Monday, February 23, 2009

Secrets to Healthy Hair Exposed

By Kristy Scott

One look at that woman's healthy shiny hair can make you instantly envious. If you are wondering why you do not have the same kind of beautiful hair, you have to know that it takes a lot of work, effort, patience and time to maintain a mane that consists of gorgeous locks that will turn heads wherever you go.

Here are some of the top secrets to healthy hair that will surely make you the new envy of the women around you:

1. Get a good cut.

This is hardly a secret but it is true that some women take a good haircut for granted. They do not know is that a trim is able to ensure that your hair is free from damaged split ends that can make it look dull and dreary. Having regular trims will keep your hair looking great and healthy at all times.

2. Hydrate your hair.

Some people are not probably aware that drinking water is not only essential for hydrating one's body and skin but it also does the same thing for your hair. Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids every day to keep your hair from drying up.

3. Avoid using too many products.

Limit your use of hair products to two to three items-shampoo, conditioner, and mousse or styling gel. Use only high quality items that have rich moisturizing formula that will not leave your hair dull and dry. Moreover, find a product that will be suitable for your hair type and texture. Go for those that have mild and gentle formula.

4. Protect your hair against heat.

Heat can also be a great hazard to your hair. Avoid going out into the sun in the hours of 10 am to 2 pm because this is when the UV rays are strongest and most harmful. Don a hat or bandana to avoid exposing your hair to the heat of the sun.

Moreover, use only high quality hair equipment such as CHI irons, Babyliss hair dryer, and so on. These products come with adjustable temperature setting so that you can control the heat and prevent your hair from getting cooked. Do not forget to use a heat protection spray prior to using any heat appliance.

5. Get plenty of sleep.

It is during sleep that a body recuperates to repair any damage including hair damage. Getting adequate sleep and rest will contribute to a healthier hair. It is a good idea to sleep on a satin pillowcase to avoid waking up to a fly-away hair.

6. Moisturize intensively.

Using an intensive conditioner once a week is effective in rejuvenating your hair and keeping it soft, moisturized and looking great. For a more efficient treatment, wrap your hair with a plastic shower cap after application of the conditioner and leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes before you rinse it out thoroughly.

7. Eat a proper diet.

Having a well balanced diet that consists of protein and essential amino acids is another great way of maintaining a healthy and glowing hair.

8. Use hair equipment properly.

Just because you bought a reliable Babyliss hair dryer does not mean you can do whatever you want with your hair because there is no risk of damage. Even the most advanced pieces of hair equipment need to be used carefully to ensure safety and efficiency. So make sure you read and understand the manual of the hair equipment before using.

A healthy hair is not something that only rich people or the celebrities from Hollywood can achieve. If you follow these terrific tips, you will be on your way to having a hair that is radiant and healthy. - 14018

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What You Can Expect at a Medical Spa

By A Aaronson

Wrinkles and age spots make you feel old and you've decided you want to do something about them. The problem is you are a little wary of hospital and clinics. Besides, the harsh lights reflecting off the white walls make these imperfections stand out.

What if you could visit a spa and rejuvenate your skin without the clinical atmosphere? You can. Medical spa services give you that youthful appearance in a relaxing setting. Here are some of the most common procedures you can expect from a med spa:

* Microdermabrasion

This is a milder and non-invasive version of dermabrasion which should be done in a medical facility. Microdermabrasion, however, is a very common procedure among medical spa services. Using a wand that blasts the skin with tiny bits of crystal and then vacuums them back up along with the skin cells. It slowly removes layers of skin and typically requires more than one session. This procedure is great for correcting dark spots and removing lines and mild wrinkles.

* Photofacials

This procedure uses pulse light therapy and heat to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also works on other conditions like acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation. The heat and light work to promote natural collagen formation in the skin. Collagen is what gives the skin its elasticity and volume.

* Laser Skin Treatments

There are several types of laser treatments commonly used in med spas. Fraxel, CO2 and Erbium laser treatments are some of the latest technologies. These lasers penetrate the layers of skin and either kill or wound the affected area. The dead skin comes off, revealing fresh new skin layers. The type of treatment and laser used determines how deep and traumatic the results. Results are noticeable after one treatment, but if your wrinkles and dark spots are moderate to severe, it will take more than one session.

