Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Truth About Botox
Botox (Botilinum Toxin Type A) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botilinum, you may recognise this name as it is the same toxin that causes the food poisioning known as Botulism! The way in which is works is by rendering the muscle which it is injected into immobile. Now this may sound great to those looking for a quick fix for those wrinkles, but have we really come to point where we are willing to inject poison into our face for a smoother complexion?!
What people fail to realise is that Botox is an still unknown quantity, there are no guarantees that the toxin, when injected, will not stray into other areas, it has been known to happen before, in some cases, the botulism toxin has migrated from the site of injection to other parts of the body causing respiratory paralysis. If this is not enough to put anyone off using botox, what will?
There is also the fact that botox has only been on the market for about 15 years and has only become widely used in the last 5 years, it is not known what long term users will experience from prolonged use of this toxin.
As far as I am concerned, I would prefer to look like a dried up prune than to inject poison into my muscles! There is something to be said for aging gracefully.
Apart from all the risks associated with Botox, peolpe should realise that nothing is going to stop the hands of time, not even Botox, and contrary to the claims that Botox is "the fountain of youth" that will make you look years younger, what it does is give your skin a weird stretched-out appearance that is more creepy than youthful!
There is no excuse or justification for using such a product in the quest for youth and beauty so if you are thinking about trying Botox or if you are a regular user, you should think about what you are doing to yourself, who are we all trying to impress?!
What people fail to realise is that Botox is an still unknown quantity, there are no guarantees that the toxin, when injected, will not stray into other areas, it has been known to happen before, in some cases, the botulism toxin has migrated from the site of injection to other parts of the body causing respiratory paralysis. If this is not enough to put anyone off using botox, what will?
There is also the fact that botox has only been on the market for about 15 years and has only become widely used in the last 5 years, it is not known what long term users will experience from prolonged use of this toxin.
As far as I am concerned, I would prefer to look like a dried up prune than to inject poison into my muscles! There is something to be said for aging gracefully.
Apart from all the risks associated with Botox, peolpe should realise that nothing is going to stop the hands of time, not even Botox, and contrary to the claims that Botox is "the fountain of youth" that will make you look years younger, what it does is give your skin a weird stretched-out appearance that is more creepy than youthful!
There is no excuse or justification for using such a product in the quest for youth and beauty so if you are thinking about trying Botox or if you are a regular user, you should think about what you are doing to yourself, who are we all trying to impress?!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Food For Healthy Hair.
Hair is made up of proteins called keratin's. Every strand of hair is made up of three layers :
The medulla : the inner layer
The cortex : the middle layer
The cuticle : the outer layer, this protects the cortex.
Only the root of the hair is alive, the rest of your hair from the root down is actually dead cells. This is why shampoos and conditioners which claim to repair damaged hair do not work, what they can do is smooth the cortex (the outer layer of the hair), giving hair a glossy sheen, but hair products can not change the actual structure of the hair. If the hair becomes damaged by, colouring, over heating from hair dryers or straighteners, etc., a good moisturising conditioner will improve the appearance of the hair and help prevent further breakage, but the key to beautiful hair is a balanced diet. The living part of the hair, the root, is nourished by the nutrients in the body so it is essential to eat the right nutrient rich foods to encourage healthy hair growth.
The maintenance of healthy hair depends upon the intake of the following nutrients :
B Vitamins (particularly Vitamins B-6 and B-12) - B Vitamins help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels in the blood which is essential for healthy hair.
Sources of B Vitamins - chicken, fish and soy beans.
Vitamin C - this vitamin promotes collagen production which is key to hair growth.
Sources of Vitamin C - potatoes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and peppers.
Vitamin A - this vitamin encourages healthy cell growth.
Sources of Vitamin A - fish oil, spinach, eggs and bell peppers.
Vitamin E - this vitamin aids in circulation which in turn benefits hair growth.
Sources of Vitamin E - spinach, nuts, grains and vegetable oils.
Folic Acid - this works with other nutrients to promote healthy hair.
Sources of Folic Acid - oranges, eggs, whole grains, nuts and cereals.
Iron and Copper - these minerals also help the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body tissues.
Sources of Iron - kidney beans, green leafy vegetables and bran
Sources of Copper - fish, seeds and nuts.
Zinc - this mineral aids cell production, tissue growth and repair.
Sources of Zinc - nuts, seafood and grains.
Iodine - this trace element is essential for hair growth.
Sources or Iodine - seafood, seaweed, salmon, eggs and watercress.
Silica - this helps to strenghten the hair.
Sources of Silica - rice, cabbage, onion, sunflower seeds and lettuce.
Essential Fatty Acids - these fatty acids help maintain healthy hair.
Sources of EFA's - trout, mackerel and salmon.
Protein - this is key to cell growth so is essential for hair growth/
Sources of Protein - soybeans, tofu, eggs, seeds, nuts and grains.
Water (6-8 glasses per day) - these keeps the body hydrated in order for the body to utilize the nutrients from the diet, it also keeps all the cells in the body functioning properly.
It is best to try to get the majority of these nutrients from your diet rather than from vitamin and mineral supplements, although taking a omega 3 supplement and silica complex supplement daily is a good idea.
