7 Diet Secrets of Stars

Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.

So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.

Jennifer Aniston

The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:

40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes

30% lean proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products

30% essential fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils

It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.

Kate Hudson

The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.

Oprah Winfrey

As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.

Gwyneth Paltrow

A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.

Madonna

The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.

Claudia Schiffer

The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.

Christie Brinkley

Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.

Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.

Bananas in skin care

Sure banana is your favorite fruit. Bananas are very useful in all its qualities. This fruit has cellulose, protein, potassium, provitamin A, macrocells, organic acid (apple one mainly), vitamins C, B, PP and E. Pulp of banana used in cosmetic masks has perfect emollient, moistening and smoothing effects. That’s why masks from bananas are very useful and necessary for all women.

Firstly I offer some banana masks for all types of skin. Knead 1 banana as puree and mix with 2 tea-spoons of free sugar yoghurt or oatmeal. Put on the face for 15-20 minutes. Knead 1 banana and mix with some milk. Put on the face and in 15-20 minutes wash the face with milk.

Masks for normal and dry skin. Knead 1 banana and mix with 1 tea-spoon of sour milk. Put on the face for 15-20 minutes and then wash with warm water. For more effect you should take a course from 20 such masks – every day or every other day. Also you can mix 1 kneaded banana with 1 tea-spoon of honey. Put on the face for 15-20 minutes and then wash the face with warm water.

For dry and withered skin you should mix pulp of 1 banana with 1 egg yolk and 1 tea-spoon of sour cream. Put on the face for 15-20 minutes and then wash the face with warm water. You’d better to make this mask 2-3 times a week. The whole course is 20 masks.

If your skin is greasy, you should take a course from 20 masks like this. Knead 1 banana with 1 tea-spoon of lemon juice. Put on the face for 15-20 minutes and then wash face with warm water. You’ll get another variant of this mask if you add 1 egg yolk in the mixture of banana and lemon juice.

Recipes for grease and dry hairs

You shouldn’t suffer from grease hair. Make the special lotion by yourself and use it after hair washing every time. This lotion will help your hair to be clean and will take surplus greasiness away. Pour 2 table-spoons of linden flowers with 500 ml. of boiling water. Boil 2-3 minutes on the light fire, and then filter. Add 1 table-spoon of vinegar or juice of 1 lemon, and 50 ml. of calendula extract (or eucalyptus) or camphor alcohol. Apply lotion on the dry hair after washing with cotton tampon.

To recover dry and thin hair you need to use oil masks. Before head washing you should apply castor oil onto hair roots. Cover the head with butter-paper and bath towel above. Leave mask for 2 hours, then wash head as usual. After washing rinse the head with mint infusion. To prepare it you should pour 2 table-spoons of mint with 200 ml. of boiling water. Infuse for 30 minutes and then filter.

Once a month make a special compress for hair recovering. Mix 1 beaten egg-yolk with 1table-spoon of castor oil. Rub warm mixture into head skin and apply on the hair. Cover head with piece of polyethylene and bath towel above. Leave for 1-2 hours. After compress wash head as usual.

Feet skin care tips

Without doubt, your feet are the most active part of your body, even more than your hands. In fact, most of the time they are definitely overworked. Especially in today’s day and age, the big metros are so widespread that one has to cover long distances to get from one place to the next be it for job or other work. Therefore it is very much essential that one must take extra care of their feet in order to avoid having foot problems. Moreover you can try to make skin on the feet like babies have – soft and silk. Do you want to have such heels?



Then make a rule before going to bed daily pamper your feet with a rich moisturizing cream, vaseline or any child cream and wear cotton socks.

Use hot-cold water technique. Dip your feet in hot water and then after five minutes dip it in cold water. Do this for 20 minutes. This method improves the blood circulation.

Choose your shoes carefully and pick only the best quality.

Do not expose your feet to extreme climate i.e., extreme cold or extreme heat.

Use the special scrub for feet. To do it, mix sugar with olive oil.

If you suffer from excessive sweating of feet, make the fine remedy by yourself. Grind apricot kernels and mix them with water. Put the mixture on the feet for 15-20 minutes before sleep.

Make your nails hard

Sometimes fragile nails need more drastic treatment than saline baths. In this case you should use the salutary qualities of herbs. Let’s make vitamin addition for your nails.

Mix the equal amount of grinded herb: Hypericum perforatum L., thyme, camomile and burdock-root. Spill 1 glass of boiling water 2 table-spoons of herbal mixture and stay closed. Put your fingers into warm infusion for some minutes.


After herbal bath rub the mixture of vitamins A and E into nails. To make this mixture you should crush some capsules of these vitamins in the small bowl and mix. Try to rub the vitamins in every nail at least for 30 seconds.

Don’t remember to take calcium every morning and in combination with vitamin procedure, described above, your nails will become hard and beautiful.

Dry Fruits for Skin

Eat dried fruits to make your skin beautiful

Continuing the theme about purgation to help the organism to regulate metabolism, I offer the next recipe. Our bowels needs 25 gram of cellulose every day to work well. It helps him to take slags and carcinogens out, to organize the life of gut organisms.

All vegetables and fruits are rich with cellulose, and also nuts, bran and bread of coarse grinding. To diversify your menu I advise you to eat the mixture of dried fruits time to time instead of fruits and vegetables. So you will get the necessary amount of cellulose and at the same time a tasty dish.



Take in half a glass of raisins, prunes, dried apricots, fig and Circassian walnuts, wash them and scald with boiling water. Mince all dried fruits and add in half a glass of honey and unstrained infusion of ground linseed. To prepare linseed infusion take 2 table-spoons of linseed, pour it with 100 ml of boiling water and draw it for 20 minutes. Mix up all ingredients carefully.

Drink in 1 table-spoon of prepared mixture in the morning before breakfast and in 30 minutes before dinner or supper. Prepared mixture from dried fruits is kept in the fridge.

Take a half an hour to care about your hands

You are going to the party. Look at yourself – the dress is nice, beautiful coiffure, refined make-up and your hands… Oh, they are horny, stiff, tired. And you have too little time to put them to rights. Don’t worry, if you have at least spare half hour, use my recipe and your hands will be perfect.

Dissolve 1 table-spoon of starch in ½ liter of warm water. Add 1 table-spoon of kefir and mix. Put your hands into the mixture and keep for 15 minutes. Then dry them out with a napkin and put nourishing cream. In 5 minutes you can put nail polish.

By the way, here are some advices about nail polish. Dark dull polishes dry longer than light limpid ones. Remember about it, estimating necessary time. Also if you use pastes in the manicure, don’t forget to cover them above by clear lacquer. Pastes last longer and sparkle brighter from it. Have a good time.

What about your elbows?

In winter the skin on the elbows often becomes coarse and rugged. But to solve this problem isn’t very difficult. For beginning spoil your elbows with warm bath with baking soda (1 table-spoon for 1 liter of water) and liquid soap or shower gel. Keep elbows in the bath for 10-15 minutes, and then dry them easily.

Now your elbows are ready for peeling. Put any peeling mass for face or for body, which you have. Massage every elbow for 2-3 minutes. Then wash elbows by warm water, dry and put any nutritious cream. You’d better to choose the cream with vitamins A and E.

To keep your elbows in the ideal condition in the future, use my grandmother’s recipe. Take one lemon, divide in half, and put an elbow into every half. Keep for 15-20 minutes, then rinse them with warm water and put cream. The skin will be soft and smooth. Repeat this procedure 2-4 times a month. In the evening you should use rich cream to care about elbows.

Pay attention to your teeth

In spring women often have problems with gums. They begin to bleed, to cover with small ulcers. What should we do? Look! Herbs, vegetables and fruits hurry to help you. Most of all various rinsers are popular.

