Welcome to Asian, Mainstream Fashion Talk Here you will find the latest in fashion, hair style, beauty products and more. Learning to Apply Geisha Makeup Applying geisha makeup isn't terribly difficult, but it does take a bit of practice./Read More Herbs for Healthy Hair Hair is a reflection on the overall condition of your body. A healthy strand of hair should stretch by about 30% before it breaks./Read More Power of Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C is one of the most popular health supplements that is supposed to boost the immune system./Read More Recent Asian Fashion Articles Maintaining Youthful Skin Natural Skin Care from Green Tea Skin Care Supplements for Good Skin Most Adored Fashion Designers Oriental Aromatherapy Green Tea Benefits for Natural Skin Care Natural Acne Skin Care Exfoliate for Glowing Skin How to Cure Acne with Vitamins Traditional Asian Anti-Aging Skin Care Recipe Express Yourself Through Your Clothes Simple Tips for Flawless Looking Skin 5 Home Remedies for Bad Breath Cure Tips for Achieving a Sexy Look The Skinny on Omega-3 Fats Perm Your Hair Handbags: An Addition to Jewelry Easy Skin Care Tips Chinese Wedding Slippers What Woman Want in Jewelry Today Body Detox Aloe Vera: Power of Healing Asian Nose Jobs How to Cure Cystic Acne Men's Shirts: Fashion, Not Just Function 7 Don'ts in Face Washing Women's Fashion Summer 2007 - Hot Colors Caring for Acne Prone Skin Beauty is But Skin Deep Wedding Supplies on a Budget Green Tea Cleansing Skin Care How to Achieve Beautiful Skin Staying Smooth: Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips Chinese Garments Milan - Italy's Ultimate City of Style and Elegance Gucci - From Handbags to Riches Motivation - The Heart of Self Improvement Using Homeopathy To Detoxify And Cleanse Against Toxins Foods For Great Skin China Fashion Industry Overview Smartest bargains found in woman apparel The World of Fashion Design Chinese Acne Medicine Slimming with the Help of Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese Acne Medicine Asian Rhinoplasty Benefits of Essential Oils Asian Skin Needs Anti-Aging Help and Protection Dermabrasion for Skin Rejuvenation Healthy Skin: How Chinese Herbs Benefit Your Skin Spring Fashion Tips Fashion of Ancient China Eye Beauty Tips for Asian Women Green Tea's Weight Loss Magic Shoes for Women Hottest Trends for the Spring Season Celebrity Beauty Secrets and Tips Revealed Designer Anna Sui Presents Hippie Chic Hairstyle Ideas: The Look for 2007 Sexy, Stylish, and Short Colored Contacts Lenses Or Non Prescribed Cosmetic Contact Lenses Jewelry: The Most Prized Possession of a Woman Fashion Sense - Think Before You Shop Top Foods For Good Night Sleep Spring Fashions Must Have High Heels - Sexy, Stylish, and In for 2007 Does Hair Dyes Cause Cancer? Top Fashion Brands Fail Quality Tests in China Chinese Silk Embroidery Fashion Review and Fashion Trends Japanese Beauty Skin Lightening Products Japanese Hair Straightening Chinese Qi Pao Clothing How Perceptions of Asian Women Have Changed Dramatically Hair Care Tips to Look Younger Instantly Fashion Adventure in a Girl's Life with Anna Sui Japan and the New World Woman Magnetic Therapy for Skin and Hair Care = By: Bakhru Beneficial effects of magnets have been observed on the skin and hair. Similar to their effects on various glands, the magnets exercise a corrective effect on the function of the skin and hair. The skin normally secretes adequate quantities of skin pigment which imparts the natural color to it. However, due to the mal-function of the pigment-secreting layer of the skin, ugly white patches of leucoderma appear on different parts of the body. Similarly, the central layer of the skin - the dermis - secretes sweat and skin oil and keeps the skin soft and oily. Any-malfunction of this layer of the skin leads to many skin disorders and conditions such as an excessively dry or oily skin. The magnet has shown beneficial effects on the skin and promptly corrected the mal-functions, restoring the normal tone and color of the skin. A similar effect has been observed on the restoration of the dark pigmentation of hair. A number of reports are pouring in on the magnificent effects of magnets. Dr Maclean of New York observed long ago an interesting side-effect of working with magnets - restoration of pigmentation of natural color from silvery white. The many Magnetic therapist has the distinction of successfully treating numerous cases of leucoderma in young girls through application of magnets and intake of magnetized water who have ever expressed their grateful thanks for treating them through such a simple device. = Hair is a reflection on the overall condition of your body. A healthy strand of hair should stretch by about 30% before it breaks. Hair is dead protein once it has appear from your scalp. A healthy and well-nourished body reflects in bouncy and healthy hair. Herbs can help all types of hair stay healthy and attractive. There are lots of natural herbs for hair available or in fact being used since hundreds of years by the different countries all over the world. The list of regularly used herbs includes Aloe, Arnica, Birch, Burdock, Catmint, Chamomile, Horsetail, Licorice, Marigold, Nettles, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood, Stinging nettle, Psoralea seeds, Mulberries and Oyster. Soy is also equally important in preventing the hair loss. Massage the scalp with warm almond or olive oil. Take half cup of clean water and two egg yolks, beat egg yolks in a cup of water. Use it as a massage on the scalp and hair for 5-10 minutes. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse hair with Luke warm water. After this again rinse with a paste of water and apple cider vinegar. If your hair is very dry, infusions of elderflower, parsley or sage is a great home remedy for dry, frizzy hair and it will calm the frizz and restore moisture. Greasy or oily hair will benefit from a rinse made with lemon balm, rosemary, lavender or mint. Add a teaspoon of lavender oil to the coconut oil and heat it for few seconds. Massage the scalp at night and shampoo the hair next morning. Essential fatty acids found in Evening Primrose oil and Flax Seed oil can restore hair growth. Collagen that is so essential for luxurious hair is found in Silica. Zine (30 mg) can boost thyroid function and reduce hair loss that comes from an underactive thyroid. Butterfly Pea herb has been used in ancient Thai herbal medicine to treat hair loss and prematurely grey hair for many decades. Amla is very useful for restoring the normal acid in hair such as the balance of alkaline. Reetha and Shikakai is very useful and powerful for healthy hair. One should drink large quantity of water, unsweetened fruit juice and herbal teas for healthy hair. Avoid or minimize excessive use of alcohol as it dilate blood vessels and increase flow of blood to the tissues. The right shampoo should remove the sebum that is secreted by the scalp. About the Author: Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care blog and hairstyles picture. She also writes articles for celebrity hairstyles = Vitamin supplements are very important in prevention of unwanted health ailments that is partially caused by vitamin deficiencies. Many people today use vitamin supplements to make up for lost nutrients or the shortage of vitamins in their system. A shortage in Vitamin C may lead to scurvy, a condition that may causes tooth loss, hemorrhage, bruising, weakening of inability to fight infection, mild anemia, and bleeding. Essential amounts of vitamin C is necessary to promote overall health and well being. In many instances a good diet might be enough, but when it is not, vitamin supplementation necessary to take care of the deficiency. Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C is one of the most popular health supplements that is supposed to boost the immune system. It may strengthen the capillaries or the tiny blood vessels that carry oxygen and other necessary nutrients to all parts of the body via the bloodstream. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, which means that it can eliminate free radicals from the body. It also helps deal with harmful oxygen molecules that could damage the cells. It is also believed that Vitamin C helps maintain cellular health and prevent cancer and a host of other health problems. In addition to these health benefits, Vitamin C also plays an important role in promoting the health and beauty of the skin. This vitamin inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its dark color. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen synthesis, a process that improves skin elasticity and holds back the aging process. Applying skin-care products which contain Vitamin C may improve collagen production and result to a more youthful and hydrated looking skin. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men to get the minimum amount the human body needs. However , medical specialists suggest that an intake of 200 mg is accepted since that amount is the most the human body can absorb at one time. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes. Vegetables like bell pepper and broccoli are also good sources of Vitamin C. It's easy to get ample amounts of Vitamin C from one's diet as long as it contains adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. But if one feels there is a deficiency that needs to be taken care off, individuals are advised to take Vitamin C supplementation to take care of that deficiency. If a cold is starting to develop, it may also help to increase one's consumption. Medical studies show that taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C a day may reduce the severity of cold symptoms by about 20 percent. Individuals who want to Vitamin C supplementation should seek the recommendation of doctors and other health professionals to side effects and drug interaction. Most people may take up to 2000 mg of Vitamin C without ill effects while some can develop diarrhea from as little as 500 milligrams. It is also important to drink plenty of water because Vitamin C needs to be dissolved in order to be metabolized properly. Sufficient water may also ensure that excess Vitamin C is eliminated from the body. = There are a variety of ways to help you maintain a more youthful appearance. In the area of skin aging there is some useful information available on the internet, however there is also a vast amount of unproven and possibly unsafe treatments and product claims advertised. Many 'natural' remedies can still cause harm. Consider consulting your doctor or dermatologist before taking any new medication or buying an expensive product for skin rejuvenation (reversal skin aging). Aging brings with it the realization that their skin will no longer have that youthful appearance. Sun and cigarettes in adolescence and early adulthood are also the culprits behind age spots, broken blood vessels and irregular pigmentation by the time you're in your 30s. Some things you can do to slow down the aging skin. Use sunscreen every day Keep away from highly polluted areas and don't smoke. Smoking changes the elasticity of the skin fibers leading to rough and wrinkled skin. Drink plenty of water. Your skin loses water during hot days and needs plenty of water to keep hydrated. Water is found in raw fruits and vegetables. Minimize drinking alcohol. Alcohol can lead to spider veins and broken capillaries. It also causes your skin to become dehydrated. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Take an antioxidant supplement, which should include up to 2000 mg of vitamin C. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) help remove dead cells for smoother skin, stimulate collagen production to ease wrinkles, and even out skin tone. Sodas, sugar drinks, tea, (except herbal teas) coffee, or milk are not water. Rotate between buying and drinking Reverse Osmosis and Distilled water. Eating a healthy diet can also aid in the quest for youthful skin. Many foods have essential nutrients and vitamins in them that actually help your skin maintain a reasonable level of moisture as well as making the skin stronger and more attractive in appearance. Sun damage is cumulative--and that means every day's rays do a little more harm. Healthy and supple skin is not so much of a dream if you take proper precautions and pay attention to your diet and exercise. Daily skin and facial care is much more effective in making us look beautiful than any cosmetics in the world. Cleansing is quite essential to avoid acnes and other skin problems. The damaging effects of the sun The biggest key to retaining youthful skin is to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. The price for sun worshipping isn't paid until years later, when wrinkled skin and liver spots become visible. Loss of smoothness on the skin's surface is only one consequence of sun damage. Sunlight affects all the skin's layers. Overexposure to it also produces wrinkling and sagging. Its damage is cumulative, permanent, and progressive. As much as 80 percent of the visible signs of aging are due to sun exposure. If you must venture out into the sun (in any season), then avoid the most sun-intense part of the day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m; and please don't forget your sunscreen and a broad-rimmed hat. = Chinese herbal practice is very well known for its natural ingredients and its numerous organic products. One of the wonders of Chinese health practice is green tea. Through the years, the habit of drinking green tea has become popular from the mainland to many parts of the world. Because of its known health benefits, demand for the beverage has significantly risen. Now, there are studies that link natural skincare benefits from consumption of green tea. In China and other Asian countries like Japan, Thailand and India, green tea has been found to be effective in having several medicinal properties. Particularly, the tea has been used to aid digestion and help heal wounds. While modern medicine is still finding proofs for the therapeutic