Follow these diet guidelines to get beautiful hair from the inside out.
The medulla : the inner layer
The cortex : the middle layer
The cuticle : the outer layer, this protects the cortex.
Only the root of the hair is alive, the rest of your hair from the root down is actually dead cells. This is why shampoos and conditioners which claim to repair damaged hair do not work, what they can do is smooth the cortex (the outer layer of the hair), giving hair a glossy sheen, but hair products can not change the actual structure of the hair. If the hair becomes damaged by, colouring, over heating from hair dryers or straighteners, etc., a good moisturising conditioner will improve the appearance of the hair and help prevent further breakage, but the key to beautiful hair is a balanced diet. The living part of the hair, the root, is nourished by the nutrients in the body so it is essential to eat the right nutrient rich foods to encourage healthy hair growth.
The maintenance of healthy hair depends upon the intake of the following nutrients :
B Vitamins (particularly Vitamins B-6 and B-12) - B Vitamins help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels in the blood which is essential for healthy hair.
Sources of B Vitamins - chicken, fish and soy beans.
Vitamin C - this vitamin promotes collagen production which is key to hair growth.
Sources of Vitamin C - potatoes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and peppers.
Vitamin A - this vitamin encourages healthy cell growth.
Sources of Vitamin A - fish oil, spinach, eggs and bell peppers.
Vitamin E - this vitamin aids in circulation which in turn benefits hair growth.
Sources of Vitamin E - spinach, nuts, grains and vegetable oils.
Folic Acid - this works with other nutrients to promote healthy hair.
Sources of Folic Acid - oranges, eggs, whole grains, nuts and cereals.
Iron and Copper - these minerals also help the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body tissues.
Sources of Iron - kidney beans, green leafy vegetables and bran
Sources of Copper - fish, seeds and nuts.
Zinc - this mineral aids cell production, tissue growth and repair.
Sources of Zinc - nuts, seafood and grains.
Iodine - this trace element is essential for hair growth.
Sources or Iodine - seafood, seaweed, salmon, eggs and watercress.
Silica - this helps to strenghten the hair.
Sources of Silica - rice, cabbage, onion, sunflower seeds and lettuce.
Essential Fatty Acids - these fatty acids help maintain healthy hair.
Sources of EFA's - trout, mackerel and salmon.
Protein - this is key to cell growth so is essential for hair growth/
Sources of Protein - soybeans, tofu, eggs, seeds, nuts and grains.
Water (6-8 glasses per day) - these keeps the body hydrated in order for the body to utilize the nutrients from the diet, it also keeps all the cells in the body functioning properly.
It is best to try to get the majority of these nutrients from your diet rather than from vitamin and mineral supplements, although taking a omega 3 supplement and silica complex supplement daily is a good idea.
Follow these diet guidelines to get beautiful hair from the inside out.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Skincare - What is Retinol?
There are so many skin creams available these days, pore minimising cream, anti-aging cream, firming cream, etc, all claiming to rejuvenate your skin with the latest breakthrough skincare ingredients, one such ingredient that is used in many skin creams is Retinol (aka Retin A). So what exactly is Retinol and should you be using it in your skincare routine?
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A belonging to the family of chemical compounds known as Retinoids.
Similar compounds include :
Tretinoin (Retin A)
Isotretinoin (Accutane or Roaccutane)
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A or Pro Vitamin A)
You may recognize these ingredients as they are widely used in anti aging creams and acne treatments as well as body lotions, moisturizers, eye creams, hand creams etc.
Retinol is the purest form of Vitamin A and works actively in the skin to repair and encourage skin cell renewal. Retinol contains molecules that are small enough to penetrate the outer layers (epidermis) of your skin where it can then go to work in the lower layers of your skin (endodermis), this is where your skins collagen and elastin is, which is why is is used in anti aging creams. Retinol also has a exfoliating effect on your skin which is why it is used in a lot of acne creams, this exfoliating effect unclogs pores and along with the added advantage of encouraging skin renewal, retinol can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Benefits of using products containing Retinol :
For aging skin :
Encourages Skin Renewal
Repairs Photo Damaged (Sun Damage) Skin
Smooths Wrinkles Over Time
Retinol is an Antioxidant
Even Skin Pigmentation (Dark Spots, Uneven Skin Tone)
Dramatically Improves Skins Appearance
For Acne Prone Skin :
Unclogs Pores
Reduces The Appearance of Scars
Encourages Skin Renewal
Creams and Lotions containing Retinol have dramatic and long lasting effects on the skin, retinol is highly recommended for use in eye creams, moisturisers, lip balms, etc. due to it's skin rejuvenating qualities.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A belonging to the family of chemical compounds known as Retinoids.
Similar compounds include :
Tretinoin (Retin A)
Isotretinoin (Accutane or Roaccutane)
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A or Pro Vitamin A)
You may recognize these ingredients as they are widely used in anti aging creams and acne treatments as well as body lotions, moisturizers, eye creams, hand creams etc.