Decoction from oak bark helps to treat gums very well. Pour 1 table-spoon ground oak bark with 1 glass of water and keep in the water bath on the light fire for 15 minutes. Then filter. Rinse mouth with this decoction twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Also rinse mouth with warm extract of Acorus calamus. It is easy to make at home. Pour 1 tea-spoon of cut Acorus calamus rhizome with 1,5 glass of boiling water and infuse it for 2 hours. Then filter.

During spring “rheumatic pain” in teeth you can use lemon juice. Squeeze juice of half a lemon into ½ glass of warm boiling water and rinse mouth with this liquid some times a day.

Calendula is well-known by its fine antiphlogistic and bactericidal qualities. If you suffer from stomatitis and gingivitis you need to rinse mouth in the morning and evening with aqueous extract of calendula. Pour 10 gram of flowers with 1 glass of boiling water and keep for an hour.

Also you can follow my plain advices. In spring and early summer conifers are covered with fresh thorny leaves. You should chew fresh thorns, not swallowing. They have pleasant taste and at the same time they manage many problems with gums. Another way is to eat sauerkraut. It contains a lot of vitamin C, which is very useful for gums.

Tomato for Skin Care

It also contains fiber, vitamin C, E, K, B1, B6, B3, B2, iron, manganese, potassium as well as carotenes and many more to help you in every manner.

Tomato Skin Care Recipes

Tomatoes are of great help for your skin. If you happen to go in the sun and in that span of time you get tanned, there is an easy solution. Prepare cucumber and tomato juice mixture to be applied on the affected areas of your skin. Keep it for 10 minutes; later wash it off with clean water. You will notice the difference.

Anyone can have skin rashes and the main reason for these rashes is silicon deficiency. This problem is overcome by having good amounts of sprouts, tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits.

Make a mixture of honey and tomato juice to be applied on your face and neck. Wash it off after 15 minutes and within minutes you would see a glowing face in front of the mirror.

Another recipe for glowing skin is the mixture of 2 tsp tomato juice and 4 tsp yoghurt. Apply it well on your skin and wash it in 15 minutes to see the difference.

This recipe is for all those people who have oily skins, open pores and blackheads. Tomato has an acidic trait which also contains potassium and vitamin C which helps in cleansing the face. Rub a sliced piece of tomato on your skin and leave it for fifteen minutes. This would help the pores. Later wash it off with water.

For a good complexion spread the pulp of tomato on your face daily. Keep it for 1 hour and then wash it off with warm water. If done regularly the results will be seen.

The tomato lotion helps in shrinking the enlarged pores and this can be made by using tomato juice mixed with 2 or 3 drops of lime juice. Apply this solution on your face and then wash it off for 15 minutes.

A great recipe to remove sunburn can be made by adding 2 tsp tomato juice in 4 tbsp of buttermilk. Apply it all over your skin. Wash it off after keeping it for 1/2 hour.

You can easily make a homemade cleanser by using tomato and milk. Use tomato juice by straining the pulp and mix it with equal parts of milk. Store this in a bottle which can be refrigerated to be used everyday. Apply this on your face and neck by using your fingertips. Keep it for 10 minutes and later wash it with cold water.

Dandruff

Vinegar Wonder

Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed. Tie a towel around your head to protect the pillow. Wash your hair next morning. After shampooing, rinse again with vinegar water. Continue this once a week for at least three months.

Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this.

Methi Power

Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning.

Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hair-wash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.

An Egg Pack

Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it.

Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair.

Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water.

Amla Power

Amla is rich in iron and considered to be very nourishing for strong and healthy hair. Add amla juice to lemon juice and massage your scalp with firm fingers.

Wash after half an hour.

Physical Appearance

What Constitutes Physical Appearance?

Physical appearance or the combination of facial features that constitute a person’s individuality is a significant factor in determining how the person is perceived in human society.

Physical appearance is often regarded as a measure for judging attractiveness and sensual appeal and recent studies show that it is instrumental in maintaining relationships, making new ones, getting a job, inspiring confidence or other feelings of either positivity or negativity and also for individuals to decide their self-worth.

Aspects of Physical Appearance

Physical appearance is an amalgamation of special features or qualities that confer superiority, distinction, merit, perfection, virtue and beauty to a person.

Sociological Aspect

Physical appearance can determine the attractiveness of a person and is dependant of an individual’s perception of the physical traits of an individual human person or a group, race, or type of people. This judgment of attractiveness is based on physical appearance as a whole or individual feature and distinctive traits and is partly universal to all human cultures, and partly decided by individual preference.

Anthropological Aspect

The difference observed by humans in judging their male or female counterparts on a day-to-day basis is largely dependant on their physical appearance. In fact, anthropologists believe that these observations, made in context with humans in society are an important factor in the development of personality and social relations, especially the factor of physical attractiveness. They claim that even though there is a relatively low sexual dimorphism between human males and females in comparison with other mammals, human beings are acutely sensitive to variations in physical appearance. Some anthropologists link this with the theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory of evolution laid emphasis on the individual variation within a species and defined the function of that person within a social setting.

Psychological Aspect

Psychologists have taken a leaf out of Darwin’s book and furthered this thinking by introducing to the world enamored with physical appearance, the Trait approach. This trait theory focuses on the heritable traits, which determine behavior and result in particular characteristics developing and types of individuals. According to Gordon Allport, a 1937 or thereabouts existing scholar, physical appearance initiated, guided and formed adaptive and expressive behavior.

The most capable source for understanding how people's natural or existing traits affect the responses of the society lies in the examination of the traits with which people are born and physical appearance is the most notable among these. Psychologist believes that physical appearance affects the environment and determines how people in society will treat an individual in much the same way as their personality does. In fact, studies prove that specific elements of appearance like hygiene and selection of clothes that are also functions of personality, determine physical appearance, which in turn affects the environment that in turn affects personality.

Natural Remedies For Blackheads

Blackhead Removal

Blackheads can be really annoying and embarrassing and everyone wants to get rid of this nuisance either with the help of natural remedies or through strips or some extraction method (which can have adverse effect if not done correctly). You can use fresh Garlic (I know it stinks but if you can bear the smell you don't have to worry about blackheads), Lemon (some people are allergic to citrus fruits so its not a good option for them), Fenugreek are some of the safest natural remedies for blackheads. Luckily, I don't really get blackheads, I guess its because of my skin type which is normal to dry but my hubby's skin is oily and acne prone so I try these natural recipes on him. People with oily and acne prone skin find it very irritating because it keeps coming back so the best way is to use these recipes on a regular basis instead of waiting for the blackheads to come back.

I will tell you how you can prevent and get rid of blackheads with these 2 simple steps.

How To Loosen Blackheads

Before trying out any recipe, loosening these blackheads will make the process super easy and very effective. When they are loose they tend to come out easily.

Take 16oz (400ml) water and boil it, add some fresh or dried basil leaves. Once it is boiled add 2-3 drops Lavender oil (you can use any essential oil that helps you with acne some examples are tea tree, rosewood, sandalwood). Drape a towel around your head and take a steam for a few minutes so that the pores open up. People with sensitive skin, be extra careful not to burn your face.

Now your blackheads are ready to be removed.

Mix one tbsp. Baking Soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it on the blackheads and keep it on for about a minute or so and gently scrub. Rinse it off with warm water and finish this process by splashing some cold water so that the pores are closed.

By now, your blackheads would have gone. This simple process also makes your skin soft and smooth. Some people are allergic to baking soda(specially people with sensitive skin) so your skin might become red for a few minutes.

You can use these ingredients on a regular basis but make sure that you don't steam your face very often because too much of steaming can make your face dry.

Benefits of Skipping

Are you fond of skipping ropes? If yes, then you are on a route towards a healthy life, and if you have not tried skipping a rope, then you must start this immediately as skipping a rope is equivalent to skipping ailments and embarking on a healthy and happy route of life. If not convinced, read below and find out the various health benefits of skipping.

