Sunday 25 September 2011

HOW TO LOOK YOUNG


Aging - turn back the clock - is a fact of life. It is an inevitable process that we cannot really escape from as the years take their toll on our bodies. But despite this inescapable fact, there are a lot of women who spend a great deal of time, effort and money to keep themselves looking young regardless of their real, chronological age. It is largely due to our youth-oriented culture, where beauty always translates to youth.

Trying to look young is not really bad at all. After all, who does not want to look young for as long as she can? It is just that most of the methods available right now to keep those wrinkles and sags at bay are too expensive and too effort-intensive. Anti-aging creams and lotions are good for keeping the skin looking young, healthy and wrinkle-free, but what about the sags? It seems that the only way to get rid of those sags is to go under the knife and have a face lift.

A surgical face lift is expensive and scary. A lot of times, it also looks unnatural. There are not a few cases where one glance at a woman's face immediately tells the beholder that the woman has had a face lift. What is the use of undergoing that procedure if it looks so crassly obvious?

Thankfully, there are ways of having a face lift that looks natural and is inexpensive. Most of all, we do not have to have a surgical procedure done on our face to have that youthful-looking visage - get glowing. It only involves a few minutes of our time on a day-to-day basis, and it could be done while we are driving and waiting for the red light to turn green, while watching TV, or while putting on our face creams in the morning or at night. It is called facial fitness.

Facial fitness is an exercise regimen that involves working out the muscles of the face to prevent them from sagging. It works on the same principle that if we exercise the muscles of our body, then the muscles will become toned and the skin will visibly improve.

The muscles of the face also need to be exercised. If they are let alone, they just sit there on our faces, lengthening and thinning as the years come upon us, giving us that sagging and tired look as we age. With the facial fitness regimen, the facial muscles undergo resistance training, and the skin is pulled and pushed so the muscles are contracted. Eventually, the skin is lifted with all the pushing and pulling, taking away the sags and smoothing out the wrinkles from our faces.

Another benefit of undergoing a facial fitness regimen is that making the muscles of the face contract increases blood circulation to the face. With improved blood circulation to the face, more oxygen and nutrients are brought to the cells and tissues of the facial muscles and skin. Therefore, it would look healthier and whatever damages that our facial tissues have sustained are more easily repaired.

Having a regular facial fitness routine brings us a natural face lift. With a natural face lift, we do not have to undergo surgery just to keep ourselves looking young. The power to look young has become literally in our hands.

Friday 23 September 2011

Cleaning the Skin

Cleaning the skin is important as it removes the dead cells from the surface of the skin. It also will remove the dust and dirt that chokes the pores on the skin. If the dust is allowed to accumulate, it can block the pores thus blocking the secretion of the glands from coming to the top of the skin providing it the weapons it need to fight against infections, toxic agents etc. It also gives the shine or glow to the surface of the skin.

Soap and Natural Cleaners

Skin experts recommend avoiding soap because of its high pH. A high pH (alkaline) soap will dry the skin and diminish its life expectancy. The skin's surface is mildly acidic, having a pH of around 5. Most soaps are well over 7, and some as high as 10. Soaps with a high pH will not only dry the skin but also eliminate its acid mantle (coating on the surface).

You can make good skin cleansers from natural products. For example, products that contain vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, and water, combine with sebum and allow it to be dissolved and rinsed away. At the same time, water dissolves dirt.

Effective skin cleansers can contain a number of different vegetable oils, including coconut, sesame, or palm oils. These are safe and effective cleansers and have a relatively low pH. Stearic acid provides the skin a pearly firmness.
Another organic products that is increasingly useful in skin care is seaweed. The high mineral content of seaweed stimulates circulation, helps eliminate toxins imbedded in the skin, and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Seaweeds can also strengthen the immunity and healing functions of the skin by providing the needed minerals.

Facial Scrubs

Facial scrubs help clean the surface of the skin by removing the dead skins and the dirt mechanically. We recommend that you use a facial scrub that contains a mild abrasive. The coarseness of these abrasives vary. For example, it may contain very fine, mild base of oatmeal or ground-up almonds. Some products may contain, however, coarser materials such as silica or fine sand or the shells of almonds, apricots, or walnuts.

Since women spend considerable more amount of money and time on makeups and skin care, we would expect that their skin will be smoother and blemish free compared to that of men. However, studies have found exactly the opposite. These studies have found that men have fewer blemishes and smoother skin than women on the face. Experts suggest that men are exfoliating their faces every day by shaving. The razor removes the top layer of dead cells every day. This allows the skin to breathe and eliminate waste much easier. This may explain why men's facial skin is much more smoother than women's. Women can accomplish the same by using a mild abrasive scrub on their faces, every other day.

European women have been using exfoliants for decades. People in India and the orient had been using natural exfoliants to clean their skin.

The Right Way To Wash Your Face

1. Moisten your face with water. Work up a lather by rubbing the soap between wet palms. Using your fingertips (not the bar of soap), massage the lather into your face and throat.

