hair&skin

4 tips for making fine, limp hair beautiful

2007-01-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Fine hair does not have to be limp and lifeless. Follow these four steps to put body and beauty back into your fine hair.

Usually if a person’s hair is limp and lifeless, you can blame it on genetics because this hair problem is usually a result of the person having fine individual hair strands (not to be confused with thin or thinning hair). But even if genetics has dealt you a bad hand in the hair department, you don’t have to put up with it. It is possible to transform lifeless hair into full bodied voluminous hair. Here’s how:

1) Choose your shampoos and conditioners carefully. Any product that claims to add moisture is probably the wrong product for you. You don’t need a product that leaves behind a heavy residue because these will only make limp locks look more flat. Look for lightweight or clean rinsing shampoos and conditioners and use them everyday to wash away excess naturally occurring scalp oil. Your hair could also benefit from the use of a conditioner that contains proteins which will help thicken up fine hair.

2) While you style, add in a product that is formulated to thicken or volumize hair and a texturizing product. The volumizing product should be applied at the root to give hair instant lift. When hair doesn’t lay so flat on the scalp, it gives more body and lift to your hair. The texturizing product helps roughen up the naturally soft and smooth texture of your hair to help the hair take and hold styling attempts better. This is useful if, after heat-styling, your hair looks completely flat by mid-morning.

3) Adding body no longer means teasing. Teasing is sloppy and causes tangling so don’t do it just for the sake of body. If your hair is naturally pretty smooth, you can wrap damp hair around Velcro rollers and either let it air dry or, for a speedier approach, blow dry it around the rollers. If you’d rather not mess with rollers for fear of tangling, use a wide barreled curling iron to get the same look. Using an iron will also give your hair a smoother look that it might have if allowed to air dry. We all thought crimping was a thing of the past, but actually that old crimping iron has a use. Separate your top layers of hair from the very bottom. Twist the top layers up on top of your head and fasten them out of the way. On the bottom-most layer of your hair, the ones that no one will be able to see, crimp the first couple of inches of your hair nearest to the scalp and you now have a quick, tease-free way to plump up your locks.

4) A long hair cut with long layers makes limp hair too heavy. For instant lift, make an appointment with your hair stylist and ask for a shorter, layered ‘do. Choose a style that sits at or above the shoulders because fine hair that is any longer than shoulder length will be too weighted down and unable to swing, move and bounce around the way hair with body should be able to.

Written by Angela McKendree - © 2002 Pagewise

How to remove hair color after disasters

2007-01-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Read on for tips and ideas on how to remove hair color after a hair dying disaster.

Uh-oh. Some how the hair color you have been dreaming about went wrong. It may be too bright, too dark, or it simply is not the color you wanted. You hate it so much you cannot bear to walk out of the house with such a disastrous color on your head. Perhaps, it is the colorist’s fault, or maybe you were the one who turned your head into a monster. Well, the first thing to do is to accept it. Your hair is in a bit of a funk, but time and patience can help correct it. The second thing you can do is to avoid making drastic decisions such as trying to fix or hide the color by applying more hair dye. This will only create further problems such as hair breakage and/or hair loss. Next, stop placing blame. No matter who is to blame, you cannot go back in time. The only solution is to move forward and to try to repair it best as you can.

If a professional colorist at a salon applied the color, return back to the salon as soon as possible. The colorist should be able to correct the mistake that caused the hair color to go wrong. However, they will only be able to correct a mistake caused by them. If the coloring process went wrong because of something you did, they may not be able to correct the mistake. Usually, the salon can correct the problem at no additional charge to you. It is always a good idea to use the same colorist who colored your hair. Keep in mind that correcting bad hair color does not and will not happen over night. The correction process can take up to five visits to the salon to correct extremely disastrous hair. Time and patience are two things you must have if you want to get through this.

