Thursday, November 4, 2010

Tips and Techniques for Great Looking Skin

The skin is the first part of the body that physically changes to show age, wear and tear. The choices we make in our early life are the choices our skin will reflect later in life.


Don’t you want to look younger? Let’s try some simple techniques like

If you want to look and feel younger exercising daily can prove to be better for body better that any bottled anti aging products.

Protect your skin from sun as it can cause wrinkles and age spots. So try using sunscreen that is free from toxic chemicals.

Stop smoking as it accelerate the normal aging process of your skin and contribute to wrinkles.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids such as fruits, vegetables etc.

Get your proper sleep as your body needs to produce human growth hormone an essential ingredient for skin that’s thick and less prone to wrinkle.

Exfoliate your skin a few times a week as it takes off dead skin cells.

                                                                                                                                    
Remove your stress by following meditation and yoga. Yoga relaxes the muscles and imparts a natural glow and fairness to the skin.

Drink plenty of water, as it will help to flush out the toxins from your body and cleanse them.

Expose yourself to early morning sun for a short time daily, it is heliotherapy or sun treatment. Sun is the source of power and energy.

Avoid alcohol as this dehydrates the body which is not good for the skin.

Home remedy for anti aging

• Vitamin E is well known home remedy for anti aging. Apply this daily on age spots it will fade away gradually.

• Try getting a proper facial massage as it increases blood circulation which results in tightening of the muscle and tissues and will help in restoring a younger look. Massage should start from neck upwards and end at the forehead.

• For a chemical free cleanser raw milk can be used. It cleans unseen dirt and goes down into your pores.

• Simple yoga practice like pranayama, siddhasana and sarvangasana can improve the blood circulation to your skin and will make you look young.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Reach for That Chocolate and Remain Young!

Yes eating dark chocolate in moderation helps fight anti-aging. Just like spinach, olive oil and tomato chocolate, studies claim, can actually retard aging. The key word here is MODERATION.


What does chocolate contain that makes it so healthy? For one, chocolate contains flavonoids that reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

The flip side is, it's not that only chocolate contains flavonoids, lots of fruits and vegetables contain this health promoting substance too. So add a lot of fruits and vegetables to your diet, besides a little chocolate.

Yet, you'll be happy to know that the flavonoids in chocolates contain two substances called procyanidins and flavanols that are wonderful antioxidants. The same antioxidants are found in grape juice and green tea.

Did you know that optimum antioxidant levels in the bloodstream can help reduce risk of cancer by protecting DNA, protect your body against inflammation, besides helping keep blood vessels and heart in good condition?

Another point in f(l)avor of chocolates - lab tests have proved that antioxidant property of chocolate is more effective than that in green tea, black tea or red wine!

Here is some more good news about chocolates. Scientists have proved two anti-chocolate myths wrong.

Myth One: Chocolates cause migraine: Oh no! They do not

Myth Two: Chocolates rot healthy teeth: Oh no! Too much of anything sweet is harmful to teeth, if you do not maintain a healthy brush-floss-mouthwash regimen. Bitter chocolates, in moderation, do not harm teeth In fact they work against the harm sugar causes to teeth

Are you in pain? Have a chocolate! Yes chocolates are capable of helping release endorphins in the brain that are pain relievers. Research has also shown that stress levels are much lower in people who consume cocoa beans regularly. That is because chocolates have chemicals that can promote healthy blood flow and hence prevent blood clots and heart attacks.


Chocolates have important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron, a load of Vitamins (A, B1, C, D, and E) and other important nutrients like nitric oxide that can keep you healthy. So when you want to eat this delicious health bar here is what you should remember

  • Dark chocolates are healthier than milk chocolates
  • Chocolates from reputed and well endorsed companies are preferable to brands you do not know much about
  • Avoid chocolates that are rich in saturated fats and sugars

 The latest on chocolates: Scientists have sequenced the genome of two cocoa trees. Cocoa being the basic ingredient in chocolates, this endeavor will create a premise for developing high quality cocoa beans from disease free trees.



Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Secret to Age Retarding – Facelift without Surgery!

