Have you ever wondered why women are so concerned about how they look? Why they aim to look like the beautiful women they see on the television and in magazines? That’s because beauty is power!

Even way back into ancient times women were concerned about their looks. Think of Cleopatra or Nefertiti who were beautiful women of their times.

The cosmetic industy is well aware of this and that women will go to great lengths to look beautiful. That’s why the cosmetic industry is a multi billion dollar industry.

When you think of beauty you think of what you see on the outside. But beauty is more than skin deep. And beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder! What one may find beautiful another may not. Even though there is no such thing as a definition for universal beauty all women know how to use their beauty to their advantage.

Men fall for this manipulation constantly. In fact they seldom know they’ve been snared into the web with a woman’s beauty. Of course the know when exterior beauty is mesmerizing them but it’s the internal beauty that they have not idea is working. That pouty mouth, those sparkling eyes, that gentle laugh. The power play of the boardroom and the bedroom share many similarities.

It’s a proven fact men are unable to release themselves from the beauty of women. A quick look, a wink, a big inviting smile, a relaxed posture are all indications that a man has succumbed to beauty. Studies have shown even the smartest men go stupid when entranced by the beauty of a woman.

Remember Sophia Loren, Jane Collins, or Jaqueline Bisset. Think about Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Madona, Marilyn Monroe. There beauty had an instant effect on the male population. Not only their exterior beauty but the deeper inner beauty of confidence and mystique that surrounded them.

These women were all show stoppers without even trying. In fact when asked they felt their features were flawed, but men didn’t see it that way. And yet each of these women were totally different in looks and personality. But each brought a certain group of men to their feet. Each had the ability to take the smartest man and turn him into a walking talking zombie stuttering, and staring.

Remember a beautiful woman is more than the exterior shell. Beauty is the whole woman. Personality, charm charisma, seductive sexuality, a smile, or a stance. There are many elements to a womens beauty than capture a mans attention and lock him into a world of bliss.

There is no cure for the poor male population, no pill to pop, no treatment to make them free of the power of a beautiful women. There are no magic bullets to stop the bite of beauty from turning the male population into a drooling idiot or a walking talking zombie. And until there is women will continue to use their beauty as a weapon on the opposite sex. Sorry guys!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

By far one of the most important of our beauty assets is our smile. Who can resist an enigmatic sparkling white smile?

You also can’t hide yellow teeth like you can most other physical defects. So you should always be sure your smile is at it’s best.

Perfectly straight teeth aren’t always necessary either, so if you could never afford braces or retainers don’t worry too much.

Some of the most beautiful women I know (and even myself), have never worn braces in their life. And have small imperfections in the straightness of their teeth.

Even some famous actresses have teeth that have obviously never worn braces (think Amber Tamblyn, Kirsten Dunst, Kristin Kreuk).

And yet they still manage to be amazingly beautiful because their teeth are well cared for, and shine like pearls.

So how can you make your smile enviable without spending a fortune at a dentists or on teeth whitening products?

Beauty Secret 4

Whiten and brighten your smile.

For this little beauty secret you use two household items that are rock bottom cheap to buy; Baking Soda, and Peroxide.

Yep, thats how simple it is.

You take the baking soda and peroxide and you make a thick paste out of them. You shouldn’t need more than a tablespoon of the paste.

Apply the paste to teeth, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes every morning and night.

The most effective way to do this, and brighten your smile, is by brushing your teeth with the paste.

Baking soda and peroxide will not only whiten your teeth but clean them too, if you use them in place of toothpaste.

Then just sit back and watch the results!

Your smile will become visibly whiter, and to boot you’ll save a bundle on toothpaste, and teeth whiteners.

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Don’t you always hate it when summer rolls around, and your body is hardly swimsuit or shorts ready?

Or even the rest of the year when it seems impossible to disguise those figure flaws!

Beauty Secret 5

Hide figure flaws and defects.

If you are bigger in the butt and upper thighs than in the hips and waist:

Wear tighter tops to show off your trim upper body, and skirts that taper towards the hemline to disguise your pear shape.

