Showing posts with label skin care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin care. Show all posts

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Aloe Vera Health Advantage


A Little Aloe Vera History
Records of this plant exist on Sumerian clay tablets from as early as 2200 BC. Ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, India, and Arabia all used aloe vera in one way or another. Whether it was to heal the sick or to add some tone and texture to their skin they found themselves in awe of what this seemingly useless plant could accomplish.
Even Mahatma Gandhi, a man of great endurance and strength, drank aloe to sustain him throughout his long fasts.
And Gandhi was right, the aloe plant he consumed contains 12 vitamins, 20 minerals, and 75 nutrients which made him healthier than most even during his time of fasting.
"You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. Well, it was my unshakable faith in God, my simple and frugal lifestyle, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the 19th century." - Mahatma Gandhi
There are about 400 different species of aloe plants, each containing various beneficial properties. However, only one has been recognized for its incredible soothing and healing abilities - the Aloe Barbadensis Miller.
Benefits on the Outside
When applied externally, the Aloe Barbadensis Miller provides collagen and
elastin to the skin, which restores the skin's suppleness and gives it a youthful appearance. Also, since Aloe Vera and our skin have a closely matching PH balance, our skin absorbs Aloe Vera up to four times faster than water or any other herb and goes through the seven layers of skin building and restoring cells from the deepest layers. Within weeks- even days, you will be able to see your skin become more youthful, radiant, and healthy.
The Inside Story
Medicinal properties of Aloe Vera include anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity, antibacterial and hypoglycemic effects. When Aloe Vera is ingested, it works from the inside to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, naturally increasing energy levels, boosting immune functions, and repairing DNA. In a society where so much of our food is nutritionally lacking and filled with chemicals, it's good to know that there is something we can drink to restore critically needed nutrients to our body. Due to all of the properties mentioned above and more, it is able to prevent illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. Aloe Vera has also been proven to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and prevent nasty side effects such as radiation burns which occur after treatment.
So there you have it. Whether you're healthy and looking for a boost, or if you're battling a major illness, Aloe Vera is the right addition to your healthy lifestyle.
Find out more about this wonderful plant here.
If your looking for some of the best quality aloe on the market today, then look no further. PureAloeSolutions.com has the largest selection of aloe products available. We provide everything from pure 99.99% aloe drinks to weight loss and cosmetics all made exclusively from Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant.


All Natural Aloe Vera Smoothies


Aloe Vera is a plant easy to grow and need less care. All you need to do is ask from someone who has one and you're off to a bountiful Aloe Vera plant in so short a time. They are good as houseplants and for decoration but most of all they are also good for you!
I have been drinking Aloe Vera gel with fruits and it does help in a lot of ways. Here is one smoothie I tried and love to enjoy before my breakfast time.
Aloe Vera All Natural Smoothies
1 Lemon
1/2 banana
1/2 apple
Aloe Vera
You need to prepare the blender, a knife and the cutting board. Make sure you cut an Aloe Vera leaf or paddle (whatever you call it) in the morning for a fresher start.
First, wash the ALOE VERA leaf. I usually cut the sides first to avoid being poke at since they are prickly to the touch. The next thing to do is to slice the flat side of the leaf with the knife to separate the gel out of the skin. It is easier to do the flat side because it is even. Then the challenging part begins. The other side of the skin has a little curve and it takes a little bit artistry to separate the skin. But fear not, it is not that bad. With a little practice, you will be good at this. Just follow the curve shape of the skin and you will keep most of the gel. The other way is to cut them in half and that would make it easier to handle the curves. Drop one piece to the blender. A piece of the gel would be 4x4, like a square.
You need a little liquid in the blender for it to work well. The lemon will make this possible. Well, with a little help from a juicer. Yes, the fresh squeezed lemon juice will be the use instead of water. Although, adding water is a good idea, it all depends on how you want the outcome of the smoothies. If you want more liquid, just add water to your smoothies. I use the orangeX juicer for this. Add the juice to the blender with the gel.
Add the banana and the apple. Blend it and enjoy.
I like the flavor; it is just perfect and full to my stomach.
The rest of the gel will be kept in the fridge for the next round of smoothies when my tummy is ready.

