That is, you must inspect and clean. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution.

Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is in top condition. You must dust the lamps. But do not touch them with your bare hands. Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, the vents, and the vent hoses. Check if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then adjust it. Check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.

And monthly, you clean again the bench and canopy acrylics. You also need to clean the reflectors using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall. And lastly, check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform with the ones stated in the manufacturer?s guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.

When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer.

John Grant is a full time article writer who spends most of his time writing articles about home tanning beds and other health / beauty related topics.

Information On Raw Juice Therapy

8:00 PM

When raw juices are unlocked from the cells of plants, pure and vital liquids of great healing power are released, and their infinitely gentle action can coax our bodies back to normality. Raw juices have none of the potentially dangerous side effects of many potent drugs, yet they can eliminate health problems arising from many of those deficiencies created by the bustle and pace of modern life.

The regular addition of such juices to a wise diet is also a great strengthener of bodily function, assisting in the prevention of the prema?ture degeneration of skin, flesh, glands and organs that causes so many who should be enjoying a long and active prime of life to lapse into early senility.

For effective therapy you need to know which fresh vegetable and fruit juices are needed to benefit the body. We will try to explain the best for each condition, with the most important points of each therapy and the best ways of extracting the precious juices, both mechanically and by hand.

Sunshine and good healthy soil enlivened with refreshing rain allow plants to develop to a rich maturity, and the raw juices they yield are the quintessence of nature's handiwork. Readily available and easy to digest, they contain a wealth of nutritional factors needed to supple?ment the diet. The ancient Romans knew this when they added honey, crushed or juiced fruits, aromatic plants and scented flowers to their drinks.

When used swiftly after extraction, raw fruits and vegetable juices are an incomparably effective way of rapidly utilizing the powers of the plants to protect you from illness. The composition of juices is so com?plex that analytical procedures give only a part of the truth. In addition, it is not only the compositions of the individual juices which create their profound effects, it is the subtle natural balance between the con?stituent parts.

On the face of it, juices do not seem likely to be very energizing, but, as experts point out, the calorie content of a litre (1?pt) of grape or pineapple juice is between eight and nine hundred. To achieve the same you would need 1.5 litres (2? pt) of milk or a dozen eggs, 1. 4kg (3lb) of potatoes or 650 grams (1? lb) of meat. Apple juice contains 500 calories per litre; pear juice 420; cherry juice 450; orange juice 400; strawberry juice 220.

The descriptions of plants and vegetables many times mention the wide variations found in their vitamin and mineral contents. What is sure is that storage and cooking are major factors in reducing what is present naturally. Therefore, raw fruits, vegetables and their juices are ideal ways to obtaining maximum nourishment.

The therapeutic uses of juices require that all the factors that are normally present are consumed in sufficient quantities to be efficacious. It would be impossible for most people to consume the amount of raw cabbage needed to give the pint or two a day needed for the treatment of a gastric ulcer. But it is not difficult to take the cabbage in the form of juice.

Remember, juices are never dangerous. But, some drugs are so dangerous that the side effects are almost as bad as the condition they are supposed to treat!

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and some tips on raw juice therapy.

Make An Easy Lotion For Your Skin

7:54 PM

Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.

Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.

To begin, for a lotion base all you need is water, oil and an emulsifier. An emulsifier is simply an ingredient that blends the water and oil together. Here is the base that I begin with to make my lotion:

? cup distilled water
? cup oil (I usually use olive, almond, macadamia nut, or grape seed)
1 TBS liquid lecithin

You can experiment from here by adding essential oils, combining other oils; you can steep beneficial herbs into your water before you add your oil, etc?

Here is a nice winter lotion to get you started:

? cup distilled water
? cup olive oil
1 TBS lecithin
6-8 drops of geranium oil
2-4 drops Myrrh oil
400 IU Vitamin E oil (1-2 open capsules)

Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin. Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.

Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.

Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.

Enjoy your lotion. Hopefully this little recipe will inspire you to become creative!

About The Author

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. for more information go to http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com

links@wrapyourselfslim.com

Spring and Summer Makeup Trends 2005

1:09 PM

Natural, Radiant skin

That's right, summer is upon us already, which means less emphasis on covering up under layers of foundation, concealer and powder and focusing instead on the natural beauty of our skin. This is all very well for those blessed with perfect, clear skin, but for the rest of us mere mortals, help is at hand! With the proper use of foundation and blusher that peaches and cream/English rose radiance can be yours this summer.

Foundation should be kept as light and dewy as possible. Apply a fluid or cr?me foundation with the fingertips, and blend with a sponge for a flawless finish. Use foundation sparingly, and only where necessary. Certain areas of the face - the forehead, nose and chin - naturally will require more coverage than the cheeks.

Blusher should be applied first to the apples of the cheeks and then swept back and upwards, using light strokes. To keep skin radiant and lustrous, ensure you use a good exfoliator, to remove dull dead skin cells and reveal new skin for a brighter complexion. Follow this with an SPF moisturiser suited to your skin type, bearing in mind many people can use a slightly lighter cream or lotion in the summer months than is required in the winter.

What?s in: perfectly natural complexions. What?s out: heavy bronzer and fake tan. This summer it will be all about pale, milky skin with just a touch of blush across the cheeks and nose. Think pinks and peaches for fairer skin tones, and light golden bronze for darker skins.

Glossy nude lips

After the winter of covering up lips in bold shades, its time to ditch the lip liner and vampy red lipstick in favour of a lighter glossier look. Lips are more delicate and understated this season, think lip tints and sheer glosses, in pink and peachy tones for paler skins and golden bronze hues for darker skins. The whole look should be very fresh and unpretentious. Try Clinique?s Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy lip colours, or Est?e Lauder pure colour crystal gloss. For a little extra coverage and long lasting wet-look colour apply Lanc?me?s juicy rogue, with a dab of ?babydoll? the newest addition to their cult juicy tube collection. As with make-up look, preparation is key, so invest in a lip-exfoliator and start applying a good non-petroleum based lip balm frequently, for kissably soft lips!

Bright n? bold eyeliner

In keeping with previous make-up trends there is still very much a focus on eyes this spring. However the emphasis this season has shifted to eye-liner, and the bigger and brighter the better. Reinvent your night-time look by lining your eyes with kohl or liquid liner, in vivid turquoises, rich purples, azure or aubergine. These work particularly well with a hint of shimmer to open and draw attention to the eye. I recommend Bobbi Browns Long-Wear gel eyeliner, applied with an eyeliner brush, so you can intensify the look as much as you like. You could also try M.A.C pigments, which come in an exhaustive range of colours and textures. Loyal fans of the kohl pencil, try Lanc?me?s Crayon Kh?l in 019 le bleu de jules, a soft aqua-marine blue or Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Liner in Violet Irise 18, a vibrant lilac-fuchsia.

Finally for all the eye-liner buffs out there, Make-Up Forever?s colour liquid liner, thanks to its ultra fine tip applicator, will give a highly pigmented pearly finish.

Nicola Hickey-Crowe, make-up artist.

Makeup Tips According To The Seasons Introduction

7:15 PM

There is a concept in makeup now of listing it in terms of warm and cool. This can cover foundations, powders and even blushes. It comes from a system introduced a few decades back that can be loosely described as color coding. It was, in basic terms, a system where a person (mainly women but men too) could figure out how to choose their clothes and even makeup according to an individual's skin complexion. Each skin complexion would match up with a particular season of the year. If a person had very fair skin tone, that person would be considered a spring and would match their clothes and even makeup to what was considered spring colors. If a person had a medium skin tone, that person would be considered a summer and would match their clothes and even makeup to what was considered summer colors. If a person had a more tan skin tone, that person would be considered a fall and would match their clothes and even makeup to what was considered fall colors. If a person had a more rich skin tone, that person would be considered a winter and would match their clothes and even makeup to what was considered winter colors.

