Archive for July, 2009

8 Tips for a Healthy and shining Skin

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Tip 1: Drink Water

Water has long been considered as the most efficient natural treatment or an almost free treatment for any skin condition because of its being alkaline, with pH 7.3.  It prevents dehydration which is capable of producing sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands.  Your skin needs water in order for it to function best, thus doctors and nutritionists suggest that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is highly needed.

Tip 2: Watch Your Diet

Nutrition plays a vital role in skin health too.  Specific foods such as those acidic foods and dairy products are said to be effective in causing an allergic reaction in some people.  Also, one of the widely debated topics in the area of nutrition today is chocolates.   Some say that chocolate does affect the condition of the skin, while others say it doesn’t.  Whatever the result may be, the best advice is just to follow a nutritious diet that has a number of fresh fruits and green-leafy veggies, as well as fiber.

Tip 3:  Consider Exfoliants

Many experts say that exfoliating your skin is another great way to attain a beautiful skin.  So, try to invest in a good body exfoliant or “loofah”, as it is commonly called, as it is capable of eliminating the dead skin cells from your body.   Accordingly, this should be done once or twice a week so to free the skin to breathe.   What’s more, exfoliants help to put off ingrown hair from developing.

However, it is essential to avoid using any body exfoliant on the skin on the face.   The main reason for this precaution is that the facial tissue is more sensitive and finer than those tissues of the body.

Tip 4: Consider a Healthy Routine for Facial Care

When it comes to facial skin care, getting into a healthy beauty routine is not bad.  Most of the doctors today greatly suggest that you cleanse, moisturize and tone your skin twice every day.   When cleaning, never fail to remember cleaning the area on the neck, including your face.  Apply a moisturizer or neck cream after.

Before going to bed at night, always bear in mind to remove all make up. Clean your skin before you sleep, no matter how tired you may feel.   It was found out that during the night, the skin goes through a process of elimination and cannot breathe properly if it is clogged with make up.  And, you may also find out that sleeping with your make up on will cause your skin to “break out” with spots on it.

When it comes to shaving for men, some men may experience shaving rashes.  For many, these rashes lower their self-esteem, but this is actually not a big problem to think about.  There are a lot ways to avoid rashes.  Perhaps one of the best is to make sure that when shaving, the razor strokes are following the direction of hair growth.  That’s simply it!

Tip 5: Heal Your Feet

When it comes to skin care, the feet are often neglected.  So, if care you found no time for a professional pedicure, try to fill a football or basin with warm water and add your favorite essential oil. Soak your feet for about fifteen minutes.  Then, dry them and apply a rough skin remover onto them.   Rinse this off and dry you feet well.   And, if you consider pedicure, simply add some body cream to your feet for an easy and quick fix pedicure.

Tip 6: Avoid Too Much Exposure to the Sun

One of the most common precautions when it comes to skin care is avoiding too much exposure to the sun.  As you may know, over exposure to sunlight causes sunburn.  So, while current sun blocks only block out the UVB rays and still let in harmful UVA rays, it is still wise to cover up before venturing into the hands of Apollo.   If possible, use a wide brimmed hat while tending your garden to keep the sun from your face.

Tip 7:  Exercise

Aside from considering a healthy diet, exercising your body also helps keep your skin healthy.  Note that a proper exercise does not only keep the body fit by regulating the oxygen; it also improves the glow of the skin as well.

Tip 8:  Take Enough Rest

One common problem that face people is stress; the one which is not normal.   It was found out that when a person is stressed, the adrenal cortex converts adrenal androgens to the hormone testosterone in male and female, which in turn results in overactive sebaceous glands.   These adrenal androgens are released causing a double amount of testosterone, causing the face to be oily, while other areas of the body are still dry from dehydration.  So, taking proper rest that includes 6 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep daily is the best way to rejuvenate the skin.

