It is easy to think "my skin looks fine, I’ll worry about it when I am older", but that is not a sound way to view the health of your skin. A proactive skin care approach is where you adopt a skin care regime to prevent premature aging of your skin before it starts, rather than having to ‘fix’ problems later.

If you think about it, why should you treat your skin any different from some other valuable asset like your car? Why do you get the car serviced? It is just because you want to spend some money, or is it because you need it and do not want expensive repair bills?

A proactive skin care approach is no different and investing in the health of your skin is the same as investing in health insurance, care maintenance, house insurance, etc. We brush our teeth several time as day, why? – not because they have holes in them, but we want to prevent the holes and avoid expensive trips to the dentist…

We take our skin very much for granted and spend little time thinking about it. Maybe because of the many Skin Cancer Ad Campaigns, we will apply sunscreen lotion when going outside, but beyond that, we don’t seem to spend much time looking after our skin.

Similarly, a proactive skin care approach takes the quality of skin care products into consideration, however to often we buy skin care by smell and how good the packaging looks. Neither of which guarantees a quality product. On the contrary, often the expensive, good looking products contain artificial perfumes, synthetic essential oils, chemical emollients, preservatives, and many other ingredients that have been shown to be toxic if used over a long period of time.

Natural Skin Care Products are the only way to approach your skin care regime. Natural products, not just natural ingredients that have been added to an otherwise non-natural base, are a great way to take a proactive step towards promoting and maintaining healthy skin.

In addition to taking a proactive skin care approach, you should also consider doing the same with your diet. Foods that can benefit the skin will also benefit other parts of your body and promote healthy body tissues.

Similarly, exercise and other physical activity will promote blood circulation to the outer layers of your skin, providing it with nutrients and oxygen that will help in promoting the health of your skin.

So, a proactive skin care approach while there is nothing wrong with your skin is the best way to prevent problems from occurring later on.

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter – it’s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 - 2005

Staying young and maintaining a youthful outlook on life comes from within. You can pay astronomical amounts for the best anti-aging creams, you can have botox, silicon, filler, restalyn, the list is endless, to keep your wrinkles at bay and looking good on the outside and that’s all great. But exercising regularly and having fun whilst you workout so that you look forward to your training is such a great way to look and feel younger.

But real beauty and a zest for life comes from within

Keeping fit, healthy and strong is an amazing anti aging product and Fitness Pole Dancing not only will tone and sculpt your arms, shoulders, legs and abs it teaches you how move in a confident, sexy and graceful manner which is both alluring and mesmerising.

Learning to Fitness Pole Dance will teach you skills and send your self-esteem soaring; you will feel beautiful and appear younger. A toned body with muscle definition sends a positive signal out to everyone you meet of a strong, confident woman who looks after herself and takes pride in her appearance, health and fitness. A healthy, fit woman has a particular glow about her, she is able to deal with stress, have a better quality of sleep, her skin is clearer, which are all attributes to looking and feeling younger. Plus the body awareness and postural aspect of Pole Dancing will help you stand and walk taller.

Gain amazing self Confidence and Empowerment through Fitness Pole Dancing

I have trained many women from all backgrounds, all shapes, all sizes and statures in Fitness Pole Dancing. Many came to me feeling introverted and self conscious, many couldn’t dance or move to the music, many had very little upper body strength and body awareness, but after trying Fitness Pole Dancing found they could do it, found it feels empowering and enjoyed finding their own dance style.

Dancing around the Pole is an aphrodisiac in itself!! It feels fun and is addictive and whilst you are continually moving and dancing, using your bodyweight as resistance you are burning up calories, getting a fab aerobic workout, becoming more flexible and having a great time with your friends. A fun, frantic and feisty way to get fit!

