Resep Cantik Ramuan Tradisional Lulur Tips Kecantikan

Membuat herbal alami pelangsing tubuh

2010-04-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

ambil masing-masing simplisia (tumbuhan obat) yang akan digunakan misalnya daun jati Belanda, daun kemuning, dan kunci pepet, sebanyak 20 gr. lalu rebus bersama-sama dengan air sebanyak 4 gelas dengan api kecil. biarkan hingga tersisa separuhnya. diminum pagi dan sore hari

Menghilangkan kerutan wajah dengan kelapa

2010-04-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

bahan-bahan :
* 1 buah kelapa yang sudah tua
* 1 Lt air bersih

cara membuat :
* parut kelapa, campur dengan air sedikit demi sedikit lalu peras dan ambil santannya
* santan dipanaskan di atas kompor secara terus menerus selama 5 jam sambil terus diaduk
* air dan minyak akan terpisah, hingga akhirnya air akan menguap hingga habis
* yang tersisa minyak dan blando, lalu saring minyaknya dan simpan dalam botol kaca yang bersih dan steril
* gunakan minyak sebagai lotion untuk wajah dan lalukan pada malam hari

Tips membuat VCO di rumah

2010-04-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

* parut kelapa lalu campur dengan air, peras hingga terbentuk santan kental
* diamkan selama 1-2 jam hingga air dan santan kental terpisah
*pisahkan santan kental, lalu campur dengan cuka nira (1 liter krim, 2 sdm cuka nira), aduk rata dan fermentasikan 1-2 hari. hasilnya akan terbentuk tiga lapisan, yaitu paling bawah air, kemudian blonco, dan lapisan paling atas adalah VCO.
*ambil VCO dan panaskan dalam suhu 60 derajat celcius untuk menghilangkan bau tidak sedap dan menghilangkan kelembaban agar VCO lebih tahan lama.
*VCO siap digunakan

KHASIAT CACING TANAH SEBAGAI JAMU

2007-07-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Sebagian orang merasa jijik pada cacing tanah. Jangan salah, ternyata dibalik tubuhnya yang licin itu, cacing tanah menyimpan banyak khasiat. Kenyataannya, banyak orang yang mengonsumsinya untuk menyembuhkan beberapa penyakit, tanpa efek, sehingga aman dikonsumsi.
Menurut pengalaman orang-orang yang pernah mengalami demam atau suhu badan yang tinggi, dengan mengonsumsi ramuan ekstra cacing tanah gangguan mereka pun membaik.
TINGGI PROTEIN
Menurut penelitian yang pernah dilakukan bahwa cacing tanah adalah sumber protein sangat tinggi. Cacing tanah juga mengandung beberapa asam amino dengan kadar yang tinggi. Salah satunya, cacing Lumbricus Rubellus mengandung kadar protein sangat tinggi sekitar 76%. Kadar ini lebih tinggi dibandingkan daging mamalia (65%) atau ikan (50%).
Beberapa penelitian telah membuktikan adanya daya antibakteri dari protein hasil ekstrasi cacing tanah yang dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri gram negatif Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenterica, Staphylococcus aureus dan Salmonella thypi.
MANFAAT CACING
Khasiat cacing tanah berdampak pada organ-organ penting tubuh. Beberapa khasiat dari cacing tanah adalah:
Sembuhkan Typus
Menurunkan kadar kolesterol
Meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh
Menurunkan tekanan darah tinggi
Meningkatkan nafsu makan
Mengobati infeksi saluran pencernaan seperti typus, disentri, diare, serta gangguan perut lainnya seperti maag
Mengobati penyakit infeksi saluran pernapasan seperti: batuk, asma, influenza, bronchitis dan TBC
Mengurangi pegal-pegal akibat keletihan maupun akibat reumatik
Menurunkan kadar gula darah penderita diabetes
Mengobati wasir, exim, alergi, luka dan sakit gigi. (diolah dari beberapa sumber).

HIDUP LEBIH BERGAIRAH DENGAN MADU & KAYUMANIS

2007-07-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

Madu adalah “obat dari Allah” dan para pakar pengobatan tradisional menemukan ampuhnya obat yang satu ini bila dikombinasi dengan kayumanis (cinnamon). Madu dikenal khasiatnya bagi kesehatan sejak berabad-abad lalu, dan jika madu dipergunakan dengan takaran yang tepat tidak akan menimbulkan efek negatif bagi penderita diabetes.
Dalam majalah Weekly World News yang terbit di Kanada, melaporkan ada beberapa penyakit yang dapat disembuhkan melalui terapi madu dan kayumanis, yaitu:
RADANG SENDI
Campurkan satu bagian madu dengan dua bagian air hangat lalu tambahkan sedikit bubuk kayu manis agar campuran itu berbentuk pasta.
Setelah jadi pasta, lalu oleskan perlahan-lahan di bagian tubuh yang mengalami nyeri. Setelah itu, dalam waktu satu atau dua menit rasa nyeri itu mulai reda.
Penederita radang sendi setiap hari, pada pagi dan malam hari, juga bisa memanfaatkan campuran secangkir air hangat dengan dua sendok madu dan sesendok the bubuk kayumanis. Penderita radang sendi akutpun bisa sembuh bila meminum ramuan ini secara teratur. Semoga……
RAMBUT RONTOK
Bagi anda yang mengalami rambut rontok ataupun kebotakan, cobalah ramuan ini. Keramaslah dengan campurkan minyak zaitun, sesendok makan madu, satu sendok teh bubuk kayumanis. Biarkan selama kira-kira 5-15 menit baru dibilas dengan air.
INFEKSI KANDUNG KEMIH
Minumlah segelas air hangat yang telah dicampur dengan dua sendok makan bubuk kayumanis dan sesendok teh madu. Ramuan ini dapat membunuh kuman penyebab infeksi kandung kemih.
SAKIT GIGI
Cobalah mengatasi sakit gigi dengan mengoleskan campuran 1 sendok teh bubuk kayumanis dengan 5 sendok teh madu. Oleskan campuran ini 3 kali sehari hingga rasa sakitnya berhenti.
MENURUNKAN KADAR KOLESTEROL
Anda merasa kadar kolesterol tinggi? Cobalah campurkan 2 sendok makan madu, 3 sendok makan bubuk kayumanis dan campurkan dengan secangkir air teh. Ramuan ini dapat menurunkan 10% kadar kolesterol dalam darah, dalam kurun waktu 2 jam. Lebih manjur lagi bila diminum 3x sehari bagi anda yang mengalami kelebihan kolesterol kronis. Bahkan madu murni yang diminum bersama makanan setiap hari dapat menghindari tubuh dari timbunan lemak.
MASUK ANGIN
Gangguan masuk angin berat ataupun ringan dapat diobati dengan meminum campuran 1 sendok makan madu hangat dan ¼ sendok teh bubuk kayumanis setiap hari selama 3 hari. Ramuan ini dapat menyembuhkan batuk dan flu berat serta membersihkan lendir/ingus.
SULIT PUNYA ANAK
Masyarakat Yunani zaman dahulu telah memanfaatkan madu sebagai obat untuk meningkatkan kualitas air mani. Gangguan impotensi dapat disembuhkan dengan cara secara teratur minum 2 sendok makan madu sebelum tidur.
Wanita di Cina, Jepang dan negara-negara Timur. Jauh sejak berabad-abad llau telah menggunakan kayumanis untuk meningkatkan kesuburannya. Wanita yang sulit hamil dan bermaksud memperkuat rahim telah berabad-abad memanfaatkan kayumanis untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut.
Wanita yang sulit hamil dapat menggunakan sedikit bubuk kayumanis yang dicampurkan dengan setengan sendok makan madu yang kemudian dicampurkan ke dalam permen karet, yang terus dikunyahnya sepanjang hari. Sehingga sedikit demi sedikit ramuan ini akan bercampur dengan air liur lalu masuk kedalam tubuh.
Ramuan ini pernah dimanfaatkan oleh sepasang suami isteri di Maryland, Amerika yang juga belum punya anak setelah 14 tahun menikah. Mereka kemudian mulai memanfaatkan madu dan kayumanis. Beberapa bulan kemudian akhirnya isterinya bisa hamil dan melahirkan anak kembar.
GANGGUAN PERUT
Ramuan madu dan bubuk kayumanis dapat menyembuhkan sakit perut dan juga membersihkan luka-luka di perut. Menurut hasil penelitian di India, dan Jepang, campuran madu dan kayumanis dapat mengeluarkan gas dari perut supaya perut tidak kembung.
PENYAKIT JANTUNG
Makanlah roti yang telah dioleskan dengan campuran madu dan bubuk kayumanis secara teratur setiap hari. Ramuan ini akan menurunkan kadar kolesterol di pembuluh darah dan menyelematkan anda dari kemungkinan serangan jantung. Bagi anda yang telah mengalami serangan jantung, roti yang diolesi dengan madu dan bubuk kayumanis ini akan mencegah terjadinya kembali serangan jantung.
Ramuan ini juga dapat menyembuhkan sesak nafas dan memperkuat detak jantung.
SISTEM KEKEBALAN TUBUH
Kebiasaan sehari-hari minum campuran madu dan bubuk kayumanis akan memperkuat sistem kekebalan tubuh dan melindungi tubuh dari serangan bakteri dan virus. Riset yang dilakukan oleh sejumlah ilmuwan menemukan, bahwa madu mengandung banyak vitamin dan zat besi dalam jumlah banyak. Pemanfaatan madu secara terus menerus akan memperkuat darah putih untuk melawan penyakit akibat infeksi bakteri dan virus.
AWET MUDA
Minumlah campuran teh dengan madu dan bubuk kayumanis secara teratur untuk menghambat penuaan dini. Campurkan 4 sendok madu, 1 sendok bubuk kayumanis dan 3 cangkir air lalu rebuslah menjadi semacam teh. Minumlah ¼ cangkir sebanyak 3-4 kali sehari. Manfaatnya untuk menyegarkan dan melembutkan kulit serta mengahambat proses penuaan.
JERAWAT
Bagi anda yang berjerawat, cobalah membuat pasta dari 3 sendok makan madu dan 1 sendok teh bubuk kayumanis. Oleskan pasta ini pada jerawat sebelum tidur, dan cucilah wajah anda saat bangun tidur pagi dengan air hangat. Lakukan perawatan ini setiap hari selama 2 minggu, maka jerawat pun akan hilang darai akarnya, dan wajah menjadi halus mulus.
MENURUNKAN BERAT TUBUH
Minumlah secangkir campuran madu dan bubuk kayumanis yang telah direbus, setiap pagi, 30 menit sebelum sarapan pagi saat perut masih kosong dan pada malam hari sebelum tidur. Minumlah secara teratur maka akan menurunkan berat badan bahkan untuk mereka yang mengalami obesitas sekalipun. Bahkan minum secara teratur campuran air madu dan kayumanis ini bermanfaat untuk mencegah menimbunnya lemak di dalam tubuh.
KELELAHAN
Sejumlah riset terkini membuktikan, gula yang mengandung madu membantu memperkuat daya tahan tubuh. Setengah sendok makan madu yang dicampur kedalam segelas air dan bubuhi dengan bubuk kayumanis kemudian diminum setiap hari setelah menggosok gigi dan pada sore hari sekitar jam 15.00 ketika vitalitas tubuh menurun, dapat memperbaiki meningkatkan vitalitas tubuh dalam waktu 1 minggu.

FLU DAN PILEK PADA ANAK-ANAK

2007-07-26T00:56:00.001-07:00

Flu disebabkan oleh infeksi virus. Tidak ada obat pilek yang efektif untuk bayi adan anak. Lamanya flu bervariasi bisa 3 hari samapi 2 minggu. Tergantung daya tahan tubuh kita saat itu dan tergantung ada tidaknya orang lain yang juga sakit flu di rumah atau di sekolah si anak.
Yang paling dibutuhkan saat anak sakit flu adalah Cairan. Termasuk air buah. Upayakan agar anak sering minum meski sedikit-sedikit. Selain itu, supaya “ingus” tidak kental dan menyumbat jalan nafas, berikan air garam steril sebagai tetes hidung.
Air garam steril ini adalah air garam yang ada dalam tubuh kita sehingga tidak akan menimbulkan efek samping. Hal lain yang juga banyak membantu adalah memberikan uap air panas (bisa dicampur dengan vicks) untuk hirup oleh anak/bayi.
Bila malam hari bayi tidak bisa tidur karena hidung tersumbat, berikan tetes hidung untuk menghilangkan pembengkakan di dalam hidung misalnya lliadin. Di lain pihak, kita sering mengacaukan alergi dengan flu. Pada alergi yang sering mengenai hidung, anak juga akan “meler” dan itu tidak berarti anak menderita infeksi virus flu. (diolah dari beberapa sumber).

10 cara Mencegah Flu dan Masuk Angin

2007-07-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Perubahan cuaca yang sulit diramalkan sering diikuti dengan “musim masuk angin” dan juga batuk pilek. Apa saja yang bisa kita dilakukan untuk mencegah terkena dan tertular flu?
Rajin mencuci tangan demi mencegah berkumpul dan tersebarnya kuman penyakit
Minum sedikitnya 8 gelas sehari, agar keseluruhan sistem dan daya tahan tubuh berjalan baik
Jangan menghirup ingus kembali, tetapi buang saja, agar tubuh dibersihkan dari berbagai toksin/racun
Berpakaian hangat. Cepat berganti pakaian bila kehujanan
Banyak mengkonsumsi makanan sehat dan memberi energi secara teratur. Perbanyak makan sayur dan buah-buahan.
Hindari menyentuh/memegang mata, hidung dan mulut
Minum vitamin C untuk memperkuat kekebalan tubuh terhadap penyakit.
Kurangi kontak secara langsung dengan penderita flu/batuk pilek
Usahakan beristirahat dengan cukup
Minum susu. (sebuah penelitian di University of South Australia menemukan bahwa asupan colostrum (susu yang diproduksi mamalia segera sesudah melahirkan) setiap hari dapat mengurangi resiko flu sampai 30 persen. Susu ternyata meningkatkan kadar antibodi dalam air liur manusia, serta melindungi tubuh dari penyakit. (diolah dari beberapa sumber).

Jamu Untuk Sakit Jantung (Penyempitan Jantung)

2007-07-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Penyakit jantung bisa kok dirawat secara rutin dengan minum jamu yang dibuat sendiri
Bahan:
1 buah Kulit pisang (semua jenis pisang, tapi kalau ada kulit pisang kepok)
2 ruas jahe
Caranya:
Jahe dicuci bersih lalu memarkan, campur dengan kulit pisang yang sudah dibersihkan, rebus kedua bahan ini dalam 1 gelas air, jadikan ½ gelas saja, campur dengan madu sedikit,minum ramuan ini sehari 1x saja

JAMU MENGOBATI PENYAKIT MAAG

2007-07-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
1 buah apel manis
Serbuk kayu manis 1 sendok makan
Madu murni 1 sendok makan
Caranya:
Buah apel dicuci bersih, lalu dijus bersama bubuk kayu manis 1 sendok makan, campur madu sedikit, lalu ramuan ini diminum sehari 2x.
Catatan: orang yang menderita sakit maag/lambung, harus menghindari makanan yang pedas, asam, bersantan, daging kambing.

Mendapatkan Kualitas Tidur yang Baik (Bisa Tidur Nyenyak)

2007-07-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
1 buah pala
Madu murni secukupnya
Caranya:
Buah pala diparut, lalu masukkan dalam air hangat, ½ gelas tambahkan madu 1 sendok nmakan. Lalu diminum sehari 1x saja.

JAMU BAU MULUT

2007-07-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
Temulawak 45 gr
Gula aren secukupnya
Caranya:
Temulawak dicuci lalu dimemarkan, rebus dengan gula aren secukupnya, rebus dalam 3 gelas yang dijadikan ½ gelas, minum 2 hari sekali.

JAMU MENJAGA DAYA TAHAN TUBUH

2007-07-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
1 ruas kunyit
1 buah jeruk purut
1 sendok madu murni
Caranya:
Kunyit diparut, peras dan saring dengan air matang jadi ½ gelas, campur dengan perasaan air jeruk purut, tambahkan madu sedikit. Lalu diminum sehari 1x. lalkukan perawatan ini secara rutin, selain menjaga daya tubuh juga bisa mengahluskan kulit kita. SHIPPPPP…..

JAMU MENYEGARKAN BADAN

2007-07-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
1 genggam daun jeruk purut
Caranya:
Daun jeruk purut dicuci bersih, rebus dalam panci, setelah dingin gunakan untuk mandi, campurkan dengan air biasa yang dipakai mandi.

Jamu Mengobati Typus

2007-07-26T00:28:00.001-07:00

Bahan:
3 buah ketimun yang masih muda
Caranya:
Buah ketimun dicuci, lalu diparut, peras setelah itu lalu minum airnya. lakukan pengobatan ini sehari 2x.

Mengobati Demam Berdarah

2007-07-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

Bahan:
Sediakan 1 genggam daun rambutan dan kulit rambutan
Caranya:
Daun dan kulit rambutan dicuci bersih, lalu direbus dalam 2 gelas air, dijadikan 1 gelas kemudian diminum sehari 2x.

Ramuan Memanjangkan Penis

2007-07-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

ga usah ke mak erot klo cuma pengen memanjangkan ukuran penis anda. cukup bikin sendiri dengan ramuan alami untuk keperkasaan laki-laki.
Bahan:
7 lembar daun jarak pagar
10 lembar daun jeruk purut
Caranya:
Kedua bahan dicuci bersih, lalu ditumbuk sampai halus, oleskan pada batang penis, tapi jangan sampai mengenai kepalanya. Lakukan perawatan ini selama 1 bulan secara rutin, sebelum tidur dan bangun tidur.

Ways to Fight Acne

2007-07-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

It is a complex problem that is made more complicated by the varying severity of acne from person to person. The diversification of the acne problem (whether minimal or severe) is one of the reasons why acne treatments fill up pharmacy counters today. Although some work better than others, we don’t really know for sure how well a particular acne solution is going to work.

Acne treatments, from store brand to company brand, are everywhere. Sufferers scramble to find the latest trends in acne medicine. A few years ago, cleansing pads were introduced during an era of topical applications. Today, the newer course of action involves seeking out alternative acne remedies as an answer. Many alternative remedies have been proven to do well in curing the skin. Amongst a few alternative acne treatment include natural acne remedies and herbal acne treatments.

Natural treatments claim to have lesser side effects than medications. On the average, natural treatments take longer to work than dermatologist prescribed medications so keep that in mind. Masques and gels form a part of the natural treatment contingent and many of them give off the aura of spa like treatments as well. Today, many natural treatments emphasize the experience of having something cool soothe your face while having healing properties at the same time.

Herbal acne treatments are typically more powerful than natural treatments, but take the same time to work. Alternative acne treatments should be considered for everyone suffering acne. It is a way to avoid the side effects of medication and who knows if it will work for you. It is important to keep in mind that there is little scientific proof that supports the claims of both natural remedies and herbal remedies. Medical solutions will always be backed by scientific proof.

In addition to using alternative acne treatments, it is important to pay attention to your diet. It has been proven that reducing the amount of inflammatory foods leads to less acne. Rubbing tea tree oil and powdered oatmeal into your blemishes have been proven to work as well. Don’t pay attention to the myth that says poor hygiene is the cause of acne. Remember, acne starts beneath the surface of the skin as a result of bacteria and oil buildup. By having the knowledge firsthand on your condition, you are better equipped to acne free skin tomorrow.
by carefair.com

Stopping Aging Before it Begins

2007-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

20s and 30s are the New Face of Cosmetic Surgery
With almost everyone intent on slowing the aging process, increasing numbers of young people, both male and female, are opting for treatment. The idea is to actually stop aging before it even begins, therefore the trend is one of preventive plastic surgery. Julius W. Few, M.D. an assistant professor of plastic surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine located in Chicago believes this trend is sure to continue.

Young people in their 20s and 30s are opting for Botox injections to slow or stop wrinkles, choosing to get these injections at the first sign of wrinkles. Botox stops the muscles from contracting by blocking the transmissions of signals from the nerves to muscles.

Some cosmetic surgeons believe that by starting this early will result in less work being needed later on. Dr. Few believes that using Botox or other similar anti-aging treatment to control wrinkles early on may prevent the development of deeper creases as the person ages.

