Senin, 18 Januari 2010

There are many different ways to create the sleek, shiny look of pin straight hair. Here is a review of the top ten methods of straightening hair, in no particular order.
1. Shampoo and Conditioner: There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today to help encourage your hair to straighten, but most need to be used in conjunction with another product. Be sure to look for products that can help protect your hair from the heat of blow drying or ironing, and choose a very good conditioner.
2. Silicone Serum: Adding a touch of silicone serum will give your hair extra shine, but be careful, as a little bit goes a long way.
3. Blow Dry Straight: Blowing drying is an effective way to straighten your hair, but it must be used with a protective product and you should use a weekly conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy. Remember that heat is not as important as a good strong air flow.
4. Ion Conditioning Blow Dryers: A new concept in blow drying hair, these blow dryers send negative ions to the hair, replacing moisture and protecting the hair, while also cutting down drying time.
5. Straightening balm: Usually used in conjunction with blow drying or ironing, a straightening balm can help cut down on frizz, especially in humid weather, and protect dry hair.
6. Chemical Straighteners: Chemical straighteners should always be applied by a professional, as everyone's hair is different. The good news is that chemical straighteners can keep the hair straight for up to six months, but the hair needs a great deal of conditioning, blow dryers should be used sparingly, and adding color could damage the hair.
7. Thermal Reconditioning: This new procedure, which was developed in Japan, is a permanent way to straighten hair, and is good for all types of hair. The downside is that it takes a very long time and can be very expensive
Finally, we'll take a look at three different kinds of straightening irons:
1. Ceramic Hair Straighteners: Hair irons that have ceramic plates have extremely smooth surfaces, usually have no edges that will catch the hair, and heat up very quickly, in around thirty seconds.
2. Titanium Hair Straighteners: Hair irons with titanium plates infuse the hair with negative ions which help protect the hair and helps prevent colored hair from fading.
3. Steam Hair Straighteners: Steam is an effective way to straighten hair, but beware of badly made products that will eventually break down or cause hot water to spill on you as you iron your hair.

Everyone understands the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. However, few people think about using those very same items to make healthy, all natural beauty products. However, the truth is that both fruits and vegetables are chock full of antioxidants and valuable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like vitamin A, B, C, D and E, carotenoids, co enzyme Q 10, phytonutrients, polyphenols, potassium, selenium, and zinc to name a few.
Combined with other ingredients, fruits and vegetables are extremely useful in making some of the best facial masques, skin creams, bath treatments, and skin ointments that can be found anywhere.
Fruits such as bananas, berries, cantaloupe, grapes, lemons, oranges, peaches, and pineapple can be used to make facial masks, luxurious skin creams, cosmetics and anti-aging products. Vegetables like avocados, carrots, cucumbers, greens, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes have similar valuable uses. Below are some examples:
• Avocado is packed with properties that naturally help the skin in its own collagen production.
• Banana has natural oils that work perfectly as skin softeners while the fruit's rich vitamins and nutrients are wonderful for improving hair's elasticity.
• Beans of differing varieties can be useful in fighting off the first signs of aging.
• Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants as well as their own natural anti-inflammatory properties. Used in skin cream, they can help soothe skin while repairing surface cells.
• Cantaloupe makes a soothing skin cream that ensures a radiant and glowing complexion.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which can help smooth rough skin patches.
• Cucumbers have long been known to help in the reduction of dark circles underneath the eyes.
• Garlic can help stave off signs of aging by jumpstarting new tissue regeneration.
• Grapes contain polyphernols, which hydrate both the hair and skin.
• Greens are rich in antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation and prevent cell damage.
• Lemons act as a natural skin bleach and softener. Used on rough elbows, knees, or foot calluses lemon can help even out skin color and make skin softer and more supple.
• Peaches are chock full of antioxidants and nutrients that work to protect skin from damaging UV rays.
• Peppers help increase circulation and work well in cosmetics to plump up the lips.
• Pineapple contains a powerful enzyme that helps eliminate dead skin while protecting it from free radicals.
• Potato helps to alleviate dark circles underneath the eyes.
• Strawberries are a natural tooth whitener.
• Sweet potatoes are great for helping to stop the signs of aging.
• Tomato is rich in lycopene which helps to fight free radicals, and its vitamin C boosts collagen production.
• Watermelon helps to soothe sunburn and makes minor skin repairs by encouraging tissue regeneration.
Ingested or used in creams, masques, and ointments it is clear that Mother Nature still makes the products that work best to make our lives more comfortable as well as more fulfilling.