Best Ways to Bring Back Skin Elasticity - How You Can Treat Loose Skin Condition


Loose skin is one of the most hated sign of skin aging. Your skin sags and loses its natural elasticity. The integumentary system is naturally resilient. It goes back to its original form. But as we get older, our skin loses its ability to produce dermis components that hold skin tissues together.
Loose skin condition can also be caused by weight loss. People who have gained weight and have drastically lost it will certainly see flab and hanging skin all over their body, especially to the areas prone to fat formation. More often than not, hanging and sagging skin is treated successfully through surgical operation.
But if your loose dermis condition is brought about by the natural aging process, you can do the following tips to bring back natural skin elasticity:
1. Commit to the use of an anti aging moisturizer. These products have been loaded with ingredients that can spruce up the core functions of the dermis. If you want to see ideal results, you should look for a product loaded with natural ingredients.
Look for CynergyTK, Phytessence Wakame and Nano Lipobelle HEQ10. Numerous clinical studies reported that CynergyTK effectively boosts the production of collagen. This ingredient can be found in sheep wool. What makes it effective is its functional keratin composition. Keratin is the same complex protein found in our dermis. This complex protein is responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. Our skin has trouble producing more of this nutrient as we get older. Essentially, this is the cause of skin aging. By supplementing missing functional keratin, your skin can better regenerate more collagen proteins.
Phytessence Wakame can help preserve natural dermis moisture and elasticity. This sea weed gets rid of harmful enzymes that attack hyaluronic acid. This acid is responsible for the moisturization of collagen proteins. Collagen should be hydrated all the time to avoid damages. As for Nano Lipobelle HEQ10, you need this to eliminate harmful free radicals that attack cells in the body. These harmful free radicals trigger cellular aging.
2. Use Vitamin E as a supplement or as a topical solution. This is considered as an ideal antioxidant. It can also help bring back skin elasticity. You can take 300 mg - 400 mg of Vitamin E daily. You can also prick the capsule and extract the oil. Apply the oil on the saggy parts of your skin.
3. Many people find Olive oil and lemon juice effective in strengthening dermis tissues. Olive oil has wonderful emollient properties that can keep skin hydrated. But this also works well in making skin more elastic. Lemon juice, on the other hand, can tighten skin tissues and pores to lessen loose skin condition.
And now I would like to invite you to visit http://www.goodhealthyskin.com to find out which are the anti aging products you should use in order to achieve clearer and radiant looking skin.