2. Rinse thoroughly with a washcloth or with splashes of water. Take three times as much time for rinsing as compared to what you took for lathering. The important thing is that you remove all of the soap so any caustic it contains won't burn your face.

3. Blot dry with a soft towel; vigorous rubbing with coarse material aggravates and tugs at your skin.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Fashion headbands

In our age, people really find ways to show themselves off to the world. Especially these young professionals. We work hard to afford the things that we want for ourselves so we look good in front of other people. When we look good, we feel good. And when we feel good, we work better, we are more productive and we feel more like our own people. Self-made people, that’s what we always aim to be.

Today, there is also a high importance on individuality. There are more and more subcultures which are formed because people feel like they had to belong to a group that’s more specifically named. For example, in the category of “rock”, there is now punk, emo, trash, metal, slow rock, pop rock, etc. People just want to belong, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Now, we know there are a lot of ways to express ourselves. Some of us prefer to brand ourselves according to the music that we listen to, some of us want to associate ourselves with a particular political group, an advocacy group, an eating pattern (vegetarian, vegans, purists etc.) and some on bigger subcultures such as religion, race and gender preference. But really, if you want to make an impression that’s not as heavy-sounding as those, you can just do well with a great headband, girl.

But that’s just me getting to the point. First, let us discuss how the face is really the center of attention. They may say that beauty is skin deep and “don’t judge the book by its cover” but really, the impression that you make is just as important as the personality that you’re trying to build. So if you want to make a clean impression, start off with a clean and pleasant looking face, with hair held back by nice looking headbands. You can also top this off with great looking jewelry pieces that match. If silver works better for you, pair a sleek pendant necklace with earrings that make your eyes shimmer as bright as the material itself. Plus, with good skin, well-defined brows, high happy cheeks, you can never go wrong with head bands. Besides, why would you hide that face?

There are different kinds of head bands which you can use for every occasion or mood that you’re in. Most of these pieces are fashion headbands which also come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, prices and designs. Good thing they’re getting more and more creative each day!

Basic Headbands

If you are new to the headband bandwagon, and you still think that they are too bold, you can start off with basic headbands. They are the ones which come in neutral colors like shades of white, black, gray and brown. It’s easy to wear them with ANY dress code. For example, a simple black headband could go well with casual wear, business casual, smart casual, beach wear, sports wear and utility wear. For the dressier events, a satin gray headband also looks great. (Yes, even with pearls.)

Scarf Headbands

For a more fashionable feel, you can explore scarf headbands. These are for the days when you feel extra-girly and edgy. Scarf headbands are not for the meek in fashion, as they are to be carried with grace.

Scarf headbands look best with dresses, although a bright floral number could also spice up a plain white tee on simple skinny jeans. They are more free-flowing and they also serve as accessories, giving off the same vibe as vintage gypsy necklaces.

If you get bored with them, you can tie them around your waist and let them become belts. Nice innovation you got there!

Embellished Headbands

This is one of the classiest fashion headband genre by far. We’ve seen headbands which are made from crystals, gems on silk, gold and silver buttons and little diamonds glued together. They are just absolutely breathtaking and when light is reflected by these little charming babies, we just can’t help but engulf the wearer with a glow. It almost works like a halo!

Get at least one or two embellished headbands and use them for special occasions. Faux pearls are great for weddings, formal ceremonies and other church-related activities. The crystals are great for cocktail nights or even extra-special dates. They work the same magic as your embellished stilettos.

Thin, Thick and Double Headbands

After addressing the materials and the sizes that your fashion headbands are made of, let us now talk about sizes.

It’s best to use thin headbands when you want an effect that is sleek, like a minimal statement. Say, if you’re wearing bold jewelry and you want to keep the attention to them or if you’re wearing slammin’ 3-layer eyeshadow, thin headbands which compliment the colors on your outfit will do just well. In fact, if you want them to be more silent than that, get them in colors which are nearest to your hair color.

For days when you want to be bolder or you want to keep as much hair off your face, you can make use of thick fashion headbands. Get them in an elastic that’s high quality and you’re good to go. Make a statement with bright neon colors or with stripes!

When one is not enough, double up! You can also play the double headbands look when you want your outfit to become more coordinated (two colors) from head to toe. Two different materials are not advised (crystal and plastic, elastic and wired, etc.) but different sizes are okay (one is thin and the other is thick).

Now that you know how great a fashion headband can be and how it can easily brighten up how you look or tone down a heavily made up face with held-up hair, don’t become too excited and try as many as you want to. Also apply the basic fashion guidelines regarding complimenting colors, patterns and material matching. If you’re in doubt, always ask someone you trust in terms of fashion and don’t get carried away by fads! No, not even Gossip girl.

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Fashion Headbands.

In our age, people really find ways to show themselves off to the world. Especially these young professionals. We work hard to afford the things that we want for ourselves so we look good in front of other people. When we look good, we feel good. And when we feel good, we work better, we are more productive and we feel more like our own people. Self-made people, that’s what we always aim to be.

