Shaving daily or several times per week can be a tedious and even painful task, and is not a permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair. Waxing can be more painful, expensive, and though the hair grows back more slowly, is not a long-term solution for hair removal. That is why many people looking for a permanent or long-term way to remove unwanted body hair are looking to laser hair removal. Those who perform this procedure promise to quickly remove your hair at the root, and guarantee that your hair will grow back very slowly, and in some cases, result in permanent hair removal. However, if you are looking to laser hair removal as a permanent solution to your unwanted body hair, it is important that you know all aspects of the procedure, along with knowing how what to look for in a reputable practitioner to carry out the procedure for you.

Laser hair removal works by aiming a series of light beams at the dark pigments in your body hair. Using a handheld machine, the technician or physician presses it onto the areas of the skin where you want hair removed. The device is intended to cause damage to you hair follicles without harming any surrounding tissue. There can be pain involved, despite some claims to the contrary. But respectable laser hair removal practitioners will employ several pain relief methods including cooling with gels, fine mists of water, and cool air.

Of course, there are quite a few plusses to having a laser hair removal procedure. Foremost is the long-term removal of your unwanted body hair. Though laser hair removal is not considered a permanent solution, the permanent reduction in appearance of your hair is entirely possible. Often, your regrowth actually comes back a lighter color and softer texture, which is a much more appealing alternative. Laser hair removal is a safe procedure as long as it is performed correctly and carefully. Laser hair removal is most ideal for those who have a large area on the body with more hair on it than the average person, such as the back, chest, or legs. For these people, laser hair removal might be a preferable option to something even less permanent like waxing. Those people with fairer complexions along with darker body hair usually get the optimum results with this procedure.

Of course, the idea of permanent laser hair removal might be too good to be true. There are several drawbacks to the procedure that you should be aware of before deciding to go through with it. There has been no durable evidence that suggests laser hair removal is completely safe and is completely effective in what it claims to do. And, because every body is different, it is difficult to establish a set standard of regrowth rates. What is known is that the procedure does not work as well on gray, red, or blonde hair, and it must be approached with caution by those people with darker skin tones or on people who tan themselves. There is also a risk of burns, abrasions, or skin discoloration as a result of the procedure. And because it can take several sessions to complete the desired effect, the procedure can be quite expensive. Some people do not react to the process, therefore the decision to receive laser hair removal is one that requires great consideration of the factors involved.

There are many laser hair removal establishments in operation that make untrue and potentially dangerous claims, and they might not be fully qualified to perform the procedure at all. Many of these "experts" claim that their procedures are totally pain-free, which is absolutely not true. They also make claims that the hair removal is completely permanent, and they might go so far as to guarantee absolutely no hair regrowth. Permanent laser hair removal has not been proven thus far. There is no governmental regulation of who can purchase the laser hair removal machines or requirements for training or any kind of quality control standards, therefore take heed that there is a great risk for physical injury and loss of a substantial amount of your money. There are some who believe that making laser hair removal more widely available by opening the procedure to not just physicians. They feel this will make it more affordable. But, it is not worth the possible health and financial risks to you by doing business with someone who might not know what they are doing. They best thing to do is consult a reputable physician, and ask many questions before you make a commitment. Know that laser hair removal will probably not result in the permanent removal of your unwanted hair. Rather, it will probably help to diminish the hair, and ease any embarrassment you might feel.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment. Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Very possible, you might not know what antioxidants are and how much they are beneficial for your healthy condition. Very possible, you might not be aware that antioxidants have a great contribution in preventing early aging.

An antioxidant is an important element that is very necessary to our body to save vital cell structures. This protection is done by neutralizing dangerous molecules called the free radicals generated by environmental factors such as chemical pollution and fumes. This hazardous molecules can cause major harm to your skin, and furthermore, may cause skin aging.

Thus, one of the reason you need antioxidants is to save and protect this largest part of your body. For days to come, antioxidant can make you look younger than your age.

The next question you might have is related to the real source of antioxidants which are used for anti aging.

To answer this difficult question, I must remind you probably have heard many times about Vitamin E. It is a great nutritient for the skin and also has antioxidant effects, i.e protects your skin from hazardous free radicals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full potential sources of all antioxidant elements involved in anti aging process. By consequence, they must be parts of a healthy eating plan as the young appearance of skin is a new standard of modern living.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in issues affecting men and women as well such as skin anti aging

A chemical peel is a caustic procedure that burns the outer layers of the skin revealing a younger, fresher looking skin. Usually acids like salicylic, glycolic, lactic, TCA peels, and or phenol will be used.

