Fitness. All about fitness » beauty

Peels For That Aged Skin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:02:00 +0000

As we grow older, the effects of exposure to the sun and elements can negatively impact our skin. Peels offer one solution for beating back the effects of time. Peels For That Aged Skin A peel is used to address issues with the skin on your face. Whether through extensive exposure to the sun, effects of pollution over time or other causes, one’s facial skin can take on disturbing appearances. A peel is designed to address these issues by peeling away the outer layers of damaged skin. A peel is not a cure all. It is an option for dealing with specific issues. These include restoring wrinkled skin, although the wrinkles must be nominal. Major wrinkles must be addressed through more aggressive techniques such as facelifts. Skin blemishes, however, are primed for treatment with peels. Pigment variations from one area of the face to another can also be treated with peels. Skin damaged by exposure to the sun is also a problem peels can address since the process removes the damaged skin to reveal undamaged skin. A peel for an entire face can take a couple of hours. Anesthesia is generally not used, but can be when called for in particular situations. Recovery time depends on the type of peel, but one should be able to pursue normal activities within a month. Following the peel, great care needs to be given to protecting the skin since it is being exposed to the elements for the first time. The skin will generally be red and exposure to the elements can lead to side effects such as infection, color changes and such. Make sure to discuss the risks, benefits and recovery requirements before undertaking the procedure. Peels are medically available to all, but that doesn’t mean everyone should get them. In general, peels work best with patients that have fair and thin skin. Make sure to speak with your medical professional regarding whether a peel is an option for your situation. In general, peels are a common procedure for dealing with issues concerning facial skin. If you are a candidate for the procedure, it can be an effective method of turning back the ravages of time and is much less aggressive than a facelift.

Not Born Blonde? Tips On How To Lighten Your Hair

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Lightening your hair can be a great way to change our look and reflect a different outlook. Or bring in the summer, or herald a new job or period in your life. If you can’t afford to go to a salon, try these tips on how to lighten your hair to avoid brassy and badly damaged hair. * When doing regrowth, don’t apply all the hair color to all of your head. Follow the instructions on the packet, which always say to apply color first to the roots, for a specified period of time. Then, apply the lightener to the rest of your hair. If you don’t do this, you will end up effectively dissolving the ends of your hair. And even the parts of the hair shaft that don’t quite get to that stage will be severely weakened and quite likely to break off very easily. You may need a friend to help you lighten your hair, but at least the extra effort will mean you have a better looking color, and better hair condition. * Use a brush and section the hair. Its much easier to apply the lightener evenly this way. Use clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way whilst you work on each section. * Hair needs to be in reasonably good condition to take peroxide based lighteners, especially if you are going for a look that is a lot lighter than your natural or base hair color. Use protein treatments to strengthen your hair first, if its not in good condition. Or go for a few highlights to complement your cut instead. And remember to use intensive moisturizing treatments afterwards, as well. You can alternate the two every week for a few weeks. Then, if your hair no longer needs strengthening, stop using the protein treatment. You will most likely need to use the moisture treatment still, though. * If you want a sun kissed look – go for a color that is only 1 or 2 shades lighter than your natural hair color. Get a friend to help you, and ‘weave’ the highlights through your hair. The trick is not to have the color looking too chunky. You could try going for a weave effect by mimicking the way a loom moves through a rug when it is made. Using the end of a long comb or hair coloring brush, move it over and under a section of hair, picking out the hair that is left on the top of the handle. Then, with a piece of aluminum foil handy, put the hair on the foil and apply the hair lightener. This is what hairdressers do to get a subtle and blended effect. * If you want to go quite a lot lighter than your natural or base shade, you may need to do it gradually. Dark hair can be difficult to lighten, at least if you want to keep any sort of condition and length to your style. So you may need to compromise first and go for more of a caramel color, and then go through a process of using protein and moisture treatments weekly for a month to strengthen your hair again. When applying lightener the first time, follow the instructions on the packet, and test your hair at regular intervals. You’ll need to test both for color and condition. Rub the ends of part of your hair to see how light it is getting, and also to see whether it disintegrates at all. If it starts to disintegrate or break off, you’ll need to wash out the hair lightener, no matter how many gold or orange tones are left. This is where a semi permanent caramel color will come in. Apply this all over your hair once you’ve washed out the peroxide based lightener. Then use two treatments every week, a protein and a moisture treatment, for about a month. Then you can try again. But be careful when doing your regrowth. Follow the instructions for applying color to regrowth otherwise you will severely damage your hair. Don’t sacrifice too much hair condition for lighter hair. Work with your hair so you end up looking a million dollars, instead of ten!