Today, there is also a high importance on individuality. There are more and more subcultures which are formed because people feel like they had to belong to a group that’s more specifically named. For example, in the category of “rock”, there is now punk, emo, trash, metal, slow rock, pop rock, etc. People just want to belong, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Now, we know there are a lot of ways to express ourselves. Some of us prefer to brand ourselves according to the music that we listen to, some of us want to associate ourselves with a particular political group, an advocacy group, an eating pattern (vegetarian, vegans, purists etc.) and some on bigger subcultures such as religion, race and gender preference. But really, if you want to make an impression that’s not as heavy-sounding as those, you can just do well with a great headband, girl.

But that’s just me getting to the point. First, let us discuss how the face is really the center of attention. They may say that beauty is skin deep and “don’t judge the book by its cover” but really, the impression that you make is just as important as the personality that you’re trying to build. So if you want to make a clean impression, start off with a clean and pleasant looking face, with hair held back by nice looking headbands. You can also top this off with great looking jewelry pieces that match. If silver works better for you, pair a sleek pendant necklace with earrings that make your eyes shimmer as bright as the material itself. Plus, with good skin, well-defined brows, high happy cheeks, you can never go wrong with head bands. Besides, why would you hide that face?

There are different kinds of head bands which you can use for every occasion or mood that you’re in. Most of these pieces are fashion headbands which also come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, prices and designs. Good thing they’re getting more and more creative each day!

Basic Headbands

If you are new to the headband bandwagon, and you still think that they are too bold, you can start off with basic headbands. They are the ones which come in neutral colors like shades of white, black, gray and brown. It’s easy to wear them with ANY dress code. For example, a simple black headband could go well with casual wear, business casual, smart casual, beach wear, sports wear and utility wear. For the dressier events, a satin gray headband also looks great. (Yes, even with pearls.)

Scarf Headbands

For a more fashionable feel, you can explore scarf headbands. These are for the days when you feel extra-girly and edgy. Scarf headbands are not for the meek in fashion, as they are to be carried with grace.

Scarf headbands look best with dresses, although a bright floral number could also spice up a plain white tee on simple skinny jeans. They are more free-flowing and they also serve as accessories, giving off the same vibe as vintage gypsy necklaces.

If you get bored with them, you can tie them around your waist and let them become belts. Nice innovation you got there!

Embellished Headbands

This is one of the classiest fashion headband genre by far. We’ve seen headbands which are made from crystals, gems on silk, gold and silver buttons and little diamonds glued together. They are just absolutely breathtaking and when light is reflected by these little charming babies, we just can’t help but engulf the wearer with a glow. It almost works like a halo!

Get at least one or two embellished headbands and use them for special occasions. Faux pearls are great for weddings, formal ceremonies and other church-related activities. The crystals are great for cocktail nights or even extra-special dates. They work the same magic as your embellished stilettos.

Thin, Thick and Double Headbands

After addressing the materials and the sizes that your fashion headbands are made of, let us now talk about sizes.

It’s best to use thin headbands when you want an effect that is sleek, like a minimal statement. Say, if you’re wearing bold jewelry and you want to keep the attention to them or if you’re wearing slammin’ 3-layer eyeshadow, thin headbands which compliment the colors on your outfit will do just well. In fact, if you want them to be more silent than that, get them in colors which are nearest to your hair color.

For days when you want to be bolder or you want to keep as much hair off your face, you can make use of thick fashion headbands. Get them in an elastic that’s high quality and you’re good to go. Make a statement with bright neon colors or with stripes!

When one is not enough, double up! You can also play the double headbands look when you want your outfit to become more coordinated (two colors) from head to toe. Two different materials are not advised (crystal and plastic, elastic and wired, etc.) but different sizes are okay (one is thin and the other is thick).

Now that you know how great a fashion headband can be and how it can easily brighten up how you look or tone down a heavily made up face with held-up hair, don’t become too excited and try as many as you want to. Also apply the basic fashion guidelines regarding complimenting colors, patterns and material matching. If you’re in doubt, always ask someone you trust in terms of fashion and don’t get carried away by fads! No, not even Gossip girl.

Sunday 18 September 2011

How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally



As you grow old, freckles and dark sports may start arising. The skin tone changes with time and it does not remain as light as it used to be. Constant exposure to sun can also result in a darker complexion. These undesirable changes can be very frustrating if you are not ready to embrace them.

The good news is that you can lighten your complexion in natural ways. Restoring the natural glow of a weather-beaten skin is possible in easy ways.

Below you will find a compilation of useful natural whitening tips:

Natural Skin Lightening Methods

Prepare a Natural Skin Lightening Cream

Lemon juice and egg white can be used to create a natural skin lightening cream at home.

  1. Take equal amounts of egg white and lemon juice.
  2. Mix these two and heat them on a small frying pan. Wait until the mixture turns semi-solid.
  3. Now remove the paste from the pan and keep it inside a jar. Let the jar cool down in a refrigerator.
  4. Apply the paste on your skin and wait until 15 minutes before rinsing.

It is very effective for removing sun tan. Use this cream every day until you get the desired skin tone.