Lemon: A Juicy Fruit Rich in Vita


Lemon or Lime (Nimboo) is a greenish or yellowish juicy Berry fruit, rich in vitamin C and is commonly used as flavour and preservative in culinary and a number of therapeutic applications. It is borne on evergreen thorny bush, shrub or small tree. The plant bears white flowers. Lemon belongs to Family Rutaceae and its Botanical name is Citrus limon/ Citrus medica. Other closely allied fruits are Orange, Malta, Mausambi, Keenu with slightly different taste and texture.
It is found both as wild or cultivated horticultural plant throughout the world supposed to have originated in South East Asia ( India, Burma & China) It is supposed to have originated genetically as a hybrid of sour orange and Citron during 1000 AD.
It prefers temperate as well as sub tropical climatic conditions and is a hardy plant. It bears green shiny leaves with winged petiole. Unripe green fruits turn yellowish on ripening but in some varieties remain green, Fruits are round or elliptical in shape sometimes pointed on one side ranging from 2-4 inches in diameter. Skin of the fruit may be thin and delicate or thick and tough. It has many varieties such as Eureka, Lisbon, Villafranca, Lucknow seedless, Assam Lemon, Nepali Round etc. From each medium sized lemon 2-3 tablespoons of juice can be squeezed out. The Juice contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 ( Total 18%), minerals like Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper and about 88% Vitamin C along with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is sour in taste and has unique fragrance. 100gm of lemon juice on consumption can provide 29 kcal energy. Other constituents of lemon include volatile oil in the peel, flavonoids, bitter limonoids, citral coumarin, pectins, mucilage and alpha-terpinene.
SIGNIFICANT HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON.
Lemon is credited with many virtues but most interesting claim is its ability to kill cancer cell and its use as a substitute to chemotherapy. But all these properties of lemon are still to be proved experimentally. Investigation on chemical constituents of lemon and their relationship to cancer prevention is under progress in some laboratories. Following are some of its common therapeutic applications.
Helps to tackle skin problems As lemon has antibacterial and antiseptic property it is able to rejuvenate skin and it is rich in vitamin C enhances beauty. It acts as anti -aging remedy and is able to remove wrinkles, blackheads and scar left by burns So is commonly used in soaps, Shampoo, cleansng lotion etc.
Helps to tackle mouth and dental problems Lemon juice when applied to gums can stop gum bleeding and also assist in getting rid of toothache. It gives relief from bad mouth smell.
It cures throat infection As lemon juice has antibacterial property, gargle with lemon water along with a little salt helps in fighting against throat infection and also assist in curing respiratory problem.
It is beneficial in reducing weight It helps in loosing weight faster. For this purpose one has to take one glass of lemon water in the morning with empty stomach. The lemon water is prepared by squeezing juice of one lemon and mixing it in a glass of lukewarm water with 3 spoons of honey and a pinch of salt. It certainly helps in reducing weight on one hand and person consuming it feels energetic and fresh whole day.
It controls high blood pressure It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also controls mental stress, depression and nervous disorders.
It helps in curing Rheumatism Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
It reduces fever Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. Half cut lemon slightly roasted on fire with little of salt and black pepper improves the taste after fever.
It acts as blood purifier The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.
It is good for relieving stomach problems Due to the digestive qualities lemon juice helps in tackling indigestion, gastric trouble and constipation. It also acts as a liver tonic and in killing parasites. It is antibacterial, antifungal and is also able to control worms. Lemon water with sugar and salt is also prescribed to compensate water loss or dehydration during diarrhea and dysentery.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LEMON
Although lemon has so many virtues but some people have skin allergy towards lemon and at the same time it may adversely affect teeth enamel, gasteroesophageal disease and tonsillitis. As lemon juice has citric acid may irritate mucosa and decalcify teeth.
USES OF LEMON IN CULINARIS
• Lemon juice, flesh and skin are used in many culinary application and is a common kitchen item throughout the world. Lemon is used to prepare a variety of food recipes as potato chat, mixed chat, cakes, lemon chicken, lemon flavoured drinks.
• It is used to make lemonade (Shikanjee along with sugar), Sharbat, Squash (soft drink).
• It is used as preservative in preparation of short term pickles of ginger, garlic, green Chill etc.
• It is used in dressing onion, tomato, cucumber, radish and beet root salad.
• It is also used in fruit salads of apple, banana, guava as its juice is acidic denatures the enzymes and prevent browning and degradation of fruits and keep them fresh for longer duration.
• Lemon juice is also used to marinate fish (reduces smell ), mutton and chicken for tenderizing collagen fibres.
• While making Ladoos, Shakarpara, Gulabjamun and Jalebi Sugar syrup ( Chasini) is cleared by adding some lemon juice as it contains citric acid.
• Grated dried skin (as that of orange) is used in bakery for flavour and in marmalads, jams, jellies, puddings and biryani.
CERTAIN DOMESTIC USES OF LEMON
Aroma of lemon oil is used in aromatherapy, enhances mood and vigour.
It is also used in soaps, body lotion, shampoos and other cosmetics as moisturizer.
Sliced lemon is used as freshener in refrigerator.
It is used to clean and brighten copper wares and decorative pieces along with salt and baking soda.
