Natural Skin Care Tips

* Cleansing the face 2-3 times a day; is adequate for normal skin. If your skin is oily a more frequent cleansing i.e. 4-5 times a day is necessary. If your skin is dry it is best to avoid frequent washing and you may have to use a suitable oil-based cosmetic cleanser instead of soap, which has a dry effect.

* Avoid heavy cheesy, fried foods and sugary food stuff.

* Never sleep with your makeup on as this will not allow your skin to breathe at night, leading to skin problems.

* Be aware that two kinds of factors affect your skin’s health – uncontrollable
and controllable. Uncontrollable factors include sun exposure, extreme climate
conditions, wind, humidity, pollution and natural skin aging. A regular skincare
regimen can help in controlling the effects of these factors.

* In very cold conditions skin blood flow drops very low, retaining heat in the center of the body and preserving the flow of warm blood to the vital organs within the chest and abdomen and to the brain.

redness around your nose, or the lines forming near your eyes?

Redness Around Nose
How do you treat redness around my nose and eyes.I believe I had a allergic reaction yet it it is not itchy, but the area is beginning to dry

Environmental conditions influenced by unnatural forces such as being in an airline cabin or the heat emitted by a furnace is also likely to cause dryness around the eyes and nose. If the skin remains dry for a significant period of time, it is likely to develop wrinkles as a result of the loss of elasticity. Dry skin is becoming more of a common issue given the highly polluted state of the natural atmosphere. It is only normal for a number of dust particles to accumulate over the surface of the skin, making it seem very dry and dirty.

Since the condition is very common and has a significant impact on the aesthetic features of an individual, a number of home remedies have been developed and perfected in different parts of the world over the course of a few decades.

* For example, you could try creating a puree of 1 papaya and 1 banana and apply it over the skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before you wash it off with the help of warm water.

* Apply a good moisturizing lotion such as margarine or natural vegetable oil for best results.

* You can also grate a piece of cucumber and apply it all over the affected area. The juice is known to be extremely beneficial for the skin around the eyes making it tighter and refreshed. It also has a very cooling effect on the skin.

* Another option would be to massage some amount of mayonnaise into your skin and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off thoroughly with the help of some warm water.

* Vitamin E is considered to be one of the most beneficial healing agents for dry skin and the application of some vitamin E oil directly to the dry skin will show quick results.

Glowing Skin Tips

Foods for Glowing Skin

Healthy glowing skin leaves good impression on every person we meet so it is desired by everyone. Without glowing skin, every effort to look good will not attain the desired result though you wear the perfect dress or makeup. It helps to boost your self-confidence level. Americans spend billions of dollars on different types of moisturizer, brightening creams and glitter to get glowing skin but the best the way to treat and prevent unhealthy skin is by making changes in your diet. Junk foods, sugar, processed foods, fried foods, and caffeine not only results in weight gain but also makes the skin unhealthy. Everything you consume is reflected on your skin so you should eat healthy food to get healthy look. There are many foods which provide skin health benefits. Here are provided some foods that give glowing skin and be sure you include them in your diet.

What to expect as you get older

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Looked in the mirror lately only to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs? Those are just a few of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. But what exactly is going on with your body? Here's what you can expect as you age.

Natural changes with age

Regardless of how long you live, time takes a toll on the organs and systems in your body. How and when this occurs is unique to you. Some typical changes to expect as you age include:

Cardiovascular system

Over time, your heart muscle becomes a less efficient pump, working harder to pump the same amount of blood through your body. Also, your blood vessels become less elastic. Hardened fatty deposits may form on the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing the passageway through the vessels. The natural loss of elasticity, in combination with atherosclerosis, makes your arteries stiffer, causing your heart to work even harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).

Bones, muscles and joints

Your bones reach their maximum mass between ages 25 and 35. As you age, your bones shrink in size and density. One consequence is that you might become shorter. Gradual loss of density weakens your bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Muscles, tendons and joints generally lose some strength and flexibility as you age.

Digestive system

Swallowing and the motions that automatically move digested food through your intestines slow down as you get older. The amount of surface area within your intestines diminishes slightly. The flow of secretions from your stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine may decrease. These changes generally don't disrupt your digestive process, so you may never notice them. But you might notice more constipation.

Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract

With age, your kidneys become less efficient in removing waste from your bloodstream. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and some medications can damage your kidneys further.

