Beauty Tips

Very few women look great with little effort. Even Supermodels have to drink
plenty of water and get their sleep. The following are the top beauty tips every
woman wanting to look her best should heed. Drink at least two liters (eight
glasses) of water a day. Water helps keep your skin hydrated. It also helps keep
your body in good working order including your metabolism and digestive system,
and helps to flush toxins from your body. Drinking water is good for internal as
well as external beauty.

Get enough sleep. Even models will tell you that while they might be able to
get away with not eating their vegetables and drinking too much coffee, if they
don't get enough sleep, then they pay for it with their looks. Inadequate sleep
has been shown to be a risk factor in weight gain, hypertension, and type-2
diabetes. And if that's not enough, your skin will suffer, too. Our bodies use
sleeping time to restore dead skin; if you don't get enough of it, your skin
will look pale and gray, and you'll probably get black circles under your eyes.
It's not called beauty sleep for nothing!

Don't spend too long in the sun. This is a lot easier said than done. With
all the sun's positive connotations, it's difficult to acknowledge that it can
be harmful. When spending any significant length of time in the sun, always wear
a sunscreen with a
minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. And always moisturize your
skin after you've been in the sun. Remember that a suntan is a sign that
your skin has been damaged. And premature aging has never been a good look!

Don't smoke! Where do we start...? Dull, tired skin; premature
wrinkles; yellow teeth; nicotine-stained fingers; and foul smelling breath
are just a few of the effects of smoking. Quitting smoking is the number one
beauty boost any woman can give herself.

Eat a healthy and varied diet. Eating a healthy diet isn't just important
where your weight's concerned; your skin, eyes, teeth, nails, and hair can all
benefit from foods rich in nutrients. You don't need to spend a fortune on
products that claim they will make your hair shine; foods rich in omega-3 fats
can do it! Dark green vegetables, flax seed oil, and fish such as tuna and
mackerel can all help to give you a head of shiny hair (as well as being good
for anyone on a weight-loss diet given the relatively low calories these foods
contain).

Get regular exercise. Not only will regular exercise help your body look
good, but it will improve blood circulation which in turn will deliver more
oxygen and nutrition to your skin cells. Exercise doesn't have to take place in
a gym, either -- a brisk 20-minute walk every day is enough to get the blood
pumping and deliver results.

Watch your alcohol intake. While alcohol doesn't have to be avoided
completely, it's wise to remember that too much of it can leave skin dehydrated,
looking dull and puffy. It can also leave toxic by-products in the body
resulting in premature aging (not to mention the calories it carries -- one
glass of red wine has around 100 calories). The odd glass now and again is
probably the best beauty tip where alcohol's concerned.

It's a wise woman who remembers that beauty begins from within. Start from
the right place and you can look gorgeous with the minimum of effort and
fuss.

Organic Skin Care

You do all of the right things: you limit your fat intake, take your
vitamins, exercise daily, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of organic fruits
and vegetables, and stay out of the sun. But what about the products you slather
on your skin in your quest for moist, wrinkle-free skin? Are you using as much
care in selecting skin care
products as you do the rest of your life. If you are trying to live a
green or vegan lifestyle, organic skin care is an eco-friendly choice that's
good for the earth, the animals, and your skin!

Earth-friendly natural skin care products are better for the environment
because they are made with organic ingredients without pesticides (think herbal
and plant-based products), synthetic preservatives, mineral oil, artificial
colors and fragrances, or other harmful substances. In addition, companies
dedicated to promoting an organic line are generally dedicated to operating
"green" businesses. You'll find that the organic skin care industry has embraced
green packaging, soy inks, and other eco-friendly business practices.

For those concerned about living a vegan lifestyle, choosing skin care
products that do not use animal byproducts or engage in animal testing is
important. While not all organic skin care products will pass the vegan test,
you'll find plenty of organic choices that do. Read labels carefully to ensure
that your organic choices meet your vegan lifestyle. Many organic skin care
product lines are 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Organic skin care products leave a smaller footprint on the earth and leave
animals alone but what can they do for you and your skin? By eliminating the
synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colors, chemicals, acids, solvents, and
other harsh ingredients and using only natural ingredients such as distilled
water, safflower oil, seaweed extract, herbal infusions, avocado, and aloe vera,
organic products naturally care for your skin using Earth's bounty.

