Facing Sun Effects

Facing Sun Effects

Facing Sun Effects

A secret has been revealed in the news over the past few weeks. I was a part of that secret. What was the secret you ask? Men are now using skin care products as a part of their daily activities!

I started a few months ago due to something I learned about myself. I had my picture taken. Not just a standard picture. I had my picture taken with a special ultraviolet camera and light that shows damaged skin due to excessive sun exposure. First they took a picture of my face with standard light. Although not a flattering picture, it looked like I expected. Then they took a picture of my face with the ultraviolet light. What did I look like? I looked like I had a face FULL of freckles. Only these freckles weren't the cute ones that would have showed up in the first picture. They showed that I have a significant amount of sun damage. I guess my early years of working and playing outside all summer long with little or no sun protection is catching up with me.

It is common knowledge that sun damaged skin will cause premature signs of aging skin (wrinkling, "leathery" appearance and feel, etc.) as well as being a cause of skin cancer. So, I decided to do something about it. One of those things is to take better care of my skin. I am using skin care products that have a sunscreen built in. These same products also contain enzymes that can help speed cell renewal in sun damaged skin.

Yes, the secret is out. I am using skin care products every day. My wife says my complexion is also better because of it. I look forward to having my picture taken in the future. Maybe my complexion isn't the only thing that is improving.

7 Secrets To Live Pimple-Free

7 Secrets To Live Pimple-Free

7 Secrets To Live Pimple-Free

Take a long hard look at the people you consider attractive. Blonde, brunette or redhead, exotic or girl next door, sophisticated or down-to-earth - they all have one thing in
common... a clear, healthy looking complexion.

There are a few people out there who have simply been blessed by the Dermatology Fairy, but just a few. Most of the people who strike you as healthy-looking and, let's face it, lucky, are in fact dedicated to a good skin-care regime.

We'd all like to have blemish-free skin, and the truth is, with a little commitment we all can. Even you!

So, how can you change your skin?

No, it won't cost you a dime, all you need to do is change your habits. People with truly beautiful skin dedicate time, just a little, and the results are, well, the results are beautiful.

Here's How You Can Join the Ranks of Pimple Free People

* WASH using an oil-free cleanser and your bare hands (washcloths and sponges damage your skin), in the morning, after exercise and before bed no matter how tired you are.

* LAUNDER your sheets frequently - don't lay that freshly washed face on a less than fresh pillowcase!

* WATER is essential to clear skin. You've heard it before, but here we go again: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

* EAT HEALTHY FOODS. They are just as important to skin health as they are to overall health. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals; fish are full of essential oils; avoid junk foods. Research does not support the common myth that chocolates cause break-outs, but too much of any junk food is detrimental to your well-being, and is therefore bad for your skin.

* SLEEP when you're tired. Sleep, and its counterpart, relaxation, are necessities, not luxuries. Physical exhaustion and stress are enemies of a clear complexion.

* BABY your skin. Don't pick at pimples. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily - the oil on your fingertips belongs on your fingertips, not on your face. Moisturize and use sunscreen with at least a 15SPF every day all year long.

Make these habits your own and you will see a difference in as little as a week. You may even find people looking a little longer at your face. That look... it'll be envy.

People will be wondering if the Dermatology Fairy has blessed you.

Share your secrets with the envious masses. Imagine. A world populated by happy, healthy faces.

Bikini Waxing Making the Move From Hair to Brazilian Bikini Bare

Bikini Waxing Making the Move From Hair to Brazilian Bikini Bare

Bikini Waxing Making the Move From Hair to Brazilian Bikini Bare

Guess what? I'm not the only 30-something woman left I know who's never had a bikini wax. The fact that I'm not the only one doesn't surprise me but why did it take so long to have a waxing conversation with a good friend. The answer: I've always looked at personal grooming as something private. I'm someone who up until my 20's referred to my vagina as a front bum.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no prude and no stranger to pain. I like to look and feel feminine and have my own beauty rituals including Venus razors, tweezing, indulgent moisturizers, foils, and the occasional manicure. I've gone through childbirth THREE times without drugs and was clearheaded enough to know that my hoo-ha was on display to the whole hospital staff including the cleaning person. You think that would have wiped out any modicum of modesty I had left. Wrong!

A bikini wax to me is like letting the world in on a secret that I think no one else knows about. (Maybe I need to out my demons and go to Pubicholic Anonymous...Hi my name is Sandra and I have pubic hair...). I'm no sasquatch but how do you make the move from the privacy of your shower to stripping down in front of a stranger and assume they are not saying to themselves, "My God, she's got sideburns!" My friend and I discussed the styles, techniques, and ways to rationalize our embarrassment. Here's what we came up with:

The Bikini Wax
Ouch Factor - Thank you! Might I have another?

