What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect the skin from sun damage. "Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer," said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. "In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health."
Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter, protecting against the sun's harmful rays.
UVA and UVB rays are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
Good sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you're outside.
Safety tips to keep top of mind:
* Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that causes irreversible blindness.
* If you're a parent, protect your children's skin. Research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of skin cancer later in life.
* Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.
* Eat a healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to a daily diet.
It's important to note that when lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in the body -- the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now available and can be purchased online at http://www.sephora.com/ or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.
For more information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes and skin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at http://www.luteininfo.com/

Recipes For Beauty Products

We all want to look our best and beauty products help us to look and feel the best. But often it happens that we don't have time to visit a salon or we always cannot afford buying expensive beauty products. Homemade beauty products help in this case. You only need to know the recipes for preparing these beauty products; you are all set to use them according to your convenience.
Today, the market is flooded with a wide range of beauty products – starting from hair to toe – we get beauty products for each and every part of our body. However, homemade products have their own specialties, as you get the pure and chemical free products to use, means less harm on your skin as well as hair.
Beauty products for your hair
Here are some quick recipes for taking care of your hair. The ingredients are easily available; you will perhaps find all of them in your kitchen.
Hair Conditioner: Beat one egg yolk and mix a cup of plain yoghurt into it. Rub this mixture before washing your hair and wait for 30-45 minutes. Rinse well and finally wash it.
Hairspray: Take a lemon and cut it into 4 pieces. Place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Boil it until the water becomes half. Cool, strain and keep it in a spray bottle. Keep this spray in refrigerator to use it for a long time. If you find the spray is sticky, you can add a little more water into it.
Hair Color: Coffee gives a warmer glow to brown hair. Brew a cup of coffee and cool it completely. Then strain it and rub it in your hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it out.
Beauty products for your face
Face masks can moisturize your face skin and make it glow with beauty. Here are some recipes for preparing facemasks.
Citrus fruit mask: Take 1-tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix them with 1 apple puree with ½ teaspoon sage. Mix all the ingredients well and then heat the mixture for few minutes in microwave. Apply this pack evenly on your face and keep for 20 minutes. Then wash clean with a warm washcloth. This mask is suitable for all skin types.
Cucumber mask: Take ½ cucumber, 1 egg white, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of apple mint, and make a mixture of these ingredients using a food processor or a blender. Keep this mixture in a refrigerator for 10 minutes. Then apply it on your face and keep it for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with hot washcloth and then rinse with cool water. This mask is very good for oily skin.
Other beauty products
Recipes for teeth whitening product:
Take 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a paste and apply this on the yellowish tint.
Take the inner white part of orange skin and rub your teeth with it. This will help you get a lovely white shine.
Recipes for home made perfume:
Place cheesecloth in a bowl and fill with 1 cup of flower blossoms of your choice (Lavender, Lilac, or any highly fragrant flower). Pour water over the flowers until they are completely covered. Cover the bowl and keep it overnight. Next day, take out the water by pulling the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze the scented water into a small pot. Simmer the water until one-tablespoon amount is left. Cool and place it in a bottle. You can keep this perfume for 1 month.
You don't need to use costly beauty products to maintain your beauty. You can achieve professional results following the recipes for beauty products and using these products.

Dealing with Skin Dryness

Dry skin has a parched look caused by its lack of ability to retain moisture. Characteristics of dry skin are fine pores, dryness, fine lines, roughness, tight, uncomfortable feeling, and dull appearance. If your skin feels the same, its a fair bet youve got a dry complexion.

Dry skin is caused by too little sebum in the lower levels of skin and too little moisture in the upper levels. It feels tight and itchy after washing. It requires soothing care to look its best. It is essential to take proper care to hydrate it. Only then you can begin to enjoy a new, softer skin.
Dry skin is very reactive to the environment and hates extremes of cold, heat and wind. It tends to peel and has a tendency to premature ageing with the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles. There is a difference between a dehydrated skin and a dry skin. While the dehydrated skin is simply thirsty, dry skin needs extra care in adapting a beauty regime to nourish the weakened corneal layer. While dealing with dry skin, your objective should always be to restore tone to the lipids in the corneal layer.
Every dermatologists advice: you must cleanse according to your skin type. Dry skin must be cleansed without removing the skins protective film. So you should opt for a thick milk cleanser and rinse with flower water. Your moisturizing cream should be rich in repairing agents containing ceramides, which reduce the salt content and slow down the evaporation of water in the skin.
Face Masks for dry skin:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
2. Mash apricots mix it with warm olive oil to form a paste. Apply it on your face and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off.
Some helpful tips for dealing with dry skin:
1. Drink one and half litre of water every day to retain the hydration rate of your skin cells. Also, it benefits your overall health.
2. Maximize the effects of hydration by adding the essential oil, angelica, to your day and night creams.
3. Make sure to abandon water based cleansers.
4. Try iris flower, as it is excellent for retaining moisture in the skin.
5. Always opt for creams with ceramides.
6. Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables.