claims for green tea, some people readily accept the known health benefits based on hundreds of years of experience and observations. Many traditional Chinese skincare products now have green tea as an active ingredient to them. There are creams, lotions and beauty preparations that are known to have green tea extracts in them. These skincare and beauty products also have antioxidants and vitamins E, C and A added to serve as natural preservatives. What is more? These natural products are said to be more effective because the good effects of green tea are matched by the natural good effects of the other nutrients. Currently, there are many manufacturers that are focusing on green tea because the natural herbal beverage has been found to have better and more effective skincare benefits. There are new findings of studies showing green tea as having additional skincare properties. For one, the active ingredients in the beverage are said to be effective in offsetting the harmful impact of skin damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. Experiments using several kinds of animals have established that green tea formulations help reduce sun damage to the skin. The radicals and natural properties of the beverage reduce inflammation and help serve as blockage to screen out the damaging properties of sun rays. Experts advise that you drink green tea or use products with it along with the regular use and application of your usual sun block protection. No wonder, green tea is starting to be present everywhere. Now, you can find green tea in modern cold beverages. Several soft drink manufacturers are developing drinks based on green tea as a possible good replacement for the ever popular soft drinks and fruit juices. There are green tea beverages that have different and truly interesting flavors. Green tea used to be served hot and in cups. Now, they can be iced cold and can be enjoyed anytime of the day or even as a refreshment during a very hot summer day. Recommended amount of green tea for it to function as a natural skincare regimen varies. Dermatologists and herbal medicine practitioners would endorse about two to three cups a day, while traditional Chinese culture advises people to have about eight cups each day. = World is the most beautiful place thing to live in, as there are massive number of beauty out here. Beauties are from the nature, cultural and even the manual. Manual beauty has been sprayed on all of us. That is why people look young, rejuvenate and charming. People like us want to hold on the beauty and the appearance for the years to come. This is then only possible, while men buy top of the line skin care products that work for the skin nourishment and glow. People will have the facility of picking up the right skin care regime from their near by market, as the markets have been flooded away with anti aging and skin care products boom. Skin is the most sensitive part of the human body and it enhances the beauty and the personality of and individuals. So the human skin needs special care especially the skin on the face. Skin care facial products reflect the best result when they are used on the regular basic with the proper methods and time. Skin has the blemishes while it is exposed in the sun extremely. The main things the skin suffers from are the wrinkles, acnes, dark spots, fine lines and even the aging scars. Wrinkles and acnes do come from the sun beam or from the tanning bed and shortage of water in the human body. Watery substances do form the collagen tissues in the human body that make the skin supple and fresh. Skin care products and the anti aging products are the most reasonably priced in the present state. There are companies involved in manufacturing the wide range of highest rated skin care products that are really helping for the sufferers of the skin blemishes. Some of them have the ingredients that are extracted from the useful herbal extortion from the various part of the world. Disorders of the skin come from the various means. But the most comprehensive skin problems trigger with the ultra violation rays of the sun. Ultra Violation rays create the free radicals that affect the skin by tumbling the anti oxidants of the skin. With the less anti oxidants the skin become rough and hard. The hair spores of the human body pop up larger than its normal size. Fortunately in the market there are some anti aging skin care products that can be applied for the good effect. Oil of Olay Regenerist product has Vitamin A and C to combat the aging process. Disorders of the skin come from the various means. But the most comprehensive skin problems trigger with the ultra violation rays of the sun. Ultra Violation rays create the free radicals that affect the skin by tumbling the anti oxidants of the skin. With the less anti oxidants the skin become rough and hard. The hair spores of the human body pop up larger than its normal size. World is the most beautiful place thing to live in, as there are massive number of beauty out here. Beauties are from the nature, cultural and even the manual. Manual beauty has been sprayed on all of us. That is why people look young, rejuvenate and charming. People like us want to hold on the beauty and the appearance for the years to come. This is then only possible, while men buy top of the line skin care products that work for the skin nourishment and glow. People will have the facility of picking up the right skin care regime from their near by market, as the markets have been flooded away with anti aging and skin care products boom. = Not all massage is enjoyed just for the benefit of relaxation alone. Oriental Aromatherapy massage blends the East with the West in a more challenging way of treating body/ mind disorder. Through the holistic Chinese world view the subtle and invisible are as significant as what can be seen or touched and caring for the physical structure is entwined with the human spirit not separate from it. Illness, therefore, may be identical but the persons suffering from it are individuals. Not all massage is enjoyed just for the benefit of relaxation alone. Oriental Aromatherapy originates from ancient Chinese tradition and blends the East with the West in a more challenging way of treating body/mind disorder. Through the holistic Chinese world view, the subtle and invisible are as significant as what can be seen or touched, and caring for the physical structure is entwined with the human spirit not separate from it. Illness, therefore, may be identical but the persons suffering from it are individuals. Using the time tested Oriental medicinal principles regarding the relationship between the patient, the five elements (earth, water, fire, metal and wood) and the cause and effects of disease, the vital properties of natural aromatic oils are blended and matched with the patient's energetic needs. The essence of Oriental Aromatherapy lies in the choice of essential oils in response to the individual's overall energetic pattern. Once the oils are chosen in an holistic way and blended in