In addition to Botox and other dermal fillers, the younger generation is also big on microdermasion and laser skin resurfacing so as to remove the outer signs of aging caused from environmental factors. It is a well known fact that sun exposure causes the skin to age, so by resurfacing, it is hoped that this effect is minimized.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics for 2006 had 102,068 persons aged 19-34 opting for laser skin resurfacing and 9,156 of those 18 and younger also getting this procedure done.

Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for 2006, shows that the number of Botox injections for persons aged 19 to 34 was 505,363 and 7,915 for persons aged 18 and younger. For other soft tissue fillers such as Restylane the numbers were 260,988 for the 19 to 34 age group and 5,423 for those aged 18 and under.

Another top anti-aging procedure for the 19 – 34 age group was microdermabrasion with 249,877.

Vice president of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) believes in starting patients young, guiding them towards proper skin maintenance as a first step. Others in the industry also believe that proper protection from the sun and caring for the skin is the best way to help minimize the amount of work that may be needed as persons reach their 50s and 60s.
by carefair.com

How Young is Too Young to Use Anti-Aging Products?

2007-07-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

With the sales of anti-aging products continuing to climb, the skin care and anti-aging industries are churning out more creams, serums and lotions than we can count. So why are teens so interested in using the same anti-aging products when they already possess plump, radiant, smooth skin that’s free of fine lines and wrinkles?

For one thing, being a teenager involves caring about personal appearance - as well as being more appealing to the opposite sex. It’s hard for young girls to resist magazines ads, commercials and billboards advertising beauty products that are guaranteed to maintain a youthful and sexy complexion, while snagging the perfect dream guy. With celebrities dishing out their anti-aging beauty secrets, many girls (and guys) want to get a head start to make sure they, too, can look young forever. Even though this may seem like a harmless and even positive change from a parent’s point of view, be cautious of the anti-aging products you allow your teen to buy.

The main items a teenager’s daily skin care routine should consist of are: cleanser, toner, moisturizer and the typical acne or blemish treatments. The use of sunscreen or skin care products containing SPF is vital, as this age group is the most prone to developing skin cancer in later years. The signs of aging and skin damage related to UV rays don’t present itself until much later on in life, so it’s crucial that teenagers make sure they keep their skin protected at all times.

Other than these key items, teen skin doesn’t need much else. However, there are a few anti-aging products that are completely harmless for teens to use:

· Eye Cream: Like adults, teens can suffer from under eye puffiness, irritation and even fine lines. When using an anti-aging eye cream, be sure to read the label and take note of the ingredients. Gentle, natural ingredients are ideal. Make sure the product isn’t formulated for mature skin, as this skin type tends to require higher concentrations and may contain chemicals that are too harsh for young skin.

· Firming Cream/Lotion: Usually meant for sagging, dull skin, teens can also benefit from using firming creams and lotions. There are a number of trusted brands that can be found in the drugstore that won’t irritate or harm a teenager’s skin.

· Microdermabrasion: Whether it’s done professionally or using an at-home kit, microdermabrasion has grown to become popular with people of all ages. Gently exfoliating the top layers of the skin to reveal healthier skin cells, even tone and smooth rough, damaged skin does not pose a threat to teens. If done at home, carefully read the directions and do a patch test first.

Before investing in any anti-aging product, consult with a dermatologist and address any concerns you or your teen may have. As long as you stress the use of sunscreen daily as well as a healthy skin care regimen, your teen’s skin will be perfectly prepped for the long term so keep them away from anti-wrinkles creams, serums, peels, and other products designed specifically for mature skin.
by carefair.com

Anti Aging : Wrinkle Fillers: The Next Fountain of Youth?

2007-07-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

There are many options on the market today for reducing those fine lines and wrinkles that seem to make their way to our faces by the time we are celebrating the mid-life crisis. Some are topical in nature, and some are surgical. One procedure that many are turning to is a wrinkle filler, which will give similar effects to surgery without the need for a general anesthesia and a long recovery period. While wrinkle fillers have been used for many years now, the technology of the procedure is constantly advancing and improving to make the process safer and longer lasting. If you would like to say goodbye to some of your deeper lines and wrinkles, perhaps a soft tissue filler procedure is the answer for you. But before you make an appointment for your wrinkle filler, there are a few basics that you should know about this process.

As you age, your body begins to lose collagen, which is the process that contributes to the lines that begin to develop on your face as well as to your sagging skin. Without collagen, your skin cannot maintain the elasticity of its youth. It stands to reason that by injecting collagen back into the skin, you would be able to effectively erase some of those signs of aging. This is essentially what a wrinkle filler will do, although the substance that is injected will vary, based on the type of procedure that is done. According to many of the manufacturers and doctors who perform wrinkle fillers, there are a number of areas that will effectively respond to this type of treatment. Wrinkle fillers work best on moderate to deep lines and wrinkles, as well as sunken cheeks and crow’s feet. For mild lines and defects, a topical agent is generally recommended first, since it is less invasive than injections.

Types of Wrinkle Fillers

There are a number of different types of wrinkle fillers on the market today, and they will vary based on the substance that is injected under the skin to replace the collagen that is lost. Most will use collagen that is human or bovine in nature, or will contain a base ingredient called hyaluronic acid or HA. The material used will determine how long the procedure will generally last (anywhere from three months to a year or more), how likely you are to have an allergic reaction to the injections, and how expensive the process will be. If you are considering a wrinkle filler procedure, talk to your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist about which procedure might be the best for you. In the case of a wrinkle filler injection, it will pay to collect your facts and seek professional advice before making a final decision.
by carefair.com

Aging Gracefully with Oily Skin

2007-07-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

If you have ever searched the drugstore shelves for a skin care product that will diminish wrinkles while effectively battling potential acne breakouts, you know that these products are few and far between. The truth is that anti-aging products for oily skin are not exactly a big market. Part of the reason is that oily skin does not always tend to show those fine lines as early as drier skin might. The other is that many of the ingredients that are used to treat wrinkles are apt to cause breakouts as well. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can successfully win the battle against aging even if your skin tends to be on the oily side.

The first step in finding a good anti-aging product for oily skin is to determine exactly how oily your skin type is. If you suffer from frequent acne breakouts, your skin may run on the very oily side, meaning that you will have to exercise additional caution before putting any new product on your face. However, if your pimples are few and far between, you may be able to get away with one of the standard anti-aging products on the market without causing any additional problems with your complexion. This will most certainly make it easier for you to find an effective anti-aging product for your oily skin.

Hope for the Acne-Prone

Even if you do tend to lean to the very oily side of skin care, there are products out there that may work effectively on your skin. The problem is that you may be experiencing dry skin on the surface, while the inner layers are still fairly oily. This means that you may need to find a way to moisturize that drier top layer of skin without adding to the oil problem below. Your best bet is to find a moisturizer for your face that does not contain any wax, oil or lipids. This way you can keep your top layer of skin hydrated effectively without the worry of adding oil or clogging pores.

There are other factors that can come into play when fighting the effects of aging with oily skin. First, keep in mind that harsh cleaning will dry the skin out and lead to lines and wrinkles much earlier. Do not wash your face more than twice a day and avoid harsh soaps that will lead to excessive dryness. UV rays can also wreak havoc with your skin, leading it to age much sooner than necessary. Always wear sunscreen when you are outdoors, and make sure it is one that will work well for oily skin. It is also a good idea to limit hot showers to once a day, and avoid wearing more makeup than necessary. All of these habits will reduce dryness while treating oily skin.

Wrinkles and pimples don’t have to show up on your face at the same time. By exercising some precautions in the area of skin care, you can fight the effects of aging while keeping your oily skin in check.
by carefair.com

Beauty and Skin Care for the Woman on the Go

2007-07-14T01:50:00.000-07:00

Being “Miss Busybody” is one thing, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin care. Whether you’re the stay-at-home mom who has to be everywhere at once, the top executive with endless meetings or the multitasking college student burning the midnight oil, there are helpful tips for staying beautiful on the go.

Time management is essential in any routine so the best way to accommodate your skin care regimen into your daily hustle and bustle is to save yourself time by planning ahead. Lay out your makeup items and skin care products you know you’ll need the night before. Display your products on your bathroom sink and arrange them in the order that you’ll be using them so you don’t skip anything. By already having your morning skin care and makeup items set up, all you have to do is wake up instead of wasting minutes looking for your favorite beauty item. It also helps to coordinate your makeup colors with the next day’s outfit ahead of time as well so you know that your look will be complete.

Use simple skin care and makeup items that don’t take forever to apply. Practice your makeup application until you feel so confident that you can do it in your sleep.

Showering at night saves you tons of time in the morning, so all you have left to do is cleanse, tone and moisturize. Learn to multitask effectively by using products like 2-in-1 cleansers that also exfoliate or tone. This frees up a few steps out of your morning skin care regimen. To help set your makeup more effectively, allow your moisturizer to sit on your face for at least five minutes prior to application. This helps makeup set better. While you’re waiting for your skin to completely absorb the moisturizer, start working on your hair and/or brush your teeth. By the time you get your tresses tamed and your smile bright, you’ll be all set to go for makeup.

Skip time-consuming eyeliner and opt for a light coat of mascara and stick to one shade of eye shadow. Dab on some lipstick or gloss. When it comes to foundation, one of the quickest ways to apply it in a hurry is to dot your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Then use a clean sponge to smoothly blend. Check in a mirror using a bright light to make sure there are no streaks or other problems spots. If foundation takes too long, go without and sport the natural look. The most radiant skin happens when your skin isn’t covered with layers of foundation, powder and concealer. If you don’t have the skin to pull off the “au naturale” look, then remember that less is more.
by carefair.com

Summer Skin and Your Worst Enemies

2007-07-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

Summer is vastly approaching and while we may love the warm weather, our skin will eventually pay the price. Sunburns and ticks are no stranger to summer weather or our delicate skin. Protection and first aid care are a must and while we hope you won’t have to face summer’s worst enemies, we’ve prepared a guide, just in case.

Sunburn

If you’ve ever stayed out in the sun without SPF for too long, then you know the consequences. Pale or dark skin, it doesn’t matter, sunburn can happen to anyone and eventually it can lead to skin cancer if you don’t protect yourself now.

Protect – Be sure to wear an SPF of 15 or higher and apply every two hours when you are out in the sun. Don’t forget the face and don’t skimp out on it. If you’re going to be out in the water, be sure to apply the SPF before and after you are in the water. Also, remember to wear sunglasses that will block UV light. Wear a big floppy hat to protect your face and ears. If you can, stay out of the sun when it’s at its harshest, which is usually between 10am and 3pm.

Symptoms – Generally sunburn symptoms will appear in 1 to 6 hours after being out in the sun. Your skin may look pink or red and hot to the touch. If you have severe sunburn you may be a very dark red with swelling and blisters. You may also have fever, an upset stomach, dehydration, headache and dizziness.

First Aid – Get out of the sun immediately. If your sunburn is minor, place a cool wet cloth on the burn or take a cool bath since showers could be very painful. Afterwards, apply an Aloe Vera gel to the affected areas. If you’re running a fever or have pain, take a medication such as ibuprofen and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to re-hydrate. If the sunburn is severe and the blisters become infected, seek a medical professional immediately.

If you continue to expose yourself to sunburns, you could end up with wrinkled and saggy skin, brown spots, or skin cancer.

Ticks

If you’ve never been exposed to those little blood-sucking parasites known as ticks, then you’re lucky! Ticks can be found living in tall grass, woods and mountains. They will attach themselves to you, latching onto your skin and digging in. Most tick bites are not dangerous, but there are a few that can cause serious illness.

Protect – To prevent a tick bite, stay away from tall grass or any areas that are infested with ticks. If it is impossible to stay away from the area, wear pants that are tucked inside of your boots or socks and a long sleeved shirt. You can also use an insect repellant meant for ticks, on your skin and clothing.

Symptoms – If you have a tick bite, you may feel pain and see some swelling where the tick has attached itself. You may see a very small bump with redness and experience some itching that should go away within a week. If you begin to experience headaches, chills or a fever or have any other flu like symptoms it could be the sign of an illness from the tick and you should see a medical professional immediately.

First Aid – If you find a tick on you, remove it immediately by soaking a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and clean the area around the tick. Next, grasp the tick as close as possible with a pair of tweezers and gently pull it out. Once you have removed the tick, dispose of it by lighting with a match or flushing it down the toilet. Clean the infected area with rubbing alcohol and cover with a bandage if needed. If the tick bite is bothersome you can apply an ice pack to the bite. If you cannot remove the tick or left part of it’s body inside of you, seek medical help.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!
by carefair.com

How to Make Your Woman Feel Beautiful

2007-07-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

Perhaps those Valentine’s Day flowers and chocolate didn’t prove to your precious that you are indeed the man who thinks she is the most beautiful woman in the world, but never fear. Each day is an opportunity to make your woman feel beautiful. Below are a few tips to help you on your way.

Compliment a Facial Feature that you Rarely Recognize

Although you may constantly let your lady know that you love her lips, as the days go by it is important to let her know you love all of the things about her. Compliment an aspect of her face that perhaps you secretly love but she never sees you looking at, like her jaw-line or her cute and petite ears.

Pay Attention to a Place on her Body that often Goes Neglected

Do you always kiss your woman on the cheek when you see her? Mix it up and kiss her on her neck or her temple when greeting her as well as her cheek to let her know you think she is a special part of your day.

Give her a Foot Massage

Feet are often an overlooked and underappreciated part of a woman’s body. She will know you think she is beautiful when you insist on pampering her by giving her feet some loving attention. Who knows, you may even get a massage in return.

Find a way to Improve her Beauty Sleep

Sleep is a time for feeling relaxed, tranquil and beautiful. Whether you spend the nights next to your sweetheart or you kiss her goodnight and sleep alone, do something that will help her fall asleep and think of you thinking of her. Get her bath salts to soak in before bed or candles to scent the room before she dozes off.

Gift her with Something Unique Chosen Especially for her

Choosing a beautiful gift that is uncommon lets your lady know that you think about her as more than just a stereotypical girl. If you normally gift flowers from a fancy store, consider bringing her most favorite meal instead with flowers you handpicked for her. Instead of the typical gift of jewelry for her birthday, give her the gift of a spa day and special night out to let her know you are really thinking of her.
by carefair.com

First Wine Therapy Skin Care Line Combining Cosmeceuticals and Organics to Unveil at Cosmoprof

2007-07-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Herbwalk Inc., the creator of OLAVIE Chardonnay Wine Therapy spa products and treatments, is unveiling its new face line, Le Vin at Cosmoprof in Las Vegas on July 15, 2007. Le Vin is the first wine therapy facial skin care line in the market to combine cosmeceutical ingredients and organics to deliver physician-grade results.
Herbwalk Inc., the leader in antioxidant wine therapy skin care, announces the unveiling of Le Vin™, the first wine therapy face care line combining cosmeceuticals and organics at Cosmoprof North America in Las Vegas on July 15, 2007. By using high concentrations of peptides and organic herbal extracts, Le Vin™ is the first organics-based skin care line to deliver physician-grade results.

There will be six products initially in the Le Vin™ line: 1) Toning Cleanser, 2) Tri-Enzyme Exfoliation Mask, 3) Intense Hydro-Recovery Mask, 4) Eye Serum, 5) Face Serum, and 6) Face Cream. The first three will be for professional use only while the latter three are for both professional and take-home care. Unique to Le Vin™ is the patent-pending Vita-Vino Actif™. This super potent anti-oxidant complex is a unique combination of vitamins, Chardonnay grape seed extract and resveratrol, which brings about robust performance in stimulating cell regeneration, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, evening out skin tone, and protecting against free radical damage. Vita-Vino Actif™ can be found in the Eye Serum, Face Serum and Face Cream. In recent months, the popularity for Herbwalk's body line, OLAVIE™ Chardonnay wine therapy spa products, has manifested into a growing international sensation that has resulted in widespread media attention in both wine and beauty industries. Magazines that recently featured OLAVIE™ products and spas offering OLAVIE™ body treatments include major American and foreign publications such as Lucky (2/07), Life & Style (3/07), Gala (Germany, 5/07), and Wine Enthusiast (7/07). "I am glad that people are finally waking up to amazing benefits of wine therapy in skin care," says Ken Heng, Director of Marketing and Sales at Herbwalk Inc. "When we first started selling to spas, many people thought wine therapy only belonged in the wine country. However, with the tremendous success many of our clients have been experiencing in non-wine producing areas as diverse as Nashville, TN and Colorado Springs, CO, many spas are finally realizing skin care can be fun and effective at the same time!"

Originating in wine country, wine therapy uses grape seed extract for anti-aging purposes in skin care. According to research, grape seed polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds found in grape seeds, form a protective layer on the skin and stimulate the renewal of cells and collagen. Polyphenols also clear up free radicals, which damage and age cells.

OLAVIE™, exclusively incorporating the specific Chardonnay grape seed extract in its spa products, has had great success outside of wine country in the US, Canada, and Mexico -- being featured in popular hotels and resorts including The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton. "We believe the reason wine therapy is taking off in the hotel/resort spa market is that this treatment concept is the only one that can take advantage of cross-marketing opportunities offered by their Food & Beverage and Events Departments," says Ken Heng. Le Vin™ will be available at select medical spas and high-end spas starting August, 2007.

Herbwalk is the leader in wine-based spa treatments and products. For more information, visit the company's website at http://olavie.com or contact Joe Senart at 303-809-9811 or Joe.Senart(@)olavie.com.
by www.prweb.com

Elizabeth Arden Releases New Skin Care Cream

2007-07-13T18:06:00.001-07:00

Written by OJ Fagbire

A new skin care product, Intervene Pause and Effect Moisture Cream and SPF 15 Lotion, was introduced into the market by Elizabeth Arden, designed to "stop time" when a woman feels her most beautiful.

The cream and lotion are only part of an Intervene beauty line that slows the aging process and allows women to look younger longer while working to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Intervene 3-in1 Daily Cleanser Exfoliator Primer was created to gently remove layers of dead skin from the face and let the fresh look of new skin shine through, everyday.

Elizabeth Arden Releases New Skin Care Cream

2007-07-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Janie Lawrence tests the latest weapons in the war on cellulite

2007-07-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Is your body free of cellulite and ready for the summer? No, nor is mine, although I've lost count of how many women's magazines have posed that question since March.


	Get rid of cellulite: try these spa treatments

Such is the obsession with the orange-peel effect that there is now a plethora of treatments available.

According to Dr Trisha Macnair, reporter for Radio 4's Case Notes, they are all pointless and we're wasting our money.

"Cellulite is highly related to oestrogen and begins in puberty. It's a change in the skin when you get more fibrous tissue beneath the surface and tiny fibrous tethers pull on it. It's a natural ageing process."

Not surprisingly, Kristin Schaefer Centofanti, head of research and development for Ultratone, disagrees.

"That's like saying once you're flabby, you'll always be flabby. It's such a defeatist attitude."

Ultratone uses electrical impulses to target particular areas of cellulite.

"Electrical activity is intrinsic to all living processes.

If we mimic this impulse with a machine we can transform the body."

So, con job or beneficial treatment? There was only one way to find out.

Would our cynical volunteers be swayed by three sessions of the latest salon treatments?

FIVE OF THE BEST CELLULITE BUSTERS

Eporex
5/5
From £80 per treatment
(020 7436 3936; www.thefaceandbodyclinic.co.uk)

This is really mesotherapy without needles. A gel, a blend of herbs, vitamins and minerals, was applied to the area to be treated.

The idea is to push this through the skin using an electric current, so I had to place my hand on a small mat and immerse it in conductor gel.

The front of my thighs have always been a bit lumpy and stored extra water which gives them a bloated and mottled effect.

I was very doubtful that a treatment could improve their appearance, but I'm astonished at the results. My skin looks so much younger and smoother. Kate Molloy

Ultratone
4/5
From £35 per treatment
(020 7935 0631)

Pads with a small electrical pulse are attached to different muscles.

It feels weird because your muscles contract and move on their own and you get localised pins and needles, although it wasn't unpleasant and the strength of each pad could be adjusted.

After the second treatment several people told me I had lost weight.

I noticed a smoothness to my cellulite and everything seemed firmer. Alex Molloy

Gerard's seaweed treatment
4/5
From £50 per treatment
(Call 020 8202 2020 for your nearest salon.)

First you're exfoliated front and back, then smothered in seaweed and wrapped in clingfilm.

After the seaweed is removed there is a vigorous massage. It was very relaxing and I could ceertainly see and feel a change in skin texture after the first treatment.

