Thursday, November 12, 2009

Dry Skin Is Thirsty and Other Useful Tips

Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Only a lucky few have 'normal' skin; the rest of us have a dry, oily or combination variety; if dryness is your problem, read on.

Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity.

Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

The epidermis can be further subdivided into the following strata (beginning with the outermost layer): corneum, lucidum (only in feet), granulosum, spinosum, and basale.

Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may also contribute to xeroderma (dry skin). Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Dry skin is common.

Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp. Use as little soap as possible limiting its use to armpits and genitals. Dry your skin gently and thoroughly, patting not rubbing.

Drink plenty of water, a minimum of a quart a day. The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. Put two tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Eat at least one organic apple with the skin on every day. Fatty acids are particularly important to people withdry skin.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. If you also have eczema or acne,coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface.

Continue using coconut oil and the benefits of good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions should be your reward .You should see the results with improved skin within a few days following this advice. Make sure to call your dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal.

Source: Free Articles

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Fade Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are one of the most common skin conditions. Most treatment methods for stretch marks attempt to eliminate the condition altogether. In most cases, these products only fade stretch marks. This means that it will undoubtedly take some time for you to experience results. The good news is that some products are able to fadestretch marks that are old and more set into the skin. Instead of actually treating the skin, these products typically work to change the consistency of thestretch marks. To fade stretch marks, you may want to try one of the two products that claim to fade stretch marks that are both new and old.

Scarguard ScarCare works by providing a protective covering for the stretch marks so that they can heal on their own. The product does, however, contain ingredients that are beneficial for diminishing stretch marks. Vitamin E and silicone are two ingredients in ScarCare that will help fade stretch marks. You apply the product directly to your stretch marks twice each day. You should start to notice an improvement in your stretch marks in less than six months. If you are pregnant, you need to obtain approval from your doctor before using the product.

Scarguard Lightener is another stretch mark treatment product manufactured by Scarguard. This product fades stretch marks by lightening the skin. The product contains 2% hydroquinone, a skin-lightening chemical. If you choose to go with this product you need to also wear a sunscreen. You may experience a darkening of your skin if you apply the product to your skin and spend time in the sun without any sun protection. This product, like ScarCare costs $64.99. The cost is more than the averagestretch mark treatment, but then doctors do not endorse the average product for stretch marks. Plastic surgeons use Scarguard products in their practice, so there is a good chance that you will experience success with Scarguard products.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

अल अबाउट फ्रेंच Manicures

A French manicure is a nice way to have polished nails without drawing too much attention to your hands। The absence of color makes for easy outfit changes, without having to think too much about clashing colors. French manicures also last longer than traditional manicures with colored polish because you cannot see chips as easily. They are also easier to touch up without being too noticeable.

What is the purpose of having a manicure, if you are just going to put clear polish on top of your nails? Why bother to go through all that time and trouble, to look natural? Well, we women do tons of crazy things, and spend countless hours in the salon trying to make ourselves appear naturally beautiful. Why should manicures be any different? Besides, the polish is not actually clear. The polish is two different colors. A very thin white or off white coat is applied to the tips of your nails and allowed to dry. Then the entire nail is painted with a soft beige or pink color, making the nails very clean and polished looking, but not quite as dramatic as red or pink polish.

While French manicures may look almost natural, they are the most difficult type of manicure to have done to your nails. Most salons charge more money for a French manicure, than a regular manicure with one solid color. Some salons use an actual paint brush, with very fine bristles to apply the thin white coat to the tips of the nails. Other salons will very quickly apply the white coat without much attention to detail. Then they will come back before the polish has dried and remove the excess color with an orange stick wrapped in cotton. This is interesting to watch. I always get nervous when the manicurist paints half of my fingernail white. I'm thinking to myself, great, I could do a better job at home blindfolded and I'm paying her my hard earned money to make a huge mess. But then, she is always redeemed when she had cleaned off the excess and my nails look great. Watching her perfect this skill with ease, I was enticed to try this process at home. I made a huge mess; I think that next time I will leave this skill to the professional.

The popularity of having a French manicure started around the seventies, and is just as popular today. People have been getting French manicures for years. You can see these types of manicures just about anywhere from magazines, to moms at the grocery store. One thing that is kind of interesting about French manicures is that they really don't have any target age range. Anyone from teenagers, to grandmothers can be seen sporting aFrench manicure, that is something that cannot be said of most fashion trends.
In recent years, there has been a new addition to the French manicure family. It's the French pedicure. They have all of the flexibility and versatility of the French manicure. I love that I can wear pink shoes, red shoes, or black shoes without having to rethink my toenail polish.