a carrier oil such as macadamia or sweet almond oil the individual is massaged in a very flowing uninterrupted style. The body is able to totally absorb the essence that represents a whole system; a global and organic way of healing which could never be reproduced synthetically. Oriental aromatherapy is a very complex subject. To define its actions it is first necessary to distinguish between internal and external causes of disease. Naturally a good grasp of the Traditional Chinese Medical System is essential in determining such causes. External causes of disease are more climatic in origin such as wind, cold, damp, and so on. Internal causes are those of a subtle nature of more simply, our emotions. For example, an intensity of sadness and melancholy can lead to a disharmony of the lungs and conversely a disharmony of the lungs can lead to sadness and melancholy. To illustrate one half of their paradigm, when a person loses someone dear to them they go through a grieving or letting go process. If, however the sadness is so intense that they become stuck in time or the past, others may feel that they are out of reach. From this kind of digression a lack of vitality may develop, with shallow breathing and a consequent increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Essential oils to work on the lungs would be chosen according to their specific actions, for example oils to move energy, strengthen, warm, cool or sedate the lungs. Specifically thyme to open one up to the 'now' experience and clary sage to strengthen and uplift the Qi (energy) in the lungs would be chosen. So by understanding the functions of the Chinese medical system and the diverse qualities of essential oils and integrating both, it is the aim to re-establish harmony by helping the patient regain their innate oneness. Massage, acupressure and essential oils are therefore applied as a holistic treatment. = Any logical tea drinker will look at green tea and agree that it is good to drink, especially with the flavors that are available. However, green tea is much more than just flavored water in a cup. It has grown much faster and expanded its abilities to help you continue to be healthy. For those that aren't convinced that green tea is good for you, why not look beyond the benefits of drinking it. Green tea also benefits the skin, helping you to maintain a healthy and younger look. The numerous healthy benefits from drinking green tea are very well established today. Many believe consuming green tea will prolong your life. The powerful antioxidants found in green tea have been shown to be effective in cancer prevention for some types of cancer. But did you know consuming green tea also benefits your skin. Green tea diet - Medical Claims In Thailand, India, Japan and China, green tea has been used as a medicine for a variety of conditions from helping with digestion to healing wounds. But while many in the medical field proclaim the wonders of this much talked about tea, others are quick to point out that there is little or no evidence to support at least some of the claims. One of the more popular drinks that are attracting people's attention is the green tea. Aside from the usual hot green tea, big soft drink manufacturers and beverage companies are offering cold diet green tea as alternative to soda and other unhealthy drinks. In fact, multinational beverage groups are fusing and mixing green tea with other fruit flavors to give people more choices. What is probably in everybody's mind right now is whether diet green tea is here for good or is this just one of the drink craze of the moment? Another issue that is worth discussing is whether green tea is really good for you. The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. Benefits of Green Tea The number one benefit of green tea is that it prevents many serious illnesses that plague a lot of people today. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that lower your risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer, particularly cancer of the esophagus. Green Tea is also effective in eliminating heartburn, easing bladder problems and fighting off viruses. Moreover, some studies have found that regular consumption of green tea can increase your level of good cholesterol. Green tea is not only effective in fighting off viruses, but it is also used by Chinese herbalist to kill the bacteria that causes tooth decay and food poisoning. This is probably why Asian people drink hot green tea after meals. If you want to delay your aging process and improve the quality of your skin, you can also try consuming green tea everyday. It is no wonder that many skin care products - from moisturizers to body lotions and perfumes to cellulite creams - are now using green tea as an active ingredient. How much green tea is right for you? That depends upon who you listen to. Some Chinese homeopathic health practitioners call for 10 cups a day, while some health researchers say that 2 to 3 cups will do the trick. When you look at all of the varying research, and take the average, 4 to 5 eight ounce cups of green tea per day should be good enough for most people. If you don't like drinking green tea, or find the process of brewing green tea to be more that you are willing to go through 4 to 5 times per day, there are companies who produce "Green Tea Capsules" which contain doses of EGCG. It's been said that anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Since no one has found any instances of "death by green tea", it certainly can't do you any harm (and it just might do you some good), to introduce green tea into your life. Beauty benefits Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalizing on its natural benefits. Skin benefits of Green Tea There have been a number of encouraging studies of skin benefits of green tea. Animal studies showed protection from skin cancer. Both animal and human studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. A small study showed benefits of 2% polyphenone (via a particular type of green tea extract) in papulopustular rosacea. In particular, a significant reduction in inflammatory lesion was reported compared to placebo. = With the new rush of products for men's skin care, natural skin care has also evolved and gained more popularity. One thing I must stress in this article is that natural skin care is not only on the outside but also worked from the inside out, this means that what we eat also effects how are skin looks. Natural Skin Care on the Outside There are many "home recipes" you can mix up to apply to your skin. Check out some of them on our main site Men's Skin Care Tips. Also, products such as () are great natural skin care product choices that are made from ingredients that benefit our skin. What's great about natural skin care products or home recipes is that you can never go wrong with them. Since they contain only natural ingredients you can't harm your skin or get any side effects. So if you have sensitive skin or tend get side effects from other facial products than you should consider switching to natural skin care products Natural Skin Care on the Inside The most common cause for unhealthy skin is due to the lack of intake of water. Just drinking more water throught your day can give you more healthy and better looking skin. Getting the minimum dose of fiber is also beneficial for our skin. For men aged 19-50 years, 38 g fiber is recommended, and for men over 50, 31 g fiber is recommended. You can find fiber in whole grains, nuts, dried fruit and my favorite flaxseed. Most people do not realize this but excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we have entering our bloodstream. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. Wrinkles form and skin begins to sag. It may seem impossible to reduce your sugar intake, but it can be done! A gradual approach works best. In the next week, choose one thing you're going to do to decrease the amount of sugar you consume. For example, start by cutting the amount of sugar in your daily coffee or tea by half. Every week, find another way you can decrease your sugar intake. Pretty soon, you'll be surprised at how far you've come. These are just some overviews about natural skin care. Starting a daily skin regimen based on natural skin care will benefit you greatly especially if you have acne or sensitive skin. Natural skin care will not harm your skin and is a sure way to finally have a clean healthy face. = Exfoliation is a method of removing the dead skin cells on the upper layer of your skin and increasing circulation to promote new skin cells. Once used only in exclusive spas at a costly amount, exfoliation is a simple technique that you can do at home. When using a store bought exfoliate (or commonly called body scrub), do not overdue. Store bought exfoliates have chemical ingredients that may cause irritation if used to often. Many store bought body scrubs include petrochemical-based agents, such as mineral oil, and potential carcinogens, like parabens. Natural or homemade scrubs use ingredients such as sea salt, sugar, and nutshells to exfoliate. Additionally, in choosing the right exfoliate, it is important that your scrub contain moisturizing ingredients, such as honey or oatmeal, to protect and hydrate the newly exposed cells. Body scrubs are usually made up of two properties: one for the scrubbing ability and one to soothe and smooth. Below are common ingredients and their properties that are commonly used in making at home body scrubs. Exfoliates (scrubbers) Sea salt is a natural for normal skin. It contains marine extracts and minerals that help revitalize the skin. Apricot kernels are rich in vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin. Additionally it is perfect for rough spots, elbows, backs, heels and thicker skins. Note: Nutshells and fruit kernels can have jagged edges so they are not ideal for sensitive skin. Sugar is a gentle exfoliate ideal for sensitive skin since the grains have smoother edges than salt grains. Soothes, Smoothes and Moisturizes Honey moisturizers, softens, nourishes, and heals normal skin. Nut and seed oils such as almond, hazelnut and sunflower oils are often used to soften and hydrate skin: ideal for dry skin. Oatmeal is a gentle grain that moisturizes skin, soothes, and reduces inflammation for sensitive skin types. Exfoliation of the face and body as part of your skin care regime will result in improving your skin's appearance and bring about a natural glow. For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, facial peels and masks, etc., visit Complete Skin Care Therapy. = Looking for anti-aging skin care tips? Let's learn from the best. On an age-limit-free Asian beauty pageant in 1995, a 47-year-old Chinese lady shocked the world with her flawless and ageless appearance. Gong, Xuehua, who entered world beauty pageant at the age of 57, looked as if she's barely entering her thirty's. Later, she revealed her secrets, which were passed down from her great great grand father, who served in he Chinese royal palace for 20 years as the royal doctor in Chin Dynasty. This facial mask formula was, as revealed, been favored by the Chinese queen, Cixi, as a daily routine to keep herself young and fair until the time she died at the age of 73. Alas! Wined egg mask is a powerful anti-aging skin care mask with long and amazing legend. Ingredients: 3 eggs, red wine and honey. Drop (de-shell) three eggs into a small bowl. Pour the red wine into the bowl until the eggs are completely soaked in wine. Seal the bowl are well as possible and store in the fridge for 4-5 days. Add in 2 teaspoons of honey and mix them well. Apply to your face for 15-20 minutes and wash off with warm water. Note: Do not use this formula if your skin is allergic to alcohol. Effect: Lightening skin, even skin tone and prevent wrinkles. Seal the leftover well and store in fridge for up to a month. = As we pass through life we start to realize that people, including us, have a tendency of becoming more and more common. We give up the things that make us special and unique so we can be plain and common for reasons I am sure we do not even understand. Either we do not have the courage to be unique or we just come to believe that being creative and different are not such good things after all. Luckily for us it is never too late to turn into the person you used to be. It is never too late to break down the barriers and run free and wild. One way to do that is through your clothes. Independent fashion designers are one of the most obvious examples that we have. They refuse to give into the constant globalization process that seems to evolve with each passing day. What they feel, what they love and most of all how they want to be is expressed in every piece of clothing that they design. This is one true form of art. No two tops are alike as no two feelings could ever be the same. Independent designer labels can give you that certainty of being one of a kind and still look amazing. Art is an expression of our feelings and thoughts and what better way to show who you really are than through what you wear? So maybe you are not talented and you can not design your own clothes but you just wish you would stop seeing the same skirt you have on three other girls on your way to the store. You love that skirt, that is why you bought it in the first place and there is nothing wrong with other people having that same clothing item as you, but somehow you feel trapped. You feel like a piece of you is missing and at that point you start to wish you were alone in a crowd. There is a solution to your problem. Choose clothes that combine fashion with art, feelings with places and people, choose independent designer labels and independent fashion designers that look at life and fashion the same way that you do. More than that, become your own designer and show the world that being you is truly amazing and most of all special. Art can take many shapes and sizes. What independent fashion designers do is take art to another level and pass on the joy of being yourself at all times. It is not what you wear that makes you who you are, but it surely tells a lot about you. People make the clothes and not the other way around. However, the clothes that you wear should be a piece of who you are and this is why independent designer labels can be the best choice for you. Art is found in each clothing item ever made, but how that art is expressed is what makes the difference. = I don't want beautiful skin! Now that's something I doubt you will ever hear. Everyone wants beautiful glowing skin. The problem is many people just haven't learned the proper way in which to take care of their skin. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and one of its functions is to protect every other organ and part inside you. So it is only right that you thank your skin for doing such a remarkable job by educating yourself and applying proper skin care habits. There are some things you must absolutely avoid in order to have and maintain a beautiful complexion. Some of them include smoking, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, excessive amounts of junk food, any sunlight without proper skin protection, using to many products on your face, over washing, improperly washing, and also stress can show up on your face causing breakouts so as hard as it my be find a way to relax. So what are some simple ways to improve the look of your skin? Well first what we want to do every morning and should do every night is wash our face. Find a great cleanser that removes the oil and makeup effectively from your face. Toners are to some an exception because of the drying effect it may have on your face so use a toner that conditions the skin without causing the skin to become to dry. If you want to glow make sure to use a microdermabrasion product. This works wonders on your skin and will have your skin glowing like the sun. Not only does it remove that outermost layer of dead skin that makes your face look dull but it gently removes acne scars and rejuvenates your skin helping it develop a picture perfect polish. A moisturizer with a SPF of 15 is a must it helps protect the skin from being damaged and fights against premature aging caused by UV rays from the sun. So what else can make my skin look gorgeous? It's no miracle it's what you've probably heard time and time again. Water- Water hydrates, improves elasticity, and helps prevent breakouts just to name a few. Drink eight glasses or more a day. When drinking water invest in a very good water purifier, one tested and certified by NSA international to meet all three water quality standards. Pure water will do wonders for your complexion. Proper Eating- Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean beef, fish, chicken, just to name a few are packed with nutrients that benefit the skin's strength and elasticity, preventing dryness as well as other great results. Take a multivitamin which will also work wonders for your body, support and aid healthy skin. Exercise- It boosts your circulation increasing oxygen flow which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin thus making you glow. Also working up a good sweat can unclog pores and clear up those breakouts. It also helps to reduce stress a great deal. Sleep/rest. Why? This is important because this is when our body, replenishes, regenerates and rejuvenates itself. Get at least eight hours of sleep. The benefits go far and beyond than just the basics of this article. Be determined to make a change and boost not only your skin but your health and self- confidence. = Bad breath, gingivitis, gum disease, halitosis... Smells like a potent mix of 'Phew! What died in here...?' But for those who have to put up and live with it as part of their daily routine, it can be a demeaning (and avoidable) statement, to say the least. Especially after you've tried the dozens upon dozens of mouthwashes, mint gums, tongue cleaners / scrapers, and an assortment of "bad breath kits" advertised on late night TV shows... the problem either 'subsides' for a few hours to be temporarily forgotten -- until someone standing close to you, in the midst of an otherwise normal conversation, suddenly stops and gives you that peculiar 'what's that smell?' kind of look. And the next thing you know you're frantically reaching out for that box of mint as if you just had an asthma attack. Let's face it, bad breath can be worse than an asthma attack. Why? Because, it stinks! Often, the person with bad breath doesn't really know that he or she has got bad breath. It takes someone else pointing it out to them, which makes it all the more embarrassing. So why don't we put a stop to it once and for all? Wouldn't we just LOVE to have a cure for bad breath that worked well -- and lasted longer? Sort of like sex, you know. Something closer to a permanent cure so you can popping in a (sugar-free?) candy gum everytime someone reminds you of it? Well, the Chinese discovered a bad breath remedy much before dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and 'my dog has bad breath too' kinds of confessions. Their cure was almost 4,000 years ago, and they were simply herbs from the the neighboring forest! Sort of like jogging down to New York's Central Park and picking up a bunch of herbs to cure a Wall Street broker's bad breath on the trading floor. The Chinese found their herbs freely on the forest floor, in clear abundance, and with no dental treatments or surgeries to pay for. The ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, too, prescribed its own recommendations for curing bad breath, in parallel to what the Chinese believed. Their inspiration too was the forest, so they called them forest remedies, herbal remedies or home remedies, which, in modern times, has even morphed into more accessible expression of 'kitchen remedies'. Because you could cure bad breath using herbs commonly found in the Indian kitchen. No need to go hunting around amongst the forest bushes. But the fact is, 'kitchen remedies' is a generic term, and these are herbs are easily available in any kitchen (or garden) of the world. Here are 4 of the simplest home remedies you can use right now to cure bad breath: 1. Instead of your regular toothpaste, use a herbal toothpaste that contains neem extracts in it. Scientifically known as Azadirachta Indica or Melia Azadirachta, the neem is a semi-evergreen tree whose trunk yields a tenacious gum and seeds yield an aromatic oil. It's the leaves whose extract help keep your breath much longer. 2. Instead of your regular mouthwash, use a solution of neem dissolved in warm water as an alternative mouthwash. It's more effective, not too harsh on your teeth and gums, and is a natural treatment for daily oral hygiene. Use this natural mouthwash solution 4 times a day. 3. There are two other kinds of mouthwash you can add to cure bad breath - (a) Boil corriander leaves in water and use the resulting liquid-extract as a mouthwash. (b) Aloe vera mixed with honey and cold water is a good mouthwash for chronic bad breath. 4. Think peppermint is the only mouth freshener? Here are two more to chew on -- green cardamom and cloves. 