Buy jeans that are a snug fit and are low rise (the low rise will emphasize your small waist and the tightness has a surprisingly slimming effect on legs and butt).

Dresses that end just a little above the knee work nicely for pear figures as they hide bulky upper legs.

The best swimsuits for pear figures tend to be bikini’s that have low cut bottoms with a flounce skirt. This draws eyes away from the legs, and minimizes them at the same time.

If you are bigger in the waist and bust, and your butt and thighs are more slender:

Wear shirts that tend to fall from the peak of your breasts downward, to hide a bulky stomach.

Or wear a snug t-shirt with a button up shirt or sweater over it, leaving the buttons unfastened on the shirt or sweater.

Wear shorts and skirts that are short to emphasize your good feature (your legs).

The best swimsuit for women who are big on top and little on bottom is a full piece that is high cut in the hips.

This hides the stomach, and shows of slender legs and buttocks.

If you are an extremely skinny woman all over:

Wear skirts that flounce out and shirts that ruffle to give you a more rounded appearance.

Wear semi loose dresses that are tight only in the right spots.

For instance emphasize a small waist with a dress that is cinched in the middle but flounces out from the hips to give a curvy appearance.

Wear tight jeans, or loose slacks with a pull over sweater, these will both work well for your figure type.

The best swimsuits for skinny women are of course bikinis. Full pieces give slender women a "little girl" appearance, and are not very attractive.

The bikini’s are best if they’re high cut in the hips and butt. This flatters a thin woman best by showing off her waist and legs.

Low cut bikini’s will also work well with a skinny woman though, if you want to emphasize slender hips.

If you’re a large woman all over:

You should go for just slightly loose fitting clothes. Too loose and you’ll only make yourself appear bigger.

Wear panty hose to make your legs look slim. Avoid overly tight clothes at all costs, this will make your skin roll, and you’ll look larger than ever.

Choose mainly capris and knee length skirts or dresses for summer.

Avoid shorts, mini skirts, or short dresses until you slim down.

The best swimsuit for a full figure is (you guessed it) a full piece, cut low in the hips, and with a skirted bottom.

If you’re a curvy woman (also known as an hour glass figure):

You can wear almost anything you choose to and look good; loose slacks, tight jeans, loose shirts, tight shirts, loose skirts, tight skirts, dresses, bikini’s, full pieces, etc…

So be proud of your figure and choose your clothes with some taste to best show off your unique shape.

Now that you’e armed with these beauty secrets, go out and put them to use. You’ll definitely start to turn heads, and command a respect in people wherever you go.

Because, remember it’s not the shape of your body, or face, or the size of your nose or lips or eyes, that denotes beauty.

It’s the proud way you carry yourself, and the neatness, and good taste with which you pick your clothes and accessories.

Be sure to read Part 1 of this informative article. In Part 1 I’ll teach you the beauty secrets for clearing acne, making your lips soft and kissable, and a few fashion tips every woman should know. Click Here For Part 1 Of Beauty Secrets

Now with today’s scientific breakthroughs and discoveries you can defy the signs of aging and look great at any age. Whether you want to correct years of sun damage or you want to prevent wrinkles before they start these seven age defying techniques will give you the ability to stop the aging process dead in it’s tracks, protect and repair your skin and promote younger healthier skin.

Avoid Direct Sunlight – Research indicates that about 90% of skin changes that begin in your 30’s and 40’s stem directly from the cumulative effects of exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. Prolong exposure to the sun at any age can increase your risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin from sun damage , avoid prolong exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3p.m. when UV rays are the strongest , apply a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or above on all expose skin 20 minutes before going outdoors even if it is a overcast day. UV rays can penetrate clouds and harm unprotected skin.

Don’t Smoke – Smoking ages the appearance of your skin and cause premature wrinkles. The chemicals inhaled from cigarette smoke constrict tiny blood vessels in the skin, reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to delicate facial tissues. Blood vessel constriction lasts at least an hour after a cigarette has been extinguished.

Nourish Your Skin From The Inside – Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Eat a balance healthy diet. Take antioxidants and vitamins such as green tea, soy, vitamins A, B, C and E all of which are excellent for creating healthy younger skin.