Half cut lemon is rubbed to remove stains, oil, grease and to clean plastic storage containers.
It is also used for preparation of citric acid.
It is used as ubtan (Scrub ) on skin along with gram floor, turmeric, curd and rose water.
It is applied along with coconut oil on the scalp before head wash to get rid of Dandruff.
CULTIVATION OF LEMON
Lemon is cultivated by seeds which germinate on getting moisture or by cuttings, grafting etc. Nursery beds are prepared on light fertile soils. It grows well in wide range of soils. pH range of 5. 5 to 7. 5 is favourable for lemon plantation. Soil should be well drained. Irrigation improves the plant growth, flowering and fruiting in citrus. Planting should be done from June to August. Inter plant spacing should be 5m x 5m. Manuring is required thrice in a year. Spray of micronutrients promote growth. Sub tropical climate is best suited for lemon growth and development. Dry and arid conditions having low rainfall are most favourable for the crop. India ranks sixth in production of lemon in the world. In India Citrus fruits are grown in Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh. Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujrat, Assam and Uttaranchal Lemon trees are perennial and produce fruits upto 10 to 15 years and may attain a height of 6-8 feet and canopy of about 4 feet.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF LEMON
The most common disease of Lemon and other citrus plants in India is Citrus canker. Kagzi Nimboo becomes infected in rainy season by bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri through stomata and wounds. The disease affects leaves, twigs and fruits. All green parts and maturing fruits become covered by brown scabby spots of about 3-4mm. The market value of fruits is reduced due to scabby lesions. To control this disease 1% Bordeaux mixture or 500 ppm solution of Streptomycin sulphate is effective. Gummosis of Citrus is caused by Phytophthora Species. The symptoms are exudation of gummy substance, yellowing and ultimately falling of leaves. Greening disease of Citrus is caused by Psylla (MLOs). Symptoms are yellowing of midribs and veins of mature leaves. Ultimately whole leaf turns yellow and fall. For its control spray of 0. 05% Malathion is used. Aphids cause a serious damage to Citrus tree during growing season. Aphids suck the sap from leaves so leaves become twisted and deformed. Citrus whiteflies tiny winged insect feeds on underside of leaves and also lay eggs. On hatching of eggs larvae remain attached to leaf and suck the sap. Leaves become curled and covered by a moldy substance. For control of pests gammexane powder can be dusted on leaves and soil surrounding the roots.
POST HARVEST DISEASES OF LEMON
As other fruits and vegetables lemons are also infected by variety of pathogens during storage such as. Alternaria, Fusarium, Botrytis, Geotrichum, Penicillium etc causing black and brown rot, gray and blue green molds resulting in heavy damage. To control these post harvest diseases they should be stored in low temperature and while packing for transportation safe and mild fungicides should be used.
RECIPE FOR PREPARATION OF SOME PICKLES OF LEMON
1. Whole lemon with salt and Ajwain (Carum) I have seen this pickle being prepared since childhood by my mother.
Ingredients 25 lemons of medium size
200-250 gm salt
2 tbs Ajwain
Method - Lemons are washed with water and dried. Both end are cut with knife and with fork lemons were punctured at seven to eight places. The lemons along with salt and ajwain were placed in a clean glass jar with tight lid. The air was left in sunlight for about 25 days. The jar was shaken after every 2 to 3 days. The colour of lemons gradually changed. It is a long lasting prickle and can be stored. It is very tasty and can be taken with Khichadi or Rice and dal. It is useful in gastric troubles.
2. Sweet and Sour Pickle of Lemon
Ingredients: Lemon -1kg
Salt -150 gms
Sugar -200 gms
Garam Masala(Coarsely Ground )-4 tsps ( Dalchini, Bara Illaichi, Clover and
Pepper)
Method: Lemons are washed with water and dried. With sharp knife two cuts are made to divide the lemon into four pieces joined at the base. In between cuts mixture of salt, sugar and garm masala is filled. These stuffed lemons are placed in a glass jar with the air tight lid. It is left in sun for about a month. The pickle is very tasty and can be stored for 2-3 years.
3. Ginger pickle in lemon juice
½ kg Ginger is peeled off, washed and cut into long and thin slices. 7-8 Lemons are squeezed to extract the juice. The ginger pieces are kept in a glass jar and about 2 tbs of salt and lemon juice is added and is stirred well. In one or two days colour of ginger pieces turn pink and the prickle is ready to be consumed. It can be used for about two weeks after that colour of ginger pieces starts becoming pale and the taste also changes.
4. Garlic pickle in lemon Juice
Peeled cloves of garlic are mixed with little salt and lemon juice in a glass jar. In about 10 to 15 days garlic cloves become tender and sour in taste. It is prescribed in stomach problems, indigestion etc.
5. Green Chilly pickle in lemon juice
Green chillies are cut length wise in the middle and then to them salt and lemon juice is added. It is a very tasty pickle, enhances the hunger.
I am Dr. Ichha Purak currently employed as Associate Professor in Botany in Ranchi Women's College, Jharkhand, India. I have received Excellence Award of 2009 from HRD, Jharkhand Government I have done my Post Graduation in Botany from Ranchi University in 1972 and have secured First First First Position. I have opted Botany, Zoology and Chemistry in Graduation course. I pursued Ph. D. in Algal Cytotaxonomy. I have deep interest in Life Processes, Biochemistry, Cytogenetics, Applied Botany, Biotechnological aspects, Environmental issues. I want to write some articles related to these disciplines. I have a passion of learning and sharing knowledge. I have guided Ph. D research work of one scholar and have about 20 research publications. I have attended and presented research papers in many National conferences.


