Do You Really Need To Wear A Moisturizer?

You just may be able to get away without using a moisturizer.

?Not everyone needs or should use a moisturizer, especially women with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin!? Paula Begoun, author of Don?t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, writes on her website. But what if you just can?t part with your favorite day and night creams? What should you be looking for when shopping for a moisturizer?

According to Paula, a good moisturizer should contain emollients (essential for making skin not feel dry), water-binding agents (ingredients that attract water to the skin and help keep it there), anti-irritants and antioxidants. For daytime, it must contain a well-formulated sunscreen.

If you have an oily t-zone area (forehead, nose and cheeks) and your skin is normal to dry elsewhere on your face, you have combination skin. Most of us will have combination skin at some point in our lives. Use an oil-free moisturizer in the t-zone and a light moisturizer on other areas. In order to normalize your skin, it may be necessary to apply two different types of products on the different areas of your skin. Alternatively, you can skip the moisturizer for your t-zone entirely and just moisturize the cheeks and eyes.

If you have dry skin, your skin may feel dry and itchy and wrinkles are more obvious on your skin than other skin types. Although the use of a moisturizer can help to temporarily smooth out wrinkles, none of them can turn back the clock. Choose one which makes your skin look smooth and feel supple. A water-based moisturizer is preferable, although it won?t last as long as an oil-based moisturizer. However, emollients in water-based moisturizers such as plant oils and shea butter can help to provide your skin with essential moisture. (Tip: Apply moisturizer on damp skin to lock in moisture.)

If you have sensitive skin, you may have red patches on your face and/or are easily irritated by using certain products. It can be difficult to find a product which doesn?t aggravate your skin and cause breakouts or unsightly rashes. Look for moisturizers which do not contain fragrance and ingredients which you know can be potentially irritating to your skin. Even something as harmless as Aloe Vera can cause skin irritations!

Sunscreens are essential for daytime wear to protect your skin from the sun?s harmful UVA and UVB rays. There are plenty of sunscreens on the market which hydrate the skin as well as protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Why not skip the moisturizer and wear a sunscreen instead? The fewer products on your skin, the less likely your skin will develop an irritation to any of the ingredients.

Tara Sabeti is Vice-President of Marketing at http://www.BeautySteals.com, an online retailer of cosmetics, skin care and fragrances. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, she has spent more than five years researching and working in the cosmetics and fashion industries. Her in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the cosmetics industry, from product development to e-marketing, as well as cosmetic applications for women of varying backgrounds, makes Sabeti an authority women can trust.

Skin Care Secrets You Can Have Beautiful Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, just like your heart or your kidney. Its job is to protect your insides so it is important for it to be healthy. If you eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, keep it clean, and protect it from the sun, your skin will stay healthy all your life.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two factors play an important role in the health of a person's skin.

Diet - Eat Well

What you put into your body has a huge effect on how the outside looks and feels. Eating healthy foods is important. Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Eight glasses of are essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. You still can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

Hygiene - Keep your skin clean.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you use. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants.

Exercise - keep fit

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer.

Sleep - get an adequate amount of quality sleep

Be sure to get enough sleep. An adequate amount of quality sleep can help recharge and rejuvenate the body, making it more resilient. Lack of sleep can lead to tired lifeless skin and circles under the eyes. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed.

De-Stress - Relax

Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Breathing exercises are excellent for reducing stress. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion. A more detailed version of this article is available at: http://hair-removal-tips.blogspot.com/

Copyright ? 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The Pregnancy Guide website at: http://www.pregnancyguide.org.uk/ and he?s also a regular contributor to the Cosmetic Surgery Guide blog at: http://cosmetic-n-plastic-surgery.blogspot.com/

This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable.

Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Clinic

No one likes to deal with hair removal. Shaving can be tedious, not to mention painful if you cut yourself. Waxing is also painful, and can be expensive to maintain. And if you have a large area on your body that you would like to have hair removed from, such as your back or chest, shaving can be time consuming. That is why laser hair removal has seen such a surge in popularity. A laser hair removal clinic promises quick removal of hair from the root, and pledges that the hair will grow back very slowly, eliminating the need for frequent and expensive maintenance. If you are considering the procedure of laser hair removal, make sure that you know the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, as well as how to find a reputable laser hair removal clinic to perform the process on you.

Laser hair removal is so popular today because of the many advantages involved. The primary advantage is the removal of your unwanted hair, which tends to grow back very slowly as a result of the procedure. There is a chance that you will see a permanent reduction in the re-appearance of hair. When the hair grows back in, it often comes in lighter in color and a finer texture, which helps alleviate the embarrassment of having unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is considered safe if the clinic performs the procedure correctly in a safe environment. For people that do have large areas on their bodies (back, legs, chest) from which they want hair removed, laser hair removal is the most beneficial. Fair skinned people with dark body hair tend to get the best results with laser hair removal.

There are potential risks with the procedure, however. These can include burns, abrasions, and or even skin discoloration on darker-skinned people. Laser hair removal tends to not work as effectively on gray, red, and blonde hair, and is not recommended for people with dark skin tones, or for people who tan themselves. Some people do not respond to laser hair removal at all.

Be aware that there are numerous establishments that claim to be laser hair removal clinics. Many of these supposed specialists claim that their procedures are pain-free, that hair removal is permanent, and that there will be absolutely no regrowth. According to the FDA, it is illegal to make these assertions. But, because there is no regulation of who can buy laser hair removal machines or parameters for training or quality control, there is a great risk for physical harm and the loss of your money if you get the procedure done at a place like these. When exploring the many laser hair removal clinics, be sure to only interview clinics or physicians who will give you a free in-office consultation. Ask lots of questions about pain relief, costs and fees, and post-treatment. Ask them questions about the laser hair removal devices they use, to see how much they know. Don't even consider a clinic that is not clean, well-staffed, and organized. Get feedback from former customers, and ask them questions about the clinic or physician's service and demeanor. Insist on getting a test patch done, so that you will have a clearer idea of what laser hair removal is like first hand, before you make any commitments. Do not commit to the procedure at the consultation. By shopping around to various laser hair removal clinics, you will be able to save money and get the best possible experience and outcome from your laser hair removal. You can avoid pain and aggravation down the road if you take the time to select the most reputable and capable laser hair removal clinic in your area.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment. Laser Hair Removal Clinic

What You Know and Don't Know About Skin Care Products!

The skin is the first barrier between inside and outside world. Dust, dirt, environmental agents and skin care ingredients enter the body through this important protective organ providing significant access to the blood stream.Usually, to protect yourself from all the potentially dangerous factors and to keep your good appearance, you are using skin care products. Their purpose is to cleanse, nourish, regenerate and protect.

In today?s market the modern cosmetic industry is given us skin care products with splendid texture, appealing color, nice smell and ? chemical ingredients.

You know exactly which is the most active ingredient or ingredients from a skin care formulation: collagen, alpha- hydroxy acids, vitamin C-ester, testosterone and so on. The advertising is based on the known effect of each primer ingredient onto the skin such as: Collagen-anti wrinkles, alpha-hydroxy acid- peeling and wrinkles reducer, et cetera.

What you don?t know is how all the other chemical ingredients from a skin care product, even in tiny amount, will affect your health in time. Even a low dosage at repeated exposure will affect your body as much as a high dosage will affect at one time application.

You are not aware that the chemicals are not recognized by our body and therefore they can not be used in our metabolic pathway to be destroyed and eliminate. They are stored in fat tissues, in the blood arteries and veins, and ultimately in organs. On the other hand they can induce alterations at the cellular level. Some of the chemical ingredients have been already proven to induce cancer and birth defects.

A cosmetic company, developing natural skin care products (And I am not talking of products that have one or two natural ingredients in the list and they are claiming being natural) is more difficult to establish. The reasons are multiple and I will reveal them in a future article. In spite of the difficulties, it is very rewarding for a company to offer his customers healthy products with no long term side effects.

What you get is a complex of vitamins, minerals, phytohormons, fatty acids, enzymes everything that the skin needs. It is difficult to eliminate deep wrinkles, but you can diminish them most of all prevent them! The way to do this is to let the skin cells properly function by giving them everything they need, the right amount of recognizable nutrients.

What you don?t know about natural Cosmetics is the complexity and difficulty to create a synergy of the active molecules to get the maximum skin benefit. In order to get these results you must have a deep understanding of the biochemical processes to evaluate and predict how a natural mixture acts as an entirety. This is a time consuming process and requires long term studies and tests.

