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Monday, June 23, 2008

Easy At Home Facials Anyone Can Do

I went to the salon a couple of weeks ago, and skipped the pedicure in favor of a relaxing facial. The aesthetician used a super-soft, micro-bead type scrub, a brisk but not-too alcoholic toner, and a wonderful, silky moisturizer that gave my skin the feel of rose petals clinging to a baby's bottom. It was that smooth.

But thinking back on the experience, I realized that of all the fruit-oil and nut kernel extracts that were applied to my face that day, the thing that felt like absolute heaven was plain old water. Steam, actually, from a small steamer that directed a soft jet of cool steam against my face for nearly ten minutes. Yes, even cool steam opens your pores and releases impurities . . .
Homemade Facial Potions from Store Bought Ingredients

Oatmeal makes a nice facial, if you can get the lumps out first. If you use it as many beauty advisors say to, you wind up with clumpy, cakey oats clinging to your face like mud with straw mixed in. Then, you have to wash it off, which really makes a mess in the sink! Here's how to make oatmeal right for facial use. Put a cup of oatmeal (quick cooking or plain) into a blender or food processor and whir it around until it forms oat flour. Take a tablespoon of the flour, mix it with warm water until it forms a past, and add a drop of vanilla to make it smell fantastic. Apply to your face, let it dry if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, only leave the mask on a minute or two and remove it while it's still wet.

Ten Ways To Feel Beautiful

You wake up, look in the mirror, and feel you may as well just go back to bed. That’s what an ugly day feels like.

On a day that you’re feeling singularly unattractive, it is precious small comfort to know that even Kate Winslet has bad days, on occasion. Attached or unattached, no woman has the monopoly of feeling under the weather when it comes to beauty. We all have our low self-esteem days—hair doesn’t cooperate, our nose is all of a sudden, intolerable, and we curse our genes for not giving us perfect skin. On an ugly day, a single woman suffers the delusions that the reason she has no special someone is because she does not look like Britney Spears.
On the other hand, the attached woman fears her boyfriend or husband will leave her for some Cameron Diaz look-alike with perfectly shaped thighs.Such is the plight of women, unfortunately. Blame it upon centuries of societal conditioning. We are the fairer sex, and by fair—they were talking about much more than complexion. We are supposed to be pretty. That’s what you’re supposed to be if you’re born a woman. How else will you find a husband, have a happy life? Never mind brains, never mind a personality. If you’re a woman, you should hope and pray to God that you are beautiful, because only when you are beautiful will you have a happy life.Sometimes, it is even worse than just an ugly day. Some of us have real self-esteem problems that stem from poor body image, insecurity and a lack of confidence. And if that’s easy to feel bad about the way we look, it’s even easier to feel worse. Our inadequacies are aggravated by the over-abundance of female perfection that assaults us every single day—perfection that the average-looking Filipina simply cannot live up to. Flick on the television or flip open the pages of a magazine—yes, even a magazine like this one! Sadly, society puts a premium on female beauty, even female perfection—and those of us who cannot live up to that standard (and many of us don’t) must find constructive, positive ways of dealing with feeling inadequate—beauty-wise. And cosmetic companies feed on those feelings, put out more advertisements for this or that product which will assure female perfection. Then everyone and her sister rushes out to buy whatever that is with fresh hope, only to be thwarted. In this way, the vicious cycle continues.

"Sometimes beauty is how you bring it. Direct translation: nasa pagdadala"

So you want to jump back onto bed because you’ll never have a face like Donita Rose and you’ll never have a body like Cristina Garcia’s? But of course, you can’t. You have to make the best of it, make any repairs and enhancements to help make yourself presentable, at the very least. So you’re a little blue…maybe even a lot blue. Life has to go on.
What else can you do about it? Well, here are 10 things that should help you lift yourself out of the beauty blues…and feel true-blue beautiful for real. They worked for others; maybe they’ll work for you.

1. Look around! The beautiful aren’t perfect.
Take a look at the models and actresses that are acknowledged beauties and try and pick out what exactly it is, in terms of physical features, that makes them beautiful. Even a cursory look will reveal to you that these celebrated faces are not perfect. A mouth too wide. A nose too fine. Complexions can be ruddy or too pale and washed-out looking. The point is, the beautiful have their imperfections…but they work around them. You can work around yours too.

