While it is true that physical beauty is just skin deep, it is still no reason why people, particularly women, should disregard basic skin care. Since the skin is our outermost layer, it is exposed to the harsh elements of the environment. And because it is not uncommon for people to base judgments from our cover, with the face being the first thing they look at, it is only proper that we go to great lengths to keep our skin looking clean and fresh.

There are a lot of skin care products in the market today. Unlike before when a normal bar of soap was used for skin cleansing, cosmetic companies are now producing a wide variety of skin care treatments that can address various skin concerns. However, there are cases when treatments need to be more aggressive, especially for those who have aging or blemished skin. Most, if not all, of the over-the-counter products are topical in nature, meaning it only affects the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. Aging or blemished skin needs to be treated down to the root of the problem to see definite changes.

This is where skin peeling comes in. While OTC medicines treat minor skin irritations, skin peeling makes use of more concentrated drugs to accelerate the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, thus producing regeneration of new and younger-looking skin cells. Out of all the skin peeling procedures available, the TCA skin peel is the most popular.

TCA Peel, which stands for Trichloroacetic Peel, used trichloroacetic acid to remove superficial blemishes such as post-acne scars, correct pigment problems (melasma) and smooth out fine surface wrinkles. On some occasions, TCA Peel has even been used to remove and prevent the growth of pre-cancerous lesions. It is an intermediate to deep peeling agent that is normally used in 10 to 35% concentrations, depending on the extent of peeling that the patient wishes to achieve.

According to Dr. Jean M. Loftus, an American plastic surgeon who is recognized as an expert in the field of cosmetic surgery, claims that the TCA peel is “perfect for women who want to have more than superficial peel but cannot afford the expense or recovery time of a deeper treatment. A good alternative to having the treatment done at a clinic would be through one of the medically-certified kits available online at sites such as http://www.bestskinpeel.com/.

Unlike more aggressive modes of treatment, the TCA skin peel is considered as a minor office procedure and can be done within 15 minutes to an hour. Since TCA is a chemical that will slough off the dead surface of the skin, patients may feel a burning sensation once it is applied. Some surgeons offer their patients pain killers or sedatives in order to tolerate the pain of the procedure. After taking the medicine, TCA is then applied to the problem areas, one area at a time. It is only normal that the face turns slightly red after the chemical has been applied – this means that the TCA is already working its purpose. Iced saline is applied on the face after the procedure, to avoid further discomfort brought about by the chemical. The face will achieve to its normal color after 15 to 45 minutes. To finish off the procedure, an oil-based or steroid ointment will be slathered on the face to prevent the skin from being overly dry and to retain its normal moisture level.

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

Many people don’t realize that skin is an organ, let alone the body’s largest organ. Think about it for a moment. Skin covers the entire body – bones, organs, veins, every system – like a blanket of protection separating us from outside influences. It performs vital functions such as temperature control, waste and toxin removal and is the biggest filter system after the lungs. Pores filter substances and continually release toxic material through movement and sweating. Likewise, pores have incredible absorption power, making the skin quite vulnerable. Anything that is placed on the skin is absorbed into the body and blood stream very rapidly. So if everything you put on your skin goes directly into your internal self, you’d better be able to eat whatever you rub on your skin!

The skin has three layers: the epidermis on top, the dermis in the middle, and the lower layer, the subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis continually regenerates and therefore needs constant removal of dead skin cells. The dermis produces oil, collagen, and elastin which retains the skin’s strength. The subcutaneous layer is composed of sweat and sebaceous glands and provides the fat needed to maintain moisture.

The skin renews itself approximately every eighteen days. Realizing this gives you the power to make worthwhile changes in skin care that can positively benefit your outer shell. Society is bombarded with promotional campaigns from the cosmetic industry that advertise chemically-laden products which unfortunately, consumers are misled into believing the products good for their skin. It is through lack of awareness that many individuals are inadvertently poisoning their body through their skin with the products they use.

Recently, I learned some startling facts about ingredients present in most skin care products, as well as some health store and high-priced spa products. The ingredients I am referring to include propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate or sulfeth, parabens, urea, fragrance, and others.