7. Stay away from soft drinks, sugar and other junk foods.
Homemade solutions for dry, flaky skin: 1. Place a sprinkling of sugar in your palm and dampen with water. Gently massage on the flaky areas. Rinse. 2. Rub half of an apple on skin to help even out the texture.
Caring for all the skin types here: http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin-care/skin-types.htm

Hair loss in women

As women age all kinds of unpleasant things happen. The body bloats, skin sags and loses pigment and hair begins to fall out beyond the norm. It is a cruel trick of Mother Nature. Luckily, in today’s world there is something that can be done about each of those issues if you know where to look. In this article we are going to focus on hair loss; what causes it and what we can do about it.
Everybody loses a certain amount of hair every single day. Anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair is considered within the “normal” zone. However, if hair loss begins to double, triple, or quadruple in number, then it is time to uncover what could be causing the problem.
Hair loss due to over-processing is common. Women do a lot of things to their hair; they perm it, color it, straighten or curl it with heat and they shampoo, shampoo, and shampoo. All of these things can cause damage to the hair when done alone - combined together they can do a real number on the healthiest head of hair.
Some women shampoo their hair every day. Unless the hair is oily, that isn’t a good idea. Shampoo contains detergent that will strip the hair of all its natural oil; for some women, what it leaves behind is dry, brittle hair that is easy to break. Since aging hair is already fragile, adding too much shampoo into the equation can really result in major problems. Of course conditioner was invented to help replenish those oils and, for the most part it works - but only on a short term basis. The better option is to switch to a shampoo that is formulated specifically not to strip the hair, just to cleanse and condition it.
Shampoo is particularly bad for color-treated hair because it strips away the color more quickly. That often means that women re-color too often, resulting in yet more damage. It’s a vicious circle that can leave hair broken and beyond repair. Instead, they should switch to one of today’s new colorfast shampoos, which are formulated to help retain color by keeping the detergent from stripping it away.
Certain hair styles or methods of styling the hair can contribute to hair loss. For example wearing tight cornrows, pigtails, chignons, French twists or ponytails that severely pull and stress the scalp can cause what is known as traction alopecia. If those styles are continued it can result in scalp scarring, which may result in permanent hair loss.

Using chemicals in the hair, as for example during color treatments, permanents, or simple hot oil treatments, may result in scalp inflammation, which can also result in irreversible hair loss. The application of heat to curl or straighten the hair is another major culprit because it dries the hair shaft causing it to become brittle and break.
However, what a woman does to her hair isn’t the only cause behind hair loss. Other things can add to the equation, one of them being hormone changes. When a woman’s hormones spike or drop, hair loss is a common side effect; women often experience the problem during pregnancy and menopause as well as during any other artificial hormonal change environment like chemotherapy or radiation. For many, hair will regrow once the hormone issue is solved. For a few, thinning or balding may become a permanent state of affairs.
Certain types of medications can cause hair loss as well. The most common culprits are blood thinners, high blood pressure medicines, drugs used to treat heart disease, and antidepressants. For some, birth control pills can result in hair loss due to the hormone factor. For others, taking too many or the wrong kind of vitamins can hurry along the problem. Too much vitamin A in particular is something to watch out for.
Illnesses can lead to hair loss, particularly those related to the scalp like fungal infections. Others include conditions such as diabetes and lupus. Sometimes hair loss is a side effect of a surgical procedure. The good news is that once the conditions are controlled, hair often begins growing once again. For a sad few, certain types of alopecia or common baldness will occur, resulting in permanent hair loss.
Even the mere act of life may cause hair loss for some. That is because of daily stress and not taking the time to eat properly or exercise. In such instances, correcting the underlying problem may also correct hair loss.
There are no easy answers to what causes hair loss. Discovering its underlying cause can be frustrating and depressing. However, perhaps knowing where to begin to look is a step in the right direction to solving the problem.