It’s the workout for 2006

Fitness Pole Dancing is the hottest fitness trend emerging today and Rachel is at the forefront of this new trend with her online Pole Dancing Lessons website. To learn more about Fitness Pole Dancing and Rachel’s Health and Fitness workshops please go to http://www.fitnesspoledancing.com

Where do you start with preventing wrinkles from forming, and reversing existing lines? Every woman, starting as early as the age of 20, should start to use wrinkle treatments, and have a comprehensive anti aging skin care routine. The earlier you start, the better. Many skin care experts now say that preventive maintenance is the best way to have smooth, wrinkle free skin well into your forties.

The first place to start is to stay out of the sun. I don’t care how pretty you think a nice tan looks, tanning damages and ages your skin faster than anything, and it also has been leading to cancer more and more since the ozone is wearing away from pollution.

There are some GREAT self tanners out there now that look even better than a real tan, because they don’t give you tan lines, and you can make yourself as light or as dark as you want. You control your color. How much better does it get?

Secondly, incorporate healthy doses of natural antioxidant foods like dark leafy green veggies and brightly colored fruits for maximum free radical elimination. Free radicals are the number one cause of collagen breakdown, which is a direct cause of wrinkles. By the way, the sun also causes free radical production.

Thirdly, choose a very agressive wrinkle free skin care system into your overall skin care routine for maximum age defense and prevention. Like I said, the earlier you start the better. A good anti aging skin care system would consist of several key ingredients found in nature that are currently the most potent and effective in skin firming, smoothing and repairing.

These ingredients will dramatically increase elasticity, lift sagging skin, brighten dullness, and stimulate the production and regeneration of healthy skin cells to replace old, dull cells that build up and hydrate parched skin all day.

What are some of these wrinkle defeating ingredients you ask?

Well, some of the most effective and well documented and studied skin support ingredients are as follows:

1.) Idebenone - A natural compound which has the same antioxidant effects as Co-Enzyme Q10, but is actually more effective than Co-Enzyme Q10 in effectively seeking out and destroying damaging free radicals.

2.) DMAE - One of the most powerful anti aging elements currently known. This natural compound has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be an extremely powerful wrinkle and fine line reducer, and is especially effective in firming sagging skin. It is derived from the skin of salmon fish. DMAE is not only an excellent topical skin support element, but is also very effective when taken orally. You should always have this in you medicine cabinet to apply topically as well, even if you take it in an oral dose.

3.) Vitamin E - Vitamin E is also an effective skin mender and antioxidant when taken orally and when applied topically. It is especially effective in protecting skin cells from damage.

4.) Hyaluronic Acid - This natural acid is found in the human body and works as a natural lubricant in the connective tissues. Large amounts of Hyaluronic Acid have been found in healthy, unaffected skin , hence the launch of studies to investigate its skin benefits and anti aging properties. This acid has been one of the biggest discoveries in skin care and anti aging technology today, and produces and almost immediate noticeable effect on damaged or aging skin.

Those are just four of the best natural wrinkle treatment elements that you should include in your anti aging routine. There are others, but the list is too long to discuss here. Trust me, if you incorporate just these 4 ingredients into your skin care regimen, or find products that contain the full spectrum, you will be well on your way to a lifetime of beautiful, young skin.

Visit Wrinkle Free Skin Care for more information on a complete wrinkle free skin care system containing all of the natural ingredients mentioned in this article. Danna Schneider is the founder of Herbal Skin Care Products

It is not a new concept that "you are as young as you feel." This is great news, unless, of course, you feel old.

As we wake up to living today, we must let go of obsolete, outdated beliefs. Symptoms we attribute to old age are: slowing down, feeling aches and pains, poor eyesight and hearing, forgetting important information, getting sick, etc. These are all the same symptoms of toxicity. Quite simply, when we do not release toxicity, we grow old.

So, how about it? Do you want to grow young or grow old? You have a choice. The sooner you activate your option of growing younger, the sooner you can experience yourself healthy and young and wise.

"I’m youth, I’m joy, I’m a little bird that has broken out of the egg."
– James Matthew Barrie

I have chosen the above quotation because of its delightful meaning of youth. A chick or bird works hard to break out of its egg. Mother bird can assist somewhat, but it is the determination of the babe that breaks through the calcification of the egg shell.

