Sanji Gretta
If you’ve never used aromatherapy massage oils, you owe it to
yourself to try it. You’re in for a totally unique experience.
Whether you want a massage to relax or to rejuvenate or even to
heal, using aromatherapy massage oils brings the body’s senses
to new heights.
Aromatherapy has made steady gains in use and for good reason.
Offering the perfect combination of mental and physical well
being, there is no better way to take advantage of aromatherapy
than to enjoy its fragrances in massage oils.
Our body’s different senses have been shown to have a direct
affect on how we feel. For example, the nose is a very
sensitive part of your body. Without it, you cannot taste or
smell. Imagine your favorite foods. Now, imagine you cannot
taste them. That is scary, everything you eat with no taste!
How do you think that would affect your attitude throughout the
day?
Studies have shown that the part of your nervous system that
helps to control your emotions is connected directly to your
nose. Lack of smell can cause symptoms ranging from depression
to anxiety and this is only one of your senses. With the
knowledge of how the mind depends on the feedback from your
senses, the idea of aromatherapy exploded onto the scene.
One of the more popular types of aromatherapy is massage oil,
because of the variety of uses to target specific issues.
Aromatherapy massage oil treatments are unlike any other oils.
Whether you are in need of relaxation or need something to perk
you up, there is an aroma to fit the immediate needs.
Aromatherapy massage combines two excellent methods to evoke
your body’s response in whatever area you feel is needed.
There are so many different types and manufacturers of
aromatherapy massage oils available, it would be a good idea to
do your homework before using. For the best treatment ideas, it
is always best to find and pay a certified therapist to ensure
you understand how to get the most impact from aromatherapy
massage. Especially, when using for the first time.
To explain a couple of different oils and fragrances we will
start with Lavender essential oils. Lavender essential oils are
one of the few oils that you can apply directly to your skin. It
is said to have burn relief power. It is important to note that
these oils should not hurt you, however, if this is your first
time using essential oils never use them directly on your skin
unless under safe direction. Other oils are required to be
diluted before use with other base oils.
Another oil gaining in popularity is the Yland Ylang essential
oil. Yland Ylang essential oils have very unique properties as
well. It is said that these tropical plants have the power to
both arouse and sooth the senses. It also goes by another name
Cananga Odorata.
Adding aromatherapy massage oils to your therapy program is one
experience everyone should try at least once. (Be careful they
have been known to be addictive). With the combination of
massage and a scented room to awaken your senses, you have the
ultimate in relaxation and healing.
About The Author: Sanji Gretta has been practicing aromatherapy
for quite a while. His latest website Aromatherapy Source is
designed to give novice aromatherapy practitioners a
introduction to the wonderful world of aromatherapy. Visit
Aromatherapy Source Now. http://www.aromatherapysource.info/
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Honey: A Notable Facial Skin Care Product
By: Kay Zetkin
Did you know that even many centuries ago, honey was a noted facial skin care product that's an important part of the skin care treatment and even hair care of legendary beauties? Cleopatra was known to bathe herself in milk and honey. Poppea, the wife of Nero, used honey and milk as facial lotion. It helped to keep her looking youthful.
During the 1800s, when mass production of skin care products, hair treatment products and other cosmetics were already being done, honey was a noted ingredient. It is a natural formulation which answers to consumer's demand for more natural skin care product agents.
Aside from being a natural beauty formulation, this nature's offering turned out to be an antimicrobial agent! All-natural honey turned out to be an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns.
Also, honey is a natural fit as a moisturizer. No wonder, it is a major ingredient in a variety of moisturizing products nowadays, like cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Honey is a humectant which attracts and retains water - a major factor to assist the body and facial skin's ability to stay hydrated.
Those with sensitive skin and are worrying over the right skin care products for their babies, honey can help because of it's anti-irritant properties. Preliminary studies also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Honey is a very ideal ingredient in skin care products that ward off the UV ray's damaging effect. If you are afraid that using of sun block creams and sunscreens dries your skin, you must look for honey as an ingredient in these products.
That's not all. . Presently, a research is underway which will develop a process to use honey in creating alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs or Alpha hydroxyl acids are an important ingredient since it helps in exfoliating the skin or renewal of skin cells. Skin gives off a younger and vibrant glow whenever there is an increased exfoliation of the skin
You can use all-natural honey in lots of ways! For a fragrant and silky bathing experience, add ¼ cup of honey to your bath water. To achieve shiny hair, you should stir 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. if you are a blonde, adding a squeeze of lemon is a good move, too. Your mixture should be poured through your hair after shampooing. Do not rinse it out and dry out your hair through normal means.