Aging is a common natural process which can be delayed, if not prevented completely, by age retarding facial exercises. Exercising save you’re the trouble of going for expensive cosmetic surgery which can also be painful and may not provide the desired results.

These exercises if done systematically and consistently can help remove aging effects like muscle atrophy and make you look younger. These exercises have the power to revitalize your facial tissues and shape and contour your face easily. The other advantage is that you can perform these exercises at home or anywhere by using an anti-aging face roller whenever you find it convenient. The benefits are immense as you can look and feel good as you age.

Here are some simple exercises that help to rejuvenate your facial skin and tissues as facial skin is the first to show signs of aging.

• Face tone exercise is an effective age retarding exercise, where the facial skin is extended and pulled upwards. This helps in tightening of the skin. For this, mechanical gloves are used. Lotions, creams, or gels are applied to pads which are rotated over the face using a machine.

• Chewing a gum is a recommended anti aging facial exercise of the cheeks. The repeated motion will help in tightening your cheeks.

• Age retarding exercise for lips requires you to push your lips out and make a round shape, stretching them forward in the process. Now smile as wide as possible, hold for a second and resume the round shape again. This needs to be repeated 10 times a day.

• For the eyes, shutting them tightly and then opening them as wide as you can, helps in relaxation of the eyes.

• Another eye exercise is to press a finger on each side of your head at the temples and keep opening and closing the eyelids rapidly a few times. This is to tone up the eye muscles.

• Close your eyes and sit in a relaxed pose. Keeping your eyes closed, look up and down repeatedly for about 10 times.

• Look straight while sitting upright. Keep your eyes wide open and look up and down ten times. Then look left and right without moving your body or head. Repeat this for ten times.

• For the forehead frowning is a good exercise. Frown by bringing your eyebrows close to each other. Lifting your eyebrows, open your eyes as wide as you can. Repeat this 5 times.

• The other effective facial exercise is to repeatedly lift your eyebrows as much as you can then bring them down. This helps in keeping the forehead wrinkle free for a longer time by distressing it thereby retarding the aging process.

• Lines on the forehead are clearly visible. They can be removed with a simple exercise. Keep the pads of your middle fingers at the top of the nose bridge. Now place your index fingers each side of the bridge of your nose, just below your middle finger. Hold both fingers gently but firmly and gradually move the muscles under the fingers in an upward direction. Make four or five upward movements, holding 15 seconds and then return in four slow steps. Repeat this three times.

• To remove the sagging of eyelids, lie on the bed with your head hanging over the edge. Raise your eyebrows keeping your eyes wide open. Repeat this ten times.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Anti Aging Facial Exercises to Look Younger

Aging is a natural phenomenon. As we age, the facial skin develops wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and other aging symptoms. Everyone tries to look younger in some way by reducing wrinkles or by coloring the gray hair and wearing contact lens. There are expensive solutions offered by the beauty salons and medical solutions such as a cosmetic or plastic surgery. Eating healthy food and a good exercise program are the natural and cheapest ways to improve your skin to prevent or retard aging. The least expensive and practical way within the reach of all is through Anti Aging Facial Exercises.


Anti aging facial exercises increase the blood circulation which makes your face stress free and relaxed. These exercises can be performed even at home by buying yourself an anti-aging face roller which you can use anytime and anywhere. These exercises help to shape and contour your face easily and without the high costs of going for a cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Following are some simple exercises that revitalize your facial skin and tissues to ensure that you are on your way to a healthier and more beautiful skin, looking younger for a long time.

• An easy facial exercise is to repeatedly lift your eyebrows as much as you can then bring them down. This is one of the highly effective anti aging facial exercises that helps in keeping the forehead wrinkle free for a longer time by distressing it

• For the eyes, shutting them tightly and then opening them as wide as you can, helps in relaxation of the eyes

• Chewing a gum is a recommended anti Aging facial exercise of the cheeks. The repeated motion will help in tightening your cheeks

• Face tone exercise is an effective anti aging facial exercise, where the facial skin is extended and pulled upwards. This helps in tightening of the skin. For this, mechanical gloves are used. Lotions, creams, or gels are applied to pads which are rotated over the face using a machine. This helps in minimizing the wrinkles from aging and weather beats.

