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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.

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.

Cosmetic Procedures South of The Border

Sat, 08 May 2010 03:51:00 +0000

Cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, which makes it a pricey decision. Cosmetic surgery in Mexico can be undertaken cheaply and safely. Cosmetic Procedures South of The Border Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a big step. You need to carefully decide whether undergoing major surgery is necessary for you to feel better about yourself, and whether you think that surgery will do all you desire. If you’ve gone through all of the agony of choosing to have cosmetic surgery, you will soon be in for your second difficult decision – how do I get it done? Cosmetic surgery in the United States is quite expensive, and aside from a few reconstructive procedures, is not covered by health insurance. Many people need to save for years before they can afford the cosmetic procedures they want, but some people choose to go a different route. Some patients choose to get their cosmetic surgery done in a different country, where it will cost significantly less than here in the US. Specifically, cosmetic surgery in Mexico is popular. When deciding on where to get cosmetic surgery, Mexico may seem to be a logical choice. It’s a nearby country, and you don’t even need a passport to travel there. Many doctors and facilities speak English in Mexico, especially near the border, which also helps to draw patients. The surgeries performed at hospitals and surgical centers in Mexico are often the same as those that are done in the US, but a lower cost of supplies and other medical necessities keeps the cost down. One unfortunate aspect of cosmetic surgery Mexico is the number of people who return from that country with botched procedures and even infections and other life threatening problems. Of the thousands of people that travel to Mexico each year for cosmetic surgery, many are drawn by the price tag (often less than half of what it would cost in the US) and don’t do the research to make sure that their surgeon and facility is certified and skilled in cosmetic surgery. They are willing to allow procedures to be performed on their bodies with little to no knowledge of the doctor who will be doing the surgery. Some of these surgeons may not even have been trained in cosmetic surgery or even be real doctors! That’s not to say that all of the cosmetic surgery Mexico handles is done incorrectly or at the hands of incompetent doctors. If a patient does their research and makes sure to choose a clinic and doctor who is qualified to do the procedure they want, this surgery can go well. Depending on the hospital and recovery centers available, you may be able to have treatment that is just as good or better than that in the US. Choosing cosmetic surgery in Mexico offers can be a risky situation, so one needs to be sure of all the details before leaving for your cosmetic procedure. Find a qualified, trained physician and you should be fine.

Permanent Makeup – Important Facts

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:59:00 +0000

With so many people having so much to do during the day, we are always looking for ways to cut down on our time. For women, one very time-consuming activity is applying makeup each morning, or even several times per day. One way to help can be by utilizing permanent makeup. Permanent makeup can be a wonderful choice for women who play sports, have many things to do each day, are allergic to many cosmetic products, or just want to spend less time and money on the entire process. Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is becoming quite popular, but there are things you should know before having the procedure done. When having permanent makeup applied, the process, also called micropigmentation, includes applying dies under the skin that give the illusion that a woman is wearing eyeliner, eyebrow pencils, lip liners, and even lipstick. If done correctly by a highly trained professional, a woman can achieve a very natural look. A woman deciding whether or not permanent makeup will be right for her should look into all the options. She should do a lot of research and understand that there are many advantages, as well as disadvantages, to having such a permanent procedure done on her face. One advantage is definitely the time issue. Not having to apply makeup each day is a real time saver. But, you won’t have the option of varying your makeup shades since only one shade is able to be tattooed onto your skin. But the disadvantage of permanent makeup is that, as with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks. You should always consult with your doctor, as well as verifying the credentials of the person who will apply the permanent makeup, before you have the procedure done. If you’ve decided to go ahead and have permanent makeup applied, there are different types to choose from. You can have eyebrow liner applied to help with sparse eyebrows, you can have eyeliner applied to help your eyelashes look thicker, and you can even have lip liner or lipstick applied so you never have to worry about pale lips again. Another option is dying your lashes. This is great for women who suffer from near-sightedness, are athletes, or even women who are always on the go. It is also a great alternative to mascara for those women who have makeup allergies or a shaky hand. Remember, when choosing to have permanent makeup applied to your face, there are several things that you should be aware of. The inks and dyes that are used to when permanent makeup is applied are known as color additives. Most surprisingly, none of them have ever been approved for use as permanent makeup. Currently, the FDA is in the process of evaluating the safety of having permanent makeup applied. Their biggest concern is the use of unsterile equipment that can transmit quite infectious diseases, therefore all equipment must be clean and sanitized. Lastly, unlike with a regular tattoo, permanent makeup can not be removed easily, and, in some cases, permanent discoloration can occur.

What Curling Irons Are The Best Ones?