Breaking Your Shell

What is the calcification in your egg shell? Is it anger or jealousy? Is it a memory of the past or fear of the future? Is it competition, separation, or worship of money?

Knowing what it is you must break through is important to your evolution. It is not, however, necessary to dwell on it or analyze it to the point of exhaustion. Simply recognize the breakthrough issue in a word or two and then …… break through.

The chick needs to recognize "shell" or "calcium" — even using its nutrition. It does not blame its mother or God for putting the shell there nor is it angry that the shell did not break sooner. The chick simply knows, now is the time! And it is born.

Thoughts Create Reality

What great power is knowing that thoughts create reality! If you cannot accept that this is true, assume for a few moments that it is. If your thoughts create your reality and you are not content with your present reality, all you need to do is change your thoughts. The level of consciousness with which you put the thoughts into the universe determines the speed with which the new reality manifests.

So, if you have an untenable relationship with your boss and you accept this condition as truth and affirm it in your self talk, you continue the relationship as it is. If, however, you consider that the uncomfortable aspects of the relationship are temporary and can be changed, you take the first step in changing the relationship. This is not simply about positive thinking (though that is a good start). The change must be deeper than just "thinking about." You must believe it, deep in your heart. You must know that it is possible. You must feel the idea, as well. A passion for change fires the vision that puts the new reality within your grasp.

Perhaps you are not all that enthusiastic about a change. That is fine, also, because you can just relax and let your reality change. Letting go of the belief that you must control the outcome is an important part of the change process. If your thoughts are positive and optimistic and joyous, the changes will take place in those directions.

And just in case that all I am saying is incorrect, consider how much more satisfying will be your relationship with your boss if you have positive thoughts and compassionate feelings and view both of you as being able to change.

Activities for Youthing

Play. Play at what you love to play. If your "play" is competitive or intense, find some leisure play to balance the intensity.

Laugh. Laugh at something. Or just laugh. Laughter brings oxygen into your body and exercises inner muscles and facial muscles.

Play with Children. I recently visited a friend who is a retired kindergarten teacher. At age 66, she looks 46 and has the spirit of a 22 year old.

Monitor your self-talk about age. Listen to yourself. For example, do you say…… "Oh gosh, I really feel old today." Or, "Well, what can you expect after age 40?" Or, "I’m just too old for …." Stop, stop, stop! These and many other beliefs and expressions are responsible for the aging you observe and accept as inevitable. These false beliefs become real only because so many people believe them.

Listen to Guided Visualizations. Many are on the market. You may want to focus particularly on health and well-being and vitality or other attributes we associate with youth. We even have some online for your listening with my healing voice.

Look at you as a child. Find a happy picture of yourself at an early age, say 3-6 years of age. Look at this picture often. While you may not want to be three years old again, or even eight years old, you want the child-like feelings of wonder and playfulness. In your maturity, you can claim these. If you like, you can take a peek of me at age 3.

Take Care of Yourself. Do those self-care measures that you believe support your health and well-being. Do this for only one reason: self-love!

Affirmations for Youthing. Here are several affirmations that you can use everyday. They are especially useful on your birthday.

Each day I grow younger and wiser.

I love life.

I am beautiful. I feel beautiful.

I am healthy and strong.

I have all the time I need to do all I love to do.

I claim my birthright to be healthy, happy, and free!

You can find or develop other affirmations that support you in being young, healthy, and positive.

Copyright © 1994, 2005 Marshall House. All rights reserved. You may save this article, send it to a friend, or reprint it in your online publications, provided the article remains complete and this information is attached. DailyAffirm Positive Affirmations http://www.dailyaffirm.com

Gone are the days when women stuck to one color blusher usually pinks or peaches. Now days, blushers come in a whole new variety of colors and different formulations. There are vast array of clever new formulas. The main choices are traditional powder, a cream texture, a modern liquid or a gel finish. So there is certainly one out there to suit your skin type.