Cosmetic Procedures in Costa Rica

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:34:00 +0000

Costa Rica is a land of soaring mountains, stunning lakes and beautiful beaches. Now you can personalize some of that beauty by getting cosmetic procedures in Costa Rica. Cosmetic Procedures in Costa Rica Cosmetic surgery has become a billion-dollar industry in the United States. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people choose to have some sort of cosmetic surgery performed on their bodies, and most of these procedures are not covered by health insurance. As a result, cosmetic surgery can become quite expensive, so some patients have decided to seek an alternative option to cosmetic surgery in the US. Combining a cosmetic procedure with a relaxing tropical vacation has become a new way of getting the cosmetic surgery you want done, and Costa Rica is a great spot. Costa Rica cosmetic surgery is done quite frequently. In fact, according to one study, over 14.25 percent of visitors who come to Costa Rica get some sort of medical procedure done. These procedures are often cosmetic ones. The cosmetic surgeons that practice in Costa Rica, along with travel agents and other services, can help to set a patient up with an affordable surgery as well as excellent care afterwards in a vacation atmosphere. One big question that most people have is whether getting Costa Rica cosmetic surgery is safe. While it’s important to research any doctor before consenting to surgery, Costa Rica does boast a number of highly qualified cosmetic surgeons available to perform your cosmetic procedures. The standard of medical care in Costa Rica is one of the highest in the world, and cosmetic surgeons here are considered to be some of the best available while still being less expensive than those in the United States. Doctors practicing in Costa Rica can come from prestigious medical schools in the US and England, as well as other countries. Costa Rica also offers places like the Las Cumbres Inn, in San Jose, Costa Rica, which is a surgical retreat center staffed with medical personnel. This retreat allows patients to stay in comfort in a luxurious resort atmosphere, while receiving aftercare for their medical recovery. Tours and other amusements can be arranged while you stay at Las Cumbres, and the staff speaks several languages so that the language barrier is not an issue. Choosing Costa Rica for your cosmetic surgery is affordable and convenient. You are able to obtain the procedures you require and the vacation you need, all while saving money over the cost of the same surgery in the US. While traveling to Costa Rica for surgery may not seem safe to some, by doing your research before heading to your destination, you can be sure to obtain all the necessary information to make the right decision about your surgery.

Pamper Yourself – You Deserve It

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Everyone, including busy moms, need to take some time to pamper themselves every now and again. After all you need to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of others. Have a mom’s lunch out once in awhile. Get together with friends and relax while dining. If babysitters or money is in short supply take turns hosting the mom’s lunch and maybe some older siblings can help keep an eye on the little ones. If you have children that nap don’t be afraid to use that time to take a nap yourself once in awhile, or even all the time if you need it and can get away with it. On the occasions when you are going to get your hair done or a manicure make sure dad is home to watch the kids so you can really enjoy the pampering. Trade babysitting with a friend in order to give you each a night out with your husband. After the kids are in bed forget the laundry and dishes once in awhile and take a long hot bath if you want. You can even throw in some homemade bath salts or bubble bath if you like. Treat yourself to a homemade facial occasionally. You can easily mix one up with the ingredients in your own kitchen. Here is one of my favorites. I take a tablespoon or two of honey, mix it with 3 or 4 tablespoons of oatmeal, then I add in the ripest banana I have and bingo I have made my own homemade beauty recipe that makes my skin look and fell great. (It lasts about a week in the fridge by the way). So go ahead and indulge yourself a little bit occasionally, you will be a better mom for it.

Cosmetic Surgery And Reconstructive Surgery – What Are The Differences?

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Plastic surgery includes two broad fields, namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person, who finds his/her body parts, though otherwise fully functional, to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma, disease or accident. That is, it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life. Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin, muscle, fat, bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims. Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy – surgical removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer, or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case, tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area. One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports, and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare, sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist, reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality, and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.

Oily Skin- Why Some Of Us Have Oily Skin?