Be Smart About Your Skin Care Products – There truly are amazing skin care products on the market today that can defy the signs of aging, repair and protect your skin. However not all skin care products are created equally. Did you know that a vitamin C product that contains concentrations of less then 5 % is ineffective, or that a topical product that contains collagen won’t increase the collagen in your skin because it’s molecules are simply too large to penetrate the skin. To receive the full benefits of today’s technology and breakthroughs it is essential to become a smart consumer and reach the best products and the most beneficial ingredients that are available.

Don’t Over Exfoliate – Exfoliation is one of the best renewal processes for your skin. It helps to shed the top layer of dead skin cells, unclog pores, makes skin more receptive to moisturizer and improves the look and feel of your skin. However dermatologists’ caution that the over use of exfoliating products can leave the skin dry, red, irritated and more vulnerable to sun damage. You should not use exfoliating products such as AHA products, micro-dermabrasion treatments or facial scrubs more then twice a week.

Before Going To Bed Use An Antioxidant & Vitamin Enriched Moisturizer – Research has confirmed that our skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients from skin care products is greatest at night. This makes bed time the best time to topical nourish your skin with antioxidants and vitamins.

Use Cosmetics Fortified With Vitamins & Antioxidants – Cosmetics formulated with vitamins and antioxidants have been found to have therapeutic benefits for your skin and to aid in the promotion healthier skin.

Eileen Hammel is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert Ms.Hammel is President of Smarter Image, Smart Skin Care-Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image and Smart Grooming By Smarter Image. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

I love Vogue and W. Like Playgirl and Playboy, they have plenty of terrific articles but the draw for me is really the pictures. Along with thousands of other women, each month I leaf through the seemingly hundreds of pages of the newest issues of Vogue and W. I learn about the styles and looks that designers hope will catch on in two seasons (silk and tulle when many of us are shopping for heavy cottons and wools … or vice versa) and fashions which I can’t afford or don’t fit my lifestyle. That’s not to say that all the contents are fashion forward; the ads are right in the moment.

[Next to the pictures, my favorite is the headlines. For example, “Gwyneth takes Paris!” (what does that mean exactly?), “GREAT LENGTHS, The New Lust for Long Hair” (really?), “SECRETS OF THE SUPER BRIDES” … compared to those, how lame is “GREAT beauty resources?”]

I’m always disappointed when I get to the end of Vogue and W; then I put them aside and “forget” about them. While it’s important to know what’s “happening,” isn’t the trick to selecting great (beauty) resources in choosing those that help you enhance your lifestyle and further your interests and goals?

So, considering my age, health and fitness level (which I plan to maintain … my health and fitness, that is), I pick up InStyle, Allure, More, pilatesstyle, Prevention … oh, and anything with anti-aging in the title. While I browse, I also want to learn how to “Cut Cancer Risk, 30 steps to take now,” “WALK OFF WEIGHT THIS WINTER, Our easy 7-day plan” (easy?), “AGE-PROOF BEAUTY, THIS STUFF WORKS!,” “134 NEW FALL LOOKS … and how to wear them” (!!!). There’s always a tip or trick to learn and, much more importantly, I can relate.

Thankfully, the beauty industry and magazines have evolved from covering the prevailing fashions to helping women adapt the current modes and offering them choices for their lifestyles and purses (notably, InStyle and Style network’s show “The Look for Less”). While the focus is still stubbornly on youth (which is hard to understand with the number of baby-boomers who have plenty of disposable income), any number of resources are on the market with tips, trends, techniques .. and pictures.

What are “great” beauty resources for me won’t necessarily work for you, of course, since “great” is so subjective. You have your own style and focus which makes you unique and attractive. The GREAT beauty resources are the ones that help each one of us enhance our individuality … and maybe they include Vogue and W.

© Copyright 2005. 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

You see your boss and he compliments your efforts on the success of last week’s presentation with a promotion. Your response? A half-smile. You see your crush down the corridors. She’s smiling that come-hither smile. Your response? A sheepish grin.