Propylene glycol is made from a base of petroleum and is used as a de-icing fluid for airplanes as well as brake fluid. It is also found in multiple body products ranging from deodorants to facial lotions. Manufacturers, of course, state that the harmful residues have been removed through processing and that it contains such a mimiscule amount that it cannot hurt you. But using products with such ingredients every day accumulates, filling up your toxic pool. Sodium laurel sulfate or sulfeth is found in many hair and bath products as a foaming agent. It can also cause inflammation of the skin and is drying to hair. A single drop stays in the body and brain for several days. It is also a mutagen, capable of changing genetic information found in cells.

Parabens, (methyl, ethyl, butyl, propyl) which are used as preservatives, are synthetic chemicals that are found in almost every face and body lotion or cream. In a British University study it was substantiated that in 20 out of 20 studies of breast cancer tumors abnormally high levels of parabens were found. They are highly toxic to the body in any amount. Urea is another preservative and often releases formaldehyde – very toxic. The word fragrance on the label means there could be as many as 200 or more synthetic chemicals in that one product. These fragrances alone have cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, rashes, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting and skin irritations. With this in mind, why not use healthy alternatives made from essential oils, natural oils and herbs that enrich the skin and are not harmful to the inside of you!

So how do you care for your skin? Three things are vital: hydration, exfoliation, and moisturization. Our bodies are composed of over 70% water so it only makes sense to continually refill the reservoir. Water helps to transport hormones and nutrients throughout your body as well as remove toxins. It also plumps up the skin and aids in the production of collagen. So how much water should you drink? Purified water (tap water contains too many chemicals) should be consumed at a minimum rate of ½ ounce per pound of body weight. So if you weigh 120 pounds you should drink 60 ounces of water every day! Be aware though, liquids such as soda, juice, tea, and coffee do not count toward your daily recommended amount ~ you can consume additional drinks over and above the specified amount of water.

The second aspect of skin is exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells so younger, fresher skin can be displayed. What do you do to exfoliate? For the body, try using a loofah brush stroking in long sweeps toward the middle of your body and always toward your heart for a few minutes two or three times a week before you bathe or shower. Or use dead sea salt rubs which are fantastic for revealing sparkling, youthful skin. They can also be used on your face. The face must be treated more gently and the possibilities are endless. Oatmeal, hydroxy acids, fruit acids, green tea, seaweed, masks, facials, the list goes on and on. In addition, steam is a great way to open pores and remove toxins from the face and body that may otherwise develop into blemishes.

Lastly, skin needs to be moisturized. Moisturizer softens the skin and helps to retain the natural moisture that, in turn, prevents wrinkles. Misting throughout the day keeps the skin soft and supple as it faces unfavorable environmental influences. There are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of possibilities for you to use, but there are only a few available that you could actually “eat” safely. Things right out of the cupboard or the health store work best ~ things like cocoa butter, extra virgin organic coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, avocados, and so on.

Now the big question. What is safe to apply to your skin that doesn’t create unfavorable results within your body? Fortunately, there are a few companies out there, and we hope more will follow their lead, that provide healthy choices. Aubrey Organics ~ www.aubrey-organics.com ~ has a full line of family skin care made from organic and pure ingredients and are found in health stores and online. Lily of Colorado ~ www.lilyofcolorado.com ~ also creates their products from mostly organic ingredients and are found in health stores and online. Jurlique ~ www.jurlique.com ~ is an Australian company who prepares natural and organic products and has a massive line of products. They can be found in storefront locations as well as online. There are also many other companies that have good products and more are paying attention. Simply check for product ingredients before buying and make sure of what you are purchasing. Be aware of the word “natural” as it means little nowadays as far as purity.

While all of this is great in caring for the outer shell, work must be done from the inside out. Minerals must be ingested in abundance for they do the repair work in our body, including connective tissue, collagen production ~ you get the point. Anything cooked loses its vital minerals and processed food, fast food, chemically treated water, and overused soil has created a shortage of minerals. Eat organic, fresh vegetables and fruits every day and possibly take a supplement that includes lots of minerals. And don’t forget to drink plenty of purified water!

