Archive for April, 2010

How to Compare Anti-Wrinkle Eye Creams

Friday, April 30th, 2010

If you try to compare anti-wrinkle eye cream brands out in the market, you might find that this is a very difficult thing to do. Aside from the many brands, all of them make the same claim, that is, they have the best anti wrinkle eye cream on the market.

It is funny that cosmetic companies can say all they want to say about their products without having any regulations that prohibit them from doing so. It means that they can say it’s hypoallergenic without any proof at all and you just have to take their word for it.

This is not a good thing because it misleads other people just so the different companies can earn their profit. In order to compare anti-wrinkle eye cream brands and determine which one is really worth your money and will deliver what it promises to do, you need to be more aware of the ingredients used in the product.

Many cosmetic companies try to increase their profits by sacrificing the quality of the ingredients used. A classic example is mineral oil or petrolatum or paraffin oil. It is commonly used as a base for skin care products because it is very cheap. Being cheap is not the problem.

The problem is mineral oil can block your pores, depriving the skin of its natural mechanism to breathe and remove dirt. Aside from mineral oil, other chemicals like alcohols, fragrances, dioxanes, and parabens are also used. Parabens are used as a preservative for skin care products. While it may lengthen the shelf life of skin products, it can shorten yours by causing cancer.

In choosing an anti-wrinkle cream, it is better to opt for products that use organic ingredients. These are safer and milder and produce no harm to the body.

Some of the best wrinkle-fighting ingredients are cynergy TK, nano-lipobelle H-EQ10, and phytessence wakame. Cynergy TK stimulates production of collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for keeping skin smooth and supple. It also helps skin retain more moisture so you will no have to worry about dry skin either.

Nano-lipobelle H-EQ10 is a very effective topical antioxidant that helps prevent free radicals from damaging the cells in your body. Phytessence wakame is extremely valuable in repairing damaged tissue and keeping collagen and elastin together.

Be more observant when you compare anti-wrinkle eye cream brands on the market. Make sure that you are more careful of what you put on your skin as this can affect you in ways more than one. More importantly, click over to my website and take advantage of my research on the subject and see what I recommend.

The A-Z Guide to Teen Skin

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

A is for acne, the bane of any teen’s life! Bad news is it comes with the territory of being a teen. Good news is most teens will lose the acne once they pass those teen years. Not exactly reassuring when you are at that crucial self-conscious stage and you are covered in lumps and bumps! Basic deal is that acne is caused when your sebaceous glands (oil glands), which make oil to keep your hair and skin moist, go overboard and produce too much oil. Your skin can also go into overdrive shedding cells (which it does heaps – about a million little cells are shed from your body every minute!). The combo of too much oil and too many little dead cells leads to some major clogging of the pores. Bacteria gets trapped and, da da, you have spots! These can either be white heads, blackheads or the more severe hard nodules. There are some basics that can help. Avoid greasy food and go for a healthy diet instead. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial wash free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (like Bellaboo All That Facial Wash for clean, wicked skin). Use non-comodogenic, oil-free or non-acnegenic makeup or sunscreen. Keep hairsprays or gels away from your face as they can also clog pores. Keep long hair away from the face and wash it frequently. Avoid squeezing or picking spots. Steer clear of harsh chemical creams to treat acne as often they over-stimulate the skin causing it to create more oil and more problems!

B is for blackheads. Blackheads are caused when the pore gets clogged but stays open. The top surface darkens and you are left with a blackhead. To fight blackheads, make sure you use a gentle and natural cleanser to keep skin clean. Exfoliate twice weekly to keep those dead cells away from open pores. Make sure you use a gentle exfoliator, as anything too harsh will only over-stimulate skin. Try putting a warm towel on the blackhead area and then apply gentle pressure as this may unclog the pores. Do not pick or squeeze.

C is for cleanse. Make this your daily mantra and it will save your skin! Cleansing skin and using the right type of cleanser is the number one thing you can do for it. Alkaline cleansers or ones that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) strip surface oil from the skin, leaving it in need of more oil. The oil glands respond by pumping out more oil to compensate, leading to skin that is out of balance and prone to problems. Just do a quick check of ingredients on the pack and if you see these two then give it a miss! SLS is also used as an engine degreaser so it doesn’t take a degree in cosmetics to figure that it can’t be that gentle on your skin! Use an SLS-free cleanser with natural ingredients – it will do the job gently! Cleanse skin morning and night.