About 30 percent of people age 65 and older experience a loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). Incontinence can be caused by a number of health problems, such as obesity, frequent constipation and chronic cough.

Women are more likely than men to have incontinence. Women who've been through menopause might experience stress incontinence as the muscles around the opening of the bladder (the sphincter muscles) lose strength and bladder reflexes change. As estrogen levels decline, the tissue lining the tube through which urine passes (urethra) becomes thinner. Pelvic muscles become weaker, reducing bladder support.

In older men, incontinence is sometimes caused by an enlarged prostate, which can block the urethra. This makes it difficult to empty your bladder and can cause small amounts of urine to leak.

Brain and nervous system

The number of cells (neurons) in your brain decreases with age, and your memory becomes less efficient. However, in some areas of your brain, the number of connections between the cells increases, perhaps helping to compensate for the aging neurons and maintain brain function. Your reflexes tend to become slower. You also tend to become less coordinated.

Eyes

With age, your eyes are less able to produce tears, your retinas thin, and your lenses gradually turn yellow and become less clear. In your 40s, focusing on objects that are close up may become more difficult. Later, the colored portions of your eyes (irises) stiffen, making your pupils less responsive. This can make it more difficult to adapt to different levels of light. Other changes to your lenses can make you sensitive to glare, which presents a problem when driving at night. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are the most common problems of aging eyes.

Ears

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting adults who are middle-aged and older. One in three people older than 60 and half of all people older than 85 have significant hearing loss. Over the years, sounds and noise can damage the hair cells of your inner ears.

Also, the walls of your auditory canals thin, and your eardrums thicken. You may have difficulty hearing high frequencies. Some people find it difficult to follow a conversation in a crowded room. Changes in the inner ear or in the nerves attached to it, earwax buildup and various diseases can all affect your hearing.

Teeth

How your teeth and gums respond to age depends on how well you've cared for them over the years. But even if you're meticulous about brushing and flossing, you may notice that your mouth feels drier and your gums have pulled back (receded). Your teeth may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.

Most adults can keep their natural teeth all of their lives. But with less saliva to wash away bacteria, your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. If you've lost most or all of your natural teeth, you might use dentures or dental implants as a replacement.

Some older adults experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which can lead to tooth decay and infection. Dry mouth can also make speaking, swallowing and tasting difficult. Oral cancer is more common among older adults. Your dentist checks for oral cancer when you go for regular cleanings and checkups.

Skin, nails and hair

With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You'll likely notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and skin tags are more common. Your nails grow at about half the pace they once did. Your hair may gray and thin. In addition, you likely perspire less — making it harder to stay cool in high temperatures and putting you at increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How fast your skin ages depends on many factors. The most significant factor is sun exposure over the years. The more sun your skin has been exposed to, the more damage you may attain. Smoking adds to skin damage, such as wrinkles. Skin cancer also is a concern as you age. You have a 40 percent to 50 percent chance of getting skin cancer at least once by the time you reach 65.

Sleep

Sleep needs change little throughout adulthood. If you need six hours of sleep nightly, chances are you'll always need six hours — give or take 30 minutes. However, as you age, you'll likely find that you sleep less soundly, meaning you'll need to spend more time in bed to get the same amount of sleep. By age 75, some people find that they're waking up several times each night.

Weight

As you age, maintaining a healthy weight — or losing weight if you're overweight — may be more difficult. Your metabolism generally slows, meaning that your body burns fewer calories. Calories that were once used to meet your daily energy needs instead are stored as fat. Your level of activity may decrease, resulting in unwanted weight gain.

Sexuality

With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. Women's vaginas tend to shrink and narrow, and the walls become less elastic. Vaginal dryness is a problem. All of this can make sex painful.

Impotence becomes more common in men as they age. By the time they're 65, up to one in four men have difficulty getting or keeping an erection about one in every four times they have sex. In others, it may take longer to get an erection, and it may not be as firm as it used to be.

How long can you live?

The longest documented human life span is 122 years. Though a life span that long is rare, improvements in medicine, science and technology during the last century have helped more people live longer, healthier lives. If you were born in the early 1900s in the United States, your life expectancy was only about 50 years. Today it's around 77.

