Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category
Monday, February 8th, 2010
stretch mark treatment
Huge amounts of individuals all over the world suffer from stretchmarks. Both women and men alike, will find them showing after periods of significant growth such as puberty. Women, more often than not suffer with them post pregnancy.
They occur as our skin attempts to keep up with the rate of growth in the bones, muscles or, in the instance of pregnancy, baby. Invariably however, it fails to do so and tears form in the 2nd layer of skin, known as the Dermis. These tears show as red streaks at first and fade gradually to a silvery colour.
The stretch marks are actually areas of skin with reduced levels of collagen. As the middle layer is ripped apart during the growth phase, it does not manage to restore itself so that it looks like its former state. Of course, it is only a cosmetic concern as there is practically no medical downside to having stretch marks, the cosmetic concerns, however, are great. They make you feel self concious in front of people and don’t look very nice.
Treating stretch marks involves boosting the collagen levels within the Dermis layer of skin. This is most effectively achieved by increasing your own physical natural ability to produce collagen rather than introducing it from external sources. The most common way of doing this is medical needling using a dermaroller which is a type of collagen induction therapy.
The other additional benefit of this type of treatment, is the way in which it increases the effectiveness of oils and creams, such as the very popular bio oil. It gives these lotions the ideal conditions to penetrate the upper levels of skin far more effectively providing a much enhanced result.
As with anything involving health and wellbeing, it is important to do your research and go and see your doctor before beginning or using any product or treatment.
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Friday, July 10th, 2009
by Sarah Jazzelle
Did you know that brushing your teeth isn’t just about getting rid of the garlic breath and coffee stains? Good oral health is actually directly linked to good health overall. Keep your mouth and your body happy with a good oral hygiene routine.
Fortunately, many of us who grew up with fluoride in our water are experiencing better oral health than prior generations. I am proud to say that I have never had a cavity, and there are many others like me, thanks to the flouride our teeth are exposed to every day in the drinking water. However, some folks don’t get a lot of flouride because they live in an area where the water supply doesn’t contain it, or they drink a lot of bottled water or filtered water. If that’s you, talk to your dentist about whether you could benefit from a flouride rinse like ACT each evening before bed.
Another great way to improve your oral health is by flossing. The little string that runs up and down your teeth and under your gum line is doing more than just removing popcorn kernels. It’s scraping away the bacteria that cause plaque. Once the plaque hardens, it can be difficult to brush away. You don’t want plaque and bacteria, so make sure you’re flossing every day. Once a day is enough – more often isn’t helpful… unless of course you’re going after that stray piece of popcorn.
Even if you’re already brushing every night, or even twice a day, if you’re not brushing with an electric sonic toothbrush, there’s a lot more you could be doing to benefit your teeth. Sonic care toothbrushes combine the super-fast brushing action of a regular electric toothbrush with sonic (sound) waves that clean by vibrating water against your teeth and a very fast frequency. This high-tech combination is actually the best way (outside the dentist’s office) to remove plaque and stains from your teeth, leaving them healthier and whiter!
When I asked my personal dentist if I should be using a sonic care toothbrush, his answer was a resounding yes. Other people in my family had been using about them, and I read about them in consumer reports. The data panned out so I decided to invest in a sonic toothbrush.
The sonic care toothbrush was easy to use (It almost made brushing fun!) and I could tell a difference. My teeth seemed whiter. My dentist could see a difference, too, so I decided to stick with the Sonicare brushing.
If you want the whitest smile and the healthiest teeth, I strongly encourage you to adopt the oral health routine my dentist laid out for me: Flouride, Flossing, Brushing with a Sonic Toothbrush, and Regular Dental Exams. None if it is hard, and it’s the right thing to do for your health and your smile.
I hope you decide to do the same – it’s worth it to take good care of your teeth.
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
by Maddox Dawson
Can taking phytonutrients nutrients help to reduce the aging process? A decade of research seems to suggest so. Phytonutrients extracts commonly found in certain vegetable and fruits and is a known of phytochemicals that greatly affect the production of body cells and skin tissue.
They are different types of phytochemicals which fall in the class of antioxidants which are known substances found in plants and vegetables and fruit that supply extra oxygen molecules to blood and tissue cells. During the past 30 years, antioxidants have become the indispensable nutrient to assist in the promoting of good health.
Phytochemicals actually strengthens the immune system so your body can fight away diseases more efficiently and acts as a catalyst in the healing of damaged cells.
Scientist discovered that phytochemicals actually stimulated the manufacturing of self-healing cells in plants in lab tests and had a similar effect on people. The enzymes released during this process is proven to have major benefits in helping to inhibit substances that cause the development of cancer and other forms of chronic disease.
It should be said that in order to live a healthy life, phytochemicals should be a part of out diet. This is why when you are shopping for fruit and vegetables; you should consider buying dark leafy vegetables, soy, and dark berries. A good brand of red wine should also be considered as it contains phytonutrients.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is highly regarded as a new source of nutrients containing disease fighting compounds and is proven to reduce the aging of skin cells. Research suggests that is should be taken with vitamin C and E for maximum benefits. Alpha Lipoic Acid can be taken orally as a supplement or applied to the surface of the skin as an active ingredient in certain types of topical skin care products.
Ascorbic acid helps to keep you healthy too. People take it as a dietary supplement for many reasons. Some doctors prescribe it to patients as a part of heart maintenance while others take vitamin C to help the production of skin collagen.
An important component to maintaining good health is by taking vitamin E. This vitamin contains a compound called tocopherol that is a fat-based soluble that forms a protective layer around skin and body cells. It too is proven to help in the war against certain types of cancers.