You can't predict when knowing something extra about manicure will come in handy. If you learned anything new about manicure in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Improving Curly Hair

For some, it is easy to get curly hair to last for a second day. Others struggle to keep that look for more than a few hours. Having curly hair that is beautiful and shiny can be a challenge for anyone; curl rejuvenators can help you to improve your hair's quality and look, though. These are often called curl boosters and curl revitalizers. There are several benefits that you will get from this curly hair care product. These curly hair products can help you by getting your styling product back up and running, so to speak. They also work on moisturizing your hair and giving you that refreshed look. They can also minimize frizz considerably. It is something you have to have for curly hair.

For those that use water in a spritz bottle, this will actually work against you giving you more of a frizz when the hair dries. What makes thesecurly hair products work then? There are many ingredients in them that help to deliver moisture and help to define curls. Magnesium sulfate works to activate styling products. Humectants like glycerin, botanical oils and honey work to help you as well in this manner. Polyquateriums as well as silicones are contained in these boosters and they help to minimize frizz and give your hair more definition.

One product that can help is that of the Mop Top Detangler & Refresher. It helps to add more moisture to your hair without leaving you with a sticking and frizzy mess. This curlyhair care product is ideal because it has sea botanicals, aloes and honey in it along with glycerin, all of which help to promote healthy hair. The salts that are included, such asmagnesium sulfate and sea salt, are ideal for helping to boost the quality of your curl without causing that sticky feeling. These help to balance the curlyhair care product and keep it weightless without limiting the curly hair benefits it offers.

Another product that can be helpful is that of the Curlisto Glow and Shine. It helps to give this same weightless shine and provides a finished, tailored look. Another solution to keep your curly hair looking great for more than one day is to use Davacurl Set It Free. To use, flip your hair over and spray it down. Then, flip it back over and do a very light misting of the curlyhair care product over the top. You can also use this product to help you with a freshened up look so that you do not have to wash it as often as you are currently doing.

When you add a curly hair revitalizer to your hair the second day after a washing, you will be able to extend the use of the curly hair products that you used the day before. More so, you are increasing the moisture of the products in your hair as well. The key to success here is using a water soluble product that will not build up in your hair. You also do not want to overuse the product because that too can cause frizz and a weighed down look that you do not want.

Those that have locks and twists in their hair will want to use a curl rejuvenator as well. Here, the curly hair product is going to work to provide you with more moisture and a refreshed look. To use this product for this need, simply give each of your curls a spray with the product when they need it. Your curly hair will look nothing short of amazing when you do so.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Heal Your Dry Skin Overnight Naturally

Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. Xeroderma literally means "dryskin". Xeroderma is a very common condition.

Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body".

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin. Serious skin complications, including dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dryskin. Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications.

Thick, oily-type moisturizers work best. Drink plenty of water every day. Use bath oils and moisturizers daily.

Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Eat at least one organic apple with theskin on every day. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system.

The best treatment I've found for dry skin is coconut oil. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least daily.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on theskin to form a filthy layer on its surface. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.

Go to your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Continue using coconut oil and the benefits of good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions should be your reward. You should see the results with improved skin overnight following this advice.

Friday, July 24, 2009

How to Enhance Under the Eye

One of the main skin problems that women have issues with under-eye bags and puffiness. There are many different remedies available for you to use in order to get rid of them. It’s up to you to decide which one is going to help you in the best manner. There are many things that you can do in order to take care of under-eye bags and puffiness. A few of the solutions will be discussed in detail here.

Determining the Cause

Before you choose any method of treatment, it is important to try and figure out the cause of your under-eye bags or puffiness. It could be hereditary, as in many cases, and although this certainly does not mean that you are not going to be able to get help, you should be prepared that it may be more difficult to treat if that is the case.

It could also be allergies that are causing this swelling and puffiness under your eyes. If allergies are the root of your problem, you can try removing the allergen or take a good over-the-counter allergy medication. However, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any type of medication.