* Chemical Peels

This treatment's active ingredient is glycolic acid. It is applied to the face and allowed to sit and penetrate the skin. When it is removed, a layer skin is sloughed off.

* Injectable Fillers

These products should be administered by a dermatologist or the plastic surgeon on staff. Botox, Restylane and other fillers are commonly used at med spas and are a popular lunchtime fix for lines and wrinkles.

While these medical spa services are medical grade procedures, the staff makes every effort to disguise this fact by using soft lighting, warm colors, soothing music and scents. They also try to incorporate a little pampering because these procedures can be quite uncomfortable and maybe painful. A hand, arm and neck massage helps distract from the discomfort sometimes felt during the facials, peels and other procedures.

If you decide to partake of medical spa services, check out the facility and make sure there is a physician overseeing the facility and performing the more invasive procedures. Also make sure the dermatologists, nurses and aestheticians are licensed and trained on the equipment. Certificates and diplomas should be displayed, but if not, don't be afraid to ask. Do this and you can sit back, relax and enjoy your journey to a younger looking you.

Get the latest cosmetic treatments done in a relaxed, comfortable and non-clinical environment. Day spa in Vernon Hills IL offers a wide array of skin rejuvenation solutions with the latest techniques in aesthetic technology. Explore your options at http://www.newtrendmedicalspa.com - 14018

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Clinique Cosmetics - Tips on Safe Makeup Use

By Kathy Summer

Women love using makeup to cover some unwanted blemishes and imperfections that can be seen clearly by naked eyes. They love using makeup to look prettier and eventually be more confident in showing their face to anyone. However, what these most women failed to realize is that use of makeup can destroy their face, making it unhealthy full of bacteria, acne, and other infections. But of course it's still possible for these women to have a healthy skin despite use of makeup. They just have to educate themselves with some tips on safe makeup use like the ones we have below.

Safe Makeup Use Tips

Washing of Hands/Fingers

If you apply makeup barely with your fingers, be sure your hands/fingers are always clean. Be aware that your fingers produce natural oils that can eventually create breakouts and other skin inflictions. Not to mention that they too have contact with germs very often. Thus, it's best to always wash your hands/fingers before grabbing your makeup.

Washing of Face

It's a good habit to wash your face at night or in the morning before you put on makeup. Doing so will keep you away from danger of breakouts, black heads, and blocked and expanding pores. You must be aware that not washing your face before you put on your makeup may cause you a lot of unwanted skin problems. Nonetheless, if your face is dirty and you immediately put on your makeup most likely dirt inside your pores will be trapped and eventually during the day will be covered by more dirt and oil.

Keeping Your Makeup Safe

Be sure that you will always be using a clean makeup. Thus, it's important that you keep your makeup, particularly the brushes you use in safe place away from some possible sources of dirt and germs. The more your brushes or other makeup products are exposed to dirt and germs, the greater the possibility you will have skin problems later because you will actually be using them.

Using Own Makeup

Always use your own makeup. Never borrow makeup from your friend and never lend your makeup to any friend as well. Sharing makeup with a friend is not a good idea. Let's say even though your friend looks clean and is hygienic, still you don't know if she has bacteria and germs underneath her pores. Always think of the consequences. - 14018

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Get Rid Of Facial Dark Spots Now-Removal Tips For Dark Spots

By Sabrina Fox

Home Remedies Are Not Effective

If you're like most people you will get facial dark spots sometime during your life. Particularly in that area that surrounds your eyes. Because various skin care products have failed to do the job many people have turned to home remedies. It's a fact however, that home remedies don't do the job either.

The Ingredients In Most Products Are Not Effective Or Healthy

The products that you typically find that are designed for facial dark spots will not do anything to benefit you. This is because of the types of ingredients that are commonly used in these products are not either healthy, or effective. That is because the cosmetic companies typically save money by including mostly chemical ingredients in their products as a way of saving money.