A lot of people choose to color their hair at home using a home coloring hair kit, instead of having it done professionally. If home coloring was the method you used and the end result turned out to be something different from what you expected. The problem can probably be fixed as well. However, correcting at home color can be very hard, especially if a permanent hair dye or bleaching product was used. The best option for correcting at home color is having a professional work on your hair. If you want to try to solve the problem yourself there are some things you can try to correct it. If the hair color used was a light to medium shade, you may be able to cover it with a semi-permanent hair color after a few days. If you used a very dark shade such as black, then you might as well live with it. Dark hair color disasters are very hard to correct because the pigments in the dye are very strong. Now if you do decide to try to cover the damage, call the manufacturer of the product first. They will be able to assist you in covering the color. Only professionals should use products designed to strip color from the hair. These products are not recommended for consumers unless they know exactly what they are doing.

Sometimes the answer to color damage is simple solutions. If your color damage was caused by chlorine, that turned your shade to green. A special chlorine removing shampoo can be used to remove the green hue from your hair. If that method fails to work you can try soaking your hair in tomato juice which will neutralize the green hue. Another solution to color damage is fading the color. This helps especially for color damage that is too bright. Heat, different types of shampoos, and various hair styling products can all cause the hair color to fade. Time and patience again is the key. The color will not fade instantly, but given enough time it will.

The main thing to remember when dealing with a disastrous hair color problem is to learn from it. Mistakes happen. If you are unable to correct the problem, remember its just hair. The color will eventually grow out or fade on its on. If you want to speed up the process, you can always have a stylist cut it into a flattering style. You can also use this time to accessorize your hair and try out different styles. Be smart in the decisions you make about hair coloring and hair color correcting. It is better to have a head full of orange hair than a head without hair.

Written by Makita Johnson - © 2002 Pagewise

Herbal skin care products

2007-01-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Herbs that are good for cleansing and healing the skin.

Since ancient times, women have turned to the bounties of nature to help increase their own beauty. The ancient Romans used beauty packs of eggs and honey (amongst others), and Egyptians are well-known for their use of oils and perfumes.

Today, when cosmetics counters offer cleansers full of artificial ingredients for astronomical prices, you might want to consider looking in your pantry for natural alternatives.

Chamomile, chervil, dandelion, fennel, lime flowers, rosemary leaves, are all cleansing, and mildly astringent. Infusing any one of them into a tea will make for a light and refreshing rinse for your skin.

If you are looking for natural antiseptics, try an infusion of lavender, mint, thyme, or witch hazel. If you skin suffers from frequent outbreaks,these may well help.

Baths can be made into a spa experience with the creation of simple bath bags. If you're feeling quite stressed, improve the relaxing nature of a warm bath by combining chamomile, lime flowers and valerian root in one-to-one proportion in a small linen bag. Simply drop in the tub as the water is running. Any of the herbs listed above, however, can make for a pleasing and sweet-smelling experience.

© 2002 Pagewise

How to have beautiful hair

2006-12-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

Want to make the most of your hair? Here are some easy to follow tips that can help to give you a beautiful, healthy look.

Women's hair has been a symbol of femininity since the beginning of time. Thick, long, and full-bodied styles emphasize womanly appeal. But even short styles can accent her best features to enhance her physical appearance.

If you were born with thin, limp, or perhaps even normal hair, or have experienced an illness or environmental conditions that have damaged your hair, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your locks:

1. Get a hairstyle that suits your face. Some styles make round faces look thin, while other designs trim inches off long countenances. Find out what looks best on you by consulting a hairstyle professional to get an image consultation. Some inexpensive software programs can show what a different style would look like by matching your face with various hairdo’s.

2. Change your style occasionally. Rather than wear one hairdo the rest of your life, add versatility to your look. Try one design by day, another for evening, and perhaps still another for recreation or sports. Pull your hair into a topknot or a chignon at the back of your neck. Or weave side locks into braids and pull them back with a flower or band.

3. Get your hair trimmed regularly. Six to eight weeks is the usual amount of time most people need between trims, as dead ends accumulate or the style starts to look scruffy. Some folks' hair grows quickly enough to require a monthly cut, while others may slow to the point that they need a salon visit every two or three months. Find out what works best with your hair length and growth style.

4. Coordinate makeup, jewelry, and clothes with your hairstyle. If you have a sophisticated cut, don't wear a teenybopper outfit. If you must do so, adjust your hairstyle accordingly. Let your hair say something about your personality to create a sleek, overall impression.