It is also necessary to include essential fatty acids in your diet. These are the omega-3 oils needed for just about every body function. They aid repair work, keep joints flexible as well as the skin, and aid to elimination as they supply lubrication throughout. They help to keep hair soft or sometimes just helps keep the hair! These oils, which include organic, cold or expeller pressed olive, coconut and flax oils should replace all saturated oils that are found on a grocery store shelf. Why? Oils on a grocery store shelf have been heated and highly processed to ensure a longer shelf life. They become trans fatty acids, or carcinogens, which can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other life-threatening disorders. Dark green vegetables have some of the highest nutritional “youthenizing” properties. Kale, chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, and parsley can add years to your life and lessen those wrinkles. They cleanse the body and skin while providing a vast array of rich nutrients including chlorophyll, nature’s sun food. Want an energy boost? Try a green drink and feel your vitality soar! Don’t forget out finned friends. Fish oil is known for its benefits to health, particularly cold water fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel. However, be aware of farm-raised fish because they most likely contain multiple chemicals as well as harmful metals such as mercury. Eat only wild caught fish from uncontaminated waters – not always easy to find but can be found with due diligence. (Websites listed at the end of this article list places to find this healthy fish.)

We’ve been told repeatedly to stay out of the sun or at least protect our skin with sunblock. However, Jacob Liberman, author of Light ~ Medicine of the Future, states that the sun is not only good for you, it is therapeutic. He continues by saying that it is chemical sunscreens, fluorescent lighting, and an indoor lifestyle that could be most detrimental to your health. UV light from the sun activates the synthesis of vitamin D which is needed for the absorption of many minerals, increases the efficiency of the heart, reduces cholesterol, assists in weight loss, increases level of sex hormones, while making an important skin hormone active. Light is actually a nutrient. Wow! In addition, Dr. Helen Shaw, a major researcher, found the lowest risk of skin cancer development in individuals who spent a lot of time in the sun. She also noted that melanomas were found twice as often among office workers who stayed indoors all day under fluorescent lighting. Use common sense however by not over-baking and avoid the powerful midday heat.

In the winter, when outdoor sun may not be possible, you might consider taking cod liver oil to make sure you’re receiving enough vitamin D. Be cautious in the brand you consume as you will want it toxin-free. Carlson has an excellent, pure brand and it has a lemon flavor for more palatable consumption. Rule of thumb is one teaspoon per every fifty pounds of body weight daily.

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div.
Empower Productions, Inc.
Woodstock, GA 30188
info@drcarolynporter.com
www.drcarolynporter.com

Carolyn Porter, D. Div., has been on a mission of discovering the way to remain youthful even as the years accumulate. Her age is always guessed years less than her actual chronological age. She is a Speaker, Author of multiple books and audios, Trainer, Spiritual Wholeness Coach and Energy Facilitator whose passion is to help those who wish to be helped.

If you’re bothered by unsightly hair, you’ll find many hair removal methods available. Your task is to select the right one.

Before making a decision, you’ll need to (a) research the treatment options available, and (b) answer a few questions about yourself.

Which Area Do You Want To Treat?

The area of the body you want hair-free will determine the method of hair removal you select. Is the unwanted hair on your face or elsewhere? You’ll need to narrow it down even more. Do you want hair removed from your arms, legs, eyebrows, back, chest, pubic area, knuckles or where?

When you’re clear about which precise area of the body you want to focus on, next you’ll need to determine whether your hair problem is hereditary. Some people are simply more prone to growing darker, coarser hair. If that’s in your genetic makeup, no amount of treatment is going to completely solve your situation. You will have to settle for improvement rather than cure.

How Much Can You Afford To Spend?

