Celebrity Skin Care Secrets

Monday, November 30, 2009

Treating excessive underarm sweating naturally

Excessive underarm sweating is not only unsightly, it is uncomfortable to deal with and sometimes leads to skin rashes and itching. Don't sweat it (no pun intended), there are ways to treat excessive underarm sweating naturally...


Those of you who suffer with excessive underarm sweating know how difficult it is to not be able to wear what you want, to worry non stop about those sweat marks... Well, there are ways to deal with excessive underarm sweating naturally by using common ingredients...

Causes of excessive sweating

Axillary Hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating can have many causes. Sometimes, the cause is neurological. Sometimes, metabolism goes haywire and causes the sweat glands to produce more than usually. Often, people find themselves covered in sweat when the weather is humid and hot (I can relate, being in Georgia!). Stress and nervousness prompt the sweat glands to go into high production. Whatever the cause is, you need to consult a dermatologist to determine what your problem is.

There are several options you could resort to: antiperspirants, botox, and surgery. But, why not try and deal with this problem naturally by using some of these home remedies:

Baking soda

Baking soda is a base that returns the skin's pH to normal. To help prevent sweating, apply some baking soda on your armpits after taking a shower. Baking soda regulates the skin's pH but also helps kill the excess bacteria that can cause body odor.

Vinegar

Not only it unglues the bond that holds the dead skin cells together, its acids again help the skin in regulating its pH. Apply it on clean skin a few times a day.

Citrus fruits


Lime or lemons are acidic. They are also astringents, meaning they shrink the pores which in turn reduces sweating. Citric fruits help cleanse the skin and eliminate bacteria causing the odor.

To use it, cut a lemon (or lime) in half and rub it against the skin. Again, make sure you take a shower beforehand.

Finally, take showers often and wear cotton based clothes.




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These natural remedies are effective you should try it it also prevents blackening your under arms and safe to use.

Source

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Get Rid of Large Pores - Enlarged Pore Treatment & Tips on How to Tighten Pores

How to get rid of open pores on skin permanently?

How to Get Rid of Large Open Pores on Skin and Reduce Large Pores?

Open skin pores are generally also known as enlarged pores, and are a fairly common skin problem.

There are several methods you can employ for enlarged pore treatment and to reduce the size of these enlarged facial pores or large pores and improve your looks at the same time. A whole lot of these methods to tighten pores are also easily available at home. However, if you are unable to reduce pores or your problem is out of control, you would have to opt for a stronger solution to open facial pores such as cosmetic surgery to take care of it. Before you do this, it would be advisable to interview at least three cosmetic surgeons and get their views on your condition first.

Since this procedure is relatively expensive, you may not want to move into unchartered territory without any proper information.

If you do not wish to involve any invasive procedure like surgery for enlarged pores treatment, however, then you can use simpler methods to take care of the problem and reduce the size of open facial pores. There are certain face packs you can use to return the elasticity of your skin which has been lost when the pores expanded to such a degree. Soak some almonds overnight. Remove their skins and make a fine paste of them to which you can add a few drops of rose water. Apply this to your skin and leave it on till it dries out. Wash with water. Almonds have the property of gradually returning the elasticity of your skin, thus shrinking your pores as well.

You can also make a collagen face pack which will help to tighten your skin and make it look generally better. Take two tablespoons of crushed pineapple, add a teaspoon of egg whites and a few drops of honey to this. This pack can be used weekly. It will not only clear out your complexion, it will also help to improve the elasticity of your skin. This will also help considerably with reducing your pores and get rid of open pores. You can also make a face pack with plain yogurt to which a pinch of rock salt has been added. Applying this on your face will rid you of dark spots and enlarged pores as well. You must also begin a daily routine of skin maintenance. Make it a point to cleanse, moisturize and tone your skin every night before going to bed. To take care of your problem, use an astringent based lotion or liquid as a toner. This will show very good results. Alternately, you can also use camphor lotion and leave it on overnight. But make sure you do this no more than twice a week, or your skin may just dry out.




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Enlarged pores can be treated naturally, you can use honey, almonds, yogurt, egg and salt. You can also consult your dermatologists for the treatment of big pores.

Source

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Dry Skin

Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.