People suffering with high cholesterol have found this vitamin most helpful too. It is a common prescription to help lower high cholesterol. Looking for younger looking more youthful skin? You guessed it. Taking a daily dose of vitamin C can actually help you look and feel younger. This is why the label on many cosmetic jars shows vitamin C and E and a key ingredient.
Now that you are aware of the key role of phytonutrients and vitamin C and E supplements, you should plan to incorporate them into your diet. You can take them internally as needed or apply them to the surface of skin by using a skin care cosmetic cream.
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
by Crystal Jennings
They say that if you want to get a tan fast, you should just go and lie under the sun for a certain amount of time. But going under the sun without any protection is great risk factor. You are going to get your self a wrinkle, sun burn if there is no proper protection.
There are a lot of claims that sun bathing with the use of sunscreen and other products with SPF is a way to get a safe tan. This claim is completely false, exposing your self under the sun for several hours even minutes can still cause skin problems even with sunscreen. Though, there are ways to lessen the possibility of getting sun burnt.
Knowing how sensitive your skin is, is the first thing you should know before you get a tan. People who have fair skin gets a sun burn easily. Just by exposing themselves under the sun for 30 minutes can cause sun burn. Knowing the place where you are going to have your vacation is also important. UV radiation is stronger when the altitude is high.
When you are buying sunscreens and tanning lotions, you should take a look at the SPF level it has to offer. If you are not sure which product to buy it is better to consult your dermatologist. You might be buying something that can cause irritation to your skin.
Knowing the right time to sun bathe and get a tan is also important. Sun bathing after 9 AM is dangerous because UV radiation is stronger at that time. That is why they recommend babies to stay under the sun before 9 AM because it helps with the immune system of the baby. This fact is also applicable to adults, actually sun bathing between 10 AM and 4 PM is not recommended.
When you are planning to go swimming, be sure that your sunscreen protection is waterproof. UV rays can reach 9 feet below water. Now, that is something you do not get to hear everyday.
And after every 20 minutes, be sure to apply sunscreen. If you are using tanning lotion alone to get a tan, you still need sunscreen. Yes, tanning lotion will help you get a tan fast but sunscreen protects you from the damaging UV rays.
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Monday, July 6th, 2009
by Jen Hopkins
After spending twelve years as a stylist, I’m often seen by women as the ultimate authority on beauty. However, although I am a dapper 6 foot 2 gay male, I am not necessarily the authority on the beauty they are looking for. But, I do tend to look out for any tidbits of information that could give me the “one-up” over the competition in my line of work.
Recently I was applying highlights to a client’s hair when she began a lighthearted conversation with a fellow stylist of mine. She began going on elaborately about the 54th birthday party she had just had. I was surprised beyond belief; this lady had been coming to me for 5 years, and I had always believed her to be just shy of 45, if not younger.
I listened for a few more minutes before my curiosity got the best of me. I absolutely had to know how she kept herself looking so youthful. Face lifts and Botox immediately came to mind but I have been wrong before, and this was no exception.
With a smile I finally mustered the courage to ask. aGirl what are you doing to keep yourself looking so young?a We both chuckled as she grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to her. aDo you promise not divulge my secret?a she asked. I excitedly nodded and she pulled me even closer. aI found the fountain of youa she whispered in my ear. I let out a roaring laugh.
She went on to explain that for the past four years she had been using an almost completely organic skin cream instead of the lab created stuff she had used previously for years. Could there really be that much of a difference I thought to myself.
After work, I chose to find out more information about the topic myself. When I did a little digging, I realized that almost all skin creams, including many that used the label “organic” made use of preservatives that made the cream both less efficient and more expensive.
I later learned that the cream that my client told me about was made by a company that does not use any ingredients that have the potential to be harmful; that they only use ingredients that are guaranteed to be from completely organic farms. Their ingredients remain totally natural, no matter how concentrated they are, and the company also guarantees the effectiveness of their product by not adding any artificial coloring or aromas.
As such, when considering a skin cream, you should always look for any ingredients that may be harmful to your health; I’ve found that unless a skin cream is completely natural, it most likely will contain some. In 2004, a study was conducted that found that Prebens was a preservative used in many cosmetic products that was also found in 90% of breast cancer tumors. So, you should always look for organic skin creams as they are the most healthy, effective, and affordable option for you.
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Monday, July 6th, 2009
by Virginia Anthony
Do you know the long term side effects of Botox? Botox is very popular because it works fast and does a good job. It is not cheap but the ease of use makes it in demand. Since the results do not last forever the question remains if there are any side effects if you are using Botox for a long time.
Botox in general works for several months and thereafter you will have to get another injection. There is beyond any doubt that Botox works
So far studies have demonstrated that little amounts of Botox do not harm even if used for a long time. The known effect of this drug is to lessen muscle action but there are other side effects of Botox that are not that severe.
Side effects include bruising at the site of injection. But don’t fret; it’s a side effect not of the toxin, but rather in the way of administration. In cosmetic use, this implies that the client will complain of improper facial expression such as drooping eyelid, uneven smile, and loss of ability to close the eye. This will wear out in around 6 weeks. Bruising is ruled out by the clinician by enforcing pressure to the injection site, but could still happen, and will last around 7 – 10 days.
Also a patient can expect that when injecting the masseter muscle of the jaw, loss of muscle function will result in a loss or lessening power to chew solid foods. All cosmetic treatments are of limited length, and can be as short a period as six weeks, but commonly one sees with an efficient period of between 3 and 8 months. At the extremely low doses enforced medicinally, botulinum toxin has a very low degree of toxicity.
Of course, beauty comes with a price and sacrifice. But if you want results Botox is a better choice than surgery since it is generally pain-free and an easier procedure.
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