If that extra pound on your tummy or your thigh is refraining you from wearing your favorite dress, then just skip those extra pounds away. Skipping is helpful for people who want to reduce weight as it helps in the burning of calories. It has been found that skipping a rope for one hour at a decent pace can help you to burn up to 1000 calories. Not bad at all. So why get depressed with those extra pounds. Now, embark on the natural route of weight loss rather than depending upon pills and crash dieting.

Not only does skipping help you in weight reduction, but it also helps in enhancing the coordination of the body. That is to say, skipping aids in strengthening the coordination between your arms and legs along with improving your reflexes and balance. Also, along with a slim body, you’ll be gifted with well toned arms and a thigh as skipping is a good way of toning your body.

Skipping also helps in improving your attention and concentration skills. This is because you need to have proper coordination between your hand and leg movements and thus skipping is a natural way of making you more alert and sharp. Thus, along with well toned and strengthened muscles, you’ll get a sharp and alert mind.

Skipping has many benefits. It helps your joints and makes them strong. Also, skipping is an exercise that is not restricted by gender or age. Thus, skip everyday and have a happy and a healthy life.

Choosing Moisturizers

Most of the women find that they eventually require some good moisturizers. Even if she has had oily skin all her life, in many cases, it would still be beneficial from a light moisturizer for applying after cleansing the skin. There are dozens of moisturizers available readily in the market but then which one to choose as the good one!

A woman got to think about many considerations while looking for any moisturizers. She requires thinking about the skin type, her individual skin care requirements and whether she got sensitive type of skin or something else.

Moisturizers – how are they available?

There are three basic types of moisturizers available: Gel, Lotion and Cream. Gel is the lightest formula that is followed by the lotion and finally the cream that provides the heaviest dose of moisture. Generally, the woman with advanced age uses the cream, since the there skin requires the most moisture. Also, moisturizers often have lighter formula if they are formulated for daytime use, under the makeup, with some heavier formulas for nighttimes, after deep cleansing.

Woman having normal skin, oily or normal with an oily "T-zone" (the area that covers the forehead, nose and chin) probably wants to begin with Gel-kind of moisturizer. This provides the moisture without any greasy or heavy impression. It is also a nice choice for any skin tone for daytime moisturizers, under the makeup. This is particularly important in chilly weather, when the drier, freezing air can really sap the moisture away from the skin. Woman, who lives in more arid climates like as the Southwest US, also requires being more painstaking about applying moisturizers, since the air does not contain a lot of ambient moistures.

Different moisturizers for different individuals and climates

Those women with normal or dry skin may want to try a moisturizing lotion. These will provide a heavier dose of moisture for skin that loses it more quickly. Dry skin also tends to be sensitive, so a woman will need to consider this. Fortunately, there are good moisturizers available that are fragrance-free, and designed especially for sensitive skin. A woman who knows ahead of time that her skin is dry and fussy will probably want to try one of these moisturizers first.

Women with more mature skin will likely to go for cream moisturizers. They will also be opting for the preparations that favor to make skin look more vernal and firmer. Again, this is greatly a question of individual’s requirement and how sensitive the skin they have. Some women are very sensible to the products that contain Alpha-hydroxy derivatives as well as citric acid or even ascorbic acid.

Women who go for products having Alpha-hydroxy should also be aware that they got to avoid sunlight exposure as it might cause the damage to the skin. Another modern conception in the quest for having smoother skin is the addition to the sunscreens. Many moisturizers would have sunscreen added. Many companies of foundation makeup also add sunscreens, so it might depend upon what a tolerance of the skin of the woman when she goes to select moisturizer. Some are sensitive to the sunscreens, others aren't. Nevertheless, moisturizers with sunscreen contradict the requirement for it in foundation makeup, and in opposite case, it is also a fact.

Generally, moisturizers with sunscreens are intended to be used under makeup, during the day. It is not all the time to look for some formulas that contain sunscreens while choosing a nighttime formulation.

The place – an important factor

Some women believe that only the department stores cosmetic lines carry a great quality product. However, this is not necessarily to be fact all the time. Many drugstore brands can also offer great moisturizers. In fact, some are just the drugstore lines for the departmental store product. And with the skyrocketing quality of generic brands, even the high-ticket drugstore brands often offer generic or store brand equivalents those are cheaper but contain the same effective ingredients. This is another area where the women can compare. If the drugstore brands have essentially the same ingredients list as the department store lines, one can go for the cheaper brands with confidence. Many departmental store cosmetic lines have their products’ ingredients described on their websites so it is not a bad idea to check that out.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a natural daily phenomenon, re-growth is generally a given. But this shedding of hair cannot be the main cause of hair loss. Every strand of hair on a human head is genetically programmed to a cycle that includes growth, stabilization, aging and shedding. On the average, a human head sheds about 50 – 125 (depending on gender) but most of them will come back after the resting stage as the follicle itself is not destroyed. Trouble begins when the loss exceeds re-growth, or the re-growth is weak and unhealthy. These are the main causes of hair loss.

Other causes of hair loss are as follows

Genes

Genes can give you stunning looks but may also be a cause of hair loss for you. In a vast majority of cases, hair loss is hereditary, passed down the genes from either side of parentage. Some studies indicate that baldness from the maternal side has a greater chance of it being passed along.

Here is the most common explanation how genes can be a cause of hail loss:

During the fetus formation stage, some hair genes make hair follicles susceptible to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, more commonly referred to as simply DHT. When this link is established, the follicle starts to shrink, sprouting thinner and weaker hair at every cycle. Eventually, the follicle or root dies and baldness is complete.

Stress, Trauma, Diet

Other causes of hair loss could be surgery, medication, high level of work or family related stress and diet or nutrition changes all these can contribute to hair loss. These causes of hair loss are generally short lived and hair growth is restored once the situation normalizes. In any case, the above mentioned causes of hair loss rarely contribute to baldness

How To Treat Hair Loss Naturally

Identifying the cause of one’s sudden hair loss and treating it naturally, is the best way to recover from stress related hair loss; but it is not always the easiest thing to do. In some cases, stress has become such a major and vital part of one’s daily routine that it can be very difficult to separate oneself from the need for it. Statistics show that over 80% of people are overstressed, in some capacity, and may be suffering from some health condition because of it. Most Americans live such busy lives and suffer from the weight of responsibilities with jobs and family that we allow our health habits to fall. Sudden hair loss is not a direct side effect of stress, but it comes as a result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle caused by the reality of stressful conditions in our lives. Therefore, it is very important for every individual suffering from sudden hair loss to understand what causes stress, how it affects one’s health, and how to either get rid of or cope with one’s stress.

The following is a list of things one can do to cope with stress. In order to completely get rid of your stress and cure it, one has to devise a list of all of your problems and deal with them head on. Ignoring your problems and disassociating yourself from stressful events only serves to bring temporary relief but not a permanent cure. The following list are ways one can cope with stress.

Exercise

Researchers have discovered that regular exercise decreases the production of adrenaline and will counteract the stress response. Physical activity of any kind is an effective way to relieve stress and will usually leave you feeling relaxed and rational about your problems. Researchers have also found that those who exercise regularly sleep and relax better.

Sleep\Relaxation

Having healthy sleep habits and relaxation rituals are a very important part of eliminating stress. If you set aside at least 20 minutes each day in a quiet room to relax your mind and focus on good thoughts, you will notice a change in one’s attitude toward stress. You can also use this time to pray and meditate on bible scriptures. Finding some time during your day to quiet oneself can be very therapeutic in producing an effective and appropriate response in stressful conditions. Proper sleep is also important in coping with stress. Everyone knows how much sleep they need, but too much or too little sleep can affect one’s health in different ways. An abnormal sleep pattern can cause skin deterioration and sudden hair loss.

