Natural Beauty Products
June 27th, 2007 — Feet, General Beauty, Hair, Skin
Things from nature can add to natural beauty. Look around the yard, kitchen cabinets, and in the refrigerator before heading to the cosmetics department.
From the yard:
- Aloe Vera-it protects and heals skin. As it dries, it will also slightly tighten up sagging skin. Cut a piece of Aloe Vera off the plant. Trim off all spines. Open from the base where it is cut and slightly separate the sides. The inside will contain gel and juice that can be applied to skin. Store in a airtight container or plastic bag. Use within a few days. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to eyelashes as a mascara alternative.
- Lemons-has several uses as a beauty aid. To lighten discolored elbows, cut lemon in half and hold cut end on elbow for about 10 minutes then wash and apply lotion. To exfoliate skin, rub a cut lemon and sugar on skin 1-2x per week. It will also help age spots and freckles lighten. Especially blond haired people will benefit from using the juice from one lemon mixed with a cup of warm water as a hair conditioner. A few tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with olive oil rubbed into the scalp will treat dandruff problems. Soaking feet in lemon juice, olive oil, and milk will make feet soft and smooth within weeks.
From the kitchen:
- Coffee-use the left over coffee or run the water through used coffee grounds. Brunettes can use this to rinse hair. Be sure coffee is completely cooled.
- Olive oil-warmed it can be used as a hot oil treatment for hair. It can also be rubbed into troublesome dry spots on skin.
- Vinegar-can be used as a hair rinse and help control dandruff.
There are many recipes for beauty products, which use natural ingredients from the kitchen.
Beautiful Hair
June 17th, 2007 — Hair
Clean, conditioned hair is the best start for beautiful hair. Knowing your hair type will help you choose the best hair care products for your hair.
To find out what type of hair you have, take a tissue and dab it on your scalp, the second day after washing. Look at the tissue.
- No blot on tissue-dry hair
- A blot on tissue-balanced (normal) hair
- Hair strands stuck together-oily hair
Other factors in knowing the type of hair you have is:
- Texture-this is the circumference of hair. Course hair has the largest circumference and fine hair the smallest, with medium in between the two.
- Density-determined by the number of hair strands per square inch. Average is 2,200 strands per square inch for medium hair density. Thick or thin hair will have a count on either side of that.
- Porosity-how the hair absorbs moisture is determined by the scales of the hair shaft being compact (low porosity) to raised (high porosity) with normal in the middle. Feel hair when dry and when wet. If dry hair feels straw-like and rough, or if gummy or slightly rubbery when wet, then the hair is overly porous. Caution should be used with hair chemicals like coloring, strengtheners, and perms.
- Elasticity-when hair is wet take strands from four different areas on head. Stretch hair to determine its elasticity. If it returns to previous length then it has good elasticity, if it breaks or doesn’t return to its previous length then hair has low elasticity and is prone to breakage and damage.
- Wave pattern-hair can be straight, curly, very curly, or coiled.
Once hair type is determined then hair care products can be purchased to match the hair type so hair will look the most beautiful after washing and conditioning. Alternating a clarifying shampoo and conditioner with the usual hair care products will keep hair free of build up.
Rosacea and Beautiful Skin
June 17th, 2007 — Skin
Rosacea is a type of acne. It affects women more often than men. People between 30 and 60 will be afflicted with rosacea. It is also known as adult acne. Untreated, it will only get worse. Though the cause is unknown, it is believed that rosacea is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental triggers
Identifying the cause of flare-ups combined with treatment from a health care professional is the most effective way to treat rosacea and maintain beautiful blemish free skin.
Possible causes of flare-ups:
- Exposure to the sun-be sure to wear sunscreen all the time. Moisturizers and makeup with sunscreen make it easy to incorporate it into daily skin care routine.
- Cold weather and wind-during winter months wear a scarf or ski mask to protect the skin from the cold air and wind.
- Minimize touching face with hands, cleanser pads, and washcloths.
- When using topical medication, allow to completely dry before applying make-up, sunscreen, or moisturizer.
- Use noncomedogenic products that won’t clog pores and interfere with oil and sweat gland functions.
- Green or yellow tinted foundations and powders will counter the red appearance of skin.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
The following may increase the risk of a rosacea flare-up:
- Beverages and foods that are hot in temperature
- Spicy foods
- Temperature extremes in the environment
- Stressful or embarrassing situations
- Feelings of anger
- Anything that dilates blood vessels (medications, alcohol)
- Exercise that is strenuous
- Corticosteroids
- Hot humid environments like saunas and hot baths
Prescription can provide relief from rosacea. The newest medication available is Oracea. The advantage of this medication is that it works effectively with a very low dose of the antibiotic, doxycycline. It also has very few if any side effects.
Summer Sun Smarts
June 12th, 2007 — Skin
If summer hasn’t arrived yet where you live, it certainly is on its way! With it comes wonderful sunshiny days and outdoor activities.
Some sun smarts to be aware of to protect your skin and keep in beautiful:
- Use sunscreen. Make it a part of your morning skin care routine.
- Be sure not to underestimate an overcast day, being inside the car, or short exposure to the sun.
- Be educated on the difference between UVA (penetrates into deep layers of the skin) and UVB (penetrates outer layer of the skin) rays.
- Use high SPF sunscreens for the best protection. Choose sunscreens that are labeled with “broad spectrum protection”
- Reapply sunscreen as needed throughout the day. Water, sun, heat, sweat, and other factors can diminish the effectiveness of sunscreen.
- Use clothes, hats, and sunglasses to protect skin.
- For sensitive skin, use sunscreen that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
- Remember lips are exposed to the sun. Use lip balms with SPF of 15 or higher.
Sun damage occurs over time and the effects will become more noticeable with age.
Signs of moderate sun damage:
- Mottled hyperpigmentation, which is light, patchy discoloration that can include brown spots.
- Skin is rough instead of soft and supple.
- Fine line wrinkles and shallow indentations especially around eyes, mouth, and on forehead.
Signs of severe sun damage:
- Skin is loose and may have a sunken appearance.
- Skin color has changed from rosy to sallow or even pale.
- Deep lines and wrinkles with furrows and creases especially around eyes, mouth, nose, and forehead.
With a little extra care, summer sun at the beach, a backyard BBQ, or in the park can be enjoyed without sacrificing beautiful young looking skin.
Perfume Application Tips
June 10th, 2007 — Perfume, Scents
Following a few simple tips will help you make the most of perfume application.
- Avoid perfume stains-apply perfume before clothes and jewelry. Allow to dry before dressing and putting on bracelets and other jewelry. Some perfumes may discolor or damage some metals, pearls, and gems. There is an increased risk with costume jewelry.
- Apply perfume to pulse points-wrists, throat base, behind the ears, inside elbows (where the bend is), and between breasts. Apply a dab to the back of knees to take advantage of body heat rising.
- Add an extra dab or spray-for women who have dry or fair skin. Without the natural oils in skin, perfume will wear off faster. Solid perfumes sometimes work best for this skin type.
- Apply to hair-only do this if hair is freshly washed. If hair has natural oils built up, it will change the scent of the perfume. Hold perfume about 8 inches from hair and spray. Perfume can be applied to hands and run through it or to a brush before brushing wet or dry hair.
- Change fragrances with the seasons-cold dry weather or humid hot weather will change the skin condition and will affect scent of perfume. Experiment with different fragrances during different seasons.
Make the most of your perfume scents and keep the scent consistent by following the above tips.
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