Thursday, January 24, 2008

Few Simple Tips To Have Shiny & Soft Hair...


Shiny Hair is healthy hair. It’s hard to keep hair shiny and healthy when you use a hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron, hair color and other styling tools and techniques that rough up your hair cuticles.

It’s a roughed up cuticle that makes hair look dull. A smooth hair cuticle looks like a roof under a microscope, with all the singles neatly lying flat. Smooth cuticles are shiny because l igth reflects off smooth surfaces. But dry it-and curl and color it-and before you know it, your hair is dull.

Here Are Ways To Bring Back The Shine:

1. Eat right: Feed your hair lots of protein! Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and low-fat dairy products will help make your hair healthy. Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, avocados , flax seed and almonds. “ It takes six month for your new diet to make your hair shine”.

2. Clean up! Banish the buildup of all those hair products you use-from hair spray to mousse. Kingsley recommends using a clarifying shampoo once a week, or try this homemade recipe: Add one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of your shampoo. The baking soda will remove sticky residue from your hair.

3. Use conditioner: Use a conditioning product every time you shampoo.

4. Blot it: When you get out of the shower and dry your hair, squeeze and blot it. Don’t rub it as the friction roughs up the cuticles.

5. Cool off: Before blow-drying your hair, use a heat resistant product to seal in shine and prevent damage from the dryer’s high temperature. Every occasionally use the cool setting on your dryer.

6. Sleep on satin: Satiny hair needs satiny pillowcases. Look at it this way. When you’re asleep your head is about nine pounds of deadweight. Friction from tossing and turning can create frizz. Satin pillowcases reduce the friction.

7. Brush with boar: Plastics can break your hair. Use only boar bristle brushes, which are superior for smoothing hair and disturbing natural oils.

Basic Beauty Tips To Have A Glowing Skin...


The basic beauty tips to have a glowing skin are as follows:


1. When out in the sun or indoors in a summer morning, use a sunscreen lotion with a minimum SPF 30.

2. Give-up smoking if you want to say a final good-bye to ageing.

3. Please drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and to reduce wrinkles.

4. Use retinoic acid daily to save your skin from sun damage and ageing.

5. A regular intake of Vitamin C, preferably in terms of fruits will provide you with natural collagen.

6. Use a moisturizer with SPF combination daily to keep your skin hydrated

You can bet on these for a naturally glowing skin that says no to any artificial repairs.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Ways To Lose Those Extra Pounds...


A lot of us live our lives like penned animals. Built to move, too often we put ourselves in a cage. We have bodies designed for racing across the savannas, but we live a lifestyle designed for migrating from the bed to the breakfast table; to the car seat; to the office chair; to the restaurant booth; to the living room couch and back to the bed.

Today, our daily obligations of work and home keep us tied to our chairs, and if we want exercise, we have to seek it out.

In fact, health experts insist that obesity problem is probably caused at least as much by lack of physical activity as by eating too much. Hence, it is important that people need to move around.

However, that does not mean that a lap or two around the old high school track will offset a daily dose of junk food. Exercise alone is not very efficient, experts say. They contend that if you just exercise and do not change your diet, you may be able to prevent weight gain or even lose a few pounds for a while.

Nevertheless, it is not something that you are likely to sustain unless exercise is part of an overall program. The more regularly you exercise, the easier it is to maintain your weight. Here is what to do every day to make sure that you get the exercise you need.

1. Get quality Zzzs:

Make sure that you get adequate sleep. Good sleep habits are conducive to exercise, experts point out. If you feel worn out during the day, you are less likely to get much physical activity during the day.

In addition, there is evidence that people who are tired tend to eat more, using food as a substance for the rest they need.

2. Walk the walk:

It is probably the easiest exercise program of all. In fact, it may be all you ever have to do, according to some professional advices of some health experts.

Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week. Brisk walks themselves have health and psychological benefits that are well worth the while.

3. Walk the treadmill:

When the weather is bad, you might not feel like going outdoors. But if you have a treadmill in the television room, you can catch up on your favorite shows while you are doing your daily good turn for your weight-maintenance plan.

Most of us watch television anyway, and indoor exercise equipment enables anyone to turn a sedentary activity into a healthy walk.

4. Seize the time:

Excuses aside, lack of time is certainly a limiting factor in most lifestyles. That is why health experts suggest a basic guideline for incorporating exercise into your schedule.

Get as much exercise as you can that feels good without letting it interfere with your work or family life. If you need to, remind yourself that you are preventing many health problems when you prevent weight gain; and keeping your health is a gift to your family as well as yourself.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Tips for Dry Skin Care...


During the cold months of the year is when many people experience "winter itch," caused by dry, flaky skin.