5. Consider coloring, frosting, or tipping your hair to add highlights. Check with your stylist for the product and hues that are right for your complexion and scalp condition. Follow directions for allergy testing before using any new product. You may want to sample it on a small, hidden hair section to see if the color takes evenly.

6. Don't go extreme. Experiment freely, but do so when you don't have somewhere important to go, and consider a temporary style that can be fixed or you can live through if it doesn't work out. Getting a spike dyed purple may be a bit much for your stockbroker job, so wait until you go on vacation or take a leave before trying something dramatic that may impact the way others judge you, rightly or wrongly.

7. Use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. There are so many different types on the market these days that it would be easy to pick up the wrong one by mistake. Read labels carefully to decide if you want a shampoo that clarifies, adds volume, or preserves color.

Having a beautiful head of hair can make you stand out in the crowd. But take steps like those outlined above to be sure you stand apart in a positive rather than a shocking way!

Written by Debra Johanyak - © 2002 Pagewise

10 quick skin care tips

2006-11-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

10 quick skin care tips
These ten quick skin care tips will help you keep your skin looking its best.

1) Wear sunscreen daily, even if you will not be outside for long. This is perhaps the most important skin care tip of all. Sun damage is the leading cause of both premature aging and skin cancer. Even if you think a tan looks great on you now, in a few years, you could begin to show signs of premature aging. Use at least SPF 15 sunscreen and apply it on your face, neck and chest, as well as any other area that will be exposed. You don’t have to wear the same kind daily on your face that you wear to the beach—look for foundation cream and moisturizers containing sunscreen.

2) Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. Water is vitally important for flushing out the body’s systems, and skin is the most visible organ system of all. Dehydration is one of the most common problems that prevents many people from looking or feeling their best.

3) Wash daily with an anti-bacterial soap, and do not leave makeup on overnight. This will help prevent acne from developing or worsening and prevent infection. Some of the most frequent types of medication prescribed for acne are antibiotics, and an anti-bacterial soap works by the same principles, except it is applied directly to the surface of your skin.

4) Get plenty of vitamins. Many vitamins have been proven effective for skin care. Vitamin A, found in many anti-aging products in the form of Retinol has been shown to stimulate cell regeneration, which helps restore elasticity, and improve pigmentation. Vitamin E helps skin heal and can reduce the appearance of scarring. Vitamin B7 supplements can help reduce acne over the course of several weeks. Many other vitamins and minerals are essential to the health of your skin, so eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and consider taking a multivitamin.

5) Use an exfoliator once or twice a week. Exfoliating your skin causes dead cells on the surface to be sloughed off, exposing fresher-looking skin. This will smooth out uneven dry patches and give your face a more youthful, radiant appearance. Facial exfoliation is beneficial for both men and women because it can help prevent ingrown hairs after shaving and provide a smoother base for makeup application as well. Exfoliation is also good for the skin because it stimulates circulation and encourages cell regeneration.
6) Test new facial products on a small patch of skin underneath your chin before applying them all over your entire face. Even if a product seems safe to use, if you have never tried it before, you never know exactly how your skin will react. Wait overnight to see if the test area develops hives, redness, itchiness, or irritation.

7) Keep your hands and hair away from your face to prevent excess oil from causing pimples, and keep your makeup brushes clean. At night, tie your hair back to keep it from your face while you sleep, and if you tend to sleep on your hands try putting them underneath your pillow instead. Throw out old makeup and products over several months old, and never share makeup with your friends. Don’t use the sample makeup in stores unless it is individually packaged because this can easily spread germs. If you need to test out a new color, use the skin on the top of your hand or forearm--never apply free samples to your face.

8) Treat skin problems early to prevent them from worsening. If severe acne is left untreated, pustules can burst underneath the skin, leaving scars. Never pick at or pop a pimple, because this prolongs healing and can leave unsightly marks. Instead, wash daily with a drying agent such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If home remedies do not work, you should visit a dermatologist. Also go to the doctor immediately if you have any wounds that won’t heal or if you notice odd changes in pigmentation or the size of the mole.