I think that in this particular time a returning to the ancient herbs and oils knowledge with a complete understanding of a modern science is one of the trends that we will have to promote in the cosmetic business as well as in food technology.

Claudia Budu has a master in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in cell biology. Living in three continents: Europe, Middle East and North America she came in touch with different cultures and customs. Her hobby was to learn from every tradition how to use natural herbs and mixture of herbs to help revitalize the skin at any age.

Everything that she has learned from others and with more than 20 years of scientific expertise resulted in creations of TelBari skin care products, the basic stone for a family business. TelBari is the Hebrew name for ?Mound of Health?. The Company is keeping everybody busy in the family, her husband a mathematic addict and lover of ?all natural?, her son a painter and philosopher and her daughter, a powerful example of reason to love life.

Join our monthly Newsletter! We will provide valuable information regarding useful articles about natural living in general and expert beauty tips. Let?s learn together how to use the wonderful thesaurus of the plant kingdom in our path of being healthier and looking better.

Beauty Sleep Is It A Dream?

As women we know that a lack of sleep leaves us irritable; however most of us are unaware of the damage it may be doing to our skin? Besides being an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, getting 8 hours of sleep per night helps improve the texture and the luminosity of our skin. During the night the skin is restored from the harmful effects of daily stress. When we do not get the required sleep our skin suffers. This is especially noticeable in the fragile skin under the eyes. The under eye area is almost fifty percent thinner than the skin on the face. Sleepless nights leaves behind fine lines, dark circles or puffy bags. Cosmetic treatments can soften the effects of sleep deprivation but preventive medicine is the best cure. Eye treatments are limited in their ability and cannot reverse the stress that a lack of sleep will do to the skin.

Sleep experts say that we need 8 hours of sleep per night. However, the latest research shows that women average 6 hours and forty minutes of sleep during the week and 7 hours on the weekend. Besides the extra work that women have to contend with (helping with homework, laundry, cooking, etc.) and the many concerns that keep them from sleep, women are also be kept awake by - small children who wake during the night, teenagers coming home late, aging parents who get up during the night.

What can we do to sleep more peacefully and longer? Here are some hints:

1.Eliminate noise from your bedroom. Bedroom sounds should be low and consistent. Try earplugs.
2.Keep your room dark by using dark fabric on your windows. If that is not possible, try eyeshades.
3.The temperature of the room should be cool.
4.A relaxing bath before you go to bed will induce sleep.
5.Set a schedule to arise, no matter what time you went to bed the night before.
6.Turn your clock so you can't see the time if you wake up in the middle of the night.
7.Keep TV's and computers out of the bedroom, make it a place just for sleep and sex.
8.Get a queen-size mattress if you don't sleep alone. We need room to move.
9.Avoid alcohol before sleeping. While alcohol may help us fall asleep, it will also wake us in the middle of the night.
10.Avoid nicotine before going to bed because it is a stimulant.
11.Don' go to bed hungry or overly full. Have a snack early in the night.
12.Watch your coffee intake. Caffeine from coffee, tea, cola and chocolate can affect you for up to twelve hours.
13. If you fret during the night or if you think of something that you must do the next day, write it down so you can deal with it in the morning.
14.Try natural-fill pillows such as down or feather because they have the most adjustability. If you suffer from back pain put a pillow between your knees for a more comfortable sleep.

Happy Sleeping!!!!!

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

AntiWrinkle Lifestyle Tips

Experts say that, when it comes to getting wrinkles, 10% is genetics -- but the other 90% is environment and lifestyle. This is great news! Why? Because it means that you have A LOT of control over your skin and how badly - and quickly - it wrinkles. In fact, you can begin today to make lifestyle changes that will literally save your skin and prevent wrinkles as long as possible. Specifically, the following lifestyle tips are proven to protect and nurture your skin:

1. Protect your skin from the sun - Without a doubt, the sun is your skin's worst enemy. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight causes the collagen and elastin in your skin to break down, which leads to premature wrinkles. One of the best lifestyle changes you can make is to wear a good sunscreen, everyday.

2. Don't smoke - The harmful toxins in cigarette smoke do all kinds of bad things to your skin, especially your facial skin. Not only does it break down collagen and elastin, just like sunlight does, but it also destroys your skin from the inside. You can't inhale toxins all day and expect your skin to be healthy. If you smoke, do whatever you have to do to quit. If you don't smoke, don't even think about starting!

3. Don't drink - Alcohol is not good for your skin. One or two drinks occasionally probably won't hurt. But if you're drinking every day, your skin definitely isn't going to be as healthy as it could be. Besides containing toxins, alcohol also dehydrates your body, which is never good for the skin. Old drinkers almost always have more wrinkles and uglier skin with more blotches than non-drinkers.

4. Get enough sleep - When you don't get enough sleep, for even one night, you look and feel horrible. But when you are chronically sleep-deprived your skin can literally begin to breakdown. Why? Because you aren't letting it repair itself. Your skin is your body's largest organ, and your body repairs its organs while your sleeping. Try going to bed earlier and at the same time every night. Also, you may want to try the natural supplement melatonin. Recent research shows that you only need about .3 mg to fall asleep and wake up without feeling groggy, much less than the 1 - 3 milligrams contained in most melatonin supplements.

5. Lower stress - Doctors have long known that stress has many negative effects on the body. Chronically high stress levels hurt the skin without a doubt. First, if you're always stressed out, you're probably not getting enough quality sleep (see above). Second, the stress hormones that are produced in a high-stress state are very damaging to your skin. Third, when you're stressed, your skin receives less blood flow because your body directs more of its blood to your internal organs, in an effort to prepare itself for flight or fight - the reason stress exists in the first place.

6. Eat antioxidants - Antioxidants boost your body's ability to fight free radicals and protect the skin from damage. Many of the new anti-wrinkle skin creams contain tons of antioxidant ingredients. Colorful fresh fruits and vegetables are some of your best sources of antioxidants. But you should also consider supplementing with extra vitamin C and vitamin E. Also, some people have gotten great healthy skin results with the new OPC dietary supplements.

Janie Roberts is a writer for the Anti-Wrinkle Guide. You can learn more about fighting wrinkles effectively by visiting: http://www.anti-wrinkle-guide.com

What Does Beauty Really Cost?

Yes! We all want to be beautiful no matter what. We are shown what is classed as as beauty on a regular basis by the media. Fashion models who look like bean poles and who cant possibly eat chocolate or cream cakes as this would be the ultimate sin.

In reality they probably eat very little!

We are all made to be beautiful in our own way! it might not necessarily be in the way the media portray.

This is a good thing as it would be a rather boring world if we all looked exactly the same.

Time is also a big factor as we struggle to fight against it,nobody likes growing old, but are we really winning or delaying the inevitable?

What is all of this really costing us? we spend millions of pounds a year in the UK on beauty products and treatments.

How many of us know what we are really using in these products? We heard recently about parabens possibly causing cancer yet manufacturers still produce products containing them which we buy and use!

We need to look at what we are buying and what they contain!

Would you knowingly eat something containing poison or harmful ingredients? I know i wouldn't,yet we regularly buy and use thing to so called make ourselves more beautiful without reading the labels.

Here are some of the many things to look for:

DEA,MEA,TEA(not the kind you drink) are irritants which dry the hair and skin ,also known as allergens
METHYL,PROPYL,BUTYL & ETHYL PARABENS: are food grade preservatives-used to preserve products and extend there shelf-life. considered to be highly toxic and have been found in cancerous tumors ,also allergens.
ISOPROPYL:poisonous solvent used in many products.
IMIADAZOILDINYL UREA:formaldehyde-forming preservatives,known to weaken the immune system.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL: wetting agent and solvent main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL(PEG): is a caustic substance used to dissolve grease. found in oven cleaner and most skin cleansers.

Are we taking unnecessary risks by not doing a simple thing like reading a label?

Is it worth risking your health for the sake of beauty,when these days there are more and more natural alternatives available in our retail stores,supermarkets and online so we can have a more natural way to enhance our beauty. Without the extra costs!

Alison Jones http://www.pureessenceproducts.bravehost.com

Natural Beauty Products That Don't Cost The Earth.

