Why does your skin become drier during the winter months? Because many of us are exposed to factors that cause us to lose moisture, including the soaps that we used on a daily basis.

Take fewer showers

Dermatologists recommend that we limit the number of showers or baths that we take. For those of us who simply must bathe frequently, try spending a little less time in the tub/shower.

While many of us like a hot shower, try adjusting the water temperature. Make it warm, rather than hot. The hotter the water, the more it depletes your skin and hair of natural moisture. Try switching to gentle cleansers, ones that do not contain a lot of harsh chemicals: Aveeno, Dove, Nuetrogena, or Tea Tree Gel Therapeutic Body Moisturizer.

Lay it on thick!

If you’re like me, then you don’t care for the feel of thick, heavy, greasy moisturizers. But, let’s face it, they work best. If you cannot tolerate the heavy stuff, then you might want to mix it with a lighter lotion, but make sure to avoid products containing alcohol. It’s best if you apply your moisturizer right after bathing.

Don’t forget to drink lots of water, at least 8 fluid ounces per day and add a humidifier to your arsenal, especially if your house has forced-air heating.

Chelle Murphy is a contributor to http://www.thecozyshack.com’s health, beauty and fashion section.

Make your hair shine and your skin glow with these all-natural Skin and Hair Nourishing masks & recipes, that you can whip up with just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Egg yolks are widely acknowledged as one of nature’s best moisturizers. Here are a couple ultra-rich masks to "deep condition" hair and skin.

1.Egg Yolk & Honey Facial Mask

(Best for dry skin types)

Mix Together in equal proportion

• Honey

• Egg yolk

• Almond oil

• Yogurt.

Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

2.Egg Yolk, Avocado & Mud Facial Mask

(Best for oily skin types)

Clay or fuller’s earth mud is available in powder form at any Health food store or Nutrition outlets.

Mix Together in equal proportion

• Dry clay

• Egg yolk

• Mashed Avocado, with

• Witch hazel

Mud dries excess sebum while the egg yolk and avocado

replenish lost moisture. Witch hazel acts as a toner.

3.Fruitamins Hair Mask

In a blender mix

• 1/2 Banana,

• 1/4 Avocado,

• 1/4 Cantaloupe,

• 1 tablespoon Wheat germ oil

• 1 tablespoon Yogurt.

For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 - 20 minutes.

4.Fruitamins Face Mask

In a blender mix

• Strawberries

• Pineapple

• Banana

Apply to the face and leave it for 15 - 20 minutes, Wash off to find a glowing face.

Well, this is one of the best solutions for females going on a date … Believe it!!

N.SRIVATHSHAN MBA(PHARMA MARKETING),BA SALES,PRODUCT, ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT,PHARMACY,NUTRITION&DIETETICS. PRODUCT MANAGER NANDAN BIOMATRIX srivathshan@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/srivathshan

Modern dentistry has improved and changed a great amount in the last ten to twenty years, and this has led to new treatments being available to everyone, rather than just the few rich people who could afford it. People are visiting dentists for ‘cosmetic’ dental treatment in the same way that they would visit a cosmetic surgeon to have their body altered or enhanced.

With more and more celebrities having cosmetic dental treatments and exhibiting perfect teeth in magazines and on television, tooth whitening is one of the dental treatments that have soared in popularity for people young and old. Other treatments include implants, veneers, and alteration of the gum line. This article looks at the different types of teeth whitening systems and will help you assess which is best for you.

There are various teeth whitening systems available, and they range from the very expensive to the relatively cheap and accessible. All teeth whitening systems fall into two main categories – those that must be carried out by a professional such as a dentist, and those that can be done at home. Home treatments are often cheaper, but can be less effective and can even cause lasting damage if applied incorrectly.

The key to selecting which tooth whitening system is appropriate for you is to ask yourself the following questions:

Am I good at following written instructions?
What is my budget for this treatment?
Am I looking for immediate results or a course of treatment?
Am I comfortable visiting a dentist?
Do I have minor or extensive tooth staining?