How To Avoid Winter Itch:

* Moisturize daily. Cream moisturizers are best for normal to dry skin. A moisturizer without perfume or lanolin is best for sensitive skin.

*
Don't overdo skin cleansing. Once a day is sufficient to wash your face, hands, feet and between the folds of your skin. You can rinse your trunk, arms and legs daily, but don't use cleanser or soap on these areas every day. Too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers.

*
If you have winter itch, take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleansers. Immediately after your shower or bath, apply a water-in-oil-type moisturizer and gently pat your skin dry.

*
Household humidifiers can help prevent dry skin.

*
Protect yourself from the wind by covering your face and using a natural oil based lip balm.

*
Try to avoid extreme cold, which can cause frostbite or skin disorders in some people.

*
Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous as summer sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.

*
Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can give your skin a healthy glow.

*
If you have persistent dry skin, itching or scaling, see your dermatologist.

Hair Styling Tips Of Hollywood Celebrities...


Here is an opportunity to gain inside information on the hottest celebrity hair styling that can be equally practiced by both men and women.

Celebrity hair styling is a good combination of style and health, they are equally balanced in the health of the hair and a stylish outlook.

Given below are some great trendsetting, celebrity hair styling tips practiced by famous Hollywood beauties.

Angelina Jolie:

Angelina Jolie is one of the famous Hollywood actresses who is known for her voluminous hair. If you want to follow the same hair styling as that of Angelina Jolie then follow the steps:

* Trim your hair into long layers. The hair will look voluminous and also the weight will be reduced.

* Wash and condition your hair with a nutritious shampoo.

* Dry the hair with a towel. Apply hard holding gel or glaze at the hair follicles or root area.

* Dry your hair with the help of the electronic dryer. Keep moving your dryer on both the directions or anyway you feel will add volume to your hair.

* Divide your hair into 6-7 sections. Curl them with a large curling iron. It will create waves in your hair.

* Separate the curly hair waves with your fingers.

* In order to avoid a fine texture to your hair, apply hair crème or pomade.

* Take a small amount of crème in your hand and rub the pomade dipped hands together . Then run your fingers across the hair many times. This will separate the hairs from one anotherand the cream will add volume.

* The curls that fall in front of your face take them back by using a hair brush.

* Use a little pomade on the front curls to keep it back along with the rest of the hair.

* You can apply hair spray which will enhance control over your hair.

Angelina Jolie prefers a dark chocolate tinge to the hair. This approach is typical of woman hair styles and not only adds glow to the face but also highlights the curls.

Man hairstyles:

Just as there are many woman hairstyles, there are several interesting man hairstyles too. According to the fashion and beauty experts male Hollywood stars are more inclined towards longer hair. They are trying to move away from the stereotype short hair of the 90s. Now the preferred length of hair of the current Hollywood stars is down to the tops of the shoulders.

Though the trendy man hair styles have increased in its length to about 4-6 inches more but they still prefer waves and curls on their hair. The spike and crazy man hair style is worn over and the Hollywood stars are opting for more controlled and fresh look.

The male Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt and Matt Damon usually prefer light colored hair. Brad Pitt opts for different hues of brown color. The popular man hair styles in Hollywood are more inclined towards hair color that goes well with their skin tone.

In both man and woman hair styles, celebrity hair styling plays an important role and is setting the trend for the years to come.

Some people have a misconception that while imitating the hair styling tips of the celebrities, they may have to expose their hair to potentially harmful chemically formulated styling products, but it is not so.

Even the celebrities are becoming more and more aware of the use of natural hair growth products and using them more often.

So follow this tip to use all the natural ingredients like olive oil, organic beeswax, mango butter, babassu oil, jojoba, wheat germ oil, essential oils of bay laurel, cedar atlas, fir balsam and massoia and Vitamin A, C & E to take care of your hair naturally.

Good hair is ideal for any hair style, be it celebrity hair styling or any ordinary everyday man or woman hair styles.

A Model's Secret (Beauties Beauty Tips)

What happens when you gather some of the world’s most divine beauties under one roof? They share beauty tips, of course.

Indian supermodels show us just how they do it back home, but not without packing their favourite beauty products for the journey.

Ami Vashi - Femina Miss India World 2003


Beauty secret :: I do Yoga which helps me calm down, because stress always affects beauty. Which is why my skin is kept in good condition and not spotty. Why leave it for foundation to sort it out when you can just have a clear complexion to start with?
Magic product :: Every girl needs her kajol. But you need to know how to apply it otherwise you damage your eyes – don’t share sticks, kids!
Handbag essential :: St Ives hand cream, it keeps my hands very soft.Can’t live without :: My cleanser, to keep my skin clean and fresh.
Must have :: My lip-gloss. Lips are good for the look and the spirit. If your lips are feeling gorgeous and full, you will want to smile more.
Beauty tip :: Drink lots of water. It’s cheap, cheerful and thankfully nowadays, considered chic!