Friday, May 10, 2013

Water Flower Lanterns - The Floating Beauty


Lanterns have become an integral part of any decoration, especially outdoor. The lanterns have come far from their traditional types and usages. When invented, they were just the hanging source of lights, but today, we find them in gala events where the decoration is done for some royal theme.
While hanging lanterns are traditionally used to provide some amount of light, floating water lanterns not only serve as a source of light but also make the ambience classic.
Types of floating water lanterns
The floating water lanterns convey the message of serenity in any garden shed, and when used in a special occasion, the host is guaranteed to receive great complements from their esteemed guests.
While there are many types of floating lanterns, the most popular are the water flower lanterns. This is because flower shaped lantern looks more natural on the water as compared to regular lanterns with any shape. You may find some basic shaped lanterns such as square, round, oval and even hexagon. Nevertheless, you are more likely to see a wide range of water flower lanterns.
Water flower floating lanterns come in different shades and colors. Some of the standard colors include red, yellow, orange, white, blue, purple, pink, ivory and many more. There are online vendors that sell floating water lanterns with the combination of one or more colors and shades. For instance, the combination of blue and purple, red and orange, fuchsia and purple, green and lemon etc. is available.
The best part of floating water lantern is it can go with any theme. They can be placed on the water to create captivating and pleasant environment.
Where can you buy floating water lanterns?
The floating lanterns are available in any gift shop, but the better way is to purchase them online. Online water lantern sellers offer a wide range of color, texture and shape of these artifacts. All you need to do is log on to reliable website and browse for floating water lantern. You may enter this keyword in 'search' box or look for a special category on the site. When clicked, you might get a product page that has a lot of varieties to choose. Select one or more and place an order.
Why drive down the road and look for lanterns in the shops when this is possible within a few clicks? Most of the vendors offer a free of charge home delivery, and you get your parcel at your doorstep in a day or two. There is no reason to wait, get your lovely lanterns now!
Are you looking for a good online store to buy the online water lanterns, candles, parasols etc.? Visit Just Artifacts, which has vast collection of these water flower lanterns in different sizes for you. Purchase these quality Asian décor products at economical rates from this store.


Skincare Tips - Avoid These Ingredients That Could Ruin Your Skin


This may shock you, but there are some ingredients used widely in even the most popular skincare products that can cause damage to your skin - things like rashes, irritation and premature aging. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. In this article I share my skincare tips on which ingredients should definitely be avoided in all skincare products.
Parabens
These substances, which can be synthetic or natural, are used as preservatives in all kinds of cosmetic products such as skin creams and lotions, but also deodorants and shampoo. They can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes, and some studies even suggest they could cause cancer and hormonal changes in your body. As parabens are not an ingredient that would do any good for your skin, my suggestion is you skip all products using them.
Fragrances
I know it's nice to use products that smell nice, but unfortunately fragrances are known to be irritating for many people, especially people with allergies. On the more dangerous side, some fragrances can even cause disturbance in the nervous system, where fragrance use has been linked to depression, irritability and hyperactivity. Look for fragrance free products or ones with a little natural fragrance - if the products have been made with clean, natural ingredients, they should have a lovely smell even without any added perfuming ingredients.
Alcohols
Synthetic alcohols are very drying - that might be OK when you are young and fighting acne, but once you hit your 20s you should try to use skincare products without alcohols, even if you have oily skin. That's because alcohols take away the skin's natural protective layers and can therefore cause irritations and excessive drying. Alcohols can also promote premature aging of the skin (because of the over-drying of the skin) and brown spots (as alcohols react with sunlight). Synthetic alcohols should not be mixed with natural alcohols like Cetearyl Alcohol, which is a 100% natural product and in fact beneficial to your skin.
To conclude: look for completely, 100% natural skincare and you'll be able to avoid all potentially harmful chemical ingredients altogether. Make sure any skincare products you use have natural, proven effective ingredients that moisturize and nourish your skin. If you are not quite a teenager anymore, see that the skincare you are using has powerful anti-aging properties as well.
I hope these skincare tips have been useful for you - to learn more about the lies many skincare companies are trying to feed us and what to do find the products that are really good for you, please visit my website today!
Lumi H. Jais believes in taking good care of herself by healthy habits like a balanced diet, quality supplements and using the best natural skincare products, as she is passionate about maintaining her youthful appearance and beautiful skin.
Visit her website www.natural-perfect-skin.com today to read more skincare tips for keeping your good looks, too.