Dryness is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the comers of the mouth.

Causes

*The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.

*Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.

*Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition.

*Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

*Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps.

*Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.

*Dry Skin Could Also Be From:


Dry skin can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.


Serious skin complications can arise for people with diabetes.


Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin.

How To Care for Dry Skin

Avoid the use of tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying on the skin. And never, ever use hot water. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.

Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils protecting the skin. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.

Use nondetergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin. Avoid using any commercial soap. And always touch your face gently. Double-cleanse with a cream, leaving a light, thin trace of it on the skin after the second cleansing.

Follow a bath or a shower with a mild application of baby oil. Massage your face with home-made nourishing cream every night before retiring. Be generous with the cream in the areas surrounding the eyes where tiny lines and crows feet are born.

Avoid coming in contact with highly alkaline soaps and detergents like washing sodas and powders which contain highly alkaline and drying ingredients.

Moistening with water, then applying a thin film of air-excluding moisturizer, restores the suppleness of the dry skin.

Morning Skin Cleanser/Rejuvenator

Every morning 15 minutes before taking your bath

1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon olive oil and
few drops of rose water
few drops of lime juice

Mix the above ingredients together and apply on your skin.

Beauty Mask for Dry Skin

1 egg
1 teaspoon of honey,
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and
few drops of rose water

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and use as a mask.

Night Moisturizing

After you clean and tone your skin, apply a splash of water or a water-misting. Pat almost dry with a soft towel, then smooth moisturizer from bosom to hairline. Allow five minutes for immediate absorption (cover your face and throat with warm washcloths to hasten penetration), then blot off any excess moisturizer with a tissue.

Men can skip the toner but should moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area.

Day Moisturizing

Apply a touch of your natural moisturizer over the freshly cleansed, toned, and dampened skin on your throat, cheeks, and around your eyes. Men should follow a two-step process. Apply moisturizer immediately after shaving. Wait ten minutes. Then moisturize again.

Milk Bath

Once a week take a milk bath. It will nourish and smoothen your skin. Warm your bath water and put in 250 gram of powdered milk, half tablespoon of almond oil and a few drops of your favorite perfume. Then just lie in it and let your mind wander while the wholesome foam works wonders on your dry skin.

If your lips chap, peel or crack then the best remedy is to massage them with a little cream of milk to which a few drops each of rose water and lime juice has been added every night before going to bed. Before applying lipstick, use a soft piece of towel for removing rough bits of chapped skin and rub a piece of raw beetroot gently on them. After applying lipstick add a little vaseline to keep your lips soft and pretty.

Moisturize your skin after cleansing to keep it from drying out. Use a liquid moisturizer or facial oil that contains nutrients and other natural ingredients. Avoid solid, waxy moisturizing creams.

Use a humidifier (or even a pan of water placed near a radiator) to humidify your environment, especially in winter. This helps to reduce the amount of moisture lost from the skin through evaporation.

Stay out of overheated rooms; avoid sudden changes in temperature; protect yourself from wind and sun. Remember, your face is fragile.

If you don't have a good, strong moisturizer on your face on a cold, windy winter day, don't go out! Cold will cause any moisture on your skin to evaporate. The wind will just accelerate the process.

At night, use a very creamy cleanser or oil (baby oil is perfectly all right). Remove residue with a spray of mineral water. Follow up with a night cream applied at least a half-hour before retiring. If you lie down immediately after applying cream, it will "puff-up" delicate tissues around the eyes.

Once a week, use a facial mask to clarify the skin and remove dull, dry surface skin cells. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a natural skin oil or liquid moisturizer.

If your skin is chapped or cracked, increase your consumption of water and essential fatty acids. Keep any chapped areas well lubricated and protected from the elements.

For cracked, dry skin on the fingers, use calendula cream or oil with comfrey, vitamin E oil, and aloe vera. Apply the mixture to hands at bedtime, then wear plastic gloves overnight.

Do not smoke. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin for several reasons. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries that serve the skin. This deprives the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Smoking also can make the skin dry and leathery.

Do not use harsh soaps, cold cream, or cleansing creams on your skin. Cleansing creams are made from hydrogenated oils, which can cause free radical damage to the skin, resulting in dryness and wrinkles. Instead, use pure olive, avocado, or almond oil to cleanse the skin. Pat the oil on, then wash it off with warm water and a soft cloth.