Gauhar Khan - Former Femina Miss India


Beauty secret :: If you are beautiful, you are beautiful, that’s all there is to it. There’s no big secret. All make-up can do is enhance what you’ve already got. For a magic transformation, you’ll need a cosmetic surgeon not cosmetics!
Magic product :: MAC products and Body Shop body butter cream are amongst the greatest things that have ever been invented. After the wheel and, perhaps, penicillin!
Handbag essential :: Perfume. I have so many I can’t choose. Issey Miyake is usually the one that suits my mood the most. Or at least at the moment.
Can’t live without :: My face powder from Maybelline.
Must have :: As in what product could I not live without? I don’t think any product is worth killing yourself over. If there is such a thing, it’s probably best not to know what it is!
Beauty tip :: Drink eight glasses of water daily.

Shonali Nagrani - Femina Miss India International 2003


Beauty secret :: Don’t smoke, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and avoid late nights. Beauty products help you improve your natural beauty, so it helps if you look good to start off with.
Magic product :: Aloe vera gel, it’s great for the skin. I can’t stress how important good skin is.
Handbag essential :: My gloss. A girl just can’t sparkle without it…Can’t live without :: My transparent mascara – it’s natural to the point where it almost looks real.
Must have :: Aromatherapy oils, it always helps me relax and be calm.
Beauty tip :: I regularly take B-complex vitamins to keep my skin looking radiant.

Tina Chhatwal - Former Femina Miss India


Beauty secret :: My fitness training. A lot of models will tell you they don’t need to do a single thing to look as good as they do, but come on! If you want something to look good you’ve got to take care of it.
Magic product :: Neutrogena face wash, keeps me spot free. There’s nothing more depressing than a visible spot, nothing more magical than making it vanish.
Handbag essential :: CK perfume, lip gloss from Body Shop and my MAC studio fix.
Can’t live without :: My lip gloss. Your mouth is so important – you smile with it, talk through it, kiss with it – your lips are the most inviting, enticing part of your face.
Must have :: Mineral water.
Beauty tip :: Use good products, moisturise your skin well, drink lots of water and eat fruits.

Care To Be Taken For Oily Skin...


Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. It is necessary as it helps lubricate your skin and carries away dead skin cells. When the skin is oily, too much sebum is being produced. This article tells you:

* What are the problems faced by people having oily skin?
* How food intake and oily skin are associated?
* What causes oily skin?

The right oily skin care is essential for anyone with oily skin. Oily skin does not look healthy and is prone to skin problems like acne. It is important that such skin be given proper treatment for oily skin.

What is oily skin and how is it caused?

Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. It is necessary as it helps lubricate your skin and carries away dead skin cells. When the skin is oily, too much sebum is being produced. The skin becomes dull and greasy and pores may become clogged.

The extra secretion of sebum can be caused by many factors. Heredity, diet, birth control pills and the wrong cosmetics can all cause oily skin. Hormonal balances can also affect the production of sebum, which is why oily skin is often common in teenagers, pregnant women or women going through menopause.

Problems Faced by People with Oily Skin:

People with oily skin often suffer from skin problems, like blemishes, acnes, black heads, white heads and pimples. Enlarged and clogged pores may be a problem. Oily skin often looks dull and shiny. With the right oily skin treatment, it is possible to treat such problems.

How to have less oily skin:

Oily skin, and the problems it brings, can be minimized. Thorough cleansing can prevent some of the problems associated with oily skin, as it removes the dirt and dust and stops the pores becoming clogged. As make-up can also clog pores, it is important that all make-up is removed before going to bed. Here are some more tips on how to have less oily skin.

NATURAL METHODS:

Natural oily skin care can be very effective. Food intake, proper hydration, herbal care and other natural remedies can all help provide the proper treatment for oily skin.

Food Intake:

To improve your oily skin through nutrition, eat plenty of foods that are rich in protein. Include lots of leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. Vitamin B2 can help prevent oily skin, so include good sources of B2 by eating wheat germs, whole grains, beans and nuts.

Cut down on the amount of sugar and fat in your diet, and avoid soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and fried food.

Hydration:

People sometimes make the mistake that oily skin does not need to be hydrated, but oil is not moisture. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A good moisturizer, that is suited to oily skin, can also help keep your oily skin hydrated.

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Homemade Cleansing Creams:


1. Almond cleansing cream:


Ingredients:

* White bee wax - 120 gm
* Almond oil - 500 ml
* Rose water - 1 cup
* Borax powder - 1 teaspoon

Heat the bee wax in a saucepan. When it melts, add almond oil, borax powder and rose water. Mix them thoroughly and keep stirring till the mixture cools. It can be refrigerated for a long time.