2. Exercise! Endorphins give you a beautiful glow.

A good solid hour, or even 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity whether it’s walking, running, aerobics or even making love—that kind of exercise gives you a glow. So the next time you wake up feeling blue about not being beautiful…put on your running shoes and hit the track, even just a brisk walk will lift your mood…not to mention put a rosy hue to your face.





3. Smile! And mean it…it is the great beautifier.
Even the ugliest face is made less ugly when it’s a smiling one. Frown and you set yourself down a few beauty notches. Remember, however, a fake smile doesn’t do it either. Think happy thoughts. Recall a funny incident. Thank the Lord for small good things and you will find that smile on your face. Keep it on, and rest assured you’ll be prettier because of it. 'You have to make the best out of your body, make any enhancements to help make yourself presentable, at the very least. So you’re a little blue…maybe even a lot blue. Life has to go on'
4. Get on a Program! Set some goals and work towards them.
The point is, no matter what you look like, there are always things you can do to look better. Start a daily fitness-and-healthy-eating program. Or start conditioning your hair. Set some beauty goals and work towards them. Remember, many so-called beautiful people are inspired by the beautiful people and start working towards your personal beauty goals—whether they’re about losing weight, getting nicely tweezed eyebrows, getting the right haircut and color. The energy and determination of simply setting these goals will make you feel and look better already.
5. Find a role model! Then watch and learn.
Instead of letting your self-esteem go like limp spaghetti and drowning in a pool of envy when you see a pretty face, just take a good look at them and learn. What is it they do that makes them so beautiful? Focus your attention on their strengths and weaknesses instead of wallowing in your own flaws. Better yet, find an acknowledged “beautiful” personal who has a similar body type and take a long hard look at what she does that makes her beautiful.

6. Be nice! Let your inside beauty shine through.
Remember, it really does come from within. As clichéd as that may seem, it is true. Recall all the people you thought were so pretty or beautiful, until you got to know them and found out they had loser personalities. Your own positive personality can lift you straight out of “average” and directly into “winning beauty”. Being a nice person can make all the difference.

7. Get a massage. Then get over it.

Massage is muscle therapy. And it does do the body good. This is a great pick-me up for an ugly day…because afterwards, you are relaxed, calm, and flushed in a very attractive way. Then stop obsessing about the way you look. Do the tasks you have to do and forget about it.

8. Read! Fashion and makeup sense can go a long way.

Sometimes beauty is how you bring it. Direct translation: nasa pagdadala. Looking good is rarely ever completely God-given. Even a truly pretty girl becomes less so when it’s evident that all she’s really thinking about is how she looks.

9. Don’t give up! Don’t ever let yourself go.
As ugly as you might feel on a bad day, don’t ever let yourself go. Resist the urge to throw on something lousy and go without makeup because you believe you can’t salvage the unsalvageable. Not true. You can. Put a favorite, no-fail outfit. Wear a classic color—black, red, or navy blue. Brush your hair, slap on concealer, pressed powder and lipstick, no matter how you feel. It is worth it.

10. Exude! Beauty is an attitude.
If you can’t muster it, fake it. Will yourself into a beautiful person…and realize that beauty is so subjective anyway. No slouch herself, acclaimed makeup artist and head of her own cosmetic firm, Bobbie Brown, in her own book Bobbie Brown Beauty: The Ultimate Beauty Resource, says is best: “I am convinced that confidence is probably the most compelling element of real beauty. In every aspect of my life, I consciously strive to boost my self-confidence. I make a practice of limiting negativity and hassles that can drag me down or erode that self assurance.” So stand tall. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, say a prayer and exhale. You are the way God created you. How can you not be beautiful?

Eight Steps To Freshness: For Women 30 Years And Above: How To Achieve The Fresh Look...