9) Use skin care products and makeup specifically designed for your skin type. If you don’t know what type of skin you have, many cosmetics counters offer a free skin care assessment. If you are prone to acne, look for oil-free makeup and moisturizers. African American and Asian skin sometimes requires special care.

10) Be gentle with your skin, particularly around the eyes. Try to be aware of frowning expressions and tension in your face, because you do not want wrinkles to form in an unpleasant way. Try to smile more. A pleasant expression will make you look younger.

© 2002 Pagewise

Natural hair rinses [Hair - Care]

2006-11-25T02:31:00.000-08:00

Natural hair rinses

Instead of lying down money to purchase hair rinses at the local drug store, there are natural herbs and products right in your own kitchen to make the best rinses

When the hair and scalp is damaged by environmental factors such as pollutants, heat, dry indoor air, permanents, dyes and strong shampoos, a good healthy hair rinse can be the anwser to bring the life back into one's hair.

Because the scalp supplies that hair with the protein and nutrients through a network of blood vessels, the most effective hair rinses act directly on the scalp than on the hair shafts themselves. One of the two types of rinses are chemical and natural. Natural rinses are more prefered because they act as stimulates, and help the circulation in the scalp rather than just coating the hair with a protective chemical film active.

Natural hair rinses also repair damaged hair by strengthening it and giving it a more fresh appearance. They nourish the hair follicules and promote healthy growth.

To apply a natural rinse, do the same preparation as if you were boiling tea. Pour one cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of herbs. Steep for ten minutes, then strain. Massage into scalp gently and evenly, leave it on the hair without rinsing and then dry your hair with a dry soft towel. Avoid blow drying if possible.

A couple rinses that will bring back the natural shine and body to your hair are:

Sage rinses, sage helps reduce the buildup of oil on the scalp and promotes healthier hair. Use this rinse after shampooing for three weeks.

Birch Leaf Rinse; When used regularly, this hair rinse will help to maintain the health of the scalp and may even be a good choice to help prevent hair loss. It also keeps hair soft and gives it a silky sheen. Warning: On blonde hair it will darken it.

Chamomile Rinse; This rinse sooths and heals the scalp and gives hair a silky sheen. It is also good to lighten blonde highlights.

Linden Flower Rinse; This rinse is helpful for over stressed and dried out hair. It also promotes circulation in the scalp and makes hair grow more healthier.

Other hints and guidelines to maintain a healthy scalp and silky sheen:

Rinse hair with beer to add shine and body. Once a month use a can of flat beer. After applying beer rinse, you can rinse off with warm, not hot, water. The beer acts as a natural setting lotion, giving blown dried hair increased vitality, resilience and hold. The vitamin B in it and natural sugar add the body and shine.

Sesame oil to reduce sun damage. Massage a few tablespoons of this oil into your hair and scalp before going out into the sun for prolong periods. Sesame oil includes a natural SPF of about 2.5. For added protection, use ten drops of carrot seed essential oil, which is quite high in antioxidants.

For those split ends, rub olive oil into the ends of hair 2-3 times per week. For best results leave the oil on overnight and wash out in the morning.

Written by Danielle Naibert - © 2002 Pagewise

How do I cure acne? [Skin - Acne]

2006-11-25T02:10:00.000-08:00

How do I cure acne?

How do I cure acne; find the solutions here.

Teenagers are not the only ones who can get acne. Adults, at least 50%, suffer from blemishes and acne also. Sometimes adult acne is a result of pregnancy, diet, menopause or emotional upset. For some people acne is due to genetics or hormones that create excessive oil production and this clogs the pores of the skin. Some cosmetics can block pores which will create pimples.

All pimples or zits are created the same way. This is how it happens. The skin is constantly renewing itself and under normal conditions the old skin cells will shed. But sometimes these cells will stick together and they plug the hair follicle forming a comedone. Open comedones are blackheads and closed comedones are whiteheads.

When a closed comedone ruptures you get a pimple or zit. Pimples vary in size and appearance. They start out as papules which are small reddish bumps. They turn into pustules when they come to a head. And there ones that get inflamed and they are called deep cysts which contain blood and pus and can cause scarring.