• Anti aging facial exercise for lips requires you to push your lips out and make a round shape, stretching them forward in the process. Now smile as wide as possible, hold for a second and resume the round shape again. This needs to be repeated 10 times a day

• To remove frown lines, place the pads of your middle fingers at the top of the nose bridge. Now place your index fingers each side of the bridge of your nose, just below your middle finger. Hold both fingers gently but firmly and gradually move the muscles under the fingers in an upward direction. Make four or five tiny upward movements, hold for 15 seconds and then return in four slow steps. Repeat this three times.

• Aging causes the eyelids to droop. To help you to get rid of this, curve your index fingers and place them under each eyebrow, following the eyebrow shape. Now push up with your fingers, raising your brows slightly in the process. Hold in that position and close your eyes without moving your fingers or eyebrows. The upper eyelid now needs to be moved downwards over your eyes in small movements. Doing this, you will feel a gentle stretch on the upper lids. When your eyelids are fully closed over your eye at full stretch, hold them for 15 seconds and then gently release the stretch and open the eye. Repeat this three times.

Anti aging facial exercises can systematically and consistently help your face avoid aging effects and look healthier, prettier, and younger.

here is an excellent resource that can really help you look younger in 7 days flat! Just with some Facial Gymastics Give it a try right now!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

4 Best Fruits that Fight Aging

An ideal anti aging diet should contain a lot of whole grain foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, while minimizing the saturated fat foods. The more fruits and vegetables you include in your diet, the better you will look and feel.

So, is it not important to know which fruits and which vegetables will bring in the shine in your eyes, the glow in your cheeks that keeps you looking youthful and feeling healthy?

Here are some fruits that will help fight signs of ageing the smart way!

Avocado: reduces cholesterol, keeps your skin looking young and helps reduce symptoms of high blood pressure. 
Blueberry: This fruit has the ingredient to safeguard brain cells from memory loss problems that usually surface in old age. Regular consumption of the fruit also helps prevent urinary tract infections. Blue berry keeps your skin looking young and healthy.

Orange:This citrus fruit is filled with goodness. It helps retain water content in your body and provides for a healthy glow in your skin. Oranges help keep down the bad cholesterol level.

Watermelon: This fruit is a storehouse of vitamins containing rich quantities of Vitamins A, B, C and E. The fruit is  a rich source for both zinc and selenium, which together fight aging, and make your skin look young and glowing!

Other fruits, the regular consumption of which will ensure an excellent skin condition, are cherries, purple grapes, currants, strawberries and raspberries.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

15 Best Ways to Enhance Cognitive Fitness and Fight Aging

Exercising your brain the fun way, that is, by playing games helps rejuvenate the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that is responsible for significant tasks like mental imagery and memory. Here are the top 15 ways to do it regularly and systematically.

  1. Enroll for a new language course and/or a classical music course
  2. Enroll for a Speed Reading course which will help improve memory and concentration.
  3. Read more often, a lot of different types of books, newspapers or magazines to keep up with the current news and trends.
  4. Attempt creative writing; create your own blog and/or contribute periodically to article directories on topics that interest you.
  5. Planning meals rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids will provide the right nutrition for the brain. Never miss breakfast as it is essential for efficient functioning of the brain.
  6. Plan your day in a way that you have set some time apart for playing games like chess, crossword puzzles, Sudoku and Scrabble. (A friend of mine starts working on her writing assignments only after an online game of scrabble.)
  7. Play a variety of games, starting off with the one you good exposure to; if you are good at chess start off with that. Increase the level of difficulty of the games gradually.
  8. Play some computer games that sharpen your cognitive skills; take online tests for the same too.
  9. Solving mathematical problems for fun is a good way to keep mentally alert
  10. Organize mini contests within your friends/family circles.
  11. Help your children solve complicated jigsaw puzzles; the exercise sharpens analytical and perceptive skills. Solving the Rubik cube is an excellent way to exercise the brain too.
  12. Try and use your left hand more if you are a right hander and vice versa if you are a left hander
  13. Try to remember the various things you have to shop for rather than carrying a shopping list along; Play memory games with your family and friends
  14. Take long walks in fresh air and where there is a lot of greenery.
  15. Meditation improves concentration and helps you focus better on what you really want to do.