The next step is to determine your budget. It’s important to be clear on the available money, because that will eliminate some methods. Also, be aware that most methods will require multiple treatments at various intervals. Costs for hair removal treatments can range from a few dollars a month to several thousand dollars per treatment. On average 5 or more treatments are required to do the job. Your goal is to face up to whether you can afford it, and, if so, whether it will be the best use of your money.

How Much Pain Can You Tolerate?

The next cut on which method to choose is to assess your level of pain tolerance. Seriously. Your selection of hair removal methods will depend in part on how much pain you can handle. A number of hair removal methods are uncomfortable to painful. Although the pain is temporary, only you can judge your ability to tolerate it. Waxing and electrolysis are considered the most painful, so if you can’t tolerate pain, these methods will not do.

Hair Removal: Temporary Or Permanent?

You still have 1 more decision to make: do you want a permanent or a temporary hair removal method? Be aware that most methods are, unfortunately, temporary.

To permanently stop hair growth you must damage the hair germination structure within the hair follicle. To date, electrolysis is the only method that has been proven to achieve this goal. Laser therapy comes close, but more experimentation is needed for conclusive proof.

These 2 semi-permanent methods are the most expensive of all the options, so your budget may make this decision for you. A temporary method may be your only option.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s very important that you make sure you’re undergoing the hair removal process because you want to. It’s not wise to let somebody else pressure you into this.

Visit Hair Removal to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a Website Here.

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

Is your skin feeling tired? Rejuvenate it with a home made spa. The soft glow of lavender-scented candles. A gentle whiff of roses, settling lazily into the room. Ahhh! The pleasure of a warm, relaxing bath after a long, stressful day! Pamper yourself with a luxurious homemade spa. We tell you how!

Choice is yours: Before you get all excited at the prospect, know why you want it. All your decisions from oil selection to mood setting depend on it. A massage done in a relaxed settling will make you smile.

Soft and Relaxing: Creating the right ambience is half the work done when it comes to relaxation. choose a comfortable but warm place for a self-massage. Be sure that you are not sitting directly on ground. A massage makes your body warm. Sitting on a cold floor( even in summers) is not recommended. Masseurs also believe that all your positive energies escape if you are in direct contact with the floor. Now dim the lights and avoid white light. Light scented candles at places around the massage area.

You can play up candles and aromatic oils. Lavender is great favorite to relax.

Must Visit: Check out the wide variety of essential oils with different fragrances at discounted price at http://www.weightloss-health.com/homemade%20spa%20skin.htm

Place neat bunches of your favorite flowers all around the room. "Complete the look with soft, music playing in the background.

Keep Handy: Prepare everything you need in advance so that there is no last-minute rush. Mix your essential oil with water and use a slow burner to keep it warm. If you are planning a tub bath to end the massage, choose aromatic bath salts to pamper yourself further. Fill the bath with hot water just after the massage. Add the bath salts and a few drops of a heady essential oil.

Sandalwood is all-time favorite. Keep a scrubber handy to work on dead skin.

Work on your body: Start your self-massage with oil. You can use any body oil or a cream lotion like Ayur’s Aloe Vera massage cream, which has moisturizing properties and seeps into your skin to make it soft and supple. Rub it all over your body. Massage each of the reachable body parts one by one. The movement of the hand should be in concentric circles which refresh you by making the flow of the blood easier.

Warm gushes: After you have given yourself a moisturizing massage, start with the warm bath. While your bath tub fills with warm water, massage exfoliating sea salts on your body in a quick-motion scrub. Now immerse yourself in the tub. Add a couple of drops of essential oil and just ENJOY!

Essential Oil, lavender, sandalwood, mint, fragrances, homemade, spa, tips, article, oil, massage

Must Read: Get Rid of the Dark Circles under the eye with the effective Eye Care Tips at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Eye_Care_Tips.htm

Random Tip for Rosy Glow: Boil fresh rose petals and use this rose water instead of plain water for your skin treatments. Prepare a rose facemask by grinding a handful of petals into a paste. Apply on clean skin and leave the application on for 15 minutes. Then wash and watch your complexion glow.