2. Almond cleansing cream:

Ingredients:

* Sweet almond oil - 1 cup
* Bitter almond oil - 1 cup
* Sodium benzoate - 1 teaspoon
* Honey dew soap - 30 gm

Mix all the ingredients except sodium benzoate over a low flame. When the mixture cools down, add sodium benzoate. Store it in a bottle under refrigeration.

3. Almond cleansing cream:

Ingredients:

* Sweet almond oil - 1 cup
* Ground almond - 120 gm
* Egg yolk - 4 eggs
* Honey - 250 gm
* Sodium benzoate - 1 teaspoon

Beat egg yolk and honey. Mix almond oil and powder making them into a paste. Now blend the beaten egg and honey to the paste of almond oil and add sodium benzoate too. This cream can be kept under refrigeration for 1 – 2 months.

4. Cucumber cleansing cream:

Ingredients:

* Bee wax - 30 gm
* Spermaceti - 30 gm
* Olive oil - 500 ml
* Cucumber juice - ½ cup
* Sodium benzoate - 1 teaspoon

Put a bowl in an open pot filled with boiling water. Pour spermaceti and bee wax in the bowl. After they have melted remove the bowl from the pot. Pour olive oil and cucumber juice. Keep stirring. While the mixture is still warm, add sodium benzoate.

5. Oatmeal cleansing cream:

Ingredients:

* Buttermilk - ½ cup
* Oatmeal - 60 gm
* Sodium benzoate - 1 teaspoon

Mix sodium benzoate in the buttermilk and add oatmeal to the mixture. Make a fine paste and the cleansing cream is prepared.

(Buttermilk is residue liquid from which butter has been separated)

6. Chamomile cleansing cream:

Ingredients:

* Chamomile flowers - 50 gm
* Distilled water - 500 ml
* Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon
* Sodium benzoate - ½ teaspoon

Put chamomile flowers and water in a saucepan over a low flame for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool. Add lemon juice and sodium benzoate. Keep it in a bottle under refrigeration.

7. Rose petal cleansing cream:

Ingredients:
* 50 gm rose petals
* 500 ml distilled water
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon sodium benzoate

Pour hot distilled water over the rose petals, and keep on low flame for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Add the lemon juice and sodium benzoate. Stir well and keep in a refrigerator.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Causes & Symptoms Of Dandruff...


When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scracthed, the scales from the scalp fall like snowfall and settle on the eye brows, shoulders and the clothes . These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases. Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tensions, harsh shampoos,exposure to cold, and general exhuastion

SOME NATURAL REMEDIES TO COMBAT DANDRUFF:

* FENUGREEK SEEDS - THE USE OF FENUGREEK SEEDS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REMEDIES IN THE TREATMENT OF DANDRUFF. 2 TBSP OF THESE SEEDS SHOULD BE SOAKED OVERNIGHT IN WATER AND GROUND INTO A FINE PASTE IN THE MORNING. THIS PASTE SHOULD BE APPLIED ALL OVER THE SCALP AND LEFT FOR HALF AN HOUR. THE HAIR SHOULD THEN BE WASHED THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP-NUT SOLUTION OR SHIKAKAI.

* LIME- THE USE OF A FRSH TEASPOON OF FRESH LIME JUICE FOR THE LAST RINSE, WHILE WASHING YOUR HAIR, IS ANOTHER USEFUL REMEDY. THIS NOT ONLY LEAVES THE HAIR GLOWING BUT ALSO REMOVES THE STICKINESS AND REMOVES THE DANDRUFF

* GREEN GRAM POWDER- A VALUABLE PRESCRITION FOR REMOVAL OF DANDRUFF IS THE USE OF GREEN GRAM POWDER. THE HAIR SHOULD BE WASHED TWICE A WEEK WITH YWO TABLESPOONS OF THIS POWDER MIXED WITH HALF CUP OF CURD

* BEET- BEETS HAVE BEEN FOUND USEFUL IN DANDRUFF. BOTH TOPS AND ROOTS SHOULD BE TAKEN IN WATER AND BOILED AND THIS WATER SHOULD BE USED TO MASSAGE THE SCALP EVERY NIGHT. WHITE BEET IS BETEER FOR THIS PURPOSE

* SNAKE GOURD- THE JUICE OF SNAKE GOURD HAS BEEN FOUND BENEFICIAL IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DANDRUFF. THE JUICE SHOULD BE RUBBED OVER THE SCALP FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

HOMEMADE FACE PACKS FOR DRY SKIN


Face Packs for Dry Skin:


Mint face pack:


Ingredients:


* Take one teaspoon of mint powder
* One tablespoon of yogurt
* One tablespoon of multani mitti

Soak multani mitti and mint powder in yoghurt for half an hour. Then mix them well by beating. Apply it on face for 15 minutes and leave it to dry. When dried wash off with lukewarm water. Then rinse by cold water.