Anti Wrinkle Creams – Myth or Magic?

Where is my anti-wrinkle cream?

Seeing lines appearing on the forehead and neck can be really annoying for anyone especially those who are conscious about their looks. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the exposure to sun rays, habitual smoking and a poor diet are the biggest contributors to wrinkles.

The only way people could get rid of their wrinkles or age spots was only by visiting a doctor not so long ago. Anti Wrinkle creams allow you to treat your problem areas in the privacy of your homes. The effect of the anti wrinkle face cream products can last anywhere from eight to ten hours so you stay fresh through out the day. But, there are some products promising you lasting or permanent results.

Ads with good hype on their efficacy and magical results are seen in every medium promoting one product or another. However it is your own responsibility to look at the ingredients of the anti wrinkle face cream and make sure it is safe to use. You can use the products prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist who knows what would work for your skin type.

Myths surrounding anti-wrinkle creams:

1. Anti wrinkle creams are used only by women – The statistics say the opposite. 50 percent of anti wrinkle cream buyers are men.

2. Anti wrinkle creams give instant benefits – It would take at least 30 days with constant application of proven ingredients to see a positive result.

3. No supplement of hydration needed for anti wrinkle creams with that contain hydration ingredients – Drinking plenty of water everyday is critical for any anti wrinkle cream to work or else their power is reduced to half.

4. Only old people should use anti wrinkle creams – Wrong. In fact people belonging to the age group of 35 and above can benefit to retain their young looking skin that way for longer years.

What is magic about anti wrinkle cream?

There is nothing magic as far as anti wrinkle creams are concerned. It is up to you to dispel all myths and find a suitable anti wrinkle cream. There is no magic about getting rid of wrinkles and you must understand that the process takes time.

There are many reliable products with breakthrough ingredients that are highly effective available in the market though they may be expensive. New developments in skin care and anti aging fields have made it possible to retain youthful skin with the use of these creams. Natural ingredients like essential oils, vitamins and minerals and emollients are very effective in fighting wrinkles.

The effective and harmless anti wrinkle ingredients were discovered through years of scientific research. Today the anti wrinkle cream is part of the most happening industry in the world.

Olay Professional Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol, 1 Kit

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Onions, Tomatoes and Garlic -Delicious Ways for Longevity


Onions, tomatoes and garlic are indispensible when you want to make meals spicier and tastier. The good news is, not only do these vegetables enhance taste; they are also storehouses of rich nutrients. Here is what is good about them.

Onion
This is the wonder vegetable than help you keep fit and young by acting as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent!

Not just that, by regular consumption of onions you help reduce risks of tuberculosis, pneumonia, obesity, asthma, influenza, sinusitis and hypertension.

Other little known benefits of onion are
  • It helps in longevity
  • It helps maintain healthy eyes, nails and hair
  • Helps reduce symptoms of vertigo
Onion contains Vitamins A, B and C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, proteins and carbohydrates. the benefits.

Tomato
As the richest natural source of lycopene, this delicious fruit/vegetable effectively helps older people remain physically and mentally fit. If you want that natural glow to you skin, add lots of tomatoes in your diet. As an excellent blood purifier, this little vegetable improves both skin texture and complexion.

An effective antiseptic, tomato also helps reduce cholesterol and can also dissolve gall bladder stones. Studies have shown that in countries where tomato is a significant part of cuisine, a lesser percentage of people are susceptible to heart problems!

Tomato has in it Vitamins A, B, C and K, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and proteins.

Garlic
A clove of garlic a day keeps cancer away – so goes a well known health adage. It has been seen that people who consume garlic daily, whether raw or cooked, are at a lower risk for cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

In fact, a study conducted a decade ago proved that middle-aged women who consumed garlic everyday were 50% less likely to contract colon cancer! Garlic is also known to be effective against the common cold and phlegm.