After all three there was a very visible change. I'd have the treatment again. Catherine Ashby

Accent radio frequency device
3/5
From £150 per treatment.
(0800 028 7222; www.sknclinics.co.uk)

I was assured that the treatment would "melt away my fat" and my skin certainly got warm enough.

First some oil was applied to my skin and then a machine warmed it up to 40 degrees. Another machine then delivered electrical pulses to the heated area.

I could see a difference in the texture of my skin afterwards and it definitely felt smoother, but I didn't lose any inches. Suzanne Noble

Crystal Clear
3/5
£75 per treatment; new spa opening in Mayfair
(08705 934 934; crystalclear.co.uk)

The magic ingredient is a hand-held machine that gives sharp pinches to dimpled thighs and bottom.

It didn't shift my cellulite entirely, but I did notice a 30 per cent improvement in skin tone and texture, thanks in part to a deeply relaxing massage.

Best of all two pounds had dropped off. Casilda Grigg

The latest in home treatment: Lasers

2007-07-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

By Shari Roan/Los Angeles Times
Laura Beard was flipping through a women's magazine when an advertisement caught her eye. It sounded simple enough: Aim a laser at individual blemishes — in the privacy of one's home — and the skin will clear up within a day or two.

The cost, $150, gave her only slight pause. If the device worked, it would save her the time and money she spent on acne treatments and dermatologist visits for herself and her daughter. "I have very dry skin, so I have to be careful about using acne remedies with benzoyl peroxide," says the 53-year-old Memphis woman. "This sounded so positive."

With the evolution of laser technology, do-it-yourself personal care has entered a new realm. Consumers can now calm acne flare-ups, plump facial wrinkles and restore thinning hair with a variety of hand-held devices. Others in development could treat superficial wounds, relieve pain and remove body hair.

"This field will grow because we have discovered how to channel the power of light and cause reactions in the skin and hair," says John Carullo, director of marketing for Sunetics, manufacturer of a hair-regrowth device. "It's quite an exciting industry, and it's on the verge of exploding."

Home hair and skin appliances using lasers or, in some cases, heat, can spare consumers from tiresome trips to the doctor's office and may be less costly, over time, than monthly in-office facials and hair treatments. But they won't work the same kind of magic that can be conjured up with more high-powered tools. And some may even be a waste of money.

"It's a matter of degree," says Dr. Harold Brody, a clinical professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta. "If people are trying to treat mild conditions, it may help. But if it's something severe, they will need the help of a dermatologist."

The popularity of in-home treatments mirrors the use of medical devices by physicians, says Dr. Wendy E. Roberts, a Rancho Mirage, Calif., dermatologist and assistant professor of medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

"I think eventually these could be effective for home use," she says. "But right now, there are questions about the efficacy of some of these systems. There's a lot of hype."

Consumers may have especially high expectations for home lasers.

Lasers release a special form of light in a single wavelength; by contrast, normal daylight consists of varying wavelengths. Hot lasers, the kind used by health professionals in the treatment of skin resurfacing and tattoo removal, are high-energy devices that cause heat damage to the skin, triggering a healing response.

Cool lasers are sometimes called low-level lasers or low-level light therapy. This type of laser doesn't damage tissue and is safe to use at home. They work by passing a beam of light through the skin to reach cells below the skin's surface and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Energy produced by cool lasers appears to prompt the production of collagen and ATP (the energy source needed for cellular functions), promote blood circulation and boost the release of growth factors and the removal of waste products from cells.

"I sincerely doubt any of these things are so aggressive that they would produce side effects," says Brody. "But the effectiveness is going to be mild too."

Consumers may think that Food and Drug Administration clearance means the devices work similarly to those used by doctors. But FDA clearance of this type means only that the manufacturer has submitted some data showing effectiveness for the device's intended purpose. Usually this means the device is based on similar, proven technology. Devices that do not have FDA clearance may only be proven as safe.

For example, devices to stimulate hair regrowth for balding men have been sold over-the-counter for years although manufacturers couldn't claim the devices helped regrow hair. The approval in February for the HairMax LaserComb was a milestone because the manufacturer produced scientific data to show the product had some effect in growing hair.

But not every light-based hair and skin device has received FDA clearance.

"Consumers need to ask enough questions to make sure what they are getting is truly efficacious," says Dr. Mark Solomon, a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia and spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Over-the-counter devices don't hurt anybody, so you can sell them. But that doesn't mean they work."

The American Cancer Society has warned that low-level light therapy products in particular are being touted for conditions for which there is little or no proof that they help, such as pain relief, inflammation, smoking cessation, herpes, high blood pressure and migraines.

Although there is some research supporting the effects of low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth and acne, there is little or no data to support other uses, Roberts says.

Consumers should seek a doctor's advice for persistent skin or hair problems, Brody says. A home device could lighten a skin lesion that is actually a melanoma skin cancer or remove scaling skin, the symptom of another type of skin cancer.

Hair removal

Professional laser hair removal is a $2.7 billion dollar business, and makers of home laser devices hope to tap into the market. In December, the FDA cleared a home device from Gillette, but the device won't be available this year.

"We are not going to launch something until we are 100% satisfied with everything about the device," says Kelly Vanasse, a spokeswoman for Gillette. "We're still working on it."

The concept behind laser hair removal is that light emitted from the device is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair follicle. The energy is converted to heat, causing the hair to fall out in a couple of days. Repeated treatments are needed to target the hair follicles in their various stages of growth.

Some data suggest that the hair that grows back is lighter and finer, but it's not clear how often the hand-held device will have to be used.

Professional laser hair removal treatments can cost $300 or more per treatment (several are needed), but can eventually eliminate shaving.

A Pleasanton, Calif., company called SpectraGenics is already selling a home-use laser hair removal device outside the country. The company is seeking FDA clearance to sell the device in the United States, says Robert Grove, president of SpectraGenics.

"Laser hair removal in an office setting is an enormously successful enterprise," he says. "The convenience of doing laser hair removal at home we think will be of great interest."

Hair regrowth

About 55 million American men have some degree of hair loss, thus creating a potentially big market for an effective at-home treatment.

The HairMax LaserComb may be an option for men who don't want to pay for hair restoration surgery but who also don't have high expectations. It delivers a specific wavelength of light that stimulates the hair follicle, says its manufacturer, Lexington International.

In studies by the manufacturer, the device increased the number of thick hairs in 93 percent of 120 users. The average increase in hair density was 19 hairs per square centimeter — roughly a 20 percent improvement in someone with thinning hair.

The device costs $545 and must be used 10 to 15 minutes a day, three times a week to maintain the effect.

In contrast, laser hood treatments, which are available in clinics and cover the entire scalp, can cost hundreds of dollars per treatment and need to be repeated at least twice a week.

Hair transplants provide a more permanent solution but typically cost thousands of dollars. Topical medications, such as Rogaine, run about $10 per bottle for the generic but produce only modest results for some users.

The laser hair comb is not backed by randomized, controlled studies done by independent researchers, says Dr. Paul Cotterill, president of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. The device may be best suited for men who are serious about hair regrowth, such as those who undergo hair transplantation and want to augment the result at home, he says.

"This new laser comb won't hurt, and it may help at maintaining hair," Cotterill says. "But I want to see third-party studies — studies that have not been done by the people who produced it."

Other laser hair regrowth devices are on the market but haven't received FDA clearance to make claims of effectiveness. Sunetics, which sells the Laser Hair Brush, is applying for FDA clearance, says John Carullo, the company's marketing director.

Acne treatment

The two home-based laser acne devices on the market — ThermaClear and Zeno — are not meant to help prevent acne or improve chronic acne, but simply to treat existing blemishes. Both are based on laser technology used by dermatologists and use controlled bursts of heat.

"Unlike topical products, the heat device is able to penetrate the layers of the skin," says Peter Scocimara, chief executive of Therative, which makes ThermaClear. "This will not prevent the onset of new acne lesions. People still need comprehensive therapy."

Most dermatologists think the devices are handy for people who want to treat the occasional, untimely pimple. The burst of heat, which isn't painful, destroys the bacteria in the pimple and helps the skin heal faster.

Zeno, the first device to receive FDA clearance, in 2005, clears 90 percent of blemishes in 24 to 48 hours, according to its manufacturer, Houston-based Tyrell Inc. ThermaClear will heal acne two to four times faster than normal (normal varies among individuals) than if left untreated, according to its manufacturer, Therative in Livermore, Calif. The devices don't work on blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne.

Both Zeno and ThermaClear cost about $150. No studies have been done comparing the devices with topical or oral acne treatments.

Skin rejuvination

RejuvaWand, which purports to soften facial wrinkles, sends red and infrared light into the skin in four-minute treatments. The device, which became available in February for $200, is designed to stimulate cellular production of collagen, plumping up wrinkles and thin skin.

RejuvaWand has not received FDA clearance although the manufacturer, Light Dimensions in Palo Alto, Calif., has applied for the designation.

The company recently announced the conclusions of its own clinical study of 36 women showing that 67 percent reported an overall average improvement of 13 percent in facial wrinkles and skin texture.

The improvements increased slightly after 60 days of use. The device must be used daily for 60 days and twice a week thereafter to maintain the effects.

"If you look at what we're doing — a nonthermal, nondestructive type of energy applied to the skin — we're getting a statistically significant amount of improvement," says Dr. Leonardo Rasi, a laser surgeon in Redlands, Calif., who performed the study under contract with Light Dimensions but who has no other financial ties to the company.

But, he says, "this is not going to replace all doctors' lasers and light treatments."

Other doctors are dubious. In-office treatments, such as laser treatments, filler injections and face-lifts, can be painful and costly — ranging from about $500 to thousands of dollars — but produce results that are substantial and predictable.

The small amount of improvement cited in the RejuvaWand study may not impress consumers any more than the results they get from over-the-counter skin creams.

"Theoretically, this could work," says Dr. Wendy E. Roberts, a Rancho Mirage, Calif., dermatologist and assistant professor of medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. But, she says, more detailed studies are needed.The latest in home treatment: Lasers

Treatment for acne scars

2007-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

by Sebastian Foss

There are several forms of treatment for acne scars in current usage.

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the skin is removed by abrasion (sanding). It is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is very painful and usually requires a general anaesthetic or twilight anaesthesia, in which the patient is still partly conscious Afterward, the skin is very red and raw-looking, and it takes several months for the skin to regrow and heal. Dermabrasion is useful for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars. Acne No More Click Here - To Cure Acne Holistically

In the past, dermabrasion was done using a small, sterilized, electric sander. In the past decade, it has become more common to use a CO2 or Erbium:YAG laser. Laser dermabrasion is much easier to control, much easier to gauge, and is practically bloodless compared to classic dermabrasion.

Fractional Laser resurfacing is a procedure which wounds the skin using microscopic pulses of light to wound the skin. Over the course of several treatments scars are softened as the body regenerates the areas of microthermal wounding. Several lasers are now on the market such as the Fraxel Laser, Affirm Laser, and Pixel Laser.

Laser resurfacing is a technique used during laser surgery wherein molecular bonds of a material are dissolved by a laser.

Chemical peels

Punch techniques

Subcision is a process used to treat deep rolling scars left behind by acne or other skin diseases. Essentially the process involves separating the skin tissue in the affected area from the deeper scar tissue. This allows the blood to pool under the affected area, eventually causing the deep rolling scar to level off with the rest of the skin area. Once the skin has leveled, treatments such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels can be used to smooth out the scarred tissue.

Acne is more commonly found in the western countries especially of the American and European continents. This could be because of a higher genetic disposition in these areas. There are many natural and ayurvedic treatment of acne. Many herbs and medicinal plants mentioned in ayushveda.com are very effective in acne natural cure.
§ Application of buttermilk on the affected regions is also helpful.

§ Prepare a mixture of nutmeg and red sandalwood in water. Apply this mixture on the face.

§ Application of a paste of thorns of the semolina in milk for three consecutive nights will help reduce the eruptions.

§ Application of a paste of thorns of the semolina in milk for three consecutive nights will help reduce the eruptions.

Herbs for Acne

§ Sarsaparilla

§ Red Clover

§ Yellow Dock

§ Burdock

§ Dandelion Root

Dry Skin and Eczema Treatment Laundry Tips

2007-07-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know that your clothes could be causing or exacerbating your dry skin or eczema? Here are some laundry tips that could prevent itching, flare-ups and infection. Along with a good dry skin treatment product that helps retain natural moisture and keep out irritating chemicals, changing your laundry habits could be all you need. Here’s how you do it.

One of the biggest offenders is new clothing. New clothes often contain impurities, excess dye, chemicals that help the material maintain its shape or wrinkle less easily, and so on. These chemicals can dry the skin, and can also irritate existing dry skin conditions or cause eczema flares. Washing new clothes before you wear them removes these irritating substances. This also applies to sheets, pillow cases and other bedding that touches your skin.

Always use fragrance free detergents and soaps. Contrary to what you might think, that ‘lemon’ scent is not from lemons, and that ‘spring fresh’ scent is not from newly mown grass and wildflowers. Soaps and detergents are scented with toxic chemical sprays that irritate dry skin and exacerbate eczema.

Whatever your laundry detergent, make sure you rinse twice to ensure all of the detergent is out of your clothes before you put them on.

When buying clothes and bedding, choose natural materials – cotton, wool, silk and hemp – but go organic. You may have heard of ‘green’ clothing. Green does not refer to the color; it refers to the fact that the fibers were grown without chemicals. Before the ‘green’ clothing movement, about 25 percent of the world’s insecticides and 10 percent of pesticides were used to grow cotton. More than 84 million pounds of pesticides were used in just one year, and seven of them were known carcinogens. All those chemicals wind up in our clothes, and they’re hard to get out.

Wearing green clothes can help prevent and treat dry skin and eczema and reduce eczema flares.

Using the laundry tips above, and using a good eczema and dry skin treatment that helps prevent absorption of any chemicals you can’t avoid could be all the skin treatment you need. Give it a try!
by www.theopenpress.com

Keep your feet healthy and be a sole survivor

2007-07-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

YOU'VE bought those glamorous thonged flip-flops, funky sling-back wedges and vertiginous strappy sandals. You've even clipped and painted your toenails in the must-have colour de jour.

But feet are among the hardest-working parts of our body, yet often the most neglected - just ask Victoria Beckham who was recently snapped with her bunions squashed into high-heeled sandals.
Bunions, blisters, cracked heels, nail fungus, nasty odours, calluses, hard discoloured skin - there's nothing nastier than catching a glimpse of a stomach-churning foot ailment, ruining a perfect look.

And if your tootsies have spent their adult lives cocooned in boots, crammed into dangerously-high heels or even let loose in sweaty trainers, the chances are they will need a complete overhaul when it comes to the summer unveiling, with three out of four of us suffering from some sort of foot problem.

Most of us take a whopping 18,000 steps every day and walk 100,000 miles in our lifetime so it's crucial to take care of our feet to prevent serious problems developing. And no, a simple pedicure or dousing in moisturiser will not do. Only chiropodists and podiatrists, who specialise in foot health, can treat and solve the nasty medical conditions that plague many a foot.

These foot doctors not only solve problems but also prevent them from recurring through specialist care and knowledge.

"Your feet are in shoes most of the time and people often don't look after them, seeing them as something at the end of their legs," says Edinburgh podiatrist, Anne Sibbald of Natural Therapies, a foot doctor for more than 20 years. "What we forget is that, as we're walking, our feet hit the ground at an approximate acceleration rate of 30mph and that's why it's so painful if you stub your toe.

"Feet are also very good shock absorbers too."

Edinburgh podiatrist Toni Blacklock, of the Edinburgh Podiatry Clinic, agrees and adds: "Feet are the last part we wash in the shower and are often forgotten about when moisturising.

"Why? Because unless they remind us they're there, they're taken for granted and, if something goes wrong, everything stops. There's little worse than sore feet."

According to Toni, neglecting our tootsies doesn't just lead to bunions and sore knees, it can also have more serious consequences. Foot problems are directly associated with back pains and with hips so damaged they might eventually need to be replaced. Ultimately, poor foot care can result in limited mobility.

Anne continues: "If you don't look after your feet, long term you can get chronic problems, which not only affect your feet but your knees, ankles, hips and even the back. By looking after your feet at an early stage, you're less likely to get problems."

Anne, who's also the Edinburgh secretary for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, stresses that because the feet are the most overworked and overlooked part of the body, people should sign up for an annual check-up to prevent rather than cure ailments.

"Podiatrists can actually check to see if you're likely to get problems and advise early on," she adds. "Think of it as a check-up because, if your feet go wrong, it can cause huge amounts of problems and impact upon your daily life."

And if you think hard skin or cracked heels are fine, you should think again.

"Hard skin, if left too long, isn't good either," says Anne. "In diabetics, it can lead to ulceration under the hard skin. Hard skin in general can hide serious problems. And cracked heels can end up leading to cellulitis and other infections."

According to the NHS website, both chiropodists and podiatrists are qualified to diagnose and treat abnormalities of the lower limb, as well as give advice on the prevention of foot problems and foot care.

Chiropodists are available at The Scholl Total Footcare Centre, where they diagnose and treat every foot problem imaginable. Tonic Health on Commercial Street has a podiatry clinic, as does Medicalternative. The Bruntsfield Chiropody, A1 Chiropody and the Brougham Foot Clinic are all popular clinics too.

However, once any foot problems are solved, it's time to visit a pedicurist - the experts of the beauty world at keeping feet in top condition.

Salon LA, on Broughton Street, offers some of the very best foot care in the Capital and its pedicure experts treat both men and women.

All their deluxe pedicures are carried out on a throne chair - a New York-style massaging leather "throne" with a hot spa foot soak attached. The luxury pedicures treat the skin and nail area to ensure feet not only look but feel their best.

A foot soak in eucalyptus spa crystals and exfoliation soften and reduce the build-up of hard skin, followed by the expert shaving offhard skin, leaving a baby smooth appearance.

Massage then stimulates the foot and leg and the treatment is finished by intensive nail and cuticle work. The treatment lasts one hour and 15 minutes and costs £35. Also try Agnieszka (Anoushka) at Urban Angel on Lord Russell Place. Pure Nail and Beauty, at Ocean Terminal and on Lothian Road, is another place where your feet can be pampered but staff at the salon urge clients to visit a chiropodist first.

Foot expert Debbie Mason says: "We are professionals at making your feet look their finest but we cannot sort out foot problems.

"It is always best to see a chiropodist first to resolve any medical ailments before they get serious.

"The medical treatments will leave your feet in a condition that will benefit greatly from pedicures. By working side by side we can achieve optimum results."

But Toni says: "While a pedicure will make feet look and feel nice, a podiatry treatment will rejuvenate them in addition to assessing and treating everything for the now and for the long-term. We address all."

• An appointment with Anne Sibbald of Natural Therapies costs from £25. Telephone 0131-476 7272 to book. For an appointment with Toni Blacklock at the Edinburgh Podiatry Clinic (Medicalternative), call 0131-225 5656
TOP TIPS ON HEALING THE PAIN OF HIGH HEELS

HIGH heels are an essential part of a female's wardrobe - lengthening pins and minimising rears. They have long been the party essential. But high heels often become "killer" heels, leading to problems such as blisters, corns, calluses and foot pain.

But according to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, women can enjoy their love affair with heels and save their soles. Here's how:

1. Limit high heels for special occasions.

2. Never wear high heels for more than eight hours a time.

3. If the heel feels too high, never wear it.

4. Everyday wear heel height shouldn't be more than 4cm to 5cm.

5. Shorten your stride in high heels. This will minimise damage to your feet.

6. Let the experts advise on the right size shoe. Sizes vary according to the brand and style, so have them correctly fitted and check that there is up to half an inch of space in the shoe beyond the longest toe, and that the shoes are not too narrow.

7. Give feet extra special attention during and after wearing high heels. Exercise the calf, heel and foot muscles by stretching them out to increase circulation and help them relax.

8. Regularly give your feet a moisturising massage after wearing high heels to help foot muscles relax and put back some of the essential moisture lost to backless or open-toe shoes.
by living.scotsman.com

Natural Skin Care Treatment in the Sun - To Block or Not to Block?

2007-07-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

With summer now solidly underway we’re all using more sunblock. However, it has now been confirmed that absorption of the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens doesn’t stop at the skin: absorption continues right into the bloodstream and the organs. What are your options? Natural skin care treatment – including natural sunscreen and a good shielding lotion that helps keeps chemicals out.