Egg face pack:

Ingredients:

* Egg yolk of one egg
* One teaspoon of milk powder
* Half teaspoon of honey

Beat the egg yolk, mix the milk powder and honey in it. Beat again. When a paste of medium thickness is obtained, apply it on the face. When it is dry, wash off with lukewarm water.

HOW TO GROW STRONGER & LONGER NAILS


There are few things more frustrating than spending a half an hour getting a manicure or painstakingly giving yourself one just to have your nails break. Or when your nail polish chips before the end of the afternoon. Or maybe there are more irritating things, but when faced with a chipped nail or nail paint, few will spring to mind.

To avoid chipping polish, make sure you apply your manicure correctly. Start with clean, dry nails. Buff them before you apply anything and make sure that any old polish is completely removed. Next, apply a base coat. Use long strokes starting at the base of nail and go all the way out to the tip. Start in the middle of the nail and then fill in the sides with similar long strokes. After that dries, apply one thin layer of nail polish and then another coat after that dries. The emphasis is on ‘thin' layers. Thick layers tend to chip easier. After the second layer of nail polish has dried, apply a top coat to seal it. Re-applying a top coat every couple of days will help preserve your manicure with minimal effort.

Regular nail maintenance, whether or not it is followed by 4 or 5 rounds of polish, is necessary to keep your nails looking good. Keep them trimmed in a nice rounded shape that mirrors the half moons at the base of your nail, push back the cuticles, and apply a clear coat of polish if you like. Don't bite them! Use a nail file if they need shaping and if you prefer longer nails, paint underneath with clear polish once a week.

A FEW TIPS:

Add a few of these tricks to your nail care repertoire and you will see your nails grow stronger and longer than they have ever been before.

* Massage your nails: Yes, even nails need a massage, and we don't mean the cuticle; we're talking the actual nail itself. Massage stimulates the blood flow in your nails just as it does in every other part of your body, which keeps them growing and healthy.

* Avoid acrylic nails: They only make your real nails weaker. The goal is to get to where you need less maintenance – not more. Acrylic nails are pretty high maintenance - not to mention expensive.

* Drink lots of water: Water is nature's magic elixir. Brittle nails, like dull hair and dry skin, start with dehydration. You will eliminate the problem at its root by supplementing any other nail care with a good 2 liter bottle of water (at least) every day.

* Moisturize your hands regularly : Some use nail creams tailored specifically for the purpose of moisturizing your nails. Other use hand cream and make sure that their nails are liberally covered. Still others swear by soaking their hands in olive oil. Whatever you prefer, do it often. Your hands need hydrating inside and out and your moisturizing potion of choice will take care of the outside the way water takes care of the inside.

* Calcium and vitamin D : A regular serving of yogurt and non fat milk will give you the calcium necessary to keep your hair, teeth, and nails growing healthily. The vitamin D usually comes along with it as it is necessary for your body to process the calcium. Take a multi-vitamin daily just to be on the safe side.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Scrub For Fair Complexion...


Scrub for skin fairness – Fair Complexion


*
A complexion scrub works wonders and leaves your skin with a healthy, shining glow.

* complexion scrub is an effective means of removing the dead cells from the surface of the skin.

* The slightly, abrasive tiny grains present in a scrub,stimulates and gently sloughs away dead and flaky skin.

* Afresh, smooth look is left behind.

* A complexion scrub must be used once a week to loosen ingrained impurities from the pores.

For dry skin: a scrub once a month, will suffice. Scrubs are an excellent product

For oily skin: Scrubs are an excellent product

Home made scrubs.

1. Wheat germ scrub:

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon oatmeal powder
* 1 tablespoon wheat germ (powder)
* 1 tablespoon skimmed milk powder
* 1 teaspoon sandal wood powder.

Method: Mix the ingredients together and fill in a small muslin bag. Dip the muslin bag in lukewarm water and gently rub on to face and neck for atleast fifteen minutes. Use circular movements. Wash off with tepid water.

2. Green gram scrub

Ingredients :

* 4 tablespoons green gram powder
* 2 tablespoons besan
* 2 teaspoons sandal wood powder

Method: Combine all ingredients together and store in airtight container.

3. Complexion scrub

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon ground almond
* 1 tablespoon orange peel powder
* 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal

Method: Grate orange peel and dry it. Powder the orange peel. Combine together all the three powders and store in an airtight container.