Powder blush is the easiest to use. If you prefer this type, choose one that isn’t too sparkly or it’ll enhance your wrinkles. Shimmery blushers are far kinder to mature skin as they diffuse fine lines, making the delicate skin around your cheeks look younger. And as your skin feels drier as you get older, you could also try moisturizing cream formula that gives a flattering sheen to your skin.

All Skin Types Right type: LIQUID CHEEK STAINS Reason: They’re excellent for all skin types and face shapes, as you can use a little to achieve a natural flush of color, or layer to build up the shading to an intense hue that will last all through the day. How to apply: They work best on bare cheeks and need to be applied quickly to avoid mistakes. Apply powder blusher over cheek stains for ultimate staying powder.

Dry or Combination Skin Right type: CREAM Reason: Cream blusher is the best if you have dry to combination skin as there’s no powder to sit on your dry patches. Also, the texture helps your skin maintain a natural , luminous glow. How to apply: It’s easy to apply on bare skin or over foundation. If you have a round face don’t shade apples of your cheek instead apply it on your cheekbones, slanting towards your temples.

Oily Skin Right type: POWDER Reason: It’s classic, and perfect for achieving dense color coverage. It’s the best texture for contouring your cheekbones, and is ideal for oily skin as it lies well on your skin’s surface and reduces shine. How to apply: Sweep on to your cheeks in a croissant shape for a natural - looking flush.

Mature Skin Right type: GEL OR MOUSSE Reason: Mousse and gel formulas are great for mature skins and if you want a subtle result. They can be worn alone on bare skin or layered over foundation, before powder, and are less fiddy to use than liquid stains. All mousse formulas offer pretty velvety finish and are really smooth to apply. How to apply: When putting on gel or mousse blusher, tap it gently on to your cheeks and blend upwards and outwards with your fingertips. But don’t apply it on top of your make- up as you will not be able to blend it.

Copyright 2005 Tania http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

Tania - For http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com - The final destination to beauty and makeup tips. Get addicted at our forums: http://forums.ultimate-cosmetics.com You are free to publish the above article in your ezine or website, provided the credit is given to the author and a hyperlink (HTML clickable) is given to http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com

We’re overworked, and not getting any younger, either. We see it in the mirror everyday. I’m not talking about just the face. I am talking about the skin covering the face.

The skin is the body’s major organ. Have you ever thought about just how hard the skin works daily to hold the body together, much less assist in "putting your best foot" forward when it comes to first impressions? We need to take care of this precious asset.

The skin has two things in common with real estate, it houses our body and it’s limited. In order to understand the importance of caring for it I will share some physiological functions of the skin, so you see, in part, the process to retain soft, supple and younger looking skin. I won’t get too technical, but I think you should know some of the features and functions of this miraculous machine.

Our skin has three layers, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous, and they are constantly on the go restoring and regenerating. It makes me tired just thinking about how much it does and never stops, even when we sleep. These layers contain a mixture of lipids, calcium, magnesium, ions and gradients of PH that need constant hydration for the cells, or corneocytes and stratum corneum (skin cells) to develop and mature. According to an article in Alternative Medicine by Jane Fore-Pfliger (Advances in Skin and Wound Care, Oct. 2004) natural moisturizing occurs if hydration remains in homeostasis. That sounds simple enough. Just drink water and stay balanced, right?

Constant exposure to the elements externally, and internal nutritional intake predicated by lifestyle, affects the stability of this essential hydration level. These days, eating on the run is trendy. Who has time to do otherwise? We work hard and look forward to vacations on the beach. By the time you get to the beach sunscreen and moisturizers are forgotten, not to mention a bottle of water left on the counter in the hotel room. And grabbing a beer from the beach bar is not the answer. It’s dehydrating.

The major external element that causes grief is the sun. Over exposure thickens the skin forming melanin, which damages the skin. (http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/sun_damage.html) Without a brain, or us using ours, this organ has unseen, natural and miraculous mechanisms to repair itself from this thickening. Many years of tanning, however shuts it down causing permanent wrinkles and lesions.