The study, published in The Journal of Chromatography, tested four common sunscreen ingredients. The results showed that all of these ingredients were absorbed through the outer layer of the skin, and at least one of them penetrated through the skin to be later detected in the bloodstream and urine.

When you consider the number of years we use sunblock, this is not a healthy situation. What are your options? Any skin care treatment product should be free of toxic chemicals, and sunscreens are no exception. The combination of a natural sunscreen and a good shielding lotion should keep you well-protected, and healthy.

The best sunscreens contain minerals that deflect or reflect the sun. Titanium Dioxide is the most common sun reflector used in natural sunscreens. It bounces the UV rays off the body and thereby prevents sunburn and absorption.

The other ingredient you need in natural sunscreen is para amino benzoic acid (PABA) ester. Its primary function in sunscreen is to absorb the UV rays, thereby preventing them from penetrating to the skin. PABA is very safe. In fact, it’s part of the B vitamin family and is produced naturally from folic acid.

These ingredients provide an SPF of 25, and block both UVA and UVB rays.

Where does the shielding lotion come in? Right before the sunblock. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that locks in natural moisture and prevents absorption of chemicals. And since it does not wash off in water, you can depend on its protection for hours without reapplying.

Protecting yourself with natural sunscreens and other natural skin care treatments could prevent skin cancer and the myriad of problems created by an overload of toxic chemicals. Choose the right products today, and it could save you years of worry and illness tomorrow.

by Professional Free Press Release News Wire

One in three do not protect their skin from the sun

2007-07-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

More people than ever are worried about skin cancer yet one in three do not use sunscreen to protect their skin, a survey has revealed.

More than 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, and recent research predicts that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer will treble in the next 30 years.

Yet the The Institute of Cancer Research, who polled 2,000 people, found half of those surveyed did not know any signs of the disease.
The Institute's SAFE campaign found 60 per cent of those questioned were more worried about skin cancer now than they were ten years ago. But a third of people do not use sunscreen when sunbathing, one of the key ways to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) light and avoid skin cancer.

However, the message about the dangers of sunbeds (another source of harmful UV light) is getting through, with 82 per cent saying they do not use them.

Professor Richard Marais from The Institute of Cancer Research said: "These results reflect the fact that people are deeply concerned about skin cancer, but that many people still do not know how to look after their skin.

"The number of people getting skin cancer is rising dramatically, so it is vitally important that everyone is aware of how to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun.

"Most cases of skin cancer can be avoided, and if caught early enough the disease can be treated. That is why everyone should know the signs and symptoms of the disease and visit their doctor immediately if in any doubt."

About 2,000 people die from skin cancer every year in the UK. There are two types of the disease: melanoma and non melanoma. Non melanoma is the most common, affecting 67,000 people a year in the UK, and is usually treatable with surgery.

Melanoma is the more serious form, affecting 8,000 people in the UK every year. If not caught and treated early the cancer can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.

Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research commented: "The Institute of Cancer Research is conducting cutting edge research to help find better treatments for skin cancer. Many important breakthroughs have been made but there is still much more to do. That is why we urge people to support the SAFE campaign so that we can keep up the good work."

To find out more about the SAFE Campaign log on to www.safe-campaign.org

What to look out for: If you notice any of the following changes you should visit your GP immediately:
• New sores and lumps that do not heal after a month
• Spots, sores or moles that bleed, itch, develop a crust or hurt
• Unexplained skin ulcers
• New or existing moles which appear to be growing or changing shape
• New or existing moles which are a range of shades of brown and black
• New or existing moles which are larger than 6mm in diameter
• New or existing moles which have jagged edges
by www.dailymail.co.uk

Skincare Ingredients – What Do they Mean?

2007-07-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

You’re at the cosmetic counter at the mall, looking to invest in a few new products for your skin. You choose several products and compare the ingredients, but you ask yourself, what is hyaluronic acid? Or, you’re at the drugstore and notice your cleanser has new packaging with headlines such as “antioxidant-rich” and ingredients such as kinetin and Vitamin A. You ask yourself, is it still good for my skin?

Gone are the days when skincare products were simply categorized for dry, normal or oily skin. Over the past decade, products have (and continue to) evolved with sophisticated new formulas and ingredients that can mimic products and treatments once found only in dermatologist’s offices. Here is a quick guideline on how to decipher the current list of 50-cent words on product labels.

Antioxidants

Chemicals that halt the oxidation of cells and ward off free radicals, unstable electrons that lead to cell breakdown. Cell breakdown leads to fine lines, loss of moisture and elasticity, dull, rough appearance and discoloration. Common antioxidants used in skincare are Vitamins A, C, E and K.

Alpha Hydoxy Acids (AHAs)

A group of chemical compounds that can occur naturally or chemically that can help reduce aging and wrinkling and improve the skin’s look and texture. AHAs include glycolic (the most commonly used in skincare), malic, citric, tartaric and lactic.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

A mild acid that helps with the sloughing of dead skin cells that can clog pores and deep cleans without overdrying. The most common BHA is salicylic acid.

Coenzyme Q10

A fat-soluble antioxidant with a similar structure to Vitamin K. Plays an important role in preventing cell breakdown and promotes cell renewal and an increase of hydration, moisture and cell revitalization.

Hyaluronic Acid

A jelly-like substance that occurs naturally in the soft connective tissues of all living substances and can also occur in some cartilage and joint fluids and skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid holds moisture within the collagen and elastin of the skin and can hold 1000 times its weight in water.

Hydroquinone

A powerful, topical lightening ingredient that was once available only in dermatologist’s offices. Over the counter products only allow up to 2% of this ingredient. When using hydroquinone, one must use it on a three-months on, three-months off basis, or as soon as discoloration is less noticeable.

Kinetin

A botanical-based ingredient found in plants, which helps plants to retain water. When used in skincare products, kinetin helps treat the signs of photoaging and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

Idebenone

Pronounced “ee-dee-bee-known”, its structure is similar to Coenzyme Q10 but its function is more powerful. Along with the treatment of wrinkles, idebenone has been successful in both cerebral and some organ studies.
by carefair.com

Let Your Skin Breathe

2007-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Everyday we put our skin in harm’s way, whether we realize it or not. UV rays and environmental pollutants are common culprits when it comes to upset skin but what about what you wear? Surprisingly enough, the very material your skin comes into contact with can trigger rashes, irritation and other negative skin-specific responses. Learn what fabrics you should stay away from and which ones you should include in your wardrobe and in your life.

Dry skin, eczema, acne prone and sensitive skin types often have the toughest times maintaining happy skin. When the use of a daily skin care routine isn’t enough, look around your home to see what factors may be contributing to the problem. This includes the clothes you wear, the sheets you sleep on and even the pillowcase you rest your head on at night.

When it comes to clothes, completely avoid harsh fabrics such as wool, which can easily irritate any skin type and cause severe itchiness. Although Spandex, Rayon and Lycra don’t pose a direct hazard to your skin the way wool does, it’s still important to limit how long you wear this type of material throughout the day. These fabrics are widely used in leggings and athletic wear and are being used more often in dresses and other form-fitting fashions. As stylish and comfy as Spandex, Rayon and Lycra can be, your skin is not able to breathe properly and wearing these restrictive garments for too long can trap sweat and other surface debris, leading to breakouts and zits on the chest and back. Make it a point to never lounge around the house in these fabrics and remove them as soon as you get home so that your skin can breathe - the same goes for all clothes that are designed to fit tightly on your body. Hop in the shower or bath soon after so you get a head start in washing away the sweat, oils and other dirt that may have accumulated underneath the fabric.

In order to avoid putting your skin at risk, be sure to wear safe and natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, tencel (this fabric is made from wood pulp and is cool, smooth and dry), linen, silk/satin and hemp. Because these contain natural fibers, the chances of irritation or contact dermatitis is greatly reduced, not to mention that the cool and soft feel pacifies upset skin.

In addition to the clothes you wear, you also need to be mindful of the sheets you sleep on, the pillowcases you use and even the furniture you relax on. Before you start to get worried, switching out harsh fabrics for gentler ones is a simple task. To ease your nights, turn to satin pillowcases and silk, linen or cotton sheets. These fabrics allow your skin to breathe at night and are restrictive so you can toss and turn as you please. If you own a couch or comfy recliner that irritates your skin but you don’t want to toss it out, buy blankets made of cotton or another skin-friendly material that you can wrap yourself in so you can enjoy the coziness of your furniture without putting your skin at risk. By following these tips you’ll be able to simplify your life and your skin care.
by carefair.com

How to Make Your Own Night Cream

2007-07-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

A good night cream can restore your skin’s elasticity, making it soft and smooth. A good night cream can renew skin as well as help keep skin moisturized. What a good night cream does not do however, is come reasonably priced. For a good night cream you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $200. If you’re on a budget like most of us are, then that can be quite a bit of money. You don’t have to spend a lot for a night cream, however. Making your own night cream can be just as good, but with the added benefits of being all natural, as well as reasonably priced. Here are a few you can try.

Almond Oil Night Cream for Dry Skin

3 tbsp. almond oil

2 tbsp. hydrous lanolin

2 tbsp. cocoa butter

2 tsp. rose water

1/2 tsp. honey

Using a double boiler, melt almond oil, lanolin and cocoa butter until it forms a smooth texture. Remove the mixture from heat and add the rose water and honey, and blend. Allow to cool before apply the homemade mixture to your face. Store any unused mixture in the refrigerator.

Almond-Rosewater Night Cream for Dry Skin

½ cup of almond oil

¼ cup rose water

2 tbsp white wax

Using a double boiler, melt the wax and almond oil just until smooth. Add the rose water and let cool before applying to your face. Store any unused mixture in the refrigerator.

Olive Oil Night Cream for Oily Skin

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup vinegar

¼ cup water

3 tbsp white wax

Melt the white wax and olive oil in a double boiler until smooth. Add the vinegar and water to the homemade mixture and let cool before applying to your face. Refrigerate any unused mixture.

Cucumber Night Cream for Normal Skin

½ cucumber chopped with skin

1 egg white

½ cup olive oil

In a blender, combine cucumber, egg white and olive oil and blend until smooth. Apply the homemade mixture to the face and relax for about 20 minutes. Remove with a dry cloth. Refrigerate any unused mixture.

Apple Night Cream for Sensitive Skin

2 cups chopped apples

2 cups olive oil

1 cup rose water

Place the apples in a blender and blend until smooth. Next, add the apples to the olive oil and heat in a double boiler over a low flame. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the rose water. Let cool before applying. Refrigerate any unused mixture.

Some Useful Tips:

To apply the above homemade night creams, use only a dab and apply using an upward, circular motion until the cream has absorbed into skin.

Never apply the creams to your upper eyelids since it can cause puffiness.

If you would like your homemade night cream to have a wonderful scent, you can add a drop of your favorite essential oil to the mixture.

It is best to throw away any unused night cream after 4-6 days.
by carefair.com

Copper Peptides and Cosmetics

2007-07-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

On the market since 1997, copper peptides are major players when it comes to the rejuvenation of skin. Nowadays, people scramble to find the fountain of youth, or product that will make them appear younger. Skin care is one of the main beneficiaries of scientific research, research that discovers new surgical procedures, treatments, ointments with the latest fad molecules, and anything else that could provide effective. As molecules have been studied as anti-aging promoters, one molecule stands out and that is the copper peptide. Its effects on the human skin cannot be denied.

Copper peptides are a chloride solution that generally react with amino acids and proteins and have the effect of decreasing fine line in the skin and improving skin’s elasticity. Wrinkled skin is helped with its firming properties and protection from the sun is also provided by its antioxidant qualities which eliminates the damaging elements caused by the sun. They also go hand in hand with other anti-aging molecules that have penetrated the market like AHAs.

Copper peptides are especially adept at fighting cellulite. The cottage cheese look that is caused by waste accumulating under the surface of the skin can be offset by the effects of copper peptides using its anti inflammatory effects. In addition, copper peptides also help to speed the recovery of skin lesions. That, coupled with proteins that help build tissues and heal damaged tissue under the skin, help to give copper peptides the ultimate seal of approval.

Another molecule that go hand-in-hand with copper peptides are alpha hydroxyl acids, also known as APAs. Many creams, lotions, and skin care products have this ingredient working. These also help with improving the appearance of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Those with sensitive skin can also benefit from APAs with few side effects that may include irritation. As with copper peptides and APAs, it is important to use these products gradually and seeing how you react before going on a daily treatment regimen. Although copper peptides contain proteins that protect against cellulite affected tissues, it is always wise to pay attention to the warning label.

Today, consumers can find copper peptides in various leading cosmetic brands. If you want to speed up wound healing, smooth rough skin, improve skin firmness, reduce fine lines, improve your skin tone, and bring irritated skin back to normalcy, look no further than cosmetic products with copper peptides.
by carefair.com

Transitioning Your Skin From Winter to Spring

2007-07-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, the first spring flowers are beginning to push through the ground and your skin is telling you it’s time for a change in your daily routine. Winter months are naturally drier and indoor heat works against us to further decrease the humidity our skin needs to stay soft and supple, so we bring out the extra-emollient creams and butters and our skin thanks us for them. But with spring comes an often unnoticed increase in moisture both in the air and in our skin. If we continue to hold that moisture against our skin, especially our faces, we often see unexplained breakouts that last longer than usual. But fear not, a few simple steps will help effortlessly transition your skin from winter to spring leaving you with a look that puts the brightest flowers to shame.

Start with your cleanser. Be sure you’re using a formula for your natural skin type. We often need to switch to a dry skin formula in winter months. Go as gentle as your skin will permit without giving up all the necessary deep cleaning or acne fighting benefits you need to stay looking smooth and polished.

Speaking of polished, add a gentle exfoliant to you facial cleanser. You’re shedding dry skin and want to rid those flakes as soon as possible. Stay natural by using oatmeal or any number of other food products that benefit your skin while polishing away dead skin. Don’t limit exfoliation to your face. An all-over scrub will leave you feeling revived and your body shinning. Try a mint scrub for added energy and a tingling clean.

Don’t forgo the moisturizer, even on the most humid days. Switch to a lighter formula – the more natural ingredients it uses the better. Apply smaller amounts, paying closer attention to your eye area and lips.

As temperature rise outside, your body temperature will increase, too. Be ready with a quick change of foundation formulas. Try a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. Apply the moisturizer and allow plenty of time for it to dry before applying concealer. Allow time for that to dry, especially around your eyes, before applying powder and color cosmetics. This allows your skin time to acclimate to the product and decreases clumping and smudging. When you apply your powder, use a brush instead of a sponge or pad. This gives your face room to breath and aids in decreasing oils throughout your day. When those oils do escape, have blotting tissues on-hand to remove the shine without losing your make up.

As an added measure in your transition from the dry months to the sun-soaked days of spring, invest in an equalizer that balances your skin’s hydration and pH. Spritz a small amount all over your face after cleansing and follow immediately with moisturizer. Look for equalizers that use plant extracts so you’re not adding chemicals to freshly cleansed skin. At any time during the day you can give you skin a boost with a small spritz. Most formulas are designed to absorb into your make up without smearing or leaving water spots.

by carefair.com

3 Ways to Hairless Happiness

2007-07-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

As more and more people opt for hairlessness each day, they begin seeking alternatives to less work and better results. Shaving is perhaps the easiest fix when dealing with a last minute emergency. However shaving often irritates those with sensitive (i.e. razor burn), the hair grows back quickly with the blunt edge cut from the razor causing stiff stubbles. Of course most men - and many women still shave on a daily basis, yet there are other options out there, some dating back centuries! Threading, sugaring and waxing are the top three best temporary hair removal methods that leave you with longer-lasting hairlessness!

Threading

Threading, by far the gentlest form of hair removal for the skin, is a simple process involving a cotton thread that is twisted and pulled along areas of unwanted hair. The thread acts like a mini-lasso, lifting the hair follicle directly from the root.

There are several major reasons why threading is the superior treatment:

The Ouch-less Factor – Since threading is able to target the individual hairs, so skin irritation is kept to a minimum, unlike waxing which often causes unnecessary stretching and the removal of the skin’s delicate top layers.

Au Naturale – Threading is 100% natural, there are no artificial waxes, chemicals, or invasive techniques used. Thus, individuals using certain medications like Retin-A and Accutane and those who have even had recent cosmetic surgery can still get hair removal without the worries of waxing! These medications/procedures make the skin ultra-sensitive and waxing could literally remove the top layers of the skin, exposing the delicate under tissue! Also, the majority of people that breakout from waxing tend to not do so from threading. Threading is completely safe and dermatologist-recommended.

An Art of Perfection – Threading is very precise and allows the Specialist performing the service to have greater control than waxing. This precision is especially useful in eyebrow shaping, where every hair is important! Often times when people wax they tend to take the tail of their eyebrow off, making it too short.

Destiny Control – Threading allows the freedom to create a more manicured brow or just enhance a person’s existing natural shape. The strand of thread is used as a guide to ensure that the proper line is followed, unlike tweezing which lacks this guidance and increases the risk of brow boo-boos.

Take it all off! – Even those short stubbly hairs can be removed, giving you the option of avoiding the cumbersome growing-out period that all waxers grow to hate!

Wrinkle Prevention – While waxing can tug, pull, stretch and even remove the delicate skin on your face, eventually facilitating the development of wrinkles, threading does not target the skin, so it won’t put a wrinkle in your day!

Sugaring

While threading is able to target individual hairs on the face and to remove strays in lieu of tweezing, it is not practical for arms, legs, and the ever-popular bikini, as it would require a huge time commitment! Sugaring is an amazing natural solution for these hairier, larger sections of the body!

Sugaring dates back to the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece. It began as a home remedy for hair removal and over the years, recipes for the sugaring gel were perfected and then passed on down through the generations – now treatments are available by professionals as well as DIY kits for the motivated!

Made of only sugar and lemon juice (and sometimes water), the ingredients are cooked until it is honey-like both in consistency and color. These very basic ingredients make it the most natural product for removing hair from bigger sections at one time.

Sugaring most closely resembles waxing, but is actually much gentler on the skin and less painful to endure:

Sensitivity and Pain – Sugaring gel can be used on the even the most sensitive skin. While still removing hair from the root, many claim it to be up to 50% less painful than waxing.

Hairlessness Not Redness – Since the sugaring gel sticks less to your skin than wax, it doesn’t pull on your skin as much when it is removed, and thus reduces the pain factor in the hair-free equation.

Denim - Not Just for Fashion – The weight of the denim cloth used in sugaring treatments, is heavier than the usual muslin strip used with wax, helping to eliminate discomfort.

Irritation Minimization – Sugaring gel is less abrasive to the skin and rids you of the risk of removing the top layers of skin as in waxing.

Sweet Results, Naturally – Since sugaring gel is only made from sugar and lemon juice, it is great for those who have specific allergies to the different resins and other ingredients found in wax (i.e. beeswax – some people are actually very allergic!) but who still want a longer lasting hair removal solution.

Simple, Not Sticky – Unlike wax, the sugaring gel is water soluble and any remaining gel, after the treatment is complete, can easily be washed off with water.

Waxing

Waxing is a tried and true method of hair removal and works for those with even the coarsest of hair, or hair that is slightly shorter than the ¼” requirement for sugaring. Many waxes now contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, like azulene oil, making the wax a gentle as possible.

A few tips when waxing at a salon/spa:

Beware of Double Dippers - Double-dipping is common in wax application in which the same wooden or plastic spatula is re-dipped back into to the vat of wax during the procedure. Unfortunately this technique increases the chances that any potential bacteria from one client could spread to another (yikes!). Ideally, you should only go to a salon/spa that doesn’t double-dip, however if you are unable to locate one in your area, you may always request that a new can of wax be used for your service, so at least the only germs you’ll be sharing are your own!

Better Safe than Sorry – Salons vary drastically, especially when it comes to technique and supplies used in waxing. It is in your best interest to research your waxing destination, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you are concerned with how your skin will react to a new wax, request a patch test, often salons will offer this quick appointment for free. Then give yourself at least 24 hours before committing to the real deal. If there is no reaction in the first 24-48 hours, it’s pretty much smooth sailing for you!

It Takes Two – Even if a salon is the cleanest you’ve ever seen, remember to do your part in the after care to ensure harmonious hairlessness:

· Please be kind to your skin, avoid harsh products that may cause adverse reactions, for the next 24 - 48 hours after your treatment.

· Refrain from using skin care products, like cleansers and moisturizers, which contain acids (i.e. alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, etc.)