And if you're sure you've already done too much damage to yourself to hope for a long life, think again. Researchers say it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example, if you quit smoking now, your risk of heart disease begins to fall almost immediately. Living a healthy lifestyle can improve how you age. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and getting out for a daily walk are ways you can begin preparing now for your later years.
source

Lifestyle Changes for Dry Skin Treatment

Lifestyle Changes for Dry Skin Treatment

* Drink enough water each day. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

* Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Better if they have more water content like cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, orange. Have plenty of nuts, especially almonds and walnuts.

* Get enough sleep. Six to eight hours sleep at night help restore oxygen level of blood responsible for renewal of body cells essential for keeping the young looks of skin rejuvenated.

* Avoid hot showers. Hot water robs the skin of its natural oils that keep skin moist. In winters, make the bathing water only mildly warm if you can't have bath with cold water.

* Protect your facial and body skin from UV rays of sun. Always carry some cloth like scarves or umbrella to protect yourself from sun.
* Do not take stress. This is one of the causes of many skin problems including dry skin.

* Quit smoking and limit intake of alcohol. The harmful elements in them cause dry skin.

* Never go to bed with make up on. Wash all the applied cosmetics with clean water and if necessary with mild soap having moisturizer. Then apply some moisturizing cream. Natural, home made or herbal dry skin creams without chemicals are best for skin.

Shahnaz Hussain Beauty Tips

This is the collection of Shahnaz Hussain beauty tips. All these tips are safe and can be tried at home

Home Hair Cleanser: Take a handful each of dried reetha, amla and shikakai. Soak them in one litre water overnight. Next day, simmer the herbs on a low fire till the water reduces by half. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain it with a clean cloth. Use the liquid to wash hair. This quantity should be enough for four to five washes. Refrigerate it. Make small quantities at a time.

Pimples occur on the oily areas of the skin. Therefore, applying cold cream can lead to further pimples. Mix one part of pure glycerine with four parts of rosewater and keep it in the fridge. Apply it on the face after washing and before applying it, add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Once daily, apply curd mixed with a little turmeric on the entire face, and wash it off with plenty of water after 20 minutes. Apply sandalwood paste on the pimples.

Dandruff: Twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp at night, using cotton wool. Leave it on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour. Apply henna once a week

Lifeless Hair: Once or twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp and hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around your head like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three or four times. This helps the hair and the scalp absorb the oil better. Use a mild herbal shampoo. After each shampoo, apply a conditioner, massaging it lightly into the hair. Leave it on for two minutes before washing it off with water. You can have henna treatment thrice a month, adding four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, two teaspoons of oil and enough curd to the henna powder. It will make your hair look healthy and lustrous.

Grey Hair: Amla said to check greying. Have the juice of one raw amla after adding it to a glass of water. Also try adding amla to the henna powder. Henna turns white hair reddish brown. It will not colour dark hair. Soak a handful of dry amla in about two cups of water overnight. Next morning, strain the water, but do not throw the water away. Grind the amla. To the henna powder, add the ground amla, four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough amla water, so that the henna can be mixed into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair, covering the entire head. Keep it on for two hours and wash it off with water. It will also add shine and substance to the hair. Ask your doctor to prescribe Vitamins B-Complex and C.

Oily Hair, Hair Loss: Excessive oiliness of the scalp can lead to hair loss. Wash your hair daily, using very little shampoo — one teaspoon for long hair and half teaspoon for short hair. Dilute it with a little water and use it. After washing, add the juice of a lemon to half a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. Have henna treatment once a week. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough tea water to the henna powder and mix it into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair and wash it off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more tea water. For tea water, boil used tealeaves in water. Cool and strain before using. Include fresh fruits, raw salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.

Dry, Lifeless Skin: Use a facial scrub once a week. For very dry skin, avoid soap and use a cleansing gel or cream. For the body, use a mild, glycerine soap. Apply sesame seed (til) oil on the body before your bath. Mix honey with egg yolk and a little milk and apply it daily on the face, washing it off with plain water after 20 minutes. At night, apply a good nourishing cream and massage it on the face with a few drops of water. Wipe it off with moist cotton wool. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Til oil actually has sunscreen properties, but it is better to use a sunscreen lotion for proper protection. Aloe Vera is a powerful moisturiser and an anti-oxidant. It helps keep the skin soft and healthy. It is better to use moisturisers and creams containing aloe vera.

Double Chin: exercises — open your mouth as wide as you can. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, then relax your mouth, and repeat the exercise a few more times. For faster results, add resistance by placing a tennis ball underneath your chin, while testing your jaw span. Sleeping without a pillow is said to help. Also, you can massage the area daily with a cream. Start from the chin and go downwards using both hands, one hand following the other.