Too much sun exposure on the eyes causes the same phenomenon. We call them cataracts. Now, they can be surgically removed, but what about the skin?

An argument for the sun might be that we get Vitamin D from it, but I recommend eating spinach, eggs, fish oil, and liver instead. Vitamin D misrepresents itself. It is really not a vitamin. It is a steroid hormone that is necessary in regulating levels of calcium and phosphorus, and mineral metabolism and the sun assists in synthesizing it in our bodies. Yes, we need it and we can’t overdose on the hormone itself by our interaction with the sun, but the "skin" can overdose on too much sun causing this "hide" to grow, or setting up sensitivity issues, like photsensitivity, shown by hives, rashes, blisters, and burns.

Our skin naturally has scavengers of oxygen-free radicals, but the sun depletes them. They can be replaced with vitamins A, C, E, selenium, CoQ10, and alpha-lipoic acid. If your lifestyle choices won’t permit you to stay out of the sun and eat spinach and liver, then the next best thing to care for your skin is over-counter antioxidant cream. Take vitamin C and E together, internally, too. According to one study ascorbic acid may even promote collagen production, which helps in skin hydration. You might consider using topical green tea skin care products and use sunscreen every two hours. Or even take vitamin D supplements. But consider these last two very carefully.

According to R. Bowen of the Physiology Department at Colorado State University sunscreen with greater than SPF of 8 blocks synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Baits are laced with vitamin D and effectively take care of rodents. So don’t overdose on Vitamin D supplements either. Obviously, it can be very toxic.

Dr. Andrew Weil in Vail, Arizona, a supporter of integrative medicine, says just stay out of the sun, if after a few minutes signs of photosensitivity occur. The high times and months to pay particular attention to your parlay with the sun is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the months of April through September. When you are in the sun, always use a sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher. Use about an ounce twenty minutes before going out.

Now I don’t know which doctor is correct in their assertion, but it is something to look into to determine your own body’s threshold.

All I know is I work hard and my skin does, too, and I need help taking care of it. I go to an aesthetician, a skin expert, and get a facial at my nearest day spa. I go to pamper myself, put my feet up, lay back, relax and let someone else do the work to take care of my skin.

Spas have evolved since 25 BC and skin experts inside spas evolve with them. The first spa on record was in Spa, Belgium in 1326 and our first North America spa was founded in New York in the early 1800’s. Spas remain fashionable, and now are in Vogue, literally; http://www.style.com/beauty/blackbook/111304

According to the 2003 census there are 1,381 hair, nail and skin care establishments in my local area, not to mention 1,226 additional beauty salons, which probably offer skin care services.

As I make my way through our burgeoning communities avoiding major traffic areas, taking all the side streets and back roads, more salon signs appear. The convenience can’t be beat. I found one four blocks from my home. Aah! I won’t be going to Italy just yet. My face isn’t quite ready for that, but I can enjoy some of the Tuscan Sun (Salon, Day Spa and La Boutique) pretty close to my own backyard. I can feel good in more ways than one. I’ll contribute to the environment by putting my "best foot forward" because I can walk to it and my face will get the attention it deserves. I bet with the current trend you’ll stumble across a few in your neighborhood, too.

Linda’s background includes a writing certificate from the Long Ridge Writers’ Group in West Redding, Connecticut, and journalism studies at Metropolitan State College of Denver. An anthology on grieving published her first short story; From Eulogy to Joy, Beischel, Xlibris Press, 2000. To see more writings on travel and fiction go to:

http://www.bootsnall.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Vissat
http://www.scribequill.com

The last site mentioned above will publish in the November-December issue.

When using a tanning bed, you want to achieve the maximum tan for the minimum exposure to the UV rays. By following these tips, you can spend less time tanning, while maintaining the level of tan you want.

First, lotions are essential for achieving your tanning goal. Different tanning bed lotions serve different purposes, and the first one you need to use is called an “accelerator.” Accelerating lotions are designed to do just that – accelerate the tanning process. This type of lotion will help you build your “base tan,” but eventually you will need to switch to a new product.