· Avoid ultra-violet rays from tanning beds and/or sunbathing for at least 48 hours. Always wear proper UV protection.

· Resist the sauna and steam room for at least 48 hours.

· Hold off taking hot baths/showers for at least 2 hours after your treatment.

· Use a cold compress to help soothe the hairless skin if you feel any discomfort or irritation after your treatment.

· Medical experts recommend abstaining from sexual activity for the first 48 hours after any type of bikini wax. This time period is when your body is most susceptible to outside bacteria which can potentially cause an infection.

· Follow a daily exfoliation regime to help prevent ingrown hairs after the first 48 hours.

· Hydrocortisone cream may be used after any hair removal treatments to help reduce irritation and inflammation and can be found at your local drug store.

Lasting Results – What to Expect

Of course everyone’s hair grows at different speeds, but generally speaking, hair will start to grow back about 2-3 weeks after it is removed from the root, as in all three treatments (threading, sugaring, waxing) mentioned. Unlike the sharp edge created by shaving, you will notice that your hairs grow back softer – in short: no rough stubbles!

Hair Removal Regimes

Threading – twice a month (every 2-3 weeks) is ideal, specifically for maintaining your brow shape. Remember that with threading the hairs can be shorter than they need be for waxing!

Sugaring & Waxing – once a month (every 3-5 weeks) helps reduce the pain. Just remember that your hair should be at least ¼” in length (or long enough to lay flat on your skin) for optimum results.
by Shobha Tummala carefair.com

The Battle of the Calories

2007-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Counting calories has become an obsession for many people concerned with health and fitness. In order to lose weight safely, it’s very important to know how many calories should be consumed without putting your health at risk. Once you know that, it will be super easy to put together a diet you can follow.

Contrary to popular belief, calories are good for you. Without them, your body wouldn’t have enough energy to make it through the day. However, consuming too many calories without burning them off through exercise can result in weight gain. By knowing what foods to stay away from and keeping track of the amount of calories and fats you eat on a daily basis, you’ll be able to successfully lose weight without worry.

Knowing the difference between good and bad fats is key in the food choices you make. Saturated fats are bad for your body and are responsible for high cholesterol. This type of fat is mainly found in eggs, seafood, dairy and meat. Trans fats are also unhealthy and are used in many commercially packaged foods to ensure longer shelf life. You can find trans fats in any bag of chips, French fries, margarine and microwaveable popcorn. Unsaturated fats are the ones to include in a healthy diet. There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol and can be found in nuts, canola oil and olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats also work the same as monounsaturated fats and are found in salmon, fish oil, corn, soy and sunflower oils.

An easy way to replace bad fats with good fats in your daily diet is to read the labels of the products you buy. All of the ingredients and nutritional information is listed in detail so you know exactly what you’re getting. Switch to using canola oil or olive oil for cooking. When grocery shopping, cut out the commercially packaged food to avoid trans fats and opt for foods that are trans-fat free. Because dairy is an important part of the food group, switch to skim milk instead of whole and when it comes to preparing meat for dinner, trim off the excess fat.

When it comes to calorie counting and losing weight, the key is to lose weight slowly instead of all at once. Trying to shed 15- 20 in a short period of time is an unrealistic goal dieters have that can actually backfire. Losing too much weight at once only results in gaining it back after going off the diet. A more realistic goal is to lose no more than 2 pounds per week.

In order to know how many calories you should cut back on, you’ll need to figure out your BMR, which is the amount of energy your body needs to function properly. There are BMR calculators online that help simplify the math. Once you know your BMR, you can begin setting your caloric intake goal. The easiest way to count calories is to keep a diary of the food you eat each day - don’t forget to list how many calories each food has. With each day, you’ll be able to keep an accurate count of how many calories you consume. Be cautious, as calorie counting can become additive and can cause you to lose more calories than necessary. Never consume less than 1,200 calories per day.
by carefair.com

Wear What You Eat – Making Masks From The Fridge

2007-07-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

No one does it better than Mother Nature, and skin care is no exception to that rule. Get together with some friends and have fun whipping up these quick and easy recipes for facial masks that require ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator.

For normal skin , this peach and oatmeal mask loaded with alpha-hydroxy acids that help soften wrinkles, reduce blemishes and unclog pores is just for you:

Cook one medium peach until soft, then mash. Add one tablespoon honey and enough oatmeal to thicken the mask. Apply evenly to skin and wait ten minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

For normal to oily skin , try this blend of carrots and honey:

Cook until soft, then mash 2-3 large carrots. Mix with 4 tablespoons honey. Gently apply the mask to your skin and wait ten to twelve minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

For oily skin , strawberries and honey will help reduce excess oil and refresh enlarged pores:

Mash nine strawberries into a pulp. Add three tablespoons honey. Mix well, but don’t over do it or your mask will be runny. Apply to entire face and wait three to five minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

If your skin is oily and acne prone , let this apple and honey mask spruce up your natural glow and texture:

Core and grate one medium sized apple. Blend with three to four tablespoons honey. Smooth over entire face and relax for eight to ten minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

If your skin is normal to dry and prone to bouts of acne , let this aromatic mask work to remove toxins and oils that reduce blemishes and tighten pores:

Boil five bay leaves in one cup distilled water and allow to cool. Strain the leaves, but keep the liquid. Slowly add the bay liquid to four tablespoons French clay. Mix until it is medium thick. Dab and blend onto skin and allow mask to dry for up to twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

For dry skin , your mask of bananas and honey will restore vitality to over-stressed skin:

Lightly mash two medium bananas. Don’t over mash or mask will be runny. Add two tablespoons honey and lightly blend. Apply to skin and wait ten minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

Want to get crazy? Try this recipe for a banana bread mask that will moisturize, soothe, soften and cleanse your skin along with the added bonus of a whole wheat flower antioxidant:

Mix well ½ very ripe mashed banana, a pinch of nutmeg, two tablespoons ground oats (put rolled oats through a clean coffee grinder or blender until it is a fine powder.) Add two tablespoons whole wheat flour. Blend in milk or cream until mask is a smooth paste. Apply to a clean face and enjoy for five to ten minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.

Because there are no preservatives in these recipes, they should be used immediately and then discarded.
by carefair.com

The Brazilian Wax

2007-07-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

So you have finally decided to take the plunge and get your first Brazilian style bikini wax. A Brazilian bikini wax removes all of the hair in the bikini area, including the crack of the buttocks. The practice of this kind of waxing originated in Brazil, which is where the practice got its name. The wax is performed in a similar way to any other wax, much like a leg wax, but the area is more sensitive. Many women prefer the Brazilian method of bikini waxing because it leaves skin looking and feeling clean. To experience the best results from your wax, follow these simple tips before and after visiting the salon.

Grow your Hair out for Several Weeks before Waxing

If you are used to shaving your bikini line, stop this practice for several weeks to several months before getting a Brazilian wax for the best results. For a clean look and feel, it is important that the hair is long enough to be ripped fully out from the root, or else shorter hair gets left behind leaving the skin looking and feeling patchy.

Keep your Skin Moisturized

Dry skin can end up feeling itchy and irritated after an intensive wax. Be sure to moisturize your skin well before a wax for healthy, soft skin afterwards.

Expect Discomfort

A Brazilian bikini wax is an intense experience. The first time is definitely the hardest, because much of the hair has never been pulled out before, even if you had a less extensive bikini wax in the past. Know that the pain is very temporary, and by the time you leave the salon, you should not feel any discomfort at all.

Allow your Skin to Breathe

After a Brazilian bikini wax, give your skin a chance to breathe and be comfortable. Your favorite pair of painted on jeans may not be the best choice for directly after your first wax. Wear loose fitting clothes and no synthetics, especially if you have easily irritated and

Use Baby Powder to Soothe Skin

Baby powder is soothing to irritated bikini lines. Use some after your wax, and put some on before bed for a night free of irritation due to sweat and friction on the sensitive newly waxed skin.
by carefair.com

Sunburn Remedies

2007-07-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

With the decline in the ozone layer, sun damaged skin and sun burns can be prevalent everywhere in the world at practically any time of the year. Although many people suffer from burns from the sun, many people do not take treatment and prevention of these burns seriously. Repeated sunburn of the skin is strongly linked to skin cancer, and anyone who is serious about their overall general health should not take the burning power of the sun lightly. Remember, it is impossible to know how harsh the sun’s rays are on any given day. Cloud cover and fog can make you feel safe when in reality your skin is in for a burning surprise.

There are many ways to help your body recover from and help prevent sunburn. Here are a few:

Internally

1. Eat foods high in protein to help your body repair tissue, and eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables for the vitamins and minerals your body needs for healthy skin. Taking trace minerals will also help give the body what it needs.

2. Drink plenty of fluids, because sunburn dehydrates the body.

3. Drink horsetail tea or take supplements. Horsetail is a good source of silica which aids in tissue repair.

4. The protein amino acid L-Cysteine promotes the healing of burns, and can be taken as a supplement.

Externally

1. Sunburn prevention is the key to healthy skin. Avoid too much time in the sun, and protect yourself with a hat and light colored, light weight clothing.

2. Aloe vera is used in the burn units of some hospitals because of its amazing healing affects on burned skin. Gently apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area and reapply every hour until the pain is gone. It is best to use the gel from the leaf of an actual aloe vera plant.

3. There are many herbs that can be used externally to aid in relieving severe sunburn symptoms. An herbal bath of chamomile or lavender can be very helpful. Try using 6 cups of tea made from either herb in your water, or about 6 drops of the essential oil in your bath should do the trick. Comfrey, Calendula, and St. Johnswort have all been used in compressed that can be applied to the affected area. Tea tree oil helps heal skin burns and other skin irritations, and products rich with it can be helpful as well.
by carefair.com

SPF, UVB and UVA: What Does it all Mean?

2007-07-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

We all know that one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from the sun is to regularly use sunscreen. Experts say you should use a sunscreen with SPF 15 anytime you are going to be exposed to the sun for more than 10 minutes. Studies have shown that using SPF 15 everyday provides more protection than using a higher SPF intermittently.

But, How does Sunscreen Work?
The letters SPF stand for Sun Protection Factor, but there are still moderate discrepancies as far as what exactly the numbers indicate. Many sources say that the SPF number is directly correlated to a specific amount of time a person has before they start to burn. Really, the only thing that is known for sure is that the higher number, the more protection. For all practical purposes, an SPF number should be thought of as a general scale to evaluate the level of protection.

A good sunscreen will block exposure to both UVB and UVA rays. They do this by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin. Neither UVA or UVB rays are visible, but both can separately cause damage to the skin. UVB rays, or ultraviolet light, type B, can cause cellular damage to outer layers of the skin, drying and aging the skin. They penetrate into the deepest cell layers of the epidermis and are the main cause of sunburn, DNA-damage and the development of skin cancer. UVA rays, or ultraviolet light, type A, penetrate deeply into the connective tissue. They cause immunosuppression and chronic light-induced damage. UVA rays are also responsible for phototoxic as well as photoallergic reactions.

Nearly all sunscreens provide some level of protection against UVB rays, though no product yet screens out all UVA rays. SPF sunscreen numbers indicate sunburn protection from UVB rays only. No rating system yet exists for UVA, but if you check the ingredients, the presence of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide indicate that the sunscreen protects from both.

Experts stress the importance of using the recommended amount and re-applying at the correct intervals. Most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount, so read directions carefully. Sunscreen needs time to penetrate the skin, so it is essential to apply it one-half hour before going out in the sun, and should be reapplied every 2-4 hours, or immediately after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.

If you want to keep yourself protected from the sun at all times, avoid being in direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, wear tight-weave clothing that covers your body, as well as a hat—and wear sunscreen!
by carefair.com

Why it’s Okay to Eat More Than the Standard 3 Meals a Day

2007-07-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

The concept of eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner has been deeply ingrained into our minds for years. But new studies show that eating five meals a day is a healthier and more effective way to lose or maintain a steady weight. How is it possible to lose weight when you’re constantly eating? The answer may surprise you.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the idea of eating five meals a day does not mean consuming huge meals throughout the day. It’s all about portion control. There are many misconceptions when it comes to how the human metabolism works so let’s take a crash course on how this part of the body functions.

Your Metabolism

Your metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns calories and turns it into energy. This rate is based on the foods you eat. Maintaining a healthy metabolism is important because your body’s metabolism is always working—even when you’re asleep. Your metabolism is responsible for creating new cells and tissue, maintaining body temperature, repairing injuries and helps with the overall performance and function of all bodily activities.

The Benefits

The more food you eat, the more active your metabolism will be. By introducing more meals into your regular diet, your metabolism burns off calories more efficiently and helps with food absorption into your body. Eating three times a day often leads to hunger pangs as you wait for your next meal. This can result in overeating and weight gain. Eating five meals a day curbs hunger pangs and suppresses your appetite, which keeps you from consuming too much food in one sitting. Overall, you’ll feel more energized and focused with your metabolism constantly working. When you eat the same amount of calories spread throughout the day in multiple meals, your body burns 10% more calories than normal.

How to Eat Five Meals a Day

The best way to make eating more meals work for you is to learn portion control. You can’t lose weight if you eat five huge meals. It’s all about breaking it down into smaller portions that sustain your appetite throughout the day. A good way of measuring the portions of your meals is to use your first or size of your palm as a reference. This is more than enough food to keep you going.

· Start off with breakfast and include as much fiber as you can get.

· Be sure to eat a small meal between breakfast and lunch. This can include fruit, a baked potato, celery, etc. These types of foods keep you full and will tie your over until lunchtime.

· For lunch, have something handy like a sandwich, hearty salad or microwaveable pasta.

· Once your lunch is digested, it’s time for your next meal before dinner. Again, snack on small foods that aren’t bigger than the size of your palm. Grab a handful of crackers to keep hunger pangs down.

· Dinner should not be a huge portion. Follow the palm measurement for this meal as well. By the time you get to dinner, the small meals you’ve digested will have taken effect, so you won’t have the appetite to consume a large dinner anyway.

Once your body adjusts to the change, you’ll find it easier to avoid binge eating or stuffing yourself and you’ll have more energy than you’ll know what to do with.
by carefair.com

Is Fasting Harmful or Helpful?

2007-07-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

The concept of fasting used to be associated with religious and cultural traditions in an attempt to seek God. Now fasting is steadily becoming the method of choice for those who seek to lose weight. From fitness fanatics to teens, the idea of fasting is easily becoming more attractive but if fasting is pursued without a full knowledge of how it works, it can have dire consequences.

Fasting, for those not familiar with the term, is the practice of abstaining from a meal or the overall consumption of food for a predetermined amount of time. Outside of religious purposes, people are often asked to fast in order for an accurate blood test to be performed. But what about using fasting as a method for weight loss?

Many people who want to fast have the misconception that if they avoid eating food for a few days or weeks, they’ll shed excess pounds faster and emerge with a healthier body. However, medical experts do not approve of using fasting as a healthy weight loss method. What many people don’t realize is the loss that occurs during fasting is not substantial weight loss, but fluid loss. Fasting to lose weight can be hazardous to your health if you are not already leading a healthy lifestyle. If you have a preexisting health condition, fasting will only make your body and immune system more vulnerable.

Doctors explain that fasting is not meant to be a weight loss tool because it slows down the metabolic rate. When this happens, it makes it easier to gain back the weight once you go back to your normal diet and eating habits. Losing excess weight to gain it back again is a dangerous tug-o-war if you become dependent on fasting as a means to lose weight.

One of the most dangerous factors that happen when you try to lose too much weight during a fast is that it causes your body to burn its own muscle for energy. Our bodies are designed to prevent drastic weight loss and fasting only confuses the body, giving it no other choice but to go into recovery mode. Fasting can also cause diarrhea, which can result in dehydration and constipation. The dramatic loss of calorie intake, vitamins and minerals can also have an effect on your appearance - literally causing you to look gaunt and tired.

When it comes to fasting for weight loss, medical experts stress not falling into the hype. Fasting appears to be the easy solution to shedding unwanted pounds, but it isn’t worth risking your health. According to doctors, the best way to effectively lose weight is through lowering your fat intake, eating five fruits and vegetables a day, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep and daily exercise.
by carefair.com

How to Tame Binge Eating

2007-07-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Snacking is a common habit. Whether it’s in between meals or late at night, everyone has been guilty of eating favorite foods when it wasn’t really needed. But there is a dark side to snacking that can have very disastrous consequences. Binge eating is a common occurrence, especially for women and teens.

Binge eating is different from regular snacking in the sense that more food is consumed in a short period of time. Often people who binge are not eating because they are hungry, but because of depression, guilt, boredom, anger and even plays a part in eating disorders such as bulimia.

Teenagers are becoming a fast-growing group of binge eaters. The reason binge eating is so dangerous is because the person bingeing feels out of control and can’t stop eating, even when they are full. It is for this reason that binge eating is also known as compulsive overeating. Surprisingly, this type of eating disorder is not limited to those who are overweight. Those who suffer from bulimia are likely to take part in bingeing, which results in an unhealthy practice of overeating and purging. Boys and girls are both prone to binge eating.

Before worrying that you may be a binge eater, look over these symptoms that are common when it comes to those who suffer from this eating disorder:

· Eat large amounts of food when not hungry.

· Eat alone to cope with emotions.

· Feel guilty, angry, or ashamed after overeating.

· Overeats as a form of punishment.

· Eat much more rapidly than normal.

· Eat until uncomfortably full.

If you are indeed a binge eater, it is important to seek help. In addition to being bad for your health, binge eating can take a huge emotional toll that can disrupt your daily life. Visit a nutritionist or dietitian who can educate you about healthy eating behaviors and will work with you to tame the bingeing beast.

If your binge eating isn’t severe, set up a strict but easy to follow daily diet. Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. This will curb hunger pangs and suppress your appetite. Eating frequently will also prevent you from overeating. When you feel the need to snack, reach for healthy foods such as fruits and veggies. Throw out junk food, candy and other foods you would normally eat when you feel the need to binge. Many times when we think we are hungry, we are actually just thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and make it a habit to reach for it when you think you want to binge. Water is not only good for you but it will keep you full in a way that is healthy and natural.
by carefair.com

8 Secrets to Great Hair

2007-07-05T17:42:00.001-07:00

It’s no secret that we’ve all experienced a bad hair day or two. Dealing with unruly hair when it just doesn’t want to work with us or cussing at mother nature for her own hand in our hair problems. Whatever the reason, check out our secrets below for help in turning your bad hair day into a great one.

1. Use mini bobby pins instead of regular ones to hide the pins in your updos. Not only will the pins not be seen, it will also allow your hairstyle to be seen instead of the pins.

2. To get a smooth silky effect that will last for days, spray your head with hairspray before you straighten it with a flat-iron. To Do: Brush the sections of hair you want to straighten and then spray with a light mist of hair spray. Iron sprayed sections beginning at the roots and work the iron down to the ends.

3. For quick waves, crimp your hair with a crimping iron and then curl with a curling iron. Style the waves using your fingers and spritz with hairspray to hold the look. Or spritz hair with sea salt and water and scrunch hair for sexy-instant waves.

4. For an instant headband, try a pair of old panty hose or a pretty ribbon. The pantyhose keep hair in tighter than a normal headband and the ribbon is quick, easy and gives your hair some funky pizzazz! To Do: Cut off panty hose feet and torso, wrap around your head and tie the ends together. For ribbons, wrap around the head and tie. You can either hide the bow or show it off.

5. If you have a problem with the frizzies, try adding jojoba oil to the ends of hair or anywhere your hair is frizzy. For added moisture, heat the oil or wrap in a heated towel for a few hours. Afterwards, be sure to shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly to remove any traces of oil.

6. Using a spray-on or leave-in conditioner once a week will help penetrate hair cuticles and leave your hair feeling soft and looking beautiful. Find one that is non-greasy and spray or apply a dime size amount through hair from roots to ends after your regular shampoo and conditioning treatment.

7. Use Velcro rollers for a natural sexy look. To Do: Apply a small amount of styling product when hair is slightly damp. Next, roll up hair and allow to dry completely before removing. Remove rollers carefully and add a small amount of hairspray underneath hair.

