Thursday, 22 December 2011

6 Steps to Super Sleek Stylish Hair

Whether you want to look great for a party and have all afternoon to get ready, or just want to smarten up before a meeting, there are things to do to get your hair looking great and give your confidence a real boost.

Super Hair Tip Number 1:

Shampoo properly. By this, I mean that you should invest in a top quality salon shampoo that matches your hair type, if you have coloured hair, make sure that the formulation of your shampoo is suitable, likewise if your hair is thin, greasy, blonde, or brunette, talk to your stylist, and get them to advise you on what they think is best. Too many people simply pick something off the supermarket shelf and home for the best, when what they really need is a shampoo that suits them.

Super Hair Tip Number 2:

Condition deeply. Hair conditioners have a formulation that will add body and shine to your hair. You know how uncomfortable and scratchy clothes are if you don’t use a fabric conditioner, well hair is the same. Also, a good conditioner will help to keep your hair static free, which will reduce frizziness even more. Massage the conditioner from root to tip and leave it to work its magic and make your hair look really healthy and shiny before rinsing it thoroughly.

Super Hair Tip Number 3:

Dry your hair well. Modern hair dryers will not harm your hair as much as they used to, but if you are going to use a blow dryer to get your hair dry quickly, make sure you keep it moving over your hair and dry it evenly to avoid overheating. If you have the time, use the dryer on a cool setting to avoid damage.

Super Hair Tip Number 4:

Use a good Serum. There are a huge variety of great products around that are designed to smooth your hair. Most salons will be able to point you in the direction of a serum such as Frizz-ease that will help to keep your hair looking great. Generally hair serums work in three ways, by relaxing the hair, smoothing it, and reducing the potential for it to attract the static electricity that will cause it to frizz up.

Super Hair Tip Number 5:

Use good quality hair straighteners. Most people find that the cheaper hair straighteners do not do a very good job. You might find that they do not get hot enough to iron out the kinks properly on a single pass, and are not slippery enough to allow your hair to pass through smoothly. Opt for ceramic or glass heating plates, and make sure that there is an adjustable temperature. GHD straighteners are the one of the most popular brands around and ae commonly used in salons all around the world. Their plates get hot fast, and are extra smooth to make styling your hair easy, all of which makes them a real favourite in salons around the world. Ceramic plates will help discharge the static electricity from your hair too, and leave it looking straight for longer.

Super Hair Tip Number 6:

Eat well. Your hair is nourished by what you eat and drink, and will never look good if you don’t eat a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals. Hair is mostly made of protein, so make sure your diet includes plenty. Drink water too, as this will flush impurities out of your body and keep you healthy.

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

6 Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures Explained

Cosmetic dentistry helps many people get a confident smile, and also corrects many dental anomalies. Six of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are:

1.    Dental bonding: This is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when a minor tooth roughening is done. Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques.

2.    Tooth contouring and reshaping: This quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed. The enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up visit after the first visit.

3.    Mouth guards and night guards: These are plastic appliances that offer protection to the mouth during sports and also while sleeping. Mouth guards disperse shock caused by violent contact and thus protect the head and neck. They are prepared using a cast of the teeth. The mouth guards can be stock, mouth-formed, or custom-made. Night guards prevent bruxing between teeth during sleep. They are ideal for people with worn teeth, those who suffer aches in the jaws, and people with teeth that are sensitive to cold.

4.    Halitosis or bad breath: The breakdown of food particles by the bacteria present under plaque, in the crevices on the tongue, and between teeth leads to the generation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause bad breath. Periodontal disease is also a cause of halitosis. Dentists determine the amount of VSC being generated by using a halimeter. Treatment usually involves following a prescribed oral hygiene routine that may include the use of irrigators, artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, etc.

5.    Tooth whitening: This treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.

6.    Crowns and bridges: Teeth that need repair after an accident or excessive decay can be treated by using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper portion of the tooth. A bridge involves placing an alternate tooth that is held in place using two crowns that are bonded on adjacent teeth.

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

5 Tips To Improved Skin Care

Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you and that is why a proper skin care regimen is so important.  There are many products that claim to help improve skin tone and promote a flawless complexion, but the truth is that there is no such thing as instant results.  An effective skin care regimen is one that is done consistently over a time before results will begin to develop.

Skin Care Tip 1:
Always use some type of exfoliation product, which will help to remove old skin cells and other debris and particles from your skin.  This will expose the healthy cells and rid your body from the old ones.

Skin Care Tip 2:
If possible, avoid constant sun exposure and tanning beds.  In addition to being dangerous where health is concerned, these may also lead to early signs of aging.  Everyone loves a suntan, but there is no reason to sacrifice your skin or your health in order to achieve it.  Therefore, many individuals opt for a self-tanning lotion instead.  Back in the day, these products had a tendency to turn the skin orange, but that is no longer the case.  Improvements have helped to give self-tanning products a more natural, streak-free look.  Before applying the lotion to your entire body, apply it to a small test area just to make sure there is no irritation.

Skin Care Tip 3:
If your lips tend to become chapped in the winter months or wind burnt at other times, using lip balm or lipstick will help to protect the lips from nature’s worst.

Skin Care Tip 4:
Dry or cracked skin can be very unbearable.  Not to mention the discomfort of tight red skin, it can be downright embarrassing.  A container of Pacquin Plus hand & body cream will eliminate soreness, redness and help to add moisture back to dry skin.

Skin Care Tip 5:
Do not use products that irritate your skin in any way, including soaps that have harsh ingredients.  If possible, use a moisturizing soap or that which is designed for sensitive skin.   
In addition to these tips, skin care products are available as commercial or prescription based treatments.  A dermatologist is often consulted for matters relating to acne or other skin disorders, especially if they are severe.  Many skin care enthusiasts also believe in using plenty of moisturizing body lotion in order to replenish the skin’s natural moisture, which is often stripped in today’s harsh environment.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes.  It should not be considered as, or used in conjunction with, professional medical advice.  Consult your doctor prior to beginning any skin care regimen or if you have been diagnosed with any disorder involving the skin.

Monday, 19 December 2011

5 Tips to Finally Get Rid of Cellulite

Doesn’t it seem as though summer is coming a bit quicker this year?  Each day brings us one step closer to busting out the bathing suits and baring our bodies.  This is the time of year when many people, women in particular, start scrutinizing their body closer than ever.  My inbox is proof of this.  I have decided to write an article about the number one question of last week- how to banish cellulite.