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:17:00 +0000

With all of the styling tool options available in today’s market, it can be very confusing to choose the best curling iron for your hair. I mean, let’s face it; most curling irons claim to be the best buy, but are they really? So, what should you really look for in a curling iron and what should you avoid? When choosing the best curling iron for your hair, you should discount everything that companies say about their product in order to market it. I mean, they have a vested interest in selling more curling irons, so who would believe what they had to say anyway? But you should pay attention to what is written on the packaging in the small letters. The first thing that you should look for is a thermostat controlled heat setting. This feature will allow you to select the temperature of the curling iron and set it according to how much heat you need to style your hair. You see, not all hair can withstand the same amount of heat. Some hair types, like fine hair, can only withstand minimal heat while coarse hair may need more intense heat to achieve any curl. So, choosing a curling iron without this setting could result in more damage than is necessary or styles that are hard to achieve and maintain. Another thing that you should pay attention to is what type of material the barrel is made out of. On most irons, the barrel is made of metal, but you can find irons that are velvet covered and ceramic plated. Velvet covered irons are great for hair that is easily snagged and broken. Ceramic plated irons work to infuse moisture into the hair strands while it is being curled. For the most part, a metal barreled iron will do and these are the least expensive. But if your hair is damaged or dull, you might want to spend a little extra for the ceramic-plated iron. The first thing to wear out on a curling iron is usually the cord. This is because the cord is put under a lot of pressure at the point where it connects with the curling iron when you move the iron this way and that. To get an iron that lasts, choose an iron with a swivel cord connection. This type of cord will move as you move thus reducing the stress to the inner wires. So, the next time you choose to buy a curling iron, pay less attention to the brand name and pomp surrounding a particular iron and look for features that you really need.

Beauty Secrets Don’t Only Hide In A Bottle—They Can Also Be Found In Our Refrigerator!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Thanks to technological advances, experts in dermatology have been able to observe the effect that our diet has on our skin’s texture and appearance. Many recent studies in dermatology confirm that the most significant factor in skincare does not only depend on the cosmetics that we apply (which, of course, do make a difference) but also largely on our diet. So…which diet should we implement to look great? WATER Our body is 70 percent water; therefore, it’s logical that any lack of sufficient water intake will affect our appearance. That’s why drinking water is undoubtedly the easiest and most efficient way of preventing the signs of aging, maintaining the skin smooth and the body healthy. HOW DOES WATER AFFECT OUR SKIN? Water eliminates the toxins in our body that are daily stored up through contact with pollutants, tobacco smoke, stress and other sources of free radical formation. Concretely, free radicals are the principal cause of skin diseases and premature aging. Water not only gives skin a more youthful appearance but also eliminates all of these elements, which cause the appearance of acne. Acne is formed by the accumulation of bacteria, oil, dead skin and dirt on the skin. Even for those with oily skin and problems with acne, water is needed to wash away both internal and external impurities. Additionally, water helps vitamins and nutrients to easily flow throughout the body. In particular, it collaborates with all of the body’s organs to distribute vitamins E, C and B12, which help maintain the skin smooth and young. HOW MUCH WATER DO I NEED TO DRINK DAILY? Normally it’s recommended that a person drink at least a liter and a half of water, although many dermatologists recommend increasing the dose to two or three daily liters. WHEN IS IT ESSENTIAL TO DRINK WATER? It’s very important to drink and recuperate lost fluid after exercising or sunbathing. Don’t forget that water is good not only for your organism but also for your outward appearance. WATER INSIDE AND WATER OUTSIDE When cleansing facial skin or the body, it’s best that the water be lukewarm. Very hot water can dry out the skin excessively, but at an adequate temperature, its cleansing power is enormous. BEAUTY TRICK Drink water in the morning; it will help eliminate a puffy or swollen face. Who would have thought that water would end up being one of the most relevant beauty secrets in the new millennium?