We decided that when and if the time comes to make that leap, we'd ease into it slowly starting with the ultra conservative bikini wax which takes care of the areas around the swimsuit line. My friend thought that you kept your underwear on and simply hiked up the sides as far as you wanted the wax to go. I thought similar except you were given paper panties to wear. Either way it would, to our knowledge, require the least amount of discomfort and minimal embarrassment. If I can undress in front of women at the gym, I can have a basic bikini wax.

The French Bikini Wax
Ouch Factor - Parlez-vous Yikes!

Next up is the slightly less conservative 'modified' bikini wax or 'French bikini wax'. Simply put: more area covered, greater discomfort and increased redness (I'm talking about my cheeks blushing here). We've learned this technique leaves a narrow line in front and goes very far between the legs, but not all the way to the buttocks. Excusez-moi! Needless to say you're sans undies here. So the question is, can I imagine myself spread eagle for 15-20 minutes in front of a stranger until I here the magic words, "you're done." My friend doesn't know if she could do it. After a glass or two of champagne and an out of body experience, oui oui I think I can.

The Brazilian Bikini Wax
Ouch Factor - How do you say "my loins are on fire" in Portuguese

Perhaps someday I'll reach the point where I'll say to hell with it give me the works. We're talking front to all the way back and everything in between. Some believe the Brazilian to be absolutely hair-free, while others characterize it as leaving a small "landing strip" in the front. I guess you have to be specific when you place your order: "I'll have the Brazilian, no strip, extra bare please." However, getting on my hands and knees to have part of it done from the back or by holding a leg straight up in the air seems way beyond my comfort level. I suppose I could try reminding myself that I am #7 out of 15 vaginas and butts on the table that day and at some point they must all blur together into one. I have another friend who during her Brazilian thought to herself, "Sandra would never get this done"...Bottom line is she's probably right!

Shave Tips

Shave Tips

 

Shave Tips

Guys (and ladies too), I have some good news about shaving. You have probably experienced some of the hassles and problems of this chore and are familiar with its inherent potential for being very annoying.

You may be frustrated with razor burn and dry skin after struggling with your daily shaving routine. You can bet I tried all kinds of different razors, shaving cream and even some aftershaves to see what I could do about this problem.

You want to know what I found after a lot of experimenting and trying different things? You probably have a neat handy little item that is common household fare and may be found in your kitchen. It's Olive Oil. You got it, olive oil!

The benefits to using olive oil for shaving are huge. It is such a natural lubricant that the right kind of razor will slide right across your face giving you smooth and soft skin and still getting the job of cutting the growth from your face. And the best part is that your skin will actually start to look younger after using olive oil to shave with over the long term.

Therefore, do not forget to apply some olive oil to your forehead when you shave too. The reason is that the rest of your face will become younger looking and you want your forehead to keep up. In retrospect, I remember reading about a famous Hollywood actress that mentioned that olive oil was her secret to having great skin.

You can bet that others are using olive oil to shave with too. I did a search right before deciding to share this information with you and sure enough there are other people out there that shave with olive oil.

One nice thing about it is that you don't have to use high quality olive oil. You can buy the inexpensive low grade olive oil that doesn't taste very good from your local supermarket to shave with. A bottle will last a really long time. You can kiss your shaving cream goodbye. You can also leave out aftershave if you so choose. Your skin should feel great without it.

Now, let's talk about that razor of yours. Here is what I have found out about razors and am willing to share with you. Even though I use the great lubricant properties of olive oil to shave with, I still have found a few issues that using the right kind of razor can help with.

If your experience is similar to mine, you may have found that it is difficult to shave in the grooves of your neck and face, particularly under the jaw bone with typical razors. Even with olive oil you can still easily cut your face if you make the wrong movement. You might find that that Gillette's Mach 3 and olive oil are the perfect combination.

The Mach 3 has a nice swivel head with a great lubricating strip. This allows for the flexibility to really get into the nooks and crannies when used in combination with the olive oil. You will be able to get in there with a lot less fear of cutting yourself. It's not impossible, but the Mach 3 does make it a lot harder to cut the skin of your face.

You may be using another brand of razor with a lubricating a strip. So far, in my opinion, none have come close to the Mach 3 for safety and comfort. I do sometimes use a stiffer blade to make the vertical strokes because it can be really effective. But, when it comes time to dig into those nooks and crannies, I like to break out the Mach 3.