A Simple Skin Care Routine


From bar soap to skin care
You would think by the age of 33 I might have adopted some kind of skin care routine for myself, but until last year, I thought a little bit of warm water and some Dial was doing the job. I have purchased some different moisturizers over the years, but never stuck with any of them. Growing up in the woods of New Hampshire, fashion, hair and makeup were never of much importance (and even when they were, we were a bit behind the times!) The thought never occurred to me that I didn't have to be a glamour girl to take good care of my skin.
As I got older, I did begin to wear a little makeup but still didn't do much for my skin. A year ago my mother developed skin cancer on her nose. Having surgery on your face is a scary thing and I admire her bravery through the entire process. Since then I have started to realize that taking care of my skin and protecting it from the sun is actually important. Duh! In the meantime, I'm not growing any younger and I notice darker spots on my own freckled face. I guess it's never too late to start doing something positive.
Why is a skin care routine so important?
Physical appearance
This is probably the top reason for me when taking skin care into consideration. Unhealthy skin has a sallow, dull look, while skin that is well cared for looks younger and brighter. Skin that is dehydrated tends to develop deeper wrinkles and uneven tone.
Health
Unhealthy skin care habits lead to rashes, breakouts, wrinkles and infection. It also makes us more susceptible to disease. Skin is a the largest organ on our bodies! Staying healthy means taking care of it, just as we would our lungs and heart.
The Miessence Skin Profiles
One of the things I thought was cool when I joined Miessence was their catalogue. I know that sounds nerdy but it was very educational for me. I have difficulty finding my way around Ulta and am easily overwhelmed by all the brands of creams and lotions. The catalog made it easy to find a skin care routine by categorizing each product into one of four profiles.
Balancing Normal combination skin
  • fine to average pore size
  • some enlarged pores
  • some T-zone oiliness
  • occasional breakouts
  • some blackheads
Rejuvenating Dry mature profile loss of elasticity
  • varying pore size
  • some dry patches
  • no sheen/dull complexion
  • can feel tight an dry
  • may have surface capillaries
Purifying Oily problem profile, Oily sheen
  • breakouts/blemishes
  • congestion/clogging
  • open pores
  • blackheads
  • redness
Soothing Sensitive profile May have surface capillaries
  • can feel irritated, itchy and hot
  • can appear blotchy
  • may have flaky patches
  • allergic reactions common
  • flushed and red easily
You can, of course, mix and match. The profiles give a basic idea of where to start. Most of my skin issues drop me into the Purifying Profile. My skin care routine is a simple 3 step process. I use the certified organic cleanser first, then the organic conditioner to give my skin nutrients and lock in the organic moisturizer, which is the last step.
Not only do I use the catalog to look at what I want to order but I use it as reference. Each product page provides information on Why the product is useful, How to use it and When to use it. Being the skin care novice that I was, I found this really helpful. Lastly, (and then I promise to stop bragging about the catalogue) the final six pages list every product and each and every ingredient it contains.
What is your skin care routine?
What about you... what is your skin care routine like? I would love to know what works for you. If you don't have a routine in place, I would encourage you to give some thought to adopting one. It's not too late to get start working toward the skin you want!
Contact me at info@upsideplanet.com to learn about lifestyle membership, discounts, inexpensive shipping worldwide or becoming a rep.


Is Skin Care Important?


While very few people see it this way, your skin is actually your largest organ, and being an organ, is as important to your overall health and beauty as a properly functioning liver or kidney.
Because the skin is your body's first line of defence against germs and the elements, regulates your body's temperature, and excretes toxins, having healthy skin can mean the difference between a lustrous glow and the sick sallow of ill health.
While a healthy complexion boasts smooth texture, even tone, and a radiant glow, unhealthy skin can lead to rashes, sores, acne, thinning and sagging, and premature wrinkles. It leaves your body more susceptible to disease, infection, is less able to heal properly and more prone to scarring. Research shows that cancerous ultraviolet rays are more able to penetrate an unhealthy barrier than a healthy one, so a good sunscreen should be one of your skin's first lines of defense. Healthy skin requires care both inside and out. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, will help your body defend itself against free radicals as well as repair damage as it occurs. Drinking plenty of water also helps skin function properly as a dehydrated cell leads to irritation and inflammation.
Another very important step to healthy skin is adopting a skin care regime that includes safe and natural skin care products, that not only provide sun protection, but also nourish your skin with the essential vitamins and minerals needed to function properly and look healthy. Exfoliation once a week, a non soap based daily cleanser, a toner for PH correction, a light-weight cream specially formulated for the sensitive skin around the eye, and a non occlusive, nourishing and protective day and night time moisturizer should be part of any good skin care regime. You can learn more about the difference and what to look for in beneficial skin care products, and those that can cause greater harm by doing just a little bit of research.
Whether you have a new found desire to look and feel your best, or you've been dedicated to a skin care regimen for years, it is beneficial to be educated so that your efforts can be targeted and yield results quickly, rather than being wasted on a lifestyle and products that are not beneficial and may even be harmful. I encourage you to seek out the information and lifestyle that will help you look and feel your very best!
Mel Poulin and her team have dedicated themselves to helping men and women look and feel their best safely and naturally. Through ongoing research and product reviews, they are continuously compiling all of the best and most up to date information on skin care and anti-aging available at no cost. for more information about us, please visit us here