How to keep your hair color from fading

Tons of tips to keep hair bright and beautiful
If you are going to go through the time and expense to get your hair colored, you certainly don't want it fading away after just a few shampoos. That is especially true once you find the perfect shade you've been trying to reach for years. Luckily, there are things that you can do to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant weeks longer than ever before.

1-  Make sure your hair is in condition to receive and hold color before you apply it in the first place. Hair that is already badly damaged by chemicals or the sun may not be able to retain color well. If you can, give your hair the time it needs to bounce back from at least some of the damage before you apply color. If you are in hurry for some reason, then at least take the time to deep condition the hair before applying color. Be sure to allow a few days between the conditioning and coloring processes.

2- Don't wash your hair right before you color. Of course, don't let it go for a full week without shampooing or try coloring it while the hair is excessively dirty. However, give the hair at least 24 to 36 hours before coloring. The reason for the delay is to make certain natural oils build up just enough that it can help grab onto the color. This will help it adhere to the hair shaft better and make the color last longer.

3-Take a look at the shampoo and conditioner you are using on your color-treated hair. If those products are not labeled as color enhancing, color retaining or color saving; for color-treated hair or color depositing, then you are using the wrong thing. Switch to shampoos and conditioners that are specifically made to help retain color. While making the shampoo switch is the most important of the two products, using a conditioner that does the same helps ensure longer-lasting color overall.

4-Do not over shampoo. If you are use to washing your hair daily, switch to at least every other day. If your hair can take it, every three days works. Twice a week will be sufficient for most hair types since the coloring process causes hair to dry out slightly. Keep in mind that the lather of typical shampoos have the capacity to wash away not only your hair's natural oils but its artificial coloring as well. If one lathering is sufficient when you wash, then do not repeat. Better still, switch to a color-enhancing non-lather shampoo for the absolute best results.

5-If the water you use to shampoo your hair is hard, consider installing a water-softening agent. Hard water has a lot of minerals that can be deposited on top of the hair shaft, helping to fade the color beneath.

6-Pay attention to the heat of the water used when you shampoo. This is particularly important for red heads. Hot water can severely fade all shades of red. Try switching to warm water for shampooing and always finish off with a cool rinse.

7-Stay away from the sun as much as possible. It can fade out even the best color job in a matter of hours. It is harsh for even the healthiest hair, so imagine what it does to hair that is color-treated. Damaged hair automatically fades easily, providing a serious one/two punch. If you must be outside for an extended period of time, wear a hat or scarf to help protect your hair. Another option is to apply a deep conditioner and let the sun's heat activate products that will actually help the hair.

8-Avoid swimming pools that contain chlorine since that chemical can alter the shade of your color significantly. Additionally, mixing any chemicals with the ones in the hair can further damage it, causing breakage and split ends.

9-Hot tubs and tanning booths are a no no as well. They make you sweat profusely. The heat will open the hair cuticle, allowing the color molecules to move away from the hair shaft.

10-Do not perm the hair for at least two weeks after coloring. Even then, be aware that the chemicals in the permanent may severely alter or strip the color from your hair. If possible, avoid perming altogether when coloring hair.
 Color-treated hair fades naturally on its own. You don't really need help in making that process work faster. Taking precautions like those noted above can help you not only extend the life of your color but also prevent unnecessary damage to your hair.