Sure, signs of aging are showing on your face, but the lines and creases should not stop you from looking your best. Makeup is a great tool that you can use. A caveat: Use too much and risk appearing older. With less, you look fresher and even younger. Hair and makeup artist Krist Bansuelo recommends a daily makeup routine tailored for you.
Step 1 : Concealer
A yellow-toned concealer is best for Pinay skin. Choose one that is oil-based to help your mature skin. Using a finger, apply concealer on the eye area (the eyelids and the dark area under the eyes) and on sunspots and other blemishes. Note that concealer is a heavier form of foundation, so don't put on too much of it.
Step 2 : Foundation
Again with your finger, dab then spread foundation on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. On your eyelids, apply foundation in an upward motion starting from the inner corner of your eyes. Don't forget to put some on the sides of your lips and on the grooves of your nose. Best use a liquid foundation, preferably one that's water-based and equipped with moisturizing properties. This will give you a sheer, natural-looking finish. "This is good for mature women. Liquid is light and it doesn't weigh down the skin," says Krist. You can also use a tinted moisturizer, which works very well in our hot tropical weather.
Step 3 : Blush
A blusher that comes in liquid form creates the most natural-looking blush. It gives your face a glow and even makes you look healthy. Powder blushes can make you appear too made up; not so with a liquid stain, as the color is absorbed by your skin.How to do it? SMILE! Apply dots of liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks then spread the color across with a finger.
TIP : The secret to getting that natural look is to start with just a little amount of blush, then gradually add color until you get a barely there intensity.
Step 4 : Loose Powder
Set your makeup with loose powder. With a wide brush, lightly sweep the powder across your face. Start with your forehead and work your way down to the eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin. Don't be loose-powder happy: Too much will leave you looking cakey. Remember that what you want is a fresh look.
TIP : A combination of beige and pink loose powder works well with fair skin while those with dark skin should pick a color in a brown-orange combination. Be sure to look for a product that's translucent and light.
Step 5 : Eyebrows
Lightly pencil in color just to fill the gaps in your eyebrows and to extend them a bit.
TIP: Match the color of your eyebrow pencil to the color of your eyebrow hair. If your hair color is black, go for pencils in smokey tones or in grey. For brown hair, use taupe or a light brown shade. Never pick a shade darker than your hair color.
Step 6 : Eyes
Cover the entire eyelid with a pink shade of eyeshadow. Apply a second shade of peach, beginning from the crease and working your way up to the brow bone.Do not be afraid to use pink. It's a refreshing color that will give you a light look. Brown and dark hues can make your eyes appear heavy. For dark skin, you may opt for shades of orange.Use eyeshadows in powder form and and with light-reflecting properties. Powder does not crease into into lines and wrinkles. Light-reflecting eyeshadows minimize fine lines.
TIP : Use a liquid liner to line your eyes above the upper lashes, moving from the middle area to the outer corner. This will open up your peepers and make you look more awake.
Step 7 : Lashes
Many mature women tend to have droopy and tired-looking eyes. Eyelash curlers and a generous amount of mascara are a necessity.
TIP: Krist says the best way to apply mascara is to move your wand from your lash line going up to the tip of your lashes.
Step 8 : Lips
With a lip liner, line the outer edges of your lips, following their natural shape. Then fill in the rest of the area. The lip liner prevents your lip color from bleeding into the fine lines. After the liner, put on some lipstick. Pick colors in pinkish nude shades for that natural look. Browns are a no-no, as they tend to make lips appear small. Krist actually prefers just a coat of clear lip gloss for that fresh finish.

MORE TIPS:

  • Buy makeup with light-reflecting or light-diffusing properties. These lessen the appearance of lines on the face and give the skin a youthful glow.
  • Less is more: Don't use too many colors. Stick to light tones such as nudes and pinks.
  • The heavier your makeup, the more your lines and wrinkles will show. According to Krist, "Makeup is a play of light and shadow. The more makeup you put on, the more you create those shadows." Take heed!
  • When you mature, your look should be polished, clean, and fresh, not heavy and dark.

5 Beauty Tips and Secrets Every Woman Should Know

Standing tall, feeling confident, believing in yourself — these are all important ways to feel your best. But as any woman who's ever stood in front of a mirror can tell you, beauty secrets count too!
While the way we look may be only one part of who we are, it is still a part of us. And feeling that you look your best can be a real confidence booster.
Looking your best doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, either. Experts say most of us really only need to pay attention to a few basic beauty secrets — essentials that can help you look and feel great without spending a lot of time or money.
To help you find the beauty tips that really work, WebMD talked to top skin care and beauty experts, who parted with their personal tips for looking great:

Beauty Tip 1: Never Underestimate the Power of Moisturizer
Whether your skin is dry, normal, or even oily, if you can only afford one skin care product, experts say, your dollars will be well spent on a good moisturizer.
"Sometimes, all you really need is a good moisturizer and a mild cleanser, and you can take years off your face," says New York University professor Rhoda Narins, MD, president of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. When skin is dry, says Narins, every wrinkle is accentuated, making you look older.
If you're in your 20s or 30s, doctors say, moisturizers will give you some of the protection you need to keep skin from prematurely aging.
"In your 20s and early 30s, a good moisturizer can take the place of a lot of products," says Park Avenue plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, MD.
So what exactly is a "good" moisturizer? Dermatologist Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, describes it this way: "It's a product that will do anything from gently adding moisture, to sealing in the moisture you've achieved, to helping your skin produce more moisture — and which type you choose should be based on your skin's individual needs."
If skin is normal to dry, look for moisturizers containing alpha hydroxy acids. They can help skin produce more moisture on its own, Crutchfield says. Such products include Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Daily Moisturizerand Anew Advanced All In One Cream by Avon.
Products such as AmLactin XL — the over-the-counter version of the prescription cream Lac-Hydrin — not only contain alpha hydroxy acids, but also a new ceramide technology to seal in moisture.
"You put on when you skin is slightly damp, and it locks in all the water," says Crutchfield, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
If skin is very dry, he also suggests products using a technology called vesicular emulsion.
"This technology uses microscopic spheres that are alternating layers of moisture and water that slowly release throughout the day, so you get continual moisturization," says Crutchfield. Products using this type of technology include Atopalm and Curél.
If skin is oily, look for a light, gentle moisturizer — but don't skip this step, cautions Crutchfield.
"Oil is not moisture, and even if you have excess oil you still need moisture," he says. Recommended products include Aveeno with Colloidal Oatmeal, Vanicream Light, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, or Cetaphil Moisturizer.

Beauty Tip 2: Sunscreen Is Your Best Antiaging Product.
Before you see the plastic surgeon, before you plunk down half a paycheck on that pricey anti-aging cream, in fact, before you do anything, put on sunscreen.
While most of us know it reduces the risk of skin cancer, did you also know it's an amazing beauty secret that can help keep skin looking young?
The reason, say experts, is that when sunscreen blocks out the sun's damaging rays, it also blocks their aging effects.
"The sun impacts collagen production in the skin, and without collagen, skin won't naturally maintain that plump, moist, youthful, wrinkle-free look," says Antell. Get enough sun exposure, he says, and skin will wrinkle long before its time.
Without the protection of sunscreen, just a few minutes of daily sun exposure over the years can cause noticeable changes in how skin looks and feels, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Not only will you see more wrinkles and fine lines, but also more freckles, age spots, and spider veins. Skin itself can look rough and leathery or loose and slack — all thanks to the sun.
Sunscreen can protect your skin from these damaging rays, so that even if you do spend time outdoors, your face is less likely to give away your age.
Crutchfield advises choosing a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Because sun breaks down its effectiveness over time, if you're going to be in direct sunlight for an extended period, reapply every hour or two.
For longer-lasting results, he recommends Melashade, a sunscreen using new technology that remains in force hours longer than most other products.
Another option: Use your regular sunscreen before putting on makeup (it should go on first, before anything). Then, for touch-ups, use a light, translucent mineral powder to add extra protection throughout the day.
"These powders contain a natural sunscreen, and since they generally don't build up on the skin you can keep adding protection all day long," says Crutchfield. Products include Glo Minerals Powder, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Protective Powder, and BareEscentuals Mineral Veil.

Beauty Tip 3: Choose Your Cleanser Wisely
If you're a "soap and water" girl (or guy), you may want to rethink your cleansing strategy. Dermatologists say that one of the best beauty tips around is to use the gentlest cleanser you can find — and use it sparingly.
"While the temptation may be great to wash your face several times a day (or more if skin is oily), not only will over-cleansing not help you, if you're using a harsh product — particularly soap — you could be harming your skin," says Crutchfield.
Wash your face too often — more than twice a day — and you can damage the natural lipid barrier, the protective mantle of lubrication that keeps skin looking and feeling healthy.
"Once that protection is lost, and the integrity of the skin barrier disrupted, skin becomes dry — which means it can crack, peel, itch, burn, sting, or any combination," says Crutchfield. It also means you can look older than your years.
The solution: Wash skin no more than twice a day and choose your cleanser wisely. Crutchfield's three top favorites: Dove Unscented Bar, Cetaphil, and Vanicream Cleanser.