3 Acne Prevention Tips


Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It is characterized by an outbreak of pimples or zits in, often in the person's face. Although it primarily affects teenagers, it can still occur even after the puberty stage. While some factors which are no longer in your control, there are still some things you can do to help prevent acne.
Wash Your Face Regularly
Washing one's face daily is an essential activity even if you don't have acne. Using your clean hands or a soft piece of cloth, you need to wash your face gently and thoroughly. This activity helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities from the surface of your skin. You need to remember that you need to use warm water, and make sure that it's not too hot. A mild facial cleanser also comes highly recommended. Avoid using a loofah and harsh soap when washing your face as this can lead to further skin irritation.
Weekly Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of wiping off the outer layer of your skin. This is so that your pores will be unclogged and so that your dead skin will be sloughed off. Remember that this only needs to be done once a week. Don't overdo it. You can either buy exfoliating products or make them yourself. When done correctly, this process will dramatically improve your complexion.
Regular Exercise
Exercise brings another unexpected health benefit other than keeping you in shape. When you exercise, you not only burn fat, but you also increase blood circulation to your skin. However, it is crucial to remember that you need to shower and wash your face immediately after every workout session. Sweat can clog up your pores. This is why it is imperative that you never forget to wash up afterwards.
Acne is surely a problem for anyone who has it. However, there is no need to be ashamed of your condition. It is completely normal. It is also important to point out that acne is something that most people have had to deal with, at a certain point in their lives.
You should also remember that acne is one skin condition that can be prevented. The tips presented here will help you prevent acne outbreak in the future. Just make sure that you follow these tips on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure that you will now be able to be comfortable in your own skin.
Jose Victor M. Jayme is a freelance writer. He has been working as such since 2010 and has written articles on a variety of topics.
He has a degree in the Social Sciences from the University of the Philippines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jose_Victor_M_Jayme

Thursday, May 9, 2013

What Are The Best Facial Beauty Treatments?


These days, there are many different products and treatments out there for the face that it can almost seem a little overwhelming. It's so easy to walk into a store and find a huge range of products for one particular thing that it can be hard to know where to start. For example, when it comes to age resisting treatments, you can buy everything from anti-wrinkle firming cream to laser-focused repair wear.
When it comes to having facials in salons, it can again be quite hard to make the best decision for the necessary treatment you may require and there are so many different brands, at competitive prices, to choose from. A lot of brands also have treatment rooms in the form of standalone boutiques or as concessions in the major department stores so again, there's lots of choice.
For the more standard facial beauty treatments, the anti-ageing of the face is best combated by eye treatments that reduce wrinkles and make the skin around the eyes appear clearer. The best products to use if your concern is the aging of the face is are treatments that use products that contain ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants, fruit acids or alpha-hydrox acids. Any good facialist will tell you that diet also has a lot to do with your skin, particularly when it comes to combating the ageing of the face. This is as simple as cutting down on fat and carbohydrate intake along with hydrating your skin and body by drinking plenty of water.
To help give the skin a more radiant glow, there are many treatments to be had that are focused on by many different brands. When it comes to having a facial to induce a little more radiance from the skin, it's best to go with brands that offer facials that use products with ingredients that when combined, formulate the radiance and luminosity of skin. Products containing glycerine, vitamin B5 and light reflecting particles do the job nicely.
Some of the more major brands even do facial treatment for teens. This seems particularly uncommon for companies to focus on teens directly as they are less likely to be able to spend the amounts of money required for facials and products. However, due to the nature of teen skin and how and prone to constant break outs it can be, some brands to specialise in giving teens facials that are often very effective.
There's something out there for everyone these days. Facials have never been more popular, particularly as we document the lives of the rich and famous who are often pictured going to and from beauty salons.
Knowing the best facial beauty treatments is imperative when selling to customers in the massage and beauty industry, as Charlotte Palmer used to, it's also imperative when buying a professional massage bed for work that beauticians get the most comfortable bed they can.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Natural Beauty Products for Oily Skin