I was a bit surprised at the many misconceptions surrounding cellulite.  A lot of women asked if such-and-such cream would work, if they should stop eating cottage cheese or if surgery was their only option.

What exactly is cellulite and what is the best way to get rid of it?

Cellulite is nothing more than additional fat cells stored in your body.  We all have connective tissue that separates fat cells into little compartments.  Women have honey-combed shaped compartments and men have a crisscross pattern.  The honey-combed shape compartments are the reason some women have dimply thighs, or cottage cheese looking arms.

Getting rid of cellulite is simple, but not necessarily easy.  The only way cellulite can be reduced is to reduce overall body fat.  You cannot spot reduce or rub a cream on it.  You cannot starve yourself either.  The only way to rid yourself of cellulite is to follow these 5 highly effective, simple, and to-the-point tips.

1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day.  Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart.  Each meal should contain one protein and one carb.  The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.

2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.

3) Rest properly.  This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.

4) Cardio should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths.  Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions per week.

5) Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week.  You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method.  If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over http://www.strength-training-woman.com

All of the above things combined will result in cellulite reduction.  There are no miracle creams or secrets.  It’s all about good old fashioned working out.  Having said that, workout smarter and not harder!  Get on a great program that is tailored to your body and your goals.  Everyone is different, but following these 5 tips practically guarantees your cellulite will vanish.

Where To Find Reliable Treatment For Acne

In the 21st century there is an ever growing number of products that are advertised as being effective treatments for acne. With so many different products on the market it can become downright confusing trying to figure out which treatment regimen will best meet your needs and will best assist you in resolving an acne condition. Unfortunately, the market is now flush with an abundance of products that make dramatic promises about their abilities to treat acne -- products that in reality are of no effect whatsoever. The acne product market is filled with operators that are much like the snake oil salesmen of days gone by.

By taking the time to serious examine what is available on the market in the way of effective acne treatment products, you will be able to select a product and regimen that is not only effective but that is best suited to your particular needs.

If you have what might be categorized as a more severe acne condition or if you have an acne condition that has been slow to clear up, you need to give very serious consideration to seeking professional assistance. Through professional assistance -- usually from a licensed dermatologist -- you will be able to benefit from a treatment regimen that likely will be able to resolve your problem. While a dermatologist may recommend products such as the ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse® System, a treating professional will have other suggestions for you as well. A well trained dermatologist will be able to assist you in developing a comprehensive acne treatment program suitable to the state of your condition.

The Internet and World Wide Web has become a significant resource for products and services related to the care and treatment of an acne condition. (Of course, as mentioned above, you need to take care that you access only reliable and reputable sites on the Net that market proven products such as the ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse® System.)

There are a number of specific benefits to utilizing the Internet as your resource for the care and treatment of acne condition. As has been referenced already, the Net is flush with sites that you can make the purchase of different acne treatment products. In addition to being able to purchase products on the Internet, you can also utilize the World Wide Web as a source of valuable information about the cause, care and treatment of acne. There are now a plethora of sites that provide detailed and authoritative information about different types of health related issues, including the cause, care and treatment of acne.

Finally, there are now actually different support groups and information exchanges designed for people that are afflicted with acne. These sites allow people -- particularly men and women afflicted with adult onset acne -- with the ability to share treatment ideas and to commiserate general about their conditions. Through bulletin boards and online forums, these types of resources have proven to be very helpful to people afflicted with acne. One should not overlook the valuable services and information that can be provided to you about an acne condition from a local pharmacist. The typical pharmacy in the brick and mortar world is a decent resource for information and treatments for acne. Of course, this will be your primary resource if your dermatologist ends up suggesting a prescription medication for the care and treatment of your acne condition.

Overall, your local real world pharmacist will allow you the chance to explore both prescription and over the counter treatment options. The union of a dermatologist and a pharmacist can be your best frontline resource if you have hard to treat or severe acne. As you seek out the most reliable treatment for your acne condition, be open to trying products that you have not utilized before -- provided that you do so responsibly. For example, if you have not utilized a product such as the ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse® System, you will want to take a look at this product in your quest for the perfect treatment regimen for your acne condition.

By experimenting responsibly with different proven treatment regimens you will have a better chance of finding a care plan that is most effective for your particular condition and needs.





In the 21st century there is now a wide selection of different types of acne care and treatment products and services on the market. By taking the time to explore the possibilities, you will be in the best possible position to land on the perfect treatment regimen that will work to ensure that you are able to resolve a current acne condition and prevent a future flare up.

Sunday, 18 December 2011

5 Simple Tips To Fix 5 Mistakes We Almost All Make When We Put On Makeup

Have you ever been putting on your makeup and when everything is going well, you suddenly make a mistake that ruins all of your effort? Have you had to take off your makeup some time because, without meaning to, you’ve ruined your makeup? Surely you have; it happens to all of us.

In this article, you will find five of the most common mistakes and the best tips to quickly fix them without having to take off all of your makeup…

We hope you’ll like them and that they’ll help you easily improve your personal image…

“I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH FOUNDATION”
This is a very common mistake that we all make when we put on makeup. If you are totally made up, to take off any excess foundation, do the following:

• Lightly moisten a clean sponge with water (the sponge should be almost dry and without any makeup residue) and sponge all of your face with downward movements.

TIP: It’s very important, most of all, to avoid excess foundation and concealer around the eyes. To eliminate any excess in this area, perform the same step and afterwards use your fingertips to softly blur the product in that area.

“MY EYESHADOW LOOKS TOO DARK”

If you’ve put on too much eyeshadow, or it looks too dark, follow these steps to quickly fix the problem:

• If it happened on your upper eyelid, blur the eyeshadow toward the edges with a clean brush to reduce the color. If it still looks very dark, apply a little bit of matte cream eyeshadow with a brush (if you don’t have cream eyeshadow, you can use translucent powder) and blur the eyeshadow.

• If it happened on the lower part of your eye, use a fine, clean brush to blur, or pat it softly with a Q-tip.

• If as you were blurring, you’ve left the contour of the eyelid and the shadow looks very dark, blur it with a clean sponge and afterwards apply a little bit of foundation, patting lightly to fix the foundation.

“I’VE PUT ON TOO MUCH BLUSH”
If you applied too much blush, try the following tip:

• Stroke your cheek with a thick, loose powder bush—the brush should be completely clean. If you still have too much blush on, apply translucent or clear powder with the same brush, just over the blush. That way the two powders should mix, clarifying the original color.