Do not use very hot water when bathing or showering.

As much as possible, stay out of the sun. The sun is responsible for most of the damage done to the skin. It causes dryness, wrinkles, and even rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin if you must be in the sun.

Herbs for Dry Skin

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is soothing, healing, and moisturizing. It also helps to remove dead skin cells. Apply aloe vera gel topically on affected areas.

Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters. Comfrey also reduces redness and soothes irritated skin.

Add 5 drops of lavender oil or oat extract to bath water. After the bath, apply diluted evening primrose oil or aloe vera cream.

Drink teas of camomile, dandelion or peppermint.

Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula tea also helps improve the skin. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.

Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate into the skin's cellular level. Add 1 drop of oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin.

Herbal Facial Sauna

A weekly facial sauna using the herbs chamomile, lavender, and peppermint is good for dry skin.

Using a glass or enameled pot, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish.

After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. Then either apply a good natural moisturizer or facial oil, or apply a clay mask.

After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.

Diet Recommendations for Dry Skin

*Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Eat quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of raw foods.

*Eat foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

*Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Carrots are especially good.

*Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil used daily on salads and baked potatoes, or mixed into any dishes which do not require heating to high temperatures will make dry skin moist and supple. Flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 alpha linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid. These are converted in the body into hormone, like substances called Prostaglandins, which support skin health.

*Cantaloupes, carrots and apricots are heating foods for dry skin because they are rich in the vitamins A and C, both important for a supple, smooth skin. Eat them whole or take as fresh juices. Eat foods rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), such as quark, raw. milk cheese, natural plain yogurt, kefir, leafy green vegetables, nutritional yeast and wheat germ. Pantothenic acid is need for the synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin.

*Drink at least 2 quarts of quality water every day to keep the skin well hydrated.

*Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.

*Do not drink soft drinks or eat sugar, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk foods.

*Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These substances have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals.
Essential Oils For Dry Skin

Chamomile
Geranium
Hyssop
Lavender
Patchouli
Rose
Sandalwood
Ylang-Ylang

Common Sense Recommendations

*Evening primrose oil supplements are beneficial for skin. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid reputed to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content.

*Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.

*Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within.

*To nourish and smooth the skin, mash half an avocado and mix with a few drops of fresh lemon juice and spread over the cleansed skin. Leave on for fifteen to twenty minutes, then dab off the excess with a soft tissue. Splash the skin alternately with cold and warm water.

*For a quick and easy skin pack, mash a ripe banana with a fork and spread it thickly onto the face and throat. Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.




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Dry skin is a big problem but it can easily be remedied. Follow these steps and you'll definitely have a beautiful and glowing skin.

Source

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Top Natural Skin Care Tips

1. Simplify
Don't be fooled by cosmetic advertising: Myriad creams, lotions, and potions at the drugstore and cosmetics counter make promises they could never deliver on. (Trust us, all the fancy products in the world will never turn the tide of aging.) Eye creams, for instance, rarely vary in formulation from your basic facial moisturizer. Our recommendation is to keep it simple: All you need is a basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your skin in tip-top shape. Everything else is just dressing.

2. Make Sure "Natural" Is Really Natural
Toxic synthetic chemicals are the biggest issue in the beauty industry today, so it pays to hone a keen eye when it comes to examining product labels. For example, it’s counterintuitive, but unfortunately, the words "natural" and "all-natural" are not regulated labeling terms. Our "Getting Techie" section provides a glossary of some of the most problematic ingredients known or suspected to be detrimental to your health. Another great resource is the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database site, which rates popular cosmetics and personal-care products with hazard scores on a scale of 0 to 10, depending on their toxicity.

3. Say No to Fragrance
A loophole in federal law doesn't require companies to declare any of the dozens of toxic chemicals that a single product's fragrance mixture could contain. Artificial fragrances, which frequently contain phthalates, can also trigger allergic reactions and other health problems. Be mindful of the hidden dangers that "fragrance" or "parfum" listed on ingredients labels can pose, and always choose fragrance-free products.