5. If your bad breath problem is due to tonsillitis, sinusitis or a nasty cold, edible camphor is a very effective throat stimulant. It's a sublime substance that simply melts away clogged mucus, giving a clarity and freshness that extends much beyond your throat. It's like vacuuming your own mouth with one of Nature's most effective nasal decongester... ENT therapy on the cheap! = There is not a woman on this planet who does not want to look sexy. The sexy look is perfect for a romantic evening out with a special someone or for an evening out on the town or if you want to grab that cute co-workers attention. A woman feels more confident and feminine when she feels sexy. One way to achieve a sexy look is to wear exotic apparel. Clothing that is considered to be exotic are harem pants, a dress fashioned after the mandarin Asian style, embroidered items and more. An exotic look creates a unique, sexy feeling. Another way in which to achieve a sexy look is by wearing something ordinary in an extraordinary way. An example of this would be a regular pair of jeans paired with a sexy tank top and high heels. This changes the original message that the outfit conveyed. A hat is a great way to draw people towards you. A trendy hat such as a newsboy or fedora is a look that portrays sex appeal. Pull the hat slightly down shading your eyes and you have added a hint of mystery. Make sure that you are comfortable with the type of hat you choose. Fashion experts agree that nothing is sexier then red lipstick. Choose a light red if your skin is paler or a darker red for tan skin. The red lipstick can be enhanced with lip liner. Your lips will be the main focal point as you quickly become the center of attention. Sunglasses do not just protect your eyes from the sun but by putting on a pair of sunglasses you are utilizing one of the sexist accessories. A pair of sunglasses add allure, charm and secrecy to any look. Find the latest shades at Fashion Obsessed. When achieving a sexy look do not be afraid to let your best assets shine. Play a little game of hide in seek with lingerie inspired apparel such as slips or sheer linings or camisoles. This look, especially when paired with lace, is very suggestive. When choosing sexy clothes make sure to choose clothing that is made from soft fabrics. You want your clothing to be touchable. Pick fabrics such as cashmere, silk, satin or suede. The best part about wearing soft fabrics is that you not only look amazing but the clothes are ultra-comfortable against your skin. Clothing that is metallic in color is hot right now. Silver, copper and gold are trendy shades that allow you to make a grand entrance. Make sure to choose tones that suit the color of your skin. Since the metallic is flashy make the rest of the outfit neutral. This means simple jewelry and accessories. The best way to achieve a sexy look has nothing to do with clothing. No, we are not talking about running around nude. This may get you into trouble with the law. The sexiest look is achieved when you make a dramatic, show stopping appearance. An example of this would be if you wore a top that appears plain in the front but has a sexy cut out back. Take advantage of the element of surprise when you wish to achieve a look saturated with sex appeal. Surprise that special someone with a sexy look that will leave them breathless. = There are two main types of perm first is permanent and second is temporary. Make a choice according to your liking. It gives bounce to your hair, adds a new look to your body which can be very satisfying. It helps in making it very soft and adds fullness to the same. Many people have different reasons for perming their hair whether the reasons are good or bad perming takes at least 2 hours to complete. The perm settles down completely after 24 hours. The results of the perm remain for 3-5 months. Getting your hair permed involves use of chemicals to break and reform the disulfide bonds of the hair. The hair is washed and wrapped on a perm rod and waving lotion is applied with a base. The hair swells and softens and stretches. The hair then molds around the shape of the perm rod. After a specified period of time, the hair is rinsed and a neutralizer is applied. It is the neutralizing solution that reforms the disulfide bonds of the hair and sets the new curls. Some people like the wet look with a perm and some people like to blow dry a perm. Hair perms can be done with acid or alkaline hair perming solutions. Alkaline wave hair perm works best for resistant hair and Asian hair and hair with low elasticity. The choice of perm rod depends on the kind of perm that is sought. Straight or cylindrical perm rods are popularly used for wrapping hair that has to be wave permed. A smaller perm rod ensures a tighter hair perm. Using very large perm rods however can create weak curls. Modern hair perms also extend to volumizing - perming for volume and not for curls. This type of hair perm lasts about 6 weeks and is much cheaper than a complete hair perm. Spiral perm hairstyle can be done on shoulder length or longer hair. It sets well on thicker hair. Mostly getting a perm done would take 2 hours or more. It would take more than 24 hours to get the perm fully settle and have a great impact on your whole personality. Perm is short for permanent wave. In the perming process, chemicals break the hair down and then re-structure it into the desired curls, waves or straightness. For minimum curl, maximum texture some hairdressers now remove the ends from orange juice cans, wash them out and use them as super rollers or perm rods. After fastening the cans to the hair with plastic-coated bobby pins , they perm the hair. To create deep waves on long hair, ask your stylist about a pigtail perm. A pigtail perm is created when individual sections of hair are braided into pigtails---either tight or fat and loose, depending on the desired result. Apply the perm solution beginning at the scalp as that gives it longer to work in that area. Carefully massage the perm solution into all your hair. Do not use too much of shampoo. However, a good conditioner designed for permed hair will be highly beneficial. Towel your hair carefully and prevent knots. (1) Perm Hair Tips 1. Apply the perm solution beginning at the scalp as that gives it longer to work in that area. 2. Keep the solution at the correct temperature. 3. Rinse the perm solution out of your hair completely. 4. Carefully towel dry or blot hair. 5. Hold your head upside down and shake it gently. 6. Permed hair needs a great deal of attention and care. 7. Never comb your hair when it is still setting from the perm solution. 