“I’VE PUT TOO MUCH MAKEUP ON MY EYEBROWS”
When we put too much makeup on our eyebrows, we look harsh and we can’t even recognize ourselves. Follow the following tip to quickly solve this:

• Simply brush the eyebrow with a clean Q-tip, going against the grain of your eyebrow. You will see how quickly the color you initially applied disappears.

“I’VE SMEARED MASCARA ON MY EYELID”
That’s all right. Just follow these next steps and you’ll see how you can quickly fix the problem:

• Continue applying makeup and when you have finished, allowing enough time for the mascara to dry, apply a Q-tip right over the smudge. You’ll see how it quickly disappears and you don’t need to remove the makeup from your whole eye.

TIP: A good trick to avoid smudging yourself is applying makeup first to your inferior eyelashes and then to the superior.

Saturday, 17 December 2011

5 Recommended Medication Remedies to Treat Cystic Acne

It is very hard to find an effective cure to treat cystic acne. Cystic acne is an advanced form of acne, hence early treatment of your skin condition is a must. The pimples in this case will give you so much pain as the swelling is bacteria-laden mixed with dead skin cells and white blood cells. Cystic acne affects not only the superficial skin but attacks the tissues within. This could lead to permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. Acne is bad enough but carrying the scars that go with can really hurt your confidence in yourself.

There are numerous suggested cures to treat cystic acne although you ought not to wait for cysts to show before becoming concerned with the pimples on your face. You need to identify the level of your acne condition so that the appropriate remedy could be resorted. There are three identified stages of acne with the corresponding names for each form. Acne during the initial stage appears in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. It then graduates to what you refer to a pimples or zits. The final stage with the severest form is the cysts or nodules. This is the reason why you need to find a way to treat cystic acne.

1. According to some health experts, one highly advised medication on treating cystic acne is via oral antibiotics. Antibiotics attack the bacteria that are present in the cysts to reduce the inflammation within. You should purchase medicines such as doxycycline or tetracycline capsules or pills, among others.

2. Female contraceptives taken orally are likewise claimed to be helpful on treating cystic acne. The production of a high level of sebum triggers acne thus this over release of sebaceous fluids needs to be controlled by the contraceptives. The downside is that this treatment may be taken only when approved and under the supervision of your doctor.

3. A third option would be corticosteroid injections. The cysts are injected with steroids that are targeted to diminish the swelling after a few days. A skilled medical practitioner should be the one to perform this method as this is a delicate procedure. One of the benefits of this particular process to treat cystic acne is preventing the scarring as the cysts or nodules should dry up and disappear naturally.

4. The last 2 recommended remedies involve particular drugs – Accutane and Isotretinoin. The former is a drug to be taken orally for a period of at least 4 to 5 months on a daily basis. It is said to be quite efficient in preventing the incidence of scarring on your skin. However, it ha numerous side effects, which you should try to understand before buying this medicine.

5. The latter is actually a Vitamin A pill that addresses the main causes of acne like the development of clogged pores, production of excess oils, swelling of the skin and the presence of bacteria. Isotretinoin likewise has side effects especially of you are a pregnant.

The 5 discussed solutions can provide you with a cure to treat cystic acne.

Friday, 16 December 2011

5 Reasons To Keep Your Beauty Salon Reservation

Life is hectic; it’s true. There are so many things that demand your time and attention. Between work, kids, family and household chores, there is precious little time left over for you. So, it is completely understandable why things like salon reservations get pushed to the end of your priority list. But is it at the end of the “to do” list where your next hair trim belongs?

The answer to that question is, of course, no. There are many reasons why you should keep your salon reservation. Aside from taking a little bit of time and relaxation for yourself, which I know is not going to motivate you since all of your energy goes toward enriching the lives of others and not your own, there are many practical reasons why you should not call and cancel your next reservation.

Here are 5 Reasons:

1. Keeping up with hair maintenance saves you time. You know how it is, your hair is doing just fine until that fateful morning on which you realize that your hair is way past due for a trim. It just won’t do anything. So, after hours of trying to coerce your hair into the style that it held beautifully just yesterday you resign yourself to the fact that nothing except a haircut will fix your bad hair day. But we all know that a spur-of-the-moment haircut is hard to come by. That means that you will spend the next week or so wasting time trying to style your overgrown locks while waiting for your reservation. Only if you would have kept your original reservation. You see, getting a regular trim, even if you think you can squeeze by another week or two, prevents this mess from happening in the first place. A cut that is the perfect length and shape will be a breeze to style in the mornings, and that will save you time.

2. Keeping your reservation saves you money. If your stylist has regular opportunities to keep your hair in tip top shape, he or she will have to do less in the long run to keep you looking beautiful. If you continually let your style grow out or let your color fade, your stylist will have to do more work to bring your wayward tresses back in line again. More work equals more time, and we all know that time equals money.

3. There is never a better time than today to get your hair done. Sure, we all think that we’ll have more time next week, that our work load will be less than it is today. But does that ever really happen? Let’s face it; next week will be just as busy as this week. And when you’re busy, a little bit of R & R will give you the energy that you need to keep going.

4. Another reservation is weeks away. Why do you go to your stylist? It’s because he or she is a fantastic stylist and knows your hair inside and out. Well, if your stylist is this great with you, I’m sure there are other clients dying for your stylist’s services. If you miss this reservation, it could be weeks before you get another one.

5. Keep your reservation out of respect. When you make a reservation, your stylist carves out time from a hectic day to cater to you. If you don’t show or cancel at the last minute, your stylist will end up sitting around making no money when he or she could have filled that time slot with another guest. Canceling reservations repeatedly may cause you to be placed on a pay in advance or last minute reservation list. Or even in some cases you can get fired for missing too many reservations.

Granted, sometimes things happen that make canceling an appointment a necessity. When this is the case, be sure to give a minimum 24 business hours and reschedule as soon as you can. Not only will your stylist thank you, but your hair will as well.

Thursday, 15 December 2011

5 Myths About Rhinoplasty – Revisited

With rhinoplasy being the second most popular plastic surgery procedure performed in 2004 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), nose surgery is moving from the realm of the rich and famous into the homes of regular people like you and me. Now that this procedure is more accessible than ever, it’s only natural that you will be exposed to a lot of information about it – some true, some doubtful, some downright false. In this article, we’ll try to address some of the most popular misconceptions surrounding rhinoplasty.