4. Choose Nontoxic, Recyclable Packaging
You can never go wrong with glass because it's recyclable and has no danger of leaching toxins into the product contained within. As far as plastics go, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known by the recycling code #1, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), #2, are most frequently accepted by municipal curbside recycling programs and are considered safe; polycarbonate (#7), may leach the endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A, or BPA. Polypropylene (#5), another food-safe plastic, is also a good alternative, though less easily recycled. (To find a polypropylene recycler in your neighborhood, visit Earth911.org.)

Avoid containers that bear recycling code #3 and the letter "V", which refers to polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Dubbed "the poison plastic," PVC poses great environmental and health hazards from manufacture to disposal. In addition to releasing hydrochloric acid, cancer-causing dioxins, and other persistent pollutants into the air, water, and land during its production, PVC also contains additives and chemical stabilizers—such as lead, cadmium, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (a suspected carcinogen that is known to cause a host of reproductive and developmental defects)—that can leach, flake, or off-gas from the plastic throughout its life.

5. Ask How Company Values Stack Up
A skincare company is more than the sum of its products. What about its philosophy and values? Visiting a website is always enlightening; TreeHugger has also written about many beauty and personal care companies. Does the company test on animals, for example? Has it signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to remove harmful chemicals from ingredients lists and replace them with safer alternatives? How committed is it to reducing its impact on the environment?

6. Choose Organic Beauty and Grooming Products
Organic ingredients are those grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which is healthier for the planet and healthier for our bodies. Better yet are botanicals grown using biodynamic farming methods, which go beyond organic by emphasizing an even more holistic relationship between the soil, plants, and animals. The USDA National Organic Program has been certifying personal-care products since 2003, and an increasing number of organic skincare products now bear the USDA organic seal. To tell if a product is biodynamic-certified, look for Demeter U.S.A.'s stamp of approval on the label.

7. Sidestep the Petrochemicals
Used to make emollients for face cream or found in the form of coal tar for scalp-treatment shampoos, petroleum byproducts can be contaminated by cancer-containing impurities. A nonrenewable and environmentally unfriendly resource, petroleum barely belong in your car, let alone on your skin. Identify it on labels as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin.

8. Make Your Own Green Skin Care Treatments
The best way to know exactly what goes into your skincare products? Make your own. Not only will you save money and packaging, but you'll also get the satisfaction that no preservatives or toxic chemicals were used in the process. You can whip up a simple, effective face mask using little more than bananas and powdered oats, make a antioxidant-rich tomato-and-yogurt cleanser, or create a acne-fighting toner with green tea. And that's just for starters. Check out more of our DIY skin care treatments to learn more.

9. Stay Beautiful Inside and Out by Being Healthy
You don't have to resort to a flurry of potions and lotions, chemical peels, or surgical face-lifts to get fresh, glowing skin. Diet and exercise should play vital roles in your skincare regimen, as well. Besides working up a good sweat to keep nutrient-carrying blood circulating throughout your body, be sure to feed yourself plenty of protein, healthy fats (such as omega-3 fish oils or flaxseed oils), complex carbohydrates, and fruit. Drinking six to eight glasses of water is also a boon for flushing out toxins that might otherwise show up on your skin.

10. Don't fall for exotic trends
Every now and then, a bizarre new trend promises to be the magic bullet for all your skin care woes but ends up being downright cruel, whether to you or the planet. The use of human and cow placenta extracts is at the top of our list for being kooky and just plain crazy, especially since they contain a raft of hormones that could potentially result in breast growth in toddlers, breast cancer, and other severe health issues. Another weird practice du jour is the fish pedicure, which involves having dozens of tiny nibbling carp exfoliate your feet in 94-degree Fahrenheit chemical-packed water, a procedure we’re sure is not PETA-approved.




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We should be careful in choosing skin care products because our skin will suffer if we choose something that is harmful or allergic to our skin.

Source

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Celebrity Skin Care - Enjoy Beautiful Skin Like Your Favorite Celebrities

Have you ever wondered how some of Hollywood's most famous actors, celebrities, and super models maintain young, smooth, and beautiful skin? Many Hollywood stars elect to have expensive surgeries or purchase exotic products that cost a fortune in order to obtain and maintain beautiful skin. Fortunately, attaining beautiful skin is not as complicated or expensive as you might think. In fact, today there are many high profile celebrities using natural remedies as part of their skin care regimens. These natural and organic skin care remedies are great for regular people living on a tight budget.

