Archive for September, 2006

Posted on Sep 20th, 2006

Every Hair Dryer Is Not Created Equal!

Anyone who owns one will tell you what they like (or dislike) about the particular model of hair dryer that they use. Every hair dryer has different features and functions for market appeal. There are hair dryer types that are quiet, compact, diffusers, and those with many other features. What you choose to use depends on your particular needs and requirements for your particular hair and hairstyle. One of the newer products on the market for hair is the ionic dryer.

How Do You Dry Your Hair?

For many years there have been basically 3 different ways to dry hair: air dry; large heated dryer with a hood, such as in a beauty salon; or the standard handheld dryer. The handheld hair dryer comes with many options and features that appeal to different consumers. This type of hair dryer has hot, warm, or cool air that is blown directly onto the hair until it is dry. Heat damage is high in this kind of hair dryer, and it may cause your hair to be less manageable.

What Is A Ionic Hair Dryer?

Instead of simply taking the air from the room and heating it, it uses negative ions to shrink the water droplets in your hair. This also decreases the amount of static in your hair, making it more manageable, smooth, and less frizzy. The ionic dryer also assists with tangle prevention and less use of conditioning products each day.

Price And Accessibility

The ionic type of hair dryer can be found at professional hair salons, online, and through major technological, high-end gadget places. The hair dryer prices will vary according to manufacturer and store purchased, but many people say the price is worth the satisfaction. Look on your own time on the internet, or ask those who have used various products for opinions and recommendations.

Margarette Tustle writes ideas for home and family. Read more resources on dryers at dryerltd.com.

Posted on Sep 20th, 2006

Many people think that drastic measures are required in order to have flawless, youthful skin. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s possible to have better looking skin starting with things you already have in your home; no cosmetic surgery or expensive makeup required!

Healthy skin is moist and produces adequate amounts of oil from the sebaceous glands, producing a natural “glow.” Plump skin cells fit together like a carefully constructed mosaic, where each one has its own place. When skin cells dry out, however, they begin to lift and separate at an angle, giving skin a dull, flaky look that makes the skin appear older.

The two main causes for dry skin are environmental factors (weather, chemicals, the use of the wrong personal care products) and poor diet. In order to look great on the outside, you must first treat yourself right from within. A regular balanced diet is the number one defense against wrinkles, outbreaks and dry skin conditions. However, certain foods have properties that are most important for that glow that we crave. Here we’ll talk a bit about some of these foods, and you’ll see how quickly you can achieve radiant skin without breaking the bank.

Most moisture for your skin is provided through your bloodstream. The bloodstream is responsible for pumping nutrients and minerals into your system which are carried through that moisture. Without being properly hydrated, nutrients and minerals in your bloodstream may never reach your skin, making them useless in keeping your skin youthful. The oil that your skin produces is not directly responsible for moisturizing, but instead helps to keep moisture in. An inadequate amount of oil will allow excessive evaporation or the moisture in your skin, allowing it to dry out quickly.

Foods rich in protein are essential for skin regeneration and repair. Not just any protein will do. The Atkins diet, which boasts of it low carb dieting results, allows for many types of protein that can cause damage to your skin. Any kind of processed meat, such as bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin. Better sources of protein would include seafood (salmon in particular is a very good choice), lean fowl (turkey, chicken) and vegetable protein. Veggie protein is often overlooked, as American society is accustomed to “meat with every meal.” Try tofu or beans as a high quality protein source. Morningstar Farms makes an excellent veggie burger that even meat lovers would crave if given a try!

Another healthy practice is to eat lots of raw foods every day. Canned and frozen vegetables may provide some nutrients, but only raw veggies and fruits will contain the enzymes necessary to prevent free radical damage. If you absolutely must cook vegetables, steam them lightly and eat al dente.

Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to youthful skin, including sulfur. In its natural form from foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, sulfur with help to keep skin smooth and youthful. You can also take an L-systeine supplement which will also provide adequate amounts of sulfur for healthy skin. A lack of either Vitamin A or B can make your skin chapped or cracked. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is for your eyes. Don’t limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes and peppers.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale, collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important for your skin. Lactic acid helps to improve your skin’s moisture content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will assist in healthy, glowing skin.

If you’re willing to spend a little (just a little), there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available in several forms.

Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie foods will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help take off the extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (such as those found in the supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.