7 Ways To Conquer Acne

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:
1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.
2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Opt for “hypo-allergenic” perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.
3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

* Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
* Vitamin B Complex
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* L-Carnitine
* Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.
3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years – especially for women – can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.
4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what’s washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.
5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

* Benzoyl Peroxide
* Proactiv® Solution
* Salicylic Acid
* Retinoids
* Antibiotics
* Oral Contraceptives
* Anti-Androgens
* Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or “grain.” A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.
7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin’s ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of “Things that Calm You” handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

7 Little Known Acne Skin Care Secrets

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

An acne problem is not a problem, so long as you know wise acne skin care tips. One does need much money to get that healthy glowing skin, with the natural acne skin care methods, acne shouldn’t be treated like monsters under your bed. Here are some acne skin care methods we can practice.

<b>The power of water.</b> Oil, they say is thicker than water. But water is the plainest, most natural substance we can use for acne skin care. In washing your face, do it gently. Rubbing and scrubbing your face does not clean the skin gently. For best acne skin care effects, using a mild cleanser or toner once in the morning, noon and evening, and after doing a heavy work out, will help you achieve a clear skin.

<b>Pick that zit.</b> People who prick pimples and blemishes as if pricking a bubble only aggravates the risk of skin inflammation and acne scars. Avoid hand contact with your face for better acne skin care results.

<b>Shave with care.</b> Choose the best electric shavers and safety razors you can trust for years. They’ll be more comfortable to use. Men need not use a super sharp blade to get rid of that beard. A regular shaver used with soap and water, or shaving cream will help you get that smooth finish. Doctors advised men to shave lightly, and shave only when necessary for acne skin care maintenance .

<b>Sun of the beach!</b> If you love sun tanning or just want the sight of that sophisticated sunburnt look – forget it. This is an acne skin care no-no. The sun’s harmful ultra violet rays redden the skin, making the skin drier. It can make one’s blemishes visible, speed up aging and bring serious damage to the human skin. Also, excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. You don’t want to ruin that great acne skin care you’ve been starting on with.

<b>Cosmic Cosmetics.</b> Eye shadows, blush on, moisturizer, and other cosmetics we use should be free from oily substances to permit healthy acne skin care maintenance. Even hairstyling products in forms of gels or aerosols that come in close contact with the skin may destroy a healthy acne skin care practice. Choose hairstyling products, which are commercially labeled as non-comedogenic are products which do not provoke the formation and growth of blemishes and other related skin
disorders.

<b>Buttered Face.</b> An African beauty secret reveals the power of shea butter which originated from the Karite Nut Tree (or Mangifolia tree). Hmmm… juicy acne skin care tip! Karite Nut Tree was discovered in the semi-arid savannahs of West Africa and Central Africa. People in Africa, women in particular – rely in shea butter as a vital tool for acne skin care treatment for over centuries now.

<b>Spare me that SPA!</b> You need not visit the most expensive spa parlors to get that destressing facial treatment to aid you in your acne skin care endeavor. Create a home made magical elixir right at the comforts of your own home by purchasing simple spa tools found in beauty stores.

Get only the best and the FRESH. Increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These acne skin care tools are free of toxins which decreases the speed of blood circulation. A salad or a fruit a day will keep an acne away!

There is no perfect cure, medication, treatment or acne skin care methods for acne problems. Thus, as the sole proprietor of our own skin, we must take full charge of what lies to be our first armor against diseases and bodily injuries.

6 Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Acne

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Acne? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Acne.

Here are some tips that have helped hundreds of people suffering from acne.  Hopefully, these will help you too:

1. Water is Best

Water is by far the most effective treatment for acne.  The main support for this claim is the fact that water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and can be considered as a natural treatment or an almost free acne treatment.  Thus, it is best that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day (10 to 12 is better). This will help your body in getting rid of oil, waste and toxins, and water even helps to moisten your skin as it keeps your pores from clogging.  Perhaps what is most important is that, water helps to relieve stress and relax your body in the end, so you can have a better sleep. Note that water and sleep are factors that help reduce stress. Along with this, try to lessen your coffees, sodas, teas and alcohols intake as much as possible. The reason behind this is that they are partial diuretics that they drive more water out of the cells of the body than they put in.