Professional Tips To Summer Proof Your Makeup

As summer temperatures heats up do you find your makeup literally melting down your face? By midday has your perfectly applied makeup fallen victim to the heat and humidity of summer and disappeared? Are you ready to surrender to Mother Nature and stop using any makeup in the summer? Well, now you can chill out, enjoy the summer and with these professional tips used by some of the world?s top makeup artists to look beautiful all summer long.

?Don?t apply makeup for at least 5 minutes after applying moisturizer.

?Use an oil free moisturizer or a moisturizing lotion instead of a cream.

?Use oil free loose powder.

?Apply a light dusting of loose face powder before applying foundation.

?Use a light weight liquid or powder foundation instead of a cream foundation.

?Use a tint moisturizer instead of foundation.

?After foundation and concealer is applied blot any oil built up with a clean tissue press gently into moist areas. This will allow the color to last longer and avoid a cake look.

?Use waterproof products.

?Keep your lip pencils, eye pencils and lipsticks in the refrigerator.

?Before applying eye shadow apply an eye shadow base.

?For long lasting eye color apply powder eye shadow with a damp brush.

?To keep eyeliner in place and color looking fresh, use an eyeliner pencil then go over the pencil with a thin line of eye shadow in the same color .

?Limit mascara to one coat.

?Avoid using mascara on lower lashes.

?After applying your color mascara apply a clear sealant mascara over it.

?For lip color that last; instead of using lipstick, apply lip balm to lips then fill in with lip pencil.

?To set make up and keep make up looking fresh longer spray face with a professional setting spray or a fine mist of water after applying your make up.

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Contact Lenses and Healthy Eyes 12 Rules Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Follow

Do you want to switch to contact lenses from glasses, but you're not sure if contact lenses are safe or if caring for them is too much of a hassle? Or do you wear contacts already and want to make sure that you do the best for your eye health?

Taking proper care of your eyes and contact lenses isn't rocket science. Here are 12 simple rules you can follow, to keep your contact lenses and your eyes happy and healthy.

Modern contact lenses vary in quality; make sure that your doctor prescribes the contact lenses that are healthiest for your eyes. See suggestions on advanced contact lenses

Clean your lenses every time you handle them (before putting contacts in your eyes and after removing them). Give each lens a gentle 10-15 second rub in solution. The only exception to this rule is color lenses - rinse, but don't rub them; it might damage the color.

Handle only one lens at a time, so you don't confuse them. Train yourself to start with ether the right or the left lens

When cleaning your lenses don't forget to take care of the lens case as well. Wash it with unperfumed soap and let it dry. Doctors also recommend that you replace your contact lens case every 2 or 3 months.

Never put your lenses in the same solution twice; replace the solution every time you handle your lenses. Usually you shouldn't use any solution 6 months after the bottle has been opened, and definitely not after the expiry date. Store your contact lenses and solution in a dry, cool place. The refrigerator door is ideal.

Soft contact lenses shouldn't be allowed to dry up. The lens should be either in the eye, or in a special solution. If you accidentally let the lens dry up, throw it out, it is no longer good.

Don't wear contacts if you have got a cold, cold sores or another infection. You don't want any germs to get into your eyes. It is handy to have a pair of glasses for such occasions.

If you wear make-up, apply your eye make-up after putting your lenses in, and try to use water-based mascara. Lenses are very sensitive to deodorants and hair sprays, so either spray before you put the lenses in, or close your eyes very tightly while spraying.

Don't forget to replace your contact lenses on schedule. Daily disposables - every morning, 2-week replacements - every fortnight and so on. A couple of days delay wouldn't make any difference, but wearing 2-week replacements for a month is definitely not healthy for your eyes. See more information about disposable contacts.

Avoid smoky or dusty rooms; soft contact lenses collect every tiny particle and your eyes will feel uncomfortable.

If your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated, take the lens out. It is possible that something is stuck under it or the lens is torn. If your lens isn't damaged, wash your eye and the lens, and put it back. If the unpleasant sensation doesn't go away, take the lenses out and don't wear them until you can see your optometrist. Damaged lenses should be thrown away, no matter how expensive they are. A torn lens can do serious harm to your eye.

Don't sleep in your contacts. Lenses designed as day wear block oxygen flow to your eyes and the eyelid puts extra pressure on the lens, so your eyes would feel terrible after you wake up. The only exception is extended wear lenses, like Focus Night and Day or Acuvue; they are designed for continuous wear and sleep.

If you routinely follow these rules, your contact lenses should never give you any problems and, most of the time, you should feel like you don't wear any corrective lenses at all.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures.

Toxic Cosmetics Exposed

As a consumer, you must be on the look out for chemicals and toxic ingredients that may be injurious to your skin and your body. You would not even consider eating products that contained chemicals or cancer causing agents, so don?t let these toxins cross the threshold and enter your system through your beauty product either!

Insignificant amounts of research are available to provide evidence of the safety or health risks of low-dose repeated exposures to chemical combinations like those in personal care products, but let?s get one thing straight?the absence of data should never, never be mistaken for confirmation of safety.

The more we investigate low dose contact with these products, the more we comprehend that they can cause adverse effects ranging from the subtle and reversible, to effects that are more critical and permanent. On the whole, our research of product safety reveals a cause for concern.

Interestingly enough, 450 ingredients that are used in this country are banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union by the industry. The dictatorial vacuum in the United States gives cosmetic companies enormous leeway in selecting ingredients, while it shifts potentially considerable and unnecessary health risks to the users of the products.

Cosmetics and personal care products are promoted based on the quality and ingredients of their formulas. Numerous products allege to be filled with expensive vitamins, oils, and perfumes. Others profess to use an all-natural formula. How can you be certain that the products you purchase contain the ingredients they claim to have or that they are safe? Read the label? Guess again! Unless you happen to be a scientist or a chemist, the ingredient list on the majority of cosmetic and personal care products will look like a laundry list of monotonous, tongue twisting names that make no sense at all. If you want to educate yourself, there are several books that will really bring you up to speed on what is in your personal care products. One would be, Dangerous Beauty, by Mark Fearer; and the other is called, Drop Dead Gorgeous, by Kim Erickson. Additionally, there are many groups that are pushing for safe products such as WomenandEnvironment.org.

Why should you have reservations about the safety of ingredients in body care products that you spread over your body and hair? There are many reasons, yet here is the most compelling one:

Hongran Fan and her coworkers at the Veteran Affairs Palo Alto (Calif.) Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine planned to demonstrate the effectiveness of intramuscular gene injections by comparing them with simply dripping a DNA vaccine solution onto the skin of mice. Well, they discovered that it was possible to distribute the vaccine through the hair follicles on unbroken skin.

So, if you can absorb an effectual prescribed amount of a vaccine simply by having it come in contact with your skin, how much of the toxic ingredients that are in your personal care products are you absorbing through your skin? Think about it?you are literally bombarding your tissues, your organs and your brain with man-made chemicals and their processing residues!

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide range of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

Quit Clowning Around Blushing 101

Don?t want to look like a clown? Then get the low down on how to choose the correct blush for your skin type.

Step 1: Choose a Shade - Pinch your cheeks gently so they flush ?this is the blush tone that suits you. As a rule, light peach and pink flatters pale skin, apricot and terracotta give warmth to olive complexions, reddish and coral tones compliment darker skin. Cream and gels blend easily but use powder if your prone to acne.

Step 2: Contour with Colour ? If using powder blush, set foundation with translucent powder. Smile into a mirror, applying blush over the cheeks with a fingertip, brush or damp sponge, blending up and out. For powder, use a swirling motion over apples of the cheeks, blending up to the temples.

Step 3: Glow baby glow ? accentuate cheekbone contour with a little shimmer. Use cream highlighter with cream or gel blush. White or silver suits fair skin, bronze or berry suits darker complexions. Apply just above cheekbones, where light hits, then blend so there?s no visible line.

iheartbeauty favorite BLUSH products:

Want a luxurious & sophisticated blush for your apples? Try Guerlain: Radiant Blush. We're loving it due to the variety of shades, look & feel on our skin and of course who could forget the fancy case

Want a versatile product - that's easy on the budget, perfect for the eyes, cheeks AND lips. Try Clarins: Multi Blush. Its long lasting and excellent value.

Don't know your skin type? Want something that's light, small and easy to fit into your tiny Louis Vuitton clutch? Try Bobbi Brown: Cream Blush Stick. It's not only lifts up facial contours but its also Dermatologist tested.

Junalaine Tumang providing the latest Beauty & Styling tips inspired by celebrities at http://www.iheartbeauty.com.