Once you notice that you are no longer getting darker, you will need to switch to a “Step 2” lotion. The lotions that follow are typically labeled in steps 3, 4, 5, and so on, and should always be used in order. You will know when it is time to step up when you stop getting darker.

Once you achieve the tan that you want, stop moving up in steps. NEVER skip steps – this will not accelerate the tanning process and will only allow you to get burned.

Another mistake people make when they use tanning beds is over-exposure. Three times a week should be enough to achieve the desired level of tan. Some people need even less, but NO ONE needs more. Tanning more often will not make you darker and in some cases can even slow the tanning process. Once you achieve the level of tan you want, you can typically maintain it with fewer sessions.

Last but not least, always wear eye protection and never exceed the maximum time limit on any particular booth. Happy tanning!

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Tanning-Bed-Solutions.com. He provides more tanning bed information on tanning bed bulbs, tanning bed lotions and home tanning bed information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

In the anti-aging wars, the enemy combatant is the free radical. In the body, a free radical is an oxygen molecule that is missing an electron and steals one from a nearby cell. Although free radicals serve a beneficial purpose - such as killing bacteria - their sneaky way of robbing electrons can result in cell damage, which manifests as the signs of aging.

While your body has mechanisms to reduce and repair damage by free radicals, you can help it along by avoiding the environmental causes or free radical production and by taking measures to increase your intake of antioxidants, which are the best defense against free radicals. Both of these anti-aging strategies will keep you looking younger for longer.

Environmental Hazards

Environmental elements, such as UV radiation, alcohol, and food preparation, create free radicals that can outmatch your body’s ability to neutralize them.

UV Radiation: Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is the biggest culprit in the premature aging of the skin; everything from wrinkling to dryness to easy bruising can be largely attributed to exposure to UVA and UVB radiation. Free radicals break down the skin’s collagen, which is key to keeping skin soft and supple. Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., particularly during the summer, when UV rays are strongest. If you must be outdoors, apply a UV-protective sunblock to any exposed areas of skin.

Alcohol: Although red wine has been touted as a source of antioxidants, it’s unclear whether its benefits outweigh the free radical byproducts of two toxic compounds that alcohol produces. If you’re going to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and counteract its effects by eating foods rich in antioxidants.

Food Preparation: When certain foods are cooked at high temperatures, the fat they contain breaks down and produces free radicals. The process of commercially roasting nuts, for example, can break down heat-sensitive oils and result in free radical production. Most common, though, are the free radicals produced by grilling meat. But before you pack away your grill, you should know that you can minimize free radical production by slow cooking the meat, or, according to a recent study, sprinkle rosemary on meat before grilling it. The antioxidant properties of rosemary help to counteract the free radicals that form during the high-temperature cooking process.

Antioxidant Action

By upping your intake of antioxidants, you can arm your body with more weaponry to combat free radicals. Naturally occurring in many foods, or taken as supplements, powerful antioxidants include:

Vitamin C: Because vitamin C is water-soluble, any excess gets flushed out of your body. So it’s doubly important to make sure you get enough vitamin C each day. This vitamin is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, many berries, raw cabbage, and asparagus.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it can be stored in your body’s fat reserves. It has powerful anti-aging properties, and can be taken by supplement, or by eating fortified breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, vegetable oil, and fish oil.

Beta-carotene: Just as beta-carotene protects fruits and vegetables from sun damage, it can do the same for you. Source of beta-carotene include carrots, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, and apricots.

Selenium: Selenium is a mineral that, taken in large doses, can be toxic. It does have strong antioxidant properties, though, and can be found in fish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, and garlic.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Health and Beauty Website and Majon’s Health and Beauty directory.

It’s been a hard day and your feet are tired. How about giving them a pedicure? We all want healthy happy feet and to get them we need to start by giving ourselves a professional pedicure but in the comforted of your home. Your feet will feel good and so will you.