Each of these foods and supplements are easy to find in your local supermarket or health store, and will cost you much less than the myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic results. In just a few days, you’ll notice that your skin will begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight. Chapping and cracking during the winter will be much less likely to occur as well. Most importantly, these tips will help you to slow down the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.

About The Author

Burgundy Shank designs Nutrient Rich Handmade Soaps that contain skin-loving Vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and K. She specializes in custom soaps for those with allergies and sensitive skin conditions. You can download the FREE Report “The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products” by joining her online newsletter, “Beauty Secrets from Around the World” at http://www.burgundysoap.com.

info@burgundysoap.com

Posted on Sep 19th, 2006

Before we start let’s get this out of the way – I am not a doctor and the advice here is my opinion only and not in any way professional medical advice, although I have been involved in body piercing for many years. Should you decide to follow any of the advice below then you must take full responsibility for the outcome and use a little common sense. Most importantly IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A DOCTOR. Doctors are paid to do stuff like this!

Healing of a piercing requires a lot of care and attention. Neglect them or abuse them and new piercings can easily become infected and/or take a lot longer to heal.

Some piercings may bleed heavily when first made in which case a simple dressing is recommended. Once the bleeding has stopped the piercing should be exposed to air as much as possible or covered only by loose fitting clothes. Use clean gauze dressings held in place by surgical tape for the first few days if bleeding is a problem.

For the first few days a piercing is best left untouched to heal a little on its own. After this time it should be cleaned and inspected 2-3 times daily for at least the first month even if it seems healed. At this stage I recommend using a warm saline solution made with boiled water and around 5ml (1 teaspoon) of salt per 50ml of water. Antiseptics can be used but are generally not recommended as they can irritate the wound and/or cause it to dry out and obviously neither is desirable. Irritating a wound can prolong the healing time hugely. Mouth piercings can be treated with a mild antiseptic mouthwash or a little warm saline solution which should be done after each meal and preferably after eating and smoking too.

Any irritation to the piercing can prolong the healing process hugely. Try not to tug on the piercing or to wear clothing that catches the piercing as you move about. With oral piercings try to keep away from kissing deeply for the first 6 weeks. Genital piercings can be protected by a condom but it is generally recommended to keep sexual relations to a minimum until healed.

Avoid getting the piercing wet for at least the first 3-4 weeks. This means avoid swimming and where possible take a shower rather than a bath.

After a short while the you will notice a little clear coloured fluid leaking from the piercing and drying around it. As above this should be carefully cleaned with a saline solution on a daily basis. Whilst cleaning try to avoid moving the jewellery more that is necessary to clean the piercing properly.

If the piercing becomes overly sore, continues to bleed, becomes very swollen or discolours badly consult your piercer or a doctor. DO NOT remove the jewellery. Not only will this mean you may lose the piercing but it will also mean that you in effect leave an open wound which may become even more infected. If your piercing looks mildly infected then it may be worth actually trying a little antiseptic ointment. Again get advice from your piercer or doctor on which is the best to use. Some people will suggest tea tree oil. Having tried it we do not recommend it. If the infection persists your doctor may give you a course of antibiotics which should clear it up. Again we stress DO NOT remove the piercing if you get an infection unless advised by your piercer or doctor to do so.

It is worth noting that ’surgical steel’ body jewellery can also cause a reaction in some people due to the nickel content present in most jewellery of this type. This can also be true of gold jewellery due to impurities found in all gold no matter the carat. Because of this we strongly recommend the use of titanium jewellery for the initial piercing. Once the piercing has healed this can be replaced with steel, gold, silver or any other inert material).

Elizabeth Brodie is the owner of Hot-Jewellery a UK site specialising in quality body jewellery for most common piercings.

Posted on Sep 19th, 2006

Who can I trust to find me a best plastic surgeon?

Yourself! knowledge is power only when you use it. The more information you know about your surgeon and surgery, the more likely your chances of having a successful operation. If a company claims to have the best plastic surgeons “database,” find out everything you can about the company. Does the company specialize in researching only the best doctors ? Remember, there are many web sites: anyone can have a doctor database. The question is, do doctors pay to be listed in their database? Do they actually research every single doctor? Is the company a credible source ?

Where are the best plastic surgeons located?
Nowadays, you find them in the smallest to the biggest cities. The five most popular states where plastic surgeons practice are Florida, New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.