Surely, you don’t want to give those two VIP’s a wrong impression, right? But what is really bothering you that you can’t smile that widest smile you should be flashing them? It’s those far-from immaculate white teeth your mouth is "stuck" with.

Have you ever thought about teeth whitening? No? white teeth is not only for celebrities. Everybody deserves to smile that bright smile propped with white teeth. So, read on for more info on this long dream of yours - achieving a sunnier smile by teeth whitening.

Whiter teeth is not impossible, you only need the moolah and the drive to pursue this teeth whitening endeavor. Fortunately, there are three teeth whitening methods available for you to choose from. These three differ from each other in cost and effectiveness.

One way to accomplish teeth whitening is through the help of over the counter products that ensure a flashier smile. See, this is not so hard an activity. All you need is ask that trusty saleslady to give you those teeth whitening paraphernalia. This dental whitener kit consists of a mouthpiece, a bleaching agent and sometimes an applicator. This is a DIY method that could easily be done at the comforts of your home sweet home. This home teeth whitening is carried out through wearing the mouthpiece, filling it with the bleaching agent and wearing it overnight. Availing a fitted mouthpiece is often recommended since it produces better results. A formula that contains 15% to 16% of carbamide peroxide is said to be the safest and most effective concentration to achieve that sunny smile. But it is important to know that some teeth discolorations are more stubborn than other. So, results may really vary depending on the resistance of your teeth discoloration. This kind of teeth whitening method is the least expensive. Kits may be bought with a budget of under $50.

A recently presented procedure is laser teeth whitening. From being first developed by NASA scientists, it has become the favorite teeth whitening method of dentists. Why did it win the dentists’ preference, you ask. Simply because it’s lesser time-consuming, two hours will be enough for the treatment and no follow-up treatment is really that necessary. Dentists seek the help of a peroxide solution to breeze through this teeth whitening process. Then the whitening process will be accelerated with the use of laser. 93% is reported to be the satisfaction rate for this procedure. And this is more preferred by those who are not into the overnight-long wearing of the mouthpiece required by the home teeth whitening method. Its results even last the longest compared to other treatments. One major disadvantage of laser teeth whitening is its effect on one’s pocket. A procedure like this could cost one to shell out about $1500. What a hefty price, right?

Another resort for whiter teeth is through the professional teeth whitening method. This is a system that requires dentists to create a mold of your teeth. From this mold, a mouth guard is produced to custom-fit your mouth. You will wear this mouth guard for some hours a day in a period of two weeks. A stronger concentration of carbamide peroxide will be used as a filler on your mouth guard. The setback of this system is its risk of teeth and gum sensitivity. But it is relatively lesser expensive than laser teeth whitening.

So, there you have it. Have you finally singled out the procedure that suits you. Make up your mind. Sooner or later, thanking your boss and sparking up a cheerful convo with your crush won’t be that troublesome as it used to be. You’ll be more confident with your whiter set of teeth.

Layla Thornton is a contributor to the famous Dentist information website http://aboutdentist.com.

Anti-aging has been a very hot topic over the last 15 years, and we’ve made great discoveries about how to turn back the clock with natural hormones and cosmetic procedures. But who would have guessed that the most powerful way of prolonging your youth and enhancing your health was with “Beauty Cuisine”?

Beauty Cuisine is food which not only nourishes but strengthens the body, slows and reverses the aging process (entropy), and rejuvenates our cells allowing for a beautiful body inside and out. Beauty food was a natural part of our evolutionary diet as Paleolithic humans, but has become rare with our quest for fast foods with a long shelf life. The foundation of true youth, health, and beauty lies within consuming the right foods daily. Ideally, we need to pick foods which are fresh, unrefined, nutrient dense, organic, pH balanced, as well as high in enzymatic value, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Here are seven important qualities found in “beauty foods”: 1) A low glycemic index rating. Those with high ratings promote insulin secretion, a hormone which when in excess is known to age and destroy the body. For example, high fiber and low sugar foods are lower on the glycemic index and are more desirable.