Use Sunblock Regularly

One of the easiest ways to keep your skin fair and glowing is to use sunblock on a regular basis. Any moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or above can be used as a sunblock.

In the morning, wash your face and apply the moisturizer. The layer of moisturizer on your skin will protect you from sun for a long time. It will prevent undesirable changes in skin tone.

Also, sunblock prevents many other skin diseases caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. Age spots are most prominent in areas around your hands. So, remember to apply sunblock regularly in these areas.

Exfoliate at Least Once a Week

Get rid of dead skin cells by exfoliating at least once a week. Exfoliation is more important if your skin is developing dark spots, freckles and skin damages due to old age. Dead cell removal naturally lightens your skin complexion. The skin will also appear brighter as you continue with this practice for over a month.

  1. Take two tablespoons each of brown sugar and oatmeal and mix them with a quarter cup of milk.
  2. Thoroughly stir the mixture until you get a semi-solid paste.
  3. Start scrubbing your face slowly by using this paste. Be as gentle as possible. Scrubbing shouldn't result in further skin damage.
  4. When you are finished with scrubbing, rinse your face with clean water and apply a moisturizer in the end.

Use Homemade Skin Lightening Mask at Least Once a Week

Homemade masks are most commonly used to lighten skin in a natural way. Apply the mask and relax comfortably on the couch or watch TV. Using homemade mask at least once a week will produce noticeable results in two or three weeks.

Preparation and application of a homemade mask is quite easy.

  1. First of all, take one tablespoon each of cucumber juice, lemon juice, tomato juice, and sandalwood paste.
  2. Carefully apply the paste on all areas of your face. Now you need to wait until the paste dries on your face.
  3. Rinse your face with clean water and apply moisture in the end.

Regular application of a homemade mask will give you a naturally glowing skin within 4 weeks.

Use Licorice Extract

A natural skin whitening component called glabridin is present in licorice extract. You can find licorice extract at your nearby health store. If not, you can search for licorice extract on some online health stores.

In the morning and evening, wash your face and apply a thin layer of this extract. Licorice extract should be applied before you moisturize the skin.

You can keep licorice fresh for a long period of time if you store it in a cool and dark place. Some people develop allergic reactions to licorice extract.

Before you apply the extract on face, apply a small amount of the extract on your arm to test for the allergic reaction.

Use a Natural Skin Bleaching Mask

It is very easy to make a bleaching mask at home.

  1. Take a glass of boiling water and steep a teaspoon dried fennel in it.
  2. Wait for at least 40-60 minutes. After about one hour, remove all herbal stuff from the glass of water.
  3. Add a tablespoon of buttermilk to this water. Directly apply the water and buttermilk mixture on your face in a gentle manner.
  4. Let the bleaching mask stay on your face for at least 15-20 minute and rinse with clean water.

Your skin is a part of who you are. It is one of a few things that make you unique and beautiful. Take a good care of your skin by following skin lightening tips mentioned above and remember to love it no matter what color it is.


Friday 16 September 2011

Dengue Fever Symptoms Prevention Treatment And Home Remedies

Dengu e fever is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which occur in the tropics and can be life thre ate ning.According to World Health Organisation, 2.5 billion people i.e two fifth of the

World’s population, are at risk of Dengue. Dengue fever is caused by a family of virus. This virus is generally carried by Aedes mosquito. This virus strikes the immunity of the person. Dengue can relapse several times but gradually the body creates an immunity to the disease.

Symptoms

The incubation period of Dengue is between 3 – 15 days. The symptoms are

1.Body temperature of 104 F.

2.Severe Headache

3.Muscle pain

4.Backache

5.Low Blood Pressure

6.Low Heart Rate

7.Red and painful eyes

8.Pink rash on face

9.Swollen throat glands

10.Profuse sweating

Prevention

Methods of prevention of Dengue fever mentioned in various sources includes those listed below.

1.Avoid mosquito bites

2.Mosquito repellant

3.Protective clothing

4.Window screens

5.Remove water filled mosquito breeding areas

6.Dengue vaccine not yet available but being researched.

Treatment

The treatment completely depends on the severity of the symptom and the time lag before the treatment. Any kind of medication should be taken under doctors advice. Generally, Actaminophen, is given to relief the patient of headache and muscle pain.

Home Remedies

1.To keep the body hydrated, the patient needs intake of liquid products. The patient should drink a glass of water with one tsp of sugar and half tsp of salt, every hour.

2.Orange juice improves immunity and enhances the energy level.

3. Crush Papaya leaves and extract the juice. The patient should consume two spoons of this juice every day.

4.Tea made of basil, ginger and cardamom, is very helpful in controlling the fever and treating the throat infection.

5.Crush neem leaves to extract the juice and apply it on the rashes. It quicken the healing of the rashes.

6.Herbal syrup of Kakamachi herb improves immunity of the body to the dengue virus. Dengue is not life threatening till the time the medication and care is taken soon after the symptoms appear.