People have been using natural ingredients since ancient times to care for
their skin. From the healing and soothing properties of the aloe vera plant to
the antiseptic properties of natural astringents such as rosemary and the
moisturizing goodness of essential oils, your skin will love it when you make
the switch from over-processed, harsh skin care products to pure and natural
organics.

The organic movement is growing. Not only can you go to the local supermarket
and buy organic bananas and tomatoes, you can now find a variety of natural,
organic skin care products ranging from moisturizers, facial toners, masks, eye
creams, toners, cleansers, body creams, and topical medicinal products.

Your skin offers the world a snapshot of your overall health. Does your skin
look clean and healthy? Or dry and worn out? Many beauty products claim to be
the ultimate in science and suggest that they can stop the aging process.
There's no such thing as a 'Fountain of Youth" but you can give your skin the
care it needs by choosing natural ingredients and shunning the harsh chemical
concoctions.

Skin Care Lines

It will require the services of a skin care expert to be able to know which
type of products will be best used on your skin. Because of the vast number of
products out in the market, it is going to be a very hard decision to make. You
can research about it through product inserts, magazine reviews, and even from
friends who have tried it, but it will really require your cooperation as to
what is good for your skin. Starting with the products your mother uses can help
you get started in choosing what is good for you. You most probably have
inherited some of her skin traits so this may be a good place to start. You may
want to ask the aesthetician if that particular product has already evolved into
a different product since they usually revise their product lines every couple
of years.

A way to discover what product is best for you is to test it on your skin. Do
not test it immediately on your face but on some inconspicuous part like the
inside of your arm so if ever there is an allergic reaction, then at least your
face will not be affected. If you get to find a product that doesn't have
immediate adverse effects on your skin, they try it out at least for a couple of
weeks to see if it really works well on your skin.

While selecting different skin care
products, ask first the sales person if they take returns on their products.
If they decline, then it is not worth testing their product. Some companies even
offer samples that you may use for a certain period of time. At least you don't
have the hassle of coming back to return the product.

When you get to decide on which line of products you are going to use, make
sure that you get most of your products from the same line so as to get uniform
results since their concentrations are made in such a way that when mixed
together, they give out the best results as compared to using different brands
of product which may have a different formulation, and not blend with others.
The cleanser, toner and moisturizer work in sync to normalize the pH of the skin
and hydration. As to other products such as exfoliants, gels, creams for the eye
and hand, these can be from other brands as it won't affect the skin as much as
the previous products mentioned.

At some point in your life, you may want to change your skin care products
especially as one grows older their skin demands more nutrients and care. Some
lines cater to needs of different age groups so as to not lose your loyalty as a
consumer. It will still be up to you if you would like to change or retain what
you are presently using.

Also be sure to use the same products every day. Don't use one product line
one day, and another the next. In a sense, this confuses your skin and it won't
want to behave.

Here are some reasons you may have to change skin care lines:

You have a skin condition that requires special treatments.
You're no
longer satisfied with your current brand and want to try something new.
You
want to use cosmeceuticals you've read about.
You're making more money and
want to use more expensive products.
You want to save money and know you can
still get great skin results for less money.
Your skin has matured and you
need more nourishing skin care products.
You want to use the skin care system
recommended by a skin care technician or friend.
For no good reason at all.
You just want to change.

Oftentimes, you may just want to change skin care products just for no reason
at all but to change. Always remember to practice caution and better judgment in
choosing what is best for you.

Day Spas How to Choose

Inhale deep, hold, and exhale. Feel the tension in your neck lessen slightly?
Good, now multiply that relief by thousands and you have the worth of a perfect
day spa experience. Our world is plugged in, turned on, and blaring stress at us
non stop. So, how do you find a day spa to act as a private oasis? Just a bit of
legwork and you too can choose a day spa offering gifts of relaxation, health,
and peace of mind.

Drink at least two liters (eight glasses) of water a day. Water
helps keep your skin hydrated. It also helps keep your body in good working
order including your metabolism and digestive system, and helps to flush toxins
from your body. Drinking water is good for internal as well as external
beauty.

Choose a day spa with top marks in the following three areas: fair pricing,
considerate staff, and refined products and facilities.