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:04:00 +0000

Oily Skin- A Trouble? Oily skin is a big trouble for many of us. Why our skin oozes more oils than others is a big mystery for the sufferers. The skin attracts more dirt and is more prone to acne. it has shining look and causes all types of cosmetic problems. Why do we have that kind of skin? Can we do something to eliminate this problem forever? Let us find out. Skin- Why Does It Produce Oils? Our skin produces sebum. This sebum is mainly made of lipids. The sebum protects us from microbial infections and keeps our skin moist. Along with sebum, we also produce sweat. Our skin also sheds dead skin cells. All these combine and form a layer on the skin. Those who have oily skin, produce more of sebum. Hormones mainly activate the sebum production and some of us are genetically conditioned to produce more oils. You should talk with your doctor if anything can be done with the hormones. Oily Skin Management- To manage oily skin the only common way is to use oil free products. Wash your face at least twice a day with soap. Use oil absorbing blotting papers. Use more of powder products. Astringents will remove lot of oil and so do the toners. Look after your oily skin because you will get fewer wrinkles than those who have dry skin. They will envy you after some years. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Pampering Products That Feel Like Paradise

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:39:00 +0000

Whether you’re climbing your way up the corporate ladder or overwhelmed with the organizational tasks of home and kids, a luxurious vacation to an exotic paradise may seem like an impossible dream. You can only fantasize about an outdoor massage among fragrant island flowers or a nap after enjoying a brunch ripe with fruits fresh from the vine. You might not have the time or the money for a sublime spa jaunt, but today, all it takes is a trip to your local supermarket, pharmacy or health food store to help you pretend. The newest grooming and personal care products are bursting with pampering exotic fruit and plant ingredients that won’t just make you feel amazing, you’ll look amazing as well. Exotic fruits possess a host of beauty benefits. For example, pomegranate and lychee help rid your skin of toxins, smoothing texture and tone. Who knew that kumquat was so rich in ultra-moisturizing vitamin C? Fig can actually calm stressed-out skin. Plus, all these rich ingredients create luscious fragrances that soothe your soul and lift your spirits. The newest “crop” of exotic personal care products includes Nature’s Gate Organics Fruit Blends – shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and hand soaps – all infused with certified organic plant essences. Exotic fruits and herbal ingredients, including patchouli, rose geranium, wild ginger and red tea, work together to create an amazingly delicious, pampering experience. In addition, these products smell divine and are free of harsh chemicals and animal ingredients. So, lay back in your bathtub, close your eyes and let the fragrance of faraway lands take you on a journey. You might not end up with a T-shirt souvenir, but you won’t have to hassle with your passport or airport chaos either. And you’ll look marvelous!

New, Easier Way to a Better Smile Makes a Younger You

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:43:00 +0000

Your forehead could be agelessly smooth with Botox, your wrinkles almost nonexistent from a facelift, but if your smile is dull, dingy and misshapen, you might not only look your age – you could look older. Ironically, improving your smile can now be the least invasive cosmetic procedure. Recent cosmetic dentistry breakthroughs, like new Lumineers by Cerinate, are all gain and no pain – drastically different from traditional veneers, which require grinding and shaving down teeth for application. Made from patented Cerinate porcelain, Lumineers are contact lens thin, translucent “smile shapers” that are applied to original teeth without any removal of sensitive tooth structure. Consequently, there is no need for shots or anesthesia, which means no pain. In just two short visits, your smile will look more beautiful and, more importantly, years younger – lasting up to 20 years. So, how else can you maintain a young appearance without going under the knife? * Smile more. Confidence is sexy and sexy is youthful. Once you have the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted, put it to good use and you’ll get more attention than you did 10 years ago. * Minimize your makeup. You might think that heavy foundation will cover your wrinkles, but it does just the opposite. Caking it on causes the makeup to settle into wrinkles and exaggerate them. The same is true for eye shadow. A smart rule of thumb: less is more. * Save yourself from the sun. Those UV rays are our enemy when it comes to aging. Always use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or above. Look for skin creams containing antioxidants like vitamin C and E for increased protection. * Sleep. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing. If you don’t get enough sleep (about seven hours every night), your metabolism and hormone production can be hindered, inviting the early effects of age. * Improve your posture. Taking calcium will help prevent osteoporosis, but a slumping stoop will age you immediately. Strengthen your core – those abdominal muscles – for a straighter back and taller body. Pilates is a perfect way to improve your posture, giving you a longer, leaner look. * Evaluate your wardrobe. Dressing younger doesn’t have to mean super low-rise jeans and belly shirts. A casual, yet tailored look will keep you from appearing fussy and out-of-style. A great T-shirt with well-fitting pants and great accessories creates a comfortable, yet hip everyday “uniform.”