About the Author:

Ashley Green

For http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Check out other various tips on massage and homemade spa and essential oils with different soothing frangrances at Essential Oil and Homemade Spa Tips

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Throughout the decades, the social significance of black hairstyles has remained a relevant part of black history. Unlike other American cultural trends, black hairstyles represent a significant history and pride amongst black women. Where else does one’s self worth and self image play such a high role in society? When black women enter the salon for a new hairdo, many times they must look at the “whole picture”; considering the social message that they will be sending when walking out of the salon and into black society.

Since the 1400’s, when slaves were brought to the “New World," they were made to change their hairstyles to more traditional European standards. This included the use of herbs and botanicals that relaxed their coarse hair, giving the appearance of finer hair. Throughout slave times, black women grown accustomed to their European counterparts wore their hair straightened, combed, and parted. Since that time, black women have often been ridiculed for their choices regarding their hair.

In modern day times, black women must choose to conform to Western society and their hairstyles or go for the more natural look. During the late sixties, the “Afro” and more traditional ways of wearing one’s hair made a debut. The image of freedom and pride led the movement for the El Natural look. But it was just that, a trend, that came and went; and in the near future; will most likely come again. However, since that time, more black women have opted for hairstyles that are “Americanized” and project the societal views of beautiful hair. Nothing is more evident of this trend than the huge amounts of money spent yearly on black hairstyles at various salons.

Today, a black woman may spend hundreds of dollars at a salon every week, striving to achieve that perfect hairstyle. Even in the poorest of neighborhoods, hair salons and barbershops that cater to black hair are still thriving. So are these black women abandoning their cultural history and giving into the white man’s ways? Most black women say “no”, it’s not a matter of history or culture, but a matter of looking good and feeling good about one’s self.

John Williams sends out a free hairstyle tips newsletter. Sign up for yours today!

As you get older, your body’s energy needs drop and demands for nutrients increase. While aging is inevitable, many of the degenerative changes that prevail past middle age can be easily prevented. Recent medical research confirms that good nutrition can prevent, or slow, conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Proper nutrition is an important part of any ‘aging well’ strategy.

Our Recommendations

Although nutrition is important, healthy eating isn’t just about taking the right nutrients. Remember:

. If you dislike eating alone, organize regular potlucks meals with friends and neighbors.

. Select foods that supply contrasts in color, texture and flavor. Avoid adding salt to improve flavor; instead, use herbs and spices.

. It helps to gather a good mix of ages around you- it will make the transition to old age more varied and enjoyable.

. Maintain old friendships and make new contracts. Go for walk to the nearby park.

. Eat at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, peppers, melons and berries. These contain compounds that protect against aging ailments like heart diseases and cancer.

Must Read: How do i prevent Wrinkles? Anti-Wrinkle Tips and Strategies at http://www.weightloss-health.com/prevent%20wrinkles.htm

. Opt for foods not supplements. Beta carotene-rich foods are one of the top sources of key nutrients promising anti-aging.

. Cook vegetables in as little liquid and for as short a time as possible.

. Make sure to drink six to eight glasses of water, juice or other non-alcoholic fluids everyday to avoid constipation, kidney problems and increased risk of dehydration.

. Exercise regularly in the form of walks or yoga to preserve muscle strength, improve appetite and mood.

. If you have trouble chewing opt for pureed vegetables, soups and other nutritious foods rather than bland liquid diet, which can lead to constipation

. Include Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet, which you can get from flax seeds, canola oils and fish.

Do not change your diet drastically. Gradually include the nutrients and requirements for old age. People over 85 are one of the fastest growing segments of the population, proving that you can live longer and healthier if you practice good food habits.

Must Visit: Check out the changing needs of an aging skin and the importance of different nutrients at http://www.weightloss-health.com/anti_ageing_food.htm

About the Author:

Ashley Green

For http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free tips and tricks on Skin Care and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at Anti-Aging Natural Skin Care Tips and Products

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

Electrolysis is a hair removal process that works by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle, (the skin depression from which the hair emerges), and disabling the hair root either by heat or chemical action and sometimes both at the same time. Each hair is treated individually.