The sugar and citric acids (salicylic, glycolic, etc… are lighter peels and don’t require much downtime. Some of the deeper peels can have up to 2 weeks of severe discomfort and peeling - a time you probably want to stay inside and not be out in public. These lighter peels can even be done as ‘lunch time’ peels. They are effective for light skin pigmentation problems, reduction of sebaceous gland oil (prime contributor to pimples and acne), sun spots, and other minor skin problems. Usually multiple treatments are needed as it is not a deep peel. The cost is around $100 per peel at a medispa ($150+ at a doctors office).

TCA peels are deeper medium depth peels. They have names youv’e seen on TV like Obagi Blue Peel, Estheticians Choice, etc… TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid and is a more effective and longer lasting peel than the sugar and citric peels. It is actually easier to use as it does not require layering or taping (methods used to drive lesser peels deeper). It is effective on more skin conditions and problems. TCA peels are one of the highest dermatologist recommended treatments for acne vulgaris. It has been found to be every bit as effective as Accutane without any of the side effects (Accutane can have some worrisome side effects). TCA peels are actually able to remove freckles, years of sun damage, bad pigmentation, scars, tighten skin and lessen wrinkles and fine lines. It has even been used by doctors to remove and lighten tattoos. TCA peels cost around $250-$500 at a medispa and usually $300 -$500+ at a doctors office.

Phenol peels are the deepest. They commonly result in a permanent bleaching pigmentation effect. Which can result in a pale, fake look. Phenol can effect heart rate and function, so a phenol peel is always done in a doctors care and with anesthesia as it is the deepest and most excrutiating of the peels. It is a last resort peel due to its harshness and bleaching properties. I won’t discuss it too much here as it is rarely performed nowadays. Phenol peels can reach $2000+ easily as they require anesthesia and more care.

There are other derivatives, but basically these are the various chemical skin peels in a nut shell. The TCA peels are the most effective and most regarded of the peels. and they are also the best buy - 1 TCA peel equals more than 4 or 5 glycolic peels, so it actually works out to be cheaper. And now TCA peels are actually available for home use for under $30. Which makes them the most affordable along with already being the most effective and longest lasting - results can last up to 1 year versus a few weeks to 2 months for a glycolic peel. For more on TCA peels for home use go to www.bestskinpeel.com.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He has received numerous patents and awards for his research. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

The shelves of health food stores and supermarkets and are overcrammed with all kind of products. You have the possibility to buy dietary supplements promising to clean your liver or lower cholesterol level. You may get something to help you conquer arthritis, cure cancer, revive your sex drive, fight memory loss or make you thin. There is everything for everyone. In US, people spend an estimated $6 billion a year for powders, pills and potions that help to slow, stop or reverse the aging process.

Many researches of aging have concluded that nobody can get all the nutrients he needs. As people age they need to use anti-oxidant supplements to stay in good health.

The truth about using such kind of supplements is somewhere between the conservative positions still claiming your food do not provide all the nutrients you need to the charlatans looking to see you gulping their potions every minute.

Currently is not possible to stop or reverse this process. The actual technologies only succeeded in extending the life span on seventy-six. I personally think that anti aging supplements are not a waste of money. However, certain people, have ignored them and yet have blown a hundred candles. But time will be the judge of facts, i’m sure.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting such as undiagnosed disorders

We nourish our bodies and we even nourish our skin from the outside in, but we often forget that nourishing our skin from the inside out can help to prevent a host of skin and health conditions, such as dry skin, premature aging and so much more.

Good skin care begins with quality vitamins in our daily diet. It’s always better to get the vitamins from the source – natural whole foods, rather than supplements, but supplements can help fill in the gaps in today’s busy world. Nutritionists and dermatologists recommend the following supplements for healthier skin:

· Selenium – New research shows this mineral is necessary to the antioxidant known as glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect the body from cancers, including skin cancer caused by sun exposure. The best dietary sources of selenium include whole grain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs. Oral doses are effective in daily supplements of 50 to 200 micrograms.

· Vitamin E – This most important antioxidant in the body protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes. It can be found in vegetable oils, especially sunflower oil, grains such as wheat germ, brown rice and oats, nuts, dairy products, meats and margarine. As an antioxidant, vitamin E supplements of 400 milligrams per day help to inactivate free radicals.