1. Every plastic surgeon can do a rhinoplasty surgery – Technically, yes. Most plastic surgeons will have rhinoplasty on their list of performed procedures.  However, that doesn’t mean that every plastic surgeon can achieve good rhinoplasty results. Rhinoplasty is a challenging procedure, both from a medical and an artistic point of view. A plastic surgeon must have a thorough understanding of the internal anatomy of the nose and the workings of the respiratory system, so that the reshaped nose is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also fully functional. Since the nose is such a major factor in our face’s overall appearance, the plastic surgeon also needs to have a strong sense of artistry, to create a nose that fits beautifully with the rest of the patient’s face.

2. Rhinoplasty is motivated by vanity  – Despite the widely-held belief that people get nose surgery solely for cosmetic reasons, it’s not uncommon for this procedure to correct breathing problems (e.g. a septum deviation) in addition to enhancing the appearance of the nose. At the same time, it has been established that in patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose, having rhinoplasty may lead to a physical and emotional transformation that will enhance their self-confidence and ultimately their quality of life. From this perspective, the effect of rhinoplasty is comparable more to a therapeutic treatment than a selfish gratification for the patient’s vanity.

3. Rhinoplasty is painful – Unlike other plastic surgery procedures like breast implants or tummy tuck, rhinoplasty is not usually painful. Most surgeons perform rhinoplasty under general anesthesia, so you will be fully asleep and will not feel a thing. After the surgery, you will have a small nose cast for 7 to 10 days, during which you will most likely feel congested, as if having a cold. The area around your nose and eyes may be swollen and bruised (especially if your nasal bones have been reshaped); however, the overall discomfort you will experience after the surgery is minimal.

4. Everyone will notice you had a nose job – If your nose requires a major change – like removing a large bump – people around you might indeed notice the difference in your nose. However, if your nose needs only a refinement of the bridge or tip, chances are the perceived change in your appearance will be less dramatic than you anticipate. After all, nobody is as intimately familiar with your facial features as you are, so making a minor change to them may not be very obvious to the outside world. Also, keep in mind that a good surgeon will avoid providing you with an “operated-looking nose”, and instead will strive to achieve a balance between your reshaped nose and the rest of your facial features, so they naturally complement each other.

5. Rhinoplasty will get you the nose of your dreams – While having rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of your nose, there are certain limitations to what a plastic surgeon can do, based on your given bone and skin structure. At the same time, there is a chance that you won’t be fully satisfied with the results of your surgery. Statistics show that between 10% and 15% of rhinoplasty surgeries require a secondary procedure, to either enhance or correct the results of the first. This is sometimes due to the nose healing and developing in ways that the surgeon cannot predict or control. In other cases, the patients’ dissatisfaction with the final results is due to poor communication with the doctor about the intended outcome of the surgery. However, this occurrence is an exception rather than the rule, since most patients report to be happier with their physical appearance after the surgery than before.

So what is the key to successfully achieving the nose of your dreams? Going back to point one – it’s carefully researching, selecting and communicating with your surgeon! How long has he or she been performing nose surgeries? What is their surgical accreditation? What does their safety record look like? Take a good luck at images of his or her rhinoplasty patients – does their reshaped nose measure up to your idea of beauty? Can you picture your own nose looking like that? If you do, the next step consists in ensuring that both you and your surgeon have a very clear understanding of what you expect your nose to look like and what is attainable from a medical point of view. Armed with good knowledge and a positive attitude, you’re on your best way to achieving a more attractive and confident YOU!

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

4 Tips on How to Treat Adult Acne

Lots of people are unaware of the fact that adult acne exists and they seem not to know how to treat adult acne. People have this misconception that acne only happens during teenage years and gradually wears off as they age. For most people, this fact may be true but it is important to note that acne does not start during teenage years only. However, it is important to note that there are a significant number of adults that experience such condition.

There are lots of reasons why a person develops adult acne. But, it is important to take note that majority of the people that suffers from this condition are those who also experienced acne problems during their teens. It is also important to remember that the treatment for this is not the same when you were in your teens since your skin is already different from how it used to be. Because of this, here are some tips on how to treat adult acne.

1.    First, buy a reputable over the counter acne treatment product. OTC products could easily treat mild acne breakouts. Nowadays, there are lots of acne treatments that are available in the market. But, you need to be aware if the product is safe to use or not. Some products were proven ineffective and might have harsh elements that could further damage your skin. If you were afraid to buy random products, it would be best to consult your dermatologist. This will ensure that the product suits your skin type as well. Or, you may ask for recommendations from friends and family members who encountered a similar case of acne like yours. Or, you may do your own research on the product’s way of how to treat adult acne.

2.    Second, for serious breakout and if OTC products do not seem to work undergo cosmetic procedures in a reputable derma clinic. Cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing are some of the common procedures how to treat adult acne. Keep in mind that these procedures should be done using clean materials so it would be best to visit a reputable clinic.

3.    Third, never squeeze your acne! A lot of adults have this desire to squeeze or prick their zits on their own which could cause further damage due to scars. Never ever do that because squeezing will only push the infection deep into the skin.

4.    Fourth, eat healthy foods. In order to flush away toxins that could cause acne, you need to drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that well-hydrated skin has better chances to rejuvenate rather than dry skin. Also, try to live a healthy lifestyle by having a well-rested body. Keep in mind that stress is one of the causes of acne as well so it really pays if you get your eight-hours worth of sleep per day.

There are other tips that could help how to treat adult acne but these are some of the basic things that you need to follow. Try one tip after the other and surely, you will be able to find something that will work for you.

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

4 Simple Methods to Clear Up Acne Scars

Acne scars can be a major inconvenience to anybody as it gives the idea of a bad skin complexion and sometimes causes a blow to one’s self confidence. That’s why it is important to understand and know the different ways of treating and clearing up scars left by acne. Here you will understand the different methods of getting rid of acne scars. Hopefully in the end your acne scars will be a thing of the past and you may have more good news to your skin’s health.

Aside from expensive acne scars treatment method which are found to be effective but not in the financial reach of most of the population, it is important to know that there are also some natural and much cheaper remedies in getting rid of acne scars. These are acne scars treatment methods that you can use to treat your acne scars right at the convenience of your home.

Natural acne scar treatment is the best solution method especially for those who possess a sensitive skin because natural treatment doesn’t create side effects or rashes that may further destroy your sensitive skin.