Health Tip: Boil 150 ml of water with a teaspoon of garlic paste for 10 to 15 minutes on a low flame. Cool and store it. Take one teaspoon of the mixture two-three times a day to cure the common cold and reduce phlegm.

Nutritive goodness of garlic is because of the presence of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and C, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Garlic also contains carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins and folates.



Carrot, Pumkin, Sweet Potato can Fight Aging!


Vegetables, like fruits , provide a lot of goodness and have excellent anti-aging properties. Given below are the virtues of a few vegetables which provide the right kind of nutrition that keeps you fit and young.

Carrot
The carrot is like Superman fighting away the evil effects of cholesterol! Basically carrot contains Alpha carotene, Beta carotene, nitrogenous composites, gluthathione, carbohydrates and phytochemicals. Carrots are also rich in potassium, calcium and vitamins A, E, C and Bi & B2. Other minerals found in carrots are magnesium, copper, iron, sulphur, phosphorus and manganese!

A powerhouse of nutrients, carrot is instrumental in reducing cholesterol levels besides providing excellent nutrition for eyes and skin. Both are safeguarded to a great extent from age-related problems with regular consumption of this vegetable.

With a high level of Vitamin A nutrient, carrot provides the necessary fiber for digestion, besides doing great things for the immune system. Beta carotene is a great anti-aging substance that is a good antioxidant and an essential factor, possibly responsible for reducing the risk of lung cancer.

Health Tip: Carrot is more nutritious when cooked rather than when consumed raw.

Sweet Potato
The humble sweet potato is rich in nutrients and has in it naturally occurring sugars, complex carbohydrates, minerals (iron, potassium and calcium) and Vitamins (A, B6, C, and E). The iron enables maintaining good hemoglobin levels in the blood and calcium ensures preserving bone density. The complex carbohydrates provides energy for hard physical labour

Did you know that sweet potatoes are almost fat free? Most Vitamin E sources like vegetable oils or fruits like avocado supply the nutrient along with a good dose of fat. Sweet potato is one rare vegetable that can supply Vitamin E to your body without adding on the fat content!

The fiber content in this vegetable decreases
  • Risk of rectal cancer
  • Risk of colon cancer
  • Diverticulosis (small bulging sacs of tissue that create pressure within the colon)
  • Complaints of constipation.
Pumpkin
This vegetable supplies Vitamin A for that healthy glowing skin and sparkling eyes, Vitamin C helps keep your skin looking good while strengtheneing the immune system.  The rich supplement of Vitamin E keeps your heart young and trouble free. The minerals present in this ubiquitous vegetable are niacin, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and selenium. The fiber content in pumpkin is packed with essential nutrients.

 

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Is Aging Skin Your Problem? Regain Your Youthful Skin in 7 Days Flat!


Isn’t it unbearably annoying to see your aging face in the mirror and seeing your glowing youthful face in the photograph taken years ago? The process of aging is the monster that can sabotage your facial beauty.


But no need to panic! It is still possible to get back and retain your glowing facial skin. It is no magic, but a practical solution that anyone can put to use.

The market is overflowing with highly effective creams and lotions that you can apply on your face. Even skin specialists suggest many creams that can help you in retaining your flawless and glowing skin that defies your age. As each skin type is different you must be really careful in choosing your skincare product. As you may be aware, there is no “fits all sizes” solution here.

You should know how much, how long and how to use these products to get the desired results. Though years of research and genuinely helpful and safe ingredients and highly careful processes have gone into their making, these beauty care solutions do have limitations. And beware, these products come with no guarantee of serving your purpose and yes, the danger of further damage is not ruled out.

The other way is to make changes to your diet regimen and the way you protect your skin. This is a good way to retard aging by slowing down the degeneration of cells and tissues inside the body. A healthy glow of the face comes from a healthy internal system and you can ensure that by consuming foods that are beneficial for the skin and avoid that are not.

This is an excellent way to protect your skin damage due to aging. You may even combine these efforts with practices like yoga and meditation to calm and serenity ingrained in your system to maintain your overall good looks. This is easier said than done as continuity holds the key here.

There is the need for protecting your skin from the onslaught of harsh weather conditions and exposure to direct sunlight or unsuitable and unhealthy environment for the health of your skin.