Home tooth whitening systems are cheaper, but they normally use a peroxide bleach based formula and so the instructions that come with them must be followed to the letter. Otherwise, the results may not be what you expected, and the sensitivity of the teeth can be increased.

However, if you are confident about applying the treatment yourself and are prepared to finish the whole treatment without expecting instant results, home teeth whitening systems can be a cost effective way to achieve that celebrity look.

Salon or dentist based teeth whitening systems are more expensive, but can have longer lasting and more immediate effects. Dentists use similar peroxide based formulas to the home systems, but the effect is enhanced by the use of a laser. Laser whitening can make your teeth 5-6 shades lighter on the first visit by activating crystals inside a gel, but if you have extreme discoloration you may need to go back more than once.

The risks of laser teeth whitening are not great, with the most common side effect reported being increased sensitivity to hot and cold. Rubber dams are used to protect the gums when bleach based formulas are being used, and this ensures the gums are protected from the effects of the tooth whitening system.

Modern lifestyles can have a bad effect on our teeth, with drinks like coffee, tea and red wine causing staining and discoloration. Teeth whitening systems are a way to instantly reverse the effects of our lifestyle, but are no substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2005. All Rights Reserved.

Tooth whitening is becoming an increasingly popular home cosmetic procedure. Learn more about the various whitening systems, benefits and potential risks at Lustrous Teeth.com. http://www.lustrousteeth.com.

Specifically, for longevity and looking and feeling younger, healthier and firmer and more lean, you really need to consume eight ounces of plain, fresh, preferably distilled water for every 14 to 20 pounds of body weight you now carry.

If you’re very active or under a lot of stress or you eat poorly or you’re exposed to toxins throughout the day, than you’re probably going to want to be closer to eight ounces for every 14 pounds of body weight. But if you live a really healthy lifestyle, drinking vegetable juices on a regular basis, if you eat fresh, raw organic vegetables two or three times a day and you avoid pesticides and preservatives as much as you can, then feel free to drink just eight ounces for every 20 pounds of body weight. The easiest way to get water in that I have found and that we found with our clients in the research center, is simply to have a jug by you at all times.

A gallon water jug or a half a gallon water jug is best. Keep it at your desk during the day. Carry it with you in the car. Keep it right next to your bed at night so that when you wake up in the morning you immediately begin drinking it.

If you sip on water all day long, you’d be surprised how very much water you get in by the end of the day.

Water is your body’s number one ally to promote lucid, clear-looking, supple skin.

Each one of these techniques that we’re covering in this excerpt from the teleseminar call, creates a different effect on your skin or on the anti-aging process.

Water, specifically, helps give you lucid, clean-looking, supple skin. Plus it helps keep every cell in your body well hydrated and maintained. I know everybody reading this knows all the benefits of water so I’m not going to go drilling them into you again….

…But you need to know that without consuming ample amounts of fresh, plain, preferably distilled, water, you can never look and feel your best, let alone look and feel young and healthy.

So it’s vital that you begin drinking clean, fresh water today. Each day, begin just when you wake up in the morning, because after hours and hours of sleeping, your body becomes dehydrated and it needs immediate relief when you wake up.

So there you have it - water is the next step in your anti-aging regimen. Next week I’m going to share with you the name of a very inexpensive nutrient that’s going to help you even out your skin color, increase the radiancy of your skin, and add elasticity to all your dry areas. Plus it’ll reduce inflammation whether you put it on your skin topically or you ingest it internally. It’s an amazing nutrient; it has a myriad of benefits and I can’t wait to share it with you (by the way, you probably already have this nutrient in the kitchen cupboard).

If you’re one of the hundreds of people who have already purchased a copy of this full audio program - congratulation. If you haven’t yet grabbed yourself a copy, then please get yourself a copy today - I truly want you to have a copy of this for your very own - it’ll be an invaluable asset that you can turn back to time and time again for the rest of your life - get your copy now so you have the full library of techniques in hand.

For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

© 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com " System

A dark patch on the cheek, a brown square on your thigh, a black section on your neck… What are those swarthy badges and how do you get rid of them?