What should I look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?
Tips on what to look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?

  • Always make sure the surgeon is an MD who is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
  • Find out if the surgeon is fellowship trained in plastic surgery or in a field relevant to their current specialty.
  • Spas and Salons are spreading like wild fire…use caution and research your plastic surgeon thoroughly.
  • Go to Google and type the plastic surgeon’s name. Search for surgeons that pioneered a surgical procedure, wrote publications, taught Med students, etc. Often times, this information is displayed online.
  • How many years of practice does the plastic surgeon have under their belt?

How do I select the best plastic surgeon for me?
Many services and even magazines often times list the best doctors according to surveys conducted. Their surveys are usually based on doctors who are voted by their peers. Though it’s a good starting point, it’s only one component in finding the best plastic surgeons. Here’s why:

  • Surgeons are extremely busy and rarely participate in these types of surveys, so results are limited.
  • Surgeons can nominate their buddies and ask them to return the favor, to attract new clientele.
  • Some surgeons are asked to nominate one of their peers in a certain area only.

What are the 4 Critical Components in finding the best plastic surgeons?

  • Education – They earned a degree from an accredited medical school.
  • Experience – How many cosmetic surgeries have they performed?
  • Recognition – Are they well recognized among their peers, patients, and medical societies, and/or involved in their communities?
  • Training – Does their residency and/or if fellowship focus on plastic surgery?

Bottom line:
When having plastic surgery you will be looking at your surgeons work for the rest of your life. Doing a little homework could be a wisely investment.

Hugo Gallegos is an expert in researching & recognizing the top medical doctors in America. He is the founder & president of MDNationwide.org.

Looking for a doctor? From the top cardiologist to the best plastic surgeons Browse through our best doctor database.

Posted on Sep 18th, 2006

When you want to look and feel your best, sometimes you need a little help from one of the best skin care products on the market.

When looking for a skin care product, you may want to find something that will not only leave your skin feeling clean, but moisturize the skin as well.

Some of the best skin care products on the market are in the form of a face cleanser, lotion, or moisturizer.

When it comes to face care products, you should know there are a variety of price ranges and quality that are available for a consumer working with any type of budget.

Below you will find a list of some of the best skin care products that are broken up into different categories.

Face Cleansers The next time you are at a drugstore, don’t forget to pick up Cetaphil, a product recommended by dermatologists. This item does not contain chemical or scents that create irritated skin.

When looking for the best skin care product containing shea butter, you may want to look into Clarin Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which also leaves the skin moisturized.

If you have oily skin, some of the best skin care products to combat this particular appearance, includes Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, which is soap and oil-free.

Other selections include Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser and the Lancome Clarifance Oil-Free Gel Cleanser.

For normal to combination skin, Dove Essential Nutrients self-foaming cleanser takes care of oil, as well as removes dead skin cells.

Looking for an aromatherapy cleanser? Bloom Facial Cleaners contain the fragrant scent of lavender and grapefruit oils.

Working with sensitive skin? The inexpensive Avon Clear Skin Foaming Cleanser is a gentle option, as well as the moderately priced Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser.

One of the best skin care products for blemished skin is the popular Neutrogena Pore-Refining Cleanser, which does not dry out the skin.

If money is no option, you may want to try out the Murad Acne Kit for $60, which offers a cleanser, pore-cleansing gel, exfoliating lotion, as well as spot treatment.

Moisturizers The moisturizer that is perfect for you should never irritate or create burning sensations on the skin. When applied, it should feel smooth, smell good, and feel good.

Some of the best skin care products are those that have passed the tests of dermatologists, as well as an assortment of opinions from the top of the health and beauty world.

If you have dry skin, some of the ingredients to seek out in your moisturizer include glycerin, dimethicone, as well as hyaluronic acid.

Dove Sensitive Essential Day Lotion is light and void of scents or dyes.

Looking for a great product with natural ingredients? Check out the Lancome Absolute Night Treatment, which contains sea algae, soy and wild yam extract. An expensive choice in this category is called Crème de la Mer, which is considered one of the best.

Oily skin consumers should look for products that are oil-free, as well as non-pore clogging. They may find a solution within choices such as Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion UV Defense Combination/Oily, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15, and Lorac Oil-free Moisturizer.