You may be taking all the precautions of not exposing your skin to direct sunlight and harsh atmosphere by wearing hats and sunscreen etc. You can apply cold packs and wash your face as often as possible to get rid of grime. This too is limited when it comes to practicality.

The next question is how much time you can afford to spend for your beauty care regimen. Most people put the blame on the time factor for not taking proper care of their skin especially the facial skin. The competitive world robs us of the very valuable time to spend on things close to our hearts.

Now where do all the above factors lead us to? I said there is a way – that anyone can have young, healthy and glowing skin.

No, it’s not surgery. Not even a cream or a lotion!

Yes, you guessed it right! Facial Exercise is the easiest, fastest and only solution that suits one and all irrespective of your skin color or type. It requires just 30 minutes a day for doing these facial exercises. You will see the delightful difference in only 7 days.

Curious? Get ” Facial Gymnastics” and see for yourself.

Best Anti-Aging Therapy

Do you want to know what the best anti-aging therapy is? Firstly let us see what aging is all about. Aging brings along with it skin deterioration, weakening of muscles, increased mental anxiety and several health problems. What if all these problems have only one solution? It does! And the answer to all these problems is Yoga!

Yoga is the ancient system of relaxation, healing and exercise. Yoga in short is the unification of the soul, the mind and the body. It is an exercise that increases flexibility and general health of a person.

Here are some reasons why you should opt for yoga

• Yoga ameliorates the feeble body postures

• Strengthens abdominal muscles

• Increases flexibility of the spine and efficiency of loose muscles

• Rejuvenates the mind; at old age, the mind is anxious and even a small problem can be worrisome

• Yoga helps in making a person feel positive, enthusiastic, confident and relaxed.

From a common cold to a life threatening diseases like cancer, Yoga helps in providing resistance to the body.

Moreover, yoga provides the face with a natural face lift and reduces wrinkles, as the inverted positions in yoga firms up the skin.

These inverted positions also retard graying of hair! Increased blood supply to the hair follicles in the scalp, due to yoga postures, reverts graying of hair.

Yoga also provides a lot of benefits to internal organs, brain, spine and glands giving you a longer and healthier life. Be it hearing, vision or concentration, yoga helps maintain its efficacy!

There is a famous saying in yoga philosophy that a man’s age is determined by the flexibility of his muscles rather than amount of years he lived. Ageing is inevitable, but the art is to postpone it in the best manner- and what better means could we recommend than yoga?

30 Minutes to a Younger You!


It is true! Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make you feel much younger and healthier. A consistent daily routine of exercise can actually slow down the aging process! There are some specific exercises that can stop the aging clock!

The benefits of exercising are innumerable, and I am sure you know that only too well! Yet I will list some of the benefits here. Exercise

• Provides resistance to diseases

• Provides relief from stress and tension

• Gives relief from joint and back pains

• Rejuvenates the skin and prevents sagging of skin

• Helps in giving better posture and balance and decreases the chances of rheumatoid arthritis.

There are basically 3 types of exercises for anti-aging-

Strength building: It type of exercise gives your muscles and bones sturdiness. This also lessons the chances of a incapacitating injury.

Cardiovascular: These exercises are for a healthy heart. Brisk walks, aerobics, jogging and other exercises increase the heart rates leading to a healthier lifestyle.

Flexibility: This is maybe the most important type of exercise for anti-aging, as it increases blood circulation and gives out serotonin. This chemical is a necessity for the overall welfare of the body.

The exercise does not have to rigorous and exhausting. A simple walk or gardening can do the job. A regular walking routine can give you more energy and make you healthier.

A research showed evidence that golf players lived longer than non golf players. Thus golf can be played for increasing life expectancy.

But over exercising can counter the benefits and even turn harmful. A study has revealed that the burning up of more than 3500 calories a day increases harmful effects of free radicals and cellular oxidation. Further, it can cause depression and sleeplessness.

Inactivity in old age is possibly the biggest cause of aging. Exercise and an active lifestyle can help you look younger and most importantly, feel younger!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hair Dy(e)ing?