2. Avoid Astringents

If your goal is to have a beautiful skin, then you should try to avoid astringent natural soaps and any astringent agents that shrink your skin’s pores, such as oatmeal, witch hazel, very cold water and rubbing alcohol.  It was found out actually that when your skin pores shrink, more oils are clogged in the pores of the skin, causing the onset of acne.

3. Avoid Stimulants

Coffee, tea, cigarettes, as well as excessive sugar from sweets and soda should be avoided.  It is often said that anything potential for affecting the entire body, brain and nervous system can easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to release more oil.  This oil has to leave the body through the pores, worsening your acne in the end. Stimulants even trigger stress.

4. Watch Your Diet

Note that diet affects acne.  So be careful with what you eat. As much as possible, try to eat foods that are low in fat, as fats produce more oils in the body that are capable of producing acne.

5. Avoid Alcohol

A number of people think that alcohol is one of the best ways to relax and relieve stress.  Well, alcohol may do this, but studies have found out that alcohol causes the formation of acne.  It is considered capable for producing acne knowing that it is an astringent, thus it shrinks the skin pores, making them more prone to clogging.  Aside from that, alcohol inhibits sleep, therefore causing more fatigue and stress, leading to worse acne.

6. Hot and Very Cold Count

When considering baths, you should avoid hot and very cold water on areas of the skin affected by acne. Use warm water instead; perhaps well below 98.5 degrees on your skin.

5 Tips Which Will Guarantee You Get the Best From Your Doctor in Relation to Your Acne Treatment

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Doctors are extremely busy people that are often overworked, underpaid and sometimes harassed by patients that have little to complain about. However I believe they genuinely want to help their patients, and will take your acne condition seriously. There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure you maximise the chance of getting the right help from your doctor in treating your acne

1. A key skill in getting the best out of any situation is clear communication. Your doctor can only act on the information you give him about your condition. Not providing the ‘full story’ is the primary reason for misdiagnosis or a lack of urgent attention. Make sure you tell your doctor, how long you’ve had the acne, what treatments you’ve tried, where does the acne occur and is it worsened by reaction to stress of sunlight.

2. Ask questions about any aspect of your acne that you want to clarify. A good tip is to write down the questions you want to ask, before you speak to your doctor, to ensure you cover everything. Don’t feel embarrassed by asking certain questions, remember there are ‘no dumb questions’

3. Understand that there are no miracle cures for acne, and that you may have to try a number of different treatments before you find one, which is effective, against your particular type.

4. Make sure you mention the emotional side of how your acne makes you feel, if this is of particular concern to you. This is a vital area that is often overlooked, and is clearly important particularly if your acne is resulting in depression, or resulting in a reduction in your social interactions with others.

5. If your doctor prescribes any medication, make sure you fully understand

1) how to apply the treatment,

2)how long will it be before you see any improvement,

3)any side-effects that you may experience,

4)when do you need to return for a follow up, and

5)how long the treatment will last. These key questions will ensure you are fully informed about the treatment programme you are embarking on.

Remember your doctor is there to help you overcome both the physical and emotional side of acne. If you don’t feel you can easily approach your doctor, find an alternative medical professional, such as a dermatologist. What ever you decide to do, ensure you seek help, and don’t let acne get the better of you.

Choose the method to quit smoking that works for you

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

There are tens of millions of people who truly want to quit smoking. Every smoker knows the benefits of quitting smoking. They realize that smoking can cause lung cancer, heart problems and can exacerbate a host of other health problems. The want to quit smoking yet they continue to smoke.

You may be one such person. You’ve read the quit smoking information and may have tried a number of times. Many people use one method to quit smoking after another, ranging from the ‘cold turkey’ approach to the quit smoking patches and gums. There is more quit smoking advice on the net than you can shake a stick at.

If you are like most people, if you fail with your quit smoking plan, it’s a disappointing experience, typically accompanied by a big self-inflicted guilt trip. If you want to quit smoking, you need to understand that the best method to quit smoking is the one that fits your individual physical makeup and psychological profile.