Oily T-Zone: either buy a facial scrub or mix rice powder with curd and use it as a scrub. You may add a little turmeric if you wish. Apply the scrub on the face, rubbing gently with small circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it off. This will keep the pores free of clogged oil. Once daily, at any time, mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice and egg white and apply it on the oily areas, washing it off after 20 minutes.

Glowing Skin: After cleansing, wipe the face with rose water, using cotton wool and then pat it briskly. Use a face mask once or twice a week. You can make a mask at home with two teaspoons of choker, one teaspoon of oatmeal or ground almonds and one teaspoon each of curd, honey and egg white. Apply it on the face and wash it off after 20-30 minutes.

Thin Waist: Join a gym or health club and lose weight under professional guidance. Or, practise yoga daily. You can also do the following exercises after seeking your doctor’s advice. First, lie on the floor on your back, feet together and arms at the sides. Lift your legs about six inches above the ground and hold this position for a count of ten. Then lower your legs to the floor. Repeat this exercise 3 to 4 times and increase gradually. Then, keep lying on the floor, the same way. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Raise your body to a half-sitting position, holding your arms stretched out before you. Lower your body to the floor and repeat 3 or 4 times. Take a look at your eating habits. Avoid eating desserts after meals and stick to fresh fruits. Take clear soups (without butter) and salads before the main dish. Avoid rich gravies. Cut down on your intake of cereals. For example, if you have been eating three chapatis, eat only two. Or, eat only one cup of cooked rice. Eat fresh fruits, salads, sprouts, curd and paneer made from skimmed milk and lightly cooked vegetables. If you feel like a snack, eat fruit, carrot or cucumber.

Combination Skin, Pimples: In combination skins, usually the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is oily, while the rest of the face is dry. Pimples on the forehead can occur due to oiliness of the skin. You should wash the face only twice a day with a medicated soap. After washing, wipe the oily areas with rose water mixed with an astringent lotion in equal quantities. Use this two or three times a day. Avoid applying besan or multani mitti as they can sometimes clog the pores and cause pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, especially in pimple-prone skin. Add a little turmeric to curd and apply daily on the face, washing it off well with water after 20 minutes. Add a few drops of rose water to sandalwood paste and apply on the forehead and areas with spots. Keep it on for at least one hour.

Dry Skin: If you wish to use soap, you can try a mild glycerine soap and see if it suits your skin. You should keep your skin well moisturised during the day, or if you are going out in the sun, apply a sunscreen. At night, use a nourishing cream, massaging it on the skin for two to three minutes. Massage the forehead too, starting from the bridge of the nose and using both hands. Go upwards and then in an arc on either side, go towards the temples. Wipe off with moist cotton wool. Once daily, mix one teaspoon honey with egg white and apply on the skin, washing off with plain water after 20 minutes.

Blackheads: the daily use of a facial scrub will help. You can either buy a facial scrub, or you can mix rice powder with curd or rose water and use as a facial scrub. Apply on the face and rub gently on the skin using small circular movements. Concentrate on the blackhead prone areas. Leave on for five minutes and then wash off with water. Once daily, mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities with egg white and apply on the face, washing it off after 20 minutes.

Stylish during the harsh Winter Months.

Beauty tips for Winter
One of winters biggest beauty challenges is dealing with dry, static-y conditions created by the combination of very low moisture in the air and cold outdoor temperatures. Typically worst from November through February, static is the culprit behind clinging trousers, flyaway hair and the snap-crackle-pops that occur when you take off your winter coat
and scarf.

When the outside temperatures dip and the inside heat cranks up, its vital to have a few tricks up your static-free sleeves. The makers of Static Guard anti-static spray, who created the Static Index to help consumers recognize and prepare for high static conditions in their area, offer the following tips on how to stay stylish during the harsh winter months.

Women on the go should consider keeping a multiple use lip/eye/cheek pencil in their purse for touch-ups during the day. And always keep a tube of lip balm handy in your pocket to ward off chapped, dry lips.

Stop hair from frizzing by spraying combs or brushes with Static Guard then running it lightly through hair after styling and before hairspray. The versatile product is essential for cutting static on the inside of hats and jacket hoods, too. For a one-two punch, spritz the inside of your pants legs and skirts to further prevent static cling. Be sure to keep a handy tote-size can in the purse or car for static emergencies.