Electrolysis is most suitable for removing female facial hair, but it can be used on almost any part of the body. There are millions of people who have solved the embarrassing problem of excess hair with the help of the hair removal method of electrolysis.

Electrolysis hair removal was developed around 1869 by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, Charles Michel, who sought a way to safely and effectively remove ingrown eyelashes which frequently caused blindness.

Electrolysis hair removal was adopted by the medical community and then adapted as a treatment for excess hair removal on other parts of the body. The same basic technique, improved and modernized, has been used since those times.

Hundreds of scientific articles published in medical literature state that hair removal by electrolysis is permanent. But - There’s also scientific evidence that regrowth can occur when a new root cell is formed in the same area.

Hair removal by electrolysis should be performed at a reputable clinic by a trained and state licensed electrologist.

Compared to other hair removal methods, electrolysis is time consuming. Depending on how fast your hair grows, it usually takes regular weekly or monthly visits for up to a year to complete the process.

Hair removal by electrolysis is painful, even with a topical anesthetic. Some describe it as a slight heat, tingling or stinging sensation.

Don’t hesitate to let your electrologist know if what you’re experiencing is uncomfortable. They’re trained to work within your comfort level. There are machine settings or the type of treatment that can be adjusted.

There usually is some redness or swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing and even scarring following electrolysis hair removal. Ask your electrologist what you can do to help the healing process.

And hair removal by electrolysis is expensive. Usually there’s a rate of $25 to $100 per hour. And if the procedure takes longer, a lower hourly rate doesn’t always mean a lower cost.

If you’d rather not endure the pain, time, cost, and possible scarring of electrolysis, do some research to learn about alternative hair removal methods.

Bodworx International presents hair removal articles, tips, tricks and resources for removal of hair from the entire body. Visit them at their personal shaver website for more information.

As you get older, your body’s energy needs drop and demands for nutrients increase. While aging is inevitable, many of the degenerative changes that prevail past middle age can be easily prevented. Recent medical research confirms that good nutrition can prevent, or slow, conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Proper nutrition is an important part of any ‘aging well’ strategy. Lets now figure our these changing needs.

Changing Needs: A person’s body composition changes with age; muscle mass decreases due to disuse and fatty tissue increases. The metabolism slows down and fewer calories are required. A 50-year-old who needs 1,800 calories a day will require 1,440 at the age of 70.

People who fail to cut on food intake are likely to gain weight. With increasing age, the body is less efficient in absorbing some nutrients. An older person will need extra amounts of the following essential nutrients:

. Calcium to prevent osteoporosis and maintain healthy bones. Include sesame and mustard seeds, leafy greens, figs, milk and milk products and fish in your diet.

. Vitamin D, needed in order to absorb the calcium. Fish oil is the best source of Vitamin D. Ghee, butter and eggs also contain a small amount of Vitamin D. The best natural source is sunlight.

. Vitamin B12 to build red blood cells and maintain healthy nerves. Eat dairy products, meat, shrimps and eggs.

. Zinc to help compensate for lowered immunity. Cereals, nuts and oilseeds are important sources of Zinc.

. Potassium, especially in the presence of high blood pressure or the use of diuretic drugs. Pulses like green gram, cow’s peas, red gram, black gram and vegetables like lotus stems and sword beans are rich in potassium. Other good sources are legumes, leafy vegetables and fruits like bael, sweet limes, peaches and apricots.

. Folic Acid, B vitamin, used to make DNA and red blood cells, will help lower blood levels of homocysteine, a compound in the blood associated with an increase risk of heart disease. Pulses and legumes such as Bengal gram and green gram are rich sources. Green vegetables, cluster beans, spinach and mint are valuable sources. Others include gingelly seeds and meat.

. Fiber to prevent constipation. Include all vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grain and cereals.

Must Read: How do i prevent Wrinkles? Anti-Wrinkle Tips and Strategies at http://www.weightloss-health.com/prevent%20wrinkles.htm

. One of the most important nutrients is water. It prevents dehydration. Have at least 12 glasses per day.