You can also have a moisture mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of milk. Smooth the mixture over your face and throat and leave it on for about 10 mins. Then rinse off with warm water. By mixing 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon, you already have a smoothing skin lotion to apply on dry parts of your skin.
There's many more! You can also have a honey cleansing scrub by mixing 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Always remember to rinse off with warm water. -30-
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.facialskincareproducts.net/
Did you know that even many centuries ago, honey was a noted facial skin care product that's an important part of the skin care treatment and even hair care of legendary beauties? Cleopatra was known to bathe herself in milk and honey. Poppea, the wife of Nero, used honey and milk as facial lotion. It helped to keep her looking youthful.
During the 1800s, when mass production of skin care products, hair treatment products and other cosmetics were already being done, honey was a noted ingredient. It is a natural formulation which answers to consumer's demand for more natural skin care product agents.
Aside from being a natural beauty formulation, this nature's offering turned out to be an antimicrobial agent! All-natural honey turned out to be an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns.
Also, honey is a natural fit as a moisturizer. No wonder, it is a major ingredient in a variety of moisturizing products nowadays, like cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Honey is a humectant which attracts and retains water - a major factor to assist the body and facial skin's ability to stay hydrated.
Those with sensitive skin and are worrying over the right skin care products for their babies, honey can help because of it's anti-irritant properties. Preliminary studies also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Honey is a very ideal ingredient in skin care products that ward off the UV ray's damaging effect. If you are afraid that using of sun block creams and sunscreens dries your skin, you must look for honey as an ingredient in these products.
That's not all. . Presently, a research is underway which will develop a process to use honey in creating alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs or Alpha hydroxyl acids are an important ingredient since it helps in exfoliating the skin or renewal of skin cells. Skin gives off a younger and vibrant glow whenever there is an increased exfoliation of the skin
You can use all-natural honey in lots of ways! For a fragrant and silky bathing experience, add ¼ cup of honey to your bath water. To achieve shiny hair, you should stir 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. if you are a blonde, adding a squeeze of lemon is a good move, too. Your mixture should be poured through your hair after shampooing. Do not rinse it out and dry out your hair through normal means.
You can also have a moisture mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of milk. Smooth the mixture over your face and throat and leave it on for about 10 mins. Then rinse off with warm water. By mixing 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon, you already have a smoothing skin lotion to apply on dry parts of your skin.
There's many more! You can also have a honey cleansing scrub by mixing 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Always remember to rinse off with warm water. -30-
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.facialskincareproducts.net/
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Skin Care Anti-Aging Guide
By: LORRAINE WESTON
Why is it that the skin of a newborn baby can conjure up feelings of envy in many of us? Simply because, as we age, our skin loses that satiny-smooth feeling it once had.
Our environment, our age, what we eat, and the amount of sleep we get all play a part in the look and feel of our skin.
Because most of us have, at some point in our lives, not followed all the rules when it comes to proper skin care, we may feel that it is too late to do anything about it now. Thankfully, there is hope! Let’s look at a few tools that can help slow the aging process and give our skin a youthful glow:
1. What you are is what you eat: Remember that old saying? It is true that by consuming fruits and vegetables, especially brightly colored fruit and leafy greens, we are giving our bodies vitamins and antioxidants that combat the breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin. Also important is to make sure to drink water every day. Studies tell us different amounts to drink, from 2 glasses to 8, but they all agree on one thing: drinking water is good for you!
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Think of all the hot showers and baths you have taken; sure, they clean your skin, but they also dry it out. Our skin gets drier as part of the aging process, too. So, the best thing to combat dryness, of course, is to get some moisturizer and apply it! Your local drug store or beauty spa sells a great variety of moisturizers, and one of them will be just the right one for your skin. Ask the beauty advisor or pharmacist for assistance if you’re not sure which one to buy.
3. Sun exposure = sun damage: You can enjoy the warmth of the sun without damaging your skin simply by wearing sunscreen. An SPF rating of 15 or higher is recommended, and it’s important to reapply if you are outside for long periods of time, or have been swimming or exercising. The UVA and UVB rays that come from the sun contribute to wrinkles, dryness, and of course sunburn. There is also the risk of skin cancer. So, take a couple of minutes to slather on some sunscreen, and have fun in the outdoors while taking care of your skin!