For a dewy, youthful look, mix cream or liquid blush with a dab of petroleum jelly and apply to dry cheeks.

Dont forget your hands! Lock in moisture by slathering on a good hydrating lotion before bed and after the mornings shower.

Water works: Drink lots of water to moisturize from the inside out, and lightly mist facial skin with distilled water in a small spray bottle after applying makeup to keep it fresh throughout the day.

Bad Skin Habits

1. Skipping Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

2. Smoking

3. Drinking Too Much

4. Picking the Wrong Products

5. Ignoring Your Neck and Chest

6. Overlooking Moles

7. Using Dirty Makeup Brushes

8. Constant Phone Chatter

9. Overexfoliating

10. Staying Up Late

11. Not Washing Your Face at Night

12. Eating Junk Food

13. Neglecting Your Eyes

14. Popping Zits

15. Skipping the Gym

16. Tanning

17. Overloading on Products

Skin Whitening

skin whitening (also called skin bleaching)

Fruits

Many fruits have skin whitening effect when they are eaten or scrubbed on skin. The leading fruit is papaya, wherein its enzyme papain can lighten the skin. Other notable fruits are lemon, lime, calamondin, and orange; all of these have Vitamin C which is said to have a skin whitening effect

Skin Care During Winters

Winter is harsh on the skin. Dry air and harsh wind can sap moisture from the skin, causing cracking, chapping, and irritation. To prevent scaling, flaking and itching, one needs to pay special attention to the skin during the cold months. The following tips may help:

* Do not take long, hot showers. They may sound appealing, but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing oils. Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost dry, then put on a good moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

* You will need an emollient lotion for hands, heels, or anywhere else where you experience especially dry, cracked skin.

* Apply a cream-based moisturizer every day. A good time to use moisturizer is just after showering to help trap moisture on the skin's surface. Those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin.

* Although frequent hand washing is often urged to prevent the spread of germs, all of that soap and water can also make hands chapped. Using a mild soap and moisturizing afterwards can help relieve the dryness.

* Rinsing your body daily but using less soap can also help protect the skin's natural moisturizers.

* Cover your face and use a petrolatum-based balm with an SPF for your lips while going out in cold air.

* Scaling, itching or cracked skin that is not relieved by moisturizers should be checked by a dermatologist, who may suggest a prescription medication.

Tanning Tips Prepare Your Skin

Self Tanning Tips

Getting a tan in the sun is not the really safe way of tanning yourself. Using a self-tanning product is a safe way of getting a tan. The tan from a self-tanning product not only removes the white areas caused by winter but they also give you some amount of protection against the sun. The tan that one gets from using these products normally washes off easily. Today there is an increasing demand for semi-permanent tanning lotions. Most of these self-tanning products come with additions like vitamin E and aloe vera that softens and moisturizes the skin. In order to ensure that the tan does not look fake choose a tan color that suits your skin color. Most self-tanning products are available in a range of shades.

To ensure that your tan lasts longer, use the following tips to prepare your skin:

* Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub to remove loose flakes of skin. This will ensure that the tan does not look patchy and it will last longer.
* Before applying any self-tanning cream or lotion one must exfoliate the skin. This removes any dead skin cells and excess body oils that may hinder proper absorption of the self-tanning product. Try using a mild soap as this will maintain the pH of the skin.
* Moisturize the areas you want to tan. This will allow the self-tanning lotion to spread smoothly and reduce the chances of streaking.
* Apply the self-tanning product with long firm strokes on your legs and arms. Rub the lotion using a circular motion into your stomach, buttocks and checks.
* Apply self-tanning lotion carefully to the dry areas of your body, as they will absorb more color. Pay special attention to your knees, elbows and heels.
* To ensure that you have an even tan around your eyebrows and hairline, use a cotton bud to remove any tanning lotion that gets accumulated. Use this along the side of your nose and along laughter lines, as tanning lotion normally clogs around these areas and tans the areas more.
* Do not apply self-tanning product on your nails, as they will turn orange.
* It is very important not to apply the self-tanning product directly on the elbows and the knees. Instead one must apply the solution in nearby areas and then with a moist tissue the tanner should be spread from these areas over to the knees and elbows.
* Wash your hands well after applying self-tanning lotion, especially wash your cuticles and under your nails.
* Do not wear clothes or sleep on your bed cover for about half an hour at least. This will stain your clothing and bedcovers.
* For the tan to last longer, avoid water for another 4-6 hours. This also includes perspiration. The tan will darken by a period of 24 hours giving you a nice golden bronze complexion. Using a moisturizer will also help the tan to last longer.