Start off by filling a large basin with warm water for a long foot soak. Add some rosewater or essential oils for a true deep relaxation as well as soften calluses and corns. The more cracked & calloused your feet, the longer they need to stay in.

Remove the any old polish from your toe nails. Clean under the toenail and then clip. It’s best to use high quality clippers made for clipping toenails. To avoid ingrown nails, cut nail straight across, leaving about 1/8" of length. Make sure your nail doesn’t extend over the tip of your toe.

To get a soft square shape, file nail around the corners slightly using a emery board in one direction. Don’t use metal files, they’ll rip your nails if you’re not really careful. Basic emery boards are best for smoothing away any tears or breaks.

Emory boards usually come with two sides, the fine-grade surface is for smoothing the nail edge, while the coarser surface is for shortening and shaping nails.

Rub cuticle remover to the base of each nail & rub it in. Leave on for a minute, then use an orangewood stick to gently push with a circular motion everywhere where skin meets the nail (including the sides). If you want to trim cuticles, do so carefully and sparingly with special cuticles trimmers. It is just safer for your toes.

Using a skin file or loofah, remove dead skin from soles of feet, zeroing in on heels and balls of feet. Pumice stone also can remove calluses and dry spots. You’ll want to scrub the balls, bottoms & sides of your heels & around the toes.

Massage an exfoliating cream into the skin, rubbing it all the way up the calves. Rinse off, and dry feet thoroughly including between the toes and then apply a moisturizing lotion especially made for feet. Try a lotion with peppermint because there is something in peppermint that is wonderful for feet.
Re-hydrate cuticles by rubbing in a dab of cuticle oil. Wait two to three minutes.
If you are going to polish your toes then use acetone-free remover to get rid of any excess oils on the nails (including the cuticle oil you just applied). This is just to make sure that the polish will stay on.

Apply a base coat to fortify and protect the nails using three strokes, one down the middle, then one on each side. Try not to get paint on the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a clear protective top coat. Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton & dipped in acetone-free remover.

Let nails dry for at least forty minutes.
You have now just gave yourself a professional pedicure at home and think of all that money you just saved! If you get real good and comfortable with doing it then why not get your girlfriends together and have a girl party doing each other toes and nails? If you need supplies then check out your favorite website for all of your nail/toe needs.

Have fun and be more experimental with the colors you can painted on your toes.Try a little nail art in bright and unusual colors not brave enough to have on your fingernails, can be real fun to have on your toes!

Just remember one thing, if you don’t time for a pedicure at least remove the old polish completely rather than walk around with chipped polish,it just looks better.

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder Owner Overallbeauty.com where the ideal is that there is beauty in everything. In the use of and as well to help heal your mind with words. Visit Overallbeauty.com/beauty-blog For up to date news in the makeup.
Attn Ezine editors / site owners. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or
on your website as long as you leave the links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above

The bones of your spine are separated by pads called discs. As you age, these discs dry out and become smaller. However, regular exercise compresses and relaxes these discs as you move up and down. This helps to keep the discs from shrinking and maintains your height. Regular exercise also helps to strengthen bones and keep them from bending or being crushed. One study from Israel showed that people who exercise regularly lose only half as much height as people who never exercise — just 2.6 centimeters compared with 5.5 centimeters. If you have not already started exercising to prevent heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and loss of mental function, and just to keep you feeling good, you should exercise to help you stand taller as you age.

When it comes to preventing osteoporosis, it matters little what you did when you were young, it’s what you do now that counts. A study from Malmo University in Sweden shows that men who were highly competitive soccer players in their youth and then gave up active sports did not have bigger and stronger bones and did not have fewer bone fractures than people who never exercised at all. On the other hand, people who did not exercise in their youth, but started and continued their exercise programs into later life did have larger and stronger bones.

In spite of this study, you still should start exercising when you are young. Good habits are usually developed when you are young. People who start exercising at an early age usually benefit by learning how to exercise. They take a harder workout on one day, followed by easy workouts until their muscle soreness disappears and they learn to take off when their muscles are sore.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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