8. As perm grows spray a volumizing product to the roots and blow dry at the scalp to create added lift. (2) Hair perm looking Tips 1. Do not wash your hair for 48 hours after you have a perm. 2. Only use professionally recommended products to maintain the curl and condition of your hair. 3. Use a low heat setting, and fit an air diffuser to your hair dryer. This will help avoid drying out your hair. 4. When styling your hair, use a vent brush and styling products specifically designed for permed hair. These products help protect your hair and make it easier to manage. = The longer you live the more chances you will accumulate toxins in the body. It is not uncommon to accumulate toxins from the environment you live in. A yearly cleanse is something everybody should consider to help keep the body's functioning properly and healthy. Our bodies consistently detoxify itself every day and the primary organs that do this detox are the liver and kidneys. The body's own natural functions can cause toxins while trying to detox itself and these toxins can impair the body's ability to function efficiently, which can lead to debilitating disease and physical problems if left unchecked. If you think you may have a toxic buildup in the body, there are some ways to know if the body needs to be detoxified. Some signs of toxic overload are fatigue, illness, constipation, gas, skin problems, nausea, PMS, depression, and poor circulation. There are ways to rid the body of toxins naturally such as a cleansing or detox diet. Detoxification involves changes in diet along with an increase in fluid consumption specifically clean water. With a good dietary change, herbs can be used to help the detox process along. We will first look at the liver. The liver is extremely important in ridding the body of toxins. The liver cleanses the blood and helps aid in digestion of the foods we eat. Everything we eat, breath, and absorb through the skin is processed by the liver; over time the liver can become over worked. When the liver becomes over worked it can not process and detox all the toxins entering the body, so the body will store these toxins and after years and years of storage, these toxins will cause disease. The liver uses enzymes to break down toxins into water and fat soluble substances so that the kidneys and colon can eliminate them. The liver manufactures these enzymes upon demand. The more demand there is in the body, the more the liver is stressed and over time, damage can occur. There is hope from herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, licorice, and schizandra. Milk thistle has a compound called Silymarin, shown in many studies to protect the liver. Milk thistle contains silybin, amines, thyramine, and histamine, known to fight toxins and help stimulate the production and flow of bile. Studies have shown that milk thistle can benefit severe liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as a general liver restoration and strengthening herb. Turmeric is a spice used in Asian dishes but recent studies have found it to also be liver protective. Turmeric has similar properties to glycyrrhizin found in licorice. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown turmeric to increase enzymes in the liver that prevents inflammation. Like milk thistle, turmeric can increase the bile output in the liver. Turmeric can also breakdown carcinogens and toxins so that these harmful chemicals can be eliminated from the body without doing the body any harm. As mentioned above, licorice contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid which stimulates interferon production in the body. Interferons protect the immune system. Licorice contains liver protective properties preventing damage due to toxic exposure. Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin can help prevent cellular damage in the liver. Glycyrrhizin has been used to treat hepatitis B and has been shown to improve liver function as well as reduce the enzyme levels used to measure liver damage. Schizandra in some studies have shown to protect the liver from toxic build up. This herb can also boost the immune system by helping the liver eliminate the toxins that have been building up in the body. Excess amounts of toxins in the body can lead to immune system disorders. Schizandra has also shown in studies to protect against the effects of alcohol in mice and other studies have shown this herb to have regenerative properties in the liver. The Chinese have used Schizandra for infectious hepatitis and also as a liver protecting herb it can encourage liver regeneration after injury or disease. Other herbs that are considered beneficial for the liver are dandelion, burdock, and barberry. The kidneys are the second most important organ next to the liver for cleansing the body. All the blood in your body will pass through the kidneys many times each day. Your kidneys will filter out toxins into urine and help maintain a healthy electrolyte balance as well as manufacture regulatory hormones for blood pressure. The kidneys control the rate calcium is metabolized and aids in the production of red blood cells. Keeping the kidneys healthy is very important; there are some herbs available that can help stimulate kidney function such as, parsley, yarrow, dandelion, and kelp. For many years, herbalists have known about parley and its properties. Parsley is a powerful diuretic often recommended for those with kidney problems. This herb has been shown to inhibit the re-absorption of salt into the body tissues which increases the herbs activity as a diuretic. Parsley helps to improve and increase urination allowing toxins to be eliminated more readily by the kidneys. One component found in parsley seed has been used in drugs to treat urinary and bladder infections. Yarrow has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient that gives yarrow this ability is called azulene. With urinary problem comes inflammation and herbs that can relieve inflammation can improve urination and alleviate and ease urination problems. Yarrow can also help regulate liver function. Dandelion found in almost every yard in America is a great diuretic similar to parsley. Dandelion is high in potassium, when you are on diuretics potassium is eliminated from the body and needs to be replenished. Dandelion can be used to relieve water retention as well as help increase urine flow without causing an imbalance in potassium or the electrolytes in the body. Dandelion is a wonderful herb, in human studies have shown to increase bile flow which is beneficial to the liver, gallstones, jaundice, and the bile ducts. Dandelion is considered a bitter herb and its bitter properties have been shown to improve the release of toxins from the body. The longer we live the more toxins our body will store, kelp is a wonderful herb found in the sea. Kelp has been shown to protect the body from absorption of toxic chemicals. One active component in kelp called sodium alginate which has been found to protect the body from radiation exposure and help the body remove heavy metals. If you have never detoxified the body before, it is never too late to start today. Whether you choose to change your diet or purchase herbs for detox, cleansing the body will help fight disease, help your organs work better, and boost over all health. Herbs to detox the liver and kidneys can be found at your friendly online vitamin store. |
|