2) Anti-inflammatory properties. Our most common ailments such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and bowel disease are caused by inflammation. Consuming spices such as ginger, tumeric, cayenne, and oregano, as well as foods including salmon, garlic, and blueberries, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

3) An alkaline or neutral pH. Fast foods and processed, refined foods are acidic and promote deterioration and aging. Yet, foods such as green vegetables, salads, sprouts, watercress, mustard greens, seaweed, sesame seeds, and berries are alkaline and rejuvenating.

4) High enzymatic content. Many illnesses occur as a result of lacking enzymes. They are critical in our food for digestion and assimilation of nutrients, yet they are sorely lacking in our packaged and microwave prepared foods. High enzyme foods are energizing and invigorating, allowing the body to heal and recover significantly faster from injury or aging skin cells and organs. Foods high in enzymes include fresh raw vegetables and berries, as well as raw cheeses, yogurt, and wild game.

5) High mineral content. Foods such as arugula, hemp seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, broccoli sprouts, raw honey, aloe vera, papaya, berries, and burdock root are rich in minerals including silicon, biotin, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and manganese, all known for their importance for strong hair, skin, and nails.

6) High Syntropy value. Stress, toxins, unhealthy food, and lack of fresh air and sun increase the aging process. They create destruction and disorder or entropy in our bodies, and few things actually work in direct opposition. Syntropy is an order-enhancing energy force stored in food which actually neutralizes entropy and releases the beautifying power in food from the sun. Thus, eating “beauty” foods results in a more youthful energy, body, and mind.

7) Naturally colorful. The vibrant colors of natural foods indicate their wide spectrum of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and nutrients which protect, nourish, and heal the body from disease and aging. From the deep blue blueberries, to the red sockeye salmon, choose a variety of colors each day to optimize your intake of beautifying foods.

“Beauty Cuisine” similar to Paleolithic nutrition, is undeniably the most important new trend for healthy living. It will first stimulate your taste buds and then support your body to eliminate toxins, rejuvenate skin cells, strengthen organs, and increase overall vitality, health, and appearance. Humans evolved on these highly energetic restorative foods for the last two million years, and in order to continue thriving, we must make it a priority to keep consuming the right foods.

Annika owns a professional nutritional supplements website called http://www.RockwellNutrition.com. She is a Certified Nutritionist, who completed her B.A. at Swarthmore College, PA, in a Psychology Pre-Medical curriculum. She later attained her Nutrition Certification (CN®) through American Health Sciences University, CO. Since 1995, she has been working in the nutritional supplement industry.

It’s natural to want everything perfect on your wedding day. That’s why it’s important to have your makeup look selected and perfected long before the big day arrives. Take the time to call in the experts. Call a local Beauty Consultant. The beauty of Beauty Consultants is that they make house calls. Finding a beauty consultant near you is simple, first check with your local salon, ask a friend, or check the internet for beauty consultants in your area. Some charge a fee for their consultative services, others only charge for products purchased. Mary Kay Cosmetics is one such company whose Independent Consultants do not typically charge for a consultation. The bride and her bridal party are free to try out a skin care program and color look with no obligation. Independent Beauty Consultants can easily be found via the internet on the Mary Kay Corporate Website at www.MaryKay.com.

The next step after finding the right beauty professional is to choose your color look in advance. Choosing your look is as important as choosing your gown. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what makeup look to wear for your portrait or your wedding day. Choose products with a matte finish. Too much glitter and sparkle may interfere with your portraits, leaving you looking shiny or sweaty. Your complexion may be dewy, but we recommend a matte finish for your bridal portrait. You may want to switch to a creme-to-powder foundation, but if not, be sure to set your foundation with loose powder. If you have extremely oily skin, you can apply Oil Mattifier before your foundation.

By all means…don’t forget about the condition of your skin! Start a skin care program that will get your skin looking and feeling smooth, soft and radiant for your big day. Do this well in advance for ultimate results. I suggest you start at least six months prior. After all, if your skin is not in its healthiest condition, no amount of makeup can hide it.

Define your eyes in smoky shades. Try eyeliner in a sable brown or charcoal, and apply lightly along the upper and lower lashes. Be sure to smudge and blend the eyeliner to keep your eyes looking soft and pretty. For eye shadows, choose soft, neutral shades that enhance your natural eye color – not compete with it. You want the attention to be on your natural beauty not your make-up. Again, stick with eye shadows with a matte finish.