Skin care products that actually work

There are so many skin care products on the market today that it can be confusing trying to work through the maze. A lot of them are expensive, which adds to the dilemma, leaving women asking the question, "which skin care products actually work?"
The good news is that there are a lot of skin products that do all, or at least part, of what they claim. The bad news is that some of them do not. Still others only work on certain types of skin or on the skin of women who fall within a certain age group. Of course they don't bother to disclose that information, leaving many women scratching their heads about why they aren't getting the results that others claim.
I doubt that any woman has tried all the skin care products out there. I certainly haven't. However, I can help you sift through some of those I have tried and perhaps save you a few hard earned dollars.
Let's start with skin products that women absolutely need. The place to begin is always with sun block. Whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter every skin care regimen should include good SPF protection. Luckily some cosmetic companies now include that automatically in their makeup. That saves women the hassle of using two separate products and also ensures a few extra pennies in her piggy bank.
I love the Bare Escentuals brand. The company pioneered mineral makeup and they always include SPF protection in their products. For the cost, I consider their makeup a real bargain because the stuff lasts forever. I also appreciate the fact that it doesn't contain additives, preservatives and chemicals that might actually do my skin more harm than good.
For those who like keeping their sun block and makeup separate, there are several good product lines to choose from. A leading brand in all things sun-related, Coppertone offers NutraShield for under $10. It has a SPF of 30. Those with more mature skin should consider Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Sun Block. It has a high SPF rating of 100, which is important to aging skin. It is also doesn't cost that much at under $12. Clinque's City Block Sheer Face Protector is also excellent, if a bit more expensive at around $30. Finally, Blue Lizard Sunscreen is great for ladies of all ages, including those delicate young complexions. It is a bargain at around $13.

Skin cleanser

Another must-have product for women is a good skin cleanser. If you are like me, however, you probably aren't too keen on some of those creams and lotions that make you slop water all over the place just trying to wash it away. Some companies are getting smart and providing pads or cloths that make the job much easier and less messy too. Those products also don't remain on the skin long enough to strip it of valuable moisture and oil, making them my first choice when it comes to cleansing options. Foam cleansers like Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash are good as well. They aren't messy and they actually do the job well. You can almost always count on a Neutrogena product to do exactly what it claims - it is a name you can trust.

Moisturizer

Nearly every woman also needs a good moisturizer, especially around the eye area. Granted, not everyone will use moisturizer all over the face, but we all have those pesky dry patches that require attention. Finding the right moisturizer can take some time and effort, but let me see if I can help you cut through the tape.
If you have normal skin you can usually choose any moisturizing cream or lotion. You can also afford a gel that may add extra hydration and plump up those skin cells. Those with dry skin should consider a cream that is left on the skin for at least a few minutes. It will take that extra time to penetrate and actually make a change in that dryness. Those with oily skin should look for gels or foams that "hydrate" or add water into the skin rather than anything that adds unwanted (and unneeded) oil. Those with sensitive skin should pay close attention to labeling and choose something made specifically for that purpose.
Women with normal skin can trust Olay products. The company makes something that will fit just about every demand, and the products are affordable and live up to their hype. When it comes to sensitive skin, I think Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is one of the best. It works beautifully without causing any irritation 99.9% of the time. You can't really ask for much better than that. For oily skin, I think Estee Lauder's Clear Difference is good. It helps guard against those nasty blemishes that so often occur because of excess oil. For dry skin, Neutrogena's Healthy Skin fits the bill. It isn't too heavy, yet it penetrates the dryness sufficiently to make a real difference.
This is just a start to looking through a very long line of skin care product options, so I hope you will check back for future installments on the subject!

Fresh Fruit Facials for Healthy Skin

I was having tea with a friend last week, and we were discussing our extensive skin care regimens. As we were exchanging tips and advice, I realized that I have amassed a virtual recipe box of facials that can be done using fresh fruit. As there are many of you out there that could benefit from this knowledge, I have decided to share my insights.

One of my favorites is the peach facial, which works very well as a tightening mask. Simply take a ripened peach, and remove the skin and the pit from the center. Place the peach and the whites from a single egg in a blender, and whip until smooth. Pat the mixture onto your face, and allow it to sit there for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

I have found that the apple mask is very good for normal skin. Peel, core, and quarter an apple. Chop the apple in your blender, and add two tablespoons of honey. Blend until smooth. Then remove the mixture from the blender, and refrigerate for approximately 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face using a patting motion, and be sure to pat until the honey becomes tacky. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

I have also had great success with a Strawberry mask that my Grandmother told me about. The trick here is to use extremely ripe Strawberries. Add approximately ½ cup of strawberries and a ¼ cup of cornstarch to the blender, and mix until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face, and be careful to avoid the area around your eyes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse it off with cool water.

The next facial mask is excellent for blemished skin. Chop a ripened tomato into small pieces, and place it in your blender. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice and some instant oatmeal or rolled oats. Mix until it is all combined. Do not mix for too long, as it will not stick to your face. If it gets too thin, simply add more oatmeal. Apply the mixture, and leave it on for 12 minutes. Scrub it off using a warm, wet cloth.