1. One of the leading methods of clearing acne scars is the use of oatmeal cleanser. It helps eliminate other skin defect like blackheads and also help in the effective removal of acne scars. The oatmeal method consists of a mixture of rose water and an oatmeal powder; together they will form a paste that you can apply over the areas of your skin affected by the acne scars.

After applying it allow for about fifteen minutes to pass then afterwards rinse it with cold water, this process allows the oatmeal to close all existing skin pores and helps clear up a lot of your existing acne scars. To see the best kind of results you should do this everyday.

2. Another leading acne scar treatment option is the use of honey. Considered as one of the best natural remedy for acne scars, honey plays a great role in defeating bacteria that actually causes acnes. After cleaning your skin, you can then apply honey to the affected part of your skin. Wait after ten minutes before rinsing it with clean water.

3. Others include applying lotions and gels that are available at leading pharmacies and are highly recommended by professionals. The most important thing to remember when dealing with acne scars is that you should be patient with one kind of treatment and use it until the remnants of acne scars are completely taken care of.

4. Other well known acne scar treatment is the use of the process called laser resurfacing. It’s a process that involves a laser being applied to the affected skin and with that it will kill the bacteria that forms the acne scars. This can take from a number of minutes until an hour or so and usually takes between 2 to 10 days before the skin to heal completely.

Remember there are now a lot of ways to clear acne scars. Just be patient in looking for a method that can fit your needs.

Monday, 12 December 2011

Who Should Use Acne Medication?

Anyone can have acne and it is a painful and embarrassing problem for most people.  There are ways to treat it so that no one has to deal with this uncomfortable appearance that makes him or her self-conscious all of the time.  For some people they are just entering their teenage years and there are others who have been dealing with acne for most of their adult lives.

There are so many forms of acne medication out there to choose from.  There are different skin needs and it is important to recognize all of the different types of acne and what the needs for it are.  There are so many over the counter products that can help treat acne for just about anyone.
 
Anyone can get acne at any stage in his or her life.  There are many things that can cause acne and that are why it may be necessary for someone to get different forms of acne medication for their problem.  There are different ways to handle the different kinds of acne and at different stages that it occurs.  With the right help, you will have a good result in the end.
 
As with most things, acne has a beginning, middle and end.  It is a skin condition and the best time for acne medication is at the beginning stages.  In the early stages of acne, the pores will enlarge and create thick oils.  They will fill up with black and white matter and this will result in a black head.  This is the part that will cause the acne and needs to be taking care of at once.  The dead skin needs to be exfoliated and removed.
 
There are many different kinds of creams and gels to use as a form of acne medication that you can find in the stores.  You may find that these treatments work, or you may have to take it one step further and get a dermatologist to assist you with your skin.  When this is the case, you may be prescribed some form of ointment or you may have to go through a form of therapy to get your acne under control.

If you go through therapy for your acne, you will find that there are a lot of different things to try. There are chemical peels, scrubs, and even electrical programs that may help you find relief from this acne problem.
 
It may take some work, but with enough information and some research, you will find the right acne medication that will help you get your skin looking clear and pure and give you the self-confidence that you deserve.

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Why I Swore off Acne Medications

There are over 50 million people in America alone who suffer from acne and sadly this permits for exploitation from the many marketers and impostors out to make a fast buck at the expense of the vulnerable and desperate.

Now, I was once in the category of the frantic and susceptible, in my desperate attempts to get rid of my acne-both as a teenager and a young adult- but not anymore.

After adopting the use of drug-free methods of curing my acne such as a drastic change in my diet, facial massaging and other basic hygienic steps such as changing my pillow-cases daily, having a towel that was exclusively for my face etc, I have since swore off the use of acne medications as I am of the firm belief that most don’t work and may actually aggravate an already debilitating situation.

Now friends, I tried it all (well everything except plastic surgery) Proactive, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Benzoyl peroxide medications…you name it, I tried it and from my experience, nothing worked.

One product would probably just dry my skin out that I’d literally have to rotate my jaw just to get elasticity back in my face; while the other would so irritate my skin, I’d have to be so careful not to even touch it.

Moreover, thinking about the time I spent and wasted using these products actually makes me laugh.

For one I had to use a cleanser, then the mask (10-15 minutes for this one folks) and afterwards a toner and ‘concealer’? Now, keep in mind, I’m a guy and no, I’m not in show-business.

Let’s take a look at some other popular products like Adapalene gel (Differin), Clindamycin phosphate (Cleocin T), Azelic acid (Azelex), Tretinoin.

Friends, most people-like I did -develop side effects from using prescription topical acne remedy medications. These include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. Hey, aren’t we trying to get a smoother skin here…?!

In addition, when I was prescribed tetracycline and minocycline, both on different occasions by a dermatologist for oral medication, I had to deal with upset stomach, dizziness and lightheadedness which usually kicked in within minutes after use.

Moreover, I was told I’d have to take oral antibiotics for as long as 4 to 6 months for an effective acne treatment! 4-6 months…?! Now I don’t know about you, but that is an awfully long time to wait for an acne remedy to work, especially when a natural inexpensive alternative for the treatment of acne could give you the same results in less than 7 to 10 days when done properly.

Thankfully my acne has since gone and though I mentioned I wasn’t in show business above, maybe I’d give it a shot eh? That’s how improved my skin condition is and how much more confident I feel and this is from a guy who loathed and cringed to have his picture taken or to even step out from his room.

We all differ, so if you’ve had success from acne medications, by all means feel free to use them, however, if like the majority you have had no success with the wide range of so called acne remedies then why not try alternative methods of clearing up your skin. It worked for me and chances are it can work for you.


Here’s to a clearer skin naturally.

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Why The Best Acne Treatment May Be a Change in Diet

Western medicine is notoriously sophisticated when it comes to drug formulations and targeted medicine approached from a perspective based in deductive science.  It has, however, been largely a failure when it comes to being open to solutions to medical problems which come from outside the realm of deductive science. That is why for years western medicine failed to draw ties between diet and acne.  Medical development, and treatments for acne sufferers, has progressed significantly within the last 15 years alone.  Yet the problem of acne has remained largely uncurbed, until recently. 

In the past few years empirical studies first trickled and are now flooding in indicating that there are links between acne and diet.  The basic premise of the research is that eating refined carbohydrates and sugar is the ultimate culprit for many individuals’ problems with acne.  The scientific theory holds that when carbohydrates and sugar are metabolized they lead to an increase in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 production.  This growth factor then causes male hormones to begin being produced in the body in much greater quantities.  These growth hormones lead directly to an increase the amount of sebum produced.  Sebum is the grease-like substance that comes out in your pores which people often describe as ‘oily skin’.  Sebum then clogs your pores and ultimately causes to an accumulation of bacteria in those pores which cannot escape because of the sebum. This of course ultimately leads to acne. 

