Archive for June, 2006

Posted on Jun 30th, 2006

Human skin is an organ in itself, considering the many functions it performs. It protects from internal infection, warns of possible physical damage by means of sensory pain signals and cools the entire body via sweat glands. And, of course, it is the main canvas of physical beauty.

Despite being extremely flexible, there is a certain limit to its elasticity. When that limit, for whatever reason, is reached or exceeded, stretch marks unfortunately result. They are normally associated with the often drastic weight changes and physical growth of puberty, but various other factors can cause unsightly stretch marks on the skin.

As with most other cosmetically related problems, women are most traumatized by this perfectly natural phenomenon. Unfortunately, the structural changes associated with womanhood also make them the most susceptible. Normally, growing girls will find stretch marks developing on their breasts, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Older women will almost certainly develop typical stretch marks during and after pregnancy.

But the problem is by no means limited to females alone. For instance, obese people of both sexes will sport stretch marks at certain locations of the body, and the problem is certainly not solved by abrupt weight loss, either. If anything, stretch marks can become even more visible with it.

The problem is, of course, far worse for people whose skin retains or highlights stretch marks more than is usual. The skin pigment melanin is the operative factor in such cases, but garden-variety stretch marks are caused when the supply of a protein called collagen is disrupted. This causes minute but eventually visible fissures in the connective tissue. In some cases, the problem resolves itself naturally. Others require external (artificial) intervention.

Stretch Marks provides detailed information about stretch marks, home remedies for stretch marks, laser stretch marks removal and more. Stretch Marks is affiliated with Progesterone Creams.

Posted on Jun 30th, 2006

Do you know that dandruff affects about 70% of the American population? Do you know that they spend $300,000,000 trying to get rid of it?

Dandruff is the most widespread problem of the scalp! But you must understand that it is not contagious and it is not a disease! Dandruff can not threaten your life, but it often threatens your mental peace.

Shedding of skin is a natural phenomenon. The skin of your scalp replenishes every month. The dead cells that previously formed your scalp now make up the dandruff.

The presence of negligible dandruff is inevitable. The problem arises only when the presence of dead cells in the form of flakes suddenly increases.

Physicians still debate what causes dandruff. Many researchers believe that it results from excessive growth of the yeast Pityrosporum Ovale that normally resides on everyone’s scalp.

Pityrosporum constitutes the major part of skin flora. You suffer from dandruff when the normal limit of 46% of Pityrosporum increases up to the 74% mark.

Factors like emotional and physical stress are no less important in triggering dandruff growth. Stress management also improves the scalp condition. Dandruff growth increases during winter compared to summer for most people.

Because you can find tons of products and medicated lotions, you do not need to worry about the dandruff problem. You just need to find the remedy that works for you.

If you suffer from mild dandruff, wash your scalp regularly to remove the excess flakes. If you suffer from stubborn flakes, treatment through a medicated shampoo is the answer.

You can use many natural remedies to treat dandruff. You need to try some to see what works for you.

You can even treat dandruff by using essential oils and herbs. If you do not mind long-term treatments, you can opt for the various home remedies. A mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice is equally effective as treatment with apple cider vinegar.

Natural remedies take time to show any visible results and need consistent use but they are effective in addressing the cause. If you want a speedy control, use shampoos containing ketaconazole.

Avoid using shampoos with harsh chemicals if you have a bruised scalp. Applying shampoos containing such chemicals on broken skin may cause irritation. If a particular product shows no results, try another with a different ingredient base.

Washing your hair regularly is important. If you find that washing your hair gives you frizzy or dry ends, the little secret to handle that is to take some conditioner and add it to the ends of your hair before washing it normally. Then condition it after shampooing, if you like to use conditioner.

One way to stop over-conditioning your hair and save you money is to put a little of your favorite brand of conditioner in a spritz bottle, with about 4 times more water. After shampooing, rinse. Towel dry, then spritz the conditioner in.

Another mistake that many people make is to put gel in their hair. It’s okay to put gel in your hair if that is your styling preference. But, it builds up and causes flakes, which many think is dandruff.

Get into the habit of washing your hair more often. It’s only the start of getting rid of dandruff. Think about it. If all that was required was just washing your hair more often, there would be no dandruff.

Do You Want to Have Beautiful Hair Every Day For the Rest of Your Life? Visit Hair Styles For Dummies, FREE web site that will teach you how to achieve gorgeous hair.

Posted on Jun 29th, 2006

There are certain circumstances under which stretch marks are almost guaranteed. To be forewarned and not forearmed is therefore foolhardy – especially considering the near impossibility of getting rid of them later on. Without doubt, pregnancy in women and intentional weight loss in both sexes are the most danger-prone times.