Those black patches, or acanthosis nigricans, as they’re called in medical circles, could result from insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance occurs when the normal amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas is not able to enter the body cells where it is needed. So, to maintain a normal blood glucose level, the pancreas secretes more insulin.

Sometimes, when the body’s cells resist or do not respond to these higher levels of insulin, glucose builds up in the blood. This causes high blood glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Even people with diabetes who take oral medication or require insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels can have higher than normal blood insulin levels due to insulin resistance.

Acanthosis nigricans occurs most frequently among overweight individuals battling insulin resistance. The easiest way to begin removing the dark patches is to safely begin losing weight.

Meanwhile, you can resort to skin lightening creams that contain retinols or hydroxy acids. But, the patches will not go away permanently until you have resolved your insulin resistance issues.

In rare cases, Acanthosis nigricans could be the result of cancer. If you are not overweight and still experience Acanthosis nigricans, you should see a physician.

Are you still wondering how to get rid of acne? Naweko San-Joyz has created the only guide to deliver an acne cure as unique as you. Get your “Acne Messages” natural acne cure at http://www.Noixia.com ISBN: 0974912204.

To drastically improve your skin tone simply add two to three tablespoons of - and this is a long one -

"Mediterranean…cold-pressed…extra-virgin…olive oil" to your diet. That’s oil from the "Mediterranean" parts of the world; Spain and Italy are two of the best sources of extra-virgin olive oil because they have the highest polyphenol content or anti-oxidant content.

"Cold-pressed and extra virgin", that’s the extraction process for getting the oil out of the olives. That process has the lowest acidity.

So your goal should be to get two to three tablespoons of Mediterranean cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil into your diet every single day. Olive oil promotes a whole host of health benefits. But, again, we’re only here today to focus on how we can best leverage this nutrient to help us…look and feel younger now.

And here’s the top two ways to use this oil to help you do just that: Number one, by ingesting it. Consuming two to three tablespoons of oil can reduce inflammation in every area of your body, internally and externally, including your skin. And inflammation in your skin is the primary cause of wrinkles. So by ingesting oil we’re helping to reduce the signs of aging from the inside out.

Number two, the second way to use this oil to your benefit is to use it as a skin lotion all over your body one or two times per day and, again, as often as you need on any of the wrinkled or dry areas that you’ve got. What that’s going to do is it’s going to be "evening out" your skin color, it’s also going to increase the radiancy of your skin, and it’s going to add elasticity to all the dry areas.

This oil will reduces inflammation whether you put it on your skin topically or you ingest it internally. It’s an amazing nutrient that has a myriad of benefits. I highly suggest that you begin using it in your normal diet.

After you’ve added this oil to your diet you’re going to want to focus on the next technique which is all about the best (and worst) supplements to help you look and feel years younger - but that’s next week…

Until then, I wish you the absolute best of health. If you need to contact me, please do so through www.AskChristopherGuerriero.com For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

© 2002-2004 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

© 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

Chemical Peel Information

A Chemical Peel is the medical terminology for what most people refer to as chemical facial peel, chemical face peel, acne chemical peel, and chemical skin peel. A Chemical Peel procedure utilizes a chemical solution such as Phenol and trichloroacetic acid to restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin. This solution essentially peels away skin’s top layers.

Length and details of the Chemical Peel procedure

The length of the Chemical Peel procedure varies, but typically takes 1 to 2 hours for full face. Typically no anesthesia is required, but sedation is sometimes utilized Most Chemical Peel procedures are routinely outpatient. For those individuals seeking a full-face phenol peel inpatient admission may be required. (1 to 2 days.)

Risks and/or complications related to the Chemical Peel procedure

Possible side effects for both types of Chemical Peels include temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness and sensitivity to sun. Specific side effects for the Phenol method include a permanent lightening of treated skin, frequently resulting in the permanent loss of ability to tan. In addition there are other associated risks with this procedure that include the chance infection, scarring, outbreak of skin allergies, fever blisters, and cold sores. Specific side associated risks for the Phenol method include abnormal color changes of the permanent type and in extremely rare cases; heart irregularities For most patients undergoing a phenol Chemical Peel the recovery time needed should result in new skin formation in approximately 7 to 21 days. Patients undergoing the trichloroacetic acid TCA will result in new skin forming in 5 to 10 days. Patients can resume normal activities in approximately 2 to 4 weeks, with complete recovery in 3 to 6 months.