Muslin bag:

You may make a small muslin bag to hold your scrub. Take a 6 inch X 6 inch piece of muslin cloth and fold into halves stitch up three sides and leave out an opening. After filling muslin bag with scrub you may tie the loose ends tight with a rubber band.

Abrasives:

Combine together lemon juice, sugar and glycerin to make an effective facial abrasive.
Massage in a teaspoon of sugar along with pears soap.

This mild abrasive removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, leaving skin clean and glowing.

Deep Cleansing:

Atleast once a week, a deep cleansing routine is a must for a clear complexion. Cleanse your face using a cleanser. Apply massage oil or cold cream and follow this with a facial massage.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Dry & Chapped Hands Remedies...


Homemade Chapped Balm Recipe:


Ingredients:


1 cup Cocoa Butter
1 cup Shea Butter
1/2 cup Jojoba Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax

Directions:

* If you have a large enough Pyrex measuring cup, place ingredients in that or just use a deep casserole dish of some kind. Loosely cover the top with foil (for steam and moisture to escape).
* Heat in oven at 180°F for two hours or until all ingredients are melted.
* Stir very well then pour into heat proof jars with mouths large enough for your hand to get in. Once cool, cover with lids and let set fully.
* Use as needed on dry or chapped skin (it doesn’t take much).

If commercial hand creams and balms are too harsh for your sensitive skin (due to perfumes, additives, etc.), a couple quick & easy home remedies you could try:

* Crisco Shortening (Plain) - Rub into hands just like a lotion. Strange, but true.
* Mineral Oil (Baby Oil)
* Olive Oil - Rub into hands
* Vaseline - Coat hands then cover in cotton gloves (at bedtime)

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Beauty Defined...

With a multitude range of beauty products in market today, consumers are often seen cashing in on them for enhancing their skin and look beautiful. But can beauty be achieved only through them?


We receive loads of books about longevity with preposterous titles like Stop Aging, Start Living, The New Anti-Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock and The Science of Staying Young.

These books contain some practical advice. But at this stage of medical knowledge among most people, one has about as much chance of thwarting time as he or she does in personally preventing an ice storm, so that the New Year resolution can start right now by forgoing such books.

There is no way around the fact that every body skin included ages biologically over time, a process over which humans have forever grieved. It is the blight man was born for, the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote in 1880, anticipating the Botox era. Still, many skin experts recommend practical steps to maintain skin as it ages and to mitigate external factors like sun exposure and chronic stress that could accelerate changes.

These eight skin-care resolutions for 2008 are simple and inexpensive. Research in medical journals supports some of them. Others are based on the experience of skin doctors.

Discard old, used beauty products:


Because people may transfer bacteria from their fingers to pots of face cream, possibly leading to the growth of micro-organisms, some dermatologists recommend discarding products one year after opening them. Because micro-organisms may also grow in mascara tubes, creating the risk of eye infection, experts recommend replacing mascara three months after opening it. In United States, beauty products manufacturers are not obliged to print the expiry date. But European regulations require products whose minimum durability is less than 30 months to display an icon a graphic of a jar with an open lid indicating a products shelf life after it has been opened.

Stop smoking:

What’s good for your lungs may also may have positive effects on your skin. Some dermatologists, for example, said that the nonsmokers among their patients generally had younger-looking skin than smokers, whose skin appeared to have aged prematurely. And sometimes smokers have sallower skin.

But the research into such observations is conflicting. One study published in England, based on interviews and physical examinations of elderly patients, suggested that smoking a pack a day over decades was associated with skin changes like wrinkles that added the equivalent of almost a decade of chronological aging to the face. But another study in Finland, in which researchers performed biopsies on the arm skin of volunteers, found no difference in skin elasticity between smokers and nonsmokers.

Several other studies have linked smoking to an increased risk of skin cancer. But doctors said it is not clear whether smoking per se may increase the risk of skin cancer or whether smokers tend to sunbathe more than nonsmokers.

Unhand those pimples!

For those who can’t help squeezing their pimples, think again. People think they are squeezing something bad out, but they could actually be pushing bacteria deeper into their skin, creating an infection, said Dr Bradford R Katchen, a dermatologist in Manhattan. Subsequent inflammation could cause pigmentary changes, or worse. It could scar your face, Dr Katchen said.

More sleep, less stress:

Psychological stress may impair the skins barrier function, which keeps bacteria out and water in.

Studies have shown that the skin of people under chronic stress caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients or medical students during exam time will heal more slowly, said Dr Ladan Mostaghimi, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Wear sunscreen:

Clinical studies show that using sunscreen regularly can impede the development of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Less conclusive evidence suggests that sunscreen might also hamper basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, deadliest form of skin cancer. But dermatologists encourage patients to make sunscreen a habit for another purpose: vanity. Sunscreen use may inhibit sun-induced changes to skin’s texture.