Beauty Tip 4: Use the Right Tools for the Right Job
You can have the best eyeshadow money can buy, the world's most luxurious foundation, a bronzer straight from the cosmetic bag of a supermodel. But if you don't have the right tools to apply them, their benefits will be lost. That's the advice of Smashbox Cosmetic's director of global artistry, Holly Mordini.
"Using the right brushes, the right application tools — it's key to making the products go on the way they are intended and to give you the look that you want. For a professional makeup artist, the tools are as important as the products," says Mordini, who has painted and puffed some of Hollywood's most famous faces.
What constitutes the "right" tools? Brushes should be soft and feel gentle on the skin, but also have substance so the product can be moved to the surface of your skin. If you dip a brush in shadow or blush and the color falls off before you make it to your face, that's a bad brush, experts say.
If you don't know what to buy, you can't go wrong if you purchase the tools sold with a high-quality beauty line, Mordini says. Most, she says, are created to give your application a professional touch and to work best with each product in the line.
"It also makes putting on makeup incredibly easy, plus it's often what sets apart women who have the 'professional makeup look' and those that don't," she says.

Beauty Tip 5: Update Hair and Makeup Every 2 Years
If you walk into your high school reunion and hear a chorus of "You haven't changed a bit," run, run, RUN to the nearest beauty salon!
Experts say that if you can't even remember the last time you changed your hair and makeup, it's way overdue.
"Ideally, your image, including hair and makeup, should be updated at least every two years — and sooner if the styles change dramatically," says Beverly Hills hair expert and QVC personality Nick Chavez.
By keeping your look current, says Chavez, you also look younger and more modern. "Nothing dates a woman more than outdated hair and makeup," says Chavez.
If it's been a while since you've had a change, visit the makeup counters at your favorite department or beauty store, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Most of the better lines are sold by makeup artists who can quickly catch you up on what's new.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Summer Skincare



THE LURE OF THE SUN, sea and sand is irresistible. To fully enjoy your holiday, however, remember to protect your skin from the elements, especially when traveling to a tropical country like the Philippines. Summer temperatures can soar to 32 degree Celsius and the sweltering heat may cause a lot of damage to the skin.

While the sun can give a glorious tan and helps in the synthesis of vitamin D, it can also cause burns, aging, wrinkling, and abnormalities in the immune system. It can cause or aggravate nearly 40 human diseases and skin cancers. People who have pale skin, red hair and blue eyes can suffer burns with sun exposure and are especially at risk. Darker-skinned people though are not immune from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

HERE ARE SOME SKIN CARE TIPS FOR THIS SUMMER:


Stay away from the sun between 10AM to 2PM. The sun's rays are fiercest during this period.


Use sunblock. Sunblock should have at least an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of 15. Check the bottle of sunblock to find its SPF rating. Apply sunblock 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow proper skin absorption. Apply it liberally and frequently since perspiration and swimming can remove sunblock.


Bouncing rays. Even if you are under a shade, the UV rays bouncing off from the ground (or the water or sand) can still damage your skin. So keep that sunblock on even when you're out of the water. Use protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, dark-colored umbrellas, long sleeved clothing and sunglasses.


Water hazards. Don't say too long in the water - skin becomes macerated and prone to injury. Two water hazards to be avoided are a)pollution b) parasites and other creatures that could sting, bite or infect skin. These include jellyfish and sea anemone larvae that may give rise to rashes called "swimmer's itch" and "seabather's eruption". Watch out for corals that may cut your skin.


Most skin eruptions resulting from contact with these creatures may heal on their own, but can be uncomfortable or painful. First aid for such eruptions include topical steroids and antihistamines (available in ointment or cream form). In case of jellyfish stings, apply vinegar on the affected area and call the resort/hotel doctor.


More serious are bacterial infections from swimming pools, hot tubs and whirlpools or jacuzzis. Infections may appear as itchy red rashes or "papules" (raised red dots) on skin. Avoid this by using only facilities in resorts that have a reputation for by using only facilities in resorts that have a reputation for cleanliness and hygiene. Most infections disappear spontaeously but others may require a course of antibiotics. If itching, eruptions and redness persist after 2-3 days, consult a dermatologist.