Water not enough for glowing skin

H2O not enough for glowing skin

Water load of rubbish! The widely-held belief that drinking eight glasses of water can make your skin glow is just theory, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has said.

Experts say that a balanced diet and lots of sunscreen are far more important in keeping wrinkles at bay. The finding will come as a relief to those who have found the drinking regime something of an ordeal.

The study

The British Nutrition Foundation, which investigated this theory, reported, "There currently appears to be very little scientific evidence relating to the effects of water consumption on skin hydration, and whether drinking more or less water actually has any impact on skin appearance."

Researcher Heather Yuregir said, "Drinking water for the sake of drinking water really has no effect on improving the appearance of skin." But diet and sun exposure really do affect complexion, she said.

What you should do

Vitamins A, B, C and E, contained in a range of fruit and vegetables, help keep the skin elastic, protect it from age-related damage and help with the growth of new skin. Not eating enough of them can cause problems such as scurvy and dry, scaly skin. It is also clear that overexposure to the sun ages the skin, causing mottling, a leathery texture and deep wrinkles.

The BNF review follows research published last year which concluded that drinking water does not help slimmers lose weight. The weight and waist size of more than 1,000 young women was compared with the amount of water they consumed each day - both from drinks and food.

The Japanese study found no link between water in drinks, including water itself, tea, coffee, soft drinks and fruit juices, and body shape. But foods rich in water, such as fruit, vegetables, soups and casseroles, appeared to help in the battle of the bulge. This may be because water-rich foods are also high in fibre, making people feel full faster and stopping them from over-eating.

Preventing overexposure and reducing skin cancer risk

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight is considered potentially harmful to a person's health. To avoid sunburn a person should stay out of the sun for long periods of time. If long sun exposure cannot be avoided or is desired one may cover themselves or use sunscreen or various over-the-counter creams to reduce the risks from UVA and UVB exposure. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number on a sunscreen product shows its rated effectiveness. Products with a higher SPF number provide greater protection against ultraviolet radiation. However in 1998, the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science reported that some sunscreens advertising UVA and UVB protection do not provide adequate safety from UVA radiation and could give sun tanners a false sense of protection.

For those who choose to tan, some dermatologists recommend the following preventative measures:

* Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients. Ideally a sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog the pores, which can cause acne.

* Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. In case of uncertainty about how much product to use, or discomfort with the amount applied, switching to a sunscreen with a higher SPF may help.

* Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

* The rays of the sun are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m , so frequent shade breaks are recommended during these hours. Sun rays are stronger at higher elevations (mountains) and lower latitudes (near the equator). One way to deal with time zones, daylight saving time (summer time) and latitude is to check shadow length. If a person's shadow is shorter than their actual height, the risk of sunburn is much higher.

* Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses, which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes.

* Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreens, wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun altogether.

The Dark Side of Fairness Creams

Run an eye through the matrimonial column of a newspaper and the words (or rather demand) 'wanted fair complexion?' scream at you. What is this fixation with fairness?
According to a research by a leading cosmetic company, a major part of the Indian population buys these fairness products.

Taking on the men
Manufacturers have taken to building brand names and a niche market for men. Their argument? The metro-sexual male in India and elsewhere (read Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Korea, Japan, Middle Eastern and other south Asian countries) deserve it!
Reality check!

In a bid to get fair, beautiful skin in a jiffy, you tend to ignore some vital facts.

* Since the skin pigmenting agent, Melanin, is determined at birth (genes) for all humans, fairness creams cannot possibly raise it or add to it using unnatural means. At best, the so-called fairness creams help users maintain a sort of 'status quo' since they contain sunscreen protection that prevents further skin darkening.

* Most fairness creams contain chemicals like hydroquinone, which has a strong bleaching effect. Some contain high levels of mercury that are above the US FDA prescribed contents. These cause skin irritation while ingredients such as koiic acid (a Vitamin C derivative) and retinoic acid (Vitamin A derivative) increase intolerance to sun sensitivity and result in mild to severe skin rashes for certain users.

Vanity, no apologies

The next time you want to buy a fairness cream, pick a quality product containing natural plant extracts that have mild whitening agents (e.g. blackberry, sandalwood, mulberry, saffron, etc.).