Diet

Stress at home and at the workplace can have a drastic effect on one’s eating habits. The abuse of alcohol, drinking coffee, and smoking are all effects that stress can have in improper nutrition and diet. Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet can lead to iron deficiency or anemia that can contribute to sudden hair loss. A fundamental principal in natural hair loss treatment is that the same foods that are good for your health, are good for your hair. Although sudden hair loss can be caused by many other variables, lack of proper nutrition will cause hair loss in most people. Foods that are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and have reduced fat content can help in maintaining healthier hair and preventing sudden hair loss.

The list above is only a means to stress relief, and not a cure for stress related hair loss. The best possible way to treat one’s sudden hair loss is by dealing with the root problem behind the stress. Exercise, diet and sleep can never eliminate the problem but can only help you cope with it in a positive and healthy manner. As a society, we blame stress on everyone and everything except ourselves and the fact is the only person responsible for your stress is you. Having the wrong attitudes, and our fears\ phobias contribute to creating more stress in our lives. Dealing with fears and anxiety with a positive attitude can help you overcome the stress in your life. The good news is, that one’s sudden diffuse hair loss can be dealt with and there are easy and effective ways to deal with stress and thus prevent sudden hair loss.

Natural Tips For fighting Body Odor

Body odor is a term known to every one. It’s basically the sweat that our body produces to regulate its temperature. Sweat, essentially odorless, can become rather pungent once exposed to bacteria. Therefore we experience that bad unpleasant smell of the sweat. Body odor is often a result of improperly eliminated toxic waste. Although everyone has a slight body odor, it can sometimes become offensive. Unfamiliar body odors can cause self-consciousness.

Causes of Body Odor:

There are various causes which trigger unpleasant body odor. It’s often due to

Poor hygiene or excessive sweating, when perspiration remains on the body long enough for bacteria to breed.

It is also related to nervousness, anxiety and stress, since poor internal health causes odor. Problems detoxifying via the kidneys, liver or bowels will increase body odor, as more toxins remain in the body and must be eliminated through the skin.

A sluggish liver and constipation are common problems today.

Strong-smelling food spices, like garlic and curry, are emitted through the pores of the skin causing strong body odor.

The smell of cigarettes and alcohol remains in the body and on the clothes for many hours.

Useful Suggestions to Help Prevent Body Odor:

Shower daily, especially after exercise or strenuous physical work. Moderate exposure to sun helps kill bacteria and gives the body a healthy, pleasant smell.

Use natural deodorants which inhibit bacterial growth but do not prevent you from sweating. Antiperspirants are not recommended because they restrict sweating, which is a valuable means to regulate heat, water and minerals, and to eliminate toxins. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, can be powdered all over to help eliminate odor without causing skin irritations

Change underwear daily. Wear loose, natural-fiber clothing such as cotton, wool, linen or silk.

Natural Treatments for Preventing Body Odor:

Nutritional Supplements

A number of nutrients help to improve metabolism, the first step in the removal of waste. The B vitamins are especially important. Ensure that the B complex you choose contains all the B vitamins. Otherwise, supplement them separately. Zinc reduces strong body odor. Chlorophyll tablets or the chlorophyll in many green food supplements also help reduce body odor by supporting the liver and detoxifying the body.

Daily Dosages:

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily

Chlorophyll, chlorella or other green food supplements, 1 tbsp.

Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper

Herbal Remedies

In addition to maintaining proper nutrition and hygiene, herbs can help eliminate the sources of body odor.

Essential oils of thyme and lavender kill bacteria. Add 5 drops of each to bath water or shower gel.

Mix 5 drops lavender oil with 2 cups distilled water. Keep in a glass bottle and dab onto areas of the body that perspire easily.

A cleansing juice fast of bitter herbs such as dandelion, endive or angelica, along with enemas of fenugreek seed infusion are advisable for cleansing the intestinal tract. Take 1 tbsp. of herbal juice daily.

Home Remedies for Skin Whitening Care

Here are some simple home remedies for skin whitening that you can do to lighten the skin tone and get a lighter complexion. However, they must be done regularly and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily routine.

Mix 1 tsp of milk powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and ½ tsp of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.

Place sliced raw potato on the face. It helps reduce blemishes and other marks.

Applying turmeric powder along with lime juice removes the tan. Lime juice is a natural bleach.

Dried orange peels mixed with curd also help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

A tbsp of gram flour mixed with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Apply a paste of fresh ground mint leaves and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wash with cold water, continue for 15 days.

Apply a mixture of grated tomato with 2-3 drops of lime juice on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice a day for 15-20 days for best results.

Diet for Getting Rid of Dark Skin

Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a healthy glow. Drinking an optimum amount of water hydrates your skin and keeps it blemish free. Some recommendations regarding diet are as follows –

Avoid excessive consumption of heavy and oily foods.

Incorporate whole cereals, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day. Water washes out the toxins from the body.

Other suggestions for Dark Skin

Use a good quality sunscreen when going out in the sun to protect the skin from tanning as well as the sun's UV rays.

Facial Exercises

EYES & FOREHEAD EXERCISES

Sit upright and close your eyes. Slowly look down, up, left, then right as far as possible. Repeat 10 times.

Sitting upright with your eyes still closed, lift your eyebrows and stretch your eyelids down as far as possible and hold this position for 5 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds and repeat exercise 5 times.

Sitting upright with your eyes closed, imitate a frown and bring your eyebrows down and toward each other as much as possible. Hold position for 5 seconds. Then lift your eyebrows and open your eyes as wide as you can and hold this position for another 5 seconds. Repeat exercise 5 times.

Now lie on your bed with your face towards the ceiling. Scoot to the edge of the bed until your head is over the edge. You may want to place a folded towel beneath your neck to cushion it against the edge and make the exercise more comfortable. Lift your eyebrows as high as possible, open your eyes as wide as you can, and hold position for 10 seconds. Relax your face for 10 seconds and repeat exercise 10 times.

FACE & NECK WARM-UP EXERCISES

Sit upright, tilt your head back and keep your lips closed and relaxed. Look at the ceiling and begin chewing with your mouth closed for 10 seconds. Tilt your head forward, close your eyes and relax for 30 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times.

Still sitting upright, tilt your head forward even more so that your chin almost touches your chest. Roll your head slowly first in a clockwise motion, then in a counter-clockwise direction. Repeat exercise 3 times.

Now lie on your bed with the back of your neck hanging over the edge. Place a folded towel beneath your neck to cushion it against the edge and make the exercise more comfortable. Gently bring your chin towards your chest and keep it there for 15 seconds. Lower your head and relax for 20 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

LIP & CHEEK EXERCISES

Sit upright, tilt your head back and keep your lips closed and relaxed. Look at the ceiling and pucker your lips for 10 seconds. Tilt your head forward, close your eyes and relax for 20 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times.

Sit upright and facing forward. With your mouth closed, separate your teeth by dropping your lower jaw and then push your jaw forward. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Relax and bring your jaw back into its normal position. Repeat 5 times.

Sit upright and facing forward. With your mouth closed and teeth together, smile as widely as possible with the edges of your lips turned up and towards your ears. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then immediately pucker your lips for 5 additional seconds. Relax your lips for 5 seconds and repeat exercise 10 times.

Sit upright and facing forward. With your teeth and lips closed, blow air under your top lip and hold air for 10 seconds. Move air to your left cheek, hold for 10 seconds, then to your lower lip, hold for 10 seconds, and finally to your right cheek and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat exercise 5 times.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus the term chemical peel is derived. Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however people are advised to seek professional help from a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, or otolaryngologist on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.



Types

There are several types of chemical peels.