The Problem Can't Be Cured Using A Home Remedy

I have to be up front with you that there is no home remedy that is going to get rid of facial dark spots. There is nothing in your kitchen cabinets that will cure dark spots. There are however, certain ingredients that will work in getting rid of facial dark spots.

These Ingredients Are Proven To Work

Facial care requires the use of ingredients that are all natural, and that are specialized toward fighting certain aspects of the damage that time has caused. For example, Eyeliss and Haloxyl are designed to speed up the processes that have allowed you to form bags and dark circles under your eyes. They are not the only ingredients though that will work to repair your skin.

Get Rid Of Age Spots With Targeted Products

There is an all natural, healthy ingredient called Extrapone Nutgrass. Extrapone Nutgrass is very good at helping to get rid of facial dark spots, age spots, dark circles and bags as well. It is also very effective at making sure the different contrasts of your skin all match.

Natural Whitening Day Cream

There is a company located in the tiny nation of New Zealand that makes a natural whitening day cream using these all natural ingredients along with a host of others that will for sure remove a dark spot from your skin, as well as dark circles, and dark facial spots.

Get Rid Of Dark Spots And Wrinkles Too

Inside the products made by the New Zealand Company are natural ingredients that not only get rid of facial dark spots but wrinkles to boot. Try finding home remedies facial dark spots that can do that for you. In less than a few weeks you won't believe your eyes that your age spots, facial dark spots, and wrinkles have completely gone away.

Here's The Answer You've Been Looking For

At the very least, facial dark spots are a nuisance you'd rather not have to deal with. On the other hand if you are like some people they can be an embarrassment and lower your self esteem. However, you don't have to deal with them anymore. The products produced by the New Zealand Company produce results like nothing you have ever seen.

Get Rid Of Facial Dark Spots For Good - 14018

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How To Find A Good Acne Skin Treatment

By Shelley White

How do you find the best acne skin treatment? The best way to treat acne is to approach it from several angles. Luckily there are plenty of options. You just need to decide what acne skin treatment works best for you.

The first step is using a good acne skin cleanser. You will find some good choices at your local drug store or department store.

Be sure that you choose an acne cleanser that is marked as being suitable for acne skin treatment, but look for one that will not dry out your skin. Generally areas that have acne are oily, so you will not want to go from excessive oil to drying out your skin.

What you want to do is use the cleanser first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed at night. This will give it the time to work at clearing your skin.

Often when starting on a new acne treatment routine your skin may get worse at first - don't let that prevent you from trying new treatments. Just give your skin a while to adapt to it and you should see improvements soon.

Next you want a treatment that can be put onto individual spots.

A natural supplement that is worth checking out is a product called Acnezine. This product works from the inside out and is meant to work all over your body, not just one area. Acnezine has had great reviews from consumers.

Using the above tips for acne skin treatment is the best course of action. By using a skin cleanser that is suitable for acne, keeping a good acne spot treatment cream handy and using Acnezine you will be approaching your acne treatment in several different ways. Over time you should see an improvement with your skin. - 14018

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Why Are Toners Necessary?

By Andi Bradshaw

Many people claim they don't see and sometimes don't feel a difference with toners, but believe me there is one. Whenever you put anything on your face, you change the pH of your skin and using the right toner guarantees a positive change. Astringents and witch hazel are often confused with toners but astringents usually contain alcohol, and witch hazel contains oil.

As with anything that goes on your face, toner is also designed with your skin type in mind. Dry or combination/dry skin should stay away from alcohol based products; toners for dry skin are often creamy or contain 2%-5% of cosmetic oil. Oily or combination/oily skin, should avoid alcohol or oil based toners and only use toners with fruit acids, such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple, or oil absorbing powders in the product. Sensitive skin types should only use toners made for sensitive skin.

What do they do?

Toners return your skin to its normal pH, while they calm and cool the skin and temporarily close your pores. When applied with a cotton applicator, toner helps to remove dirt, facial oils, dead cells and any residue left by your cleanser or makeup that was not washed or rinsed away with your cleansing routine.

When you cleanse your face, the pH balance of your skin changes based on the acid or alkaline percentage/dominance in your cleanser. Your skin must then restore its own natural pH levels and this could take up to an hour or more. A toner immediately returns your skin to its normal pH.