That rather exhaustive explanation explains simply this; when you consume refined carbohydrates and sugars you may aggravate your skin, clog your pores, and develop acne.

So, what is the answer? Not surprisingly, it may be to cut back on sugars and refined carbs such as sweets and pastas.  These foods provide us with very few of the nutrients we need while providing us with a great deal more by way of clogged pores. In fact, recent studies are showing that these foods may be so bad for you that your body actually fights them like it does a disease, through the production of white blood cells.  Not only do these white blood cell expenditures temporarily lower your immune system, but they also cause your body to produce more waste, some of which is exuded through your pores.

But it may surprise you to know that giving up chocolate and spaghetti may not be the only way to go about getting clearer skin.  Rather, there are a number of foods, in particular raw vegetables and antioxidants which can actively clear up skin.  These foods act as a sort of mop within the body to soak up toxins, also known as free radicals, which are often expelled as bacteria through the skin. 

So in effect, following a better diet can attack the problem of acne in two different ways, cutting back on sugars and refined carbs will cause your body to produce less of the pore clogging sebum, while increasing your intake of certain raw vegetables will significantly cut down on the amount of bacteria which is exuded through your pores.  Combined, these two techniques will cut down significantly your propensity to suffer acne.

4 Necessary Steps You Should Take When Thinking About Getting A Tattoo!

Obviously there is some concern about getting a tattoo because when you get a tattoo, you risk getting an infection, pain and wonder about the possibilities of infectious diseases. The process needs to be better understood.

1. Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?

There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases (particularly Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist's office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced.

2. Can I Get Aids From Tattooing?

When needles are passed from IDU to IDU and reused without sterilization, some of that blood remains in the syringe and is passed on to the next user. If infected blood is passed, the recipient can become infected with HIV, which leads to AIDS.

Tattooing is VERY different from injecting drugs. The needles used in
tattooing are not hollow. They do, however, travel back and forth
through a hollow tube that acts as an ink reservoir. The tip of the tube is dipped into the ink, which draws a little into the tube.

3. Can My Tattoo's Get Infected?

Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the Ebook that covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble healing tattoos with colors they are allergic to.


4. What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?

Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious).

Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading
but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your
tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep
them out of bright sunlight.

No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use some common sense. Think of your tat as an investment--slather on that sunblock so it doesn't turn into a dark blob.

Tattoo art has become very popular and people are getting tattoo's for lots of reasons. Taking good steps in choosing the right tattoo, getting it applied properly and with the proper care is probably the most important things to consider when thinking about getting a tattoo. Read all you can about tattoo art safety and when you're ready to get your tattoo, you will feel much better about your decision!

Friday, 9 December 2011

Why Use Acne Medicine.

Many people have to deal with acne. This very annoying problem can happen to anyone at anytime in his or her life. Acne is the clogging of pores. They are often times called pimples and can occur on the face, neck, back any many other parts of the body. Acne is some thing that is more common to be found in teenagers and adolescents. It is not restricted to any certain age group and can be found to be a problem for many adults as well.

Having one or two pimples may not be a problem for most people. It is when ‘there is a group of acne’ lurking on your face and body that is uncontrollable. Many people are very self-conscious about their acne problem. It can be hard for anyone to deal with if the problem persists and is out of control.

Using acne medicine is just one way that you can get an acne problem under control. There are many medicines out there on the market for people to purchase. Many of the over the counter acne medicines work just fine. These medications can be used for most people of any age and will resolve the problem with in a few weeks.

There are creams, gels, and even tablets that can help with an acne problem. Many people will find that using the ointments as soon as they see the pimples start to appear will find that the medicine will help the problem. However, some people have to get a prescription for their acne problem in order to get it under control.

The main thing to remember is to keep your face clean. You must use a good cleanser and a good moisturizer in order to keep your face free and clear from any blemishes. You can use many of the toners and cleansers sold in the stores today. Some of the cleaners even have special ingredients in them to clear up or keep away pimples.

Many of the acne medicines on the market are designed to help heal and conceal the blemish. You can find many of the creams out there to be tinted to match your skin tone. This will help to hide the pimple while the acne medicine is helping to heal it. You will feel more confident and at ease when you do not have to worry about showing the world your pimple.

When you eat a good diet, drink plenty of water, cleanse well, and use the right acne medicine, you will have a better complexion and be more confident in the way that you look. It is never too late to take care of your skin and you can improve the way you look and feel.

3 Ways to Increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) Amounts in Your Body

HGH has been touted lately for it’s anti-aging possibilities.  The amount of HGH in our body peaks in our early 20’s and goes down drastically from that point.  Many people are rejuvenating themselves, and swearing by the results, by increasing HGH into their system

There are three delivery systems that add HGH into the system: homeopathic sublingual sprays, pharmaceutical injections, or pills that stimulate the release of HGH from the pituitary gland. With all three choices the goal is the same: to raise the measurable IGF-1 levels in the body in order to gain the youthful benefits. The short discussion below on all three therapies will help you discover which protocol is right for you.

Human Growth Hormone Pills:

When you buy a pill form of HGH you should know right up front that there is no HGH in the product.  Read the ingredients.  There are only stacked amino acids and other assorted stimulants.  Even though the product name might be “HGH Releasor,” or “HGH Precursor,” there is no HGH in the product.  It works by stimulating your Pituitary Gland into producing more HGH.

There’s good news and bad news.  The good news is that it actually works.  The bad news is that it only works for 4-8 weeks.  Then your over-stimulated Pituitary Gland says, “no mas,” and stops being stimulated.  It’s really a terrible tease because just when you start saying to yourself, “hey this is great,” everything shuts down.  Just when you realize what you’ve been missing, you lose it again. 

Additionally, I was scared away from this therapy by reports that taking stacked amino “growth hormone pills” can raise cortisol levels in your body, which is extremely unhealthy. So the choice then came down to putting the actual hormone into my body by way of shots or via oral sprays.

Human Growth Hormone Shots:

Almost all the HGH sites will tell you that the cost for shots ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. It doesn’t. You can easily find it available for around $3,000 per year and even lower if you go through Mexican pharmaceuticals. Needles today are very safe and generally painless.