Your cheeks should reveal a soft natural glow, dust a light pink to the apples of your cheeks if your skin is fair, and choose a rose shade if your skin is beige to bronze. Blend upward toward your hairline following your cheekbone. Remember not to overapply on the apples of your cheeks. I’m sure you’ve heard of the term "blushing bride", but you don’t want to look like you are burning up inside. Follow with a light dusting of loose powder to set the look.

Your can improve the look and feel of your lips by using exfoliating products in the weeks prior to the big day. Select an creme lipstick to keep your lips feeling moisturized, choose a neutral lip liner and finish with a layer of lip gloss. You may even use the lip liner to fill in your entire lip before applying lipstick for staying power.

Relax and enjoy your big day!

Dawn Hull Professional Skin Care Consultant http://www.MaryKay.com/ShopOnline

Sign up to receive a FREE monthly beauty newsletter: Beaut-e-News - Discover what’s new, what’s now — what’s changing the face of makeup and skin care! You’ll find beauty secrets revealed and tips and techniques that will help you look your beautiful best. Click here to register: http://www.marykay.com/PWS/MyMK/Login.aspx?Moniker=SHOPONLINE

Your medicine cabinet is one of the most dangerous areas of your house, and not for the reasons that you may think. Lurking just behind your bathroom mirror, where all of your favorite beauty products are housed, lays a virtual toxic nightmare. The growing list of synthetic ingredients manufacturers add to their products are turning the most innocent looking shampoos and moisturizers into cocktails of toxins that could cause cancer or reproductive damage over years of sustained use. Modern cosmetics contain a host of dangerous ingredients, which would be more at home in a test tube than in our bodies.

Like most people, you probably assume that the ingredients found in beauty products have been thoroughly tested for safety well before they ever land on your grocery store’s shelves. After all, the government has regulations in place for the water that we drink, the food that we eat and the air that we breathe. One would assume that the FDA would also be overseeing the cosmetic industry to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Unfortunately, the FDA has little power when it comes to regulating the ingredients found in your beauty products. In fact, the only people ensuring the safety of personal care products are the very people who govern the industry: The Cosmetic Trade Association (CTFA). Scientists paid by the CTFA make up the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (CIR) and are tasked with regulating the safety of its industry’s own products.

In 2004 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released the findings of a study that they conducted into the safety of beauty care products. Comparing approximately 10,000 ingredients found in 7,500 different products against lists of known and suspected chemical health hazards, their research revealed that the CIR was falling tragically short in ensuring consumer safety.

Of the 7,500 products tested by the EWG, only a mere 28 had been evaluated for safety by the CIR. The EWG found that 1 in every 120 products analyzed contained ingredients certified by the government as known or probable carcinogens and that nearly 1/3 of all the products contained ingredients classified as possible carcinogens. Astoundingly, 54 products even violated recommendations for safe use that the CIR had set into place, yet these products are still available for sale today.

Of the products tested, the worst offenders were products containing the cancer causing ingredients coal tar, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids and those containing the hormone-disrupting ingredient, phthalate.

Coal Tar 71 hair dye products evaluated were found to contain ingredients derived from coal tar (listed as FD&C or D&C on ingredients labels). Several studies have linked long time hair dye use with bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

A research study conducted in 2001 by the USC School of Medicine found that women using permanent hair dye at least once a month more than doubled their risk of bladder cancer. The study estimates that, “19% of bladder cancer in women in Los Angeles, California, may be attributed to permanent hair dye use.”

A link between hair dye and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was established in a 1992 study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, finding that 20% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be linked to hair dye use.

While the FDA has not stepped in to prevent the use of coal tar in beauty products, they do advise consumers that reducing hair dye use will possibly “reduce the risk of cancer”.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) AHA and BHA are commonly used in products advertised to remove wrinkles, blemishes, blotches and acne scars. With consumer complaints of burning, swelling and pain associated with AHA and BHA flooding into the FDA, they began conducting their own research about 15 years ago. Their findings linked the use of AHA and BHA with a doubling of UV-induced skin damage and a potential increased risk of skin cancer.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, skin cancer has reached “epidemic proportions”, with 1 million new cases occurring each year and 1 person dying every hour from the disease. They estimate that at the current rate, 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer over their lifetime.