D is for dermatologist. If you suffer from really bad breakouts then be off to a dermatologist. There is no point in trying every potion and lotion in an attempt to blitz zits ‘cos putting on all that stuff will probably only make your skin worse. The more you over-stimulate spotty skin the more your skin is likely to try and produce more oil to compensate for all the drying effects of products. A dermatologist has made skin their life’s work, so they know what they’re talkin’ bout! They will professionally analyse your skin and give advice about what you need to do to get your skin back to normal.

E is for exfoliate. Exfoliating skin is a must as it removes dead cells from the skin’s surface. It’s an instant way of refreshing skin’s appearance and also stimulating cell renewal, so that fresh, plump cells are brought to the surface. Avoid abrasive scrubs on problem skin. If you have pimples, blemishes or acne, these can be easily opened up or irritated with the abrasive particles contained in some exfoliators. If you don’t have problem skin, a harsh exfoliator can create problems by over-stimulating the skin sebum, resulting in over-production of oil. Exfoliating is a vital step in a skin care regimen, but you should always opt for gentle exfoliation.

F is for facial. It’s a luxurious way to pamper yourself. It can be done by a professional or you can give yourself one at home. A beauty therapist will analyse your skin and pick a facial to suit your skin. It will usually involve deep cleansing, exfoliating, extraction (professional term for squeezing zits); massage, mask and intense moisturisation. Now, don’t expect miracle results. All that work on your face can actually bring zits to the surface but the facial does work to balance and remedy skin so that after regular treatments you will notice the difference. Advantage of going to a therapist is that they know what they are doing. If you choose to do it at home make sure you know what you are doing and use only natural, gentle products.

G is for gorgeous skin and there are some simple things you can do to get it. Eat healthy – if you put rubbish into your body it will come out as rubbish in the form of zits. Get plenty of sleep – your skin does its best work when it is at rest. Drink plenty of water; it keeps your body hydrated. Don’t smoke, it will add years to your skin age. We’re not going to get all rental on you but don’t binge drink. A heavy session will dehydrate skin. Not to mention, that being off your face is soooo unattractive!

H is for hypoallergenic and that means a cosmetic that does not produce allergic reactions. But, as how allergic you are can vary depending on your sensitivity, it is difficult to state that any product is 100% hypoallergenic. Usually when this term is used it means that a product is fragrance-free and uses very mild preservatives.

I is for in-grown hair and that means ouch! Usually happens on areas that are waxed or shaved. They are caused when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the hair follicle and grows into the skin. This then gets infected and you get a raised lump that is quite painful. Whatever you do DON’T use a product with alcohol in it as its drying effect will only make it worse. Exfoliating skin where you shave can help prevent the problem. You can use a gentle face scrub on the area. Don’t shave too close to razor bumps. To remove, lift the ingrown hair out gently with tweezers but don’t pluck as it will only make the hair regrow deeper.

J is for JBUG (Just Between Us Girls) and that’s what your skin care and beauty secrets should be all about! If you discover a fabbo product that just makes your skin look amazing or the best mascara, lip gloss or whatevz, then share it with your boos!

K is for khol – a must have cosmetic staple in any teen makeup bag! You don’t have to spend a fortune either and it gives a really defined line and feel soft and smooth going on.

L is for loofah and it’s a natural wonder for exfoliating the body. They are so cheap and you can get them at chemists, department stores and bargain shops. Simply use in the shower all over your body and you will step out with glowing, smooth as silk skin. Just don’t use it on your face as it’s way too harsh.

M is for moisturise – the third step in your essential skin care routine. Because our skin is exposed to daily environmental stresses – sun, smoke, pollutants, highly processed foods – it is being ravaged on a daily basis and needs a good line of defence against these assaults. This is where a good moisturiser steps in. It works to protect the skin against attack, and to nourish, replenish and feed the skin with essential nutrients. Even the most oily skin needs to moisturise.