8. Finally, if you want great hair, avoid chemicals as much as possible. Bleaching, perming and dying your hair are eventually going to take their toll on the health of your hair. If you want great curls, try rag rollers or braids. While you’re at it, you may want to lay off of the styling products as well. Too much of your favorite styling gel or spray can make your hair look dull and feel sticky.
by carefair.com

Hair today, gone tomorrow

2007-07-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

TODAY Style Editor Bobbie Thomas on summer's skin smoothing secrets
While most women already have a pre-pool party hair removal ritual, new technologies and products are making it easier than ever to achieve glossy gams and a beach-ready bikini line. From new Nair-like lotions to barber-type brushes, and the latest laser solutions, these hair removal methods will wipe away (literally in some cases) your stubble trouble. Whichever process you prefer, Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style Editor and author of the Buzz for In Touch Weekly, has got your summer guide to smooth skin — and answers to your most hair-raising questions too:

Shave
While blades and brushes were at one time considered the center of men’s grooming, and only an afterthought for women, creative companies are shedding those old-fashioned views, and focusing on fabulous shaving products that are perfect for HER. Davies Gate now offers a sugar plum scented shaving cream that warms upon contact with skin -- opening pores to result in a close-as-can-be shave ($20; daviesgate.com), while Whish Body is a luxury line specifically deigned for ladies who want to pamper their legs. Shaving brushes covered in crystals, “shave crave” cream, and “shave savour” after-shave lotions are whimsical and womanly ($28-$180; whishbody.com). And even men’s shaving Mecca, The Art of Shaving, is now embracing the experience for women. Their four-step “perfect shave” concept has been converted into a women’s line infused with Rose Absolute, withnew products like pre-shave oil and ingrown hair night cream ($18-$60; theartofshaving.com).

Creams and Sprays
For those who want to avoid going under the razor, but still prefer a home (un)-grown approach, a few new lotions and other easy-on, easy-off products are making hair removal, well, painless. Nair has set the standard for depilatory creams, and the brand has reinvented the wheel once again with their new In-Shower Bladeless Shaving Kit. The kit is water-resistant and includes a hair removal device and cream applicator for razor-like results, without any nicks or cuts ($7.99; cosmeticmall.com). Carefree and Veet have both launched similar products recently as well, with Carefree’s Totally Smooth Leg Cream ($7.49; drugstore.com) and Veet’s Rasera Bladeless Kit ($8.99; cvs.com). Complete with a contoured blade-free applicator, the brands claim that with use of their product, your legs will stay silky smooth for up to twice as long as they do with a regular razor. And for those who want a super simple solution, Sally Hansen’s Spray-On Shower-Off Hair Remover goes on without any rubbing, spreading or touching ($7.99; walgreens.com).

Wax
If you’re looking for longer relief from your leg hair hassles, waxing is one way to do the trick. Whether you seek out a professional to pull off your pricklies, or opt for one of these at-home helpers, waxing will get to the root of your problem to leave you silky smooth longer. What was once an insider beauty secret, Bliss Spa helps to not make it hurt. Their poetic wax melts at a low temperature, which reduces redness and the likeliness of burning, and grabs at even the shortest stubble. But ladies, the best part truly is — that regulars say it´s virtually "pain-free." While the Spa has locations nationwide, those who prefer a more private solution can pick up a Bliss poetic waxing at-home kit ($45; blissworld.com).

And NYC hair-removing haven Completely Bare has come out with a Wax Works kit that will make all your how-to hair-removing fears fade away. The kit includes an instructional DVD that lays down the laws of waxing and provides a step-by-step guide for each body part. It is also one of the most complete kits I’ve ever seen — with a professional at-home wax heater, spatulas, strips, Completely Bare’s signature wax, and Completely Prepped and Completely Off products that cleanse skin before and moisturize and remove access wax after ($135; 212-366-6060).

Laser
For women who are looking for more than just a quickie when it comes to hair removal, laser techniques have a leg up on the competition. Designed to permanently remove hair (or at least rid you of it for months or years at a time), this method is shedding some light on fuzz-free fixes. While laser treatments are usually performed at a doctor’s office or spa, two out-of-the-box ideas will have you beaming with delight. Licensed clinical aesthetician Michele Leifer created Hair It Goes, a NYC-based mobile hair removal venture that will zap your unwanted fuzz in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Currently, Leifer only takes her portable SpaTouch laser to clients in Manhattan, but she hopes to expand quickly ($2,400 for 7 session half-leg package; 646-298-5348 or hairysucks@aol.com). After all, ladies nationwide want their luxury laser services too.

And while it won’t be here in time for summer, a new at-home product is revolutionizing permanent hair removal. Starting this fall, the No No at-home hair removal device will be available in the U.S., exclusively at Sephora. Clinically tested, the No No by Radiancy can be used just like a razor, but it’s designed to reduce hair density over time, like the results you get from a laser. The device, which is already available in Europe and South America, has a patented Thermacon technology, which uses a heating element to destruct hair follicles (For more information, contact Dr. Sadick, 212-772-7242 or sadickdermatology.com. Available this fall $249; Sephora.com). All we have to say is a big Yes, Yes to the thought of no more hair!

sephora.com

Last but not least, PREP and CARE
If you get bad ingrown hairs, and are convinced you can’t do anything about it — chances are, you haven’t prepped properly. Exfoliating before you start the hair removal process is key, so be sure to take a loofa to your legs or bikini area first. And if all else fails, many waxing experts swear by the results of Tend Skin, a product that improves the appearance of ingrown hairs or razor burn ($20-$35; tendskin.com).

Dry Skin May Be Easier to Handle Than You Think

2007-07-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that even I, who spend hours and hours every week delving into the subject of skin care, do not automatically think of men using dry skin care products or even anything other than Irish Spring. So, I was naturally surprised when my son came to visit me for a while and my bathroom was suddenly stocked with a variety of skin care products that I didn’t put there. It was loaded – moisturizers, soaps, cologne, cleansers, tubes and bottles and on and on, and a few different products for dry skin. Obviously he needed some education on the subject of dry skin – how you get it, how you avoid it, and which dry skin care products actually prevent and treat it.

The first step is to go through each of the bottles and tubes and check out the ingredients with the help of an Internet search. Review each ingredient, find out which are carcinogenic, and which would simply exacerbate the dry skin condition.

Chances are, you won’t find one product that doesn’t contain ingredients that dry the skin – even those specifically labeled ‘dry skin care treatment’. Replace those products with a good shielding lotion that keeps moisture in and chemicals out, and you will now have removed a major source of the problem. And you will have completed part of the education on ‘how you get it’ and ‘how to avoid it.’

The next step is to find out about diet. What’s missing? Often it simply comes down to a lack of high quality fats. This one is easy to handle – out go the prepared salad dressings and margarines, and in come the olive oil and fresh, organic butter. It’s surprising how simple handling dry skin can be. A little change in diet, a little change in the skin care routine and you’re on your way. People search for years for products that handle dry skin, trying one product after another. But nothing works as well as a simple change in diet and a shielding lotion product that actually does the job.
by www.theopenpress.com

Do-it-yourself skin care regime

2007-07-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

There are hundreds of ingredients that people use daily in their skin care regime yet most never think of implementing powerful vitamins, oils or acids.

If you are looking for a cheap and effective way to care for the skin or are tired of wasting money on all those "magical" products that do almost nothing for you, here are a few simple recipes for completely natural, easy-to-prepare skin remedies that are inexpensive, 100 percent chemical free, and are always available.

Blackhead buster

You need: egg white, one piece of large cotton.

Soak the cotton in egg white. Cover the affected area with the cotton and wait for it to dry and harden completely.

Carefully remove the dried cotton and the blackheads should come off with it.

Facial scrub

For oily skin: Mix one teaspoon of skimmed milk powder with one teaspoon of honey. Add a few drops for freshly squeezed lemon juice if your skin is very oily. Use that as a mild scrub on the face. The undissolved milk powder forms a gentle scrub.

For normal, dry or mature skin: Mix one teaspoon full of cream or whole milk powder with one teaspoon of honey. Use as a mild scrub on the face. Use lots of water to rinse so as to prevent bacterial residue.

Dandruff lightener

Mix one part cider vinegar to three parts warm water to balance scalp pH and control dandruff. You can also apply undiluted vinegar to the scalp. Allow it to penetrate, then shampoo with a mild shampoo.

Hair conditioner

Mix 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 cup olive oil. (Use two tablespoons of oil for normal hair.) Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with a shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes. Remove shower cap, shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

Sunburn treatment

Snip off one of the stems of the aloe vera plant. Squeeze out the gel from the leaf and apply to the sunburnt skin. The healing and antibacterial properties of aloe vera is because of the aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system.

Hand moisturizer

Take a few drops of olive oil and massage into both hands making sure all areas absorb the oil. Wear gloves overnight and see how soft your hands are in the morning.

Remedies for tired eyes

Rose water - soak cotton ball and apply to eyes once a week.

Cucumber - place a slice on each of your eyes and rest for around 10 minutes to reduce stressed eyes.

Potato (shredded) - put on top of eyes to reduce black circles. Keep it there for around 10 minutes.
By Patsy Yang www.shanghaidaily.com

Do Sunscreens Have You Covered? part 2#

2007-07-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

Dr. James M. Spencer, a dermatologist in St. Petersburg, Fla., who specializes in skin cancer, said that he hopes the updated standards will clarify how much protection sunscreens provide, the dose needed to achieve significant protection, and the frequency with which a sunscreen should be reapplied.
The F.D.A. in 1978 first proposed a system of labeling products with an S.P.F. or Sun Protection Factor, which measures how effective the product is in preventing burn caused by the sun’s ultraviolet B rays. UVB radiation can also be a factor in skin cancer.

Dr. Spencer said that an S.P.F. 15 product screens about 94 percent of UVB rays while an S.P.F. 30 product screens 97 percent. Manufacturers determine the S.P.F. by dividing how many minutes it takes lab volunteers to burn wearing a thick layer of the product by the minutes they take to burn without the product.

But people rarely get the level of S.P.F. listed because labels do not explain how much to use, said Dr. Vincent A. DeLeo, chairman of dermatology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan.

“Sunscreen is tested at 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin, which means you should be using two ounces each time to cover your whole body,” Dr. DeLeo said. “But for most people an eight-ounce bottle lasts the whole summer.”

People who apply S.P.F. 30 too sparingly, for example, may end up with only S.P.F. 3 to S.P.F. 10, according to the Web site of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/rps/reports/RIN15.pdf, which has comprehensive guidelines.

“The S.P.F. is a terrible system to guide consumers,” Dr. Spencer said. “Nobody is using sunscreen the way it is measured in a lab.” He said he hopes that the new standards will call for S.P.F. to be replaced with a system defining sun protection as high, medium or low.

Until then, Dr. Spencer said that people should use about a shot glass of sunscreen for the body and a teaspoon for the face to best achieve the S.P.F. protection listed on labels. It should be reapplied every few hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.

Dermatologists said that the agency is also likely to introduce a rating system for the sun’s ultraviolet A rays, which can contribute to cancer and skin aging. Many products already contain UVA screening agents, but under the current rules there is no rating for them.

Manufacturers are catching on that some consumers seek UVA protection. In print advertisements this month, Neutrogena and Banana Boat have been battling for UVA supremacy, including graphs in which each shows their product offering the highest coverage.

But Dr. David M. Pariser, the president-elect of the American Academy of Dermatology, said that without a standardized UVA rating system, consumers can’t be sure how much a sunscreen provides.

“Right now, we don’t know whether doubling the percentage of a UVA sunscreen ingredient doubles UVA protection or not,” Dr. Pariser said. “That is part of the muddled system we hope will be cleared up.”

Until then, Dr. Pariser said to choose sunscreens that contain ingredients known to filter UVA. These include Mexoryl SX, avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. He also recommended a database at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php created by the Environmental Working Group that lists products with UVA protection.

Some doctors, along with Mr. Blumenthal of Connecticut, predicted that the new sunscreen rules would prohibit outsized marketing terms.

“ ‘All-day protection’ is just plain false since sunscreen has to be frequently reapplied,” Mr. Blumenthal said. “And ‘waterproof,’ which may be O.K. for an adult taking a quick dip in the pool but not for kids who are in and out of the water all day, is just plain deceptive.”

Dr. Green in Australia said the best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun during peak hours and wear sun-protective clothing. But Dr. Halpern said you can’t keep Americans wrapped up.

“There is only a small subset of American society that is willing to wear long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed — defined as four inches wide — hats on a sunny day at the beach,” he said. “Until we can get that behavior, the next best thing is sunscreen. Put on two coats, so you won’t miss any spots.”

Precautions

Protection from the sun’s harmful rays requires more than slapping on a coating of cream. There are multiple precautions to take, according to interviews with doctors.

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

• If you are prone to burn, use a sunscreen with S.P.F. 30 or higher.

• Apply about a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and a shot glass of it to your body.

• Make sure your sunscreen contains at least one ingredient known to filter UVA rays, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.

• Reapply sunscreen frequently, and immediately after swimming.

Do Sunscreens Have You Covered? part 1#

2007-07-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

AS the noon sun began to cook bathers in Long Beach, N.Y., last Sunday, members of the Sofferman family lounged on towels, each wearing a sun lotion chosen with the care usually given to picking out a new bathing suit.
Denise Sofferman and Ilene Sofferman, sisters who both work in the apparel industry in Manhattan, had put on tanning oil, their bodies already golden brown. Denise’s daughter, Lauren Levy, 21, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, had protected her pale skin with a heavy-duty S.P.F. 50 product formulated for children. Ilene’s 9-year-old daughter, Alison, had received a head-to-toe coating of S.P.F. 30.

Two hours later, the daughters were sunburned, their backs as pink as watermelon.

“It says waterproof, but Lauren didn’t even go swimming,” said Denise Sofferman, reapplying sunscreen to her daughter.

Ilene Sofferman, smearing another coat of lotion on Alison’s pink face, read from the back of the sunscreen bottle. “They have all these different marketing terms —S.P.F., UVA, UVB, waterproof, sweat-resistant — but you have to figure out what they mean by trial and error,” she said.

After decades of warnings about the dangers of sun exposure, an increasing number of Americans are making sunscreen part of their skin-care routines. Americans bought 60 million units of sunscreen last year, a 13 percent increase compared with 2005, according to Information Resources Inc., which tracks cosmetics sales.

But the increased demand has spurred an explosion of lotions, sprays, pads and gels with such diverse marketing claims — All-day Protection! Ultra Sweatproof! Total Block! Continuous Protection! Ultra Sport! Instant Protection! Extra UVA Protection! — that the Soffermans are not alone in their confusion over how to choose the most effective sunscreen.

In the nearly 30 years since the Food and Drug Administration issued its first regulations for sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug intended to reduce sunburn risk, the science surrounding skin and cancer has expanded dramatically.

Critics have clamored for the F.D.A to update the rules, saying that the standards have not kept pace. At the same time, they complain, the agency has allowed manufacturers to make vague and improbable-sounding marketing claims, leaving consumers confused and, worse, misled about what to use and how to use it to protect themselves.

The pressure on the agency has been mounting in recent weeks. Last month, reports by Consumer Reports and by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit group in Washington, found that a variety of popular sunscreens lacked sufficient broad protection against the sun’s harmful rays. And in May, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut’s attorney general, sent a scathing petition to the F.D.A. saying that unclear sunscreen labels and inflated marketing put people at risk.

“Most sunscreens are deceptively and misleadingly labeled, most perniciously to give consumers a false sense of security,” Mr. Blumenthal said last week. “In my view, the F.D.A.’s failure to act is unconscionable and unjustifiable in any public sense.”

John Bailey, the executive vice president for science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, an industry trade group, said that the directions on sunscreens adequately convey coverage. “These are very beneficial products which should be used to protect against the adverse effects of sunlight,” said Dr. Bailey, who has a Ph.D. in chemistry.

Nonetheless, the F.D.A. seems poised to address the labeling issue. Although it has been planning since 1999 to confirm new rules, Rita Chappelle, a spokeswoman for the F.D.A., said the agency expected to issue new sunscreen standards in the coming weeks. But until they are released, Ms. Chappelle said the agency would not answer questions about forthcoming regulations.

One fact about sunscreens is indisputable: They can impede sunburn and lower the incidence of at least one form of skin cancer in humans.

Dr. Allan C. Halpern, chief of dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, said that the regular use of sunscreen can inhibit squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that kills 2,000 to 2,500 Americans a year.

In a study of about 1,600 residents of Nambour, Australia, volunteers who were given sunscreen to use every day for four and a half years had 40 percent fewer squamous cell cancers than a control group who maintained their normal skin-care routines. Even 10 years after the study concluded, the volunteers assigned to use sunscreen during the trial period had fewer cancers.

“It shows that using sun protection for almost five years gives you an intense, longer-term benefit against squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Adèle C. Green, deputy director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane, Australia, which ran the study.

Dr. Halpern said that sunscreen should also protect against melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, and basal cell carcinoma, because the product can inhibit harmful ultraviolet rays that can contribute to the diseases.

Yet even after new F.D.A. labeling rules are published, it may take two years for the changes take effect.

Looking nifty at 50

2007-07-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

SITTING cross-legged in her room at the Balmoral Hotel, Bobbi Brown looks every inch the international make-up artist.

In fact with her glossy hair and perfect complexion she could easily pass for one of the celebrities who have come to rely on her for beauty tips.
It's only when she collapses into giggles at the disastrous affect the Edinburgh weather has had on her hair that it becomes clear that Bobbi's real appeal lies in her ability to relate to the concerns of the average woman.

"We spend a lot of our holidays in Edinburgh," she says with a smile. "And we always have a great time. But the weather hasn't been on our side this time. We went to the Castle yesterday to see the crown jewels and the dungeons and I got drenched in the rain. I looked like a little rat."

This sums up Bobbi - unassuming and down-to-earth. And at 50 she doesn't look a day over 40 and is far more stylish than most 20-somethings..

In fact Bobbi is the ideal advertising campaign for her new book, Living Beauty. The book is aimed at women in the 40-to-60 age range, and offers advice on how to look and feel good without resorting to drastic measures, namely surgery.

"Why cut your face when you can get a new haircut and learn to do your make-up properly?" Bobbi says with a smile. "Plastic surgery? Wear some concealer instead. I don't know why it's not okay to age. I think that a face

without lines and planes is an expressionless face - a face that lacks warmth and confidence. I want to get rid of the stigma that surrounds ageing - it really is just an evolution."

Bobbi wrote the book to celebrate her 50th birthday - and to show other women how they could feel better about themselves.

She adds: "I realised that one of the reasons I was okay about turning 50 was because I knew how to make the most of myself. So I wrote the book for other women who were experiencing a similar journey to me."

Bobbi has many strong female role models including the actress Helen Mirren.

"I was so happy when Helen Mirren was all over the news as finally there's a woman who's gorgeous and natural," she enthuses. "One of my friends did her make-up at the Golden Globes and she looked stunning. A woman changes as she gets older and the key is to evolve and stay modern - Helen has done that perfectly."

It comes as no surprise to discover that Mirren's make-up artist chose Bobbi's products for the actress's appearance.

Bobbi's unique blends have been the secret of her international success since she launched her beauty empire back in 1991. "As a make-up artist I had to carry around so many products with me," she explains her expansion from fashion make-up artist into cosmetics. "One day I realised that I didn't need to carry all these things - all you really need is the right taupe, the right bone, the best black, the best colours.

"Make-up was very artificial back then, like a mask. So I thought it would be great to have a simplified make-up range out there. I started with one lipstick after I met a chemist one day while doing a shoot. I had always wanted to make a lipstick that looked natural, didn't have an odour and wasn't greasy or dry - and he made it. It was the colour of my lips which is now called Brownie lipstick.

"At first I thought that if I loved it then everyone would love it. But of course not everyone wants a lip-coloured lipstick."

And so she created ten lipsticks, which could be blended to make new colours every time. "The response was really big," she smiles. "I thought we might sell 100 in the first month - we sold 100 in the first day. It was revolutionary. Everything was shipped out of my home - I never thought it would go further than that."

But it did. And Bobby realised that by relying on her instincts she had created a product that had captured the imagination of a generation of women.

"I went on my gut more than anything, to be honest. People would say that they loved the lipsticks but they needed [lip] pencils. So I would do pencils. Then we did eyes. Then blushers. We launched foundation sticks. Then eyes. And then skin care. The orders kept coming in."

And throughout this, Bobbi stuck to the same simple philosophy - that women just want to look pretty. "With the right knowledge, the right products and tools, any woman can be her own make-up artist," she says, adamantly.

"I'm really honest about skin care products and what they do," she says. "There is nothing that will get rid of wrinkles and lines.

"But so much of what is happening on the inside is shown in your skin. If you smoke, drink and don't eat so well you're not going to look so good."