No, I don't work for Gillette and I am in no way associated with them. The reason I use a stiffer blade for the vertical strokes is because its effective and also less expensive. The Mach 3 blades are a bit on the expensive side, so you can save a little bit by just reserving them for the nooks and crannies. With the use of olive oil, you might be able to get a longer usage period out of a blade before needing to dispose of it.

For ladies, I suggest using a sparing amount of olive oil. The reason is that you will be covering a much larger area and too much olive oil can get a little messy. For us guys, we can probably enjoy the luxury of using more because it is easier to wash from the face.

I wish you the best of luck with your next shaving experience.

This article is for information purposes only. I cannot assume any liability for your use or misuse of this information. If you are not willing to assume the full risk and responsibility for the potential consequences from using this information you are advised not to use it. It's impossible to know the skill levels or abilities or available equipment of any individual out there, therefore I cannot be responsible for the use or misuse of this information. Your use of this information implies your consent to bear the full responsibility for any result that may come from its use or misuse.

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

Each of us most likely has at least one memory of a nasty sunburn. Whether experienced personally, or by a close family member or friend, the symptoms are likely to include anything from red hot skin - either tender or painful to touch, to nausea, dehydration, blistering and flaking or peeling of the skin.

As anyone who has experienced bad sunburn will verify, the amount of time spent causing the sunburn, is largely disproportionate to the length of time that can be spent suffering the consequences of its effects. In this respect, and depending on the severity of burning, -- pain and discomfort can persist for several days after the event, as the body works to heal and recover from the unprotected UV exposure.

Unless the symptoms are severe, (in which instance you may need to consider medical treatment), here are 5 simple home remedies that will cost you next to nothing, and which will assist in soothing the sting and pain of sunburn:

1. Cool baths: Soaking in a cool bath is one of the best ways to draw heat from the skin and soothe the pain and discomfort of sunburn. (Avoid 'cold' as this can cause the body to go into shock.) Here are some additional things to add to your baths for further relief:

a. Add 10 drops of so of essential oil (chamomile or lavender) to the bath. Soak for 15 minutes or until relief is felt.

b. Adding baking soda (or oatmeal) to a lukewarm bath can also relieve sunburn pain. For this treatment to work best, try to make sure that all affected areas are submerged. Bath water can be poured over your body using your hands or a soft washcloth. Burned facial areas can be gently dabbed using the cloth, or alternately you can splash water directly onto your face. After soaking, lightly pat the skin dry with a soft towel (preferably cotton). If you've taken an oatmeal bath, let the light coating of oatmeal that clings to your skin remain.

c. Adding vinegar to the bath water will help in taking the sting out of sunburn.

2. Rubbing alcohol: Because it evaporates so quickly, dabbing on rubbing alcohol will quickly cool and ease the pain of sunburned skin.

3. Vinegar: Vinegar is an effective and cooling treatment for sunburn. Soak towels with it, and apply to the burned areas. Alternately you can fill a spray bottle and spray it directly on the skin as needed.

4. Egg Whites: If your burn is painfully hot, separating the white from the yolk of an egg, and then spreading the white over the affected area will help to cool the burning instantly. This can be repeated as often as needed.

5. Potatoes: Potatoes can also be used to relieve the pain of sunburn. Take 2 potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into tiny chunks and place in a blender to liquefy. (If the result appears too dry, add some water). Pat the affected areas with potato juice. Wait until dry, and then rinse off in a cool shower or bath.

Remember that as well as causing varying degrees of discomfort and pain, repeated sun exposure and sunburn also accelerates the aging process and can increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer. Prevention therefore should also always be considered more preferable than treatment!

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only, and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn, please seek the appropriate health care assistance.

Skin Types - Sunscreen Products and SPF

Skin Types - Sunscreen Products and SPF

Skin Types - Sunscreen Products and SPF

Whether you're outdoors for recreational or work purposes, repeated exposure to the sun will have its natural consequences for your skin.

Regardless of color, skin that is repeatedly exposed to the sun tends to become tough and thick. Beyond the middle years of adulthood, the results can include wrinkly, leathery skin.

Irrespective of the circumstances for sun exposure, selecting a sunscreen product that offers some degree of protection from the sun's UV rays can be one way to protect your skin from these ageing affects.

Due to the variety and range of sunscreen products available, here are some basic factors to consider in making an appropriate selection:

1. Ingredients:

Sunscreen products can be made with ingredients to protect against UVA rays, and / or other ingredients to protect against UVB rays (which are in fact more harmful for sun burning than UVA rays). The best products offer ingredients for protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Consider also the actual ingredient list. (I.e. Are they naturally derived / safe, or do they contain potentially harmful chemicals?).