N is for non-comedogenic which is a term for cosmetics that means it won’t clog pores. However, the term can be misleading. Ingredients are tested on the ears of rabbits and there is some question about the reliability of these tests. Plus, people’s reactions vary so much that even products that have used non-pore-clogging ingredients can still cause a reaction. There is no official list of non-comedogenic ingredients and no standards, so it is difficult to be confident in products that make this claim.

O s for oily skin and it’s a condition common to many teens. Basically the teen years, when our hormones are all over the place, is a time when we produce excess oil. Oily skin looks glossy, especially in the T-zone. Using the right products is the best way to counteract oily skin. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser that does not dry the skin, morning and night. Over-cleansing will only dry out the skin and make your oil glands work harder! Remember, the thicker the cream the more likely it will clog pores so look for one that is light and fast-absorbing.

P is for pimples, the collective word for spots, blackheads and whiteheads. What is there to say? They are the pits and we just want them blitzed! Cause is as per acne, white heads and blackheads – too much oil, dead skin cells, blocked pores and you get eruptions.

Q is for question and that’s what you should do when you go to buy beauty stuff. It’s your money (or parents) so spend it wisely. Know your stuff and you can suss out good skin care from bad. Ask if a product contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or if it’s been tested on animals or whether it is chemical or natural-based. Ask questions and be rewarded with products that will work for you!

R is for rosacea. This is a skin condition that many mistake for acne but it’s a condition all on its own. It’s a reddening of the skin that can then get worse and be red and lumpy. There is no known cause. You basically look as if you are permanently embarrassed and often you can’t even use cosmetics to cover up as they can make it worse! Some things are known to trigger the condition and avoiding those can help. They include: alcohol, spicy foods, coffee and tea, getting too hot, and over-exposure to sun. Seabuckthorn Berry Oil is an all natural ingredient taken from the berries of a tree that grows wild in the Himalayas. Research has shown promising results with this oil on rosacea.

S is for sun care. You might think a tan is cool now but when you are 20 and look 30 or 30 and look 40 you may regret baking yourself. Seriously, the sun is the most ageing factor on skin. So be sun smart, don’t sun bake, and wear an SPF 30+ and hat when out in the sun. You should also start to think about wearing a moisturiser with inbuilt sun protection. You can buy moisturisers with inbuilt SPF30+.

T is for T-zone and it’s the area including your forehead and nose – shaped like a T. It’s also known as combination skin as you experience more than one skin type. For example, you could have dry skin everywhere except in your T-zone. The cause of a T-zone is the same as that for oily or spotty skin – an over-production of oil (sebum) in that area. To treat, cleanse skin twice daily, using a gentle cleanser. Use a light moisturiser that works to balance skin.

U is for ultraviolet rays and there are three types – UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the only types that are harmful to the skin as UVC does not penetrate the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth. UVB rays are mostly responsible for most cases of sunburn. They are shorter than UVA rays and only reach the surface layer of skin. The UVA ray damage is deeper as the rays are longer and reach the inner layer of skin. They are responsible for causing skin to lose its elasticity, which leads to ageing. Both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer. Melanoma is usually caused by UVA rays. Non-melanoma cancer is usually caused by UVB rays. Just remember that brown tan colour is your skin’s protective reaction to injury.

V is for vanity which equals boring. Nothing worse than someone who obsesses about the way they look and can’t pass a mirror without checking themselves out! Confidence is cool but vanity is naff. No need to obsess about the way you look – you are who you are and if you are happy about that you will be confident and that’s heaps more attractive than someone who thinks they are hot!

W is for white head, which is a small white mass under the surface of the skin, caused by a build up of sebum.

X is for xenophoric, which means someone who celebrates difference – beauty is in everyone and we should all take xenophoric pleasure in that!

Y is for youth – enjoy it and make the most of it!

Z is for zits – just another name given to the bane of a teen’s life!

Common Houseplant Diseases

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

House plants are actually living organisms and they can be attacked by other living organisms that can produce damage and diseases. Listed here are the most common symptoms along with tips on how to treat the diseases they cause.

Your plants might be covered with a powdery substance that can be wiped away easily with your hand or a soft cloth. That is a sign of powder mildew a very common plant disorder. The powder can be white or brown in color and is usually on top of the leaves where it can be seen with the naked eye. The disorder occurs more often when your plants has gotten too little sunlight or the soil has been kept too dry.