Alpha hydroxy acid peels

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produces light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Alpha hydroxy acids can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

AHA peels are used to:

reduce fine wrinkling

treat areas of dryness

reduce uneven pigmentation

aid in the control of acne

smooth rough dry skin

improve the texture of sun-damaged skin

Beta hydroxy acid peels

It is becoming common for beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels to be used instead of the stronger alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels due to BHA's ability to get deeper into the pore than AHA. Studies show that BHA peels control oil, acne as well as remove dead skin cells to a certain extent better than AHAs due to AHAs only working on the surface of the skin.

Salicylic acid is a biosynthesized, organic, beta hydroxy acid that is often used. Sodium salicylate is converted by treating sodium phenolate (the sodium salt of phenol) with carbon dioxide at high pressure and temperature. Acidification of the product with sulfuric acid gives salicylic acid. Alternatively, it can be prepared by the hydrolysis of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or Oil of Wintergreen (methyl salicylate) with a strong acid or base.

Jessner's peel

Jessner's peel solution, formerly known as the Coombe's formula, is a combination of salicylic and lactic acids, and resorcinol. It is thought to break intracellular bridges between keratinocytes.

Retinoic acid peel

This type of facial peel is also performed in the office of a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. This is a deeper peel than the Beta Acid peel and is used to remove scars as well as wrinkles and pigmentation problems. This type of facial peel often requires the use of a mild anesthesia, although the doctor is not likely to put you totally under.


Although a Retinoic Acid peels works very well, it will take a few days to heal from this procedure, so you may want to schedule some time off work before you have this done. However, if you are troubled by deep acne scars or have problems with pigmentation on your face, this is an excellent facial peel.

Trichloroacetic acid peels

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases, with 50% TCA penetrating into the reticular dermis. Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring.

Trichloroacetic acid peels:

are preferred for darker-skinned patients over Phenol

smooth out fine surface wrinkles

remove superficial blemishes

correct skin pigment problems

Phenol peels

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep skin peel. Recent studies suggest that phenol is most likely only the carrier for another active component in the solution, namely croton oil. In fact, phenol alone produces only a light peel which is ineffective for restructuring the deeper dermal structures (such as wrinkles). The term Phenol/Croton oil peel has been proposed as a more accurate descriptor, but the established terminology phenol peel continues to be of dominant usage, as the role of croton oil in the mix is not as widely understood.

Effects of a phenol chemical peel are long lasting, and in some cases are still readily apparent up to 20 years following the procedure. Improvements in the patient’s skin can be quite dramatic. A single treatment usually achieves the desired result.

Phenol peels are used to:

correct blotches caused by sun exposure or aging

smooth out coarse deep wrinkles

remove precancerous growths

BELL'S PALSY FAQ's

WHAT IS BELL'S PALSY?

Bells palsy is a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. It's caused by trauma to the 7th cranial nerve, and is not permanent.

WHY IS IT CALLED BELL'S PALSY?

The condition is named for Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon who studied the nerve and its innervation of the facial muscles 200 years ago.

HOW COMMON IS BELL'S PALSY?

Bells palsy is not as uncommon as is generally believed. Worldwide statistics set the frequency at approximately .02% of the population (with geographical variations). In human terms this is 1 of every 5000 people, and 40,000 Americans every year.

IS BELL'S PALSY ALWAYS ON THE SAME SIDE?

The percentage of left or right side cases is approximately equal, and remains equal for recurrences.

IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE BECAUSE OF GENDER OR RACE?

The incidence of Bells palsy in males and females, as well as in the various races is also approximately equal. The chances of the condition being mild or severe, and the rate of recovery is also equal.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN INCREASE THE CHANCE OF HAVING BELL'S PALSY?

Older people are more likely to be afflicted, but children are not immune to it. Children tend to recover well. Diabetics are more than 4 times more likely to develop Bells palsy than the general population. The last trimester of pregnancy is considered to be a time of increased risk for Bell's palsy. Conditions that compromise the immune system such as HIV or sarcoidosis increase the odds of facial paralysis occurring and recurring.

CAN BELL'S PALSY AFFECT BOTH SIDES OF THE FACE?

It is possible to have bilateral Bells palsy, but it's rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. With bilateral facial palsy, it's important to rule out all other possible diagnoses with thorough diagnostic tests.

CAN BELL'S PALSY AFFECT OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY?

Bells palsy should not cause any other part of the body to become paralyzed, weak or numb. If any other areas are affected Bell's palsy is not the cause of the symptoms, and further testing must be done.

HOW DO THE SYMPTOMS OF BELL'S PALSY PROGRESS?

Very quickly. Most people either wake up to find they have Bells palsy, or have symptoms such as a dry eye or tingling around their lips that progress to classic Bell's palsy during that same day. Occasionally symptoms may take a few days to be recognizable as Bells palsy. The degree of paralysis should peak within several days of onset - never in longer than 2 weeks (3 weeks maximum for Ramsey Hunt syndrome). A warning sign may be neck pain, or pain in or behind the ear prior to palsy, but it is not usually recognized in first-time cases.

IS BELL'S PALSY CONTAGIOUS?

No, it is not contagious. People with Bells palsy can return to work and resume normal activity as soon as they feel up to it.

WHAT ABOUT RECOVERY FROM BELL'S PALSY?

Approximately 50% of Bells palsy patients will have essentially complete recoveries in a short time. Another 35% will have good recoveries in less than a year.

Regardless of the trigger, Bell's palsy is best described as an event - trauma to the nerve. As with any other injury, healing follows. The quality and duration of recovery is dependent on the severity of the initial injury. If the nerve has suffered nothing more than a mild trauma, recovery can be very fast, taking several days to several weeks. An "average" recovery is likely to take between a few weeks and a few months. The nerve regenerates at a rate of approximately 1-2 millimeters per day, and can continue to regenerate for 18 months, probably even longer. Improvement of appearance can continue beyond that time frame.

IS MUSCLE ATROPHY A CONCERN?

Not as a rule. It takes longer for the muscles to start to atrophy than it takes for most people to fully recover.

IS BELL'S PALSY LIKELY TO HAPPEN AGAIN?

The possibility of recurrence had been thought to be as high as 10 - 20%. These figures have been lowered as more has been learned about conditions that are now diagnosed as other types of facial palsies. Estimates of the rate of recurrence still vary widely, from around 4 - 14%. Most recent reports hover at 5 - 9%. The average timespan between recurrences is 10 years.

Botox

Botox For Residuals

In the early ’70s Botox was used to relax overactive eye muscles in cross-eyed patients. It has since been approved for many uses, including for spasmodic neck, facial and eyelid muscles. Facial muscles have a tendency to become hypertonic (overactive) after paralysis. Weakening or re-paralyzing the muscles with Botox can temporarily ease the effects of some synkinetic and hypertonic muscles. Spasms can be reduced along with the pain and discomfort associated with them.

Cosmetically, Botox can effectively enhance the appearance. With Botox injected into the eyelid muscles, the squint associated with synkinesis or hypertonicity can be lessened; sometimes significantly. If there is tightness or spasms in the cheek area, the Botox injected in the muscles around the eye may also reduce those spasms. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the cheek or neck areas directly. The overall result can be a more symmetrical appearance plus increased comfort. Over an extended time period immunity can build up, and the procedure may become less effective. To avoid or postpone antibody formation, the smallest effective dose should be administered, and the interval between injections should be extended as long as possible.

Patients who are using muscle relaxants such as baclofen, dantrolene or diazepam can continue taking these meds for further assistance with muscle spasms or tightness if needed; they will not interact with Botox.

Botox can be combined with neuromuscular retraining to try to maintain improved motion patterns and appearance without continuing injections. While Botox is preventing inappropriate muscle movements, exercises are performed daily to reinforce correct, isolated movements. The exercises are continued after the Botox wears off to further reinforce the new pattern.