There are many different ways to care for your skin, and as many different products on the market. In my experience, the most natural treatments provide the best results. Try to avoid products that have heavy perfumed scents or appear to use poor quality ingredients. These all natural fruit facials have worked wonders for me. I hope you enjoy them.

Skin Care Tips For The Winter Months

Even in the winter months when your skin is covered by lots of clothing, it is still important to take care of your skin and reduce the risk of damaging it. This does not just apply to your face, but to your whole body. Try not to spend too long soaking in hot baths or Jacuzzis. With added oils in the water it may feel great and a nice way to relax, but it does not do your skin any good. Be nice and gentle to your skin when drying off, by using soft towels. Make sure you apply some moisturizer straight away, even if the skin is still damp, as this will help to avoid dehydration of the skin. It would be a good idea to get a humidifier for your house, especially as you are probably using artificial heating in your home. Humidifiers can also be quite useful for members of the family with other health problems, and are not too expensive to buy. If you live in a large dwelling, you might require more than one. Try not to use any oils when having a bath, as it only makes the surface of the bath slippery, and may encourage you to spend too long in it. After your bath or shower is the best time to apply any oils to your skin. Use a few drops of virgin olive oil and massage into your skin after applying the moisturizer. This type of oil is rich in antioxidants, and thus very good for your skin. Another good thing is to exfoliate your skin, as this removes dead cells and encourages the growth of new ones. This cell turnover is vital if you want to have smooth, healthy skin. You do not need to do this every day, but when you do, try to use a product which is gentle to your skin. Your lips need a bit of extra help, as they are particularly vulnerable to the winter climate. You do not want your lips becoming dry and chapped, and a good defense against this is a good lip balm. Sunscreens are a good idea, even during the winter months, as the winter sun can damage any exposed areas of your body.

Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?James Hunaban

What is Skin?

Skin is the body's biggest organ. When people think of organs, most often the heart, lungs and brain come to mind but typically not the skin. Like these and other organs inside the body, skin is made up of different types of tissues and these tissues are made up of cells.

Much like the roof on a house, the skin plays an important role in protecting our bodies. It keeps bodily fluids inside while at the same time carefully controlling the release of waste product. It also helps keep our internal body parts safe from the potentially harmful effects of the environment including the sun, light and bacteria and also from injury.

Several different layers make up the skin, but perhaps because the underlying layers are not visible, they're not thought of very often. We spend much of our lives worrying about acne and wrinkles but don't realize that these types of skin issues have a lot to do with the workings of the layers below.

If you were to look at a cross-section of skin, you'd see that skin consists of 3 different layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis or subcutis layer. Let's take a closer look at each.

Epidermis

This is the outermost layer of skin - the one that is visible. It covers the entire body, from the head down to the feet. The epidermis itself consists of 3 layers and is made up of tightly-woven connective tissues of varying thickness. For example, the skin covering your feet is much thicker than that below the eye. The epidermis acts like a barrier, keeping the good in and the bad out.

The top layer of the epidermis is constantly being shed. It's the layer that acts as the gatekeeper keeping fluids in and dangers out. Although not easily visible, most of this layer is covered with thousands of tiny pores and hair shafts. New skin is continually being generated by the bottom layer to replace the skin that has been shed. The epidermis also contains melanin, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation (coloring) and protecting against the sun's damaging rays.

Dermis

This layer of connective tissue tucked in between the innermost and outermost layers is the site of much activity. The dermis is home to blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerve tissue, hair follicles, bundles of collagen and sweat glands. Much activity happens in the middle layer. Blood vessels supply nutrients. Nerve tissues give skin the ability to feel. And the muscle tissues in this layer when they are activated are what cause a person to develop goose bumps in response to cold or fear. This layer also has the ability to trap bacteria that manages to penetrate the epidermis.

Hypodermis or subcutis layer

The innermost layer of skin helps to regulate our body temperature. It is here that insulating fat and collagen can be found which is why this layer helps keep us warm. This layer also acts as a cushion or shock absorber, protecting the body from injury. The connective tissue that makes up this important layer is also known as adipose tissue.

Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Aditi Miscall

Beauty And Skin Care Go Hand In Hand

The old saying is that beauty is only skin deep, but beauty and health are intertwined, and the health of your skin is just as important a contributor to beauty as any cosmetic.
So to better inform yourself about skin care, skin care products, and proper hygiene, you should visit an authority website on skin care, http://www.dermaderma.com, a website dedicated to bringing you useful information on skin care products, as well as helpful advice, tips, and hints on available skin care products.
Their articles, news, and posts about skin care, as well as many useful skin care product reviews can provide you a wealth of information on various skin-related topics.
You'd be surprised to learn how important skin care is to your overall health. But with so many available skin care products on the market to help you deal with any number of skin conditions, from acne to aging, personal skin care can be properly managed with appropriate skin care lotions, creams, facial washes, and other valuable skin care products.

The Truth About Beauty

Why this fascination with beauty?
The demand for beauty services in spite of the economy?
Even when there is a recession, beauty parlours still flourish. Beauty products still fly off the shelves.
There is this saying that beauty is skin deep.
Then again, first impressions count.
Put it this way. Beauty is power. That was true centuries ago. That is true today.
When a beautiful woman walks into a bar, men flock to her and offer to buy her drinks. When an unattractive woman walks into the same bar, chances are, she would have to buy her own drinks.
A beautiful salesperson, man or woman is more likely to win the sale. Between a beautiful job seeker and an unattractive one, all other things being equal, the employer is likely to choose the good looker.
Like it or not, looks do count.
In the past, when women were dependent on men to support them, beauty was everything to a woman. A beautiful woman would have more suitors. She would be able to marry up. To marry a rich man who could take care of all her financial needs and that of her children. Long before commercial cosmetics existed, mothers would instruct their daughters on traditional beauty remedies. Simple beauty remedies like using mayonnaise as a moisturizer, or egg white as a firming mask were often used by women in the days before commercial cosmetics.
Then along came women entrepreneurs like Estee Lauder and other women from around the world. They converted traditional beauty recipes which worked for themselves into beauty creams that they sold to other women. Every woman has a right to look her most beautiful and these women were selling others their beauty secrets.
Make up was used to paint women's faces. In Egypt, the nobles, royalty and the well off would paint their eyes with khol, with crushed beetles and exotic ingredients. In Europe, women would paint their faces with make up containing toxic mercury for the sake of beauty. In Japan, the geishas would whiten their faces with creams that contain nightingale droppings.
You would think by now, we modern women would have learnt our lesson. Now, we just inject poison into our faces to paralyze our facial muscles in order to prevent expression lines from deepening as we grow older. Think of those botox injections done every 3 months to erase those wrinkles. Think of the acids we smear on our faces to smoothen them. The dermabrasion procedures done at the dermatologist in order to smoothen our skin.
Women all over the world have always been willing to suffer for the sake of beauty. Long ago, in China, women in wealthy families would bind their feet. The Chinese back then view tiny feet as beautiful, so little girls have their feet bound, to prevent them from growing big and ugly. Now that long legs are considered beautiful, some women go through a very painful medical procedure that breaks their legs, and stretches their legs by a few millimeters a day through a painful device until they attain the height they want. With their newfound height, these girls can look forward to a wealthy, glamorous future as an international model.
In Europe, centuries ago, wasp waists and curvy bodies were considered beautiful, so corsets were worn to make the waist look much smaller. These were tied so tightly that women faint easily. All for the sake of beauty. Now, corsets are in again. These days, women and men subject themselves to surgery to attain the beauty they desire. Liposuction to remove the excess fat to contour the body. Breast augmentation for bigger breasts that are considered beautiful. Nose jobs, face lifts, the works.
Thankfully, there is also a return to natural beauty remedies. This time, commercial cosmetics use natural ingredients that women have used for centuries in the home beauty preparations. These are effective and great for the skin.
What we women really should do is to focus on inner beauty, and to keep ourselves healthy. Health is beauty.
8 to 10 hours of sleep every night, fresh food, fresh air, daily exercise, drinking plenty of water every day, soap and water, or cleanser and toner, moisturizer where necessary and sun protection all day long. All that keeps your body healthy and your skin and hair, beautiful. Oh, and learn to age gracefully. After all, aging is a natural process in life.