Facials are one of the most popular beauty treatments to have in a beauty salon, as they are both extremely beneficial for the skin, and also very relaxing. There are many different types of facial available, both hands-on and those that incorporate electrotherapy , each with their own specific benefits.
All facials follow the same basic structure and order.
• They will begin with makeup removal and cleansing. The cleansing is normally repeated twice to ensure it is thorough.
• Then comes some method of exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and smooth the surface of the skin.
• A massage is then performed that can include all or some of the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, back and even the hands or feet.
• Next a mask is applied, chosen according to the client's specific skin type.
• Once the mask has been removed the skin is toned and the final eye, neck and face creams are applied.
In a 'hands-on' treatment, there are no electrotherapy machines used and the therapist will use her hands to perform the facial treatment. Sometimes, however, a steam machine is incorporated in these facials during or after cleansing, to open up the pores and allow a deeper cleansing action. Although strictly a steam machine is a type of electrotherapy machine, it is not considered to be invasive.
Often, but not always, essential oils are used as the basis of a hands-on facial, either as the base of all the products used in the facial, or as a base for the massage oil. Special facial masks are also a feature of some hands-on facials. These could be clay- or mud-based for a deeper cleaning action, or be more of a soothing base for more sensitive skin types. Sometimes the masks used are setting masks, which means they will be peeled or gently lifted off the skin when set.
Some types of facial use machines as part of the treatment, and these are known as "electrotherapy facials". There are several different types, which are suited to different skin types. Some of the most popular variations of this type of facial are:
• Galvanic treatments: metal rollers or applicators are used to either produce a deep cleansing effect. Depending on the active product being used, this will help reduce spots and blemishes (making this a good facial for an oily skin type), or to help infuse active ingredients deeper in to the skin (for a variety of skin types).
• High frequency treatments: a direct high frequency facial uses a glass electrode passed over gauze placed on the skin. This helps dry out spots and has an antibacterial effect, so is good for oilier skins or those with a few specific blemishes. An indirect high frequency facial uses a saturator held by the client to draw a moisturising massage medium deeper in to the skin, and so is best suited for more mature or dry skin types.
• Microcurrent treatments: also known as non-surgical face lift, this type of facial uses a current to lift and tone the facial muscles and also to improve the colour and texture of the skin and soften lines.
During most of the electrotherapy treatments you may experience a slight tingling effect on the skin, but this is quite normal.
While most people will benefit from the restorative and relaxation effects of a facial treatment, there are some contraindications (more likely for electrotherapy facials) which any trained therapist will be aware of. You should therefore expect your therapist to go through a very thorough consultation before your first facial to find out what treatment best suits your needs and your skin type.

Eyes are the first place you should concentrate on while starting an anti aging regimen. This is because the skin around the eyes is extremely thin and fragile and lacks oil glands that provides natural moisture. As a result, the skin around the eyes is the first place to exhibit signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Fortunately, there is an extensive range of anti-aging cosmetics specifically formulated for the eye area that help to nourish the skin there. Here are some tips to choose the right kind of products that will protect and nourish the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Chuck the facial moisturizer
Most women use facial moisturizers to hydrate the skin around the eyes as well. However, the active ingredients present in facial moisturizers are too strong for the sensitive eye area. Though they moisturize the skin and keep in hydrates, they fail to provide the intensive nourishment that eye creams offer. Therefore, it is always advisable to use specialized eye care products for the skin around your eyes.
Concentrate on problem areas
The choice of the best eye cream for you will depend on the problems you need to solve; concentrate on the problem areas and decide what you need help with. Here are some common problems associated with the eye area and ways you can solve them.

• Problem: under eye dark circles
Dark circles under the eyes are a result of excessive pigmentation. Moreover, certain allergies can cause blood vessels to get dilated and leak thus making the skin appear darker under the eyes. Since these dark circles appear beneath the skin surface, they are difficult to be treated topically.
Solution : Look for products that contain peptides or retinol that stimulate the production of collagen within the skin cells and make the skin thicker and firmer. Also, Vitamin K based products can help to strengthen the blood vessels and diminish the appearance of dark circles.
• Problem: eye puffiness
Eye puffiness is a common problem, especially in the morning. This is because of the accumulation of fluids during the sleep.
Solution : Use products containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, Vitamin C, copper and retinol that help tighten and de-puff the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids help to regenerate surface cells whereas Vitamin C, copper and retinol help with the stimulation of collagen and enhance the skin elasticity. Caffeine is yet another ingredient that reduces eye puffiness by constricting the blood vessels and pushing the fluids out of the skin.
• Problem: wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are a result of aging skin. As we grow old, our skin ages and the collagen and elastin levels begin to deplete, and as a result, the skin develops wrinkles and fine lines. This process can also get accelerated by prolonged and unprotected sun exposure.
Solution : Select products that contain retinoids or peptides that help to stimulate the production of collagen fibers and antioxidants that fight off free radicals. These ingredients repair already-damaged skin and also delays the appearance of aging signs.

Choosing a Perfume

Your scent should be a reflection of your personality. But with so many products on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

You should be able to select the right scent for you based on which category it is in. Dividing perfume in to five major categories simplifies this enormous task!

• Floral
As the name suggests, floral perfumes have strong overtones of flowery fragrances. From roses to jasmine to lavender, floral perfumes have long been the most popular and wide-spread scents in the world, and are ideal for young and not-so-young alike. Anyone who wants to feel pretty and feminine without being overpowering should choose a floral perfume. Likewise, they're great as a safe perfume that's suitable for all ages and all occasions.