According to Bobbi, after skin care, our biggest - and most cost-effective tool - is make-up.

"Make-up can help you look prettier and less tired, because when you get older you do need some things to make you look better."

So what is her top beauty advice for holding back the years?

"You want to plump (moisturiser), you want to smooth (concealer), you want to brighten (foundation), define the eyes (liner and mascara) and then colour and define your cheeks and lips (lipstick and blusher)."

And for those who are still not sure, Bobbi advises that they head to the Jenners counter immediately for a "free" makeover with the experts. "We don't charge for our makeovers - I always say to women that they should only buy something if they love it."

Or visit the new Bobbi Brown counter in John Lewis which launches on July 23. At a massive 400sq ft, this counter will be the largest in Edinburgh and will have six consultation areas allowing up to six customers to receive makeovers or advice at one time.

"I am excited about the John Lewis counter," she admits. "Women in Edinburgh have been very favourable towards the brand, and Edinburgh is a very up and coming fashionable city so it made sense to expand.

"So many people I know come to Scotland regularly on holiday - it's very civilised and beautiful, with lots to do, but it's not as intense as London. It's like Chicago compared with New York."

So what else is on the holiday agenda? "I don't know. But I will be buying the Evening News."
by SARAH HOWDEN living.scotsman.com

Monsoon Skin Care

2007-07-05T17:13:00.002-07:00

The onset of the monsoon is a welcome relief from the sweltering heat. But don’t be surprised if your skin doesn’t share your enthusiasm! Take a little extra care for that dewy glow…
Monsoon is that time of year when one’s skin behaves a little strange and is often unstable. It may become either oily or dry and dehydrated. Hence, it’s very necessary to take special care of your skin during this season in order to look fresh.
Dr. Rajika Kacheria, a Consultant Cosmetologist with EverYuth, offers some tips that we must adhere to in order to enjoy a healthy, glowing skin without a high-maintenance routine that few of us working women have time for anyway!
l “You must wash and cleanse your face thoroughly with a face wash and then rub an ice cube for five to ten minutes to lower the sweating rate. In case you have an oily skin, you must use a face wash with an oil control formula. It will work best for your skin if the face wash has Tea Tree Oil, Neem and Chamomile, as they would soothe, cleanse and will give immediate freshness to your skin. However, if you have a dry skin you must use a cream-based face wash with fruit extracts to give a natural glow to your skin and keep it fresh in such humid conditions,” Dr. Rajika suggests.
l Cleansing should always be followed by toning. This helps to tighten the pores and prevent pimples and acne, which if neglected will spread all over the face and make it look blotchy. Toning gels help to remove acne-causing bacteria and also act as an antiseptic. However, if you have a dry skin, you must use a toner which is rich in Tea Tree Oil, rosewater and glycerin, which are very effective, she adds.
l “No matter what the season is, as long as there is daylight our skin needs protection from UVA (Ultra-Violet A) and UVB (Ultra-Violet B) rays. Always apply a Sunscreen with SPF 30 before you step out of your house. It is advisable to use products which are dermatologically tested and have options for all skin types,” stresses Dr. Rajika.
l She adds, “You should wear water-based moisturisers during the rainy season to keep away oily skin, acne and water loss due to perspiration and sweating.
l Basic handy tips like the above will ensure a healthy, glowing skin even in humid conditions where it becomes a challenge to manage your skin. Healthy and supple skin will not be so much of a dream if these precautions are taken and the right skin care products are used regularly, she signs off!

MENURUNKAN BERAT BADAN / NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS

2007-07-05T17:13:00.001-07:00

5 sendok makan beras direndam selama 4 jam lalu tumbuk, kencur 5 potong, jahe 2 potong, asam kawak, rebus dalam 4 gelas air, ambil ampasnya kemudian tumbuk bersama beras, lalu masukkan dalam air rebusan tadi tambahkan jeruk nipis, madu sedikit. Minum ramuan ini sehari 3x, niscaya kurang dari sebulan berat badan anda akan turun.

MENGOBATI PENGAPURAN TULANG PUNGGUNG

2007-07-05T17:12:00.002-07:00

Ambil 5 siung bawang putih, tumbuk sampai halus, daun kumis kucing rebus bahan tersebut dalam 1 gelas yang menjadi ½ gelas saja, minum ramuan ini sehari sekali.

MENGOBATI BENJOLAN DI TUBUH

2007-07-05T17:12:00.001-07:00

Benalu mangga 35 gr ditambah akar ubi jalar 35 gr tambahkan gula sedikit, rebus semua bahan dalam 1 liter air sisakan menjadi 3 gelas saja, minum 3x sehari.
TIPS:
Benjolan tersebut jangan dipijat-pijat, disentuh, ditekan-tekan, biarkan saja, karena dengan gerakan tersebut dapat menyebabkan penyebaran benjolan tersebut.

MENYUBURKAN KANDUNGAN

2007-07-05T17:11:00.004-07:00

Bagi pasangan suami isteri yang menginginkan cepat mendapat momongan, ada resep cantik yang bisa menjadi salah satu upayanya. Caranya:
Untuk Wanita:
Sediakan kecambah secukupnya (1 mangkuk), cuci lalu tumbuk sampai halus, peras dan saring, air sarinya tersebut ditambahkan 1 butir kuning telur ayam kampung, tambahkan madu murni 1 sendok makan, perasaan jeruk nipis dan garam sedikit. Ramuan ini diminum menjelang tidur dan setelah bangun tidur.
Untuk Pria:
Sediakan beberapa irisan hati nanas, parut sampai halus, tambah 8 batang daun seledri tumbuk halus, campur bahan tersebut dan tambahkan gula secukupnya. Minum ramuan ini sehari 1x.

MENGATASI SAKIT NYERI PADA PINGGANG

2007-07-05T17:11:00.003-07:00

Ramuan dari Dalam (diminum):
Ambil 6 lembar daun alpukat yang muda, rebus dalam 3 gelas, yang menjadi 1 ½ gelas saja, minum air ini sehari 3x.
Ramuan dari Luar:
2 ruas jahe, cuci dan perut lalu tambahkan minyak atnah sedikit, oleskan ramuan ini pada tempat yang sakit, lakukan sehari 3x.

MERAWAT VAGINA (YANG TERLALU BANYAK MENGELUARKAN CAIRAN)

2007-07-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

Ramuan dari Dalam (diminum):
Sediakan beberapa buah salak iris tipis llau dijemur sampai kering, ditambah 3 genggam daun kemangi jemur sampai kering, kedua bahan tersebut ditumbuk sampai halus. Lalu simpan dalam toples. Ketika dibutuhkan tinggal ambil saja. Caranya: ambil bubuk tersebut 1-3 sendok makan, seduh dengan air hangat lalu diminum.lakukan perawatan ini sehari sekali saja maka anda akan mendapatkan vagina yang sehat dan tidak becek. Shippppp……………….
Ramuan dari Luar:
Sediakan 25 daun sirih, 25 pucuk daun jambu biji, tambah garam dapur yang beryodium 1 sendok makan, rebus semua bahan dalam 4 gelas air sisakan jadi 3 gelas saja, lalu airnya dijadikan cebok saat mandi atau waktu buang air.

MENGATASI KEPUTIHAN

2007-07-05T17:10:00.002-07:00

Cuci, parut dan peras 2 ruas kunyit, kencur, temulawak, tambahkan asam kawak, campur semua bahan,lalu diminum sehari 2x.

MEMPERLANCAR HAID

2007-07-05T17:10:00.001-07:00

Sediakan kunyit 1 ons, ditumbuk dan diperas, ditambah asam kawak 2 sendok makan, gula pasir sedikit, masukkan dalam 1 gelas air.minum 2x sehari.

TIPS MENGOBATI ASMA

2007-07-05T17:09:00.002-07:00

Tips: hindari bantal, guling atau kasur yang berbahan kapuk!!!!!!
Ramuan untuk mengobati asma adalah: 6 lembar daun randu, dicuci sampai bersih lalu tumbuk saring dan masukkan dalam air steril ditambah 3 sendok makan madu.lakukan perawatan ini 3 jam sekali.

MENGENCANGKAN PERUT SETELAH MELAHIRKAN

2007-07-05T17:09:00.001-07:00

Sediakan 7 lembar daun jarak pagar, dikukus sampai layu dan taburi garam sedikir, tempelkan pada perut tutup dengan daun pisang kemudian dipakain stagen atau korset.

MENGHILANGKAN BERCAK PUTIH PADA PERUT SETELAH MELAHIRKAN

2007-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Biasanya ibu-ibu setelah melahirkan, mengeluhkan adanya garis-garis putih diperutnya. Hal ini disebabkan rasa gatal waktu hamil, dan seringnya digaruk jadi terinfeksi dan menginggalkan bercak dikulit. Untuk mengatasinya, coba ramuan dibawah ini:
Daun bunga kemuning, tumbuk dan balurkan ketempat yang ada bercak putih tersebut, lakukan sesering mungkin sampai bercak tersebut hilang.

MENGATASI FLU YANG DISERTAI BATUK

2007-07-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

kalau sedang batuk dan takut mengkonsumsi obat karena efek sampingnya. maka gunakan saja bahan alami di sekitar kita.
Sediakan 1 buah apel manis yang sudah tua, dibelah empat lalu dikukus selama 20 menit, makan selagi hangat.lakukan sehari 3x.

MENGATASAI EJAKULASI DINI

2007-07-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

siapa bilang ejakuliasi dini tidak dapat di atasi. dengan kekayaan alam indonesia dan khasanah ramuan tradisional masalah ejakulasi dini dapat di atasi.
Sediakan 2 ruas jahe, 2 ruas laos llau diparut, 7 butir kuning telur ayam kampung, 1 sendok kecap manis, 1 sendok madu hitam, 1 sendok perasaan jeruk nipis. Aduk semua bahan menjadi satu lalu diminum. Sisa ampasnya dioleskan pada penis. Lakukan secara rutin 1 minggu 2X.

MEMUTIHKAN DAN MENGENCANGKAN KULIT

2007-07-05T17:02:00.002-07:00

skin yang putih dan kencang adalah dambaan setiap wanita. dengan cara yang natural dan sehat kita dapat merasakan skin yang cantik dan sehat.coba deh ambil bengkuang.
Bengkuang dikupas, bersihkan lalu diparut. Kemudian jemur sampai kering. Timun diparut dan diperas, ambil airnya. Kedua bahan tersebut dicampur lalu gunakan sebagai masker wajah maupun untuk lulur tubuh.

MENGOBATI DEMAM

2007-07-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

Ambil 3 buah timun yang masih muda, dicuci lalu diparut dan diperas, diambil airnya kemudian diminum. Sehari 2-3 kali.

CARA ALAMI MENGATASI MATA LELAH

2007-07-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Menggunakan es batu. Bila mata kita letih karena terlalu lama di depan layar komputer atau menonton tv, ambil sebongkah kecil es batu. Lalu usapkan pada sekeliling mata. Cara ini akan membuat peredaran darah kembali lancar sehingga mata menjadi segar.
Mengompres mata dengan mentimun. Caranya ambil irisan mentimun. Sambil berbaring tempatkan seiris mentimun di atas kelopak mata yang ditutup rapat, lalu diamkan selama setengah hingga satu jam.
Mengompres mata dengan kantung teh bekas untuk mengempeskan kantung mata. Pastikan bahwa kantung teh yang hendak digunakan tersebut sudah diperas dengan baik, sehingga tidak ada air yang menetes, serta sudah dingin. Lakukan secara berkala untuk memberikan kesegaran pada mata.
Menghilangkan lingkaran hitam dengan campuran satu sendok teh madu murni dengan 2-3 tetes perasaan jeruk lemon. Aduk hingga larutan lemon larut ke dalamnya. Jika sudah larut dan menyatu, segera borehkan larutan pada daerah bawah mata yang menghitam, berulang-ulang, dan merata. Jika sudah yakin merata di bagian lingkaran hitam tadi, biarkan larutan itu bekerja selama 15-20 menit sampai larutan madu dan lemon tadi mengering dan mengerak di bagian mata.

LULUR KETAN HITAM UNTUK KULIT HALUS DAN BERSIH

2007-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Polusi dan paparan sinar matahari kerap membuat kulit menjadi kusam, apalagi jika kerap beraktivitas di luar ruangan. Padahal setiap orang menginginkan kulitnya halus dan kenyal seperti bayi. Lantas apa yang harus dilakukan?
Salah satu cara yang bisa dilakukan adalah merawatnya dengan menggunakan lulur. Ketan hitam sangat bermanfaat bagi kulit sebagai penyegar dan pelembab kulit. Cara penggunaannya: sediakan kemiri 5 buah, ambil ¼ kg ketan hitam, rendam selamaman tiriskan lalu disangrai kemudian haluskan (blender) bersama kemirinya. Setelah menjadi bubuk, gunakan sebagai lulur seminggu sekali.

MERAWAT KULIT KERING/DRY SKIN DENGAN BUAH-BUAHAN

2007-07-05T16:59:00.002-07:00

Alpukat: Kandungan lemak pada alpukat sangat baik untuk perawatan kulit wajah dan tubuh yang kering. Alpukat mengandung vitamin D, vitamin A, asam amino, asam organik bermanfaat untuk melembabkan dan menyegarkan kulit. Cara menggunakannya: ambil buah alpukat, haluskan tambah madu murni(jika ada), lalu oleskan pada wajah dan tubuh secara merata, diamkan hingga kering kemudian bilas. Lakukan seminggu sekali.
Pisang Ambon: pisang bermanfaat untuk menjaga kesegaran dan kelembaban kulit, sehingga kulit kusam akan menjadi cerah. Caranya adalah: ambil buah pisang, lumatkan sampai lembut, bisa dicampur dengan susu, madu murni dan minyak zaitun, oleskan secara merata, perawatan ini bisa dilakukan seminggu sekali atau dua kali.
Pepaya: pepaya mengandung vitamin dan mineral, yang mampu merawat kulit agar tetap kencang, menjaga peremajaan dan melembabakan kulit sehingga terlihat berseri-seri. Cara penggunaanya: ambil pepaya lalu haluskan (jangan diblender), campur dengan madu murni sedikit, gunakan sebagai masker dan lulur seminggu sekali.

MANFAAT KOPI

2007-07-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

Menetralkan kulit yang teriritasi dan memberi nutrisi pada kulit, menghilangkan bau badan, menghilangkan bekas jerawat, vlek serta noda hitam pada wajah, dapat mengangkat sel kulit mati dan memperbaiki jaringan kulit yang rusak.
CARA PERAWATANNYA:
Perawatan kopi ini bisa juga dilakukan di rumah sendiri, karena lebih efisien dan menghemat pengeluaran. Adapun caranya sebagai berikut:
Ambil ampas kopi, jika ampas tersebut kering dapat dicampurkan dengan air mawar dan lidah buaya sebagai pelembutnya. Lakukan scrub ke seluruh badan dan diamkan selama 20-30 menit, kemudian bilas. Lakukan secara rutin untuk mendapatkan kulit halus mulus, seminggu sekali atau dua minggu sekali.

KULIT HALUS MULUS (smooth skin) DAN MENGHILANGKAN SELULIT DENGAN KOPI

2007-07-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Selama ini kita mengenal kopi hanya sebagai minuman dan pengusir rasa kantuk saja, tetapi ternyata kopi tak hanya nikmat diminum, tapi juga bagus digunakan untuk kecantikan. Kopi memiliki kandungan astringen, dan memiliki pH sama dengan pH kulit, sekitar 4,5 serta mengandung asam alami yang bisa mengencangkan, melembutkan, menghaluskan serta meremajakan kulit, dan menghilangkan selulit.

The Best Acne Skin Care Treatment

2007-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

If like many others you are desperate to get your acne treated in order to regain the skin you once had then using an acne skin care treatment is essential to the process. By reading through the tips provided below you should soon be back on the road to have that beautiful skin you had before you suffered from acne.

However it is important that first of all you know what acne is and then you will be able to treat it much better. A person suffers from acne because their sebaceous glands begin to produce too much oil and when combined with dead skin cells a person's pores will then become blocked. As the pores are blocked they are unable to breathe correctly and then bacteria sets in and so blackheads and whiteheads will begin to erupt on the person's skin.

In order to clean your face effectively whilst treating acne of any form you should not scrub it but rather gently wash it using a mild anti-bacterial soap or lotion.

Next you need to look at what you are eating and drinking. Many people do not realize this but what they eat and drink seriously affects their acne further. Therefore you should drink lots of fresh water each day. Not only will it help to remove all those unwanted toxins (which make a person's acne worse) from the body but it is probably the most inexpensive form of acne skin care treatment.You should also eat vegetables which contain high amounts of Vitamin A and will normally be bright orange or yellow or green in color. By eating plenty of these vegetables such as carrots, sweet corn and broccoli, cabbage etc, it will help you achieve a much better complexion on your skin.

Besides keeping the above points in mind, you should also consult your doctor.

They will be able to prescribe acne skin care treatment medications that you will not be able to find or purchase elsewhere. But as well as using the medication provided by your doctor you should look more closely at your dietary habits and make the necessary changes and do not forget to drink plenty of fresh water also.

By taking these steps in your acne skin care treatment program you should be on the road to seeing the results of your work in the mirror in a very short period of time.
by:Ricky Lee

Hope For Eczema & Psoriasis

2007-06-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

A natural breakthrough in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis could offer relief for sufferers.
Skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis affect one in seven people in the UK, equating to over 8 million sufferers. Common complaints range from mild itching to extreme cases where sufferers have excruciating raw skin and are unable to perform everyday activities. Loss of self-esteem and lack of confidence are the related psychological effects of having a skin complaint, and many outgoing, sociable people become withdrawn as a result of a skin condition, which can literally take over their lives.

There are many existing eczema and psoriasis treatments available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for all people, in all cases. Also, many people are concerned about the long term implications of using steroid based creams, such as hydrocortisone cream, which is known to thin the skin over time and can damage the dermis - the upper layer of the skin - permanently. Medical authorities are recommending stricter guidelines for prescribing antibiotics as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant, and there is growing concern over many ‘added’ ingredients in cosmetics, such as parabens, which act as a preservative, because their long-term effects are unknown.

But now, Biomedical Research Scientist, Dr. Martin Schiele, and his team have forumlated a new range of treatments called Salcura, which are based on natural plant ingredients and garnered using ‘nanotechnology.’ Nanotechnology works by utilising the minute particles in natural ingredients to increase their surface area and make them more effective - which allows vital repair minerals to be easily absorbed, and the skin to utilise them more rapidly, to reduce healing time.

For people with the most common skin complaints of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and uticaria, the first line of treatment is the ‘Intensive’ spray. ‘Intensive’ is a colloidal spray which provides rapid relief from skin irritation such as itching and promotes repair of the skin. It contains a blend of natural plant extracts, omegas, essential oils and moisturisers to combat dryness and act as a natural antiseptic, promoting skin regeneration.

Intensive is unique as it is sprayed directly onto the affected area. Colloidal sprays are the most effective way of transferring the active ingredients to the dermis, epidermis and hypodermis. Beneficially, it does not require rubbing into the skin, ensuring a hygienic application and no further irritation.

Salcura Zeoderm+ is recommended following an Intensive Spray treatment. This naturally based moisturiser is a unique blend of nano minerals and nutrients which deeply moisturise dry, irritated skin and provide relief from itching. Simply apply to the affected area ten minutes after using Intensive Spray, to promote skin repair and reduce discomfort. The active ingredients in Zeoderm+ are ZeomaZ which is formed from natural volcanic micro minerals, linseed and Castor plant oil which together strengthen the elasticity and balance the pH of skin tissue. The active ingredients are already used in hospitals around the world as part of a class 1 wound care treatment regime.

Salcura Intensive and Zeoderm+ can be used by adults and children over 12 months. Ask your pharmacist for further details or visit www.salcura.com to find out more.

by:50connect.co.uk

Lasers hit home

2007-06-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hand-held devices to treat hair loss, acne and wrinkles bypass the dermatologist's office. But will claims match consumers' high expectations?

LAURA BEARD was flipping through a women's magazine when an advertisement caught her eye. It sounded simple enough: Aim a laser at individual blemishes — in the privacy of one's home — and the skin will clear up within a day or two.

The cost, $150, gave her only slight pause. If the device worked, it would save her the time and money she spent on acne treatments and dermatologist visits for herself and her daughter. "I have very dry skin, so I have to be careful about using acne remedies with benzoyl peroxide," says the 53-year-old Memphis woman. "This sounded so positive."