It Starts With Prevention
Celebrity skin care begins with prevention and protection from the sun. Many celebrities, like Nicole Kidman, who have fair skin, are reducing their sun exposure. Over exposure to the sun's damaging UV rays can cause major damage to your skin. Most notably, wrinkles, redness, fine lines and premature aging. To offset these conditions, choose skin care products with SPF protection.

Today, many sunscreen products contain natural and organic ingredients along with antioxidants to provide anti-aging benefits. Skin care products that provide good SPF protection are produced as creams, sprays, or fluids to make application easier. Also, if you are involved in various outdoor activities, look for waterproof or sweat-proof properties in your sunscreen.


If you spent a day in the sun without any protection, there is still hope for your skin. Use after-sun skin care products to protect your skin from the damages caused by the sun. Many of these products are designed to re-hydrate and moisturize sun damaged skin. Damages like premature aging, wrinkles, brown spots, and sagging. Like the Hollywood stars, you need to adjust your lifestyle from one that's sun worshipping, to one that avoids lengthy sun exposure.
Thyme For Beautiful Skin

When looking for a natural and inexpensive way to give your face a fresh look, try the herb thyme. It is an effective way to keep your skin healthy. It has potent antioxidant properties, and helps tone your skin. Holly Robinson Peete steams her face with thyme once a month for its cleansing and relaxing effects on her skin. After boiling a few sprigs of thyme in water, Holly pours the steaming water into a bowl, tenting a towel over her head, allowing the steam to cleanse her face for a few minutes. As smooth and clear as Holly's skin is, it is easy to see why she has this in her skin care regimen. Thyme works by widening clogged pores and softening your skin in order to cleanse the makeup, impurities and dead skin cells off of your face. Once a week, boil a pan of water with the herb, and steam your face for ten to fifteen minutes. The result will be clear and fresh complexion.
Exfoliate To Renew

After a good thyme steam cleansing, follow it up with a gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that cause the face to appear dull. The build up of dead skin cells can also contribute to the blockage of pores, causing acne to develop. Facial scrubs remove the dead skin, in turn, cleansing the skin. When exfoliating, choose a mild exfoliant that suits your particular skin type, and do circular movements avoiding your eyes. Generally, you should exfoliate for only two or three minutes only. However, too much exfoliation will irritate your skin. Exfoliation is a key reason why Natalie Portman has such a youthful and radiant glow. In your quest for beautiful skin, exfoliation must be a priority in your skin care treatments.
Moisturize For Softness

Always use a light moisturizer after cleansing your face. Skin that is well moisturized is soft and supple. Your skin will also age more slowly and radiate a healthy glow when properly moisturized. Be sure to apply extra moisturizer to dry spots. However, remember that too much moisturizer can lead to clogged pores and blackheads. Stephanie Seymour keeps her complexion clear using a moisturizer with a SPF-15. It gives her skin a silky appearance, and won't clog her pores. Remember, moisturizing is an important function of your daily skin care regimen in your pursuit of beautiful skin.
Beautiful Skin Awaits You

Having beautiful skin is not limited to the rich and famous. There are skin care methods used by A-list celebrities that won't blow your budget out of the water. As with anything, consistency is the key. Follow these simple skin care remedies, and you will be on your way to having beautiful skin. Perhaps like your favorite celebrity.




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It's not hard to have a celebrity like skin. We just have to learn the basic skin care regimen, eat healthy food like vegetables and fruits and drink lots of water.

Source

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Looking young can make you feel younger

HOW CAN I HIDE MY AGE?