4. The AHA Factor: AHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is a chemical commonly found in moisturizers and other skin care products. If your skin is looking dull, AHA works to get rid of old skin cells and get your skin looking soft and healthy.
5. Get your beauty sleep: Take time to get some sleep — at least 7 to 8 hours per night. While we sleep, our bodies recharge and prepare for a new day. Our skin recharges too. So, no matter how busy your day is, keep an eye on that clock, and before it gets late, take a few moments to relax and unwind. This will help you get the restful sleep you, and your skin, need.
Get more Skin Care Anti-Aging information at http://antiaging.factsandnews.com/
Monday, July 17, 2006
Have You Done Your Hair Care Correctly?
Loraine Lesley
Love your hair like you are going to lose it. Hair is delicate, growing stuff which needs to be handled with care. A lot of care will make your hair healthy, shiny and beautiful. Beautiful hair is an asset for any woman. Some are gifted with naturally beautiful hair while others have to really work hard on it. But essentially everybody has to work on hair either for improving or for maintaining it.
Hair has been called the “crowning glory.” That’s because hair covers your head like a crown which can influence your appearance. Sure, your appearance will be good if you can make your “crowning glory” look good, shiny and healthy. That’s why you need to do your hair care diligently. Don’t wait until you have damaged hair to make your move.
Tips For Your Hair Care
To help take care of your hair, here are a few hair care tips which might help you:
- Understand your hair type. Understanding your type of hair – such as oily, dry, natural, curly, straight, kinky or whatever – you can correctly treat your hair with products that are useful to your type of hair..
- Pick a shampoo that gives benefit to your type of hair. Apply shampoo from root to tip; gently work down the hair. Don’t pile up hair while lathering! Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Choose conditioner that works with your shampoo. Always condition after shampooing. Apply conditioner from tip to root. Comb your hair while conditioning, through hair to ensure distribution and penetration. Use as much conditioner as your hair can absorb.
- Dry your hair gently. Do not rub your hair especially if it is very long. Take time to dry it slowly with a gently-patting or wringing action. Don’t over-dry your hair.
Start To Care For Your Hair
Okay, those tips surely will give you awareness on how to treat your hair basically.
Following are tips for those who feel that looking after your hair is important to its health. Healthy hair looks better and holds the style you want. These tips include the following:
- When you put your hair in a braid or ponytail, don’t use a plain rubber band, always use a specially-treated band like a bungee or similar item. This will prevent hair breakage and hair loss.
- Don’t sleep with your ponytail or in a tight braid. You will break your hair, and it can turn into hair loss.
- If you plan on trying out a new hairstyle such as a braid, updo or twist for a special event then practice the new braiding style several times before the big event arrives. This will guarantee great results.
Another tip is finding the right source for your hair care products. Although hair care products are available almost everywhere, the best place to find your hair care products is on the internet. It is so convenient shopping online since you can check products, compare each product, order so easily, and you can return after purchase if you feel no confidence in the products. Easy, isn’t it? Okay, enjoy your tips here!
About The Author: Loraine Lesley is editor for websites concerning women. She wants to help women to look beautiful; that’s why seh features practical articles and tips on Skin Care, Hair Care, and more. For more of her advice, visit http://www.myhaircareguide.com
Dry Hair And Split Ends
Sharon Hopkins
Using any amount of hot air will cause your hair to dry out.
Dry weather and blow drying will strip the hair of its
moisture. Shampooing frequently and swimming in chlorinated
pools will lead to dry hair and split ends. Hair dyes, electric
curlers and permanents cause hair to dry out and have split
ends.
To avoid split ends, follow the following tips and keep your
hair glossy:
• Use mayonnaise: Use a dollop of mayonnaise on the palm of the
hand and massage it to the head and leave it on for five minutes
before having the bath. The recommended time for the mayonnaise
treatment is an hour.
• Spray the beer: If you do not get any respite from using the
mayonnaise, you can use beer as a good setting lotion that
gives your hair the crisp, healthy and shiny look. You can pour
some beer into an empty pump bottle and spray on the hair after
shampooing and towel dry. Then you can style or blow-dry the
hair.
• Shampoo minimally: Though it has become fashionable to
shampoo daily, it is not advisable to do so. Shampoo strips the
hair of its natural oils and thus gives it a dry, limp
appearance. Alternatively, choose a shampoo for dry, damaged
hair.