Facial Enhancements with Surgical Implants

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:02:00 +0000

It goes without saying that the appearance of the human face plays a massive role in interactions between each of us. Implants offer an opportunity to put forth your best side. Facial Enhancements with Surgical Implants There are many definitions for plastic surgery. One of the more common is the correction or modification of abnormalities in the body. What exactly constitutes an abnormality is the subject of great debate, to wit, an actual abnormality or something a person subjectively does not care for in their appearance. Surgical implants used for facial enhancements definitely tend to fall within a more medically determined definition of plastic surgery. The implants are often used to address imperfections that are both subjectively perceived and physically present from a medical perspective. Seriously small chins and uneven or collapsed cheek bones are a common area of surgical intervention. Surgical solutions for facial defects are all about reshaping the face to a more traditional structure. The goal could be to increase the size of a chin to create linear balance from side views or to enhance one side of the face to create balance in appearance. Obviously, there are other situations as well. What is not disputed, however, is the emotional and psychological benefit of such enhancements when a serious defect exists. To reshape a facial area, plastic surgeons will often use implants. The implants can be preset or customized for the particular problem. For individuals with seriously reduced chins, for example, an implant is placed at the point of the chin to create volume and more natural look. The goal in the surgery is to create a more balanced face by moving enhancing the chin in such a way that a view from the side shows a generally uniform slope from forehead to chin. Facial surgery of this type is surprisingly uncomplicated for the patient. It is often done in less than two hours and hospitalization is rarely required. Generally, patients can return to work in a week and any indication of a surgical procedure can be gone as soon as two weeks after the fact. Obviously, each situation is different so consult with your medical professional to gain an understanding of your situation and the reasonable results that can be expected. Facial abnormalities, whether perceived or medically significant, can be the crux of confidence problems. If you fall within this classification, do not hesitate to contact a plastic surgeon to discuss the options available to you. Make sure to look at before and after pictures to get a definitive idea of the solutions available.

Understanding Laser Hair Removal

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:17:00 +0000

If you have heard about laser hair removal, then you are likely to be one of the many that believe it is an easy way to get rid of unwanted hair. Although many people do find great success with the treatments, others will need several to succeed. And, there is no real way to know how you will react to the laser treatment until you have it. Who Should Have It? The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is the person who has dark colored hair. The darker the hair the more likely it is that the laser can remove it permanently. With that goes the pigment color of the skin. Individuals who have a dark complexion will not be ideal candidates because the hair is harder to see. Light skin, dark hair is the best situation to find yourself in. You will also need to have a good budget. Sessions of laser hair removal can last upwards of several hours and will require several thousand dollars to complete. If you need multiple treatments, that too can become even more costly. The average is four visits per person. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair color. You will need the melanin to be able to absorb the energy from the laser and then incorporate the heat into the follicle. The heat will actually kill off the follicle, making it impossible for hair to re-grow. Also, those who have a dark colored skin tone have more melanin, it is necessary to insure that the process will still work well. To help this, a cold compress will be used to keep the affected area cool. The laser will not target the cold areas which are important for it to work properly. The skin can be kept cool in another way as well. This is multi pulsing laser technology. Laser energy is pulsed or interrupted, rather than streamed. That means there is less heat which helps to cool and at the same time, protect the skin. Other laser removal devices include: Alexandrite, a long pulse laser; Diode, which generally is used on darker skin; Q-Switched Nd:YAG, which delivers two wavelengths that work on both deep and near-surface follicles; and Ruby, that as the name implies, consists of red laser beams capable of targeting melanin. There are a number of excellent resources on the internet that will help you to discover why or why not laser hair removal is the right solution for you.

What Too Much Color Can Do To Your Hair

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Sure, we all want to change our look every once in a while and sometimes that involves changing our hair color also. But there are a few adventurous souls that have taken changing their hair color to a whole new level with frequent colorings leaving their hair lifeless and damaged beyond repair. While there are many professional hair coloring systems out there that only cause minimal damage to hair, many people still insist on buying hair color from department stores so that they can apply it at home. In many cases, this type of hair color causes extreme damage and if you use it too often, it could turn into a nightmare. You see, hair color is a chemical that changes the structure of your hair. Each time you color, the outside layer of your hair is raised so that color can be pushed into the hair strand. With each subsequent coloring, this outside layer finds it more and more difficult to close to its natural and healthy position. It is this layer that first takes the brunt of hair color damage. It is also this layer that is responsible for the shine and vibrancy of your hair color. If you color too much, you will first notice a dull or dry appearance coming from the roughened up outer layer of your hair strand. In addition to making your hair look healthy and shiny, the outside layer or cuticle layer is also responsible for holding your color in. Once it refuses to close properly, your color will start to fade and over time, become completely washed out. Trying to color your hair again, will only be a temporary fix with the color always seeping out of the damaged areas. If you ignore all of these damage signals and continue to color your hair, you will eventually break down the entire make up of your hair strands. At best, hair will become brittle and break. At worst, it will turn into mush and disintegrate right before your eyes. To keep all of these dire hair color consequences from becoming reality, be sure to leave enough time in between colors for your hair to recuperate. Try not to do any drastic color changes for at least 6 months unless your hair is short. Also, do not color your hair from root to tip for each and ever color touch up. Color the roots only so that you can avoid further damage to the ends. And get those trims when you need them.