Thursday 15 September 2011

Dress Fashionablly

Organize: Get out all your clothes and decide which ones you want and don't want. Donate, sell, or re-purpose anything that you haven't worn in a year (that isn't seasonal), doesn't fit or is plain ugly!

Flatter: Look at yourself in the mirror and as objectively as possible, pick things about your physical appearance you like and dislike. What do you want to disguise? What do you want to emphasize? What's your body type?

Style: What do you like? Do you want to incorporate trendy items into your wardrobe, or do you prefer a classic look? Spend time flipping through catalogs, or surfing websites that feature clothes. Do you even want to figure out a way to incorporate witty T-shirts, or is pleather more your style? There are tons of different pieces that will look phenomenal on you- what do you like?

Context: Where you live, where you go and what you do are major factors in dressing fashionably! If you wear a ballgown to the office that's not fashionable; if you wear a business suit to the prom, likewise. Think about what kind of clothing is appropriate for the things you're going to be doing.

Shop: The best thing to do is to buy long-lasting pieces that will retain their class throughout seasons. Fashion changes extremely quickly! Don't fill your wardrobe with things that won't be appropriate the same time next year, and don't spend a lot of money on fashion items. Think about step 4 again. What kinds of coats, jackets or sweaters do you need? Put this kind of information in the context of what flatters your body.

Shop more: Now that you've got the basics, it's time to have fun! Buy some great shoes, cute accessories and get a haircut! No need to go classic here unless that's your taste - handbags, shoes and jewelry is the place to show your sassy side. Bright purple pleather trench looks too tacky? A handbag in the same style will be fantastic.

Ask someone else to go with you shopping. It's always good to have an outsiders perspective. Bring along someone who can give you well-formulated critique regarding your clothes. The image we see in the mirror isn't always how you really look!

Tips

  • Flick through magazines and find a style icon you can be inspired by. Stars need to always look good as they are constantly followed! Some good choices are people like Mischa Barton, Kate Moss and Audrey Hepburn.
  • Try places like bargain stores and emporiums for jewelry; they have great stuff for great prices!
  • Keep track of what outfits you wore and who saw you in them. A great online tool for this is MyClothingCalendar (www.myclothingcalendar.com).
  • Go shopping with an honest friend! Nothing is more valuable in your quest for a fashionable wardrobe than someone who will tell you when you look stupid.
  • Make-up is the thing that pulls it all together. Don't look fake, but polished. You can make a huge stride towards being more pulled-together by just applying foundation, blush (or bronzer) and lip gloss.
  • Be you! If you like something but someone else doesn't, don't fret. They have no right to say what you can and can't like. Remember your honest friend, though. There's a difference between something that fits you horribly and something that's just a difference in style.
  • Ask friends for style advice and for their style perspective.
  • Confidence is key. If you don't have confidence, nobody will admire your look. You have to believe in yourself, then everybody else will too.

Monday 12 September 2011

Common Skin Problem & Cure

Warts

Most people develop warts at some stage in their life, usually by the age of 20.

What are they? Warts are flesh-coloured lumps, which can be 1mm to over 1cm across. Warts can appear anywhere, but usually affect the hands and feet. A wart on the foot is called a verruca. Genital

warts appear around the genitals or anus.

What causes them? They are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact and sometimes through surfaces such as floors and towels. If you have a wart, you can spread it to other people through close contact and also to other parts of your own body.

What's the treatment? Most warts go away by themselves, but this can take up to two years. Treatments include:

  • over-the-counter creams and gels (not for use on genital warts): ask your pharmacist which ones may be suitable for you
  • prescription chemicals, to be dabbed onto the wart
  • cryotherapy (freezing), which should be carried out by a practitioner who is trained in cryotherapy
  • surgery and laser treatment, but these are not commonly used

There is limited evidence that duct tape placed over the wart can be effective.

These treatments may be painful and the warts may come back.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP if the wart is bothering you, if you want your GP to treat it or if treatments from the pharmacy have not worked. If you have genital warts, it's important to go to your GP or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic so that you can be given appropriate treatment.

Find out more about treating warts.

Symptoms and treatment of skin tags

Impetigo

Impetigo is common in babies and children but can affect anyone. It usually develops on the face and hands. In babies, it affects the nappy area.

What is it? Impetigo is an infection in the skin. Small blisters appear and burst, leaving yellow, moist, itchy

patches that dry to a crust. The skin underneath can be red and inflamed.

What causes it? It is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut, scratch or damage from an existing skin

condition, such as eczema. Impetigo can be spread by direct contact and sharing towels or bedding with someone who has it.

What's the treatment? Impetigo is likely to clear up by itself within three weeks. However, it's very contagious, so antibiotic cream or tablets should be used to get rid of it quickly.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP for a diagnosis and to prescribe antibiotics. Most people are not contagious after 48 hours of treatment or once their sores have dried. It's sensible for children not to go to school or nursery until they are no longer contagious.

Read Marilyn's story of her young son's impetigo.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects 2% of people in the UK. It usually begins between the ages of 11 and 45. Psoriasis runs in families and one-third of people with psoriasis have a close relative with it. Psoriasis is not infectious.