• Condition your hair: Dry hair can be benefited greatly by the
use of conditioners after shampooing. The outer layers of the
hair or cuticles peel away the shaft, resulting in split ends.
Conditioner glues these cuticles back to the shaft and
lubricates them. It also prevents static electricity, thus
preventing its frizzy appearance.
• Avoid heat: Heat appliances like blow-dryers, electric irons
and curlers damage the hair. Instead of blow-drying the hair,
you can pat dry with a towel. Replace electric curlers with
unheated plastic rollers that were used in a bygone era.
Straighten the hair by wrapping the slightly damp hair around
the cold rollers and leave them on for about ten minutes. To
curl the hair or to give them a wavy appearance, use sponge
rollers overnight or sleep with moist braids.
• Cover your head: Wearing a hat during windy days is the
safest way to protect the hair from drying out. This way, you
will also protect your hair from drying out by the sun.
• Cut off the split ends: Every six weeks or so, try cutting
off the split ends to keep them under control.
About The Author: Sharon Hopkins has been managing a number of
natural home remedies websites, such as
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com, which can be your guide
to all the questions you have about the usefulness of home
cure. Home Remedies for dry hair can give you back the bouncy
appearance.
Using any amount of hot air will cause your hair to dry out.
Dry weather and blow drying will strip the hair of its
moisture. Shampooing frequently and swimming in chlorinated
pools will lead to dry hair and split ends. Hair dyes, electric
curlers and permanents cause hair to dry out and have split
ends.
To avoid split ends, follow the following tips and keep your
hair glossy:
• Use mayonnaise: Use a dollop of mayonnaise on the palm of the
hand and massage it to the head and leave it on for five minutes
before having the bath. The recommended time for the mayonnaise
treatment is an hour.
• Spray the beer: If you do not get any respite from using the
mayonnaise, you can use beer as a good setting lotion that
gives your hair the crisp, healthy and shiny look. You can pour
some beer into an empty pump bottle and spray on the hair after
shampooing and towel dry. Then you can style or blow-dry the
hair.
• Shampoo minimally: Though it has become fashionable to
shampoo daily, it is not advisable to do so. Shampoo strips the
hair of its natural oils and thus gives it a dry, limp
appearance. Alternatively, choose a shampoo for dry, damaged
hair.
• Condition your hair: Dry hair can be benefited greatly by the
use of conditioners after shampooing. The outer layers of the
hair or cuticles peel away the shaft, resulting in split ends.
Conditioner glues these cuticles back to the shaft and
lubricates them. It also prevents static electricity, thus
preventing its frizzy appearance.
• Avoid heat: Heat appliances like blow-dryers, electric irons
and curlers damage the hair. Instead of blow-drying the hair,
you can pat dry with a towel. Replace electric curlers with
unheated plastic rollers that were used in a bygone era.
Straighten the hair by wrapping the slightly damp hair around
the cold rollers and leave them on for about ten minutes. To
curl the hair or to give them a wavy appearance, use sponge
rollers overnight or sleep with moist braids.
• Cover your head: Wearing a hat during windy days is the
safest way to protect the hair from drying out. This way, you
will also protect your hair from drying out by the sun.
• Cut off the split ends: Every six weeks or so, try cutting
off the split ends to keep them under control.
About The Author: Sharon Hopkins has been managing a number of
natural home remedies websites, such as
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com, which can be your guide
to all the questions you have about the usefulness of home
cure. Home Remedies for dry hair can give you back the bouncy
appearance.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Choosing The Right Shampoo For Your Hair Type
Tim Henry
There are hundreds of shampoo's out there, from the Suave you
can purchase at the local pharmacy to designer shampoo's like
Kerastas and Philip B. that can only be purchased from
specialty salons and stores. How do you choose?
First, know your hair type. It's fairly easy to know what type
of shampoo your hair needs if it's permed or colored. If your
hair is permed then most likely you're seeing a stylist on a
regular basis and he or she has suggested a product for you. If
your hair is colored you will want a shampoo that will be gentle
on the color and not strip it from your hair. Is your hair dry?
Oily? Thin or full and coarse?
What affect do you want the shampoo to have on your hair? Be
aware of claims made by shampoo manufacturers. The only thing
regulated by the Food & Drug Administration is the list of
ingredients on the back of the shampoo bottle. This means that
manufacturers can claim their shampoos moisturize or add volume
whether or not they do.