A gel formula is the best bet for consumers who have normal/combination skin. Some of the best skin care products for this type of skin includes Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer and Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15.

More skin care products information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

Posted on Sep 18th, 2006

A selection of essential oils is now available from health food shops, chemists and by mail order. When you are buying them, be careful to choose essential oils, not perfumed oils. Although these may well smell delicious they are not benefecial for aromatherapy.

An essential oil is:

  1. Thin and watery rather than oily.
  2. Swift to evaporate and it wont leave a greasemark on paper.
  3. Overpoweringly scented when neat, which can be quite unpleasant.

Perfumed oils will always smell pleasant whereas essential oils often have more of the effect of smelling salts.

All essential oils fall into three basic categories:

  1. TOP NOTES : These oils evaporate very quickly. They are generally uplifting and stimulating, with a greenish, fresh aroma.
  2. MIDDLE NOTES : These are used to help with most bodily functions and the body;s metabolism.
  3. BASE NOTES : These are extremely relaxing, sometimes sedative and generally have a lovely, warm aroma.

You’ll notice essential oils are always sold in tinted glass bottles (if not, be suspicious). This is becaiuse they are special oils that need a little care. They are damaged by light and should always be stored in a dark, cool place. Be careful to keep the lids tightly screwed on your bottles, otherwise you will be disappointed to discover your oils have evaporated into thin air.

Here is a very informative chart describing the benefits of various essential oils: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/aromatherapy/essential-oils-information.htm

About The Author

For www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

Get more information on aromatherapy and essential oils here: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/aromatherapy/index.htm

nitin@ultimate-cosmetics.com

Posted on Sep 17th, 2006

Nose Surgery Information

Rhinoplasty is the medical terminology for what most people refer to as a nose job, nose plastic surgery, or nose cosmetic surgery.

In this procedure there are several goals that a patient may be trying to achieve. Some individuals may be seeking to correct and reshape the nose by targeting these frequent items:

    Reducing or increasing size
    Removing a hump
    Adjusting or changing the shape of the tip
    Adjusting or changing the shape of the bridge
    Narrowing the span of the nostrils
    Changing the angle between the nose and upper lip

Because the correction of the above items may assist in relieving breathing problems it is possible that Rhinoplasty may be covered by insurance.

Length and details of the Nose Surgery procedure

The length of operation usually runs 1 to 2 hours or more.

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

Rhinoplasty procedures are routinely outpatient.

Risks and/or complications related to Nose Surgery

For most Nose surgery operations the patient will experiences potential side effects consisting of temporary swelling, bruising around eyes, nose and headaches. The patient may also experience some bleeding and stiffness. In addition there are other associated risks with this procedure that include the risk of infection, burst blood vessels could cause permanent red spots, and incomplete results could require additional surgery.

For most patients the recovery time needed varies with the activity. Patients may return to work in approximatly1 to 2 weeks. Those involved in sports or other physical activities will be able to resume these activities in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Individuals are advised to limit exposure to the sun for several weeks afterwards. The final results of the procedure may take up to a year to be fully realized in its appearance.

Long-term results of Nose Surgery

In this procedure the results typically are permanent.

How much does a Nose Surgery cost?

The procedure typically runs in-between $3,000.00 to $8,000.00

Will my insurance cover a Nose Surgery procedure?

Because a Nose Surgery is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the operation. Because the correction of the above items may assist in relieving breathing problems it is possible that Rhinoplasty may be covered by insurance.

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

Posted on Sep 17th, 2006

This is a call to everybody. Save your skin, now before it’s too late! Having a tan makes you look more healthy and gorgeous. But how do you do it without bad consequences?

There are a lot of people who would like to have golden brown skin. It is not a new sight when people go to the beach to lie almost naked under the sun just to have an equal tan. But, it is not so safe to do just that because of the super harmful UV rays. Instead of getting only a perfectly golden skin, one might suffer a serious case of skin cancer later, too.

There are plenty of options in tanning today. More modern ways are undergoing medical treatment to acquire a sun-less tan. However, there are still some modern techniques that use radiation powered machines to tan the skin. And radiation is also bad to the health.

There are more techniques that could give a person a perfect tan. But most of them cost so much because they are highly specialized techniques and reduces (or even eliminates) usage of radiation or UV rays. But to an average person who desires to have a golden skin, it would not be very practical to pay so much to have the desired healthy golden skin.