To keep your face acne free try some of these tips...

For mild acne using an over the counter topical solution will help to alleviate it. Look for a gel or soap formulated with benzoyl peroxide which kills P.ances, the bacteria that causes acne.

The best defense against acne is to treat your skin gently. No picking, squeezing or rubbing it. Keep your dirty fingers off your face. Avoid heavy oil based cosmetics and creams that will clog the pores. Also, pay close attention to your diet. There is no conclusive evidence that diet is the culprit in acne, but eating only pizza, chips, nuts and other greasy foods can’t help.

If these over the counter remedies do not work consider seeing a dermatologist. Depending on your needs you will be prescribed the most effective treatment for you. Retin-A will banish blemishes and wrinkles. It is a topical cream that is made up of vitamin A that works by expelling the blackheads and whiteheads. Alpha hydroxy acids are also another topical cream your doctor may prescribe. It works to slough off dead skin cells and rejuvenates the skin. You can buy AHA at the drug store but a dermatologist can prescribe it in a stronger solution which is more effective. For severe acne a doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics like tetracycline. Or a doctor may give you a mini-shot of steroids or give you the drug Accutane.

© 2002 Pagewise

How to get healthy skin [Skin - Care]

2006-11-25T01:58:00.000-08:00

How to get healthy skin

There are lots of things you can do to get healthy skin.

A glowing, smooth skin is one of the first things you notice about an attractive, well-groomed person. But looking neat and attractive is easier when you are healthy. You can keep your body healthy with responsible hygiene. Hygiene is a set of healthful practices that help prevent disease. Hygiene includes good health habits, such as eating a variety of foods, exercising, getting enough rest, and keeping your body clean. You hygiene program should also include careful choices of grooming products. Many of them may have chemicals that can irritate the skin. Preventing and properly treating skin infections and disorders, as well as avoiding overexposure to the sun are important considerations.

Cleanliness is also a must. Regular washing of the face with warm water and soap removes oil, sweat, dirt, skin scales, and bacteria. Dry skin may benefit from soap with a cream base. Sensitive skin may require the use of scent-free or non-allergenic soap. Plenty of water should be used to rinse away the soap.

Since the body is constantly excreting oil and perspiration, regular bathing is important. A daily bath or shower is essential to good health as well as for social reasons. Body odor develops in the absence of bathing. Deodorants and antiperspirants help to eliminate or prevent perspiration.

Many creams and lotions are available to cleanse, lubricate, and moisturize the skin. They are especially helpful for people who have excessively dry skin that is sensitive to soap.

The oil glands of the skin may become overactive, clogging the pores with oil. Oil and dirt that collect in pores produce blackheads. Washing the face regularly removes surface dirt and helps to prevent blackheads. People whose skin tends to be oily may find it necessary to wash the face several times a day. To close the pores after washing, apply cold towels and rubbing alcohol.

Gentle pressure after washing can remove most blackheads. However, this should be done carefully, without squeezing. Hard squeezing results in bruised skin tissue and may force dirt and bacteria into the pores, causing infection. Stubborn blackheads can be safely removed with a specially designed instrument. This instrument should only be used by a physician or some other person trained in its use.

Overexposure to the sun hastens again of the skin. Skin cells become dry and wrinkled and lose their elasticity. Oil glands become dry and blood vessels near the surface of the skin increase in size.

Oil, lotions, creams, or other suntan preparations do not increase the speed or depth of tanning. Such preparations may help prevent dryness. they may permit long exposure to the sun without burning. They do no product a tan.

Good health produces natural attractiveness. Cosmetics can help enhance a person's better features and minimize unattractive ones. They should be used with care, however. Cleaning is important. Cosmetics clog pores and may cause skin problems. Yesterday's makeup is today's dirt. Some of the ingredients in certain cosmetics may irritate sensitive skin. Change to a different type of makeup if signs of skin irritation appear.

The same rules of cleanliness, diet, and exercise for a clear, healthy skin apply to both sexes. For anyone who engages in sports and other strenuous activities, an extra shower during the day is advisable.