Cosmetic Surgery Surgeons: How To Select A Good One

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:50:00 +0000

Making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery can be an overwhelming and life-changing decision. However, the question of choosing the right surgeon for the job can leave you equally perplexed. There is no dearth of cosmetic surgeons, but it is imperative that you chose a surgeon with loads of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. You may find an expert surgeon in your vicinity, or you might have to travel a few hundred miles in your quest for the best. But the initial botheration will surely yield fruitful results. To expedite your search for an expert cosmetic surgeon, it is crucial that you crosscheck their credentials prior to undergoing surgery. Check if they are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or some other prominent cosmetic surgery board. You could crosscheck your state’s medical board to verify the surgeon’s credentials. Having narrowed down on one or two superlative surgeons it is time for an elaborate consultation. The most common aspects that you may focus on during an initial consultation are as follows:- – You may inquire about the cosmetic surgeon’s area of expertise. – Ensure that the surgeon has performed a substantial number of cosmetic surgery procedures. – Make sure that the surgeon wields the best technological equipment available. – If price is a factor, check if the expenses incurred meet your budget. – Ask the surgeon for pictures of his/her earlier patients, depicting both pre and post-surgery images. – Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, involves risks and complications. The surgeon must not dismiss the risks of surgery, and should be willing to discuss any possible complication of cosmetic surgery. – Most importantly, ensure that the surgeon will be actively involved in post-operative care. – And finally, shun away any sales gimmicks or unrealistic bargains. On the whole, an excellent result largely depends on the expertise of the cosmetic surgeon. Hence, choose a surgeon with discretion, since a successful cosmetic surgery could give you a huge boost.

Pearls Of Ages And Time

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:06:00 +0000

Pearl is a beautiful creation of nature. Women have a passion for pearls and they fulfill their desire to look alluring and dazzling. Pearls are a symbol of purity and are gems found on the earth, and have a natural and lustrous appeal. A pearl is a smooth and lustrous round structure formed naturally inside the shell of an oyster or a clam and is a most valued and precious jewel. It is formed when an irritant such as a grain of sand or tiny fish gets trapped in the internal tissues of a mollusks shell. To protect itself from this irritant, the mollusk releases nacre, a substance that sticks to the irritant and then forms a hard and smooth layer around the irritant. Nacre is released over time and forms layer after layer, which forms into a pearl. Taking this as a cue, man started cultivating pearls manually. These are called cultured pearls. They are formed in a similar way, except the irritant is introduced into the mollusk by man and then the rest of the process of releasing nacre is natural. Most of the pearls that come into the market are cultured pearls these days and are no different than natural pearls. They are much cheaper than natural pearls because they are cultivated in lots and also there is no expense involved in searching for the natural pearls. Pearls come in different colors, sizes, and shapes, in fact, no two pearls are alike. The color of the pearl is determined by the color of the nacre released, which can range anywhere from white to black. The quality of a pearl is determined by its luster and its shine. Good quality pearls have high luster and reflect light from all angles. High quality pearls are hard to find but when found are considerably more expensive than others. When purchasing pearls, look for luster and ensure there are no bumps or discolored. A good pearl feels smooth and even to touch. The larger the size, the more expensive it is. They are either freshwater or saltwater. Most freshwater pearls sold are from China. South Sea, Akoya, and Tahitian pearls are all saltwater pearls. The black Tahitian pearls are very valuable as they are extremely rare. This is because of the lack of survival of most black pearl oysters, due to climatic conditions. This Beautiful adornment look beautiful and elegant when worn as a strand around the neck by themselves or when set in precious metals such as platinum or when arranged with other gemstones. The understated soft elegance is subdued and doesn’t cry for attention. A pearl is considered to be a symbol of purity, love, and luck and for centuries was considered to be the queen of all gems. In the early Christian writings, Jesus is referred to as ‘the great pearl’ brought by Mary. Pearls are gorgeous and make the perfect gifts for any occasion, be it a wedding, anniversary, Mother’s day, Christmas, baptism, and on every other occasion possible.