Ensure that it adheres to FDA standards for inclusion of skin lightening agents. Conduct a 'patch test' on a small portion of your skin so you know it's gentle on your skin and easy on your mind.

source:idiva.com

Smooth skin with coffee & chocolates?

Remember the last time your girlfriend was angry and you had to give her a box of chocolates to cool her down?

Well, the next time she shops for the chocolates herself or even asks you to get her some, it may not be to pamper her taste buds but her skin! Indeed chocolates and coffee are both on their way to becoming the most preferred skin care solutions for women in general and brides in particular.

An extension of the ever-changing list of beauty tips that are available to women from beauty experts, the cafe orly treatment or the chocolate wrap treatment are all set to make their debut in Kolkata.

“The thing about chocolate is that it has a feel-good factor, the reason why people eat chocolates whenever they feel down,” said a Delhi-based beautician who is introducing chocolate facials and body massage for the first time in the city. Apparently, while on the one hand the smell of chocolates is an aphrodisiac and just right for the bride on the day of her marriage, chocolate is also rich in anti-oxidants that keeps the skin fresh.

While chocolate takes the cake, coffee can also act as an excellent scrub. The coffee scrub not only helps to tighten the body, but also lightens the skin with the cocoa in it checking pigmentation.

It seems it’s time coffee and chocolate travelled from just the taste buds to every cell of the body.

Wrinkle Free New treatment for stretch marks

They are a natural skin condition, but nobody likes them: stretch marks. And in this segment of Wrinkle Free Friday, doctors give us advice about how to fix a very common complaint about the skin on the body. Sooner or later they will affect just about all of us.

"Ninety percent of us have stretch marks on us somewhere, so it's not even a disease, it's just a common marker of human beings," says Metairie dermatologic surgeon Dr. Bill Coleman.

Any fast growing skin is susceptible: hips, thighs, buttocks and breasts of maturing teenagers, the belly of an expectant mom, the chest and upper arms of a body builder and the body of anyone who gains weight. And something you have no control over, they tend to be hereditary.

"If when your mother was pregnant she got a lot of stretch marks, the chances are good you will have the same problem," says Dr. Mary Lupo, a dermatologist in New Orleans.

So what are these unattractive lines?

"A stretch mark is basically a rupture in the skin. Think of a fabric that's torn and the little elastic fibers pull back. That's what happens to your skin," adds Dr. Coleman.

The doctors agree. The only way to try to prevent them is by not gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy or puberty.

"You can rub all the cocoa butter in the world on your tummy and that's not going to stop you from getting stretch marks necessarily," says Metairie dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris.

"All of this these myriad of creams that are being sold to treat stretch marks, they do not remove stretch marks and that's the bottom line on that and I don't care if they cost $10 or $100. It doesn't make any difference. It doesn't work," says LSU Health Sciences Center dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth McBurney, who practices in New Orleans and Slidell.

But there is something that makes stretch marks worse, taking steroids for legitimate medical reasons or illegally.

"A very common scenario we see is men who come in and tell us 'Look how great I look,' and they show us their big muscles and on top of them are these huge stretch marks and then they have acne too from taking the steroids and they are going bald and on balance they don't look very good," adds Dr. Coleman.

So how can you get rid of stretch marks?

Dermatologists say there's good news and bad. The good news is the prescription tretinoin cream, called Retin A, that is used for acne and wrinkles, can make a difference.

"If you come in while the stretch marks are still red you've got a very good chance, maybe as high as 70 percent with topical treatments alone getting results and that will save you a lot of money," says Dr. Lupo.

"I think the best time to treat a stretch mark is when it's early young stretch mark as we call them those are the red stretch marks. We like things that generate collagen alpha hydroxys and particularly tretinoin, Retin A, has been shown to improve stretch marks even when used alone," says Dr. Farris.

But doctors caution these creams should not be used during pregnancy.

The other good news is that doctors are starting to see some results with lights and lasers. One is that non-ablative Fraxel laser that's been used on the face that heats up but doesn't burn the skin.

"When they are in that early stage I do think that certain laser procedures help and I usually use a combination. I like the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) because I think that does the best job in taking the red out and then you can generate new collagen with the non-ablative fractional lasers," adds Dr. Farris.