Books were written and home parties were hosted on this color coding technique. It was unique in that when a person thought they knew what season they were under, some people on a few occasion were surprised to find themselves under another season. It was assumed that people of an Ethnic background would automatically be classified as winters, but some Caucasian people quite often fell under this category as well. To give a general idea how this all worked, the season winter will be used in the following examples and suggestions.

Winters would pick foundations under cool shades and with a rose base. Examples of cool foundation shades were rose and sand. Test a foundation on the jaw line to get the proper matching shade. Cover dark scars and blemishes with a cover stick in the cool shade category. Blushes were to be chosen in the cool shades particularly the rose family. Examples of cool blushes ranged from blue-pink to burgundy with the exception of clear red.

Lipsticks were to be chosen in the cool shades particularly in rose tones. Examples of cool lipstick shades were pinks, plums, burgundies, (the plums and burgundies can also be brownish) blue-reds and clear reds. The reds could be used as a base for the other colors. If any of the lipstick colors turned blue; it was suggested to try a frosted lipstick. A lipstick brush or pencil was to be used to outline the lips. When buying a lipstick brush, one that a sable tip was suggested.

Eyebrow pencils were to chosen in the cool shades. Examples of eyebrow pencils in the cool shades were charcoal brown, or the ones with grayish and/or taupe tones. Eye shadows were to be used in powder form. If using crayons, a creamy crayon was recommended.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Beauty

Yoke Hatha Yoga with the Raw Foods for Superb Health

6:09 PM

Since writing my two books, Beautiful On Raw: UnCooked Creations and Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You, about my exploration and acceptance of the raw food lifestyle, I have added another important dimension to my health regimen. Hatha Yoga. I firmly believe that Hatha yoga practice has to be an integrated part of the raw food lifestyle.

I discovered and converted to the raw lifestyle in an effort to gain the peak of health, endurance and healing that I needed to ensure that I would be able to maximize the results of my upcoming surgical ordeal.

I was born in Russia with congenital hip problems that could not be corrected. For 45 years, I lived with one leg shorter than the other. I looked and felt like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After immigrating to the United States, I prepared for the surgery that would ultimately replace my hips and allow me to walk without a limp. I was so accustomed to my tilt that when I was at last straight, I felt as though I were going to topple over at anytime.

I was thrilled with the results of the surgery and felt that much of my ability to heal from such massive trauma was from being on the raw food diet. I had to take private yoga lessons that worked with my limitations but I have improved tremendously and would not give it up anymore than I would go back to eating cooked food.

Yoga and the raw food diet offer many similarities in the ways they benefit the body. Yoga books describe the same euphoric experiences I have found in the raw food diet. Both purify and heal the body. Both offer powerful therapeutic effects in dealing with physical and psychological problems. Both promote radiant health.

Yoga is a systematic program whose sole purpose is spiritual. However the unhealthy condition of the average human body is a major obstacle to spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer and self-realization.

Running, swimming and weight lifting are great for muscle building but do little for connective tissue. It is the flexibility of the joints and of the connective tissues that gives us the feeling of ease and lightness in the body.

Think about that thin film running under the skin when you peel back chicken skin. It is called fascia. Humans have it, too. It runs under the skin throughout the body and even envelopes each individual cell. All major systems of the body?the circulatory and nervous systems, the muscular-skeletal system, and the various organs are cocooned in connective tissue. Tensions carried through the connective tissues are responsible for all the movements of the body.

Now imagine a young plant. It is pliable and limber when it?s young, but becomes hard, dry, and brittle with age. So with the human body, which tends to stiffen and tighten as we age. The body becomes choked in a net of shrunken and rigid connective tissues like constrictive body armor that is not only solidifying but shrinking by the minute. Every system of the body, every organ, every cell is being subjected to internal strangulation.

Connective tissues are tough and fibrous. Your connective tissue doesn?t respond to brief, repetitious stretches the way muscles do. They stretch best when pulled with steady tension like rubber band. Holding postures for a few minutes with moderate stress will cause the body to develop longer and thicker tissues.

Asanas increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility. Combined with raw food nourishment, yoga postures release tension and relieves pain even more effectively. You?ll find startling the resulting enhancement in your looks, improvement in your posture, and your better skin and muscle tone. You?ll feel your vitality brought by Asanas to a new lofty height.

I owe all of my health-my transformation from distortion to harmony-to a combination of the raw food diet and Hatha yoga. I can now practice 90 minutes of serious stretching everyday. My ability to recover and heal is the result of my raw food diet. I am stretching the scar tissue and since it is stronger and more resistant than regular tissue, I would never be able to practice yoga daily without the miraculous benefits of raw foods.

Yoga postures and the raw food diet make you more alive. Each practice complements the other, bringing many of the same physical and mental benefits. Asanas and the raw food diet are alike liberating, energizing, and exhilarating. As I practice the raw food lifestyle with regular Hatha yoga, my sense of feeling clean, good, and pure gradually becomes so prevailing that it permeates every part of my life. My emotions undergo a deep cleansing and healing paralleling similar changes in my body.

Yoga postures gently stretch the connective tissues that encase our joints, renewing our physical elasticity. Asanas lubricates the body, increasing circulation and flexibility. Stretching, twisting, bending forwards and backwards, vigorously massages various organs. Holding poses combined with proper breathing move stagnated blood that improve the flow of fresh nutrients and drains away impurities. It relaxes tense, pained areas of your body and strengthens weak areas.

Both practices?asanas and the raw food lifestyle?have their limits. For example, if the ligaments or other fibrous connective tissues are shortened as a result of injury or inactivity, raw food will definitely make stretching easier. But your food won?t do your stretching for you. On the other hand, there are many people who practice asanas regularly yet still struggle to achieve their optimal weight. Adopting the raw food diet will make a world of difference in that situation. Great as are the benefits of each, they?re finite benefits. For the best possible results, use them in tandem.

Raw food will make your constriction less rigid, but it is Hatha yoga that will stretch your tissue. Raw food furnishes the body with the best material for optimal health. Hatha yoga helps the body to make the most of it.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as the entire article and byline are included.

Tonya Zavasta is the raw food lifestyle expert, the author of the books Beautiful On Raw: UnCooked Creations and Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You, named a 2004 Health Book of the Year Award finalist by ForeWord Magazine. For more information on how to reveal your Rawsome beauty visit her web-site at: http://www.beautifulonraw.com Write to: BR Publishing, PO Box 623, Cordova, TN 38088-0623, USA or Call 866-STAY-RAW

How Can Waxing Rid You Of Unsightly Body Hair?

1:05 PM

Are you using waxing as a hair removal technique? If not, then you should consider it. The process of waxing is very old and one that has been used in one way or another for thousands of years (dating back to ancient Egypt even) and can work very well for you today. What is it? It is the removal of hair from the root through a process of applying a wax and then quickly removing it. And, yes, waxing does hurt a bit but it is only temporary and can give you hair free results for up to six to eight weeks. All in all, it can be well worth it.

Where To Wax?

Waxing can safely be done throughout the body. Individuals use it for their legs, eyebrows, bikini areas and much larger hairs such as their chest, stomach and back. You can have it done so that you can shave time off of your swimming competition or to help you to just look the way that you enjoy looking.

What Is It?

What?s in the wax? The mixture that you will use is a combination of paraffin or beeswax and natural oils. These products are chosen since they work well with the body and stick to the skin. There are two types, cold and hot waxing. Some have supplements in them to help improve the skin?s feel and texture.

Hot Waxing: In this method of waxing, a hot but comfortable temperature is used for the wax. It is spread onto the area in the direction of the hair growth. When the wax cools, it is torn off quickly in the opposite direction, pulling the hair out with it. Usually, this gives the best results in waxing.

Cold Waxing: In this method of waxing, the strips of cloth are coated with the wax and them applied to the skin. The strips are rubbed in the direction of the hair growth and then ripped off in the opposite direction.