This condition can be easily treated, all you have to do is remove the powdery substance with a soft cloth. However, for more complete treatment and long term protection, use a mildewcide. Place the plant in a location where it can get more sun exposure and keep it watered properly.

Brown spotting on the leaves can be a sign of improper watering, which may make leaf spot fungus. Figure out how much water and when to give it, for your particular plant. Give the plant a bit more sun exposure and moving it close to a light source is a good idea. There is rarely any need for further treatment.

Spots are usually concentric shaped rings, in this case, they are mostly likely due to a fungus. Remove any dead leaves and allowing for good air circulation around the plant. To ensure that water spots do not remain on the leaves for long periods of time. This will promote the growth of fungus, use a fungicide.

Leaf spotting can also be the result of bacteria.

Bacterial spots on leafs can appear as a yellow-hued halo and the spots will get bigger to the point where they form a blob whenever the plant is continually wet. Drier conditions make brown spots and then the leaves become somewhat speckled. Keep the plants warm enough as recommended for their species and give them plenty of room to grow and spread. Treat with a bacteriacide when necessary.

Another common problem from over watering houseplants, is stem rot. The outer leaves of the plant will not hold tight to the plants and will possibly even fall off when touched. The outer edges of the leaves become yellow over time. Applying a fungicide for quick relief but the only long term solution is to discover what type of watering pattern will work best for the type of plant you have.

Root rot is another problem that is cause by having too much moisture in the soil. Bacteria will thrive all the time becoming harmful to leavees and invade the roots and eventually work its way up the plant. The leaves will begin to be discolored and you can try easing up on the water, but few plants ever recover

To lower the risk of plants becoming damaged by disease, begin with disease free plants. The best way to do this is to buy from a reputable dealer only. Use sterile soil and not just old dirt from around your yard. Early and often treatment are also important and you should not let these problems go unchecked.

How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Permanently

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Cold sore is an annoying and unsightly skin disease. Also known as fever blisters brought by herpes simplex virus. It will start as a red spot and will start to accumulate moisture making it itchy and irritating. It is a contagious skin disease that usually appears in the mouth, lips and genitals. It is important to get rid of cold sores permanently to avoid the annoyance and embarrassment brought by this skin disease.

Of course it is much better to avoid getting cold sore in the first place than to get rid of cold sores. It can spread through direct skin contact like kissing, touching or oral sex. Things used by a person with herpes simplex virus like towels, drinking glass; toothbrush etc. can also help spread the virus. Avoid skin contact or using personal stuffs of people you suspected with cold sores.

In most cases, it appears in the most inappropriate occasions like weddings, big dates etc. because you are more vulnerable to the virus when stressed. You should start to find remedies to get rid of the virus, to stop the annoyance and embarrassment brought by this skin disease.

It is important to find the best treatment available at the onset of this skin disease to prevent it from spreading and to get rid of cold sores as soon as possible. Cold sore can last for weeks if not treated at once. Here are some tips to get rid of cold sores.

Keep your cold sore dry. Regularly wash the area around the cold sore and pat it dry. Cold sore needs moisture and dirt to keep swelling. If they are kept clean and dry, healing will speed up. Shield it with petroleum jelly using cotton swab to avoid swelling.

Replace your toothbrush with a new one once detected you have a cold sore. Toothbrushes incubate cold sore causing viruses and it will keep coming back if you use the same toothbrush. You also need to replace your toothpaste tubes since toothbrush bristles get in contact with the toothpaste tubes each time you use your toothpaste. Buy smaller toothpaste and avoid rubbing your toothbrush bristles against the opening of the toothpaste tube.

Zinc sulfate, available in your local pharmacy can also help get rid of cold sores. You can ask the nearest pharmacy for a zinc sulfate tube once you spot a cold sore starting to burst out.

Amino acid lysine can also help you get rid of cold sores. You can get if from drinking supplements or by eating potatoes and dairy products. But amino acid lysine is not recommended for nursing or pregnant women as this can interfere with the infant’s development.