If you look at your derrihre when you come out of the shower, its obvious that the texture is smoother and the coloration is more uniform than your face, which gets regular sun exposure, Dr Katchen said.

Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX, ingredients that work against both the suns longerand shorter-length rays.

Simplify your beauty:

Some dermatologists advise their patients to restrict skin-care regimens to no more than three or four products daily.

Dr Katchen’s prescription: a mild cleanser; a sunscreen or moisturizer containing sunscreen; a product that contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, pomegranate, soy and green tea; and an anti-wrinkle product containing ingredients like retinoids, a form of Vitamin A, or protein fragments called peptides.

Wash your face:


Washing off minute dirt particles, along with makeup, every evening gives the skin a rest from exposure to possible irritants.

As a general hygiene principle, it’s good to wash your face at night, Dr Sundaram said. But if you apply a greasy night cream after that, it is just going to clog your pores.

Rethink products that cost more than $30:

Consumers do not have a proven, objective method by which to determine whether more-expensive beauty products work better or whether they simply look fancier and emit more exotic perfume than less-expensive items containing similar ingredients.

Your chances of achieving good skin are not directly proportional to the amount of money you spend, Dr Sundaram said. All too often, what you are paying for is the packaging, the advertising and the celebrity endorsements.

For all the doctors’ advice and the follow-up, 2008 may be declared Year of the Drugstore.

Source:Timesofindia

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Tricks To Slim Down...


Check out these great tips and tricks to help you lose weight, without trying too hard!


Breakfast:


Eat a heavy breakfast. Needless to say, heavy does not include fried foods. Stick to corn flakes, brown toast, eggs and the like, and you will not feel so hungry at lunchtime. The best and healthiest way to go is to breakfast like a King, lunch like a Queen and dine like a pauper. If you're still confused, we'll translate for you: breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day. Lunch should be lighter than breakfast, and dinner should be the lightest meal of the day.

Dinner:

Try sticking to tasty soups, mixed (baked or boiled) vegetables with mayonnaise, and garlic bread, at night. Not only will you lose weight, but you will also give your much-abused digestive system, a much-needed break.

Green Tea:

Did you know that green tea helps you lose weight? (Not if you add two spoons of sugar with every cup, though!) Opt for green tea without sugar or milk, but with a dash of lime, and try and drink at least 3 cups a day. In addition to helping you burn calories, green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties, and thus has great health benefits as well.

Spices:

Be generous with sprinklings of spices like garlic, Tabasco sauce and green peppers. They actually increase your body's calorie burning activity by 25%. Could there be an easier way to lose weight?

Yes! Surprise, surprise !

Sleep:

Get enough sleep. If you feel your body has a slow metabolism, getting sufficient sleep is a great way to boost it. This does not mean that you sleep for forty days and forty nights at a stretch and expect to wake up skinny as a bamboo stick! Sorry, but you're just not that lucky. However, if your body is not getting sufficient sleep, it slows down your metabolism. Try and catch eight to nine hours of sleep every night; you will end up burning more calories than you did with just six or seven hours of sleep.

Lights:

Did you know that dark rooms tend to make you feel low, and also cause you to overeat? And if you are one of those people who tend to eat more when they are unhappy, it's time to lighten up! Brighten your room, liven up the atmosphere - don't live in dingy surroundings. Add some cheer to your home! Bin those 60-watt bulbs and place 100-watt bulbs in your room.

Incentives:

Need some cutting edge incentive? If you have fat upper arms, get a tattoo high up on your arm. You can then work towards losing weight on your arms to show it off. If you want to lose weight on your belly, pierce your belly button or get a tattoo on your waist, just above where you wear your trousers. You will be aching to flaunt it!

Clothes:

Choose your clothes carefully:

* If you have large hips, wear shoulder pads so your hips look like they are in proportion to your body. Make sure the shoulder pads are not too big, nor are they too prominent. One should not be able to make out that you are wearing them.

* Don't wear clinging stuff in the hopes that it will make you look thin. Stay away from lycra.

* Don't wear clothes that are too loose.

* Steer clear from pleats.

* Wear one colour from top to toe to give an illusion of slimness.

* Wear fabrics like chiffon, that skim the body and show your curves, yet hide your fat.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Tips To Keep Hands Soft & Beautiful...


Hands very often are treated roughly. People treat them badly while washing clothes, dishes, scrubbing floors and working in the garden. Hands are so beautiful and important but one probably feels no need of taking care of them. One must take proper care of the hands.