Long-term results of Chemical Peel procedure

The effectiveness and duration of the Chemical Peel varies with the individual. Those with fair, thin skin with minute wrinkles will experience the greatest results. Of the two Chemical Peel methods the Phenol is more permanent in its duration.

How much does a Chemical Peel cost?

Costs for a Chemical Peel run in-between $700 to $1000.

Will my insurance cover a Chemical Peel procedure?

Because a Chemical Peel is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the operation. However some costs may be covered if there is a medical necessary behind the procedure. As always consult with your physician and health insurance plan.

You can find more Chemical Peel Information and its benefits here. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at http://www.houstonmedcenter.com.

Ok, you are heading to a small get together or large party and you know that you will not know many of the other guests. Alternatively, you want people (or maybe that cutie!) to have an easy way to approach you. In these situations, wear something that is highly likely to be a good conversation starter. For example, if hats are your thing, choose one that that people will be prompted to ask you about it. Even easier, is to wear a unique and funky jewelry accessory (called wearable art) that will quickly catch people’s attention and gives them an easy in to ask you about it.

Bring your own conversation piece

Wearable art is a fantastic conversation prop, providing a non-threatening way to start a conversation. Actually, you are giving people an excuse to come and talk to you. You make yourself more approachable and interesting because you are wearing (“Come say hi to me!”) something about you that is an obvious talking point. These jewelry fashion props are natural conversation starters. They encourage conversation and others will be more naturally compelled to start a conversation with you.

Jewelry adds to your body language

Jewelry reflects the ultimate style and personality of the person wearing it. Zany and colorful wearable art works best, it shows you have spirit, are playful, light-hearted, and spontaneous. People are naturally attracted to this.

Timely Fashion

Wearing watches just to tell time is outdated and out of fashion. Creative and artistically creative watches are now the hottest, must have accessories. Both sexes are buying watches that are as fashionable as they are functional. Look for watch art with unique colors, design, shapes, or other significant characteristics. They stick out and help you get that conversation started.

Best bet: Never leave home without your wearable art conversation prop!

Contributor: Stuart Glasure [A fashion and wine enthusiast and publishing member of the wine source: http://www.WineDefinitions.com.]

Eyelid Surgery Information

Blepharoplasty is the medical terminology for what most people refer to as eyelid surgery, an eyelid lift, cosmetic eyelid surgery, or eyelid plastic surgery, and lower eyelid surgery.

Length and details of the Eyelid Surgery procedure

In this procedure the goal is to correct a drooping eyelid and puffy bags below the eyes. This is accomplished by removing the excess fat, skin, and muscle that may occur naturally or develop as an individual ages. This surgery often is used to correct visual field defects. This surgery may be a medical necessity for some individuals. In these type cases the surgery may possible be covered by insurance. The length of operation usually runs 1 to 3 hours.

Patients are given a general or local anesthesia, with sedation.

Depending on the extent of the surgery a patient typically undergoes an outpatient surgery.

Risks and/or complications related to Eyelid Surgery

For most eyelid surgery operations the patient will experiences potential side effects consisting of temporary discomfort, tightness and swelling of eye lids, bruising. Many experience temporary dryness, burning, or itching of the eyes. Additionally some patients report excessive tearing, and a general sensitivity to light for first few weeks following the procedure.

In addition there are other associated risks with this procedure that include the risk of blurred or double vision, infection, bleeding, and swelling at the eyelids corners. Others may experience dry eyes, and a temporary difficulty in closing ones eyes completely. In extremely rare cases a potential for Blindness could exist.

For most patients the recovery time needed varies with the activity. The recovery time for reading is between 2 and 3 days. A return to work is feasible between 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Contact lenses wearers should plan on waiting 2 or more weeks before resuming the use of contact lenses. Those involved in sports or other physical activities will be able to resume these activities in approximately 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling will gradually decrease after 3 weeks.