You probably have heard the benefits of quitting smoking from your doctor. In fact, they might have told you that the patches or gums were one of the best ways to quit smoking, with a high success rate. A friend who quit a few years ago may have endorsed the ‘cold turkey’ method, with a supercilious, “it’s just mind over matter!” So why didn’t either of these work for you? The fact is that you are, like everyone else in this world, an individual. What works for another person may not work you.

First I want to tell you that I quit smoking many years ago. I quit using hypnosis relaxation and visualization techniques (self-hypnosis) and willpower. There really weren’t many other methods to quit back then.

Today people can quit with a number of means. Many people after visiting their doctor will choose the patch. Although you don’t need a prescription anymore, I have talked with many people who were prescribed a certain dosage which corresponded with the amount they were smoking. The idea behind the patch is gradually decreasing the nicotine eases the withdrawal factor. This does work for some people, but many people just don’t have any luck with it.

The problem with the delivery system of the patch is that it pumps nicotine into the bloodstream. Some people experience a nicotine rush that can make them feel as though they want to jump out of their skin. It can cause dizziness, which can make driving a real problem. Other people become ill and vomit. So be aware that not only does the patch not work for everyone, it has some very strong drawbacks as well.

Another method to quit smoking is nicotine gum. Although the problems may not be as severe, nicotine gum also has side effects similar to the patch. Many people complain of an upset stomach or dryness of the mouth.

Like I mentioned above, a widely used method to quit smoking is hypnosis. I have helped hundreds of clients that really want to quit smoking. The biggest key is that they really have to want to quit smoking and not be a result of wanting to please someone else. Hypnosis relaxation methods will work if you want to quit and are committed to being smoke free. Many people quit after one session with no cravings or symptoms of withdrawal.

If you do quit with hypnosis, or any other method, you need to be aware of people that will test your resolve. So if you have made the commitment to stay smoke free and then are tempted by a friend that says something like, “Oh, c’mon! One’s not going to hurt!” don’t give in. It only takes one to get you back on the path of smoking again.

Some people quit by switching from name brand cigarettes to natural 100% tobacco cigarettes. Name-brand cigarettes contained anywhere from 500 to 1000 (!) chemicals, in addition to the nicotine. Some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms are a result of the chemicals in the brand name cigarettes. After a while some people then switch to a herbal substitutes.

So it’s easy to see that while there are many ways to quit smoking, you need to do a little research and decide on the method to quit smoking that might work best for you. You can make this determination more easily by doing a little investigative work. Do scary pictures of lung cancer x-rays gross you out? Google some images and tack them up above your desk for inspiration and motivation. How about an online quit smoking support group or forum? Browse a book store for a self-help book on ways to quit smoking. I have written an e-course “Getting ready to stop smoking” that you can have at no charge to help you with your quest. The key is, don’t give up! Sooner or later, you’ll find resources that motivate you.

Talk to your doctor, join a quit smoking forum and read up on the effects of this nasty and expensive habit. Find your personal motivations and what best helps address your triggers. That’s when you’ll find your best method to quit smoking. And remember, you can, like millions of others, do it!

It's Never Too Late To Quit Smoking

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Medical evidence strongly suggests otherwise. Picking up a new trick or two is  not only possible, it’s well worth it. Now, there is no need to get offended. No one is suggesting you are old, or a dog.  It is simply a point of reference. There is a need, however, to be optimistic about reducing the odds of developing  a smoking-related illness when you quit smoking after the age of 50.

The good news gets even better. Putting down the cigs for good after 50 years of age (or any age for that matter) will not only improve overall health, but many tobacco-related conditions can actually be reversed. According to the  American Heart Association, people between the ages of 60-64 who quit smoking are 10 percent less likely to die  during the next 15 years than regular smokers.