Hands are the most precious gift given to the human beings from God. Like one takes care of other parts of body, hands too need proper care and protections. Hands are the most noticeable part of the body. One must give proper attention to them as one gives to the face.

By following some easy tips, one can maintain the natural beauty of the hands. The hands will definitely thank one for taking good care of them. Hands ask for a little care in turn of infinite jobs that they perform for us.

There are some useful tips that one can follow to keep the hands safe, soft and healthy:

* Always wear rubber gloves while working with harsh chemicals soaps and detergents. It is also necessary to wear rubber gloves while gardening or spading snow. Gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and prevent them from loosing natural softness.

* Prefer washing the hands with mild soaps or hand wash. After washing, pat dry the hands and apply a nice moisturizer to them. One should use a moisturizer that contains lactic acid’s urea, which is an essential hand care chemical that helps in binding water efficiently to the skin.

* For soft and beautiful hands, apply Vaseline or any other good moisturizer before going to bed. One will find hands amazingly soft by the morning.

* Exfoliate the hands at least once a week with a nice face exfoliater. One can also use weekly the night face cream on the hands before going to bed. One should use proper hand care lotion to prevent the hands from harmful sunlight and dry weather.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Vitamin C May Slow Skin Wrinkles...


Researchers now report that people who eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment that can cause aging of the skin. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

However, eating a bag of oranges every week is not going to bring about the desired results for your skin. In order to see the benefits of vitamin C on the outside of your body, you will need to find a way to combine a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin C with skin care products that contain this important nutrient. Scientists have now discovered how to use a variety of vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with less of the ingredient required for results.

Apart from intake of vitamin c there are also other ways to protect skin from damage and keep it glowing. Free radicals which damage the skin are accumulated due to excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Hence, skin has to be protected against these. Have plenty of water, when people are dehydrated wrinkles are much more noticeable. Use sunscreen and a good night moisturizer.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Mud Bath To Treat Skin Poblems...

Naturopathy


Since ancient period sand has been very effective in naturopathy, in removing the illness. It removes the inner obstacle of body & activates the blood.

MUD THERAPY:

Mud therapy opens the pores of skin & increases the blood circulation, till the upper layer of skin. It cures the inner obstacle & pain of body. It removes the toxic materials of body. In naturopathy illness like indigestion, skin disease, pain in knees, eye problem, head pain, chronic pain & metabolic disorder is removed through sand. In natural therapy treatment is done by applying:-

* Stripe of mud on eyes.
* Stripe of mud on stomach.
* Stripe of mud on the spine bone.

HERBAL MUD BATH:

* 2-3 foot pit is dogged near river or lake, & black oily sand is taken out. It is crushed & filtered. Than it is dried in sunlight. Before using it, soak it for 12 hours in water.

TO PREPARE THE HERBAL MUD:

* Black sand, yellow ochre powder, orange shell powder, white sand powder, rose leaves powder & turmeric is mixed.

*
Pour the herbal mud in clean container, mix cold water in it. Make a paste by shaking it with wooden spoon in such a manner so that it can be easily applied on the whole body.

*
After soaking it in water for 12 hours, apply it on the whole body & sit in sun for 15- 60 minutes, according to the need.

*
When the paste is dried, remove it with cold water by massaging. This way mud massage will also be done.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Home Remedies For Skin Problems...


FACE - Skin Problems

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not a skin problem that only adolescents and teenagers face. In fact, many adults have it as well. However old or young, a commonality between the two lies in finding the ultimate solution to solving this painful condition. Here are some economical home remedies for clear and glowing skin.

Garlic has well known antibiotic properties making it an excellent treatment for pimples and acne. Peel and mash eight cloves of fresh garlic and apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on for about 15 minutes and wash off with a warm cloth.

Dilute some lemon juice with water and dab on pimples to kill germs, cool inflammation and improve blood circulation.

To loosen and cleanse blackheads, make a paste of oatmeal, honey and an egg white. Apply to the skin, massage for 10 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples. Most facial masks can be applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes then washed off with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Build Your Personality...


Tips for growing your relationship

SELF SACRIFICE:


It is not feasible to get your way all the time and expect to have a good relationship. You have to give in occasionally. Another thing to remember is avoid keeping score as some couples do.

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY:

Yes you sacrifice but it still bothers you that the other person doesn't reciprocate. You do not say anything but all the while resentment is quietly building. If you are upset then do not let it fester. Tell your partner why as soon as possible.
What's more, be ready to listen and try to understand their point of view.

THE SPACE:

Sharing intimacy and affection on a regular basis is healthy for any relationship but so is giving the other person room. Being in close proximity to your partner for an inordinate amount of time can feel downright claustrophobic.