2. SPF (Sun Protection Factor):

The SPF number on the product's label refers to the strength of protection, and the length of time a sun-screening product will allow your skin to be in the sun without burning - relative to the length of time bare skin (or skin without the product applied) would burn or redden.

To sum that up, the SPF number tells people how much longer they can last out in the sun with protection for their skin, without being burned. The higher the SPF number, the longer the period of protection against the sun.

For example, let's say 'Joe', a young student, would normally burn after 12 minutes of being out in the sun. He applies a sunscreen, also referred to as a sun block, with an SPF of 15. This means that he should be fine for 15 times his average amount of protection time. In other words, 'Joe' would be protected for up to 3 hours. Here's the formula for calculating: 12 minutes x 15 SPF = 180 minutes (3 hours).

(Now if 'Joe' applied a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, he'd be protected for up to 6 hours. E.g. 12 minutes X 30 SPF = 360 minutes (6 hours)).

3. Skin Type:

When selecting a sunscreen, it's important to consider the different skin types and how they react with exposure to the sun.

Young children: For ages 6 months+, consider a product with SPF of 15 or higher to protect against both sun tanning and burning. Also consider a product label that lists protection against both UVA and UVB rays (also known as the "broad-spectrum").

Skin Type - Very Fair: This skin generally burns quickly. Tanning is rare. Consider sunscreen products containing SPF 20 to 30.

Skin Type - Fair: This skin almost always burns easily. Some tanning can occur, although not much. Consider sunscreen products containing SPF 12 to 20.

Skin Type - Light: This skin burns in the moderate range. Tanning is normally gradual, yielding a light brown shade. Consider sunscreen products containing SPF 8 to 12.

Skin Type - Medium: This skin burns in the minimal range. Tanning happens much of the time, yielding a moderate brown shade. Consider sunscreen products containing SPF 4 to 8.

Skin Type - Dark: This skin rarely burns. Tanning occurs big time, yielding a dark brown shade. Consider sunscreen products containing SPF 2 to 4.

Skin Type - Other: This skin includes people with moles (or whose close blood-relatives have a history of moles), people with skin cancer in their family histories (including melanoma), and people with very fair skin and hair. As this is a high-risk category for health damage from too much UV exposure, consider using sunscreen products with the highest SPF available, combined with light to moderate sun exposure.

Once you've selected the most suitable sunscreen product, and regardless of your skin type, apply your sunscreen 'before' going out into the sun's rays. To ensure the best possible UV protection, the sunscreen product should also be spread fairly thick, and in a uniform manner over all areas of the skin that will be exposed to the UV rays.

Whatever your current circumstances and choices are for going out in the sun, taking appropriate care of your skin 'now' will help determine a healthier and younger-looking skin in the future.

Modern SkinCare From an Age Old Source

 Modern SkinCare From an Age Old Source

Modern SkinCare From an Age Old Source

Beauty from the Inside Out

- The Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearus contains a host of natural antioxidants, the new buzzword for a healthy lifestyle. The antioxidant in Rooibos helps to neutralise damaging free radicals and therefore protects the body against diseases and premature aging.

- Currently there is tremendous interest in antioxidants and their role in helping to reverse and prevent free radical damage and it has been the topic of various scientific studies over the past 15 years.

- The natural age fighting properties of the Rooibos plant makes it excellent for use as an all-natural ingredient in skin and personal care products. It restores and retards the ageing process. Skincare products containing an extract of Rooibos tea are worldwide sought after for the amazing results achieved on Dry, Sensitive and Problem skin It can accelerate the healing process for a variety of skin ailments such as eczema, sunburn, acne and allergies. Rooibos Skincare has been tried and tested for more than 30 years and helps to improve the skin's own ability to retain moisture.

- The Anti-Allergic properties and exceptional healing qualities of the Rooibos plant means that it is an excellent choice for all ages. These products are therefore suitable to be used on babies right from birth,

- Because of the Rooibos plant's unique anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-allergic properties, these products are terrific additions to the gym bag.

- A South African mother with an allergic baby stumbled on the unique properties of the plant by accident in 1968. Her findings sparked off a flurry of international scientific research. She received the Best Woman Inventor of the Year Award from the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 1997 for her discovery as well as for her application of the Rooibos Extract in skin and healthcare products. Today, exported to every corner of the world, Rooibos tea and skincare products are revered by many for its internal and external benefits.