It was Eugene Schueller, founder L’Oreal who is credited with the manufacture of the first artificial hair dye.

After that there have been hundreds of products that can change your hair color. The old could look younger by camouflaging the grayness, the young could look different the blond becoming a brunette and vice versa.

Synthetic hair dyes essentially remove, substitute or camouflage pigments that are found inside the normal hair shaft.

There are different kinds of dyes, temporary, semi permanent and permanent. Temporary dyes do not permeate into the inner layers of the scalp and can be removed with one shampoo wash.

Semi permanent hair dyes partially penetrate into the cuticle layer and so the artificial color stays on until you have shampooed your hair four or five times.

Permanent hair dyes allow the chemical ingredients to reach deep into the scalp through follicles, by means of which the cortex is reached and the color of the melamine lightens, changing the color of the hair.

There are also products available that can bleach or lighten the color of the hair.

However, all these synthetic dyes have several additives that may or may not suit your scalp. For instance, Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient found in permanent hair dyes, (because it lends a natural look to the dye) may cause swelling and redness of the face and scalp for those who are allergic to it.

Allergic reaction to dyes or prolonged use of dyes can lead to several adverse symptoms like

a. Permanent discoloration of the hair

b. Irritation and itching on the scalp

c. Breaking of the hairs

d. Some studies also point to a link between synthetic dyes and various forms of cancer. In fact the studies indicate that consistent use of synthetic hair dye increases the risk of blood cancer

It makes sense if you can dye your hair out of natural ingredients to keep it healthy, shining and looking young! Here are some tips for covering the grey naturally

Make a decoction using (1) a cup of water (2) a teaspoon of tea powder (3) 4/5 leaves of the hibiscus plant. Boil well and filter. To the water add pure henna powder until a thick paste is made.

After six hours, apply the paste on the hair evenly. Wash the henna off the hair using a very mild shampoo.

How to Stop Your Hair Loss &
Grow Back Your Hair - Naturally!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

11 Best Tips for a Glowing Skin

Skin it the largest organ in the body and like other organs we need to take adequate care of it to keep it healthy and glowing. Any type of skin care routine starts with cleaning the skin.

Cleansing
The simplest cleaning routine is washing with mild soap and water. Skin should be washed gently and moisturized regularly. There are different skin types and which determine how, how much and how often the cleansing routine should be followed. Most people clean their skins 2-3 times a day. If the skin is oily the cleansing routine should be done 4-5 times a day to wash away the dirt and unclog the pores.

People with dry skins should avoid using harsh cleansers and soaps which will have a drying effect on the skin. They need to use oil based cleansers instead of soap. Combination skins need cleansers with a balancing formula for avoiding moisture loss.

The Best Tips
  1. • A face mask of egg and honey gently removes tan from your face
  2. • Cucumber juice mixed with milk can be used as a cleanser
  3. • For a oily skin, cut a lemon and apply the juice over your face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off with cold water
  4. • Mix honey and milk and apply it on your face for 15 minutes. It will make your skin glow
  5. Apply buttermilk on skin for 15 minutes to soak up the excess oil.
  6. • Carrot juices , if applied daily on the skin will lighten blemishes
  7. • Orange Peels mixed with milk act as a natural bleaching agent. Apply for 25 minutes and wash it off
  8. • Sandalwood paste if applied everyday on the skin will make it glow.
  9. • Mash a banana/papaya and apply the paste on your face for 20 minutes to make your skin glow
  10. • Use olive oil as a moisturizer. It can be also used on a sunburn.
  11. • Cotton pads dipped in chilled cucumber juice will reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A , Vitamin D and anti-oxidants such as tomatoes, oranges, lemons, papaya, broccoli, Amla (Indian gooseberry) will provide the nutrients required to make your skin glow and free from wrinkles.

Apart from the above mentioned tips, protect your skin from the ultra-violet rays of the sun by using creams/lotions with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). UV rays will make your skin age faster causing wrinkles. Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses per day) and fresh fruit juices. Avoid carbonated drinks. Sleep for a minimum of 8 hours. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Following these simple guidelines reward you with a permanently glowing skin!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Why does it seem like Celebrities don’t Age?