Start by finding a spa with prices in your budget. You are less likely to
find a day spa's services fulfilling if you don't also feel you are getting a
fair price from the start. Expect more expense for highly technical and
specialized services, but shopping around may also uncover a great deal. Don't
forget to include tax and gratuity into the charge if not already included. Many
day spas are independently owned-- an open door to establishing a closer
business relationship. Day spa owners and spa therapists are always on the
lookout for repeat and consistent clients. It never hurts to inquire about
discounts for multiple bookings or service packages.

After calling a handful of day spas and finding one within your means, now
weigh the team serving you. One phone call can give mounds of information to
determine if the spa is worth the next step, a preliminary visit. Choose a day
spa that wants your business. Snobbery, difficulty in booking an appointment,
and unwillingness to answer questions are all warning signs to go some where
else! Incredible customer treatment comes from a need to keep clients. Don't
discredit any first impressions from the booking phone call. Also, be sure to
ask about the credentials of the specialist working with you. Lack of experience
may not necessarily equal an impending bad experience; absences of training and
appropriate education are though!

Once you have an appointment, be sure to discuss an opportunity to view the
facility and review products used. Quality day spas will stick within one
specific product line or brand to prevent adverse reactions by crossing
products. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies
to herbal ingredients. A short tour shouldn't take more than ten minutes, and
will afford you the opportunity to walk through the process. Take note of how
the atmosphere feels and the cleanliness of the common areas. Check the walls
and literature for any claims of affiliation or licensing by day spa trade
associations. Follow up with those organizations to learn what that affiliation
means for your day spa visit, or if there have been any client complaints about
a particular location.

On the day of your appointment be sure to arrive twenty to thirty minutes
before your scheduled appointment to complete questionnaires. A vast majority of
spa services have multiple personal preference components. Intake staff will use
this information to set up any aroma therapies or specialized products needed
for your day spa service. Plus, waiting at a day spa is not dreary like a
dentist or doctor office! Serenity rooms or conservatories are important ways to
begin removing stress and unwanted worries before meeting with other spa
staff.

Spa treatments are not a luxury to just waste money. A day spa performs
services to help reduce stress, improve skin and muscle conditions, and enhance
mental well-being. Men and women need to reinvest in themselves, especially as
the forty hour work week is consistently stretched to mean fifty. Our bodies are
the most expensive job equipment owned. Similar to vehicles receiving periodic
maintenance to keep the engine running, our bodies also need upkeep to stay in
top producing condition. Choose the day spa focused on providing for the
customer, you! Finally, feel secure in rewarding your hard work and enjoy the
"ahhhh" to follow.

Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrhea

Seborrheic dermatitis (Seborrhea) is a common skin condition that can affect
people of any age. Recognized as a scaly, red, itchy rash that is commonly found
on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, behind the ears and on the
chest, it is an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition. Seborrheic
dermatitis affects millions of people in the United States alone - fortunately,
it is more embarrassing than it is a health risk, and this disturbing skin
condition is easily treated. While there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis,
one can learn more about it and lessen the effects, discomfort and
embarrassment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Photo:

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs
when the sebaceous glands (the body's natural oil glands) begin to produce too
much oil, also known as sebum. While for some people, this just results in oily
skin, people who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis have the problem with the
oily skin, but a pityrosporum yeast begins to grow in the sebum, and this can be
further complicated by the presence of bacteria. When you mix the abundance of
sebum with the unnatural yeast growth, your body creates the ideal surface for
seborrheic dermatitis to set in.

Seborrhea is caused by yeast that's present in the hair follicle. You can
control the growth of seborrhea, but it can recur from time to time. Consult a
dermatologist if you have more than mild symptoms.

While seborrheic dermatitis is commonly seen on the scalp, chest and facial
areas, it can also be found in the ear canals, under the arms, or even in the
groin area. In truth, seborrheic dermatitis can strike just about anywhere, can
affect people of all ages and ethnicities, and can be further complicated by a
person's mood, their environment, and their personal hygiene.

Who is at Risk?
This embarrassing condition is commonly seen
amongst people of 3 different ages: Found in infants, seborrheic dermatitis
often affects the scalp and, for this reason, is commonly called "cradle cap."
This usually happens simply because the body is getting used to working properly
and it takes it some time to adjust and know how much oil to produce.
Fortunately, most children grow out of their cradle cap by the time they're 3
years old.

Many middle-aged people begin to develop seborrheic dermatitis and, finally,
this condition is commonly found amongst the elderly, particularly those who are
in hospitals or nursing homes. In addition to the age factor, seborrheic
dermatitis affects people who are suffering from extreme fatigue or stress,
those who are obese, and the risk of developing this condition can also increase
for those who have relatives with the condition.