Long-term results of Eyelid Surgery

In this procedure the results will last several years and are often permanent.

How much does Eyelid Surgery cost?

The national average is approximately $2,500.

Will my insurance cover Eyelid Surgery?

Only in extreme cases where the vision is clearly impacted.

Read more about Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty and its benefits. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at http://www.houstonmedcenter.com.

The Botox toxin is not so toxic if you’re trying to take the crinkle out of your wrinkles. The clostridium botulinum bacteria produce Botox. Now you see why we call it Botox for short. The protein toxin is being used around the world to help produce a healthier, more youthful appearance.

It’s not surprising that we develop wrinkles, as we grow older. Every time we smile, frown, cry or laugh we make an imprint on our faces. If we’re lucky, it takes years before we can visibly see the imprint. If we’re not lucky, then the wrinkles are more obvious than we’d like. Whichever is the case, the wrinkles inevitably surfaces and when they do Botox is here to fight it.

Botox works hard to eliminate the wrinkles that occur when we use our face muscles too much. “I remember when I was growing up, my mother use to tell me not to frown. Never, ever did she tell me that I’d end up looking like this,” says 55-year-old Gladys Rhome. Rhome had botox injected into the laugh lines around her mouth. She is very happy with her first treatment of Botox. Now, six months later she is coming back for more. “It helped me to get rid of lines around my mouth. It’s time for me to get rid of the lines on my forehead as well, she laughs.

The FDA gave Botox the okay for use in April 2002. Since that time Botox has proven safe in getting rid of our most hated facial wrinkles. I’m talking about wrinkles like the laugh lines Gladys Rhome suffered from as well as frown lines and crows feet. Doctors have been using Botox for more than ten years and so far they’ve seen no serious side effects. “I had a little swelling after my first treatment,” says 42-year-old Sara McFarlane. She is a Botox pro. McFarlane has received three Botox injections in the last two years. She also plans on one day having a Botox party. Hosting a party is one of the ways some folks are spreading the good news about the wrinkle-crinkle Botox.

Whether you do it alone, or with a group of friends you would be surprised to see how relatively easy the procedure is. The Botox injection is placed directly into the face muscles that create wrinkles. “All I felt was a little pinch, then numbness. The numbness went away after a couple of days,” says McFarlane. She may have gotten use to the numbness, but it’s very hard to get use to not frowning.

Botox can prevent you from frowning and some people don’t like that. However, most people can live with the side effect. “At first it was pretty odd, but I grew to accept it,” says 44-year-old Rebecca Stanton. Stanton has used Botox on and off for the last three years. She’s used it so much that she can’t remember how many times she’s been injected.

Botox took away Stanton’s frown and it could take away yours as well. A tiny needle is used to place Botox in a muscle along the wrinkle line. A small amount of Botox basically renders the face muscles helpless. The amount is so small that you don’t have to worry about it spreading through your body. Your lines will diminish and in some areas disappear altogether.

You may experience a little localized pain, tenderness and bruising in the aftermath of the injection. Your muscles in the vicinity of the injection may also be a little weak. However some people see this as a minor annoyance. You can see the affects of the injection right away. “It was great! I got my injection on a Saturday. I went to work on Monday and everyone was talking about how well rested I looked. I didn’t tell them I got a Botox,” says 31-year-old Jessica Lake.

The treatment lasts approximately three months to six months. Most people will need another injection after that time. You can repeat the injection as long as you don’t have any serious side effects. The two good things about a Botox treatment are that it can be repeated as many times as you like. And, the treatment takes less than an hour. You can literally do it on a lunch break from work. In fact, doctors say the more treatments you have the longer the lasting effects seem to be.

Botox is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body. An allergic reaction is not very common. However there is the possibility that you may have a problem with a droopy brow or eyelid. It is not a problem that will not correct itself over time. Botox can be used by almost anyone. However you should not use it if you’re are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease.

About The Author

Dr. Barry Lycka is an internationally known cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon who practices in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he has worked from 1989. Recently, Dr. Lycka was chosen as Alberta’s Dream Makeover Doctor. For more information you can visit his website at http://www.BarryLyckaMD.com.