Approximately 80% of all pregnant women can expect to develop at least some stretch marks around the waist, on the stomach, upper thighs, buttocks and breasts. However, stretch marks can also appear after breast augmentation. Whatever the cause for reasonably anticipating stretch marks is, prevention is definitely possible.

Among the main bulwarks against stretch marks in both men and women is a proper diet, which should include an adequate amount of proteins. Foods that contain sufficient vitamins C and E are also absolutely essential. These promote proper tissue regeneration and their intake goes a considerable way in preventing stretch marks.

Adequate and regular consumption of water (a minimum of eight glasses per day) will promote proper hydration of skin tissue, further battling the problem. Smokers should make every possible effort to quit. Apart from their other destructive effects, the contents of cigarette smoke cause skin tissue to lose its inherent elasticity.

The next important prophylactic measure is a regular exercise regimen. Keeping the muscles toned will ensure a ‘tight fit’ for the skin and will prevent the drastic changes in contour and volume that can lead to stretch marks.

Moisturizing endangered or already stretched skin areas with vitamin E-rich compounds is highly recommended by skin care professionals. This should ideally be supplemented by oil massages to the areas most likely to be affected. The extracts of jojoba, avocado, aloe vera, olive oil and sweet almond have proved to be highly beneficial massage media for preventing stretch marks from developing.

Stretch Marks provides detailed information about stretch marks, home remedies for stretch marks, laser stretch marks removal and more. Stretch Marks is affiliated with Progesterone Creams.

Posted on Jun 29th, 2006

“Why the heck should I wear sunglasses” you ask? “They are too awkward” others may say. I’m telling you, wearing sunglasses can prevent a multitude of problems and this article will hopefully show you just that.

In this article I will discuss the four major benefits that wearing sunglasses carry, and in the process you will be able to decide whether or not they are worth their weight.

UV Protection – I don’t need to tell you the hazards of being exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period of time –- But I will anyways. Cataracts and cancer of the eye are just a few of the major problems that can be caused by UV rays. By wearing sunglasses on bright days, and around reflective surfaces like water and bright snow, many of these problems can be completely avoided.

Safety – Everyone always stresses the point of wearing safety glasses, and I agree. The problem is, not everyone remembers the benefits of wearing sunglass type safety glasses. You don’t want to be in a sticky situation where the suns glare could force an accident!

Fashion – Ok, so this one is a given – By finding a pair of sunglasses that works well on your body style you may just decide to wear them forever. Seriously though; sunglasses have their place in social gatherings, and everybody knows somebody that looks great in shades. By testing different sunglasses out, you can too.

Performance – Ever wonder why so many athletes wear sunglasses? I know I did until I found out about the different strengths that lens colors and technologies can have. Not only can lenses cut out glare, but many of them work well for varying types of sports. Some lens colors improve depth perception, while others work well in blocking out blue light.

Are those reasons enough for you? Get out that pocket book and head to your local fashion shop… You have a pair of sunglasses to buy!

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Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Aviator Glasses Guide – A site
dedicated to providing only the best aviator sunglasses information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
***************************************************

Posted on Jun 28th, 2006

There is a lot of controversy about the efficacy of laser removal of stretch marks. The main bone of contention is that lasers are only useful in breaking down or vaporizing tissue, not in actually repairing it. In fact, even surgical intervention is apparently only useful if actual skin is excised. This goes along with the general medical standpoint – there is no cure for stretch marks.

The school of thought that does advocate cosmetic laser treatment for stretch marks holds a different view. According to this scripture, lasers can be useful in stimulating renewed growth of depleted collagen and will therefore ‘fill in’ stretch marks. The process is supposed to direct laser energy into the lower strata of the skin and thereby encourage collagen production.

Its exponents also promote the usefulness of laser treatment in treating stretch marks because it can remove damaged skin tissue, seal broken blood vessels and remodel the fibers of the affected middle skin. Lasers have certainly found extensive application in smoothing wrinkled skin

There seems to be some evidence that cosmetic laser surgery has some utility in making stretch marks fade, though not entirely disappear. Even then, this would be effective only in the early stages, the fundament being that lasers work well only to darker skin tones.

This means that stretch marks would respond satisfactorily only during the stage where they are of reddish or brownish tinge. Once their color has assumed a more flesh-colored shade, conventional laser rays cannot detect them and is therefore useless. However, there are now claims that a new type called pulsed dye laser can overcome even this limitation.

If laser treatment is beneficial in the removal or even repair of stretch marks or not is a medical issue best addressed by professionals. What can be said for it is preferable to radical cosmetic surgery because it does not entail the risk of infection and blood loss.

Stretch Marks provides detailed information about stretch marks, home remedies for stretch marks, laser stretch marks removal and more. Stretch Marks is affiliated with Progesterone Creams.

Posted on Jun 28th, 2006

Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.

Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.

To begin, for a lotion base all you need is water, oil and an emulsifier. An emulsifier is simply an ingredient that blends the water and oil together. Here is the base that I begin with to make my lotion:

½ cup distilled water
½ cup oil (I usually use olive, almond, macadamia nut, or grape seed)
1 TBS liquid lecithin

You can experiment from here by adding essential oils, combining other oils; you can steep beneficial herbs into your water before you add your oil, etc…

Here is a nice winter lotion to get you started:

½ cup distilled water
½ cup olive oil
1 TBS lecithin
6-8 drops of geranium oil
2-4 drops Myrrh oil
400 IU Vitamin E oil (1-2 open capsules)

Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin. Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.

Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.

Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.

Enjoy your lotion. Hopefully this little recipe will inspire you to become creative!

About The Author

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. for more information go to http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com

links@wrapyourselfslim.com

Posted on Jun 27th, 2006

The generally held medical standpoint is that there is no clear-cut treatment for stretch marks. We are not talking of major cosmetic surgery or otherwise radical intervention here, of course – those are definitely possible approaches, but highly expensive ones that are by no means free of inherent complications. Before one considers medical or surgical alternatives, it makes sense to examine the most favored home treatments.

These can at no time be viewed as anything more than preventive methods and possible damage control. No one should harbor the illusion that stretch marks can be made to disappear by ‘homegrown’ means. They can at best be minimized – which is a major step forward, considering that cosmetics are largely ineffectual in hiding them.

The best time for preventive measures is when stretch marks are just beginning to be visible. At this stage, the failing elasticity of the skin can be augmented with moisturizing agents such as cocoa butter and good quality vitamin E compounds such as almond oil. Another time-honored method of reducing stretch marks caused by obesity is exercising the affected area consistently. This would mean straight leg raises for stretch marks on the hips and thighs, stomach crunches if the belly is affected, etc.

Ongoing research will doubtlessly yield some workable home remedies for stretch marks. For instance, a compound developed on the basis of research conducted by the Duke University Medical Center reportedly seems to be able to replenish collagen in certain cases. The compound’s operative ingredient is vitamin C. No reliable surveys have been made as to its efficacy, but the fact that the world of science is seriously looking for over-the-counter remedies for stretch marks is encouraging.

The use of vitamin K and lavender oil has also been reported as at least marginally beneficial in controlling stretch marks.

Stretch Marks provides detailed information about stretch marks, home remedies for stretch marks, laser stretch marks removal and more. Stretch Marks is affiliated with Progesterone Creams.

Posted on Jun 27th, 2006

According to the medical dictionary of Medline Plus, liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipments, typically performed by a plastic surgeon.

With the removal of excess body fat, the body appearance improves and evens out distorted body parts. Breasts, buttocks, abdomen, and the face area are some of the most popular body parts that undergo liposuction.

Foremost reason why people resort to liposuction is for cosmetic reasons. They want to eradicate "love handles", unsightly fat bulges, an abnormal chin line, etc.

Liposuction also helps improve sexual function by reducing fat deposits on the inner thighs, thus allowing easier access to the vagina.

Another reason for undergoing liposuction is body shaping that cannot be achieved by diet and/or exercise.

A note of caution, liposuction is not a cure for generalized obesity.

Liposuction is not as easy as just going to the doctor and telling him or her, "I want a liposuction right now." People who want to have liposuction must meet certain criteria:

1) There should be a preliminary consultation. This includes history of the patient, a comprehensive physical examination, and a psychological health examination;

2) There should be a second consultation to give time for the patient to think over the planned liposuction surgery;

3) If the patient is married, the spouse’s presence may be required during the consultation;

4) The patient should ask questions about liposuction, express the reasons for the consultation, and must feel satisfied with the answers to their questions;

5) The patient must fully understand the pre-operative liposuction preparations, the liposuction procedures, and the precise post-operative liposuction care to avoid lethal complications;

6) The patient must have realistic expectations. Liposuction enhances the body appearance and boost self-confidence but it will never result to a perfect body.

Because liposuction is a medical procedure, there are risks involved. Some of the complications that may happen upon having liposuction are:

* Fluid imbalance due to the removal of a lot of liquid during liposuction and/or injection of large amounts of liquid during liposuction which can result to shock, heart problems, or kidney problems.

* Infections happen after any surgery and some physicians prescribe an antibiotic to patients having liposuction so it is important to keep the wound clean. Infections may be life threatening such as necrotizing fasciitis (bacteria eating away the tissue) or the toxic shock syndrome caused by bacteria associated with surgery.

* Embolism occurs when tiny globules of fat trapped in the blood stream blocks the blood flow to the tissue. This may cause permanent disability. Signs of pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing.