The hair, an extension of our skin, may be damaged by the copper content of pool water, turning hair into a greenish color. Treat this with hot vegetable oil, hydrogen peroxide, edetic acid or penicillamine shampoo.

No sweat. This summer, wear light "breathable" fabrics. Excess sweat on the skin creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth. This is why boils and fungal infections are prevalent during summer. Areas of the body like the groin, feet, armpits, and legs must be kept dry to avoid such infections.


Prickly heat. This is caused by repeated sweating in a hot, humid environment and is common to people who are not used with the warm climate. It usually subsides within a day after the person moves to a cooler environment. Mild topical steroids may also provide relief. Avoid prickly heat by wearing lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, which allow the skin to "breathe".


So, when you head off to that pristine island, white sand beach or fabulous resort, have fun but remember to also keep your skin safe!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Easy Ways to Improve Your Hair

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but your hair says a lot about you, too. Here's how to make a statement.

For most of us, life is a busy blur, so Christina Marcaccini, an expert in ingredient research with a focus on natural cosmetics and products, has devised five easy ways to improve your hair in a hurry.

Trim your ends. If you blow-dry or straighten your hair regularly, chances are you've got damage along the bottom of your strands. A quick snip – even just a few centimeters – is the best way to nip that problem in the bud. "The ends of your hair don't get the benefit of our natural scalp oils so they are always going to be drier and more susceptible to breakage," says Marcaccini. "Prevention is your best course of action." Another Marcaccini tip: don't use blunt scissors on split ends. It further exposes your already damaged cuticle.

Don't play with your hair. You'd be surprised how that little nervous twirl around your finger can cause breakage. Marcaccini also suggests sleeping on a silk pillowcase. It may sound decadent, but silk pillowcases help prevent overnight tangles, a real boon for delicate hair.

Be careful how you comb. If combing your hair after a shower is a challenge, then do it while you still have conditioner on your wet strands. Use a wide-tooth comb, Marcaccini says. Starting from the ends, gently comb your way to your scalp. Then rinse out the conditioner thoroughly. Your hair will look shiny and healthy when it dries. Also, avoid metal combs, and never tease your hair to give it volume. "Backcombing can be extremely damaging, as it can lift and tear the hair cuticle, which is impossible to repair," says Marcaccini.

Use color-boosting shampoos or conditioners. It's tough to keep color-treated hair looking great in between treatments if you don't use products that contain silicone (which adds shine) and keratin. Keratin is particularly important because it helps repair the hair cuticles that are opened up every time you apply color. To really gild your hair, apply SPF protectant sprays before heading out into the sun.

Boost volume and thickness. Ask your stylist for a glaze treatment. It can be clear, or add a sheen of color. Glazes not only add shine, they bond to your hair strand, giving it a thicker feel and more texture. Many glazes can also be applied at home, saving you from visiting a salon every few weeks.

Add some instant length. If all else fails, consider vamping up your hair with some clip in extensions. They're much less damaging than sewn-in weaves or glued extensions, and can be purchased at salons or beauty supply stores. Your stylist can layer the pieces to fit into your hairstyle. But make sure the extensions are human hair and not plastic. "Human hair extensions are the most natural looking, and easiest to style," says Marcaccini.















Healthy Skin Sense

Is It True That Bathing Can Dry Skin? If So, How Will I Keep Myself Clean?

It sounds strange, but the thing we do to stay clean and healthy - BATHING - can be unhealthy for our skin. The good news is it doesn't have to be, if you do it right. First of all, avoid harsh deodorant or anti-bacterial soaps. They rob your skin of essential lipids. Instead, try mild moisturizing soaps or a body wash. Also, avoid taking very long or very hot showers. Just bathe with cool or lukewarm water, and try not to stay in the water too long... don't wait till your fingertips wrinkle up like raisins!

I Notice That The Smokers I Know Seem To Age Earlier. Is That Just A Coincidence?

That's a great observation -- and no, it's not a coincidence. Smoking ages the skin in many ways. It constricts the blood vessels under the skin, so the skin doesn't get all the oxygen and nutrients it needs. It exposes the skin to toxic chemicals and increases the level of free radicals in the body, which also contribute to rapid aging. Years of smoking will cause your skin to wrinkle prematurely, and even have a grayish color. Plus, all that squinting from the smoke and pursing the lips around the cigarette also mean more wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. So vain smokers, beware! You might not care about the health risks of smoking, but you'll surely hate the wrinkles it'll give you!