It is also very important to make sure that you get plenty of sleep at night. Otherwise you can wake up feeling tired and restless and may have the under-eye bags and circles to prove it. Lack of sleep also causes the skin to become paler, especially under the eyes, and reduces circulation as well. Your goal should be to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and try to stay away from drugs and alcohol, because these are only going to add to the problem.

Cucumbers

One of the most popular methods used to get rid of bags under the eye involves cucumbers. Cut a few pieces of a regular cucumber and then lie back, placing one piece on each eye. You can also use figs or even rose water on cotton pads, if rose water is available to you. Regardless of what you use—cucumbers, figs, or rose water—keep it on your eyes for at least twenty minutes or more.

The cucumbers work particularly well because they have a high water, silicon, and sodium content, which helps to soothe and cool the eyes, thereby shrinking bags and relieving puffiness and irritation. They also help in toning and firming the skin around the eyes while reducing the effects of daily lifestyle stress at the same time. Even if you do not have bags or puffiness, you can use this method once or twice a week as a preventative measure and help ease stress.

Products

There are various products available to help with under-eye bags and puffiness. These under-the-eye products work by using cooling and relieving ingredients that help to calm and soothe the skin around the eye. Some under-the-eye products will be pricier than others, but the effectiveness that they offer is well worth it.

Besides products that are specific to under-eye bags and puffiness, there are also various overnight facial masques you can use that will help to reduce the appearance of puffiness or discoloration. These work best when you apply them at night and remove them in the morning, allowing them to do their job overnight. Seeing a naturopathic physician also may help you, especially if you have been trying other methods of treatment with little to no success.

Friday, July 10, 2009

How Can You Overcome the Challenges That Summer Skin Throws at You?

Whilst winter skin may be an absolute nightmare, summer skin can also cause you plenty of problems too. There is the added worry of wearing sun tan lotion, and protection against premature ageing is also needed now. So how exactly do you handle the problems which summer can throw at you?

The Joy of Summer
Summer no doubt makes us happier. However, for the body it is simply just another season which it has to survive. Whilst winter may be a problem for dry skin, summer is a problem for oily skin! Rashes sunburn and infections are also common problems that summer brings with it.

Warm weather also attracts various insects and as we spend so much of our time outdoors, insect bites are often quite common. The problems really are endless and sometimes summer can seem more like a chore than a time to relax and enjoy the sun! Luckily there are a variety of ways in which we can protect our skin; it is all a matter of preparing the body!

How to Care For Summer Skin
There are literally loads of things you can do to help your skin in summer. The most obvious one is sun tan lotion. Our skin is more likely to get burned in summer and sunburn can not only be painful, but it can also be quite serious too. Skin cancer is a very big risk is summer and so a high level sun protection factor is essential, especially for people with fair skin and freckles. It is recommended that you use a sun protection factor of at least 18 and really for fair skin it should be even higher. Also, make sure that you are spreading enough onto the body and pat it into the body rather than wiping it on.

Other things you can do to help your summer skin include:

Changing Your Products

Just as you would change your products in winter if you have dry skin, changing your products in summer is also essential if you suffer from oily skin. Soap free cleansers are good to use and followed on by an alcohol free toner should help to keep the skin clean and fresh. These kinds of products help to ensure that you clean your face without removing all of the skins oils, and they also will not cause any irritation.

Changing your moisturizer is also important as you will now need a much lighter one than you did in the winter. It is essential to choose one which is oil free which usually has silicone or glycerine based ingredients in them.

Do Not Overdo it With the Exfoliator

Exfoliating may be really tempting in summer as more skin is often on show, however, it is possible to overdo it and damage the skin. You can still exfoliate on the knees and on the elbows, but exfoliating the face should definitely be avoided. If you do exfoliate the face it can cause microtears in the skin which lead to uneven pigmentation once exposed to the sun.

If you do want a gentler exfoliator, a cleanser or a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acid such as Glycolic or Lactic acid, will gently exfoliate the skin and improve the texture and tone of the skin.
Making sure you dry off completely after bathing or having a shower is also important, as is keeping an insect repellent close by!

Overall, if you do follow the above tips, you should be able to get through summer with no real problems. Remembering to protect the skin from sunburn is the most essential tip to follow. Sunburn not only hurts, but it can also cause premature ageing as well as skin cancer. Always make sure that the foundation you wear also has an SPF of at least 15 and remember, if you have oily skin stay away from oil based products!