The FDA’s study findings were presented to the CIR, but the panel approved the continued use of AHA and BHA, “in spite of serious safety questions submitted by a consumer group and a major manufacturer,” according to an FDA spokesperson.

Even though 1 out of every 17 products analyzed by the EWG study had either AHA or BHA in their ingredients (with nearly 10% being moisturizers and 6% sunscreens), the most that the FDA could do was suggest that products containing the ingredients carry a warning to use sunscreen and to limit their sun exposure while using the product. A puzzling solution, since some of the products containing the dangerous ingredient are designed specifically for use in the sun.

Phthalates Phthalates are industrial plasticizers widely used in personal care products to moisturize and soften skin, impart flexibility to nail polish after it dries and enhance the fragrances used in most products. Studies indicate that phthalates cause a wide range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments, targeting every organ in the male reproductive system and causing problems ranging from low sperm count to serious genital deformities that can lead to an increased risk of cancer.

While the EWG only found 4 products with phthalate listed as an ingredient (all nail care products), there is no telling how many products actually contain it. The industry is not required to list the ingredients in their fragrances or “trade secret” ingredients on their products and phthalates often fall into one of those two categories.

In September of 2004, the European Union implemented a ban on all beauty products containing phthalates. California Assemblywoman, Judy Chu, has proposed a similar bill (AB 908) to be voted on later this year that would implement the same ban in the US. Opponents to the bill, mainly the CTFA, argue that changing their labeling process would present a huge economic burden and could infringe on trade secrets. A similar bill failed only last year.

4 Steps of Action! 1. Go to www.ewg.com and check out the health risk of your favorite products. EWG has compiled a guide of 7,500 beauty care products and has ranked them according to their ingredients’ potential to cause cancer, trigger allergic reactions, interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) system, impair reproduction or damage a developing fetus.

2. Visit the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov and familiarize yourself with the steps that you can take in order to file complaints or concerns about consumer products.

3. Visit www.safecosmetics.org to learn more about how you can become involved with bill AB 908 to ban phthalates in beauty products in the United States.

4. Check out my recommendations for all natural and safe products for both you and your family at www.scmedicalcenter.com. All products mentioned have been used safely and with wonderful results by my patients for years!

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy recommends visiting www.perfectlyhealthy.net.

LEIGH ERIN CONNEALY, M.D. after college, matriculated to the University of Texas for a Masters in Public Health. Following this, she received her M.D. from the University of Chicago and did her postgraduate training in gynecology at Harbor (UCLA Medical Center) in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Connealy has been the Medical Director of South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine since 1992. She began practicing medicine in 1986 and subsequently was exposed to some brilliant mentors who taught her other ways of treating medical problems other than what was traditionally taught. Many patients would ask her about alternative treatments and this prompted her to seek this knowledge. It is her belief that strictly treating medical problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness and/or symptoms. Her goal is to empower and educate individuals and their families through her treatment plans, lectures, newsletters and articles.

Do you have aches and pains in the joints of your hands? Do you have rough, dry or cracked hands or feet? If you have either condition, a "Hot Wax Bath" may be the ideal answer for you. It is relaxing, soothing and conditioning.

What is a "Hot Wax Bath"? It is simply a heated container of specially formulated wax. The vessel automatically melts the wax when you turn it on. It keeps the wax at a safe temperature for your sensitive skin. Once the wax (paraffin) is melted, you dip your hand or foot into the container of melted wax. Then you pull your hand out and let it dry a moment and repeat this process five to ten times.

After this process has been repeated you will have a hand coated in layers of warm wax. You then put your hand into a plastic bag that comes with the wax. This protects against oils in the wax getting on clothing or furniture. Next, you put your hand into a terry cloth mitt or wrap it in a towel. You can do two hands or just one at a time.