Have you ever wondered about this question before? Have you wondered why celebrities have wrinkleless faces? They may call it power yoga or a healthy lifestyle but here’s your real answer – Botox.

Botox or botulinum toxin A is used in weakening the muscles which form wrinkles. In today’s time people use it to write off the crow’s feet, wrinkles and frown lines. The insertion of this toxin to the muscles paralyzes these muscles resulting in lesser contractions which in turn give a youthful appearance. The results can be seen for 3 to 6 months and the treatment can be done till the age of 65.

Botox treatments are physician-administered, uncomplicated and non-surgical. In fact it has been permitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the only approval for its type in the US

The questions which arise about Botox treatments are- Does our face look natural after the procedure? Does it work? Can the treatment be stopped abruptly? Does it have side effects? … and so on

Let us try to answer some-

Firstly botox doesn’t drastically change your facial expressions. You can still look surprised or frown, just like you did before!
In a survey conducted nearly 90% people said they saw a reduction in wrinkles after the treatment. However this doesn’t happen in every case.
Yes, the treatment can be stopped after a session or two. The only difference is that the wrinkles will be back.
Like every other artificial procedure this too has wide ranging side effects like-
Swelling, numbness, redness, pain in the injected areas
Headaches, allergic reactions due to Botox
Respiratory infections and drooping of eyebrows and eyelids
Sometimes the consequences can be hazardous also. In case of overdose or a wrong a muscle getting injected, seek medical help immediately.

It is advisable to visit a well qualified health care professional and get a clear picture of what the procedure entails, before you opt for the procedure

Trying to slow down the aging process is a challenge. Everyone wants to look young. But those who do it in a healthy and sustaining manner are the real winners.

Be well informed before you you do anything your face – Just educate yourself !


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Anti Aging - Beyond Creams or Cosmetic Surgery

Are skin firming creams and cosmetic surgery (plastic surgery) the only solutions to stop aging?

When it comes to aging you think about the time you spent in the sun with no sunscreen as a kid, those late night parties as young adults. Later years of never ending nights spent worrying about careers, family and financial issues along with life’s trial and tribulations wreak havoc on your skin and general health that reflects on your appearance. Suddenly you realize the need to exploring the ways and methods of stopping those annoying signs of aging in the hope of combating ‘Mother Nature’.

You begin with applying Anti ageing creams and go through a long process of finding the right product by making your skin a testing ground for every product that someone recommends. Some impatient souls might consider undergoing a plastic surgery if you are not worried about the cost as this is seen as a popular method of defying age.

However there are various other ancient therapies like Ayurveda and modern treatments that effectively reduce the effects of aging. These therapies provide natural supplements to correct the deficiencies through lifestyle changes such as proper dieting, avoiding fat-rich foods, taking adequate rest, exercising regularly. You can also chose from a variety of conditioning therapies like spa, massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture.

Home remedies using face packs, scrubs and the more advanced and sophisticated facials using special preparations by trained beauticians also help in fighting aging to some extent. They involve the use of medicinal herbs and natural supplements such as Aloe Vera, sandalwood paste, lemon, jojoba oil, fagus, silvatica extract, lecithin, niacinamide etc. They are rich in antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin, reduce free radical hits, remove dead cells and minimize cellular damage and formation of abnormal cells.

The truth is there is no overnight magic solution in anti aging. Here are some indirect ways in which you can benefit in keeping the skin ageless:

Proper Diet
Low calorie diet with a balance of all nutrients with plenty of water intake is the ideal menu for all. Raw food rich in vitamins and minerals act as rich sources of anti aging agents.

Exercise
Regular exercise keeps you fit and stress free, and thus reducing your aging process.

Restful Sleep
No anti aging or beauty regimen is complete or effective without a disciplined lifestyle of adequate restful sleep.

Meditation
Meditation and yoga are beneficial for anti aging in terms of pacifying the mind and nervous system and promoting the supply of oxygen to the cells and improving blood circulation.

Environmental factors and stress further contribute to the aging process. While you cannot entirely escape aging, you can definitely slow down the aging process by limiting the damage to your skin.