Random Tip for Dull Skin: To improve a dark and dull complexion, take 1 tablespoon of gram flour, pinch of turmeric powder, few drops of lime juice, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon milk. Mix the ingredients together. Apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with water.

THE IDEA IS TO PAMPER YOURSELF WITH THESE ANTI-AGEING TIPS which can really do wonders to you.

Must Visit: Check out what experts have to recommend on anti-aging diet and food and other valuable inputs at http://www.weightloss-health.com/anti_ageing_food.htm

About the Author:

Ashley Green

For http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free tips and tricks on Skin Care and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at Anti-Aging Natural Skin Care Tips and Products

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

With the holiday days coming, you might want to get your body and mind ready by checking out your local spa for a seaweed wrap. And why not? The holidays take out so much on your body that this might be a great new way to relax and unwind. If the thought of a seaweed wrap is new then how about a few facts on the simple but beneficial seaweed wrap. After reading this you might be changing your mind after all.

A seaweed wrap, was created years ago to help with those in need of getting rid of toxins at the spas and maybe loose a few inches at the same time. So why not consider for yourself a seaweed wrap? Seaweed wraps are becoming more popular than ever and after you experience one, you will understand why. Most seaweed wraps are conducted at spas and massage centers, however there are natural recipes that help you in creating the same wrap only at home. Whether you venture to the spa for your first seaweed wrap or choose to enjoy it in your own home, your results will be fantastic.
Ever been curious about why seaweed might be used for a wrap procedure? How about a few facts about the wonders of seaweed? Seaweeds actually provide more than half of the Earth’s oxygen. They are one of the most primary life sources because seaweed has been around since just about the beginning of life on this planet. The interesting thing about seaweed is that it absorbs all of the great things from the ocean. Through osmosis, it absorbs copper, iron, potassium, zinc, and iodine. It also absorbs many vitamins that are healthy for our bodies as well.
It is no wonder that seaweed can do so much for our bodies, because our insides are extremely similar in composition to seawater. With our bodies being made of mostly water, seaweed is a welcoming product for our skin. Our skin can never get too much water. Most wraps use seaweed algae from the Brittany Coast of France. Something about the way it grows in that area of the world. A lot of spas will order the seaweed from France to use in their centers for their own famous seaweed wraps. Companies who sell seaweed for the used in wraps have found a way to maintain the natural elements of the seaweed. It’s those elements that help the wrap do its job.
Most women try seaweed wraps for their relaxation properties. Seaweed wraps are much more useful than simply for the use relaxation. A simple wrap can stimulate your circulation, making your blood flow better. It can also increase your metabolism, allowing you to have more energy and to lose weight more easily. One of the main things a seaweed wrap does for your body is it helps your body get rid of toxins. It is a gentle form of detoxification for your skin and your body. It will help with cellulite, sagging skin, stretch marks, and help you seem to lose a inch or two.

You can think of a seaweed wrap as a total body cleanser. It cleanses both inside and out. The wrap works by absorbing the vitamins and minerals from where it was grown, those same minerals absorbed by your skin and in turn help break up fatty deposits in your body. It will make your skin look and feel supple and smooth.

While at the spa your wrap specialist will ask you to either remove your clothing, or put on a disposable bikini. Now realize that the specialist is going to be smoothing seaweed paste all over your body. Now if you can’t handle the thought of sea paste being painted on then this is not something for you. After the paste is applied, the specialist will then wrap the area with warm thermal sheets. These sheets are very relaxing. You will then relax for up to 45 minutes. The specialist will remove the sheets and you will rinse the seaweed off your body in the shower there at the spa. You should be able to noticed a different in your skin as soon as you dry off.

After receiving seaweed wrap at a spa or if you are thinking about doing it yourself at home, there are a few things you should remember. Since the wrap is removing toxins from your skin, you got to sure to drink extra water for 24 hours before and after your wrap. Drinking water is a great way for your body to replace the toxins with something useful and healthy. Be sure to drink about 4-6 extra glasses to get your body back on track. Not only will drinking more hydrate your body, but it will also allow your skin to stay smooth and supple longer. It’s amazing what water does for you!