Simple Beauty - 10 Tips that are Free and Easy

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting today. You can even put away your pocketbook because these tips are free.
1. Smile... it will brighten your day and others around you will feel your energy.
2. Stretch... cats know that total body stretch does wonders. Follow their example and roll up slowly out of bed and stretch gently. (For more tips on stretching here is a great book: AM/ PM Stretch for Health.)
3. Exercise... at least 20 mins of any continuous activity will boost your energy level and reduce bad stressors. You don't even to pay a membership fee. The key is continuous like a 20min walk or even mopping your floors. You will look and feel better.
4. Drink water. No other liquid is quite like it. Clear your system. 8 glasses are recommended daily. Your skin will radiate.
5. Rest... you need to take breaks during the day and sleep at night. Takes breaks away from work space to keep fresh and focused. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep at night since your body regenerates while you are sleeping. If you are constantly letting your mind wonder make a conscious decision to put away thoughts till morning. It is amazing how good your subconscious mind listens to your conscious mind (so be careful what you tell yourself)
6. Do good. When you do something for someone else without expecting anything in return you benefit in ways unimaginable. (the key is don't expect anything in return)
7. Exchange... the money you spend on junk food for food that will enrich your body and soul. Start with a simple plan of exchange. Because some think healthy foods cost more, find out your spending pattern by making 2 lists:
. foods you like that are healthy that you normally don't buy
. foods you like that are "junk food" that you normally buy
calculate the cost of the 2nd list then use this amount to fund your "healthy" purchase. (of course you have to say bye-bye to the "junk food")
8. "Stop and smell the roses". Look for good in everything. This is a toughie because most of us are "trained" to look for faults, errors, shortcomings, defects, etc. Begin with yourself. List all your assets (not just physical). Then realize all the good in being you. Move on to other things around you. Work on this consciously every day till it becomes a habit. There is something good about everything and everyone. Once you realize this you will be finding good everywhere without even trying.
9. Learn... something new every day. Pick up a book. or search online. Learn to do something you have always wanted to do. You can even start for free by researching online. Search the subject and start stimulating and enriching your mind today.
10. Reward yourself. Set financial and personal goals and tag them with rewards for accomplishing them. (this one may be something special you have always wanted to do. and not necessarily a purchase.. But if you have done all the above maybe go ahead and splurge a little. You deserve it!

Beauty - Is It Really Only Skin Deep?

We are in the age of cosmetology, plastic surgery, implants and a constant barrage from TV and magazines that want to sell us beauty and weight loss products. It is an enormously profitable industry that keeps us spellbound for the next new thing that will take away our wrinkles or firm our skin or help us lose weight.
Unfortunately society all over the world from the deepest, most remote areas of the planet to modern society will judge you by how you look. It is true! We all do it, some more than others. When you are walking through a mall or standing in line somewhere you are assessing people around you. When we are looking for a job we dress to impress. When we go out for an evening we dress to impress. Women usually pay more attention to detail then men.
But there is more to beauty then cosmetics and clothes. If you are very healthy looking then you are more likely to give a good impression. If you are a good listener, helpful or witty and cheerful, people are more likely to want to be around you. Cosmetics and clothing can definitely help but I suggest starting from the inside out.
1) Get plenty of sleep. This is a must. You cannot function properly when you are tired and it will show on your face. If you have a problem with getting enough sleep then you need to investigate the cause and handle it accordingly.
2) Drink plenty of water. Most people are semi dehydrated and dont get enough water daily.
3) Eat healthy food. Give up the junk and sugar foods. Your metabolism will be working better if you eat regular healthy meals.
4) You may want to consider taking supplements to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
5) Exercise. Our bodies need to move. We have become somewhat of a couch potato society. Have you noticed that when you are lazy you are less likely to want to get up and do anything? Exercising 30 minutes three times a week should help you lose weight and keep healthy.
6) Manicures and pedicures and keeping your body clean will keep you healthy and will be appreciated by others.
7) Keep up with the times on fashion. You dont want the outdated look.
8) Dress for your age. At 12 you dont need to look 20, or if your 50, you dont need to look 18. Be well dressed for your age.
9) If you need help with hair and makeup, find an expert to help you with that.
10) And finally, smile. No one really cares to be near Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy.
Some people naturally do all or most of these things, but if you arent one of them then look at what would motivate you to do this. Do you have a spouse you want to look good for? Are you single and want to attract someone? Do you have children or grandchildren you want to be healthier and be a good role model for?
There is an awesome motivational poster that inspired me to write about this subject. Get healthy, and be happy.