Botox is botulinum toxin type A - not live bacteria. It is a genetically engineered protein that weakens or inactivates muscles. After injection Botox enters the nerve ending of a muscle, binds to pre-synaptic receptors and blocks transmittal of nerve impulses at that point. The muscle will not contract because the signal from the nerve has been stopped.

Tiny amounts of Botox are injected into the muscles using a small gauge needle. It will begin to take effect 24 - 72 hours after treatment, and the full effect will build up over a period of time. Gradually new nerve sprouts form and neuromuscular control returns a few months later. It is a temporary solution that works for 3-6 months. After that, the injections must be repeated.

Restylane

Restylane

Generic Name: Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) injectable gel.
Treatment for: Facial Wrinkles

What is Restylane?

Restylane is the first and only FDA-approved dermal filler made of a biodegradable non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms and provides volume and fullness to the skin.

Restylane is formulated as a clear gel and uses a dual mechanism of action to correct wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the Restylane gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds. Restylane gel integrates into dermal tissue then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body's own mechanism and disappears without any residue. Results can be seen immediately following Restylane treatment and last six months, or even longer.

Restylane is marketed and sold in more than 60 countries outside the United States where it has been used in more than one million procedures. Since 1996, dermatologists and plastic surgeons outside the U.S. have used Restylane to contour and restore volume to skin and temporarily eliminate wrinkles and facial folds. Additionally, in countries other than the U.S., Restylane is also approved to enhance the appearance and fullness of lips, although the safety or efficacy of Restylane for the treatment of lips has not been established in controlled clinical studies submitted to the FDA.

Restylane Clinical Study

The 6-month randomized, multi-center double-blind study evaluated 138 patients seeking correction of bilateral nasolabial folds (smile lines). Patients received Restylane (non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid 20 mg/mL) in one nasolabial fold and Zyplast(R) (cross-linked bovine collagen 35mg/mL, INAMED Corporation, Santa Barbara, CA) in the opposite nasolabial fold.

Clinical efficacy assessments were then conducted at two, four and six months after baseline using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS)(1) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS)(2). Adverse events were assessed by the treating investigator for severity and relationship to the study treatment.

The study found that Restylane showed a statistically significant difference over Zyplast with respect to the change (from pre-treatment) in WSRS score at all post-baseline timepoints (p less than 0.0001). Specifically, at six months post-baseline, Restylane was better than Zyplast in 56.9 percent of patients while Zyplast was better than Restylane in 9.5 percent of patients (less than 0.0001). In addition, at six months, 67.2 percent of Zyplast-treated folds had returned to pre-treatment condition, compared with only 29.9 percent of Restylane treated folds. Further, the total injection volume needed to produce an "optimal cosmetic result" was lower for Restylane (mean 1.0mL; range 0.3-2.8mL) than Zyplast (mean 1.6mL; range 0.1 - 5.0mL).

The most commonly reported adverse events were redness and swelling, which typically occurred at the injection site and were transient and mild to moderate in intensity.

About Restylane

Restylane is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid). NASHA is developed using a unique stabilization process that results in its long duration of effect in contrast to non-stabilized hyaluronic acid, which lasts only days to weeks, at most. As opposed to other hyaluronic acid products, NASHA is not derived from animal sources. It is produced biotechnologically by natural fermentation in a sterile laboratory environment. This significantly diminishes the risk of transmitting diseases between species or of eliciting allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to common foods, such as beef, chicken and eggs. NASHA has been extensively researched for over a decade and proven to be safe and effective. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to injection.

Oral Health and Dental Care

Dental care is integral part of general health, and good oral health gives the sense of overall well-being. Tooth decay is the most common health problem in many countries, and it shows the poor emphasis on the dental care by the general public. Unbalanced diet, poor brushing habits and negligence to daily oral care leads to various dental problems calling for dental treatments, which can be time consuming, expensive, painful and complex. Most of the dental problems can be avoided by paying attention to the daily oral hygiene.

Important Dental Care Tips

It is advisable to use the soft bristled brush with synthetic rounded bristles. When buying a brush, look for the seal of approval from American Dental Association. The toothbrush must be replaced every 2-3 months, or when the bristles are bent or worn. For good dental care, replace your toothbrush after you have suffered from cold.

Proper brushing technique is important for dental care, and brush outside, inside and inside surface of lower and upper jaws. Brush your tongue to freshen up your breath as bacteria and debris on the tongue cause bad breath.

The ideal dental care involves brushing the teeth at least once everyday, preferably at bed time. Brushing after the breakfast helps in thorough removal of plague daily. To clean each tooth properly, change the position of the brush after few strokes. Good dental care does not require too much of paste, and pea-sized fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient. It is essential to avoid brushing teeth too vigorously as it can wear down the tooth structure. It can also cause the gums to recede, exposing the root surface.

For good dental care, good flossing techniques must be used. But, many people do not enjoy flossing, as they are not aware of the proper technique, and hence hurt the soft tissues of the mouth during the attempt. A safe and effective alternative to flossing includes use of brush picks, floss picks, tooth picks and special plague removers.

Some dental specialists and dentists advise using the plague removers instead of regular flossing for dental care. The picks can reach the nooks of the mouth that are left unavailable for floss and toothbrush. Toothpicks are great for dental care, but they are not able to reach all the desired places such as behind the last wisdom tooth.

For good dental care, you can also make the toothpaste at home by mixing baking soda, salt, glycerin and peppermint. But, never swallow the toothpaste, as it may cause the fluoride toxicity. Brush mildly for 2-3 minutes as brushing vigorously for longer time does more harm than good.

Many studies have indicated a strong correlation between oral health and general health. Not paying attention to the dental care can lead to many health problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and pregnancy problems. The bacteria causing the periodontal infection can enter the blood stream carrying the infection to many major body organs, leading to various health problems. Consider a periodontal evaluation if you have diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, respiratory disease or if planning to conceive a baby.

As a good dental care program, smoking must be avoided as it can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Some of the other ill-effects of smoking include mouth bores, hairy tongue, shifting teeth, delayed wound healing, altered sense of smell and taste and jaw bone loss.

For good dental care, mouthwashes have effective antiseptic properties that kill the bacterial plague. It is also important to maintain a well-balanced diet, and minimize the consumption of sugary and starchy foods that are known to cause tooth decay. To maintain proper dental care, avoid eating between meals as it makes teeth more prone to decay.

It also helps to visit your dentist once in 3-4 months so that any oral concern can be diagnosed early. There are no symptoms associated with most of oral health problems till the disease has progressed to the advanced stage.

Skin Care - Wrinkles

We all know how unpleasant is to find a new wrinkle on your own face. Fortunately, we can do much to prevent wrinkles and smooth out those ones that have already formed. You can extend your skin youthfulness and prevent wrinkles taking care of number one. Balance your body interests, lead a healthy life and it won’t be a back-breaking problem.

Let’s hammer out the facts of wrinkles causes. There are two kinds of wrinkles as it is. The dynamic wrinkles are in view when the underlying muscle is abbreviating. These can be in evidence in more mature skin, as a general rule. Have you heard about Botox injections for wrinkles? The case in hand is treatment for dynamic wrinkles. The second type of wrinkle is a static wrinkle. These wrinkles are measurable even when the facial muscles aren't abbreviating. Static wrinkles originate in consequence of collagen and elastin level recession. When these components decline, the skin is incapable to snap back as hitherto. This causes the static wrinkle.
As we age, our skin loses ability to regenerate, in the wake of aging, gradual thinning of the surface of the skin arises. The thin skin architecture decrease ability to absorb important nutrients.