If you would rather not try a seaweed wrap on your entire body, you can try localized treatments. If you are only concerned with your hips and thighs, you can get a seaweed wrap for your hips and thighs alone. You can also do a seaweed facial wrap. Anyone thinking of getting a seaweed wrap should consider just doing your face, that way you will know that it is something you could handle all over the rest of your body.

Remember any part of your body can have a seaweed wrap. These treatments will improve the firmness in your skin as well as help you with other problems. Just understand for the best results, salon specialists suggest you get a seaweed wrap once a week for at least six to eight weeks. is can be a bit costly, but after all, beauty is not cheap! Well, at least in this type of treatments it isn’t easy on your pocketbook. So go ahead, try out a seaweed facial wrap and see if this is something that you want to try on the rest of you. As in all things, don’t knock it till you try it!

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder Owner of Overallbeauty.com Great lover of beauty care and products, never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all.
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We rely on our legs and feet to carry us around all day without a thought, but few of us spend any time or effort to maintain their beauty. Most women use cleanser, toner, moisturiser on their face – even anti-wrinkle cream – morning and evening. But your legs have a much harder life and they need care too, as part of your overall anti-ageing campaign. If they are not cared for all year round, blemishes can appear and the skin becomes rough and thick. These are harder to treat the longer they are left.

After a long day, legs and feet should be massaged with a rub or massage oil containing peppermint or menthol, to soothe and invigorate. Massage also improves blood circulation, soothes muscles and reduces the formation of cellulite. Stroke lightly down the leg and firmly back up again. This helps encourage blood flow to the heart and lymph drainage. Lymph is the channel that carries toxins away from the body, and it needs good muscle contraction to flow properly. Gently lift, squeeze and roll the muscles at the back of the legs and knead the thigh and buttock area. Then stroke the length of each leg down to the foot, work over the whole foot using your thumbs in circular movements, particularly on the soles to relieve pressure. Finally stroke up the legs to the buttocks several times and relax.

Hot weather can be particularly nasty for tired toes because heat causes your feet to swell, tightening your shoes and creating considerable discomfort. In winter, the opposite problem can occur; cold feet suffer from a lack of blood supply and sluggish circulation. Here are some simple steps to make a treat for your feet:

- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, rosemary or lavender) and soak your feet for at least five minutes.
- Dry your feet carefully with a clean warm towel making sure to dry between each toe.
- Apply an exfoliating foot scrub and slough away dry, dead epidermal cells on the soles of your feet
- Rinse your feet with clean water and dry thoroughly once more.
- Moisturising cream or lotion should be applied to your feet with great care as the skin on the feet is tougher then elsewhere and needs longer to absorb treatment creams. Concentrate on the pads of skin just below your toes, where your feet do the most work and dead skin can accumulate. Apply a little cream on your toenails to keep them soft and supple.
- Apply cuticle lotion to soften your toenails
- Using a sharp pair of nail scissors trim your toenails straight across, and don’t be tempted to create an oval shape (this can lead to ingrown toenails)
- Apply cuticle remover to your nails, then gently push back each cuticle with a clean orange stick.
- Insert a set of two separators and apply a base coat, nail polish and topcoat.

Another simple but effective treatment for beautiful feet is to apply Vaseline over the feet at night and wear heavy cotton socks to bed (not on a night when you want some romance!!) When you wake up, your feet will feel absolutely wonderful!

Regular walking and simple leg and calf muscle exercises are vital to keep the legs well toned! By just taking simple measures at home you can have a perfect pair of legs and feet to show off this summer!

SHASHI GOSSAIN is a qualified pharmacist and cosmetic scientist. She is the author of ‘The Ultimate Anti-Ageing Book’ an eBook guide to younger-looking, healthier skin at any age. Shashi owns and runs PharmaClinix PharmaClinix.com, a one-stop health and beauty clinic in London’s Kensington, which sells her range of anti-ageing skin care online.