Information On Raw Juice Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hair Analysis The Roadmap to Wellness

Did you know that your hair has the advantage of long-term memory? Hair is a permanent record, like tree rings. A three-inch strand of human hair will give a six-month history of what's going on in the body since head hair grows at a rate of about a half an inch a month.

A hair analysis determines exactly what chemicals are inside of you, including radiation, heavy metals like mercury, food chemicals such as aspartame, pesticides, bacteria and more. The hair analysis is the best roadmap to view a history of what's going on inside of you.

What Is a Hair Analysis?

The protein in hair fiber holds the composition of the body tissues for a permanent period. By analyzing the hair fiber composition, a trained eye can tell what toxins have accumulated in the body tissues and what vitamins and minerals are depleted or too abundant causing an imbalance in body function.

By detoxifying unnatural chemicals like mercury and lead, and by replacing specific vitamins individual to your needs, proper health can be restored using nutrition. The human hair analysis can detail these levels.

It can be overwhelming to walk into a vitamin store and wonder out of the thousands of bottles on the shelves, ?Which ones do I need?? The hair analysis specifies which supplements your body is lacking, and which, if any, you are too high in. It saves time and money to know exactly what your body needs, or doesn?t need, nutritionally.

My own hair analysis was an important part of my natural healing from Grave's Disease in 1991. I discovered through my personal recovery, I couldn't fight what I couldn?t see. The hair analysis is an excellent tool to identify specific toxins, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by them. As with any chemical in solution, food chemicals like aspartame and MSG saturate the body with toxins that penetrate the brain and infuse the bloodstream. Human beings are polluted with over 14,000 food chemicals we are exposed to daily. The hair analysis allows you to ?see? what damage these toxins may be causing.

Is the hair analysis really accurate?

The hair analysis is as credible as a standard blood or urine test ? maybe more. The key to a good hair analysis is the capability of a credentialed laboratory and the expertise of the practitioner interpreting the results. The American government and law enforcement agencies have depended upon hair analyses for decades to provide conclusive evidence in crime investigations and for drug testing for prison parolees. The cause of death by poisoning can only be determined conclusively via a hair analysis, as in the case of President Andrew Jackson.

A hair analysis is not understood in traditional medicine, but is highly respected in the world of forensics, scientific research, and drug testing. A hair analysis works the same as a soil or water sample to a geologist and engineer - it leaves a permanent imprint of the body's ?environment? within the protein in the hair follicles.

If you want to determine if your well or tap water is polluted, you have a water test performed, right? If you?re drilling for oil, you have a soil test done. So, it is with the human body. If you want to know if toxins are within your tissues, have a hair analysis performed.

Do Medical Doctors Use The Hair Analysis?

One of the shortcomings of the American Medical Association (AMA) is the lack of nutritional education required for medical students. American medical schools promote more of the pharmaceutical philosophy of healing by drugs opposed to a nutritionally based curriculum of natural healing.

Blood and urine tests have value, of course, as those results can identify disease present within the body and they help your doctor determine the amount and kind of drugs and medications needed.

The hair mineral analysis on the other hand, identifies long-term nutritional deficiencies that can be at the root of disease, along with identifying toxic metals within the body that can cause disease. Most traditional medical doctors do not know how to interpret a hair analysis, and therefore, discount them as an important tool in natural wellness.

You can read more information about the hair analysis and Dr. Hull?s hair analysis program by visiting the link below: http://www.hairanalysisprogram.com/

About The Author

Dr. Hull discovered the value of the hair analysis when curing herself from an ?incurable? disease. It was her ?roadmap? to wellness, and she uses her knowledge to help others discover the root of their health symptoms.

Dr. Hull's counseling expertise is based on her professional background. She has counseled numerous celebrities, professional athletes and sports figures, lawyers, and other medical practitioners, doctors and dentists. She works internationally with clients, and continues her research and development into perfecting the detoxification of toxins within the human body.

Dr. Hull writes a monthly newsletter covering a wide range of important health topics including Government Safety Alerts, Q and A's, and more! To sign up for her newsletter or to view past articles visit the link below:

http://www.sweetpoison.com/newsletter/

Adverse Effects of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a remarkable advancement in dental research. They resemble natural teeth, are extremely sturdy, require the same maintenance as natural teeth and often can last a person?s lifetime. Dental implants are defined as ?permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to the jawbone and topped with individual replacement teeth or a bridge that screws or cements into the post.? Dental implants got their start in Sweden but the technology and materials that are being used in North America today have been successfully used in European countries for the past thirty years.

The success rate for both upper and lower implants is extremely high. For instance, lower implants have the highest success rate at 98 percent while for upper implants it is 91 percent. However there are some adverse effects that are associated with dental implants although the good news is that there is not that many. Let?s take a look at some of them.

Sometimes dental implant surgery fails because of bacterial contamination that is to be found at the site of the implants. If the area is not adequately cleaned beforehand then this is likely to occur. In order to decrease the chance of infection occurring following the surgery, patients are often prescribed one or a variety of prophylactic systemic antibiotics. The use of antibiotics in some individuals can cause its share of adverse effects ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to more serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. With the use of antibiotics comes a concern about bacteria that is antibiotic-resistant. Tests are ongoing to determine to what extent antibiotics are necessary where dental implant surgery is concerned. This issue is somewhat of a controversial one as some patients seem to benefit from the use of antibiotics after surgery while others find it a hindrance to healing and ushers in a host of other adverse side effects. Some researchers believe that prophylactic antibiotics are very effective in reducing the incidence of dental implant failures while others are still not sure. New research into these health issues is being undertaken all of the time.

Some individuals are more likely to develop infections after surgery than are others because of a comprised immune system or a metabolic disease, such as those with diabetes. Other people prone to infection following surgery include people who are at risk of, or who have a past history of, heart related infections (or endocarditis) and those who have had radiotherapy either in the area of their head or neck. Patients with any of the above conditions are often administered preoperative antibiotics before the dental implant surgery is undertaken.

Other adverse effects of having dental implants placed in one?s mouth include the discomfort, bruising and swelling that often occurs afterwards. No two people have all of the same adverse effect postoperative but most people will experience a small extent of at least one of them. Sometimes the dental implants do not integrate to a patient?s mouth. This is another way of saying that the surgery can be a total flop. The failure of surgery can depend on a number of factors but the most common ones have to do with the type of implants that are used as well as the general health of the patient getting the surgery. As a general rule, the better health a person is in, the more likely that the surgery will be a success.

Stephanie Dilson is a Dental Surgeon and in her spare time runs an informational site on Dental Implants for all those interested in the process to find out valuable information on the cost, benefits, risks and features of this increasingly popular procedure. For more information see http://www.dentalimplantsguide.com

What You Need To Know About Facial Hair Removal

What is the best way to remove unwanted facial hair? Shaving is by far the most common method of hair removal for both men and women. Men have been shaving their beards and mustaches for thousands of years. One need only take a look at the huge selection of razors available today to support this. Shaving creams, gels, foams and other products facilitate the shaving process and help reduce skin irritation. But for women suffering with unwanted facial hair, their choices are not so obvious. Many men too are looking for alternatives.

Women with excessive facial hair usually see it along the upper lip, down the sides of the face, and on the chin. Unlike with men, shaving isn't the best removal option. So what's a woman to do? Because facial hair is typically much more than a few wayward hair follicles, plucking these areas isn't an effective method. It's time-consuming and painful! What's needed instead is a method designed for more widespread removal like depilatories and waxing or even electrolysis or laser treatment.

1. Depilatories

Depilatories are an inexpensive, short-term facial hair removal option. Available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, and roll-on forms, they contain a highly alkaline chemical - usually calcium thioglycolate - that dissolves the protein structure of the hair, causing it to separate easily from the skin surface. Extreme care must be taken when using on the face as these products can irritate and even burn facial skin. And because depilatories only dissolve visible hair, this method must be repeated frequently as new hair growth appears. The upside is, this process is inexpensive and can be done in the privacy of your own home.

2. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that works by destroying individual hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow. Electrolysis and laser are better options. They're permanent facial hair removal methods and they work by damaging the base of the hair follicle so that hair growth no longer occurs. Both of these are expensive options and repeated sessions are generally necessary to remove all hair. But considering that relatively small surface areas are involved, many people are able to justify the costs, the risks and the discomfort involved.