After you wax your skin, you can use a treatment of a non perfumed moisturizer. This will help to restore the feel of the skin by adding Vitamin B and Aloe Vera to it. Whatever you do, you do not want to go swimming, use a spa or hot tub, tan, or apply perfume, deodorant or other chemicals to the area that was just waxed as these can cause infections and pain.

It is important that you carefully look at your skin prior to using any type of waxing. You should not use in areas where there are open sores, infection, moles, warts or other skin irritations. You should never attempt to wax eyelashes, ear hair, nose hair or nipple hair. And, you should make sure that you use the appropriate combination of wax for specific areas such as pubic hair. Make sure to test the temperature of the wax so that you do not get burned too.

Waxing has been around for centuries because it is an effective way to remove hair. There are not normally side effects besides a little bit of pain and redness. And, you can do it at home or in a salon. Waxing is an effective method to remove unwanted hair from virtually every area of your body.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about removing body hair.

Copyright Epilator.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Skin Moisturizers ? For A Glowing Face

1:30 PM

If you want to maintain a glowing and fresh face, your skin must be consistently moisturized. It is only possible if the rate of humidity on the skin is stable. There are fewer chances of developing a wrinkled face if the skin is moisturized and hence you will always appear younger.

The water content from the body flows towards the upper crust of the skin through a process called ?Tran epidermal water loss?. If the water content in the body is adequate then your skin is always likely to remain supple and fragile. But if the quantity of water present in your body is scarce, then your skin grows arid and weak, as it does not get the required moisture.

In order to keep your skin relatively moisturized you need to consume maximum liquids, like drinking at least 6 glass of water per day or eat enough of fruits and ripe vegetables that contain watery substances. The moisture that is formed neutralizes the excess oily or dry conditions in the body. Apart from that it is also important to cleanse the skin with water in order to moisturize the skin?s surface. Additional nourishment is required for older people.

Moisturizers are available in the market in various forms or mixtures such as vegetable glycerin, rose water, jojoba oil, vitamin E oils, sorbitol (derived from plants), honey, aloe vera, and iris. Aloe Vera and mineral oils are vital in opening the clogged pores in the skin and thereby reducing the extent of acne. They prevent the skin from drying due to the external factors like sun, wind, and climatic odds. Aloe Vera is widely used for skin irritations, cuts and abrasions caused, sunburns etc. Mineral oils remove the waste materials present in the skin.

As most of the moisturizers contain oily substances in them they often tend to remain on the skin after applying it. But the essentials oils have a fine molecular structure and they effectively penetrate to the inner parts of the skin. They have the property of getting instantly absorbed by the skin. The moisturizers should be mixed with accurate amount of base oil.

To the maximum extent 30 ml of base oils and 6 spoons of essentials oils should be mixed to make the right formation for the skin. If you have any doubts regarding the right usage, you can preferably refer to the manuals that are available in the market.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1673.html http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1673.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Future Skin Rejuvenation Techniques

8:03 PM

The best way to rejuvenate skin is by exercising. When you exercise, your skin breathes and the sweat that is released cleanses the pores of the skin. This is the reason why people have glowing skin after exercising. There are a lot of skin creams, lotions etc that are in the market which assist in keeping the skin clean and fresh.

Most people nearly have 5 pounds of dead skin, normally. If they can shed these 5 pounds within a short duration, then it would really be good. But most of them are trapped with their busy schedules and are unable to spare any time for the workout sessions. Hence a new device has been introduced that assists in removing the dead skin from the body using a vacuum system.

Other products that are good for the skin are face packs, face scrubs etc. A lot of research is being done by a lot of companies to assist people in having great skin. So in future, you will find a lot of new products, new lotions, new creams, new scrubs etc that would help you in removing dead skin and make the skin glow. These products are manufactured keeping the skin texture in mind as people have different skin textures.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1594.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Three Tips for Successful Weight Loss

7:57 PM

Weight loss isn?t just about eating less food. Healthy eating can accelerate your efforts in losing weight. The following are three tips to not only be healthy, but also to lose weight quickly.

Enjoy the Foods You Eat

Weight loss shouldn?t be a chore. If you believe the only foods good for you are those foods that taste badly, then you?re facing an uphill battle right from the start. Instead look at eating as a part of life, and find those foods that you enjoy (and maybe eat slightly less of them). Look to obtain a better balance so that while eating the foods you enjoy, also add some foods that are not processed, such as fruits and vegetables.

You can even start off with just those fruits and vegetables that you currently like and then experiment with expanding to that list, all while looking to maintain a balance between these fresh foods and the foods that may not be the healthiest. Given time, you may find that you acquire a taste for healthy foods.

Try some new recipes. If you don't like raw vegetables, try some steamed ones. If they taste too bland, try adding some spices. You?ll find that as you lose weight and get more energy, your body will start craving these better feelings of health by wanting more of those healthier foods.

Believe in Yourself

Belief is yourself is a necessary component to achieving your goal. If you don't believe what you are doing will work, eventually you?ll give up. Some people quit and blame it on the food, or blame it on where they live, or that they work too many hours to really eat any good food. But in the end, it all comes down to saying to yourself, ?I?m going to do it, no matter what.?

Food may be considered an addiction and the best way to break an addiction is a gradual leading away from the addictive habit, rather than a ?snap? withdrawal (a ?snap? withdrawal is bound for failure). Don?t worry as much about those calories, just tell yourself that you?re going to eat a ?little? less and then supplement the difference with healthier foods.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Successful weight loss involves not hoarding food. Your body hoards the food you eat if you have infrequent, large meals. Weight loss success appears to be in eating smaller meals, frequently throughout the day (4-6 meals spread out every couple hours). Although smaller meals doesn?t mean 4-6 TV dinners every 2 hours. The successful way is have a regular breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then in-between there?s some light snacking, such as a protein bar or meal replacement powder(Muscle Milk from Cytosport is really good for this).

Try to have some fruit and/or vegetables with the breakfast, lunch and dinner. And if a special occasion happens and a piece of cake comes your way, enjoy it without guilt. The key is to be in control and not overdo it ... and don't allow any feelings of guilt to overcome your belief in yourself.

Make sure that you don?t starve yourself. If you start to feel extremely hungry, then you?re probably waiting too long between meals. You see, your body adjusts to the conditions you place on it. If you wait to eat, then your body will adjust by storing more food from the next incoming meal when you finally do eat. The net effect of the habit of waiting is just as if you ate a large meal, as your body stores more of the food, but you don?t get the benefit of eating more food. This is how the downward weight loss failure spiral works (the person eats less, the body stores more of the food, yet the individual feels more tired).

Having four to six meals per day will work if you pace yourself. If you are not hungry when it is time to eat meal number two, the next day adjust meal one so that it doesn't fill you up so much. On the other hand, if you are starving by the time meal two comes around, change meal one so that you are more satisfied (by eating a little more, or adding some healthy fats, or trying some different new foods).

Eating can be a pleasure. It is something we are blessed with and something to be enjoyed. Adjust yourself to eat when you are ready, not when it is time. When you feel it is time to eat, eat something (it?s ok to give yourself permission to do so). Strive for that balance to not have hunger pains and also a balance between processed and natural foods. Try this for a few weeks and you'll find that you?ll believe in yourself to achieve your goal.

It will happen for you and I?ll be so happy for you. Done this way, the weight loss can last you a lifetime, while the health benefits will increase the everyday quality of life for you.

Copyright (c) 2006.

Jessica Deets researches the internet and writes to help people. There's more weight loss news and information at the website at http://www.getthinweightloss.com

How to Have Great Looking Skin

2:49 PM

Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our skin is affected by our:

. Genes
. Inner nutrition - what we eat and drink
. Exercise
. General health and well-being
. Emotional health, and
. Outer nutrition - how we take care of our skin

While we can't alter our genes, we can improve our skin by making the necessary adjustments in the areas we can influence. Read on to discover the basic components of a healthy outer nutritional plan for your skin.