Weather conditions, such as those found in the cold northern climates, can
further irritate seborrheic dermatitis, and this condition is commonly
associated with people who have also suffered head injuries, heart attacks,
stroke, or have autoimmune disorders. Seborrheic dermatitis is commonly found in
people who suffer from AIDS, as well as those who have Parkinson's Disease.

How is it Diagnosed?
For most people, seborrheic dermatitis merely
requires a visit to the doctor. In most cases, there is no need for blood or
urine tests, though your doctor may decide to do a scraping or skin biopsy, just
to rule out the presence of another disease, but this is mainly done if the
patient's condition seems to resist treatment. While many commonly confuse
seborrheic dermatitis with other conditions, such as dandruff or psoriasis, most
doctors are able to make a quick diagnosis without much ado.

What Treatments are Available?
While there is no cure for
seborrheic dermatitis, there are methods of treating the symptoms and lessening
the discomfort. For infants, simply using a mild shampoo will help, as well as
applying a thin layer of mild corticosteroid cream or lotion to the affected
areas. Anti-fungal topical ointments may also provide relief.

Adults who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis may require a special, medicated
shampoo or a stronger corticosteroid medication to control their conditions. In
more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a cream, gel, or foam to use on the
skin, or they may give you a prescription for a special shampoo that's not
available over the counter. In many cases, seborrheic dermatitis is lessened
when people go outside, especially during the summer, and engage in a little fun
in the sun.

If you suspect you may have seborrheic dermatitis, the best thing that you
can do is get in to your doctor and have it diagnosed. While this condition is
not contagious, there's no reason to suffer the discomfort and embarrassment
that seborrheic dermatitis may cause. Follow your doctor's advice and you're
sure to be feeling better in no time.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hair is a hair that has not broken through the surface of the skin.
The ingrown hair continues to grow under the skin. When this happens, bacteria,
pus, and dead skin cells get trapped along with the hair. Ingrown hairs are
common anywhere there is curly hair. The area under your chin, pubic area, upper
neck or cheeks can be subject to an uncomfortable cluster of papules and
sometimes pustules, which can make shaving very difficult. This condition is
known as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB); more commonly called ingrown hairs or
razor bumps. This reasons for this are the follicles are tightly curved and
sometimes grow right back into the skin.

First and foremost, refrain from picking at ingrown hairs. You may create
bigger problems, such as infection and scarring. Instead, apply salicylic acid
(BHA) to the ingrown hair with a Q-tip. An effective product for ingrown hairs
is Tend Skin, which is available at most drug stores. At any time, you can use a
plastic net or natural loofah to gently exfoliate the ingrown hair area. You can
also dry brush the area daily before your bath or shower. Benzoyl peroxide is
the most commonly used over the counter acne medication, and is also the most
effective method for treating ingrown hair. A cream or water based product may
be gentler if your skin is very sensitive; however, alcohol based products may
be more potent if you're able to tolerate them.

Virtually all hair removal methods can cause ingrown hairs, with the possible
exception of depilatories. Depilatories are lotions that contain strong
chemicals. These chemicals dissolve hair growth above the surface of your
skin.

Ingrown Hair Treatment

If you have ingrown hair, you need to establish proper shaving techniques.
Allowing you hair to grow long enough so they won't grow back into the skin can
be helpful. Here are some tips to help prevent ingrown hairs while shaving:

Soften your hairs before shaving. After a warm shower or bath is the best
time to shave. Steaming helps to soften your hair. Washing helps to remove all
the oil and helps the skin to stand more erect, making them easier to cut.

Use creams or gels to moisten your hairs and to help lubricate the razor
blades on your skin.

Shave with the grain. Using downward strokes. You will have less pull on the
hairs if you shave in the same direction the hair lies. This will also minimize
irritation as well as help in preventing ingrown hair.

Try to not to go over the same area twice. Repeated shaving of the same area
may result in the hair being cut to short.

Don't stretch the skin while shaving. This leads to a closer shave and
increases the chances of ingrown hairs.

Try not to shave daily unless you have to.

Don't use aftershave or cologne on the shaved areas. Instead, after shaving,
rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a mild lotion such as Cetaphil
Lotion.

Rinse your razor as often as possible while shaving. Change the blades at
least once a week.