What is it? Psoriasis causes flaky, red patches on the skin. They can look shiny and cause itching or burning. They can be anywhere, but are more common on elbows, knees and the lower back.

What causes it? Some of the body’s antibodies attack skin cells by mistake, causing them to

reproduce too quickly and build up on the skin. Certain things may make symptoms worse, including alcohol, smoking and some medicines, such as anti-inflammatories (for example, ibuprofen) and beta-blockers (used to treat heart problems). It is not passed on through close contact.

What's the treatment? Treatments to reduce the patches depend on their severity. They include:

  • creams containing vitamin D or vitamin A
  • steroid creams
  • tar preparations
  • exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV ) light
  • medication taken by mouth or injection

Do I need to see a doctor? Most people are treated by their GP, but some are referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist).

Read about Ray's experience of psoriasis.

Ringworm

Ringworm is common in children but can affect anyone. Ringworm appears on the head, body, groin, feet, nails or beard area.

What is it? Ringworm is not a worm but a number of fungal infections that grow in a patch or circle on the skin. It can be a few millimetres to a few centimetres across. The patches or circles look red or

silvery and can blister and ooze.

What causes it? Fungal spores enter the skin through a break, such as a scratch or a patch of eczema. Ringworm can be passed on through direct contact and sharing items such as towels, bedding or combs. It can also be passed on from the floor of shower or swimming pool areas. Pets can pass it to people.

What's the treatment? Antifungal creams, powders or tablets, available from the pharmacy, can be effective.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP if you aren’t sure if it’s ringworm, or if the infection has not responded to pharmacy treatment after two weeks.

Find out about the symptoms of ringworm.

Vitiligo

One in 100 people in the UK develops vitiligo. It can occur at any age, but over half the cases begin before the age of 20. It affects men and women of any skin colour. Vitiligo is not infectious.

What is it? Vitiligo causes pale, white patches on the skin. These patches can occur anywhere, but are more noticeable on areas that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face and hands, and on dark or tanned skin. On the scalp, vitiligo can cause hair to turn white. Patches can be small or large, stay the same size or grow. Vitiligo cannot be passed on through close contact.

What causes it? It is caused by a lack of melanocyte cells, which colour the skin. These cells can be missing because:

  • the immune system isn't working properly and attacks them
  • the skin has come into contact with certain chemicals or has been severely sunburnt

Vitiligo is also linked to having an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

What's the treatment? Treatment aims to restore skin colour and control the spread of vitiligo. Treatment can include:

  • steroid creams
  • ultraviolet A (UVA) light
  • disguising the patches with coloured creams, some of which are available on prescription

If vitiligo affects more than 50% of the skin, treatment may involve lightening the healthy skin using prescription creams. It's important that this treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Creams that you can buy without a prescription and that claim to lighten skin can contain harmful chemicals, so don't use them. Find out more about the risks of skin lightening.

Sunday 11 September 2011

Face Mask Treatments



* MAYONNAISE. Apply whole egg mayonnaise on your face (right from the jar) for about 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Great skin care treatment.

* PEACH & BRANDY. Mash up a peach (use ripe, canned or frozen) and mix in a tablespoon of brandy. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off.

* TOMATO MASK. For oily skin, mash up a ripe tomato and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm (not hot) water.

* BANANA MASH. Mash up a very ripe banana. Add just enough honey to make a soft pulp. Apply over face and hair. This is such a great firming mask that aging movie stars have been known to put it in the cups of their bras to make their breasts "perky." (Just make sure that you don't use too much honey and you use a sturdy bra.)

* HONEY MASK. Apply pure honey (straight from the bottle) to your face and neck. Allow it to set until dry (about 15 minutes). Rinse with very warm water.

* MILK OF MAGNESIA. Apply it straight from the bottle. Let it dry for about five to ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then gently pat your face dry with a fluffy towel.

* PEPTO BISMOL. This is a face mask particularly suited for those with sensitive skin. In the same way that this product coats the stomach, it gently caresses the face. Apply it straight from the bottle, using a cotton swab. Allow to dry, then rinse with cool water.

Thursday 8 September 2011

Common skin problems and cure

Warts

Most people develop warts at some stage in their life, usually by the age of 20.

What are they? Warts are flesh-coloured lumps, which can be 1mm to over 1cm across. Warts can appear anywhere, but usually affect the hands and feet. A wart on the foot is called a verruca. Genital

warts appear around the genitals or anus.

What causes them? They are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact and sometimes through surfaces such as floors and towels. If you have a wart, you can spread it to other people through close contact and also to other parts of your own body.

What's the treatment? Most warts go away by themselves, but this can take up to two years. Treatments include:

  • over-the-counter creams and gels (not for use on genital warts): ask your pharmacist which ones may be suitable for you
  • prescription chemicals, to be dabbed onto the wart
  • cryotherapy (freezing), which should be carried out by a practitioner who is trained in cryotherapy
  • surgery and laser treatment, but these are not commonly used

There is limited evidence that duct tape placed over the wart can be effective.