If you seriously want great skin the very first thing to do and wear a hat and good quality sunscreen when out in the sunshine. Having said that, let's move on to understand the next three basic foundations to great skin.

If you want your skin to look and feel great, careful cleansing is very important. This should be done first thing in the morning and last thing at night to remove pore-clogging dirt. Don't cleanse enough and you could find yourself prone to spots. Cleanse to often and you could be stripping away essential oils and be susceptible to dry skin or even eczema. Understanding your skin type (normal, dry or oily) and using a cleanser to match is the best foundation for great looking skin. Remember to rinse your face with warm water after using a cleanser, as any residue will continue to work on the skin if not completely removed.

Our grandmother's used soap and water?isn't that good enough? Soap is not very good at removing makeup because it does not contain enough oils to dissolve the staying power that most cosmetics have today. Remember the 'tight' feeling after your have washed your fact with soap? Soap can be very drying on your skin and may wash away essential oils. Another reason not to use soap is that it is not matched to the natural balance of our skin. Soap is generally alkaline, whilst skin is naturally acidic.

The second step to great outer nutrition for your skin is to tone. Toners are designed to remove any last traces of cleanser, while also helping to tighten and refine pores and prevent the build-up of dead skin cells. After toning your skin should fee and look revitalised and refreshed, and ready to be moisturised. Again you will need to apply a toner that matches your skin type.

The third foundation step is to apply moisturiser to help restore the moisture loss caused by the drying effects of sunlight, central heating, wind, cold and pollution. A good daytime moisturiser would contain a sunscreen and will be easily absorbed into the skin. At night you should use a richer, more nourishing cream, as this is when your skin more readily absorbs moisture.

Despite the plethora of products on the market and the myriad of additives?. the most important ingredient of any moisturiser is water! If water is just splashed on the skin it will not say there. Moisturisers are basically oil and water emulsions which contain a humectant (a substance added to another to make it moist), which attracts water and helps 'fix' it in the upper layers of the skin.

Moisture that is lost firm the skin needs to be replaced quickly so that the surface of the skin is kept both soft and smooth. The living cells in the layers need water so that they will not shrivel up and die. A moisturiser can protect the skin by providing a varier between the skin and the external environment. It also prevents the loss of moisture from the deeper layers of the skin.

Should people who have oily skin use a moisturiser? Moisturisers are particularly recommended for people with dry skin but everyone can benefit from using a moisturiser. You simply need to ensure that you choose the correct moisturiser for your skin type. People with oily skin should choose a moisturiser that hydrates their skin whilst helping absorb any excess oil.

(c) Copyright Kim Beardsmore

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A., B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is a writer for the online weight loss, health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For free resources, tips and healthy recipes to help you lose weight and gain energy, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au

How To Keep Your Skin Shiny and Beautiful?

1:12 PM

Most of us are gifted with beautiful skin but are not careful in preserving its original texture. Therefore during the climatic changes the tone of the skin changes and turns rough. If you regularly provide nutrition to the skin it is likely to remain glowing.

The food we consume also has a bearing on the way our skin looks. Foods containing greasy, oily and fatty substances make the oil glands overactive and therefore we are more likely to face various skin problems. Water is a very good as it cleanses the skin pores. It fights against all the toxins in the body. Therefore it is necessary to consume 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Besides, scheduling an exercise program everyday is very good. The excessive oily substances are drained from your body through the sweat that is produced when you exercise. The workouts also relieve you from all types of stress that reflect on your face directly.

Take care of your skin by applying the proper type of lotions or creams. Do not use the products that contain strong chemicals as it could ruin your skin. Do not smoke because it directly affects your skin and speeds up your ageing process.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1592.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Anti Aging Skin Care and Treatments Dermatologists Use and Recommend

12:21 PM

?Mirror, mirror on the wall, who?s fairest of them all? might have been the uttering of one of the most hated characters we have come across, but this concern for outward good looks is too deep-rooted in the human psyche. The basic concept of beauty has been and remains to be soft, flawless, glowing skin. Advancing age, however, takes its toll and the skin becomes blotchy, rough and dull. Seen from this angle, the topic ?anti aging skin care and treatments? calls for sincere reflection. The sagging and sinking skins have had enough of natural beauty tips that do really well unless scars and wrinkles steal appearances and the once healthy skin falls an easy prey to advancing age. It is time now that they get some insight into the steps being taken in anti aging skin care and treatments.

A number of aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery like face-lifts, thread lifts, fat transfer and a host of non-surgical skin refinishing treatments are now available to fight back the impacts of aging and the harsh treatments meted out to skin. Given the wide selection of skin-rejuvenating treatments, it is preferable that a reliable dermatologist be entrusted with the responsibility of working out the ideal anti aging skin care treatment to eliminate and soften the effects of aging.

The recommended skin care regimen prescribed by the skin specialist may be a singular or a combination cure, depending on the seriousness of the condition, age and other health related issues. The surgical part of the treatment is handled by the skin specialists but the follow-up skin care program necessitates total patient involvement.

The following section elaborates some of the anti aging skin care treatments, which can be used at home:

Glycolic Acid ? Glycolic or ?fruity acid? treatments are good for pigmented aging skin. The bleaching-cum-moisturizing action of this anti aging skin care treatment removes the skin blotches and smoothens the rough, sun-damaged skin, reviving its natural freshness. Available in two forms (cream and face wash), Glycolic Acid should be applied to the face twice daily or as recommended by the skin specialist. There are no serious medical problems associated with the usage of glycolic acids other than causing temporary skin irritation and redness sometimes. It is regarded as a safe anti-aging skin treatment. Caring for the rejuvenated skin involves use of sun block creams too.

TCA Skin Peels ? The TCA skin peels are the most sought after anti-aging skin care treatments, because these medium strength peels are perfectly safe and essentially effective. They fight back the ravages of advancing years by removing facial lines and wrinkles and give back the skin its lost elasticity, suppleness.

The best thing about this easy-to-apply, home-based anti-aging skin care treatment is that its effect lasts up to a year or so. Twice a year application of TCA peels will certainly benefit the skin and are now available for at home use (see the website below for more on this).

Adding some natural skin care tips like hydrating the body inside out, going for a balanced diet (containing anti-oxidants), a little meditation and other health tips summarize a full-fledged anti aging skin care program.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels for plastic surgeons, medispas, and in home use. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Beauty Salon Supplies

10:28 AM

The basic necessities for setting up a beauty salon are beauty salon equipment and supplies. They form the backbone of any beauty salon and help it to function efficiently. Thankfully, numerous companies exist to supply good-quality beauty salon products.

Beauty salon supplies can be divided into hair care, skin care, bath, hand and foot, hair color, cosmetics, and hair removal products besides many others.

A huge number of brands and companies exist which provide different types of beauty salon products.

For basic skin and body care, beauty salons usually have antimicrobial hand and body wash, sea mineral masques, pedicure and manicure kits, professional paraffin bath, facial care, and hot spa for nails. Therabath, Theraffin, FantaSea, Body Drench and many more supply creams, masques, washes, gels, and other things for essential body and skin care.

Other products of brands such as Burts Bees, Dermagolica, Murad, Zia Natural, and American Crew (specially suited for men), are also very effective and of excellent quality.

Tools such as hair flat irons, curling irons, crimpers, hair setters, and many others are also a must for all beauty salons. Babyliss, Caruso, Helen of Troy, Hot Tools, jilbere de Paris, Diana the Hunter, and Secret to Beauty are some other brands which provide excellent hair care and styling appliances.

For hair removal, bleaching, and spa, the best brands available are GiGi, Clean +Easy, Satin Smooth, TherabathPro, One touch, The Melting Pot, and many more.