Herbs and botanicals smell great, but their affect on the hair
has never been proven. Actually most shampoos and conditioners
affect your hair only temporarily by leaving product behind on
your hair after you wash. They have no long term effect on the
condition of your hair at all.
Don't believe that you have to use one manufacturers entire
hair product line. It's the same for skin care products. All
shampoos clean the hair. All soaps clean the face. All
conditioners leave a trace of product on your hair which help
keep the cuticle smooth. All moisturizes soften and moisturize
the skin. It doesn't matter if you mix and match products,
despite what they say.
This article courtesy of
http://www.shampoo-guide.com
There are hundreds of shampoo's out there, from the Suave you
can purchase at the local pharmacy to designer shampoo's like
Kerastas and Philip B. that can only be purchased from
specialty salons and stores. How do you choose?
First, know your hair type. It's fairly easy to know what type
of shampoo your hair needs if it's permed or colored. If your
hair is permed then most likely you're seeing a stylist on a
regular basis and he or she has suggested a product for you. If
your hair is colored you will want a shampoo that will be gentle
on the color and not strip it from your hair. Is your hair dry?
Oily? Thin or full and coarse?
What affect do you want the shampoo to have on your hair? Be
aware of claims made by shampoo manufacturers. The only thing
regulated by the Food & Drug Administration is the list of
ingredients on the back of the shampoo bottle. This means that
manufacturers can claim their shampoos moisturize or add volume
whether or not they do.
Herbs and botanicals smell great, but their affect on the hair
has never been proven. Actually most shampoos and conditioners
affect your hair only temporarily by leaving product behind on
your hair after you wash. They have no long term effect on the
condition of your hair at all.
Don't believe that you have to use one manufacturers entire
hair product line. It's the same for skin care products. All
shampoos clean the hair. All soaps clean the face. All
conditioners leave a trace of product on your hair which help
keep the cuticle smooth. All moisturizes soften and moisturize
the skin. It doesn't matter if you mix and match products,
despite what they say.
This article courtesy of
http://www.shampoo-guide.com
Thursday, July 13, 2006
7 Beauty Tips for Looking Younger
© Copyright 2005 Jill Miller
Ever since Eve took that first bite of the
apple, the human race has been obsessed with
beauty.
The truth is we begin the aging process just as
soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of
our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate
new cells. The speed at which that process
takes place when we are children is vastly
different as we get older.
Every day you are bombarded daily with
commercial messages and beauty tips that
attempt to lure you into believing that the
most recent miracle drug is just what you need
to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.
We are living longer as a whole. Singularly,
that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on
your perspective.
The best route to natural beauty and healthy
skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds
simple, doesn¡¯t it? The truth is that your skin
takes a beating from the environment every
single day. Here are some of our favorite
beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and
healthy:
1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of
water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any
other type of liquid, even if it is low cal.
Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration
of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need
fluid that will hydrate and flush your body
free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at
least 8 glasses a day!
2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet
(UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being
in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The
truth is you can poison yourself with too much
sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that
isn¡¯t bad enough it causes your skin to age
faster than it should, contributing to unsightly
wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make
certain you are using an adequate sun screen.
Don¡¯t leave home without it!
3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth.
Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do
more harm than good if you do.
4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have
them in the first place! If you are like most
of us, you didn¡¯t listen to your Mom when she
tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand
up straight and stop squinting!
5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat,
can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Improper eating habits can cause depression,
weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.
Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you
get older, it loses it's elasticity and you're
left with sagging skin.
The best solution to this is to maintain a
proper weight.
A rule of thumb for eating habits are...don't
eat more calories than you consume. Don't go
one single day without doing something extra
and physical for at least 30 minutes per day.
This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30
minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of
weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.
6: Don't worry, be happy. A happy outlook
appears to trigger the release of endorphins.
Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and
cytokines which alert the immune system to pay
attention in detecting abnormalities like
cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If
you have put yourself down since childhood,
over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages
can take their toll by turning you into a
pessimist. Spend one week writing down the
phrases you use in your ¡°self talk.¡±
Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen
or so phrases over and over again that reinforce
that negative image. If you know about them, you
can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand
in hand.
Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy,
hope and optimism that will work no matter what
your age:
Make a list of at least 50 great things that
happen to you every day.
Laugh a lot. You¡¯ll heal your body and your
mind.