© 2002 Pagewise

Clear skin with nature [Skin - Care]

2006-11-25T01:47:00.000-08:00

Clear skin with nature

Cheap,natural, and safe alternatives to clean and healthy skin.

The cosmetic industry makes billions of dollars each year from the public’s quest for great skin. There is something for everyone: oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, acne marked skin, and sensitive skin. No matter what the problem, some company has marketed a solution just for you. While many chemical products do have merit, skin care solutions can be expensive. One trip to the mall can result in hundreds of dollars of lotions and potions aimed and cleaning, moisturizing, and reversing the affects of time. Before going the mall or the drug store try looking in the refrigerator or grocery store. There are skin solutions that can be found in your cupboard or the produce section.

One common skin care product is the mask. Masks are used mainly to clean pores and tighten skin. To create a natural mask to draw out impurities and tighten your pores look no further than your refrigerator. Two useful masks both involve egg. In order to moisturize and soothe the skin mix together one egg, a heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise and a tablespoon of honey. Mix this together thoroughly with a fork and apply sparingly to the skin. Allow this to dry and then wipe off with a warm washcloth. Follow this with your favorite toner and enjoy the fresh clean feeling. A good mask for tightening and drawing out impurities is a simple egg. Beat a cold egg with a teaspoon of water. With your fingers liberally spread the egg all over your face. Allow the egg to dry. Your skin will become very taught and the dried egg will crack. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Your pores will be visibly smaller and your skin will feel taut and clean.

Another popular product is the scrub. Scrubs are used to exfoliate. Exfoliation is removing the outermost layer of dead skin. By doing so, fresh skin is revealed resulting in a smoother texture and healthy color. A scrub that is appropriate for all skin types involves honey, oatmeal, and orange juice. Mix together one-half cup oatmeal, one egg, and a tablespoon of honey, and two tablespoons of orange juice. Thoroughly mix this all together, and gently scrub your face with it. Do not scrub too hard. Hard scrubbing will damage your skin and strip away too much natural oils. After scrubbing, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

One other product that blankets the cosmetic market is the astringent. Astringents are meant to dry up oil and tone the skin. Ones that contain alcohol are drying agents while those that do not cleanse while keeping natural skin balance. The best natural a low cost astringent for all skin types is witch hazel. Witch Hazel is a natural substance and is very gentle. It can be used anytime for a quick refreshing of the skin. Simply apply to a cotton ball and liberally smooth over the skin and allow to air dry. In addition to its soothing qualities, it also smells clean and botanical.

Chemicals whether natural or man made will not help the skin if a healthy lifestyle is not maintained in addition to good skin care. Three important lifestyle habits necessary to clear skin are consistent adequate sleep, good hydration, and regular exercise. Sleep is very important to the body. Getting good rest will always leave the body and the face refreshed and healthy. One only has to look in the mirror after a night of restless sleep to see the bags, dark circles, and acne that can result from lack of proper rest. Hydration is also important. Drinking eight or more eight-ounce glasses of water a day helps to keep the system clean. Water is necessary to cleanse impurities and to keep the skin well hydrated. Last but certainly not least is exercise. Regular aerobic exercise helps to maintain good blood flow and cardiovascular health. This results in your body becoming increasingly efficient with toxin removal.

Remember that clear skin is a lifestyle and not something that comes in a bottle. Before you spend lots of money on the latest cure-all facial remedy, turn to your kitchen and run around the block. Wake up to new skin.

© 2002 Pagewise

How do I get healthy looking skin? [Skin - Care]

2006-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

How do I get healthy looking skin?

How do I get healthy looking skin? Read and follow these guidelines.

You can have younger looking skin at any age. Here is how to undo skin damage as a result of too much sun exposure.

Freckles are cute across a little girls nose, but when you are not a kid anymore, freckles can turn into brown splotches on your face. Are these little splotches freckles or age spots? Minimizing their appearance in either case is easy.

As our skin ages the dermis tries hard to protect itself from the suns' burning rays and increases its production of melanin this leaves brown splotches on the skin. The best protection against these age spots is to avoid the sun and use sunscreen.