The key word here is `subtlety'. Don't try to achieve a younger look, but one that projects grace and elegance.
This is how:
. Apply moisturizer before foundation. Wait for ten minutes to allow the skin to absorb it.
. Cover flaws like pigmented patches with a foundation, or concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone.
. Use a creamy foundation diluted with a drop of water for lighter and smoother coverage.
. While choosing foundations go for beige or golden tones avoid pinks.
. Avoid powders if your skin is dry, but apply a soft shade blusher on the cheekbones going outwards and slightly upwards.
. Go for the soft look while applying eye make-up. Avoid eyeliners, use eye shadow or eye pencil to line the upper lids. Draw a line close to the lashes.
. Avoid harsh black eye pencils, go for brown or grey shades instead.
. Mascara helps to brighten eyes. Use a brush to separate the lashes for a natural look.
. Redefine the lip line with a lip pencil and fill in with lipstick, using a lip brush.
. Very dark lip colours, especially blue tones have an aging effect. Very light colours are also a no-no. Go for burgundy, plum, coral, bronze, copper or coffee shades.

CAMOUFLAGE A DOUBLE CHIN!

To mask a double chin, apply a light colour foundation on the chin and a dark foundation on the double chin. Slide down the neck area with the foundation blending carefully to avoid any harsh lines. You may also minimize a double chin by shading some blusher around the jawbone and under the jawline.




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Makeup enhances our beauty. But always remember that too much is not good. Always consider the time of the day and the occasion you are going. Always wear simple makeup and highlight beautiful parts of your face.

Source

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Natural Remedies for Skin Rashes and Itchiness

Aloe Vera: Widely known for treating burns and sunburns. Aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as itchiness and rashes. This plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties. It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

The best way to reap the benefits of aloe vera is to use the actual fresh gel from the plant. At the time of application, slice off a portion of the leaf and directly apply the gel to the affected area.

Calendula Cream (Golden marigold): It iswidely used in Germany, it is used for reducing inflammation and treating diaper rash. Experts say that Calendula works by stimulating the production of white blood cells that aid in destroying harmful microbes. You may purchase the cream from the pharmacies and health food stores. You may also use the actual herb by mixing it with boiling water, add one cup of the boiling water to two teaspoons of the herb. Steep for about ten minutes. Once the mixture is cooled, apply to the affected area with a clean cloth.



Chamomile: Has anti inflammatory properties that soothes and eliminates irritations. Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. People who are allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.


Jewelweed: Provides relief from poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac. To use it, you should crush the fresh leaves and spread over the rashes.




Wild pansy: Soothes and relieves itching associated with eczema. This is also used for soothing acne.




Witch hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves itching and minor skin inflammation. Also used for treating sunburns. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for about thirty minutes.




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These natural remedies are effective first aid on your rashes but if it's still itchy you can go to your doctor to have it checked.

Source

Friday, November 6, 2009

Olive Oil Skin Care

Olive oil skin care is pursued by those individuals who are looking for a natural way to take care of their skin. There are many products manufactured with artificial ingredients for skin care. Some of these are great because they target specific skin problems. However, many of these products are cheaply made with poor quality ingredients and often do not do anything to promote proper skin health. In addition, such products may do more harm than good.

For this reason, many people are looking at the use of olive oil and olive oil skin products as a natural way to make and keep their skin healthy. Olive oil benefits for the body are well advertised, but what about the olive oil benefits for the skin?

olive oil for healthy skin care Olive oil can be used in a skin care regiment in a number of ways.

    * As a bath oil. Substitute regular bath oil with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
    * As a skin moisturizer. Apply olive oil to dry skin on any body part (face, elbows, feet, etc.) to help the skin regain its natural oil balance. Olive oil can be added to many of the natural facial home recipes that exist. When combined with some sugar, olive oil makes a great hand exfoliant and moisturizer.
    * As a night cream. When combined with vinegar and water in equal proportions, olive oil will soften and moisturize the skin as you sleep. The vinegar acts to lighten skin discolorations and helps to exfoliate the skin.
    * Olive oil has antioxidant properties and thus protects the skin from those harmful and damaging free radicals. It is beneficial in slowing the aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles.
    * Olive oil can be used as a lip balm, hair moisturizer, nail soak, dandruff treatment, etc.
    * Some research has indicated that applying olive oil on the skin after being in the sun may help reduce the damage caused by sun exposure.
    * Other potential benefits of olive oil as an olive oil skin care product include: treatment of - minor skin wounds, eczema, and psoriasis.
    * The vitamin E in olive oil makes it a great overall skin care product.