Discover a new challenge each month.
Try meditating for just five minutes each day.
7: Sex After 50 ¨C Ha! How many of you jumped
ahead to this section?
The importance of physical intimacy actually
depends on the couple. An alarming number of
men used to give up on sex after 60 and many
women used to feel that their sex life ended
with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer
the case.
Sex at middle age can actually become better
and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity
gives a couple more experience in lovemaking.
The children are usually grown and left home.
The pressures of building a career and day to
day life are usually less stressful than in
younger years.
Is beauty really skin deep?
The answer is yes and no. It¡¯s a paradox,
isn¡¯t it? True beauty begins from the inside
out. Don¡¯t you wish there was some way to
¡°wriggle your nose¡± and regain that soft skin
you had as a child? Well, until someone comes
up with the true ¡°Fountain of Youth¡± we are
stuck with what we have.
Just remember that getting older doesn't have
to mean getting old.
Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club.
Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth
and beauty. Go here to find out how.
http://www.fit4lifeclub.com/beautytips
Ever since Eve took that first bite of the
apple, the human race has been obsessed with
beauty.
The truth is we begin the aging process just as
soon as we pop out of the womb. Every day of
our lives our bodies slough off and regenerate
new cells. The speed at which that process
takes place when we are children is vastly
different as we get older.
Every day you are bombarded daily with
commercial messages and beauty tips that
attempt to lure you into believing that the
most recent miracle drug is just what you need
to fight off the ravages of Mother Nature.
We are living longer as a whole. Singularly,
that can be a curse or a blessing, depending on
your perspective.
The best route to natural beauty and healthy
skin is to take care of what you have. Sounds
simple, doesn¡¯t it? The truth is that your skin
takes a beating from the environment every
single day. Here are some of our favorite
beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh and
healthy:
1: Stay hydrated and do it with plenty of
water! That does not mean soda, caffeine or any
other type of liquid, even if it is low cal.
Soda (even diet soda) has a high concentration
of sodium. Sodium retains fluids. You need
fluid that will hydrate and flush your body
free of toxins. Make sure you are drinking at
least 8 glasses a day!
2: Protect your skin from harmful ultra violet
(UV) rays. We all love the sun. We love being
in it and we love having a beautiful tan. The
truth is you can poison yourself with too much
sunshine. UV rays cause skin cancer and if that
isn¡¯t bad enough it causes your skin to age
faster than it should, contributing to unsightly
wrinkles. If you must play in the sun, make
certain you are using an adequate sun screen.
Don¡¯t leave home without it!
3: Keep your skin clean. Use a soft warm cloth.
Skin does not require scrubbing. You will do
more harm than good if you do.
4: The best cure for wrinkles is to never have
them in the first place! If you are like most
of us, you didn¡¯t listen to your Mom when she
tried to tell you to stay in the shade, stand
up straight and stop squinting!
5: Eat healthy. Knowing how and what to eat,
can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Improper eating habits can cause depression,
weight gain, illness and an overall lethargy.
Weight gain causes your skin to stretch. As you
get older, it loses it's elasticity and you're
left with sagging skin.
The best solution to this is to maintain a
proper weight.
A rule of thumb for eating habits are...don't
eat more calories than you consume. Don't go
one single day without doing something extra
and physical for at least 30 minutes per day.
This can be three ten minute walks. Or 30
minutes of vigorous aerobics, or 12 minutes of
weight lifting and 18 minutes of walking.
6: Don't worry, be happy. A happy outlook
appears to trigger the release of endorphins.
Endorphins relax the cardiovascular system and
cytokines which alert the immune system to pay
attention in detecting abnormalities like
cancer cells. Listen carefully to yourself. If
you have put yourself down since childhood,
over a lifetime, negative subliminal messages
can take their toll by turning you into a
pessimist. Spend one week writing down the
phrases you use in your ¡°self talk.¡±
Chances are you will find that you repeat a dozen
or so phrases over and over again that reinforce
that negative image. If you know about them, you
can change them. Outer beauty and inner joy go hand
in hand.
Here are a few quick tips for increasing joy,
hope and optimism that will work no matter what
your age:
Make a list of at least 50 great things that
happen to you every day.
Laugh a lot. You¡¯ll heal your body and your
mind.
Discover a new challenge each month.
Try meditating for just five minutes each day.
7: Sex After 50 ¨C Ha! How many of you jumped
ahead to this section?