"If your stretch marks are red or slightly brown, they, and the reason they are because they are usually newly formed and they have an inflammatory reaction underneath the skins surface that causes them to be red, with those, those are probably the only situation in which I think the lasers make a significant difference," adds Dr. McBurney.

Most of the doctors agree treating them early will give best results, while the older ones are there to stay.

But dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo says she is seeing some results treating the older ones.

"Once the stretch marks have that silvery or white color the only thing that I have found that has been successful is the Fraxel Restore Laser. This is a non-ablative laser. There's no down time to the procedure. It can be used on all skin types," says Dr. Lupo.

But five or six treatments are needed, which can get costly. So while there is help, doctors say the bad news is they have nothing in their arsenals to make them invisible.

"The Fraxel treatment shows promise but it still is not going to completely remove it. It is going to improve it maybe about 30 percent, 40 percent," says LSU Health Sciences Center plastic surgeon Dr. Kamran Khoobehi.

“All of the lasers that are out there now a days, including the Fraxel Restore, are all going to be good at getting the red out but not the white so you still have a white stretch mark, you still have a little valley there in the skin and that has not changed. We need a way to weld the skin back together. We just don't have it right now," says Dr. Coleman.

Doctors say it can be very embarrassing for teens to have stretch marks and they should be treated as soon as they get them.

Doctors also say one trick to covering up the older light stretch marks is to temporarily cover them with a bronzer.

source:wwltv.com

Winter Season Care Your Skin

During the winter months, we need to pay even more attention to how we treat our skin, according to dermatologists.

While oily skin might not experience that much change from season to season, skin that's normal, dry or sensitive will usually need more moisturizing during the winter, Even when it's raining outside, heated indoor air is drying to the skin, and cold winds will have the same effect. Using a humidifier in the winter is a must. It’s great for the skin to have moisture in the air during the winter months. People with any skin type should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 year-round. We know that even on a cloudy day in winter, you're going to get significant amounts of ultraviolet exposure. "A lot of people say 'I'm not outdoors very much, I'm just going in and out of my car.' But a study looked at incidental sun exposure -- something that's not intentional -- and it's about 11 hours a week, which is a lot. So you still need to protect your skin." That goes double for people who participate in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, where they are exposed to more intense sunlight at higher elevations, coupled with wind and cold, for hours at a time.

While people who still insist on lying on the beach in the summer tend to be quite aware of how long their skin is exposed to the sun. winter sports enthusiasts may be out in the sun all day with little thought to its negative effects.

Dermatologist suggests that people who spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter use a sunscreen that's a little thicker than one they might use during the summer to ensure full coverage and hydration.

Skin-care problems like eczema, atopic dermatitis or keratotis pilaris (rough, dry areas on the cheeks or the backs of arms, more common in young children) can often flare up during the winter. Older people, whose skin loses its ability to retain moisture, can develop a condition called asteatotic eczema, which Jang says can be particularly debilitating. "If left untreated, it can get itchy and red and angry and start to really impact on a person's quality of life."

People with any of these problems need to be vigilant about using a non-sensitizing moisturizer. Curel, BurtsBees, or Lubriderm are all great products that can help your skin.

For basic skin care during the winter, you should cleanse your face twice a day, and choose a cream-based cleanser if your skin is dry or sensitive. It should leave your face feeling soft, rather than tight or dry.

At night, use a light moisturizer and during the day, a sunscreen or a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
"I would tend to use less abrasives, less exfoliants, less glycolic acids during the winter." Those products and creams containing retinol can be especially drying or irritating during the winter

Skin and Beauty Videos

Cheryl Kramer Kaye of Redbook magazine reveals simple beauty solutions for different stages of your life.

The Tip Of Supple Skin

Apricotsthey have nourishing and firming qualities that help to both, tighten and rejuvenate your skin.
Recipe- Grate a ripe apricot and apply the pulp or the juice onto your face and neck. You could also just take an apricot slice and rub it all over instead. Leave it on for twenty minutes and wash it off.
Result- your skin will look firm but still feel supple

Health Tip: Limit Ageing Of The Skin

Ageing is an inevitable part of growing older. However, certain factors can minimise the appearance of blotchy skin, age spots, and wrinkles. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume, quit smoking, avoid crash diets, increase intake of dietary antioxidants (whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables) & vitamin C and reduce saturated fats in diet. Manage your stress, get regular exercise, avoid harsh skin products, get enough rest, use sunscreen, avoid harsh winds and drink plenty of water.