Lemon balm, tea tree oil, Echinacea and tea bag applied directly to the affected area can also help get rid of cold sores due to its antiviral properties.

Avoid stress. Stress triggers the recurrence of the virus and it also weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viral infections. Get rid of cold sores by eating a healthy balanced diet, exercise and getting enough sleep.

These are just few methods you can use to get rid of cold sore. For more tips and ways to prevent cold sores from annoying you in the future, consult with your doctor.

4 Easy Tips To Keep Your Skin Healthy And Beautiful

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

There are a lot of articles on how to make your skin healthy and beautiful and to look young always. But what if you already have it and you want to keep it looking the way it is now in the future also? There are hundreds of treatments, medications and cosmetics available to look beautiful but the most important elements for gorgeous looking won’t cost you a cent. Following 4 steps will really help you to keep your skins glow youthful forever.

1. Clean and moisten – Never ignore your skin. There are 3 types of skin: Normal, dry and oily. For normal type a mild cleanser is needed. Cleanse your skin, with your finger despite of flimsy area of eye. Don’t ever try to stretch the delicate eye area. Motions should be in a circular way. Dry skin needs more moisturizer. Every day after bath you have to take care of it. For oily type though natural oil pours out of the skin, wash your face at least 2/3 times a day with the water. If you have a problem of acne then use the products specially designed for your skin type. Moisturizing is necessary to protect the skin from pollution, wind etc. Never try to blow up the pimples, this may increase the size of pours and probably cause in scaring.

2. Drink lots of water- This is necessary in order to maintain the skin’s elasticity. Plenty of water is essential to keep your skin healthy and shining. One of the main activities of body’s self-curing system is to remove harmful wastes of metabolizing food and other toxic substances from your body. And this can be done only if sufficient volume of water is flowing through your body. That’s why 6 to 8 glass of water a day is recommendation.

3. Avoid fast food- You may have heard the phrase ‘You are what you eat’ and that is exactly correct while talking about your skin. What you eat is not just applicable to your weight, but it also influence on the health of your skin. It has been proven that eating fast food can cause into acne, pimples and at last blackheads, whiteheads, spots etc. Eating diets attains the fatty acid and antioxidants which plays a major role to preserve your skin youthful. Antioxidants in diet may help reduce the appearance of aging. A good food for keeping skin healthy includes fish, all green vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, juices and fruits including all kind of berries. Make this food a part of your daily diet; this will really benefit you for your further life.

4. Exercise regularly- Get a habit of regular exercise. Do it at least half an hour six days a week. Exercise improves the blood circulation which results in increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Exercise also lightens the stress which is a common cause of acne eruption. Last but not least, exercise liberates endorphins, the feel good stuff in your brain that puts a smile on your face-the best beauty secret.

Ultimately, taking simple precautionary steps you can look the way you want. If you make the above 4 items part of your daily schedule, you’ll look better, feel better. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to keep your skin healthy. All it takes is good judgment and good lifestyles choice.

How to Reduce and Remove Facial Brown Spots Fast

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Women over the age of 40 are more susceptible to the attack of facial brown spots. When the dermis weakens, those spots that you have been putting off from appearing will surely appear at a later point in your life. This does not happen to women only, it can happen to men too especially those people who spent most of their lives outdoors.

Outdoor living is detrimental to the health of our skin. When the sun’s UV rays strike an unprotected skin, it can lead to the loss of core skin components and to the impairment of dermis functions. When are younger, we have this ability to ward off the effects of the sun but when our dermis progresses to the aging stage, it can no longer prevent abnormal melanin production.

The good news is, there is still hope for your aging skin riddled with facial brown spots. Let me tell you more about what you can do:

1. Start by always applying sun screen or products with high SPF. You can rely on the products with high SPF in protecting your dermis and deflecting the harmful UV rays of the sun. Even the make-up you are using should contain SPF as further sun protection.

2. Correct the core problems through a natural moisturizer. The more natural, the better. A chemically-riddled product can be harsh on an aging dermis and you would want to treat your dermis kindly. Choose ingredients like Extrapone Nutgrass and Manuka honey. Extrapone Nutgrass is a type of herbal plant with the extracts that can reduce melanin production significantly and ward off the appearance of pigmentations on the surface of the dermis. According to studies, Extrapone Nutgrass has lightened the spots of people who have tested it in just two weeks. This is also a good choice if you have a need for a product that can reduce excessive skin dryness.