By the way the collagen and elastin level recession have influence with wrinkling transition. Some collagen and elastin are unavoidable lost little by little due to the natural aging process. Take heed! The majority of elastin is lost under the influence of sun and by UV radiation. So you can realize the use of good sun protection is essential.

The plain truth is that any woman should prevent wrinkles the sooner the better. Dry skin is uncommon in the twenties and there is usually no need to moisturize frequently. But keep in mind your skin's oil arrearage are not unlimited, avoid too much pilling. It is also best to avoid alcohol-based toners and other drying agents at this age.

A proper diet program should be used after 30, of course you can indulge, but your general diet should be healthy. Healthy food for a woman of thirty includes a lot of antioxidants to promote collagen and elasticity production and firmness in aging skin.

Do you know that tomatoes are suggested as an excellent wrinkle prevention food because they contain lycopene? Red peppers contain Vitamin A and Vitamin E, as well as bioflavonoids, which have skin rejuvenating effect. Beets and carrots (and other red and dark orange vegetables) are also healthy foods to prevent wrinkles. Welcome news is that an adorable summer berry – strawberry is the best means for wrinkle care; eat it in any quantity, use as a component of skin masks.

Four Bad Mistakes To Make In Acne Care

Today, there are many acne care options on the market and through your doctor. Many individual acne sufferers fight to choose the specific treatment that works the best. It is very hard, for those looking for good care, to be cheerful around those who have clear skin. The struggle to have a good skin care regimen is difficult especially when life is so fast paced. Attention must be given to acne care and the focus should be centered on what can be done to have an acne free life. To find the best acne regimen, it will take dedication and patience. Experimentation with many products might be necessary until the correct combination of treatment is found. In the trial and error period, there are four mistakes that must be avoided to bring about clear skin in a shorter amount of time.

Acne Care Mistake 1

Those of the female gender should avoid adding cosmetic cover-ups to hide pimples. These cosmetic ingredients can clog the pores and make the acne worse. Do not get the idea that using cosmetics to hide the acne is a bad idea, it is simply choosing the correct type of product. Cosmetics need to be water based and made for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic cosmetics are best because they are more sensitive to the skin.

Acne Care Mistake 2

Keep the hands away from the face as much as possible. This is the biggest mistake an individual can make when trying to get rid of acne. You could be touching your face without even realizing how much you are doing it. The hands carry bacteria that can stay on the face and cause acne breakouts. Washing your hands before you touch any part of your face will help to keep you acne free.

Acne Care Mistake 3

Never squeeze acne. You might be bothered by an acne breakout area or a simple pimple and be tempted to squeeze it. This simply is not a good idea because the bacteria excreted can spread to other parts of the skin. The bacterium causes an infection to form and the breakout will become worse and take longer to clear.


Acne Care Mistake 4

Many individual acne sufferers think that acne will eventually go away on its own if you do nothing to it. This is not true. Those with acne problem skin need to create a care regimen to fight the causes of the breakouts. Lifestyle changes will also be beneficial for those who have acne as a result of stress. Lifestyle changes also mean a change in diet and exercise routines. A healthy diet is best for reducing the acne as greasy foods only serve to aggravate the condition. Exercise is great for helping the body to clean out the toxins and bring back a good blood flow to the skin. It also helps to clear out the pores when you sweat. The body will begin to run more smoothly and efficiently keeping the bacteria at a lower level for acne free skin.

Tips to Look Thinner

Choose darker solid colors such as black, navy blue and gray. Black rules!

Dress monochromatic, all in one color, top to bottom, no patterns.

If you want to wear patterns, go for smaller ones that overlap.

Avoid horizontal stripes. Look for thin vertical and diagonal lines for a fluid look.

Select accessories to draw attention from trouble spots.

Wear clothes that fit. Not too baggy but not tight and clingy.

Avoid bulky sweaters and sweatshirts.

Always try on clothes. Different designers have different size charts.

Avoid pleats. Flat front pants and skirts are instant slimmers.

Low-rise pants that hit just below your navel will lengthen your torso.

For longer looking legs, skirts should fall right above the knee.

Forego the frills. Extra ruffles and material only add bulk.

If you have a large bust, invest in a good support bra.

Avoid shiny fabrics such as velour and satin.

High heels add height and shapes’ your legs. That's why you always see runway models in heels.

Dark panty hose will make large legs appear thinner.

Stay away from patterned leggings.

Wear undergarment foundations such as control top pantyhose and shapers.

If you prefer wearing a sleeveless dress, cover your upper arms with a sheer, elegant shawl.

Choose open collar shirts and scoop necklines.

Avoid small handbags. Stick with a medium-sized bag in proportion to your body.

A dress with matching coat can hide bulges.

Match your belt and shoes to your skirt or pants to make your legs appear longer.

Don't tuck your shirt in. Buy those that fall just below your waist, but aren't too long.

V-neck shirts will make your torso appear longer.

You can still wear bright colors, just not on your problem areas.

Frilly clothes are a no-no and just add to your overall size.

Avoid too-tight pants that cling to your hips and thighs. Instead, try trousers with comfortable legs and wide cuffs.

For longer, thinner-looking legs, opt for an asymmetrical, tiered skirt.

If you're a petite woman, wear the highest heel you're comfortable with to add some height.

A thick waistband helps flatten the tummy.

Neck Care Tips

If you moisturize your face then do the same for your neck, if you are using a night cream for your face then apply it on your neck also.
Do not lean over your work table. Work at angles that help you maintain your head straight or sit closer to the table.

Daily before bath, for a minute or two, massage the neck area with downward strokes one hand following the other using any cream or skin oil.

Apply lemon-turmeric paste on the neck to eliminate the color difference in face and skin.

Using yoghurt can also help remove the tan on the neck. Apply a layer of yoghurt over the neck area. Leave it on for around 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Apply some regular moisturizer and massage gently.

Apply lemon-turmeric paste on the neck to eliminate the color difference in face and skin.

Use a natural scrubber on your neck daily to keep the lymphatic glands active and also to remove dead skin.

Buttermilk is a very good cleanser for the neck, especially for those with oily skin.

Neck is prone to getting tanned very easily. So during the time of sun-bath you need to take good care of this part of the body and protect it from direct exposure to sun. A wide rimmed hat will save your neck from direct exposure to sun. But it is better to use a high factor sun block cream.

When you apply the facial masks don't forget to apply it on the neck too.

Daily before bath, for a minute or two, massage the neck area with downward strokes one hand following the other using any cream or skin oil.

It is recommended not to sleep over a soft bed, while natural sleep.

When you are lifting something then use your legs rather than back. This will not put excess strain on your neck.

Buttermilk is a very good cleanser for the neck, especially for those with oily skin.

Try not to use pillows for sleeping or use lower pillows. It will prevent your neck from curling more down and will help it stretch properly. A good posture is a remedy to many problems, and thus also a remedy to neck problems. Back straight, chin up always appeals like a young personality.

Hold your head up. It improves the posture and is good for the neck.

Massage your neck towards the chin in an upward motion with gentle hands. You can use a moisturizer or a massage cream. It facilitates the smooth blood circulation and hence brightens up the complexion.

Regularly exfoliate your neck that will help drive out the dead cells and will give space the new cells.

Take a chair be seated, then look up to the ceiling. But do not open your mouth and do not make any other movements, now the stretch that you fell in your neck is going to benefit you. Then after you have made your pose, start to chew with your mouth open. This exercise is beneficial to improve the posture.

Bath Tips

Advice on how to make the most of your bath at no additional cost.

Do not expect miracles from pots and tubes. They are there to make you look more attractive, not to transform you completely.

How clean is clean enough? No skin can ever be 100 per cent clean, for it discharges sebum and sweat constantly. But yes, the superficial debris must be cleared away regularly, or pores will clog.

A few inches of fresh ginger will warm the body and soothe joints. Slice, simmer in boiling water for a good half hour. Strain and add to warm bath water.