· Vitamin C – This is the most abundant antioxidant found naturally in the skin. It is commonly found in vegetables and citrus fruits. Much like vitamin E, vitamin C in doses of 500 to 1000 milligrams per day is important in repairing free radicals and preventing them from turning into cancers and accelerating aging.

· Vitamin K – This vitamin has recently been found to be successful for the dermatological treatment for dark circles under the eyes and bruising on the face. Best way to get your daily dose is eat plenty of lettuce, cauliflower, green beans and spinach.

· Vitamin A (Retinoids): Helps to prevent dry, flaky skin; reduces lines and wrinkles; anti-aging properties, helps reduce stretchmarks; helps to treat acne. It can be used topically, as a supplement, or gotten from your diet. It can be found in your diet in such things as eggs, organ meats, whole milk dairy, carrots and broccoli. Unless you suffer from a deficiency, topical use is best when treating the skin, as megadoses are not wise.

· B-complex: The B vitamins as a whole, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine) and B12 (Cyancobalamine), help prevent dermatitis and hair loss, treat stress and depression, as well as helping with acne, eczema, and psoriasis. They are absolutely necessary for proper skin (and hair) nutrition, as they form the basis of skin, hair, and nail cells. They can be used topically, taken as supplements, or found in your diet. In the diet, they can be found in such things as bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice. Unless you suffer from a deficiency, supplements shouldn’t be necessary, but are not likely to be harmful.

· Vitamin D: This is a powerful antioxidant and anticarcinogen. However, because the main source of this vitamin naturally is exposure to sunlight, the anticarcinogen properties can get lost amid the other carcinogenic properties of being in the sunlight for long periods of time. You can supplement this topically, but avoid megadoses.

· Chromium: Helps to fight acne and reduce infections. Recommended dose when taken internally is around 150 mcg daily Whole grains, ready-to-eat bran cereals, seafood, green beans, broccoli, prunes, nuts, peanut butter, and potatoes are rich in chromium. Sugary foods are low in this mineral and may even promote chromium loss; vitamin C may increase its absorption.

· Zinc: Helps to promote healing, reduces scarring and acne, as well as treating eczema and psoriasis and is also an antioxidant. Recommended dose when taken as a supplement is around 25-30 mg daily. A serving of lean beef or plain yogurt will do it.

Good skin care is a matter of diligence and quality living. Knowing what vitamins and nutrients are most beneficial and researching the best food sources to obtain those vitamins can help to turn back the hands of time. Vitamins can help thwart dry skin, premature aging and other skin disorders. http://www.skincarenet.org

Len Simpson is a freelance writer based in Pasadena, CA. She has worked for award-winning newspapers for more than ten years and now writes about health issues, alternative and natural remedies.

If you want to live longer, the lifestyle of oldest people should be a model for you. You should be interested why centenarians become centenarians and what they do for live that long.

Is it because they have low cholesterol?
Is it because they eat natural food?
Is it because they exercise a lot and live a clean life?

Jean Calumet of France, is the longest recorded known person who has ever lived. In 2001 when she died, was 122 years old. Well, if you want to learn about her lifestyle, you should know she smoked all of her life and drank.

As far as I know, there are three major studies targeting centenarian life and habits around the world. All of them are trying to reveal the facts that would confer longevity among these people.

The conclusion on these major centenarian studies is that there is hardly to put anything in common among all of them. There are centenarians with high cholesterol and low cholesterol, some smoke and some don’t, some exercise and some don’t, some drink and some are abstinent. Some are nice and calm. On the contrary some are nasty and tense.

But they still have something in common: a low sugar level in their blood, relatively for their age. They all have low triglycerides for their age. And they all have relatively low insulin.

Is this an opportunity to think that the differences in life span are regulated by insulin?

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in issues that require a social concern such as healthy lifestyle

Micro-dermabrasion is one of the more recent skin-care techniques to have crossed over from Hollywood to the mainstream. So what exactly is micro-dermabrasion and what does it promise particularly for women over 40? Do you need a doctor or is it something you can do yourself?

As an alternative to a dermatologist’s office or with an expensive in-spa professional treatment, there are micro-dermabrasion creams and scrubs you can apply at home. These contain the same crystals you’d find in professional treatments, but many cut out the use of a specialized tool for application. Instead, you use your hands to rub the products into your face, neck or arms, pushing the crystals against your skin so they grab and remove the dead cells of the outer layer of your skin. The benefit is replacing dead, dull skin cells with new, healthy ones.