When you have oily skin, it is hard to look your most beautiful. Although there are lots of commercial products on the market today that promise to help you battle oily skin, many people are concerned that these products may not be safe due to extreme chemical content. For this reason, more and more women are turning to natural, organic substances as beauty aids. This is a good thing because natural treatments are often better than commercial treatments and more affordable. In this article we will explore the benefits to be found by using natural beauty products such as honey, milk, bananas, celery, cucumbers and citrus fruits to battle oily skin. Read on to learn more.
It is important to keep oily skin clean, but harsh soaps and cleansers can actually make your oily skin worse because harsh cleaning can encourage oil production. Use very gentle castile soaps to wash your face and do not overdo it. Twice a week, you can exfoliate and clear your pores with a natural exfoliating product made of sea salt and tea tree oil. Just a tablespoon of salt and five drops of tea tree oil can be mixed together to make a natural, affordable facial scrub. Wash your face with warm water and scrub lightly with this mixture. Finish up with a cool water rinse.
Limes and lemons are excellent partners in the battle against oily skin. You can give yourself a simple lime or lemon mask treatment by simply cutting a lime or lemon in quarters and rubbing the juicy interior of the fruit over your clean skin. Use smooth, firm, circular strokes to stimulate skin circulation and help the natural acids of the fruit soak deeply into your skin. Let the juices of the fruit dry on your skin for approximately fifteen minutes. Rinse with cool water. You can use this treatment about three times a week for a beautiful, oil-free complexion.
For a rich, nourishing mask that will moisturize your oily skin without causing irritation, mix half a tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey, an egg white, half a cup of mashed strawberries and two drops of jojoba oil. Apply as a facial mask. Rest for ten minutes then rinse with warm water followed by cool water for smooth, soft beautiful skin.
If you have problems with enlarged pores, acne and oily skin, you can give yourself a gentle beauty treatment with a mask made of equal parts of ripe banana, milk and honey. Blend the ingredients together until they are very smooth. Apply the mask to your clean skin and rest for about thirty minutes. Wash the mask off with warm water then splash your face with cool water. You can use this oil-free, gentle conditioning beauty treatment about twice a week.
Whenever you treat your face to a beauty mask, it is a good idea to lay a pair of fresh, cool cucumber slices over your eyes to tone the delicate skin and give your eyes a refreshing rest. You can also make a mask of cucumber by dropping a peeled cucumber into the blender. Apply the blended cucumber to your face and leave it in place for about thirty minutes. Rinse with cool water. You can use this cool, refreshing mask a couple of times weekly.
For a quick, every day facial treatment for oily skin try using plain yogurt as a cleansing cream. At the end of the day, apply cool, plain yogurt to your face and wipe it off with tissues. Follow up with a warm wash, a splash of chilled celery water and a splash of cool water. You can make celery water by boiling the discarded parts of a bunch of celery in pure filtered water. Allow the water to cool and strain out the celery. Store the water in the refrigerator between uses.
Turning oily skin into beautiful skin can be easy, affordable and enjoyable. Follow the tips presented here to make your own all-natural beauty treatments for oily skin.


Skincare Review Check - 3 Tips on How to Find the Best Skincare Brand


If you have been reading skincare reviews you know there are two kinds: reviews that the companies make themselves, and ones that the people actually using the products write.
You have to keep in mind, that a skincare review written by the company itself is just marketing. That's why they all claim to be the best skincare brand that has ever existed - no wonder you don't know what to believe after reading these kinds of reviews. What you need is founded knowledge about how you can recognize the best skincare brand and evaluate how good their products really are, without having to rely solely on the marketing material most skincare reviews will give you.
1. Read the independent reviews written by users
The skincare reviews that people using the particular product use are not marketing but a really valuable resource you can use. Look for customer reviews on the skincare company's website and read what they have to say. Independent review sites can be helpful too.
You will perhaps be surprised to notice that the best skincare brand is usually not made by the popular, big companies. The companies with superior skincare products put most of their budget on research for the best ingredients and on developing their products, and not into advertising all over the globe on TV and billboards. That's why you can benefit from the experiences of other customers, who might have already found the not well known champion brand of skincare.
2. Look For Effective Ingredients
When searching for skincare products, check that they contain scientifically proven effective ingredients. The best skincare brands will have an effective mix of active ingredients in their products. You must also make sure that the cream contains a high amount of these active ingredients.
A great skin cream should have anti-aging properties, moisturize effectively and promote natural skin health. Look for 100% natural skincare product lines, as these are in my experience the safest and most effective ones.
3. No risk guarantee
If you want to be absolutely sure not to get disappointed, look for a company with a no risk, 100% satisfaction guarantee where you can return both opened and unopened products in case you're not happy with them.
This shows the company is absolutely sure that they have made the best skincare products. Not many companies will have this policy, but if you do find one you can be sure that you cannot lose with this company.
So don't believe any old skincare review you happen to read - you should do some researching on your own to find the best skincare brand for you. Concentrate on the ingredients and look for a satisfaction guarantee and you will be just fine!
Please stop by my website to read more about what to look for in skincare and learn some surprising facts about the skincare industry! The link is just below!
SECRET BONUS TIP!
If you want to find out where to get the best skincare products which can help you look great and get rid of signs of aging: you need to do your research! Find proven natural skincare products that do what they promise and you will discover that maintaining a beautiful skin is easy and fun!
Visit www.natural-perfect-skin.com to discover the exact same secrets and lies I uncovered that big skincare companies do not want you to know!