Whether you purchase olive oil skin products or mix up your own olive oil skin care recipes, your skin will benefit. Always look for extra virgin olive oil or organic extra virgin olive oil in olive oil skin care products or when formulating your own olive oil skincare recipes. Pure or light olive oil is likely chemically processed and would be lacking the beneficial skin care elements.



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I tried putting olive oil in my sugar scrub and it's nice because your skin will feel so smooth and soft.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Daily Skin Care Regime - Why is a Daily Skin Care Regime Important?


A professional skin care regime is one of the most important parts of maintaining your skin's health. Your skin is not a smooth surface like a sheet of glass. On the contrary, your skin is more like a riverbed, full of little lumps, bumps, crevasses and holes. You can give these dermatological names such as fine lines, pores, sebaceous glands, etc., but at the end of the day the fact remains your skin is far from a flat, smooth surface.

Because of this and because your skin is a living, breathing part of your body and fulfills several major functions including temperature regulation, immune defence, protection from the external environment, etc., you will need to look after it if you wish to have it work at its optimal level and hope to have good, healthy skin into your late 70's and beyond.

What about the type of products I should use for my skin care regime?

You should always choose natural skin care products as many commercially mass-produced skin care products utilise potentially toxic chemicals and highly modified 'natural' ingredients.
Wildcrafted Herbal Products hand makes a range of holistically-natural skin care products suitable for your particular skin type. These products are based on traditional naturopathic principles and utilize herbal extracts and essential oils to produce lasting effects.
Their products are designed to benefit your skin's health for the long term and include only the best ingredients suitable for your specific skin type.

Daily Skin Care Regime

Cleansing your skin

Cleansing your skin is one of the most important steps if you want to maintain a healthy, vibrant and youthful looking skin.
As well as providing the basis for an advanced skin care regime, effective cleansing can actually improve the quality of our skin, enhancing its radiance and keeping it looking younger for longer.
Thorough cleansing is one of the most important steps of a complete skin care regime. Cleansing of your skin should be done morning and night to ensure the removal of surface impurities, make-up, and stale skin oils. When regularly performed cleansing will enhance the skin's ability to breathe and maintain its other important functions.
One of the best ways to do this is to make cleansing your skin part of your daily skin care regime.

This is how you do it:

First, moisten your face with lukewarm water. Then apply a small amount of facial cleanser. Gently spread the product over your skin, using light, circular movements. At this stage, spend an extra minute massaging the product into your face to boost your skin's circulation and help decongestion.
Secondly, be sure to be gentle, your skin is a delicate organ and needs to be treated with care and respect.
Lastly, rinse off the cleanser, using lukewarm water and pat your face dry.
If you are still using ordinary soap, STOP. You are seriously compromising the health of your skin. Throw it away and start using a quality cleanser.

Toning your skin

Toning is the second step in your daily skin care regime. These days, women often leave this step out and yet it is just as important as the cleansing of your skin or the moisturizing. It is a must include step. The one or two minutes it takes are worth every second if you desire to have healthy, vibrant skin with a minimum of lines and wrinkles. Don't leave this step out.

You have just spent time cleaning your skin, ridding it of stale oils, makeup, dead skin cells and other impurities, now you have to tone your skin.

A quality cleanser may contain such ingredients as clay. This helps to remove dead skin cells and other impurities, but may not rinse off totally. This is why you need to use a quality toner.

Firstly, it removes every last bit of the cleanser such as the fine clay particles and other residues from the cleansing process.

Secondly it will close the skin's pores to protect it from further loss of moisture, which invariably happens when cleansing your face.

Thirdly it provides nutrients and restores the pH balance of your skin.

Now that is worth spending a minute or two, isn't it?

Moisturising your skin

This is the third part of your daily skin care regime and should also be done morning and night using a day crème in the morning and a night crème before retiring.

A quality moisturiser protects your facial skin from environmental damage, provides nutrients for the skin and prevents loss of moisture, thereby slowing down the aging process.

In addition, a moisturiser should help to maintain the acid mantle of your skin, which is part of your immune system and if the pH of your skin becomes too acidic or alkaline, the acid mantel is compromised.

Weekly Regime

To complete your skin care regime, you should set aside a few minutes once a week, preferably at the weekend to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin. Your weekly treats should include, the use of a Facial Mask and Exfoliation.