Manuka honey, on the other hand, is no doubt a natural ingredient since it is a bee-produce. It can hydrate your dermis deep down and spruce up its immune functions while supplementing the lacking nutrients in your dermis. In addition to that, it also has the ability to lighten superficial spots such as those facial brown spots on your face.

3. Improve your skin’s ability to fight the effects of the sun. In addition to correcting the core problem of your dermis, it is also ideal to spruce up the functions of your dermis through CynergyTK. This has the ability to bring back collagen and elastin in the body.

How To Take Care Of Your Acne-Prone Skin

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Acne is a skin condition that usually affects teenagers, but older people can likewise be afflicted with it. Acne is caused by many factors, including bacterial infection (P. acnes), genetic, increase sebum / oil production, dirt / grime, hormones, stress, diet and other lifestyle factors.

Good daily skin care is so important for acne-prone skin. A good acne skin care regimen helps remove excess oil, keeps pores clear, and hastens the healing of future breakouts. Fortunately, your daily acne skin care routine doesn’t have to take a lot of time. The following regimen can help your acne-prone skin.

Cleanse twice daily with a mild cleanser. Using only your fingertips (no washcloths or scrubbing pads, please) thoroughly cleanse the face, including your jaw line, neck, and in front of and behind the ears. Use a gentle foaming cleanser, such as Dove or Neutrogena or, if you have inflamed breakouts, choose a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. Wash twice at every cleansing: Cleanse, rinse well, and repeat.

Use a toner or astringent. Apply toner using a cotton ball or pad and gently smooth over the face and neck to remove any leftover makeup or cleanser residue, and excess oil. Choose an alcohol-free toner if your skin gets overly dry. Alcohol can be drying and irritating for some people, especially to skin that is already irritated by breakout activity.

Apply any acne medications or creams, if needed. After your toner has dried completely, smooth on your treatment creams as directed. This could be a medication prescribed by your doctor, or an over-the-counter acne gel or cream. Common acne medications are topical benzoyl peroxide (e.g. Pro-activ), tretinoin (e.g. Retin-A) and salicylic acid (e.g. Glytone). Allow the medication to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Apply an oil-free moisturizer. This is optional. Observe your skin if it’s too dry or peeling, then you may need a moisturizer. But choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, since ordinary ones may increase the oiliness of your skin, which may further exacerbate your acne.

Tips:

1. If toners or astringents seem to over-dry your skin, don’t use them. You aren’t going to harm your skin by not using a toner.

2. Always let the skin dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

What You Need:

o A gentle cleanser

o Toner or astringent

o Cotton balls or cotton pads

o Topical acne medications

o Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer

Facial Microdermabrasion – Is Microdermabrasion Good for Your Skin?

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

You might have heard about facial microdermabrasion. It is one of the most widely performed, as well as most talked about, dermatology treatments right now. Many claim that this procedure can give you healthier, dramatically younger-looking skin in less than an hour.

But what are the facts?

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation process that removes the topmost layer of dead skin from the surface of your face.

This treatment is fast compared to many other, similar treatments. In fact, you can be in and out of the dermatologist’s office in about thirty minutes to an hour. There’s no surgery involved, and very little (if any) pain.

There’s also no real recovery time. So you won’t have to wear bandages, or anything of that nature, after the procedure.

What Are the Benefits?

Facial microdermabrasion has many benefits, the biggest being healthier, younger-looking skin. Some of these benefits include:

Minimizing find lines and wrinkles.

Cleaning out clogged pores.

Minimizing enlarged pores.

Minimizing mild acne scars.

Giving the skin a healthy.

Smoothing rough, coarse skin.

Evening out some uneven pigmentation.

What Are the Risks?

There are very few risks involved in having a microdermabrasion treatment. In fact, one of the reasons the procedure has become so popular is that, compared to some other procedures, it is safe. There is little chance of suffering any side effects.