Cosmetics, make-up, and accessories are a core part of beauty salons too. Some good cosmetic products are provided by brands like Japonesque, Lipchic, Lip Venom, Palladio Cosmetics, and Studio Basics.

FolicaPro, Sally Beauty, Iowa Beauty and Barber Supply, and Bob?s Beauty Supply are some companies where you can find good-quality and branded beauty salon supplies.

A truly amazing range of products can be found at Beauty Deals, which deals in all types of beauty salon supplies of almost all reputed and renowned brands available in the market.

Supplies like dryers, clippers, capes, perms, hair removal and spa can all be sought at discounted rates at Cameo Beauty Supplies, Beauty Deals, and Iowa Beauty and Barber Supply, which allows a savings of nearly 66%.

Beauty Salons provides detailed information on Beauty Salons, Beauty Salon Software, Beauty Salon Equipment, Beauty Salon Supplies and more. Beauty Salons is affiliated with Natural Beauty Products.

Zits What Do I Need To Know About Them

4:45 PM

Zits, or pimples, affect almost everyone at some stage of their life. Zits are yukky, unsightly, and usually a part of growing up.

However it can be useful to know a little bit about them when you are approaching the age when zits may become a part of your life.

Firstly, zits aren?t restricted to teenagers as most think. Zits can affect people at any age. It is estimated that anything up to 50% of adult women have a case of zits at some stage in their life after their teen years. Even adult men get zits, although not as frequently as women. And babies.

However the most common time to encounter zits is in your teens. This, of course, is exactly when you don?t want them. You are most aware of the opposite sex, and most interested in making sure that you look as appealing as possible. An outbreak of zits on your face is not at all welcome.

It is not entirely understood what causes zits. It is known what they are, but not exactly what causes them. However the experts think that it is most likely that zits are caused by hormonal changes that take place in your body at certain stages in your life. This explains why zits can be encountered at times when the body is experiencing hormonal changes such as in the teen years.

Zits are a normal part of life. Almost everyone has them, especially as teens, and they are not sent to make your life a misery at the exact time that you don?t want them. They are a part of growing up and if you are a teen with zits you can be sure that most of your friends will get them soon if they haven?t already.

You can get zits on other parts of your body as well as your face. For example on your back, although there are others.

Although it may be fun to pop your zits, or certainly satisfying, it may not be the best thing to do. Experts disagree on whether popping your zits causes scars, but when in doubt, try to avoid it. And if you must then refrain from attempting to get those deep ones that are hard to pop, just stick to the obvious simple ones. But preferably don?t.

Contrary to popular belief you don?t get zits by eating too much chocolate, although you may get fat. Fatty foods do not cause zits.

You don?t get zits because you aren?t washing your face well enough.

As zits are a normal part of life it is extremely difficult to cure them. However there are good strategies available to manage them. It?s just that you control, rather than cure them until your body decides that enough is enough.

Zits will go away with time, although it probably doesn?t seem so now. People don?t generally go through life with permanent zits. A serious case though can cause scars, so it is always worth having them checked out by your doctor.

Overall remember, although zits may seem like a huge problem now, they will go away, and they will be a distant memory soon. Everyone has to deal with them, it?s just your turn at the moment.

Find out more about Acne as well as Home Treatment for Acne and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more at Peter?s website, Acne All Gone.

A PlainEnglish Guide to Laser Hair Removal

10:17 PM

Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular method of depilation in recent years, for many good reasons. But like most other beauty treatments, it should be undertaken with caution and with a little bit of research under your belt, so here are the most important factors to bear in mind when considering whether laser hair removal is right for you.

First of all, what is laser hair removal? Unless you want to understand the physics of light, there's a very simple definition. In the hands of an experienced beauty therapist, a handheld device emits a particular wavelength of light, which destroys the hair without harming the skin that surrounds it. It's a simple technique that's easy to administer, and more importantly, unlike waxing or sugaring, it's relatively pain free.

There are, however, some disadvantages associated with this method of hair removal, and it's unfortunately not suitable for everyone. Because the laser destroys dark material, the hair to be removed must be darker than the skin surrounding it, so those with very fair hair might not be eligible for laser hair removal.

Recently tanned skin is also unsuited to this method of hair removal, so be careful to avoid the sun before you schedule your appointment. Any type of skin damage may be exacerbated by the use of lasers, so take good care of your skin before you take that trip to the beauty salon, and postpone your appointment should you develop any skin injuries, such as a rash, or a cut.

Laser hair removal is sometimes advertised as a permanent system of hair removal, and while this method of depilation often does yield long-lasting results, there is not yet enough evidence to support a blanket claim of permanent hair loss. Laser hair removal is most effective on those with paler skins and dark hair, and many people matching this description have found that regrowth is minimal, with new hairs finer and lighter than prior to treatment.

Laser hair removal is more expensive than other methods of depilation, and as the area of unwanted hair can require a number of treatments before optimal results are seen, the cost can quickly add up. But for those who regular spend a small fortune on shavers, waxing strips and other hair removal tools, the effectiveness of laser surgery can make it a real money saver in the long run.

It is important to remember that a laser can be dangerous in the wrong hands, so be careful to find a professional and reputable salon to perform your laser hair removal. Find a beauty therapist with whom you feel comfortable, and ask any and all questions you need to put your mind at ease. Don't be afraid to ask about your therapist's qualifications and experience - all laser hair removal practitioners should be licensed physicians or registered nurses.

Laser hair removal is an effective technique than can bring wonderful results. Relatively painless - expect a slight tingling sensation when the laser is in use - and long-lasting, laser hair removal is, however, a technique that requires skilled hands. Treat your skin with the respect it deserves and find a well-qualified and experienced practitioner to perform the procedure, and say goodbye to that unwanted hair.

Article written exclusively for http://www.laser-hair-removal-report.com. For more information and articles on Laser Hair Removal, visit http://www.laser-hair-removal-report.com.

Cosmeceuticals: The New Wave in Skin Care Solutions

2:16 PM

Cosmeceuticals are the new wave in skin care. They are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids intended to enhance the health and beauty of the skin. Skin is the largest organ in the body, both by weight and surface area. In adults, the weight of your skin accounts for about 16% of your total body weight. The skin separates the internal environment from the external. It is essential to protect and preserve the skin for your own personal health and self esteem.

Cosmetic skin care products only serve to cleanse and beautify. As opposed to cosmetics, cosmeceuticals will alter the structure and function of the skin. Let?s take a look at some of the ingredients and the science behind why they work.

Centella Asiatica is a botanical agent, which increases collagen production by inducing its precursor enzyme. This ingredient has a shelf life of 6 months, which is why you will not find it in stores. This amazing material reduces the appearance of stretch marks and is currently being researched for its effects on varicose veins.

The FDA recognizes Salicyclic Acid as a proven anti-bacterial destroying agent.

Retinol is a vitamin A treatment, which accelerates the skin cells natural exfoliation process and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycolic Acid is a natural fruit acid, which accelerates the skins cellular turnover. It improves circulation and produces vibrant, smoother, younger-looking skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful anti-oxidant proven to shrink pores, reduce under eye puffiness, and erase fine lines and wrinkles, while improving circulation and brightening your overall complexion.

DMAE is a natural substance that stabilizes and strengthens the cell's plasma membrane. Dramatically tightens, firms, and tones the neck, eyelids, and facial muscles, resulting in a lean, toned, and youthful look.

Sodium Hyaluronate is a protein that functions as a lubricant between the connective tissues of the skin, allowing the retention of skins natural moisture, leaving the skin soft, supple and silky smooth.

Other ingredients include Dimethicone Copolyol Meadowfomate, which is an anti-irritant, retinyl palminate an anti-wrinkles agent, and actifirm, a skin-firming agent. In short, a combination of these ingredients will reverse sun damage and treat acne. They also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, old age spots, and stretch marks. I hope I have convinced you that cosmeceuticals will improve your happiness and your health. I encourage you to contact me with any questions, concerns, or your own rave reviews.