3. Tweezing and Waxing

While depilatories remove hair at the skin's surface, epilatories, such as tweezers and waxes, pluck hairs from below the surface. Waxing offers many benefits and is the facial hair removal choice of men and women alike. Like with tweezers, when waxing the hair is 'plucked' from its root. This method doesn't damage the actual hair follicle, so new hair growth will continue to occur, but unlike depilatories, new hair growth won't appear on the skin surface as quickly. In fact, it usually isn't visible for several weeks. And, if you're brave enough, waxing facial hair can be done by you at home, however many opt to have someone else perform this procedure. Waxing and tweezing may be more painful than using a depilatory, but the results are longer lasting. Because the hair is plucked at the root, new growth is not visible for several weeks after treatment.

The cost, safety, effectiveness, and ease of use of the various methods, as well as the area and amount of hair growth to be treated, are some factors to weigh in choosing a method and deciding whether to go to a professional. Often, different methods are better suited for different areas.

Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for the Male Grooming Website at: http://www.male-grooming.org.uk/ and she's also a regular contributor to the Discount Cosmetics Website at http://www.discount-cosmetics.org.uk/

It's A Shame For You Not To Reduce The Appearance of Existing Signs Of Aging And Help Prevent ...

Countless people are now using an anti-aging complex that works to help reduce the appearance of existing signs of aging and to help prevent the appearance of new lines and wrinkles in the future. The product they use has an extraordinary, marine-source formulation that is free of alpha-hydroxy acids, yet effectively evens skin tone and retextures, refines, brightens, and firms the skin's surface.

New pharmaceutical nutrients supply enzymes that amplify the body's natural process of rejuvenating the skin after sun exposure. Photosomes are fast-acting, light-activated enzymes, while ultrasomes are the slower acting enzymes that work without light. Pharmaceutical nutrients help speed cell renewal in sun-damaged skin to revitalize it from within.

A powerful oxidative-defense complex that is rich with vital nutrients provides optimal nutrition for hair and skin cells. Concentrated whole-grape extract, rice-derived gamma oryzanol, and green tea are powerful antioxidants that keep skin and hair strong, while vitamin E and tocopherols soothe and nourish to maintain the integrity of the skin's lipids. This breakthrough, topical-flavonoid complex is your first line of defense for beautiful, healthy hair and skin.

The crucial role that vitamin C plays in cell health and collagen synthesis has been known for decades. A revolutionary formulation of water-soluble and lipid-soluble forms of vitamin C that counteract the harsh effects of the environment on the hair and skin's appearance and provide essential antioxidants. Proline and glycine, highly effective amino acids that draw in moisture, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Smoother, brighter hair and skin can be yours with this powerful beauty therapy.

Essential fatty acids are a basic building block for healthy skin and hair. Use pharmaceutical products that provide important polyunsaturated fatty acids to support smooth, hydrated skin and soft, manageable hair. Fiber is an important element in maintaining healthy skin because it helps maintain overall body health. Use a great-tasting, low-glycemic drink mix that provides more than twice the amount of fiber.

Parabens preservatives seem to be in everything we touch, taste, or use. They are commonly found in salad dressings, sunscreens, topical dermatological medications, toothpastes, and other products. And they cause more damage than good. Are you using parabens and don?t know it? Do you have allergic reaction to these parabens preservatives? Contact me for a free health assessment.

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

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

A Fruitful Skin Renewal

Imagine browsing through skin care aisles and finding that one, perfect product that boasts of all-natural ingredients. Serendipity, right? Then you go and read the label expecting to find a virtual salad but instead finding yourself reading benzoic acid, butyl stearate, and some totally unpronounceable names. You're no botanist but you're sure that those stuff don't grow on trees. This is because most commercial items meant for skin care nowadays contain preservatives and other chemicals to maintain their consistency and shelf life. Problem is, most of these chemicals can actually irritate more sensitive skin.

What solution is there for this kind of crisis? Simple. Mix your own, homemade skin care line. There's nothing to it as most ingredients are found in your fridge or fruit basket. All-natural skin recipes are easily found in the Internet or even in magazines. Usually, these skin care mixes are composed of a combination of one or two fruits. Combinations like these can include either the fruit pulp, fruit juice, or both. Milk, water or honey are usually added to smoothen the mixture. Add-ons such as oatmeal, wheat germ, brown sugar, and dried herbs are also included for more specialized concoctions such as a pimple treatment, flaking, and oily skin.

Skin care using natural ingredients offers great variety. There are facial cleansers, scrubs, moisturizing creams, and face masks. Don't worry because indications for use are usually found with the recipes. The recipes indicate whether the mixture is for normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Some are even more specialized as blackhead removers or whitening solutions.

Natural skin care routine have many advantages. First, the ingredients are easily available and the choices are great. They are also natural, thus, greatly reducing risks of allergies or skin irritations. Second, the ingredients are cheap, which translates into more savings more you. Third, you can modify the recipes to suit your needs. Since the risks for irritations are minimal, experimentations are relatively safe. Fourth, vitamins and antioxidants are naturally found in fruits, while milk and honey have restorative properties. Therefore, you get the same vitamins found in commercial products while limiting or eradicating chemicals.

As these skin care recipes use natural ingredients they require refrigeration and can only keep for a week. However, it is better to make these in small quantities or batches for immediate use. In addition, these recipes contain natural hydroxy acids and vitamins for direct and instant skin rejuvenation. Also, don't forget to keep fit by exercising, having a balanced, healthy diet and regular sleep. With these pre-requisites and your new skin care solutions, you're on your way to having the healthy skin that can top what science can offer. Now, that's what you call natural.

For more information on Skin Care please visit http://www.eknowitall.com/health/skin-care/

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect the skin from sun damage.

Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer, said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health.

Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter, protecting against the sun's harmful rays.

UVA and UVB rays are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Good sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you're outside.

Safety tips to keep top of mind:

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that causes irreversible blindness.

• If you're a parent, protect your children's skin. Research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of skin cancer later in life.

• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.

• Eat a healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to a daily diet.

It's important to note that when lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in the body -- the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now available and can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.

For more information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes and skin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at www.luteininfo.com.

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Barbara Levine is associate clinical professor of nutrition in medicine at Cornell University Medical College and chairperson of the Lutein Information Bureau.

Great Health Beauty Nutrition Means A Full Fat Salad

Fat free has almost become a cornerstone in many households. It is certainly something of a fixture on modern restaurant menus. And industries have catered to the fat free preoccupation by supplying foods labeled fat free and low fat, as well as herbal and medical products that block fat metabolism. But the bottom line on the beauty and health fronts, is that if you want beautiful skin with fewer wrinkles, or to speed up your metabolism, you need to eat the right kind of fats.

The benefits to your skin of eating the right fats daily are many. Beneficial fats stimulate the production of collagen, improves the blood flow in the layer below the skin that supplies nutrients for the creation of new, healthy skin cells. Poor quality blood flow here means under performing new skin cells. Fats keep the skin moist, from the inside. Fats are crucial for the absorption of the fat soluble vitamin - A, D, E, and K. And the beneficial phytonutrients like carotene, lycopene and lutein need fat to be absorbed also.

For example, eating salad with a dressing containing fats increases the absorption of these phytonutrients. A study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (and referenced in Gorgeous Skin by E Angyal) found that those who ate a salad with a low fat dressing had very little alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene in blood tests taken afterwards. Those who had a full fat dressing with the salad had noticeably higher levels of these carotenes and lycopene metabolites in their blood.

Fats also help produce and regulate hormones, reduce inflammation (the right fats anyway), and prevent eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss.

According to Erica Angyal, you need about 2tbsp, or 20 grams of fats per day so the skin can lubricate itself, and so enough vitamin A can be absorbed. Vitamin A prevents premature aging.

Erica Angyal recommends olive oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil, mustard seed oil, avocado oil, soy oil, macadamia oil, and canola oil. She suggests using extra virgin, virgin, cold pressed oils where they are available, as these are always much better quality, and the way they are processed means unhealthy chemical changes to the oils are avoided. Of the oils here, the mono unsaturated oils are olive oil, avocado oil, macadamia oil, as well as the oil from cold water fish, like swordfish, mackerel and salmon. Mono unsaturated oils can reduce wrinkles. The polyunsaturated oils are flaxseed, walnut, pumpkin seed, and canola oil. For the reasons outlined below, I would not personally use these to gain the bulk of needed daily fats. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but extremely good for you.