When looking for a Micro-dermabrasion Home System you’ll want to find a system that includes both a Refiner and Replenisher to achieve the maximum benefits:

Step 1, Refine: Contains aluminum oxide crystals – the same professional-grade, highly refined aluminum oxide crystals that dermatologists use. These crystals are super exfoliates that gently buff away rough, dull, lifeless skin cells that naturally accumulate on the surface of your skin.

Step 2, Replenish: A serum that nourishes the newly revealed healthier younger-looking skin with vitamins, antioxidants and an anti-irritant. It soothes, smoothes and softens the skin.

With a Micro-dermabrasion Home System you’ll receive instant results: Fight fine lines, refine pores and achieve beautifully smooth skin – immediately – with a simple, two-step set.

It is a great “at home” alternative for busy women who want to save time and money.

You Glow Girl!

Leslie Freude, the Skin Care Girl, is a Beauty Consultant. For consultations, product information and to sign up for your free issue of Beauty News visit: http://skincaregrl.blogspot.com or write Leslie at skincare-girl@comcast.net

The skin on your face loves being cleansed, exfoliated, freshened (toned), moisturized and protected. Why? You’re helping skin’s natural processes. Your reward is smoother, clearer, even younger-looking skin (we love that!) and prevention of annoying skin conditions.

Basically, your skin regenerates itself continually in a four-week cycle. New cells are created near the base of the epidermis (the outer main layer of skin) and then mature and die as they move up to the surface. The cells which provide skin’s color or pigment are also found in the epidermis.

Below the epidermis is the thicker, inner main layer of skin, the dermis. It’s composed of collagen and elastin fibers and contains blood vessels and sweat glands, among other things.

Cleansing – Cleansing removes the impurities that have accumulated on the skin’s surface. These may consist of dust and chemicals from the environment, makeup, and sweat and sebum (a secretion) which have migrated from the dermis through the pores.

Exfoliating – Exfoliating is simply removing the dead cells on the surface of the skin. On a daily basis, it’s best done very lightly and gently. Depending upon skin type and sensitivities, there are chemical exfoliants (such as retinoids [Vitamin A derivatives], alpha-hydroxy acids [AHAs], beta-hydroxy acids [BHAs]) and mechanical exfoliants (microdermabrasion) which can be used on a regular basis for more dramatic results. (Please read “Personal Care, Exfoliants” for more details.)

Cleansing and exfoliating assist the skin by allowing moisturizers to penetrate and work more effectively.

Freshening – Depending upon the skin type for which it’s intended, a freshener or toner serves a number of purposes. A freshener may condition and re-hydrate skin, balance pH, remove residue and refine pores. It can also scavenge free radicals (unstable and highly reactive atoms).

(Sad but true: “free radicals” always reminds me of Janeane Garofalo’s character’s cosmetics counter experience in the movie, “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”).

Moisturizing – Moisturizing restores moisture that is stripped away during the cleansing and exfoliating process; prevents loss of further moisture; provides a barrier against the effects of dry heat, wind and cold; and softens skin and improves its resilience and elasticity. Many moisturizers contain humectants which retain moisture and, as a result, plump up the skin.

Protecting – Protecting the skin is an important morning step. One way is to put on a sunscreen or sun block to minimize exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Another way is to apply foundation. In addition to evening out skin tone, foundation helps shield the skin against the impact of the environment.

For the best results, choose the cleansing, exfoliating, freshening and moisturizing products that are made specifically for your skin type: dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive. The ingredients in each product work to balance, control and restore your individual skin conditions and needs.

Anti-aging ingredients - Since signs of aging start to appear during our twenties (very subtly), anti-aging ingredients are in high demand and an important component of many skin care lines.

It takes w-a-y more time to read about caring for your skin than it does to go through the steps. With the right products for your skin type, caring for your face can take only a minute or two twice a day and give you clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin!

Source: Mary Kay Inc.

© Copyright 2006. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.

Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc.

Register on Charlotte’s Mary Kay Inc. web site to receive a monthly email newsletter, Beaut-e-News(tm), with tips & techniques and a seasonal mailing of the "The Look" catalog with free samples plus the latest in skin care and color looks (complete privacy ensured).

http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

It’s hard to imagine the difficulties women went through to straighten their hair back in the "good old days." With no specialty tools available at the time, women had to use things like a clothing iron to get the desired look. Dangerous and damaging, but there was no other choice, then.