* Drug reactions or overdose from lidocaine is fatal. Lidocaine is a drug that numbs the skin and large doses of this is used during liposuction. The effects of lidocaine are lightheadedness, restlessness, drowsiness, slurred speech, muscle twitching, and convulsions. Overdose of this drug may cause the heart to stop which is naturally fatal.

* Burns caused by the ultrasound probe during ultrasound assisted liposuction.

* Visceral perforations or puncture wounds in the organs may require another surgery and can be fatal. During liposuction, the physician does not see where the probe (canula) is, so it is possible to harm internal organs.

* Skin death (skin necrosis) occurs when skin changes color and fall off. This may also cause infection.

* Paresthesias is an altered sensation at the site of liposuction. This may be in the form of increased sensitivity in the area or loss of feeling. Some cases of this are permanent.

* Swelling

* Death

Given that the surgery had no major complications, recovery from liposuction can still be difficult.

The liposuctioned area appears larger than before because of swelling.

Special compression garments must be worn for two to three weeks to reduce swelling, bleeding, and to help contour the new body. The patient starts to feel better after a week or two after liposuction.

Walking is recommended after liposuction to prevent blood clots forming in the legs. Finally, exercise and diet will help keep your new shape.

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Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
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©Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about liposuction, please go to: http://liposuction.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

Posted on Jun 26th, 2006

When Jennifer rose to stardom about ten years ago on the smash hit TV show Friends, her renowned layered hairstyle with turned up ends went along for the fast success ride with her. Not a person to relax on her quick rise to success, She had her fanatics constantly wondering each time with a succession of developing hairstyles, from quite short, to this periods extra long, and extremely strait. Is this simple? Not really, was the view expressed by a top leading hairstylist, from sunny California. "A lot of my customer as hairstyles have wave in them," he says, "and a small bit of frizz. Very little have their hair lying as straight and as smooth as Jen’s natural hair."

Jennifers Hairstyles Tips - Start off by conditioning your hair with a conditioning shampoo. Dry it well with a towel flat and put in a keep in hair conditioner. This will assist in straightening your hair and make it extremely soft and flexible. Carry on with a blend of identical amounts of shaping gel and calming serum, and run it gently through your hair. Dry your hair with a hairdryer using a big round hair-brush, being certain that you direct the tip of the dryer down parallel to your hair. Doing the opposite will only cause the hair cuticle to become rough, creating unnecessary frizz. As soon as your hair is dry and as flat as possible, break out the sedu flat iron. And follow the sedu flat iron instructions.

Jennifer Joanne Aniston was born in Sherman Oaks, California, America on the 11th of February 1969, possibly most recognized for her role as Rachel Green on the hit TV show Friends, and of course her extremely exposed marriage to actor Brad Pitt. She is the daughter of well known actor John Aniston and his wife then Nancy Dow. Aniston’s god father is actor Telly Savalas, a very good friend her father. Jennifer experienced most of her childhood in New York City, where her Dad won a role in the sitcom Love of Life and afterwards Search for Tomorrow.

Click Sedu Hairstyles for hairstyle help, or Click Here! for sedu flat irons!

Posted on Jun 26th, 2006

Did you know that there are multiple types of lens materials used on glasses of all types? Most people would give you a blank stare if asked about some of the names below. It’s true; glass isn’t the only stuff in town.

In this article I will go over the most common materials used to make lenses, as well as the advantages each one offers. Who knows, you may just drop your current pair of shades in favor of something else.

Glass – Optical quality glass is free of distortion causing objects such as bubbles and/or seeds that plague other types of glass. Because of this, optical glass makes the clearest lenses available anywhere. While optical quality glass lenses may be heavier than plastic lenses, they are much more prone to survive heat damage. Also of interest is the fact that glass is much more scratch resistant than either of the two lens materials listed below.

CR-39 – Probably the best optical quality plastic, CR-39 is made from hard resin and is highly impact resistant –- Much more than glass. If you need something extra light, CR-39 saves the day too; it weighs half as much as glass.

Polycarbonate – Polycarbonate is the strongest of all optical quality lens materials. Most often, you will see safety glasses, ballistics glasses, and high impact glasses being made from polycarbonate. Lenses made from polycarbonate are also the lightest –- three times lighter than glass. Not everything is rosy though; polycarbonate lenses scratch easily, and must be hard coated to meet the scratch resistance that CR-39 plastic offers.

So which material is right for you? Most of the time, the type of lens you choose is a matter of comfort. If you need something light and strong, the obvious choice is either CR-39 or polycarbonate. If the ultimate in scratch resistance is what you are after, then get glass.

Either way, by properly educating yourself about the various advantages and disadvantages each material has, you can make an informed decision as to what you really need.

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Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Aviator Glasses Guide – A site
dedicated to providing only the best ray ban aviator information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
***************************************************

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