Coconut Oil

I love this stuff. Not only does it have a beautiful aroma when it is good quality, cold pressed coconut oil, but it has amazing health benefits that go beyond great looking skin. Aging, including aging of the brain and skin, is associated with a process called 'peroxidation'. This simply means that free radicals remove an oxygen electron from the fats (lipids) in our cellular membranes. Ultraviolet light, from the sun, causes peroxidation in unsaturated fats, both in the laboratory and in your skin. This increases the rate at which wrinkles form.

And unsaturated fats, like regular vegetable oils, decrease the metabolic rate. Unsaturated fats suppress the response of the body's tissues to thyroid hormone. Unsaturated fats inhibit the protein digestive enzyme that forms thyroid hormone, as well as damaging the mitochondria in cells, which relates to cellular energy production. Coconut oil counteracts these unwelcome effects of unsaturated fats.

Coconut oil it is incredibly versatile. Because it is so stable, it can be used in cooking without becoming hydrogenated. And it doesn't change the flavor of the food, despite its strong aroma. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids. These are not stored in the cells like other fats but go directly to the liver which converts them into energy. The shorter chain length allows them to bypass the metabolic pathway that other longer chain fats need to use. Coconut oil is the only saturated fat that is good for the body.

Interestingly, Dr Mercola's website quotes an article by Dr Ray Peat in which he mentions that when so called essential fatty acids were used in patients fed intravenously, their immune systems were suppressed. Consequently, coconut oil is used instead. The only exceptions are in cases where immunosuppression is needed, such as in organ transplant patients. The essential fatty acids are the omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Examples are flaxseed oil, the oils of cold water fish like salmon, evening primrose oil, and sunflower oil.

References:
1. http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/24/coconutoil.htm
2. Erica Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days (Lothian Books, 2005)

If you're troubled by acne scars, check out this article to learn about the different types and the best forms of treatment for each. Learn all about puberty acne here.

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are bandied about so much people often confuse them. While both involve the improvement of your appearance, there are distinct differences.

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.

Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one?s appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.

The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.

Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com a directory of plastic surgeons.

Choosing the Correct Hair Products for Your Hair

When choosing your shampoo please look closely at the label. You should see all the materials and substances it was made of. The main thing shampoos consist of are detergents the surfactants that make foam show up when mixing with water and air.

Detergents.

Detergent is shampoo's basic and semantic component. After all the shampoo is intended to wash your hair, that's all. All the stuff that is above this definition is called medicated shampoos, conditioners, antiseborrheic shampoos and so on.

Though the amount of the foam does not determine the quality of the shampoo, the detergent has great influence on it. Nowadays few detergents that differ in its chemical structure exist. They are divided into anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric.

Anionic detergents are most commonly used in shampoos and shower gels. They are cheap and have good purifying qualities. Anionic surfactants can be easily removed from the hair.

Cationic surfactants (with positive ions) are used not so often and have higher concentration. Some of them may cause eye irritation.

Amphoteric surfactants that contain positive or negative ions depending from shampoos pH are used for curing damaged and dry hair.

If we put in a line from worst to best we will get the following: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA Layril Sulfate, OAA Laureth Sulfate. So as you see last three surfactants are the best ones. On every shampoo's label such detergent is displayed first.

Conditioners

Conditioners are not shampoos but assistants. You can find them as a part of shampoos or in individual bottles. There are lots of conditioners that have different practical significance.

Moisturizers are assigned for dry hair because of their ability to draw moisture. Usually the components are proteins and vegetable extracts. Moisturizers are mostly made of lactoserum.

Reconstructors contain proteins like hydrolyzed keratin. It can easily come through hair shell due to its small molecular weight. Reconstructor conditioners are used when the hair is damaged (i.e after hairdressing)

Acidifier conditioners make your hair shiny and elastic. It gives an impression of boosted volume, but it is only an optical illusion. pH index is about 2.5-3.5.

Thermal protectors can be found in shampoos with Therm or Thermal prefix. (like Thermasilk). Its basis are special polymers that distribute warmth when are put on the hair. This is very helpful for people who use curlers and blow-dry often.

Hair conditioners can form a part of shampoo (so called 2 in 1). But the effect is less noticeable then after separate use. During simultaneous use you have lower chances for conditioner to work properly. As for using shampoos and conditioners of different producers.

Using the conditioner

Place conditioner on the hair, but not on the head.

When doing that you can massage the skin on the head with your fingers

If you have mixed hair you should work up only the tips.

After using the rinser that you should wash your head 2-3 times with warm and the last time with cold water.

Medicated shampoos

Medicated shampoos are used for curing illnesses, especially dandruff. Dandruff appears when the microscopical fungus (Malassezia Furfur) starts its activity. That?s why dandruff shampoos contain substances against seborrhea and antifungal agents.

Zinc Pirythione, Climbazole, Ketoconozole, Selenium Disulphide have antimicrobial effect against Malassezia Furfur that is supposed to cause dandruff appearance. Octopirox, Coal Tar, Selenium Disulphide suppress activity of cells that produce fat. Coal Tar, Sulphur , Salicylic Acid have keratolytic effect on the skin. In other words it is the capability to detach layers of dead cells that cause dandruff to appear.

Choosing a shampoo

First of all you must choose shampoo taking in consideration the type of your hair. Thus if you have dry hair you should buy moisturizing shampoo and so on. It is harder to choose when you got long hair of different types (oily hair at your roots and dry one at the tips). In that case cosmetologists suggest a new haircut.

It is obligatory to pay attention on the detergent. Which one is better you can see in the beginning of the article.

If you like the shampoo but it is not suitable for you try not to experiment with it.

If the hair is damaged (after the hairdressing) you should use shampoos with pH 4.5-5.5

Stuff4Beauty.Com Hair Products Your Premere Salon Connection!

Look Natural Wear Makeup!

Have you ever considered how difficult it is to look natural? Quite difficult ? isn?t it? Especially if there had been no makeup available to achieve it! Many-a-website points out how ordinary our glamorous celebrities look in real life without makeup on. No wonder then that they are always on the lookout for innovative makeup supplies. Such demands have seen a virtual makeover for the makeup business much to the delight of a demanding population yearning to look good.

The art and science of good makeup.

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

Make a statement with a tattoo or a strategic permanent makeup. Take expert advice ? makeup tips are available for the asking. Desist from using chemicals which may harm your sensitive skin ? wear mineral makeup instead! Consider this ? you don?t have to wear stage makeup if you don?t need to flaunt your expressions under the arc lights to an audience.

Wear makeup ? an appropriate one. Or better still; don?t wear any ? especially if you are among the lucky few who can carry off that natural look ? naturally!

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.beforeandafterpage.com/

How to Get Rid of Your Makeup Mistake Drawer Forever

Have you ever held on to a pair of jeans that haven't fit you in over a decade because you truly believe that someday they will? I think we all have.

And I also believe that all of us have done the same thing with makeup. We buy makeup that doesn't look good on us then toss it in the makeup mistake drawer, with the congealing foundation that we bought ten years ago.

We have this vague hope that some day miraculously these products will look good on us and we won't feel so bad about spending the probably thousands of dollars, over the years, that we got hoodwinked into spending on them.

Here is a fact that really didn't hit me until a few years ago: Sales people at these makeup counters are on commission, just like the ones that tell you that the dress that makes your butt look three times as big is absolutely fabulous on you.

Some truly want you to look good but many just want to make the sale. These people may be short sighted, in that after you are burned once by them, they will never see your shadow by their display again but that still doesn't change the fact that you have been suckered.

Although I do buy some of my products in department stores and pharmacies, I buy most of my products at Sephora. Why? Because they stand behind their products 100%. If it doesn't look good on you or you simply don't like it, or you have changed your mind - they will take the used product back!

My sister used to work for them and people returned makeup all the time, without being hastled. The staff there has less reason to rush you through a sale because if you are not happy they will be the ones having to refund your money, lose out on the commission and waste time they could be spending helping another customer.

Now let's get to the main problem of the makeup mistake drawer and why it actually exists.

1) We hate to admit we are wrong. Isn't that true? We go to the counter, get convinced that, despite the fact that we are computer glare pale, some tan goop looks good on us, make the decision to pull out our credit card and spend our latest paycheck and then spend the extra effort convincing ourselves that it must look good if we went to all that effort.