Today there are effective appliances and products that will help ease the transition from curly to straight.

Going Straight

Getting your hair straight is not a quick and easy task, especially if your hair is extremely curly. Thick or long curly hair can take hours to get right.

So, this is certainly not a quick style change to try before a first date.

But it is certainly doable. However, there are some steps you should take to make the process easier.

The Process

Begin by washing and conditioning your hair. Use a deep conditioner, otherwise straightening hair can leave it dry and damaged. Towel-dry your hair and apply a straightening gel. The gel will help prep your hair for the process. Allow your hair to partially air dry before bringing out the hair dryer.

Pin the top portions of your hair up on top of your head. Work just 1 section of your hair at a time. Use a brush (flat paddle or round) to pull a small section of hair straight while drying it with a hair dryer.

Repeat this process, section by section, until all of your hair is dry.

If your hair is very curly, you will probably see some frizz. Don’t worry; this will go away when the process is finished.

You are now prepped and ready to straighten.

The Tool

The best tool for straightening curly hair is called a flat iron, which come in several different widths. The best one for our purpose is 1.5 inches wide. This is easier to work with and provides better control than larger models.

Most flat irons have multiple temperature settings. Hair types respond to heat uniquely, so you must experiment. Until you know otherwise, start with the lowest setting and work your way up in temperature until you get the results you want.

You can get one at most drug stores or beauty shops. You want a ceramic model for stubborn curly hair. Prices range from $30 to $200. Don’t buy the most expensive flat iron at first. Sometimes the cheaper models work just as well.

The most important key to straightening success is good prep. With well prepped hair, any reputable flat iron should give you a smooth, frizz-free look.

Visit Women’s Hair Styles to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Website

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Legend has that Helen of Troy had a face that launched a thousand ships. Probably she went in for a face lift every once in a while. A face lift is akin to a restoration job performed on a face, ravaged by time, weather elements or an unhealthy lifestyle. You have the surgical facelift, involving incisions and the painless non-surgical facelift. The latter is gaining popularity by the day.

These days, many types of non-surgical face lifts have been devised to lift the sagging face muscles, erase fine lines, wrinkles and scars and impart elasticity to the face. All these methods do not involve any pain or lengthy recuperation period and it can be carried on with other treatments.

Thermage facelift is the current rage amongst the beauty brigade. Relatively inexpensive compared to its surgical counterparts like derma abrasion and chemical peel, this face lift method involves only local anesthesia and is over within an hour, so that you can return to your daily routine without any grogginess or hideous bandages across your face.

The Thermage facelift method uses radiofrequency force to tighten the face and is suited for everybody except those fitted with a pacemaker. It guarantees results within a few days to five months. However, this facelift method is not much effective in treating the severely battered face. Extreme cases merit drastic surgical procedures like CO2 laser therapy.

The Microcurrent facelift is another non-surgical procedure fast gaining ground. Working at the cellular level, this face lift method whets up the body’s natural chemical processes to turn back the hands of time and give you a face to die for.

Over within an hour, the Microcurrent facelift will tone the face and neck muscles, lift the jaw line and the eyebrows, decrease pigmentation and erase fine lines and wrinkles. This facelift process is quite painless; you might only feel a slight tingle when mild electric currents are sent to your face.

Have pins and needles stuck on your arms, legs and face you can emerge with a younger, firmer looking face. That’s acupuncture for you, a non-surgical facelift procedure that is very safe and inexpensive. A huge hit amongst the hoi polloi and the stars alike, its detractors however raise questions about its ability to provide enduring results.

Laser skin rejuvenation or the “lunchtime facelift” doesn’t believe in beating about the bush. It’s a quick face lift where your face is subject to mild laser rays, which send the collagen into an overdrive so that within weeks your wrinkles are erased, acne and blemishes removed and you have a firmer, face to flaunt. Usually devoid of any side effects, some might experience redness in the face, but this subsides within 1-2 hours.

You also have face masks and TCA peels which are easy to use, suit all skin types and give you a flawless, well-toned face. TCA skin peels have been proven to be the most effective of the non-surgical face lift procedures as it can cure susch a wide range of skin problems and disorders - from wrinkles and fine lines to age spots and acne. TCA skin peels are a must have in your anti-aging and non-surgical regimen. They can also now be purchased for in home use (see the link below).

With so many face lift procedures thronging the market, you absolutely have no excuse to look like something that the cat has brought in.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com