For an aroma therapeutic bath, keep tub water tepid. Hot water will cause those volatile oils to evaporate far too quickly.

Do exercise in a warm bathtub. Experts say there is definite additional benefit from exercise done under warm water.

Dry armpits thoroughly before applying deodorant as wet skin gives rise to bacteria.

Mix two tablespoons of shampoo, one of oil (olive, for instance) and a few drops of your favorite perfume in a bottle. Shake vigorously and pour into your bath water. The shampoo will break the oil into millions of fine oil globules that cling to your zillions of open pores as you leave your bath. This is excellent for dry skin.

Oil your body before you go for your bath, as then scrubbing with soap will take away more dead skin than normally.

Scrub along with loofahs- they are dried seed pods of tropical gourds. They have an abrasive texture which scrubs very well.

Five Tips to Beautiful Feet

Five Tips to Beautiful Feet

Soften your skin by filling a basin with warm water and add the juice of a lemon with one cup oatmeal. Soak feet for ten minutes. While soaking, rub the oatmeal all over your feet to exfoliate. Rinse with warm water.

Make a highly effective foot tonic by microwaving a cup of milk, one tablespoon dry mint leaves, one teaspoon rosemary & one teaspoon peppermint extract. Apply the mixture to feet with a clean, dry cloth. Brush off residue and wrap feet in plastic wrap. Wait 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Make your pedicure last twice as long by choosing a metallic polish. These polishes contain minerals that adhere to the nail better, and give off a flattering sheen from any foot.

Get rid of corns by soaking your feet in warm salt water. Buff the affected area with a coarse emery board, and then apply a pineapple slice for 5 minutes over the corn. The enzymes will help to further dissolve the corn.

Combine ½ cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice. Scrub briskly with a vegetable brush, then rinse thoroughly.

Tips for managing Dark Skin

Dark Skin - Tips for managing Dark Skin

Dark skin tends to scar and develops dark blemishes and marks. Dark skin is all about the hyper-pigmentation of the skin. Hyper-pigmentation occurs when certain skin cells release more pigment i.e. dark color. Dark skin can result from sun exposure and may sometimes occur from redness and bruising.

Darkening of the skin may be due to "blueness" is called cyanosis or purple skin. Certain chemicals and dietary items can also changes the skin color. Skin darkening or hyper-pigmentation can be the symptom of severe diseases i.e. Addison's disease and Scleroderma.

It doesn't matter, what type of your skin is, but a universal tendency is that skin tends to darken when expose to sun. Dark skin protects against those skin cancers that are caused by mutations in skin cells induced by ultraviolet light. Due to having more pigment in dark skin, it can withstand exposure to the sun much better.

Dark skin prevents UV-A radiation from destroying the essential B vitamin foliate. Foliate is needed for the synthesis of DNA in dividing cells and too low levels of foliate in pregnant women are associated with birth defects. A darker skin is more prone to scarring and hyper-pigmentation. Dark skin protects vitamin B, it can lead to a vitamin D deficiency.

Tips for darker skin:

The regular use of sunscreen will prevent the skin from turning blotchy.
Exfoliate to remove dull, dead skin cells but test the product on a small patch of skin first.

Irritation may lead to disfiguring hyper-pigmentation. Products that may irritate the dark skin includes: fragrance, alcohol, propylene glycol, dye and lanolin.

Dark-skinned people who live in less sun-intensive regions often lack Vitamin D.
For removing dirt, oil and makeup, always cleanse your skin. But avoid abrasive cleansers, which can irritate skin of color.

Cleansing too often or too roughly will harm the dark skin.

Avoid using home micro-dermabrasion and chemical peel kits too roughly. Use according to the directions and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Measure Your Bra Size

It is found that around 70 to 80 percent of women wear wrong-size bra. All most all women report about loose or tight band sizes, unfit or improper cup sizes, and many more faults.

Your bra size changes as your body structure and shape changes. Sometimes you go on continuing with a specific size without realizing that your body has already changed, it is not properly fitting you any more and causing you many discomforts. Here is a guideline for measuring your bra size:

How to Measure Your Bra Size?

Steps

Wear your well fitted, most comfortable, perfectly supported bra which you fill is your best bra.

Take a flexible measuring tape. You can take help of your friend for perfect measurement.

Measure your band size: Keep your arms down. Take a measurement around your ribcage, just under your breasts. Add 4 or 5 inches to get your band size. If the measurement is an odd number, round up it to the nearest even number since band sizes come only in even numbers.

Measure your cup size: Stand straight and keep your arms down. Measure the fullest part of your bust. Don’t wear padded bra while measuring cup size. Now subtract the band size from the cup size to get the right cup size. Each inch represents a cup size. For ex. if your band size is 32 and your cup size is 34, the difference is 2 inches, it means yours cup size is a B cup.

NOTE: The measurement procedure given above is generally a reliable method. Figure and other aspects of body size differs from woman to woman, so accordingly try several sizes along with your style and comfort levels and get a right one for you.

Here is chart showing bra cup size:

Less than 1 inch - AA cup
1 inch - A cup
2 inches - B cup
3 inches - C cup
4 inches - D cup
5 inches - DD cup
6 inches - E cup (US DDD)
7 inches - F cup (US DDDD)
8 inches - FF cup
9 inches - G cup

NOTE: This chart is mentioned only to give an idea of what the appropriate size you can try on. The shapes and sizes of women differ a lot. Many factors like breast shape, back shape, and many more reasons affect you’re a bra size and can cause pain. It is always wise to get measured by professionals and seek their advice.

How a bra professional can help you out?

After doing all this, still you can’t find a perfect bra with the perfect size for you, then go to a bra professional and take your measurement. A bra professional can measure your size perfectly and can help you out finding a bra that you and your body needs.

A Perfect Bra

It is highly important to wear a perfect bra because it is concerned with your health, comport levels and style. It is true that getting a perfect bra is not an easy task as shape, sizes, forms and cuts differ wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here is a guide line on finding and knowing a right bra for you.

Every woman wants a perfect, comfortable and well fitted bra, but no one tries to know “what is a perfect bra?”, as it is reported that 70% to 80% of women wear the wrong-size bra.

An improper bra causes back, neck, chest and shoulder pain. Experts say that it may even cause pensive psychological effects and breast cancer at the later part of a woman’s life.

How you can find a perfect bra for you?

Take your own measurement or else seek the help of a bra professional.

Decide what type of bra you want whether a normal one or a padded one or a sports one.

Take enough time for a good search.

Go to a lingerie shop not to a megastore. In a lingerie shop, incase you can’t find a perfect one; you can have a clear discussion with professionals whom you can find in the shop itself. They will take your measurement and within sometime can help you out.

After your final selection, try the bras in the trial room and find out which one is the right one for you.

Find a bra that matches your skin tone, not with the color of your garments.

Never do a mistake of coming out of the lingerie shop after the professional shows you your right size without trying it out.

Always buy a quality bra because it is all about your health.

How can you know whether the bra you have selected is perfect for you or not?

Below are some signs of a wrong bra that will tell you whether you are wearing a perfect bra or not. Have a glance at them and find a perfect bra for you.

When you raise your hands above your head, your breasts should not fall out below the band line. This shows your bra’s band size is wrong.

If your breasts are bulging out over the cups or coming out of the sides of your bra, then it is not a perfect one for you.

If the band size is going up on your back, it shows the size is too big.
If your breasts are not properly and comfortably fitting into the cups, it shows your cup size is wrong.

The center part of your bra that sits between the breasts on the rib cage should sit flat on your rib. If it’s not, then you are wearing a wrong bra.

It is normal that a new bra may cause redness for few days but it should not continue. If it happens avoid that bra. Red marks indicate a bad fit.