These treatments may be painful and the warts may come back.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP if the wart is bothering you, if you want your GP to treat it or if treatments from the pharmacy have not worked. If you have genital warts, it's important to go to your GP or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic so that you can be given appropriate treatment.

Find out more about treating warts.

Symptoms and treatment of skin tags

Impetigo

Impetigo is common in babies and children but can affect anyone. It usually develops on the face and hands. In babies, it affects the nappy area.

What is it? Impetigo is an infection in the skin. Small blisters appear and burst, leaving yellow, moist, itchy

patches that dry to a crust. The skin underneath can be red and inflamed.

What causes it? It is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut, scratch or damage from an existing skin

condition, such as eczema. Impetigo can be spread by direct contact and sharing towels or bedding with someone who has it.

What's the treatment? Impetigo is likely to clear up by itself within three weeks. However, it's very contagious, so antibiotic cream or tablets should be used to get rid of it quickly.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP for a diagnosis and to prescribe antibiotics. Most people are not contagious after 48 hours of treatment or once their sores have dried. It's sensible for children not to go to school or nursery until they are no longer contagious.

Read Marilyn's story of her young son's impetigo.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects 2% of people in the UK. It usually begins between the ages of 11 and 45. Psoriasis runs in families and one-third of people with psoriasis have a close relative with it. Psoriasis is not infectious.

What is it? Psoriasis causes flaky, red patches on the skin. They can look shiny and cause itching or burning. They can be anywhere, but are more common on elbows, knees and the lower back.

What causes it? Some of the body’s antibodies attack skin cells by mistake, causing them to

reproduce too quickly and build up on the skin. Certain things may make symptoms worse, including alcohol, smoking and some medicines, such as anti-inflammatories (for example, ibuprofen) and beta-blockers (used to treat heart problems). It is not passed on through close contact.

What's the treatment? Treatments to reduce the patches depend on their severity. They include:

  • creams containing vitamin D or vitamin A
  • steroid creams
  • tar preparations
  • exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV ) light
  • medication taken by mouth or injection

Do I need to see a doctor? Most people are treated by their GP, but some are referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist).

Read about Ray's experience of psoriasis.

Ringworm

Ringworm is common in children but can affect anyone. Ringworm appears on the head, body, groin, feet, nails or beard area.

What is it? Ringworm is not a worm but a number of fungal infections that grow in a patch or circle on the skin. It can be a few millimetres to a few centimetres across. The patches or circles look red or

silvery and can blister and ooze.

What causes it? Fungal spores enter the skin through a break, such as a scratch or a patch of eczema. Ringworm can be passed on through direct contact and sharing items such as towels, bedding or combs. It can also be passed on from the floor of shower or swimming pool areas. Pets can pass it to people.

What's the treatment? Antifungal creams, powders or tablets, available from the pharmacy, can be effective.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP if you aren’t sure if it’s ringworm, or if the infection has not responded to pharmacy treatment after two weeks.

Find out about the symptoms of ringworm.

Vitiligo

One in 100 people in the UK develops vitiligo. It can occur at any age, but over half the cases begin before the age of 20. It affects men and women of any skin colour. Vitiligo is not infectious.

What is it? Vitiligo causes pale, white patches on the skin. These patches can occur anywhere, but are more noticeable on areas that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face and hands, and on dark or tanned skin. On the scalp, vitiligo can cause hair to turn white. Patches can be small or large, stay the same size or grow. Vitiligo cannot be passed on through close contact.

What causes it? It is caused by a lack of melanocyte cells, which colour the skin. These cells can be missing because:

  • the immune system isn't working properly and attacks them
  • the skin has come into contact with certain chemicals or has been severely sunburnt

Vitiligo is also linked to having an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

What's the treatment? Treatment aims to restore skin colour and control the spread of vitiligo. Treatment can include:

  • steroid creams
  • ultraviolet A (UVA) light
  • disguising the patches with coloured creams, some of which are available on prescription

If vitiligo affects more than 50% of the skin, treatment may involve lightening the healthy skin using prescription creams. It's important that this treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Creams that you can buy without a prescription and that claim to lighten skin can contain harmful chemicals, so don't use them. Find out more about the risks of skin lightening.

Do I need to see a doctor? See your GP to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Hair loss in women, Causes and Cure

It's only when your scalp becomes visible or your ponytail thickness reduces you may ask 'why is my hair falling out' and start investigating - which is probably why you're reading this now!

Approximately 30% of pre-menopausal women are affected by Female hair loss in the UK, so if you think your hair is thinning, you're not alone! Stopping Female hair loss and regaining hair thickness, depends on establishing the true cause and dealing with it as quickly as possible.

Chronic Telogen Effluvium

The most common form of hair loss in women, Chronic Telogen Effluvium (long term diffuse hair loss), is an increase in hair loss and decrease in hair thickness over a long period of time. You may have always seen excessive hair in the brush or shower and considered it normal.

What Causes Chronic Telogen Effluvium?