With the evolution of laser technology, do-it-yourself personal care has entered a new realm. Consumers can now calm acne flare-ups, plump facial wrinkles and restore thinning hair with a variety of hand-held devices. Others in development could treat superficial wounds, relieve pain and remove body hair.

"This field will grow because we have discovered how to channel the power of light and cause reactions in the skin and hair," says John Carullo, director of marketing for Sunetics, manufacturer of a hair-regrowth device. "It's quite an exciting industry, and it's on the verge of exploding."

Home hair and skin appliances using lasers or, in some cases, heat, can spare consumers from tiresome trips to the doctor's office and may be less costly, over time, than monthly in-office facials and hair treatments. But they won't work the same kind of magic that can be conjured up with more high-powered tools. And some may even be a waste of money.

"It's a matter of degree," says Dr. Harold Brody, a clinical professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta. "If people are trying to treat mild conditions, it may help. But if it's something severe, they will need the help of a dermatologist."

The popularity of in-home treatments mirrors the use of medical devices by physicians, says Dr. Wendy E. Roberts, a Rancho Mirage dermatologist and assistant professor of medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. "I think eventually these could be effective for home use," she says. "But right now, there are questions about the efficacy of some of these systems. There's a lot of hype."

Consumers may have especially high expectations for home lasers.

Lasers release a special form of light in a single wavelength; by contrast, normal daylight consists of varying wavelengths. Hot lasers, the kind used by health professionals in the treatment of skin resurfacing and tattoo removal, are high-energy devices that cause heat damage to the skin, triggering a healing response.

Cool lasers are sometimes called low-level lasers or low-level light therapy. This type of laser doesn't damage tissue and is safe to use at home. They work by passing a beam of light through the skin to reach cells below the skin's surface and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Energy produced by cool lasers appears to prompt the production of collagen and ATP (the energy source needed for cellular functions), promote blood circulation and boost the release of growth factors and the removal of waste products from cells.

"I sincerely doubt any of these things are so aggressive that they would produce side effects," says Brody. "But the effectiveness is going to be mild too."

Consumers may think that Food and Drug Administration clearance means the devices work similarly to those used by doctors. But FDA clearance of this type means only that the manufacturer has submitted some data showing effectiveness for the device's intended purpose. Usually this means the device is based on similar, proven technology. Devices that do not have FDA clearance may only be proven as safe.

For example, devices to stimulate hair regrowth for balding men have been sold over-the-counter for years although manufacturers couldn't claim the devices helped regrow hair. The approval in February for the HairMax LaserComb was a milestone because the manufacturer produced scientific data to show the product had some effect in growing hair.

But not every light-based hair and skin device has received FDA clearance.

"Consumers need to ask enough questions to make sure what they are getting is truly efficacious," says Dr. Mark Solomon, a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia and spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Over-the-counter devices don't hurt anybody, so you can sell them. But that doesn't mean they work."

The American Cancer Society has warned that low-level light therapy products in particular are being touted for conditions for which there is little or no proof that they help, such as pain relief, inflammation, smoking cessation, herpes, high blood pressure and migraines.

But the devices are becoming more visible in the marketplace. Sunetics is marketing its laser hair brush for $399. Next month the firm will also begin selling the device with a removable head that can be replaced with one of four attachments (each costing $250) for use on acne, facial wrinkles, skin pigmentation and pain relief/wound healing. Each attachment contains a diode that produces a specific wavelength of light targeted to treat a particular condition, Carullo says.

Although there is some research supporting the effects of low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth and acne, there is little or no data to support other uses, Roberts says.

Consumers should seek a doctor's advice for persistent skin or hair problems, Brody says. A home device could lighten a skin lesion that is actually a melanoma skin cancer or remove scaling skin, the symptom of another type of skin cancer.

"Safety is paramount," he says. "You don't want to delay a diagnosis."
By Shari Roan, Times Staff Writer

Natural signal holds promise for psoriasis, age-related skin damage

2007-06-30T17:59:00.002-07:00

Phosphatidylglycerol, a natural body lipid or fat, may hold the secret to normalizing skin cell growth that is over zealous in psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancers and too slow in aging and sun-damaged skin, says Dr. Wendy B. Bollag, cell physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia. Credit: Medical College of Georgia
Her research, published online in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, helps piece together the signaling pathway that prompts skin cells to stop multiplying and start differentiating.

Perhaps most importantly it shows that bypassing that pathway – one researchers suspect becomes dysfunctional in diseases like psoriasis – and giving the signal itself restores normal differentiation of skin cells or keratinocytes.

The findings prompted Dr. Bollag and John Edwards, CEO of Apeliotus Technologies of Atlanta, to seek National Institutes of Health funding for yearlong study in animal models of mild psoriasis to see if it works, with human trials as the goal. “Proof of principle is the first phase. If in vivo data looks promising, we’ll put together a study we can take into the clinic,” says Dr. Bollag. She and Apeliotus received an NIH Small Business Technology Transfer grant, which supports small businesses collaborating with U.S. research institutions to develop technologies and methodologies with commercial potential.

A Georgia Research Alliance Industry Partnership Grant will allow parallel studies in animal models of chronological aging and photoaging from too much sun exposure, Dr. Bollag says.

MCG and Apeliotus will work with Avanti® Polar Lipids, Inc., of Alabaster, Ala., which has a chicken-egg derived phosphatidylglycerol used primarily for lipid research. Avanti is developing different phosphatidylglycerol ointments or salves for the new studies. Dr. Bollag notes that the lipid, already used as drug-delivery mechanism in humans, has been ingested at higher doses, so she believes lower doses applied externally will be safe.

Glycerol, a precursor of phosphatidylglycerol, also is available commercially and used in many skin care products because it’s long been known to help skin retain moisture, so it looks and feels better. “We think that, yes, it’s a water attractor, but we think it also has this additional role as a precursor for an important lipid signal in the skin,” says Dr. Bollag. Naturally occurring glycerol is an important precursor for many things such as fat, phospholipids, various sugars and metabolic pathways in the body. “Glycerol levels go up when you exercise, because you are using fats as fuel.”

She’s shown that the channel, aquaporin-3, delivers glycerol to phospholipase D, resulting in the skin cell differentiation signal, phosphatidylglycerol. “This is serving as a signal, like an elevator operator who says, ‘This way for normal keratinocyte differentiation,’” says Dr. Bollag. “That’s good because without it, you get abnormal differentiation in skin diseases like psoriasis, non-melanoma skin cancer, some of the dermatitises; in a lot of these conditions, the cells proliferate too much and don’t differentiate properly. We think maybe in psoriasis, the phospholipase D and aquaporin-3 become disconnected so now they can’t produce phosphatidylglycerol. If you only put glycerol on it, it may not help.” But it looks as though the signal does.

Her newest research, done in mouse skin cells in culture, showed that aquaporin-3 manipulation impacted phosphatidylglycerol generation. “The glycerol was coming through aquaporin. If we blocked it, we stopped glycerol from coming through and we also blocked phosphatidylglycerol. Then we started manipulating the various players. We did some over expression of aquaporin and showed it promoted differentiated status of the keratinocytes.

“Then we wondered what would happen if we actually gave phosphatidylglycerol itself, so we bypassed the whole aquaporin-phospholipase D system and we saw some interesting results.”

Phosphatidylglycerol inhibited growth of rapidly growing skin cells and increased growth in slow-growing cells. MCG has a patent pending on the ability of phosphatidylglycerol to normalize skin cell function.

“The key is cells are supposed to proliferate in this one layer,” she says of the basal layer, where a skin cell divides, with one staying to divide again and the other expressing different genes, proteins and functions as it moves toward the surface. Without phosphatidylglycerol, cells can proliferate too much and differentiate improperly, Dr. Bollag explains.

“Right before cells reach the layer that we actually see, called the cornified layer, they spit out lipids they synthesize to make the water permeability barrier then they basically die. But they leave behind these hard shells that give skin its mechanical strength. When you get older, you don’t turn it over as well,” Dr. Bollag says, explaining why despite ongoing cell turnover old skin looks, well, old.

Source: Medical College of Georgia

BEKAS CACAR HILANG DENGAN JAGUNG MUDA

2007-06-30T17:59:00.001-07:00

Jagung muda selain enak di sayur dan dibakar, juga bisa dijadikan obat. Jika baru terkena cacar atau untuk menghilangkan bekas cacar di tubuh, parutlah terlebih dahulu jagung muda tersebbut, lalu gosokkan secara merata mulai wajah sampai kaki atau bagian tubuh yang berbintik merah. Lakukan menjelang tidur secara rutin. Selamat mencoba!!!!!!!

SARIAWAN SEMBUH DENGAN HONEY

2007-06-30T17:58:00.001-07:00

Sariawan termasuk penyakit mulut yang menjengkelkan. Memang tanpa diobati sariawan akan sembuh dengan sendirinya, tetapi prosesnya lama. Ada baiknya anda gunakan madu untuk mempercepat proses penyembuhannya. Caranya sangat mudah: oleskan madu murni pada luka sariawan dan juga minum madu 3x sehari 2 sendok makan.

APEL MELAWAN PENYAKIT

2007-06-30T17:57:00.002-07:00

Apel adalah salah satu buah multi khasiat, diantaranya:
Jika rutin mengkonsumsi buah apel, kelangsingan tubuh akan terjaga.
Untuk bronchitis: dua buah apel didiris menjadi delapan. Campurkan sedikit gula, beri satu liter air lalu rebus selama 15 menit. Minum diantara waktu makan. Bagi yang mengidap darah tinggi, dilarang minum!!!
Jika kita demam, buah apel dimakan sebanyak 500-1500 gram selama dua hari
Untuk yang sering masuk angin dan diare, biasakan secara teratur setiap harinya makan apel.
Untuk yang sulit ke belakang: makanlah apel setiap hari sebuah apel sebelum tidur
Untuk membersihkan darah dan menghaluskan kulit, biasakan mengkonsumsi apel setiap hari.

BIBIR MERAH ALAMI DENGAN MADU

2007-06-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

Ingin bibir kita tidak kering dan berwarna merah alami serta lembut, olesi dengan madu lebah murni secara merata sebelum tidur, biarkan sampai pagi hari, stelah pagi baru dibersihkan dengan air bersih biasa, lakukan perawatan ini secara rutin, niscaya dalam waktu 1 minggu hasilnya sudah kelihatan.

BUNGA MELATI PENYEGAR MATA

2007-06-30T17:56:00.001-07:00

Bunga melati selain baunya harum dan canti untuk rangkaian bunga, bunga kebanggaan wanita Indonesia ini ternyata juga bermanfaat untuk membuat mata kita lebih bercahaya.
Caranya: ambillah beberapa bunga melati lantas rendam dalam 1 gelas air air bersih. Rendaman itu didiamkan 1 malam suntuk. Esok paginya baru dipakai untuk merembang mata. Lakukan 3x seminggu, niscaya mata anda akan kelihatan segar dan cemerlang.

MERENDAM KAKI DENGAN AIR HANGAT

2007-06-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Mrendam kaki dengan air hangat ternyata banyak manfaatnya yaitu bermanfaat untuk meringankan penyumbatan di dalam hidung. Sinus-sinus membantu mereka yang menderita kaki dingin agar lebih hangat,serta bermanfaat untuk menghilangkan ketegangan urat saraf.
Caranya adalah sangat sederhana, ambil saja ember dan isi air hangat secukupnya dan jaga temperatur air jangan terlalu panas, ditambah dengan garam sedikit dalam air tersebut. Kemudian rendam kedua kaki anda dalam ember tadi sambil duduk, sampai rasa sakit perlahan-lahan hilang.

JERUK NIPIS DAN VARISES

2007-06-30T17:54:00.002-07:00

Ambilah sebuah jeruk nipis, belah menjadi dua bagian. Lalu gosokkan sambil ditekan-tekan pada bagian yang urat-uratnya menonjol karena varises. Lakukan perawatan ini setiap malam sebelum tidur.

MENTIMUN MENGHALUSKAN KULIT KAKI

2007-06-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

Merasa jengkel sekali kalau melihat kulit kaki menjadi kering dan bersisik, rasanya jadi tak leluasa untuk bergerak. Naun tak perlu risau, ambil mentimun lalu potong, nah getah yang keluar dari mentimun itu gosokkan pada kaki anda yang kering dan bersisik, tunggu bebarapa menit lalu bilas dengan air dingin biasa. Jika rajin menggosoknya beberapa hari kemudian pasti kulit kaki anda menjadi halus.

KULIT KAKI BERSISIK

2007-06-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

BAHAN:
1 buah alpukat
KHASIAT:
Buah alpukat yang banyak mengandung lemak berkhasiat untuk memperbaiki kulit kaki yang bersisik karena kekeringan.
CARA MEMBUAT:
Daging buah alpukat dilumatkansampai halus, lalu balurkan secara merata pada kulit kaki yang sudah dibersihkan. Diamkan kira-kira 30 menit kemudian dibersihkan dengan air hangat.

GETAH PEPAYA DAN TUMIT MULUS

2007-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Jika kita sering terlalu di air, misalnya karena harus mencuci pakaian, biasanya kulit pada tumit kkai jadi pecah-pecah dan mengeras. Hal ini menjadikan penampilan kaki kurang menarik, mengurangi rasa percaya diri apalagi kalau harus mengenakan sandal atau sepatu yang terbuka.
Resep cantik ini bisa membantu mengatasi masalah tersebut, caranya dengan olesi tumit kaki yang pecah-pecah dengan getah pepaya yang yang masih muda. Lalukan pengobatan secara rutin, dalam waktu yang tidak lama pasti tumit anda akan kembali mulus.

TUMIT KAKI PECAH-PECAH

2007-06-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

BAHAN:
1 buah labu siam
KHASIAT:
Labu siam banyak mengandung getah serta zat-zat seperti protein, lemak, kalsium, fosfor, dan besi yang berkhasiat untuk menyembuhkan tumit yang pecah-pecah
CARA MEMBUAT:
Labu siam dipotong getahnya lalu dioleskan pada tumit yang pecah-pecah. Biarkan sampai kering, baru dicuci sampai bersih dengan air dingin.

MEMBUAT JAMU SEHAT UNTUK WANITA

2007-06-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

BAHAN:
Telur ayam kampung : 1 butir
Kunyit : sebesar ibu jari tangan
Madu lebah : 1 sendok makan
Air jeruk nipis : 1 sendok makan
CARA MEMBUATNYA:
Telura ayam diambil kuningnya saja kemudian dikocok dalam gelas. Kunyit dikupas kulitnya dicuci bersih lalu diparut. Parutan kunyit diremas-remas dengan air masak yang dingin sebanyak 5 sendok makan saja. Kemudian diperas airnya dan disaring. Lalu semua bahan dimasukkan dan dikocok dalam gelas. Lakukan perawatan minum jamu ini seminggu 2-3 kali.

MENGOBATI BAU MULUT YANG KURANG ENAK

2007-06-30T17:49:00.001-07:00

Mulut yang berbau tidak enak menjadikan dalam pergaulan kurang bebas dan mengurangi rasa percaya diri, karena kita bisa dijauhi oleh teman. Bau ini bisa disebabkan dari lendir yang terdapat dalam kerongkongan membusuk dan kurang rajin menggosok gigi. Untuk menghilangkan bau mulut ini, ada resep cantik yang bisa dipraktekkan:
BAHAN:
Daun sirih : 7 lembar
Kapulaga : 10 biji
Adas : 1 sendok teh
Gula pasir : secukupnya
Air : 3 gelas
CARANYA:
Semua bahan direbus sampai airnya tinggal 1 ½ gelas. Kalau sudah suam-suam kuku baru diminum.

MENGOBATI SAKIT PERUT KARENA HAID

2007-06-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ada sebagian wanita, terutama yang masih gadis kalau akan haid perut terasa sakit, sampai betul-betul tidak tertahan rasa sakitnya. Hal ini disebabkan kare
na penyempitan pada indung telur dan kurang olah raga.
Untuk menguarangi rasa sakit tersebut, ada ramuan tradisional yang bisa kita manfaatkan, yaitu:
a.Temu lawak : 1 ons
b.Asam : 1 tangkai
c.Gula merah : secukupnya
d.Garam dapur : secukupnya
e.Air : 3 gelas
Caranya: temu lawak dikupas dicuci dan diiris tipis-tipis, rebus dengan tiga gelas air dan tinggalkan 1 ½ gelas, setelah menjadi hangat suam-suam kuku lalu diminum. Lakukan pengobatan ini tiap akan datang bulan.

PERAWATAN PAYUDARA MENJADI MONTOK

2007-06-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Bagi wanita yang memiliki payudara kecil, tentu akan mengurangi rasa percaya diri, dan bagi ibu-ibu yang sudah melahirkan serta menyusui anaknya tentu payudaranya akan menjadi kendor tidak kencang seperti masih gadis.
Resep cantik ini, bisa membantu mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Caranya: ambil beberapa kacang panjang yang biasa untuk disayur, kemudian kacang panjang tersebut ditumbuk yang halus, kalau tumbukan kacang panjang tersebut sudah lembut dan halus balurkan ke seluruh payudara hingga merata, tapi sebelumnya payaudara dikompres dengan air hangat disapukan dengan handuk kecil. Tapi jangan sampai kena pada putting. Lakukan pekerjaan ini seminggu dua kali.

APEL BUAH MULTI KHASIAT

2007-06-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Apel merupakan salah satu sumber flavonol atau jenis antioksidan kuat. Quersitin adalah flavonol utama dalam apel, yang sering dihubungkan dengan penurunan resiko penggumpalan darah dan stroke. Quersitin mampu mengatasi radikal bebas dan membantu mencegah terjadinya penggumpalan darah yang menghambat arteri. Apel juga mengandung pektin yang membantu menurunkan tingkat kolesterol darah dan mengusir racun penyebab kanker dari tubuh.

BROKOLI KELUARKAN TOKSIN DALAM TUBUH

2007-06-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Seperti milk thistle brokoli meningkatkan kadar glutathione, ditambah mengubah toksin kimia seperti estrogen menjadi bentuk estrogen yang lebih aman. Hasilnya menurut Shari Lieberman, Ph.D.,dalam buku The Users Guide to Detoxification, menurunkan resiko kanker payudara.(diolah dari berbagai sumber)

APEL BISA MENGELUARKAN TOXIN

2007-06-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Lingkungan yang terpolusi membuat tubuh kita mendapat banyak racun atau toksin. Mulai dari pestisida sampai logam berat yang dapat mengakibatkan timbulnya penyakit berbahaya, antara lain kanker. Tetapi hal tersebut dapat diatasi dengan memanfaatkan tanaman yang ada di sekitar kita seperti: buah apel.
Menurut Elson Haas, M.D., dalam buku the New Detox Diet, serat laruta apel yang dikenal sebagai pectin, mengangkut logam berat keluar dari tubuh dan membuat usus lebih alkaline menurunkan inflamasi penyebab penyakit. Caranya cukup dengan makan apel 1 buah sehari.(disadur dari beberapa sumber).

PUTIH TELUR MENGENCANGKAN WAJAH

2007-06-30T17:41:00.003-07:00

BAHAN:
Putih telur ayam kampung
KHASIAT:
Mengencangkan wajah
CARANYA:
Putih telur dicampur dengan madu dan jeruk nipis. Lalu gunakan pada wajah selama 10 menit atau hingga mengeras di wajah. Setelah itu bersihkan dengan air hangat. Gunakan secara rutin dua minggu sekali.

KULIT PUTIH DAN KENCANG DENGAN MASKER BERAS

2007-06-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

Selama ini kita mengenal beras sekedar makanan pokok yang harus dikonsumsi setiap harinya setelah dimasak menjadi nasi, karena kandungan karbohidratnya bisa membuat tubuh kuat dan tidak merasa lapar. Tetapi beras juga bisa membuat wajah kita halus dan putih bersih, caranya bisa dijadikan masker atau bedak dingin. Resep cantik dibawah ini menjelaskan tentang beras digunakan sebagai masker wajah.
BAHAN:
Beras
KHASIAT:
Memutihkan dan mengencangkan kulit
CARA MEMBUATNYA:
Beras direndam selama semalam, lalu ditumbuk sampai halus hingga menjadi bubuk. Lalu dijemur hingga kering, bisa dicampur madu jadikan seperti masker bedak. Setelah rata di pakai tunggu sekitar 20 menit lalu bilas dengan air dingin.