But, if you already have splotchy skin you can use bleaching creams to fade age spots. Drug stores sell bleaching creams over the counter. These creams contain hydroquinone and go by names such as Porcelana. The hydroquinone fades brown spots in about 6 weeks time. Critics say that hydroquinone creams bought over the counter are not strong enough and that a doctor can prescribe a higher strength. Dermatologist also say that a fading cream works best when used a long with a Retin-A cream. Retin-A must be prescribed by a physician.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids can work to reduce age spots and also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It works by using the mild acids from natural substances like fruit and milk to slough off dead skin cells.

To really refresh skin and get rid of age spots and wrinkles use a combination of all of the above. A topical cocktail of Retin-A, hydroquinone and Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

If creams are not getting rid of your skin problems several procedures can be done by your dermatologist.

Skin Peels: A doctor uses a 50 precent solution of salicylic acid. The problem spot blisters and peels off within two days. A single treatment runs about $350.00 it is very effective but takes several weeks to stop blistering and peeling.

Freeze out age spots. A dermatologist can freeze age spots with liquid nitrogen. Pain is surprisingly minimal. This treatment can have side effects in some people. It can leave scarring or a white spot in place of the brown spot.

Laser treatment on age spots destroys the cells making the excess pigmentation. New normally functioning pigment cells move back into that area. This method works best on one isolated brown spot. Laser treatment is generally not painful. Doctors agree that laser treatment carries the smallest amount of side effects.

© 2002 Pagewise

Natural hair care ideas [Hair-Care]

2006-11-25T00:42:00.000-08:00

Natural hair care ideas

Natural hair care that can be done in the privacy of your own home for a fraction of the cost of salon treatments.

Many men and women spend tons of money in beauty salons for simple things they can do at home with a little time and research. The benefits are not only the money saved but also the convenience and privacy of doing it in your own home. However, the idea of home beauty care conjures up images for some of Lucy Ricardo in the episode where she wrecks her hair before her big night out.

First is eyebrow or mustache waxing. I recommend getting a buddy to help with this one. Depilatory wax is sold over the counter at any drug store and can be heated in a crock-pot filled with water or in the microwave. Just be sure to test on your finger before applying to the skin around your eye. The wax should be very warm, not hot. Apply the wax to the unwanted hair, then apply a strip of cheesecloth over it and gently press. Wait a few moments for the wax to harden then quickly remove the strip. Pulling too slowly causes unnecessary discomfort.

Second is conditioning treatments. You can get the packets or containers of cholesterol or deep conditioning formulas at beauty supply stores or use warm (not hot) olive oil. Apply the conditioner of your choice, and then wrap in a warm towel that you can heat in the microwave (again test for heat before applying). Leave on while you relax or have a cup of coffee and then wash or rinse your hair (if you use the oil you may want to shampoo). This will give you shiny renewed hair for pennies a treatment.

Next are highlights. If you are going for an all out color change, going to a salon would be preferable unless you know what you are doing, but its easy to add a glossy sheen to hair that has not been colored. Simply buy an over the counter highlight or “hair painting” kit, which comes with full instructions and an applicator brush. Or if you just want to add some shine, mix up a batch of lemon juice, apply and go sit out on your patio in the sun for a while.

If you like long, stylish nails you would do well to learn to do them yourself to save tons of money in professional maintenance.

Facials can also be done using ingredients from the fridge. Try an mashed avacodo mask to moisturize, egg white to decrease oil and cucumbers to refresh tired eyes.

Last, but most importantly is style. Armed with as supply of hot rollers and some styling gel, you can create a variety of looks. If you have a roommate, or a hairstyle buddy, you can try looks like the “French braid” or cornrows on each other. If your hair is short, add some volume with a few small rollers or spike it up a little with some gel. Add accents like beads and barrettes that you can purchase at the local dollar store and you have a multitude of possibilities. Books on hair styling can be found at the library or local books store. Have a styling party and invite friends over to lend their expertise. The more ideas you share, the more possibilities you have for your “home salon”.

© 2002 Pagewise