Is There Really Such A Thing As Beauty Sleep?

While you don't have to do it for as long as Sleeping Beauty did, sleep is necessary for healthy skin. Ever noticed how bad you look after a sleepless night? Whether it's dark circles and bags under your eyes, a dull complexion or pimples, lack of sleep can't be hidden. Sleep is necessary so your body can repair skin cells damaged during the day. So get at least eight hours a night and wake up looking and feeling your best!

I Know That Some Vitamins Are Good For The Skin. Can I Get Enough Of These Vitamins From The Food I Eat?

Ideally, food is the best source of vitamins. However, processing, refining, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and nutrient-poor soil can all have negative effects on food's nutrition. Cooking and storage can also reduce nutrient levels. So even if you eat very healthfully, it's very hard to get enough vitamins from just food. Stressful living conditions and pollution also use up our vitamins. This is why even doctors recommend that we supplement our diets with additional vitamins.

I've Heard A Lot About Free Radicals And Antioxidants. What Are They And How Do They Affect My Skin?

Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are broken up or oxidized by environmental factors such as sunlight, cigarette smoke, pesticides, radiation, and pollution, which are unavoidable in today's world. They attack the skin and can cause wrinkles and sagging, as well as those "age spots" which many old people have. Antioxidants help prevent harmful cell damage by fighting off these free radicals. They protect skin cells and tissues against the environment by blocking pollutants, and can even help remove wrinkles that have already formed. Some of the best antioxidants are vitamins, such as vitamins C and E. Vitamin C helps reduce some of the aging effects of smoking or chemicals. It's also essential for tissue strength and production of collagen, which is a major component for youthful skin. Vitamin C plumps the skin to tighten and tone sagging skin. Vitamin E moisturizes from within and aids in tissue repair or wound healing. It reduces sun damage and helps protect against air pollution. When applied on the skin, it plays a crucial role in protecting from free radical damage. Vitamin E and C work together as one of nature's most effective antioxidant teams. Vitamin C "reactivates" Vitamin E, allowing it to keep on working to fight free radicals. These two are your skin's best friends in the fight against aging!

What Is The Most Effective Way To Apply Lotion?

It's best to apply it right after you shower, because that's when you lose skin lipids. Don't dry yourself off completely; leave your skin damp, so you can "trap" some moisture inside with the lotion. Then massage the lotion into your skin, until it's fully absorbed.

Clean Doesn't Always Equal Healthy

Most people use soap on their skin because it's often the only way they know to get really clean. But what they don't know is that clean skin isn't always healthy! Soap works by washing away dirt and undesirable oil from skin. Unfortunately, it also removes skin's natural lipid protection, which is its moisture barrier. This is why skin can feel tight and dry after soaping. After soaping, don't forget to replace lost lipids with lotion.

Work Out Your Skin!

Just as proper diet and nutrition contribute to your skin's health, so does physical exercise. It helps maintain good circulation, pumping blood to your skin. And have you noticed that people who exercise regularly look years younger? That's because they have enough healthy muscle tissue to anchor and support the skin around it, so the skin stays firm and sags less. If you're not the athletic type, remember that sports and going to the gym are not the only way to stay fit. Walk instead of the elevator. Even choosing to stand rather than sitting down can make a difference.

Feed Your Skin!

What goes on inside your body shows on the outside. While most of the food you eat may not directly affect your skin's condition, they will contribute to your overall health, and this will reflect on your skin. For example, everyone has heard about the dangers of a high-fat diet, particularly in increasing the risk for heart disease. But did you know that eating a lot of fat can also increase the chances of developing precancerous spots and maybe even skin cancer? Clearly, a low-fat diet is as good for your skin as it is for your heart. But a healthy, skin-friendly diet is not just about eating less fat; you also need to eat more fruits and vegetables - at least five servings a day. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which can help reduce the effects of aging and even prevent cancer. And although vitamin supplements cannot take the place of natural foods, they can be useful if you are unable to take in the correct amount of fruits and vegetables. Vitamins such as A, C, E and B complex are crucial to healthy skin. So when you're thinking what to have for your next meal, don't forget to give your skin the food it needs too!