2) We are inherently lazy. Now don't go getting all offended. Think about it. You have just spent all this effort buying the stuff and retrying it on at home and then you have to go all the way back to the mall to return it. The mere thought of fighting traffic to return something can sometimes be tiring. It is the same principle as the excercize equipment that you bought to use as a clothes hanger. Who is going to take the time to pack and return that thing?

How to Get Past this, Clear out your Makeup Mistake Drawer and Find the Right Makeup for You:

Long term purchases:

1) Go to your makeup mistake drawer right now and clear it out.

- a)Anything that has begun to seperate must go. Foundations go first.

- b)Any mascara that has been in your drawer for 6 months or more needs to be tossed. (Bacteria grows on the brush and can cause infections)

- c)Every free shade of lipstick that you got with your purchase must go. That is right that puce colored lipstick will never look good on you or anyone else, which is why it was a freebee. That was their fashion mistake that they fousted on you.

- Every moisturizer that made you break out needs to hit the trash bin.

Short term purchases:

1) Admitting that we have a problem is the first step. Ok, so we hate to admit we are wrong and we especially hate having to treck to the mall to admit to the sales clerk that we were wrong. Maybe we feel that we will hurt his or her feelings. Acknowledge this and get over it.

-a) If you just recently bought something that doesn't look good on you and the store has a good return policy BRING IT BACK. If you don't want to return it to the same sales person fine but make sure it is returned to some other sales person in the store.

- b)Get the credit for your item but don't use it that day. You do not have to feel obligated to make another purchase today. Save it for a day when you really have time to try on different shades and products.

Final Step for Future Beauty Purchases:

- 1)Schedule an Appointment with a Beauty Consultant - THIS IS FREE in most department stores and makeup specialty shops.

-a) Only buy the products that you are shown that you truly like and will really use. If they show you this great eye liner but your hands shake and you have a fear of poking yourself in the eye DON'T BUY IT.

b) Speak up. Nicely tell your makeup consultant if you are not thrilled with the color choices, the way the product feels or the way the makeover turned out. Be polite. Simply ask if you can try another look or shade. If you have sensative skin, tell them that before they pick a moisturizer or foundation. If you prefer to wear just concealer and powder, let them know that as well.

The idea is to create a look that you can and want to replicate at home.

That's it folks. This is not rocket science. Let go of your hangups about returns. If you truly feel guilty about taking the time to make smart choices, take a portion of the money you would have spent on makeup don'ts and donate it to charity. Then take the rest of what you would have spent on the wrong shade of lipstick, foundation, whatever and stick it in your savings account. You will feel and look better believe me.

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls. For more makeup tips go to: stillagirl.com

Healthy Aging Suggestions

Youth is transient and aging is a natural process. However, it is also true that we all wish to remain youthful and healthy forever. All of us dislike the sufferings and miseries of illnesses of aging. Yet we all will age in the course of time. So, the amicable solution to the reality of aging and the cherished desire to stay fit always is to age gracefully while remaining fit, fine and healthy. Practicable steps for promoting the health and well-being should be adopted while the process of aging continues.

Criteria for healthy aging

Healthy aging involves promoting of all round care for ensuring the well-being of the individual. This comprises of physical fitness, social well being, financial security and mental fitness. This ascertains that you, the individual concerned, is never feeling bad or let down with the progress of years leading to your aging.

Promoting health and physical fitness

Regular exercising, maintaining a healthy diet with adequate balance of all nutrients- vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and leading a stress free life are the essentials for maintaining good health through all ages. Morning walks, consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, vitamin and mineral supplements, participation in recreational activities, games etc. and adequate rest and sleep are suggested. An occasional visit to a qualified physician for checkup needs to be made and suggested tests are to be carried out. In case any major illness is suspected, proper and thorough diagnosis needs to be done and treatments undertaken accordingly.

Fostering social well being

Old age and a retired life is the ripe time for socializing and participating in various activities of social interest. You can join clubs, associations and even political parties as per your aptitude. You can pursue traveling if it interests you and wander about in the world extensively to meet various people and expand your knowledge and mind. You may even take up some freelance work if you wish. Involving yourself in various community welfare programs will also keep you occupied while promoting well being of society.

Ensuring financial security

Retired life or old age cannot be enjoyable if financial security is not there. This serves as a support for everything you do. However, this often needs to be planned and carried out beforehand, in advance. Some measures can, however, even be taken after retirement and senior citizens may conveniently avail of several plans and programs which may be especially provided by various authorities for them. These plans and/or programs need to be thoughtfully and judiciously carried out or opted for.

Maintaining mental fitness

Staying mentally healthy and youthfully is very important. The very thought of aging makes you feel old. You must never let depression take the better of your sensibilities. Indulging in hobbies, recreation, intellectual pursuits, social services etc. keep the mind fresh and young. Exercising both body and mind regularly and eating healthily will go a long way to keep you free from serious mental diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Thinking positively and actively seeking variety and challenge in day-to-day life will definitely maintain a young mind in an aging yet healthy body.

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

5 Important Facts Adults Need to Know Before Getting Braces

Adult orthodontia is big business. More 40-something year old parents have finally gotten all their children out of braces and now it?s their turn. Some middle-agers are just now becoming metal mouths because they are at a point in their life when they can finally afford it. Still others opt for the wires because after starting over after a divorce they are finally ready to get that gorgeous straight smile!

If you?re considering taking the plunge yourself, here are a few bits of information you should know before making a decision. There are basically three types of braces moms and dads are opting for: standard metal, clear brackets and invisible. The standard ones are the most cost effective and you can even change the color of your rubber bands like all the hip, cool kids are doing. Clear brackets are a bit larger in size than the metal ones. Depending on your bite you may not have enough room to get the clear ones on your lower teeth, at least not initially. The wires are still metal and you can see the braces on your teeth, they?re just not as noticeable. Drawbacks are they are slightly more expensive than the metal brackets and when it comes time to take them off, it?s takes a bit more effort and is consequently a little more uncomfortable. Lastly there are the invisible braces which go behind your teeth, not on the front like most. It takes a while longer to correct your smile and is the most expensive type.

Speaking of expensive, you should on plan on spending about $4,000 for your braces. Clearly you will find some orthodontists who will do it for less, and some for more. It really depends also on the length and severity of treatment. If you have orthodontia insurance coverage, some plans cover up to 50% of the total costs. Most orthodontists will allow you to make monthly payments. You?ll be required to put a down payment on your new beautiful smile.

One thing you may not hear during your initial consultation, yet other adults who have gone before you will testify to is that when you initially get your braces put on your teeth ? it hurts! It hurts a lot and for along time! With children they tell them it may be a little uncomfortable for two or three days and to take Ibuprophin as needed for pain. That?s not the case with adults, although they may give you the same instructions. Think about it. Children who get braces have their permanent teeth for generally three months or three years. Those big teeth haven?t become too accustomed to hanging out in their current location.

Adults, on the other hand, have had those permanent teeth affixed in their mouth for 20-35 years prior to getting braces. They don?t move as easily or as willingly. One mother shared that she was glad she had left over heavy duty pain meds from her c-section five years prior. She lamented that she felt like an elephant was sitting on her head for 10-days straight. Further, she continued she?d rather go through another 52 hours of labor than to get braces put on again.

This is not to frighten you. It does get much easier and you even forget you have them on. When you get adjustments every eight weeks or so, you?re normally a little tender for 24-36 hours, and aspirin does help. The severe pain is just initially when you first get them on. Ask for pain meds. Do not let them tell you to take a few Tylenol and you?ll be fine in three days. You?re in for a rude awakening if you believe that.

But in no time at all, average 18-24 months you will have a Hollywood smile and it will have all been worth it! Open wide ? who?s next?

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

The Foundations of Beauty

Most of us have heard the old saying, ?Beauty is only skin deep.?

Well, it?s not really true. Beauty is the outer manifestation of good health, good genetics and good will. The state of our health is reflected in the quality of our skin and luster of our hair. Beautiful strong hair and clear smooth skin is the result of good nutrition. The state of our mind and intentions are reflected in our smile, in our eyes, and in the regard our loved ones have for us. A beautiful smile and sparkling eyes are the result of a good attitude. Good genetics? Well, that?s just the result of good luck.

Although it?s not skin deep, it is open to interpretation. After all, beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. Those we love deeply are always beautiful to us, no matter what they actually look like.