The importance of physical intimacy actually
depends on the couple. An alarming number of
men used to give up on sex after 60 and many
women used to feel that their sex life ended
with menopause. Thankfully, that is no longer
the case.
Sex at middle age can actually become better
and more satisfying than ever before. Maturity
gives a couple more experience in lovemaking.
The children are usually grown and left home.
The pressures of building a career and day to
day life are usually less stressful than in
younger years.
Is beauty really skin deep?
The answer is yes and no. It¡¯s a paradox,
isn¡¯t it? True beauty begins from the inside
out. Don¡¯t you wish there was some way to
¡°wriggle your nose¡± and regain that soft skin
you had as a child? Well, until someone comes
up with the true ¡°Fountain of Youth¡± we are
stuck with what we have.
Just remember that getting older doesn't have
to mean getting old.
Jill Miller is the founder of the Fit4Life Club.
Discover the timeless secrets of everlasting youth
and beauty. Go here to find out how.
http://www.fit4lifeclub.com/beautytips
How to Remove Dye From Hair
By Jenny Drake
How to remove dye from hair which is designed to ... well, dye,
change the color of, alter stuff. And it does it - very well.
Trouble comes when it gets on places you don't want it - like
your face, or clothes, or carpet.
Or you decide that the color 'to die for' just did.
There are some commercial products to remove dye from hair, and a
few home potions and processes.
Color Fix by Jheri Redding is designed to remove unwanted permant
hair color, and controlled usage allows color correction to
specific areas, either full or slight color corrections.
Loreal Color Zap gently washes away all permanent haircolor.
Ideal for color correction, removal of dark shades, muddy, uneven
results or color build up. Leaves hair ready for immediate
re-coloring. Loreal Effasol Color Remover washes away permanent
haircolor, leaving hair ready for recoloring. Can be used with
water or developer.
Jerome Rusell's Punky Color Punk Off is an easy to use gel that
will cleanse your skin from hair dye stains.
Roux Clean Touch is a gentle formula that removes haircolor from
skin and scalp. Removes excess color from hair ends and assists
in removing stains from clothing.
Home remedies include this one:
Hot Oil treatments, hairspray, shampooing and exposure to water
will gradually fade hair dye.
To remove the last bit of residue or stain on the hair (or to get
color out immediately) make up a small batch of bleach mixture
and add it to 2 tablespoons or so of shampoo in a cup. Stir it
up.
Shampoo your hair with this mixture, "kneading" the hair. Start
at the roots and work your way down to the end, and then back up.
You should see the color disappear right before your eyes.
Black hair dye is a special case.
It's very hard to remove black hair dye from your hair
completely, especially if it's permanent. Better to let it grow
out and not bleach it. Bleaching with chemicals damages the hair
it may make it so stretchy and thin that it comes out in your
comb.
Likewise if black hair dye stains skin or fabric. The best way is
to prevent it from staining in the first place by applying
Vaseline around the hairline before dyeing.
If black hair dye stains fabric then using detergent and water
quickly is a good idea - otherwise dry cleaning may be required.
Black hair dye stains can also be removed by rubbing cigarette
ash over the stained skin, dipping milk in cotton balls and
rubbing over the stained area, rubbing on WD-40 or even nail
polish remover or hair spray.
Jenny Drake has a healthy interest in living life to the full.
Her advice and writings are available for free download at her
Beauty and Fitness web site http://beauty-fitness-lifestyles.com/
How to remove dye from hair which is designed to ... well, dye,
change the color of, alter stuff. And it does it - very well.
Trouble comes when it gets on places you don't want it - like
your face, or clothes, or carpet.
Or you decide that the color 'to die for' just did.
There are some commercial products to remove dye from hair, and a
few home potions and processes.
Color Fix by Jheri Redding is designed to remove unwanted permant
hair color, and controlled usage allows color correction to
specific areas, either full or slight color corrections.
Loreal Color Zap gently washes away all permanent haircolor.
Ideal for color correction, removal of dark shades, muddy, uneven
results or color build up. Leaves hair ready for immediate
re-coloring. Loreal Effasol Color Remover washes away permanent
haircolor, leaving hair ready for recoloring. Can be used with
water or developer.
Jerome Rusell's Punky Color Punk Off is an easy to use gel that
will cleanse your skin from hair dye stains.
Roux Clean Touch is a gentle formula that removes haircolor from
skin and scalp. Removes excess color from hair ends and assists
in removing stains from clothing.