About The Author

My name is Christina. I currently work for a continuing medical education company, and I am a consultant for Nouveau Cosmeceuticals. With a degree in molecular biology, I always look for the science behind everything. Finally, a skin care company has developed a product that is made for all ages, all skin types, and all races. Read the reviews, try it for 30 days, and you will not be disappointed. The scientific evidence was enough to convince me to try it. After 30 days, I decided it was so amazing that I wanted to sell it. I am glad I have the opportunity to share with all of you.

?It?s not your imagination?it?s Nouveau.?

Christina Iacovelli
Executive Consultant
ciacovelli@aol.com
http://www.bynouveau.com/flawless

Dry Skin Care

7:08 PM

Your skin is said to be dry when the sebaceous glands in the skin are not actively functioning. Therefore your skin easily erupts due to the outdoor exposure such as heat, cold or any type of climatic odds.

People with dry skin must not excessively use hot water to moisturize the skin. Mineral water is best suited because it turns the face fresh. During the morning time as soon as you get up from sleep, splash some amount of mineral water on your face with a sprayer. Leave it to dry for sometime.

The usage of soap on dry skin should be minimal because it strips the natural oils from the skin and leaves the skin dry. Instead of using toilet soaps, moisturizers should be used because they add water content to the skin. A gentle and a thorough massage is required for the dry skin to turn moist. Preferably avoid using commercial products such soaps that contain harsh chemicals in them. The alkaline content is highly harmful to the skin so do not use alkaline soaps or washing sodas. Every night before going to bed a homemade nourishing cream should be applied on your face.

The best method to nourish your dry skin is by dampening your face first. Afterwards apply a single coat of moisturizer to your skin to turn your skin supple.

The below mentioned therapy is to be tried before having a bath.

Mix 1 egg yolk along with the 1 teaspoon orange juice, 1-teaspoon olive oil and, a few drops of rose water and 10 drops of limejuice and apply it to your skin.

If the above-mentioned tips are followed you will quickly restore your skin condition to normal.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1677.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Causes of Acne ? Solution and Acne Control

12:49 PM

In order to answer this question, we should first examine different types and causes of acne. It?s important to note that you are not alone in your struggles with acne. Acne is a skin condition which effects millions of people. Acne does not discriminate. It can appear on the faces of the young and old of both sexes of any and every cultural background.

Types of Acne:

Whitehead Acne: As the name suggests, whiteheads are named after their appearance. If your pores are clogged, yet bulge with a white tip - these are whiteheads.

Blackhead Acne: Like the whitehead, a blackhead is named after it?s physical description. If your pores become clogged, yet stay open - a blackhead becomes visible. The top surface of that part of your skin will darken, displaying the rapped dirt in the pore.

Pimple Acne: Sometimes our pore open, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria. Should bacteria, known as sebum, enter - the skin will display a red bump. This is commonly referred to as a pimple.

Nodule: These are clogged pores which are very deep in the skin. These nodules are infected lumps or cysts which can be tender to the touch or very painful.

Causes of Acne:

Hormonal changes in teenagers and adults can cause different types of acne in teenage boys and girls. Statistics show that eight out of ten teenagers display some type of acne during their adolescent years.

While our bodies need some oils, excessive build-up of oils can promote blocked pores, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

Excessive washing removes all oils from the skin. The face needs some oil to maintain its healthy appearance. Otherwise you become a candidate for dry damaged skin or more acne.

Scrubbing your face is never the solution. Gentle exfoliation is always suggested, but scrubbing is a no-no. The objective is to soothe your face and rid it of acne. Not aggravate the skin and cause yourself pain. Washing your face with water, while healthy for your skin, is unlikely to remedy the issue ? which lies in the buildup of oils in the skin caused by DHT.

Acne Solution:

Finding an acne treatment that attacks the real root cause of acne ? the buildup of oils in the skin which leads to blackheads and attracts bacteria. By reducing the level of DHT in the skin layer, oil production is reduced, thereby eliminating acne creating at the source.

Jen Carter is team member for Clearogen, a new acne treatment created by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr Alex Khadavi, designed to attack the root causes of teenage and adult acne instead of simply addressing the symptoms. Visit http://www.clearogen.com

Fight Aging

8:57 PM

Developing an anti-aging program is the newest scientific approach to helping you live a longer, healthier and more active life. Some of the greatest benefits include improved mental and cognitive funtion, stronger cardiovascular system, increased lean body mass and decreased body fat, improve sexual function, fewer wrinkles, thicker skin and better skin tone. The main components of anti-aging to include in your program are:Optimal nutrition, proper skincare, regular excercise, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle behavioral changes such as smoke, stress management, and reduced alcohol asumption.

Excercise is the simplest and least expensive anti-aging tool. You can work with a personal trainer, and better yet, participation in a regular fitness program will provide you needed exercise benefits. Be sure to check with your physician before beginning any rigorous exercise program.

If your body is armed with the ammunition to defend itself, your body will have stronger immunity and reduced disease, and you'll find yourself seeking medical attention less frequently. Through the synergistic action of all these components, anti-aging scientists have observed a significant change and even reversal of some aging effects. Now it's your turn to observe these changes in your skin and body. Discuss additional options for addressing changes to your skin with your skincare professional professional.

Mina Dimakis-Lev
http://www.BeautyImagebyMina.com

Tips to Look Younger

5:49 PM

Almost every woman wants to look young at all times. Most of them put in their best efforts to look beautiful and young forever. Mentioned below are a few don?ts for women who want to look young:

A woman must not apply foundation cream before putting powder, because a woman will appear pale and unhealthy instead of displaying a fair complexion.

The powder foundation must be avoided if possible because it gets gathered in the wrinkles of the skin and the wrinkles can be seen clearly.

Avoid glimmering eye shadow. The glimmering eye shadow when applied does not enhance the natural beauty of the face. Brown eye shadows bring a pale and a dull look to the face, hence it is advised to not use it.

Black colored eyeliners do not enhance a women?s look because they appear like two lines on the eyes. Do not use any faint colored liner because it does not hide any defects under your eyes.

Do not thin your eyebrows because very thin lines of brows make you look aged. Make sure that the cosmetics you use is not too dark or gaudy. See that the makeup does not get accommodated in between furrows and creases on your face. Do not put lip liner prominently as it will sometimes make you look like a clown.

Follow the above-mentioned tips and look young and beautiful.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1710.html http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1710.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Finding Effective Skin Care Products

2:34 PM

To know what to look for in an antiaging skin care product, it?s important to understand what causes deterioration in the skin over time. All aspects of aging, including slack skin, wrinkles and uneven skin tone are the result of free radical damage at the molecular level.

Oxygen molecules are the bad boys of the antiaging world. When involved in a chemical reaction, they frequently lose one of their electrons and then dash madly about trying to steal an electron from another molecule. This can start a destructive chain reaction of unstable molecules, called free radicals, dashing around creating more unstable molecules.

Think of it like a radical mob building to riot force. Free radical damage is also known as oxidation. On metal, it appears in the form of rust. So when we say we are getting rusty, it?s not really far from the truth!

Fortunately skin has amazing regenerative abilities that help it repair damage up to a point. As well, nature has provided an anti-riot squad called The Antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in the human body and elsewhere in nature. They effectively block free radicals from getting to other healthy stable molecules.

But there are factors that can accelerate free radical damage to the point that the balance of power shifts in favor of the free radical mob. Current thinking categorizes the factors into: lifestyle (meaning where and how you live); the natural aging process; and genetics.

Some of these skin risk factors can be changed and some can?t. As time and science march on, the list of factors which can be mitigated grows longer and longer. Lifestyle changes are frequently possible if you know what to do and are motivated to make the changes.

Thanks to fairly recent scientific findings, the natural aging process of skin can be slowed and even reversed to some extent. That leaves only the genetic factors of skin aging that we are stuck with. At least for now.