Retinol is the purest form of Vitamin A and works actively in the skin to repair and encourage skin cell renewal. Retinol contains molecules that are small enough to penetrate the outer layers (epidermis) of your skin where it can then go to work in the lower layers of your skin (endodermis), this is where your skins collagen and elastin is, which is why is is used in anti aging creams. Retinol also has a exfoliating effect on your skin which is why it is used in a lot of acne creams, this exfoliating effect unclogs pores and along with the added advantage of encouraging skin renewal, retinol can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Benefits of using products containing Retinol :
For aging skin :
Encourages Skin Renewal
Repairs Photo Damaged (Sun Damage) Skin
Smooths Wrinkles Over Time
Retinol is an Antioxidant
Even Skin Pigmentation (Dark Spots, Uneven Skin Tone)
Dramatically Improves Skins Appearance
For Acne Prone Skin :
Unclogs Pores
Reduces The Appearance of Scars
Encourages Skin Renewal
Creams and Lotions containing Retinol have dramatic and long lasting effects on the skin, retinol is highly recommended for use in eye creams, moisturisers, lip balms, etc. due to it's skin rejuvenating qualities.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
What are the Best Body Moisturizers for Different Skin Types.
If you are constantly confused as to which is the best body moisturiser to use or more importantly which is the best for your particular skin type then this article will help you to choose the right product and tell you what you should be looking for in a body lotion to cater to your individual needs.
Knowing what skin type you have is key to choosing the correct body lotion.
SKIN TYPES.
Normal skin - indications include : Skin with an even tone that appears smooth, feels soft and does not suffer from dryness, blemishes, etc.
Oily skin - indications include : Skin that is prone to blemishes and breakouts especially on the back, chest and shoulders, extreme cases of oily skin can be prone to acne.
Dry skin - indications include : Skin that is prone to dry, rough patches and irritates easily, extreme cases of dry skin can be prone to eczema or psoriasis.
There are of course exceptions to these 3 skin types, you could have a combination of the 3 types for example, you may have dry skin on your legs and arms but oily skin on your back and chest, or you may have mostly oily skin with a few dry patches. By using the above indicators you can determine which skin type you have, if you have combination skin you may need to use 2 different moisturisers, read on to find out which ingredients work best for different skin types.
WHAT PRODUCTS TO USE FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
Normal Skin : If you have this skin type you are extremely lucky! You may think that because you don't have skin problems that you do not need to moisturize regularly and people with this skin type often neglect their skin. You do however need to keep your skin hydrated to keep it smooth and supple, you should be using a light textured, vitamin enriched body lotion with cucumber or aloe vera to keep your skin supple and beautiful.
Oily Skin : If you have oily skin you may be wary of using moisturizers but there are lots of body lotions that are formulated for this skin type that will not block your pores so knowing the right ingredients to look for in a moisturizer is key. Use a light, oil free, noncomedogenic ( does not block pores ), ph balanced body lotion containing zinc and retin A or lemongrass to keep your skin oil free and beautiful.
Dry Skin : If you have dry skin you need to use a fragrance free, rich textured body lotion containing vitamin E, honey extract, shea butter or neem oil to keep your skin smooth, soft and beautiful.
Articles on how to manage eczema or acne prone skin are upcoming.
Check the archive for more great beauty tips and tricks.
Knowing what skin type you have is key to choosing the correct body lotion.
SKIN TYPES.
Normal skin - indications include : Skin with an even tone that appears smooth, feels soft and does not suffer from dryness, blemishes, etc.
Oily skin - indications include : Skin that is prone to blemishes and breakouts especially on the back, chest and shoulders, extreme cases of oily skin can be prone to acne.
Dry skin - indications include : Skin that is prone to dry, rough patches and irritates easily, extreme cases of dry skin can be prone to eczema or psoriasis.
There are of course exceptions to these 3 skin types, you could have a combination of the 3 types for example, you may have dry skin on your legs and arms but oily skin on your back and chest, or you may have mostly oily skin with a few dry patches. By using the above indicators you can determine which skin type you have, if you have combination skin you may need to use 2 different moisturisers, read on to find out which ingredients work best for different skin types.
WHAT PRODUCTS TO USE FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
Normal Skin : If you have this skin type you are extremely lucky! You may think that because you don't have skin problems that you do not need to moisturize regularly and people with this skin type often neglect their skin. You do however need to keep your skin hydrated to keep it smooth and supple, you should be using a light textured, vitamin enriched body lotion with cucumber or aloe vera to keep your skin supple and beautiful.
Oily Skin : If you have oily skin you may be wary of using moisturizers but there are lots of body lotions that are formulated for this skin type that will not block your pores so knowing the right ingredients to look for in a moisturizer is key. Use a light, oil free, noncomedogenic ( does not block pores ), ph balanced body lotion containing zinc and retin A or lemongrass to keep your skin oil free and beautiful.
Dry Skin : If you have dry skin you need to use a fragrance free, rich textured body lotion containing vitamin E, honey extract, shea butter or neem oil to keep your skin smooth, soft and beautiful.
Articles on how to manage eczema or acne prone skin are upcoming.
Check the archive for more great beauty tips and tricks.
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