While this procedure can be safe for almost anyone, people who have very sensitive skin probably shouldn’t have this treatment, because it might be too harsh for their delicate skin. And people with certain skin conditions need to tell the aesthetician or dermatologist about it beforehand. Microdermabrasion may not be recommended for those with certain skin conditions.

To avoid any risks, make sure the person giving you this treatment knows what they are doing. If you are having it done by a dermatologist, ask how long they’ve been doing the procedure. If you are having it done by an aesthetician at a local spa or salon, ask what kind of training they have had.

How Much Will It Cost?

Microdermabrasion is very affordable, especially considering the results. A single treatment usually costs between $100 and $150. And, if you opt to have multiple treatments (which can have even greater benefits) you can often get a discount.

Facial microdermabrasion is definitely good for the skin. Not only will your skin look healthier after a treatment, but it will actually be healthier.

You Will Get an Excellent Travel Hairstyling Kit With GHD Hair Straightener and Hair Dryer

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Most of the women are worried due to the inconvenience in carrying their hair styling tools with them when away from home. They feel it hard to manage their hair during a holiday trip or other similar occasions. Fortunately, the introduction of GHD hair straightener that comes in a compact, easy to carry, light weight design, you can carry them in a small kit to maintain your hair great even when you are away from home. The revolutionary GHD hair straightener kit is complimented with a travel size, GHD travel hair dryer that can be carried using a GHD roll bag that is provided with these products. Thus, your worries about styling your hair at all times are solved. In this article, we will know more about this amazing product.

Available in a Limited edition heat resistant purple GHD roll bag, the hair straightener and hair dryer of GHD is the perfect companion for anyone who has frequent traveling needs. This helps in ensuring that your hair is at its best appearance even during outings. When the choice of the best flat iron comes into your mind, most of the popular hair stylists of the world recommend a high quality, safe ceramic flat iron other than the ordinary metallic irons that would burn and ruin your hair. This amazing product of GHD is a small as 25mm Width, 1 Inch Length 100mm 4 Inches and just the ideal one for you to fit in your purse. Moreover it is integrated with advanced ceramic technology to enhance its quality and safety.

GHD hair straighteners help in accomplishing different hairstyles without damaging your hair or causing frizz or damaging spots. Moreover, it retains the natural moisture of the hair and prevents the formation of bacteria and fungus on the scalp. They are equipped with a good number of noteworthy features such as the universal voltage feature that help to be used from anywhere in the world. It can operate from 110V to 220V and can sense the incoming voltage, thereby adapting to any condition. The GHD hairdryer is also integrated with advanced ceramic technology that is capable of maintaining stable heat while drying. It is also provided with universal voltage feature and can operate with the same voltage as the hair iron.

Treatment for Brown Spots on Your Hands and Face

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Brown spots on the face, neck, and arms are among one of the most common cosmetic complaints addressed by dermatologists. Brown spots in these locations may be due to numerous causes, including but not limited to: post-infammatory hyperpigmentation, lentigos, poikiloderma (sun damage), seborrheic keratoses, and even melanoma. The discussion of cosmetic treatment of lentigos and poikiloderma will be addressed here, but it can not be stressed enough that a consultation with your dermatologist to determine the nature of any brown spot present in any location is needed to make absolutely sure that you are not dealing with a melanoma or other malignancy.

For brown spots due to lentigos and poikiloderma, usual treatments include bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, mequinol, or kojic acid in various percentages. For creams or solutions containing hydroquinone or mequinol, there may also be a variety of other ingredients to augment the bleaching effect such as tretinoin, glycolic acid, sunscreen, or a topical steroid. In most cases, bleaching the affected area simply requires using the bleaching cream twice daily in addition to a protective sunscreen. It is wise to know that one day out in the sun may reverse all the effective bleaching that you might have done up to that point. Thus, effective sunscreen use and sun avoidance are essential in preventing recurrence of the brown lesions.

In addition to bleaching creams, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, laser treatment with a 532nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for obvious lentigos, or an IPL / Flash-lamp Pulsed Dye laser for lentigos +/- photodamage may be used to achieve more immediate and even results. Discussion for use of these lasers require a consultation with an experienced dermatologist, and a coordinated treatment plan with either tretinoin products, hydroquinone / mequinol products, or other topical treatments may be the best method by which to achieve the most excellent results.