Often combinations of problems contribute to female hair loss. Women are increasingly under greater stress, high-pressure jobs, juggling work and family life, leaving less time to consider their own health and well being. Stress 'burns off' vital nutrients such as B vitamins which are vital for good hair quality and growth. Thyroid problems, endocrine imbalances, yo-yo dieting, crash weight loss, vegetarian and low protein diets can all contribute to hair loss in women. Other nutrient

s including iron, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A and essential fatty acids are vital for hair health. There are countless hair supplements on the market today, however we don't recommen

d you attempt to design your own female hair loss nutritional program without the help of a qualified professional. You may waste time and money or cause further problems by using the wrong supplements.

Low Iron (Ferritin) and Female Hair Loss

One of the most common causes of hair loss in women, without doubt is low Iron stores. A large majorit

y of the women who consult a Trichologist have below optimum Iron stores for good hair growth. A study conducted on 1000 women revealed 33% suffered female hair loss, 90% caused by low Iron stores and 10% caused by Genetic (female pattern baldness) or other factors.

GP's are often unaware of exactly which blood tests to carry out for female hair loss, most opting for the Full Blood Count and Hemoglobin tests for anemia. However, the most important blood test for a woman suffering female hair loss is the Serum Ferritin, a test for iron stores. Research has not established a link between low Hemoglobin and hair loss as they have with low Serum Ferritin. Once the Serum Ferritin level increases and reaches a certain trigger point - around 70ug/l, hair loss should decrease and hair growth impro

ve. You may have already been prescribed iron tablets and not found an improvement in your hair but are you using them correctly or taking enough of the best form?

Low B12 and Hair Loss

Low B12 - another cause of hair loss in women which is frequently missed by GP's. It's not a routine blood test and even when a person is tested for B12, if the result is borderline they will rarely be treated. The minimum level for B12 is around 180 ng/l however most healthy people have a level of around 500ng/l. Symptoms of low B12 include hair loss, breathlessness, lack of energy palpitations, bleeding gum's, mouth ulcers, tingling in the hands and feet.

There are two types of B12 deficiency:

  • Lack of dietary B12 - usually vegetarians and vegans, B12 is mostly found in animal produce rather than plants. Solution - increase dietary B12 or/and take a B12 supplement.
  • Autoimmune - Antibodies to intrinsic factor prevent absorption of dietary B12. A blood test for intrinsic factor can be carried out to determine if your problem is dietary or autoimmune. If your problem is auto immune your GP will do further investigation to try to determine why it has developed. Treatment - lifelong B12 injections.

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when skin cells renew themselves and the old cells are shed, producing irritating white flakes. Some people tend to generate and discard skin cells at a faster rate than others. Dandruff can be caused by trauma, illness, hormonal disorders, improper diet ( specially the consumption of carbohydrates and sugar ), deficiency of nutrients such as, B- Complex Vitamins, essential fatty acids, and selenium. Dandruff is worst during the winter. There is no cure for Dandruff, but you can minimized the condition with some powerful Natural remedies.

As we all know it is a embarrassing problem, because it is very noticeable, and very itchy and sore if we do not treat it rapidly.

We recommend:

Home Remedies for Dandruff #1: Use flaxseed oil, primrose oil or salmon oil, they help relieve itching and inflammation. Also they promote healthy skin and scalp.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #2: Take kelp, improves the hair growth and heals the scalp.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #3: Take Vitamin B complex + extra Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, all the B vitamins are needed to obtain a healthy skin and hair.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #4: Take Selenium, is a antioxidant to aid in controlling dry scalp.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #5: Take Vitamin E, improves the circulation of the blood.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #6: Take Vitamin A, helps prevent dry skin and promote the healing of tissue.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #7: Take Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids, is an important antioxidant that prevent tissue damage to the scalp and is a good healing.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #8: To rinse your hair use and infusion of Chaparral or Thyme, is more gentle in your hair.

Herbal conditioner for dandruff.

1 pint of water.
1 tsp. of burdock root.
1 tsp. of calendula flowers.
1 tsp. of chamomile flowers.
1 tsp. of lavender flowers.
1 tsp. of rosemary leaves.
1 tbs. of vinegar.
6 drops of sage essential oil.
Boil water and pour over herbs. Steep for 20 minutes strain and add vinegar. Apply after shampooing do not rinse out.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #9: Eat a balanced diet including at least 50 to 70% of raw food.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #10: Avoid dairy products, fried foods, flour, chocolate, nuts, seafood and sugar.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #11: Make a paste mixing 8 tbs. of pure organic peanut oil and the juice of half a lemon. Before washing your hair apply the mixture and rub it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then shampoo your hair as usual.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #12: To rinse your hair use 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 1/4 cup of water.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #13: Do not pick or scratch your scalp, it would make the dandruff worst.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #14: Try to use a non oily shampoo, and wash it frequently. Use natural products that do not have any chemicals. Every time before washing your hair massage the scalp gently with your fingers.

Home Remedies for Dandruff #15: Avoid using soaps, greasy ointments and creams.