How do I use a toner?

Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.

Liquid toner is most easily applied with flat cotton rounds, squares or cotton balls which are designed to be used with liquids. Try not to use tissues, they hold too much product and you'll end up throwing away more toner than you use. Pour a quarter size amount of liquid onto the cotton and wipe all over your face and neck; using upward strokes.

Gel toner has the lightest texture and is usually oil free. Made especially for oily skin, this toner often has anti-bacterial ingredients like lavender, or rose water or citric acids. If you are expecially oily, try a toner that contains salicylic acid (to help remove dead skin cells and prevent pimples). The instructions for cream toner also apply to this type.

Cream toner has the consistency of a thin lotion and may be applied with cotton or clean hands. A nickel size amount on 3 clean fingers is all that is needed for this type because it won't run. Spread the toner using circular motions onto the finger tips of both hands and apply to face and neck area with upward circular strokes.

Spray toners are a no-brainer, but remember to close your mouth and eyes before misting your face and neck. Both men and women can use toners. For men, an after shave also closes pores but a toner doesn't sting like aftershave unless it contains alcohol.

Men should also moisturize after using a toner. The companies that make men's skin products have named their moisturizers a hydrator or a facial lotion, to make men feel like their products are different from female skin care products. However, except for the scent, the ingredients are nearly always the same. - 14018

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The Tale of Your Humble Flat Iron

By Kristy Carlson

You know what a flat iron is, and what it's for. It's this hand-held, clip-like thingy that has two plates inside each side of the clip. You plug it in a socket, or charge the batteries, and then wait for it to heat up before you press your hair between it. Use one right, and then you'll notice how smooth and straight your hair has suddenly become after ironing it.

Now, do you know how your little hair-helper works?

No, there's no whiz-bang magic in it. There's some science, yes, but nothing so terrible that it will need a physicist's or a chemist's dissertation to explain the process of ironing your hair.

You see, each strand of your hair has something that holds it in place and keeps its figure intact. The bonds that force your hairs into its natural shape are called hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bonds occur naturally in your hair, and there are a few ways to alter those bonds enough that the hair loses its natural figure and settles down, straightening one's hair.

That is why it's rare to find somebody who has born with naturally straight hair, even when they wake up in the morning. There's always some effort to keep hair from bouncing all around the place. Brushing, combing, shampooing, relaxants, gels and conditioners are all ways to try and keep hair straight.

And then there's your handy flat iron.

The heat from a flat iron breaks the hydrogen bonds in your hair, making it go with the pull of gravity on your hair. This makes your hair straight and manageable. Get it wet, however, and your hair bounces back to its original shape.

Flat irons, as wonderful as they are, can and will damage your hair. The heat from the plates will naturally burn your hair, and the pulling and tugging while the hydrogen bonds are broken will also weaken your hair. Giving your hair time to regenerate before the next ironing session usually solves this problem.

However, the type of flat iron you have also determines how much damage your hair will be receiving.

Flat irons with aluminum plates are the most hazardous for your hair's health. These aluminum flat irons will do the most damage to your hair, as metal has a tendency to heat unevenly and pull hair while ironing it. If you are ever going to use these kinds of flat irons, be very, very careful that you don't mess up your entire hair-do with one wrong tug!

Next up on the ladder are ceramic flat irons. Instead of metal plates alone, these plates are either heavily coated with ceramic materials or are composed entirely of certain ceramic substances. It is believed that ceramic flat irons have smoother surfaces than their metal counterparts, and so far, that has proven to be true.

And finally, you've got the tourmaline flat irons. Ground tourmaline, a precious crystal, is ground down into a fine powder and infused into the ceramic plates of a flat iron. So far, they're the best flat irons available on the market, with the smoothest surfaces compared to any other flat iron currently available. And they're the most expensive too, with branded tourmaline flat irons ranging from 150 to 200-plus dollars.

Now that you've got an idea about how your humble little flat iron works, maybe you'll give it a little more credit the next time it gives you that immaculately straight hair you want draping down your shoulders. - 14018

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