Home remedies include this one:
Hot Oil treatments, hairspray, shampooing and exposure to water
will gradually fade hair dye.
To remove the last bit of residue or stain on the hair (or to get
color out immediately) make up a small batch of bleach mixture
and add it to 2 tablespoons or so of shampoo in a cup. Stir it
up.
Shampoo your hair with this mixture, "kneading" the hair. Start
at the roots and work your way down to the end, and then back up.
You should see the color disappear right before your eyes.
Black hair dye is a special case.
It's very hard to remove black hair dye from your hair
completely, especially if it's permanent. Better to let it grow
out and not bleach it. Bleaching with chemicals damages the hair
it may make it so stretchy and thin that it comes out in your
comb.
Likewise if black hair dye stains skin or fabric. The best way is
to prevent it from staining in the first place by applying
Vaseline around the hairline before dyeing.
If black hair dye stains fabric then using detergent and water
quickly is a good idea - otherwise dry cleaning may be required.
Black hair dye stains can also be removed by rubbing cigarette
ash over the stained skin, dipping milk in cotton balls and
rubbing over the stained area, rubbing on WD-40 or even nail
polish remover or hair spray.
Jenny Drake has a healthy interest in living life to the full.
Her advice and writings are available for free download at her
Beauty and Fitness web site http://beauty-fitness-lifestyles.com/
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
10 Great Hair Care Tips
Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera
If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have
bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional
stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have
a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay
ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair
care.
1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your
specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the
shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look
for products in salons that are customized for your hair type.
For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner
that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those
all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.
2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The
number one mistake that people make when choosing a new
hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than
how it will enhance their features.
Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract
from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders,
choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.
3. Don�t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets
damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this,
look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays
that block UV rays.
4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will
split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6
to 8 weeks, even if it�s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser
makes them good because they know what to leave on the head,
not take off.
5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why
beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle
chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage
with these products even if the package says that it�s way
easy. And even if you don�t make your hair fall out, you could
end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to
fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for
corrective color than they do for normal color processes)
6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little
bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether
your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and
volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights,
lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it�s all
good for your look.
7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is
extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind,
sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is
battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals
from your pool.
8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair
with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your
tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a
negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all
our work.
9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that
leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means
that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your
hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to
curl not to mention the white flakes.
10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to
dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static
electricity to your hair. Don�t rub the towel back and forth
over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your
would scrunch crackers in your soup.
While all of these tips won�t make you look like you�ve hired a
personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that
you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember
that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn�t it worth the time,
effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?
About The Author: By Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera, Founder of
Hi-Lites Aveda Palm Springs Salon & Spa http://www.HLspa.com
If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have
bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional
stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have
a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay
ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair
care.
1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your
specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the
shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look
for products in salons that are customized for your hair type.
For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner
that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those
all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.
2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The
number one mistake that people make when choosing a new
hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than
how it will enhance their features.
Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract
from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders,
choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.
3. Don�t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets
damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this,
look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays
that block UV rays.
4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will
split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6
to 8 weeks, even if it�s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser
makes them good because they know what to leave on the head,
not take off.
5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why
beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle
chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage
with these products even if the package says that it�s way
easy. And even if you don�t make your hair fall out, you could
end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to
fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for
corrective color than they do for normal color processes)
6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little
bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether
your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and
volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights,
lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it�s all
good for your look.
7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is
extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind,
sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is
battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals
from your pool.
8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair
with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your
tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a
negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all
our work.
9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that
leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means
that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your
hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to
curl not to mention the white flakes.
10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to
dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static
electricity to your hair. Don�t rub the towel back and forth
over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your
would scrunch crackers in your soup.
While all of these tips won�t make you look like you�ve hired a
personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that
you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember
that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn�t it worth the time,
effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?
About The Author: By Darla Di Grandi-Aguilera, Founder of
Hi-Lites Aveda Palm Springs Salon & Spa http://www.HLspa.com
The Foundations of Beauty
By: Fawn Bales
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 in 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 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.
This article is free for republishing
Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medicine for over 20 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 resource for natural health and beauty information at http://www.botanicalbeautylab.com
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 in 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 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.
This article is free for republishing
Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medicine for over 20 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 resource for natural health and beauty information at http://www.botanicalbeautylab.com
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