How many ways can you relax for fifteen minutes? Put on some soft music. Light a few candles. Start heating your aromatherapy dish of fragrance. Step into a soothing hot bath. Just relax in your favorite chair with your eyes closed while the wax works its wonders.

A daily treatment of hot paraffin on your hands and feet will do you a world of good physically and emotionally. It really is a treatment that can soothe the skin and calm the soul.

Once you are done, peel the wax off of your hands and put it back into the wax container to melt and use again. If this was in a therapy or salon situation, you might want to discard the used wax. But, since this is your personal wax unit, why not reuse the wax each time? You did wash your hands before starting, didn’t you? Discard or reuse, it is up to you.

You can get the wax melting pot and wax at major department stores such as Wal-Mart or even your local pharmacy store. They come in different sizes and price ranges. Different companies make them. Two brands are Dr. Scholl’s and Homedics. You can get a home unit that holds 3 pounds or 6 pounds of wax. The larger unit is easier to put hands and feet into or even an elbow.

You can get scented waxes to go into your wax tub. Pick your favorite fragrance, tangerine, rose, lavender, citrus, peach, wintergreen and more. If you can’t fine them at your local medical supply store or beauty store, they are available online.

Scott Morris manages the site on healthbeauty shop.

Cosmetic Dentistry: New Yorkers are in love with it. With no time to spare, New Yorkers find that cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve their appearance and self esteem. Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond just fixing teeth.

Its about helping people gain more self confidence by creating a wonderful smile. There are several different forms of cosmetic dentistry provided by cosmetic dentists in New York. Veneers, crowns, bonding and whitening are all great options depending upon what you want to accomplish with your smile.

Where can I find a good New York cosmetic dentist?

First ask your friends or family if they know of a good New York cosmetic dentist that they might be able to refer you to. Another option would be do a search on Google for the keyphrase “New York Cosmetic Dentist” and sift through those results until you find one you like. There are also online directories of cosmetic dentists across the country. You might even try the Yellow Pages.

Which New Yorkers might need cosmetic dentistry?

If you live in New York and are thinking about going to see a cosmetic dentist you might do so for the following conditions: Gaps between your teeth, overbites, underbites, cracks, cavities, crooked teeth or stained discolored teeth. You should ask yourself how the quality of your life and your self esteem would be improved by having any of these conditions fixed.

What services do New York Cosmetic Dentists usually provide?

There are a wide range of procedures being provided by cosmetic dentists in New York these days. You can choose from the following depending on what your specific condition calls for:

Porcelain veneers
Tooth whitening or bleaching
Fresh breath treatment (Yep, this is an actual procedure you can get)
Metal(Mercury) Free fillings
Crowns
Bridges
Orthodontics

There are many more procedures available but these are the most popular. You might even need a combination of several procedures to produce the desired effect you are looking for.

In New York what do cosmetic dentists usually charge?

The total cost of your cosmetic dentistry really depends upon what you want to accomplish with your teeth along with what your cosmetic dentists recommends to achieve that goal.

Normally some kind of tooth contouring is done first. This will run anywhere from $100-$1,500. Tooth bleaching or whitening goes for around $400-$600. Orthodontics work such as implementation of invisalign braces can run anywhere from ($4,000 - $8,000). Gum contouring to fix a “gummy smile” runs from $1,200 to $3k. Veneers range in at around $900-$2,600. Dental bonding costs come in at around $200-$900.

These are just general numbers and actual prices will vary depending on which New York cosmetic dentist you use and what you want to have done.

Things to keep in mind when looking for a New York Cosmetic Dentist

First of all cosmetic dentistry can be expensive. Normally insurance will not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry. Make sure the cosmetic dentist you choose has ample education and training in cosmetic dentistry. Choose a cosmetic dentist with some experience under their belt. Ask any prospective cosmetic dentist to provide you with “before and after photos” of previous clients and ask for references before hiring the dentist.

Charles Preston is a writer at the national cosmetic dentist directory. Find a cosmetic dentist in N.Y. at New York Cosmetic Dentist Directory. The site contains more information on cosmetic dentistry along with a listing of cosmetic dentists in New York and across the U.S.