These treatments encourage cellular repair, step up collagen production and help strengthen, tone and firm up your skin.

Facial Clay Mask:

Using a clay mask will help to draw toxins from your skin, whilst moisturising and nourishing the skin at the same time. There are different clays that will work for specific skin types and choosing the right products containing the clay that is most suitable to your skin type is important. There are 3 basic clays: Green, Yellow and Red.

Exfoliation

Think of Exfoliation from this perspective. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, soothes the skin and improves its tone. Dead skin cells are the very top layer of your skin. Applying moisturiser to dead skin cells does not make sense, does it? So exfoliation, removes the dead skin cells, promotes blood circulation and helps to invigorate and prepare the skin to more easily absorb any moisturising product you apply.

Exfoliation also helps speed up the rate of cell turn over. Another word for exfoliation is scrubbing. Using a facial scrub at least once a week, makes your skin more receptive to creams and treatments. However care must be taken not to over exfoliate.

The aim is to remove any dead cells from the skins surface without disturbing the healthy cells beneath.

In conclusion, to follow a skin care regime is like taking out an insurance policy on the health and vitality of your skin. Can you afford not to follow a complete, daily skin care regime?



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Daily skin regimen is important because it cleanses our skin and makes it looks glowing and younger. You can afford it because there are many trusted beauty products which is less and expensive yet very effective you just have to choose the right one for your skin.

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Monday, November 2, 2009

How to Turn a Basic Bath into a Spa Adventure


Every day, people all around the world take baths as a routine and do not place much importance on it. A bath is simply a means of getting clean. Even if you’re a “shower person,” you probably take a bath at times to relax after a hard day or to really soak off stubborn dirt. But, it’s still pretty basic. Now, what if I were to tell you that there are a few simple steps you can take to turn a basic bath into a real spa experience?

Turning a basic bath into a soothing spa

Since ancient times, people regularly indulged in luxury baths to keep their bodies beautiful, the skin supple, and their minds relaxed. If you delve into history, you know that Cleopatra used to have a milk bath daily in a large scented bathroom laced with all the luxuries ancient Egypt could provide. While you may not be Cleopatra, you can also turn your simple bath into a spa adventure by making a few simple additions to your bathroom and bathwater.

Simple bath recipes to add to your basic bath

A few simple “recipes” can produce some amazing results when added to your bath. For example, did you know that the application of bath salts helps enhance the detoxification process, remove dead skin, and reduce the retention of fluid in the body? Try these recipes the next time you bathe.

* Take one cup of Epsom Salt or sea salt and mix it with one cup of baking soda and 10 drops of any essential oil you like along with ½ teaspoon of glycerin.
* Take one cup of powdered milk and mix it with one cup of baking soda plus 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add this to 2 tablespoons cream of tartar and 1½ tablespoons of cinnamon. Your cinnamon soak is ready.
* Herbal milk is another wonderful addition. To prepare this, mix one cup of cornstarch with 2 cups of powdered milk and 2 tablespoons of finely ground dried herbs. Cleopatra will have nothing on you with this recipe.

For best results, store all these mixtures in an airtight jar. Shake before use, and add ¼ to ½ cup of any mixture to your bath water.

Some other quick additions to the bathwater

* Adding lemon peels and orange peels to your bathwater gives a refreshing and scented bath.
* To reduce the effect of summer heat, apply sandalwood paste on your body for a few minutes and wash it off while bathing.
* Adding rose petals to the water gives a luxuriant and scented effect to the bath.

Mud Bath and Oil Bath

These special kinds of bath will give you a therapeutic experience. Mud has compounds in it that nourish and condition the body. It can also help relieve pain due to conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and joint inflammation. It also helps increase blood circulation and makes the skin supple.

An oil bath involves massaging the body with any natural oil like coconut oil or mustard oil, just before bathing. It relaxes tired and stiff muscles, relieves the body of tension, and increases blood circulation. Application of oil helps increase the moisture in the skin and makes it smooth and silky.

Like Cleopatra, with a few simple steps, you can turn any basic bath into a holistic experience.



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That's so cool. You can have a soothing spa at home which is less expensive and you can have it anytime you want.

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