But sticking myself twice a day, twenty days per month, didn’t seem like a routine a healthy person should be doing, no matter how quick and easy it is. Call me squeamish if you like, I don’t care. This might suit some people, and if it does, you can consider going for it. Not me.

Those taking HGH injections should be aware that a few problems have been reported with “high” or “over” dosages, so anyone using this protocol would be wise to be clinically monitored on a regular basis by a physician.

HGH Oral Spray:

So the HGH spray option was the one I chose, especially considering the fact that I didn’t know if the product would deliver what retailers were claiming. It seemed to be the most benign, risk free, gentle, therapy that produced excellent results, and was reasonably priced between $500 and $1250 per year.

The amounts of herbal and nutritional contents listed on a product label can be most misleading. What’s important is not the nutritional content listed on the label, but rather how much of that nutrient is actually absorbed into the cells of the body.  Sprays provide excellent absorption when micro-sized beads or droplets of a nutrient are taken into the body through the tissue lining of the mouth or nose. Blood capillaries are extremely close to the surface in these areas and readily absorb HGH into the bloodstream. The flow of absorbed nutrients from this area of the mouth is to the Carotid Artery, then to the brain, and then on to the heart within 22 to 30 seconds. Within minutes, it is totally dispersed throughout the body.

As far as which spray is the best, it’s my belief that if and when independent clinical trials are made of all the spray products they will all basically be close in effectiveness. They all contain the same amounts of Somatrophin (Human Growth Hormone). Some add a little bit of female this, some add a little bit of male that. I chose the one I thought was most homeopathically prepared because I knew more care would have been taken in its manufacturing and it would probably be more gentle on my system.

Learn as much as you can about Human Growth Hormone and make your own decision about which way you want to go. No matter what age you begin taking HGH you will enjoy the results.

Thursday, 8 December 2011

Why wasn’t I told this about acne as a teenager?

I don’t know if it was puberty or hormonal upheaval but friends I do know this, my teenage years were miserable because of one thing: Acne.

Well, based on what some people say about Positive thinking and all, I guess I allowed it to have too much control over me. However, at that age, how the heck was I to know about all that? Moreover, with bumps, bumps and more bumps all over my face, it was kind of hard you know. I doubt if any girl would have wanted to kiss a guy with a big red bump nestled on his lip today or his nose the next.

Needless to say those were sad years and had I known then what I know now about acne, folks, it would have been a different story. Either way it goes, I still come across helpless and understandably sad teenagers almost on a daily basis so if it helps any: if you are a teenager or know of a teenager who is plagued with pimples, here are a few tips that should help you cure your acne in no time.

1. First and foremost, I care not what some sites and product endorsers say about how diet doesn’t affect acne; you have got to make a change in your eating habits, plain and simple. You are what you eat. If you want to have clearer skin and the added bonus of improved health, of course eating right will be essential. That said: Fruits and vegetables friends. Shop more in the produce aisle and steer clear of the snack stands at the cash register. I know it may sound boring for a teenager but trust me, it’s worth the sacrifice and this forms the basis of an internal acne treatment right there from its root cause.

2.For external acne-care, you could learn such simple tips as facial massaging and exercises. However, (now I’m speaking from what I went through and believe me I had acne BAD…) simply washing your face with nothing but clean hands and plain cool water may perhaps be the most efficient way to clean the pores. Combined with the facial massaging and occasional steaming of the face, this will be very sufficient to clean the skin.

3. Change your pillowcases daily and make sure you have a towel exclusively for your face or you could employ the use of paper towels.

4. If you use greasy hair-products, shampoo the hair before retiring or at least use a clean do-rag to hinder the introduction of oily substances to the pillowcase and inevitably your face while asleep.

5. On that subject, try to also sleep on the right side. Besides checking against contaminations getting on the face, this is great for the heart and lungs and allows for a better and restful sleep (which co-incidentally helps with controlling acne.)

6. Deal with stressful situations amicably. This is another topic into itself but briefly these work: Proper diet (factor #1), proper thinking habits and exercise.

For stress, allow me to mention Yoga-don’t have the space to explain why, but friends, with its sun-exercises and its derivative, Hindu push-ups, Yoga is awesome for stress-relief. Moreover, for teenagers who are more likely to engage in sports and other recreational activities, you’ll be getting the added advantage of improving your fitness levels and with your own body weight at that.

Boy, had I known of some of these in my time. Well, don’t let the story of my teenage years be yours, a sad one because of one thing-Acne.

With the tips above, I can confidently assure you it won’t be the case.
Just remember you owe me and my payment is to pass it on to your friends if they need it. (I want every teen with acne to know of this…chuckle)

Here’s to a clearer skin naturally.

3 easy steps to get that perfect tan using self tanning sprays

Traditional tanning methods have become less popular these days because of major health risks. Because of this major finding in tanning several companies have provided tanning creams, lotions and spray to get a tanned skin even without the help of tanning beds or the sun. Most people prefer this type of artificial tanning since there is no significant health risk and the only damage a person may get from them is if their skins are too sensitive and the application may cause some allergy.

Among these innovations the one that is gaining the most popularity is the self tanning spray. This easy to use product is sprayed evenly on the skin and then all you have to do is wait for it to dry. Tanning products contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical acts an agent that triggers the amino acids in the skin to produce a great tan. Tanning products has been recognized by many as safe and effective and does not produce the great risk that traditional and tanning beds have. Applying a tanning spray is pretty easy, but there are some things that you need to know to achieve that perfect even tan. Here are five things that you should remember when you apply one.

Prepare your skin

Before you apply a tanning spray, make sure that your skin can handle the formulation. Read the instructions carefully and then apply a small amount of the spray in your body and wait for any allergic reactions or discoloration. In this way you can check the quality of the tanning spray and you reduce the risk of hurting your skin.

It is best that you remove all the dead skin cells in your body so that the spray will be more effective. The reason behind is that tanning sprays usually “stick” to the outer layer of your skin. So if your dead skin cells are still in your body, they will be ones that gets tanned, and your tan will not last long. Aside from this, healthy skin cells are very receptive to the tannig sprays and would hold them longer. Scrub your whole body using a loofah or any other scrub and make sure that you exfoliate your whole body especially the exposed parts.

Aside from scrubbing your body, be sure to apply a moisturizer a few hours before you apply your tanning spray. This softens your skin and it becomes more receptive, therefore making your tan last longer and absorbing it better.