There are ways to achieve a perfect tan without exposing yourself to the sun and spending so much on skin clinics. There are ready-to-use products that are safe to use and are inexpensive compared to the services offered in skin clinics.

Here are some tips for a safe, sunless and costless tanning right in your homes. Remember that before applying those sunless tanners, the body must first be thoroughly cleaned and exfoliated by using loofah or soft cloth to wash off dust and dead skin cells. This way, even tan will surely be achieved. Use moderate amount on knees, elbows and other parts with thick, dry skin, as they will appear darker. Use a sponge paintbrush, about two to three inches in size, in applying tanner on the back. When applying in the face, avoid spreading in and around the eyes. After application, immediately wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use a make-up wedge when applying at the backs of your hands in smooth even strokes as well as on your feet and between the toes. Apply the tanner using both horizontal and vertical strokes or circular motion.

When using a spray tanner, avoid saturating it. Instead, spray and blend quickly and thoroughly over one body part then do the same to the rest of the body. After making sure the tanner is applied evenly, wait for about one hour before applying any moisturizer or foundation or going swimming/bathing. Also, avoid contact with carpets, fabrics, clothing, and furniture. If necessary, and for a deeper tan, repeat process.

A very important reminder for you: Stay away from the sun from 10:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. That is when the sun is most harmful. Remember that wanting a beautiful skin is not merely an act of vanity. Taking care of your skin is also taking care of your health. Protecting it from the sun is the most important gift you could give your skin. Have a beautiful and safe tan just right in your home without spending so much.

Copyright © Sphinx Cyberworld Ventures

About The Author

The writer, Caryl B. Grecia, works for Sphinx Cyberworld Ventures whose website, http://www.beautytips1001.com, features other proven natural beauty care tips such as skin care, acne treatment, dry hair/oily hair help, dandruff treatments, weight loss tips, help for puffy eyes and dieting recipes. For more questions and comments send e-mail to support@e-mart4all.com

Posted on Sep 16th, 2006

In 2005 the most popular hair styles were driven by celebrities, most notably the women actresses on “Sex in the City” and “Friends” and you could go down about any city in America and see look a like hairstyles. Some younger gals were thinking that in 2006 they might wish to imitate Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, although we may see more of a 1970’s hybrid between these of Paris and Britney and a more layered look like back then. Men seemed to be quite content with the James Bond style, long hair let it go style and emulating the various GQ heart throbs of the Silver Screen in 2005.

In 2006 going bald will be the biggest trend, as those who have become enlightened will prove that they do not need to impress anyone with something as silly or ridiculous as a hair cut. For those who do not wish to show their enlightened self, we will see a re-emergence of the Ronald Reagan style hair cut for most men and a few will adopt the “I do not give a damn about you or anyone else” haircut style of shock jock Howard Sterns. For the women who are afraid to cut it all off we will see longer hair with a flared layered look. Not quite the Farah Facet haircut of the late 70’s but along that lines and this will be taking hold towards the end of 2006, mostly due to Hollywood’s influence on the masses. Think on this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Posted on Sep 16th, 2006

The skin has a defence mechanism against sun-damage, in the form of melanin. The production of melanin is accelerated on sun-exposure. However, we have seen that this defence is not enough. That is why protection of the skin, with ingredients that block the sun’s radiation damage, is so essential. These sun-block agents are incorporated into ’sunscreens’.

Avoidance of the sun, specially at midday and in the afternoon, when ultraviolet radiation is at its height, can help to reduce the harmful effects. It is also essential to know that ultraviolet radiation is greater near water bodies, like the seaside and where there is snow. Snow, water and even sand reflect the ultraviolet reays and thus increase their rffect.

Exposure to the sun also causes moisture depletion and dries out the skin. Therefore, it is essential to step-up moisturisation, when you have been out of doors for a long time. The use of rehydrant cleansers, which contains aloe vera, can also help to control moisture loss. Aloe vera, like sandalwood, also helps to soothe and heal the skin.

When you are swimming in the sea, or in an open-air pool, remember to apply sunscreen before and after your swim.

Protect yourself with a parasol whenever you are out in the sun.

Remember, you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation even on a cloudy day.

More about sun care: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/suncare.htm

About The Author

Nitin Jain

For www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

Get more articles on beauty: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/articles/index.htm

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