UV protection, in the form of SPF creams, is the first topical step to take for your skin?s health. The second is moisturizing. The third step is assisting the fight against free radical damage with antioxidants. Steps four and five are skin care products that help remove old/dead/abnormal skin cells and those that promote normal skin regeneration. Many ingredients shown to accomplish this demolition and renovation are found in the latest generation of face creams.

In addition to antiaging treatments that support physical health and beauty, there are also antiaging skin care creams that address cosmetic concerns like adult acne, uneven skin pigmentation and lines of expression.

While no one dies from these conditions, it is widely accepted that if we look better, we feel better. So though treatments for these skin conditions are termed cosmetic , they frequently have a mental health benefit in that they support a healthy self-image and increased self confidence.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice. Consult a qualified physician before using any of these products.

For a list of the most effective skin care ingredients and what they do, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/skin-care.html

Jean Bowler was a teacher, ballet dancer and instructor, personal trainer, cosmetics consultant and more. She is the editor of Ageless Beauty ? http://www.ageless-beauty.com

It's So Easy to Have Smooth Skin All You Need is an Epilator

2:40 PM

There are many hair removal systems available in today?s retail stores, but which ones actually work and give you weeks of peace-of-mind and hair free sensitive skin areas?

Okay, we know that we can purchase razors in all sizes, types and styles, but most razors do not get those small fine hairs and you usually have to shave at least every other day or you have that prickly feeling. This is very unsightly as the short hair poke out of your pantyhose and can even cause runs in your hose. Then there are all types of shaving creams and gels that are suppose to lift the hairs for easier shaving, but you are still left with shaving about every other day.

Then there is waxing. These hair removal systems do in fact rid your body of unwanted hair, but try in on your bikini line. This can be very painful, not to mention time consuming.

There is also a type of laser surgery that guarantees it is a permanent hair removal system. But, who can afford to have a doctor remove unwanted hair, plus the time involved as well.

The cheapest easiest hair removal systems are epilators. These unique hair removal systems were designed especially for women. There are several on the market today that are virtually pain free that can guarantee you will rid your body of unwanted hair for 4 to 6 weeks.

The idea of these hair removal systems is that they use a specially designed head with one or more rows of tweezer type discs that will pull the hair out by the root. When the hair comes out at the root it will take much longer to grow back. You may say, ouch, but in fact they are designed to hold the skin taunt to aid in pain reduction. They are also created with unique heads that do not even touch the skin to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.

In the course of my work I have had nothing but praise from my clients to whom I have recommended epilators.

So, if you are seeking hair removal systems that are convenient, safe, and inexpensive, then you need to compare epilators. You are sure to come up with one which matches your lifestyle.

As a beauty consultant Nicola Kennedy is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for the Best Resources, Views and Information to help you choose the Best Epilator for you.

Copyright ? Epilator.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Tips and Advice: Puffy Eyes

1:09 AM

Some of the causes of puffy eyes are: lack of sleep, alcohol, allergies, aging, stress, poor diet and genetics.

To decrease the appearance of puffy eyes use a thinly sliced cold cucumber or a slice of raw potato and place a slice on each eye. Use any cold compress on your eyes for a few minutes, but do not place ice cubes directly on your skin. Cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel (which reduces swelling) or iced water should also do the trick.

You can also reduce the appearance of puffy eyes by taking a beaten egg white with a drop or two of witch hazel and brushing it under your eyes for a tightening effect.

Do you need to change your lifestyle in order to decrease the puffiness under your eyes?

Do you know that salty foods cause water retention which can accumulate in the eye area? Sodas and alcohol drinks are high in sodium (salt). Drink water instead. Do you drink enough water? Remember you should drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Exercise will help your overall circulation, including your renal circulation and will aid in the elimination of water. Do not sleep on your stomach, instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated so that water cannot accumulate around the eye are.

Here is a great tip: DO NOT NOT NOT use preparation H on your face!

A concealer or highlighter can do wonders to hide puffiness under your eyes. Pat your concealer on first and blend it in so it looks natural. Then apply your foundation and set it with a light dusting of loose powder.

There are many eye treatment creams on the market today that are formulated specifically to reduce bags underneath your eyes. I recommend Colos? Creme Miracle as it reduces puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. It contains collagen, vitamins, elastin and jojoba oil. Store creams in the refrigerator, as the coldness will also help reduce puffiness.

If you continually have eye puffiness go see your doctor. You could be having symptoms of sinusitis or allergies that can be cleared up by antibiotics or medication.

CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina VanDoran, Editor of Make-up USA Newsletter: http://www.make-upusa.com. Ms. VanDoran is a top makeup artist at her Spa in Brussels, Belgium. She predominantly uses Bren and Colos? Cosmetics and Skin Care products. Make-up USA ? All Rights Reserved.

The Truth About Your Acne Problem!

2:11 AM

Like a good many people I have been the victim of acne vulgaris (what an appropriate name for such a vulgar disease) the medical term for pimples.

My acne problem has made me aggravated, made me cry, and made me angry. Thousands of people each year are afflicted by an acne problem, and their acne problem makes recluses out of way too many teenagers and even adults.

Your acne problem is caused when your pores get clogged and the fatty material made by the sebaceous gland accumulates, and a bump appears under the skin-or perhaps a whitehead or a blackhead (a comedone).

Blackheads are not caused by dirt but by the discoloring effect of air on the fatty material in the clogged pore. If this substance becomes infected a pimple results.

That is the medical explanation for pimples but what people really want to know is How do I get RID of my acne problem!?

As anyone can tell you the worst thing to do is to push or pop a pimple. Because this will not only cause your acne problem to worsen, but can result in life long scars.

No matter what you see on TV or in movies and no matter what anyone in your family or what any friend tells you, DON'T pop that pimple.

I speak from personal experience, my acne problem was so bad I couldn't stand it so I popped pimples trying to be proactive in getting rid of them.

That is the wrong method to get involved in doing something to rid yourself of your acne problem. I am still paying for doing it by the scars that remain on my face.

The right way is a simple trick I learned that lessons acne dramatically:

Steam your face at night over a warm bowl of water for 20 minutes before retiring to bed (this should be after washing your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser like Olay's or Neutragena's facial cloths)

And then massage one half a teaspoon of castor oil onto your face for about 1 minute, until your face is just lightly shiny.

This will help keep your pores open and prevent new pimples from forming (the steaming opens pores and helps get rid of old pimples).

In the morning you should wash your face again immediately after waking and steam face again for 20 more minutes.

After steaming your face in the morning splash your face with cold water and dry off.

Do this consistently every night and morning for optimal results in clearing up your acne problem.

Now that you are armed with this information put it to use tonight and watch the improvement as your acne problem fades and your skin begins to glow after just a short period of time.

For more of Beth's expert advice visit her Website now!

Bounce Back From the Wintertime Blahs With A ThreeDay Cleansing Diet

2:42 AM

Wintertime leaves a lot of us feeling blah and washed out. Our skin gets dry and pale, our eyes can seem dull and lifeless ? and let?s not even get started with the foods we eat.

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties and New Year?s Eve ? all came with plenty of rich, decadent dishes and calorie-laden cocktails. It?s no wonder that by the time spring arrives, we could really use a pick-me-up.

And those are just a few of the things a quick cleanse can remedy. Have you been plagued by chronic constipation, allergies, sinusitis, or any other chronic aches and pains? If you?re tired of relying on over-the-counter medications to make it through day to day life, there might just be an unexpected culprit ? blockage(s) in your body?s elimination system.

Basically, what this means is that you might be suffering from mucus and other wastes building up in your body?s major routes of elimination:

?Your lungs
?Your pores
?Your kidneys, and
?Your bowels.

Getting rid of this waste build-up will better allow your body to get the most out of your regular diet ? a bit like the performance difference you see between low- and high-octane fuel.