Whatever our genetics and luck, whatever our mindset, most women would like to look as healthy and beautiful as they possibly can. Whether want to look magazine-cover perfect; or whether as just as healthy and vibrant and as youthful as possible, the first step in constructing a new beauty regimen is finding out if you are providing the tools your body needs to repair and maintain itself and the health of your skin, hair and nails. The basic factors affecting the appearance of these are 1) nutrition, 2) hydration, 3) toxification, 4) hormonal profile, and 5) sleep.

Nutrition

Your body rebuilds and repairs cellular tissue on a daily basis, and needs adequate protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micronutrients to perform this function. Your skin regenerates constantly, building new cells underneath and sloughing off old cells. Without adequate protein, your skin will not be able to construct strong healthy collagen structures. Without an adequate amount of the right kinds of fats, your hair and nail cells will be weak and easily broken, and your skin will become dry and lifeless.

Hydration

Adequate hydration is vital to the process. Your body requires enough water to move nutrients into, and wastes out of, cells. Water is the basis of the interstitial tissues that flow between your muscle and fat cells, carrying oxygen and hormones from one to the other. Dehydration can lead to slack skin and lifeless hair.

Toxification

Detoxification is also another fundamental. Your skin is responsible for eliminating approximately 10% of your body?s toxins and metabolic wastes. By ensuring that the other organs of elimination are clean and functioning well, you lighten the load on the skin, allowing it to use its precious energy on repair and re-growth. Certain toxins can have definite adverse effects on the hair. Heavy metal poisoning from mercury can cause hair to fall out and to break and can aggravate gums. Lead causes neural damage that can lead to faulty signaling between your brain and outlying extremities.

Hormonal Profile

Your body produces many different hormones that are used by the body to communicate with outlying organs and tissues and tell it how to react to changing conditions. Some of the hormones that directly affect your hair, skin and nails are estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and growth hormone. For example, estrogen is important for keeping your skin youthful and resilient, but too much can cause aggravation of the gums and lead to gingivitis. Testosterone is needed to for the important task of producing your body?s own moisturizer, sebum; too much can lead to hair loss from your head and the unsightly growth of excess dark hairs on your face and belly. A lack of progesterone can lead to the skin condition cellulite. The hormones leptin, insulin, and glucagon are important for the maintenance of a healthy weight. As you can see, hormonal balance has a definite and important influence on how you look.

Sleep

Your body requires a certain amount of rest to rebuild, repair and replace cellular tissue. Interestingly enough, the skin is usually regenerated between the hours of 11PM and 2AM, so for best results, you should be sleeping during those hours. Your body also uses the time during sleep to balance brain chemistry. Adequate sleep and rest is one of the most important things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin and the health of your hair and nails, as well as giving you the energy to live actively and the mood enhancement to enjoy life.

Summary

One of the first things you need to do when devising a new beauty routine is to find out whether or not you are getting the right kind of food and enough water to meet your beauty goals. Also, you might want to consider a detoxification routine. Are you are getting enough sleep to put all these other factors to work for you? These are the first things to consider when devising a beauty regimen.

Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medine for 25 years. She has also studied aesthetic technology and cosmetology. She is the co-author of two natural beauty books and is a managing partner of Botanical Beauty Lab, a women's free resource for natural health and beauty information at http://www.botanicalbeautylab.com

Make Up in 2 Minutes

Make up does wonder to the overall image. It makes the face polished and pretty looking. I have met one too many women who told me they have no time for make up application. These women are definitely at a disadvantage in the job market, because women who put make up on, makes about 35% more than those who don?t.

A perfect make up application has many steps. However, some days, women have to wake up and run out for work, with no time for breakfast or a long make up routine. If you are a busy woman with no time in the morning, follow this quick make up routine that will guarantee you looking simple and fresh.

These are the tools and make up you must have on hand ? face powder, big powder brush, lipstick, eyelash curler, mascara and concealer.

Be sure the concealer is a shade lighter than your face. By the time it covers the dark blemish, the colour of the coverage will be very close to your natural skin tone. The face powder colour is to match your own face colour. Use a lipstick that is a shade or two darker than your lips ? for radiance. As for mascara ? if you are a brunette, you may choose very dark brown to black. However, if you are blond or very fair, use taupe or medium brown instead for more harmony.

Here are the steps for a 2 minute make up application:

1. Wash, tone and moisturize your face, apply sunscreen, then put some lipbalm on the lips.

2. Dab on concealer using your finger tip ? preferably your ring finger. Dab it on on any blemishes you have, as well as on your undereye circles. Blend well.

3. Dust on face powder with a big fluffy powder brush.

4. Put on lipstick.

5. Curl your eyelashes, sweep on mascara.

Voila - simple and fresh. Now you are ready to rush out!

Noelle Wong sees and unveils beauty in people. She is the owner of iN-IMAGE! Inc., a personal image consulting company in Toronto that offers one-on-one consultations and workshops to help people increase their personal presence. Her website is http://www.in-image.com, blog site is http://www.in-image.blogspot.com

Know How You Can Conceal Your Hair Loss

For many people, thinning hair is a reality that they would rather deal without. No matter whether their hair loss is due to a medical condition, is hereditary or is stress related, many cope with trying to style limp, thinning tresses on a daily basis. For these people the thoughts of their ever thinning hair are constantly on their mind when they go out into public or attend a special function.

The billion-dollar hair loss industry has shown that when it comes to hair, people are willing to do just about anything to grow new locks or keep a hold on ones that are slipping away. From camouflage sprays and mousses to massage therapy and surgery, the amount of money spent each year on these hair loss products prove that people with thinning hair are serious about concealing the problem.

But what can you do when all of these alternatives have failed, and you cannot afford expensive solutions such as surgery? Is there anything that you can do to conceal your thinning tresses? The answer is yes. There is an amazing amount of things that you can easily and inexpensively do to make your tresses look thicker, and it all begins with the right hair stylist.

Often, thinning hair is the result of genes that have been passed on to your from your parents. Male Pattern Baldness, identified by hair loss centered on the top of the head and a receding hair line, is the most common, but it is also not uncommon for women to suffer from this condition. While it is rare for women to become completely bald, they can become extremely thin all over the head, and it only gets worse with age. Another thing that contributes to hair loss is physical health. Conditions such as Thyroid disease and heart disease can wreak havoc on a healthy head of hair. And the medications to treat these illnesses can also have a profound, negative effect on hair as well.

In many cases, these types of hair loss are irreversible and a struggle to deal with on a daily basis. That is why it is so important to find the right professional to keep your hair looking the very best that it can. By wearing the right style and using the right products, you can add a good bit of volume and virtually conceal any amount of hair loss. So, your first step in concealing hair loss is to find a professional stylist who knows how to work with thinning and fragile hair.

Once you have found a stylist that understands hair loss, you need to work closely together to achieve the best results. Often, this means a great deal of discussing your hair loss, your lifestyle and your styling needs. There are many tricks up a stylist's sleeve to make your hair appear thicker, but none of them will do you any good if you are unable to create the effect at home. So, be sure to speak up and tell your stylist if you feel that you are unable to get the desired results at home.

Here are just a few of the rules that stylists follow to camouflage hair loss.

Keep it short. Long hair styles tend to pull hair down close to the scalp, which can make it all too obvious that there isn't a lot of hair to deal with. On top of that, thinning hair often looks straggly and unkempt if it is kept too long. Shorter cuts, on the other hand, can give the illusion of thickness. There are multitudes of styles that are perfect for thinning hair so you will have a large variety to choose from. Be sure to choose a cut that compliments your facial structure and has a lot of movement.

Plump with hair color. Hair color is one of the few chemical services that stylists can use on clients with thinning and fragile hair without causing breakage. In fact, the process of coloring hair plumps up each individual hair strand and makes it appear thicker. In addition, using coloring techniques that infuse different levels of lowlights and highlights into your hair takes attention off of your scalp and onto your beautifully colored hair.

Style with soft curl and the right products. Soft curl and full-bodied styles gently lift your hair up from your scalp and give you the appearance of having thick, lush hair. Also a great help are hair thickening shampoos, conditioners and styling products. But before buying products that claim to make your hair thicker, be sure to get your stylist's approval. Many products on the market simply cause build up to make hair appear thicker initially, but that build up will cause a great deal of breakage and damage down the road.

As you can see from these few examples, there are many things that you can do to conceal your hair loss. And I'm sure that your stylist will have a few suggestions of his or her own.

By Rose Lenk
Get more hair care articles and information at http://www.haircaretoday.com