Application strategies

Wear dark clothing because the spray sometimes discolors them. Aside from this, make sure that you have a pair of gloves that you can use to avoid discoloration in your hands. Although some prefer to use their hands to evenly apply the spray. Just be sure that you wash your hands right away after application to avoid further discoloration.

When you start spraying your body be sure to apply the tanning spray evenly. Prepare a towel or tissue to wipe off drips and make sure that you apply the spray in covered areas like the back of your ears to achieve and even color.

Final reminders

Make sure that you have evenly applied the spray, and make necessary adjustments if you find any discoloration. Stand still for about a minute to avoid dripping and uneven application. It is crucial that you do not move especially your joints since these areas can easily remove the application. Be sure to follow the instructions given in your kit and do not forget to apply a sun screen when you go out. Most tanning sprays contain a sun screen protection formula but it is best to apply it separately to ensure safety.

These three steps will give you that perfect tan you have been dreaming about. Just be sure to follow these reminders and all you have to do next is to find that perfect clothing that goes with your new tanned look.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

3 Benefits Of Home Tanning Beds

Some people love the idea of owning tanning beds. A bed in your home will allow you to tan whenever you want, day or night. You won’t have to drive across town or rush to get to the salon before they close. Although they can be expensive, if you tan regularly, the investment may be well worth the money in the long run.

3 Things to Look for in Tanning Beds

The Style of the Bed
You basically have two choices in the style of your bed: a traditional horizontal bed and a standing booth. Unless you have a room or large space to devote to a horizontal bed, you may want to consider a standing booth. These take up less space in your home and can be placed in a corner. Basically, your preference and the amount of space you have available will dictate this choice.

The Bulbs Used in the Bed

The type of tanning bed bulbs used in a bed are the most important feature. Beds use either UVA and UVB rays or UVA only. There is controversy over which bulbs are safer for your skin. There really is no safe way to tan, and you should take precautions to protect yourself from damage to your skin, regardless of the bulbs used.

You need to know exactly which kinds of bulbs are used in your bed when it is time to replace them. Bulbs aren’t interchangeable and you need to be sure to buy the right ones. Also, look at the placement of the bulbs. How easy will they be to replace? You will most likely be performing this task yourself and you want to be sure it will be easy to do.

Extra Features

The best extra features to look for include a face tanner and a cooling system. The face tanner will help you get the ultimate tan all over your body. These have specially placed bulbs in the facial area that direct light to this area, which is difficult to tan for some people.

A cooling system is important if you get easily over heated inside a bed. The cooling fan will keep your skin from getting too hot. Make sure you don’t overdo it in the bed with this feature. Just because you don’t feel the heat, doesn’t mean you aren’t tanning. Staying in the bed too long contributes to over exposure and can be dangerous for your skin.

Choices in Home Tanning Beds

Most home beds are traditional tan beds. These use typical bulbs that resemble fluorescent tubes. Another choice in beds are known as High Pressure Beds. These use high pressure quartz bulbs, rather than the traditional lamps. They are called high pressure because the gas in the bulb is slightly higher than the pressure in the atmosphere.

These beds allow you to tan on only one side at a time. You will need to turn over half way through your session. Many people find these to be more comfortable than traditional beds. These are normally found in salons, but you may come across one if you shop for used equipment.

Purchasing Used Tanning Beds

A used bed can be an affordable option to an expensive new home bed. In many cases, you can find a high quality bed at the price of a cheap bed. There are some things you should consider before purchasing a new bed:

o Make sure the bed you are considering meets the current federal and state safety regulations. These change often and you want to make sure the bed you buy is safe. A tanning salon owner is a good source of information regarding safety regulations. The internet is another good source of information, as most states post regulations for salon owners.

o Find out how often the bed was used. If it was originally used in a salon, it has probably gotten quite a bit of use. Sometimes beds that have been purchased for home use end up getting very little use. These can be great, giving you a little used bed at a substantially reduced price.

o Compare the price difference of the used bed with a brand new bed. The bigger the difference, the better for you.

o Ask about the working condition and any repairs that have been done. Also ask when the bulbs were last replaced and about the maintenance that has been done. You want a bed that has been properly maintained.

o Ask if there is any time left on the warranty.

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

“Feed” Your Skin Antioxidants for a Glowing Complexion

Although there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants keep skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to ‘capture’ free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases. Antioxidant-rich foods can also give us a healthier, glowing complexion.

According to Susan M. Kleiner, R.D., Ph.D, a Seattle-based nutritionist, eating foods rich in antioxidants is best. “There’s no substitute for getting nutrients through food. The body absorbs and assimilates them far better than in supplement form.”

Kleiner suggests following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid, and eating three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit each day. Choose at least one citrus fruit, such as an orange, a tangerine, or a grapefruit, for vitamin C. To increase beta-carotene intake, eat at least two orange-yellow or leafy green vegetables each day.

Eat Right for Younger Looking Skin

Eating healthy equals younger looking skin. Drinking a cup of orange juice and eating one raw carrot provides twice the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and beta-carotene. The RDA for vitamin E is harder to meet, especially for those on a low-fat diet.

“Don’t be afraid to add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to your diet, or to eat some nuts or seeds,” advises Dr. Kleiner.

The following guideline can be used for RDAs for three of the most common antioxidant nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene; good sources and how best to maximize benefits of each are included.

Vitamin C: RDA at least 60 mg. (1/2 cup orange juice = 70 mg.) Citrus fruits and juices and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C. Eat whole fruit for extra fiber. Avoid juice in glass containers, and heat-pasteurized juice. Light and heat destroy some of the vitamin C.

Vitamin E: RDA 8 mg for women / 10 mg. for men (1 tablespoon of canola oil = 9 mg.) Good sources include nuts, seeds and their oils, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, and trout, and wheat germ. Use canola, olive, or another vegetable oil in place of butter or margarine when cooking.

Beta-carotene: no established RDA. Expert Dr. Kleiner, however, recommends 5-6 mg. ( One carrot = 12 mg.) Orange and yellow vegetables, and leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, are all good sources. Instead of potato chips or popcorn for an evening snack while watching television, opt for prepackaged, washed and peeled baby carrots.

If you feel you are unable to meet the RDAs through diet alone, by all means take an all-in-one antioxidant vitamin supplement a day, but continue to pay attention to rich food sources.




Summary

Because many over-the-counter cosmetics containing antioxidants don’t have enough to be totally affective by themselves, it is best to ‘feed’ them to your skin in combination with a healthy, antioxidant rich diet for younger looking skin.