Important Things to Consider Before You Begin...
Of course, the three day cleansing diet isn?t for everyone. Some people may be too weak or may suffer from conditions that make the cleansing diet too dangerous to undertake. For this reason, it?s important to stress how vital it is to first consult with your doctor before you begin a new dietary regiment.

Also, I can?t stress enough that this is a diet to help you cleanse your system out, not too help you lose weight. Misuse could be extremely hazardous to your health!

Now that we?ve covered the basics, let?s delve on into the specifics of the cleansing diet.

The Diet in a Nutshell...

While you may come across several different variations of the 3 day cleansing diet, here are some of the things they?ll all have in common:

?You?ll have to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day
?When it comes to foods, be ready to restrict your diet to 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, preferably raw or steamed.
?In case you didn?t get the hint, that means NO meat.
?If you do opt for breads or cereals (and you probably shouldn?t), it?s important that you only chose whole grains
?During this 72 hour period, it?s important to avoid sugars, coffees, and sodas. If you?re afraid you?ll suffer from headaches from caffeine withdrawals, you might want to begin slowly reducing your coffee intake prior to the ?fast.?

The Cleansing Diet in Action...

While there are many different variations of the cleansing diet being touted by various different experts, most of them follow a pattern that looks something like this:

Day 1 ? A complete food fast, water only
Day 2 ? 5 or 6 servings of fruit and fruit juice only (water is still a must)
Day 3 ? 5 or 6 servings of vegetables and veggie juice only (water is still a must)
Day 4 ? Go back to your regular diet

Of course, variations do exist, and with a little research, you should have no trouble finding one suitable for your own unique needs. Three days later, a whole new, detoxified woman will be looking back at you in the mirror!

About the Author

Nathan Fischer writes for BeautyProductsUSA. Stop by for emerging beauty products and trends, and fine products such as Claus Porto soap.

How To: Quick and Easy Natural Massage Melts

12:51 AM

Massage melts are a unique body product because they stay solid at room temperatures, but when applied directly to your skin, start to soften and melt due to body temperature. Their main purpose is to moisturize dry skin, as well as, relax and soothe tight muscles.

Essentially, massage bars are composed of natural butters and oils. Most recipes for this type of product call for the use of cocoa butter. Even though it has great moisturizing properties, I feel this butter produces too hard a product. Therefore, I recommend using such butters as shea and mango, which create a silkier, luxurious feeling to your melts.

For oils, I highly recommend using sweet almond and jojoba. Sweet almond oil is light and penetrates easily making it well-suited for dry skin conditions. Plus, it is effective on all skin types. Jojoba oil, which is not actually an oil but is a liquid wax, is similar in composition to the oil your skin secretes, which is known as sebum. Jojoba is a quickly absorbed oil that soothes the skin, as well as, extends the shelf life of other oils.

Other ?light? oils you can substitute, for the above, are apricot kernel, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean. Rounding out the rest of the ingredients are beeswax, vitamin E, and essential and fragrance oils.

Beeswax helps formulations keep their shape, as well as, act as a humectant. Vitamin E oil protects your product from rancidity and is also a great natural antioxidant. Essential oils are natural ingredients that are the very essence of the plant itself. Extracted from the flowers, fruit, leaves, bark, and roots of the plant, the oils are used for scent and therapeutic purposes. A word of caution, due to their volatility, research any essential oil before use. Fragrance oils, though synthetic in nature, do provide an inexpensive and easy way to achieve a scent that might not be possible with essential oils.

Ingredients:
3 ? oz. of shea butter
3 ? oz. of beeswax
2 oz. of jojoba oil
2 oz. of sweet almond oil
? tsp. of Vitamin E

Equipment:
Mold(s) of your choice
1 digital cooking thermometer
2 Pyrex glass measuring cups
1 small digital postal scale
1 set of measuring aluminum spoons
Wax paper for measuring on the scale
Plastic wrap to cover Pyrex cups

Directions:
Step 1: Gather all equipment onto a clean, sterile surface. Place a sheet of wax paper over the small digital postal scale to measure out the shea butter and beeswax base. Place base in a Pyrex cup and cover with plastic wrap. Melt ingredients, completely, in the microwave.

Step 2: While the base is melting, use the second Pyrex cup for your jojoba, sweet almond, vitamin E, and essential/fragrance oils (if used). Mix, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.

Step 3: Once the base has melted, mix thoroughly. Pour the Pyrex cup from step 2 into the base Pyrex cup, mix together, and pour into your mold(s). Set aside for a couple of hours to cool and set. When soft, transfer the melts to the fridge until they are really hard. They should just pop out of the molds easily. Massage into skin and let product become absorbed. Due to melting properties, keep unused portions out of direct sunlight and store in a cool place.

Note: If you plan on using essential and/or fragrance oils in your recipe, place a digital thermometer in the melted shea butter and beeswax base. Wait for the temperature to drop down to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher will burn off the fragrant oils. After the temperature has reached this point immediately dump your Pyrex cup from step 2 into the Pyrex cup with the base, mix quickly, and pour into your mold(s). Follow the rest of step 3 instructions.

Muscle Relief Essential Oil Blend
? tsp. of Eucalyptus
? tsp. of Peppermint (do not use if pregnant)
30 drops of Rosemary

Tropical Fragrance Oil Blend (Substitute shea butter with mango butter)
? tsp of Heliotrope fragrance oil
? tsp of Coconut Milk fragrance oil
30-50 drops of Tahitian Vanilla fragrance oil

All recipe ingredients, listed above, can be found by searching Google.com.

Mindy Schwartz is a writer for the handmade beauty industry, as well as, the owner of a handmade bath and body business called Grayson?s Apothecary of Beauty. For more information, go online to http://www.graysonsco.com.

Your Hair Is Communicating What Is Yours Saying?

9:36 PM

Stunning! Impressive! Wow! How did they do that? These are all statements that have come to mind when I analyze hairstyles I see on women while I'm out and about. Unfortunately, She did that at home!? What in the world? and No she didn't! also come to mind when I see others.

Maybe it's because I'm a stylist and that's what I do. Maybe it's because I'm a man and I key in on what I like. Maybe I shouldn't care so much...but I do, and the truth is so does everyone else! I'm just honest enough to share this information with you.

I know that it's wrong, but...the same way people judge you by the way you speak, they judge you on how you carry yourself!

Your image is so important, that the best salespeople use it as a selling tool! But don't take my word for it. Think about it! Remember that job you really wanted? You HAD to look your best for the interview...right?

Ever wonder why celebrities spend massive amounts of money on their appearance? It helps them sell themselves. From recording artists, to actors, to models to CEOs! As human beings we get the impression that because they have their appearance together they have their lives together as well.

On the flip side of the coin, when we see people that don't seem to care about their appearance?we get the impression that they don't really care about balance and organization and they are probably not on top of things.

Now I'm not saying these impressions are true, I am merely stating the impressions that we may get.

Let's touch on the statements that various hairstyles make. When I see a woman with a casual look wearing highlights (professional and compliment her entire look) I tend to think of a professional. On the flip side of the coin styles like dreads that haven?t been taken care of, can seem intimidating, rebellious or threatening.

The way you wear your hair, from the messy just got out of bed look to extensions, to dreads, to braids to low/high top fades...your hair is saying something about you! Some people?s styles are inviting. Other people?s looks can be intimidating. Your style may be professional, and then again it may be casual. If you get nothing else from this information, take this with you. Your hair, and your style are nonverbal expression to others.

Your hair is communicating what is yours saying?

Dwayne Pressley is a licensed cosmetologist, hair care consultant, (found at http://www.askdwayne.com) public speaker and author of the internet's scorching hot e-book on the subject of hair What Your Hair stylist Doesn't Want You To Know for more information join the group and/or visit him at http://www.askdwayne.com