Still looking for that extra incentive to put down the old habit? Pull out a calendar and let’s look at some numbers.  The Surgeon General Report states that within one to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease and the lungs regain their ability to clean and moderate themselves, thereby reducing the chances of  infection. Give up smoking for a year and the excess risk of coronary heart disease becomes half that of a regular smoker’s. After 10 years of being cigarette-free, the risk of lung, mouth, throat and other cancers (including esophagus, cervix, bladder and pancreas) are reduced by almost half. Best of all, the risk of coronary heart disease is the same  as a non-smoker’s after 15 years of a smoke-free lifestyle.

These benefits not only translate into reduced pain and suffering, but they also reduce the chances of being burdened by preventable medical bills and the arbitrary expense of cigs. Getting 15 years of life back is impressive enough, but knowing the quality of life during those 15+ years will be enjoyable is a gratifying incentive.

So before you decide you’re too old to quit, or that it’s too much of a hassle, take some time to review the facts and beneficial aspects of doing so. Whether it’s the need to be there for family or purely out of self-interest, the reasons and benefits of giving up smoking are almost innumerable; regardless of age. Set the example and show the younger ones there’s a thing or two they can learn from you.

Will Drinking Milk Help You Live Longer?

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

There are plenty of people (I’m not one of them) practicing or believing in alternative health who think that drinking milk is simply bad to the bone.  A new meta-analysis from 324 milk-related studies by European researchers concludes that regular milk drinking may reduce the chances of dying from illnesses such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke by up to 15-20 %.

Milk is not for everyone.  Some are allergic to it.  Some are lactose intolerant.  Some get too much mucous from consuming it.  Some simply don’t like it.  However, painting it as an evil food that should be avoided if you want to be healthy is not supported by human science.

I personally think that skim and 1% milk should be avoided, as the increased concentration of milk proteins may lead to increased risk for allergy.  Ideally, you would get milk from cows that are allowed to graze in pastures so that the omega 3 content of the milk is increased.  There is a milk quality issue in our country based on fast food agribusiness.  So it does pay to drink better quality organic milk as much as possible when you have the choice.

There are many bioactive factors in milk that are very good for your immune system.  Lactose as a form of sugar is not nearly as glycemic in nature as other simple sugars.  The cholesterol content in milk has been incorrectly villified.  The calcium in milk is protective to your digestive tract and good for bones, as well as a helper to your metabolism.

Most of the people promoting the anti-milk rhetoric in alternative health have personal problems consuming milk.  That does not mean that their personal shortcomings are science for everyone.  I could tell you something wrong with any food.  Keep in mind – we must eat.

The conclusion of this study is that on the whole, milk consumption as part of your diet is associated with less mortality.

4 Things the Best Anti Aging Creams Should Contain (Otherwise They Aren't Worth Your Money)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Hair Replacement – The Best Remedy for Baldness

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

It is said that our hair is our crowning glory. It somehow adds to the beauty that a person inherently has. Have you noticed of a woman who appeals to almost everybody? Try to remove her hair, would she still get the same attention given by her admirers prior to her baldness? Well, I can’t actually assure. But here is what I am sure of—baldness or hair loss in indeed a problem that must be treated.

Before having that further discussion of what should be the most appropriate hair replacement for women, let us first tackle the causes of this problem on hair loss or baldness. It could hardly be accepted that a woman may also lose her hair, yet it has already been proven that one among a group of five women experiences the same problem. The causes of which may be beyond our control; who among us can make some strategies to control or somehow stop aging or hormonal changes immediately occuring after the menopausal stage? Some are caused by illness, but we are no longer be tackling more about this because an illness may be cured or even prevented. As such, it is not more of a problem.

If you think your case is a desparate one, then you should no longer exert your effort in purchasing medicines because that will surely be fruitless. What you must do is to wear a wig or a hair extension instead. But let us clear that such suggestion is only applicable for people who consider that they have a losing case insofar as hair growth is concerned. This is not advisable to those who are still hopeful that they will still have their hair grow like before. In which instance, they may still consult their doctors and of course the latter will definitely advise them to purchase some topical prescriptive drug, added to some supplements.