• Fruity
Fruity fragrances are generally spicy and fresh. They are quite youthful in their scent, and suitable for warm and cool weather alike. In winter, they invoke a sense of warm desserts and cider. In summer, they give an air of crispness. They are an excellent choice for women who like classic fragrances, but also want to add a little flair. If you're the type to be outside with friends on summer evenings, this is the perfume type for you.


• Woody
Earthy tones are the feature of woody fragrances. These perfumes usually feature such scents as sandalwood, patchouli and cedar, to give a rich, natural fragrance. Woody perfumes are versatile and easy to wear, and are better suited to the mature woman who wants to smell fresh but retain an air of sophistication. These are an excellent choice for the cooler months and evenings.


• Greens
Where woody perfumes capture the essence of forests and woodland, green perfumes have tones more reminiscent of cut grass and crisp spring growth. They possess some of the same scents as oriental perfumes, but are far lighter and suitable for casual wear as well as evening and business wear. They are generally funky and contemporary perfumes that are most suitable for younger and sportier people and can be worn on all occasions. Their neutral tones make them excellent for gifts.
• Oriental Oriental
Oriental perfumes are the strongest of all perfumes. Sensual overtones and rich undertones often make for quite heavy blends, but they are complemented by the fine scents of sweet vanilla, musk, sumptuous flowers and oriental resins. Most oriental perfumes have a wonderful crossing over of qualities from all the other categories from the spicy fruit tones to warm woody tones and this makes them a superb choice for corporate environments, evening events and special occasions, regardless of age.

Each category also contains a number of sub-categories, where cross-over tones create more complex fragrances. However, if you make sure you start with the right basic idea, you will make your shopping experience much more pleasant.

A perfume that reflects your interests, lifestyle and personality can be timeless. Knowledgeable sales assistants will be able to help you select from a range of suitable fragrances, so go out armed with what you've learned here, ask plenty of questions about the different perfumes and most importantly choose one you want to wear!

Straight hair is typically very fine and can be difficult to care for. While the way the hair is styled will have an impact on how straight your hair is, shampoo can also play a part in how straight your hair is. The type of shampoo you use can help add volume to thin hair and help keep it clean and protected. In this article, we'll discuss what you should look for when buying a shampoo for straight hair or if you wish to encourage your wavy hair to be straighter.

When looking for the right shampoo for straight hair, be sure to avoid creamy shampoos that are formulated for curly hair, as they can weigh down your hair and cause it to look greasy, so be on the lookout for clear shampoos. Look for shampoos that advertise formulas for fine, limp or straight hair. An important ingredient in good shampoos for straight hair is panthenol, which experts believe can penetrate the hair follicle and make each strand thicker.
Those with fine, straight hair often find that their hair looks oily the day after a shampoo, but this will depend on the product. Don't be afraid to experiment with how often you can go between shampooing, because the less you shampoo, the better it is for your hair.
If you have wavy hair and wish to encourage it to be straighter, you can also benefit from shampoos that are formulated for straight hair. Straightening shampoo can help by cutting down on frizz and flyaway hair, encouraging the hair to be smoother and straighter.
Often, straightening shampoos will need to be used in conjunction with another styling method if your hair is naturally curly, but this type of shampoo will certainly help protect the hair. For the best effect, be sure to choose a straightening shampoo that doesn't contain alcohol, which will result in dry hair.

Today's beauty treatments are very often made from natural ingredients and have names that sound more like something you would eat rather than use on your body. There are a wide variety of treatments that you can use at home to give you that feeling of being pampered in a spa using professional hair and beauty products. Body scrubs and body lotions are available that smell just like your favourite fruits and are created to make you smell and feel luxurious. In fact, most body care accessories have a pleasant fragrance rather than the chemical smell of days gone by.
Professional hair and beauty products are created to nourish and protect your hair and skin as well as be pleasant to use. Even care accessories are designed with your pleasure in mind. Aksesori peduli dirancang dengan kenikmatan dalam pikiran Anda. You don't even have to go out to a shopping centre to buy your hair and beauty products as you can purchase hair products online. Buying hair products online gives you the benefit of being able to take your time and select the best suited products for you.
When you shop with us at JustBeautifully it is the most convenient way to shop, as you will know that you are going to receive professional hair and beauty products as well as care accessories all on one website. You will also become familiar with the products and know which are your personal favourites.
Buying gifts will also be made easier as you will be familiar with the products and know that you are giving only the very best.

Be safe in the sun

Our bodies need sunlight, but you have to be careful.
We seem to be bombarded with conflicting advice on whether we should sunbathe or not. Cancer Research UK recommends that you stay out of the sun altogether to prevent skin cancer, and I saw the same advice echoed in a Healthspan magazine in 2008. However, this advice has been criticised by some leading scientists and nutritionists.
• Vitamin D
The psychological benefits of exposure to sunlight are invigorating and uplifting. Sunlight stimulates production of serotonin, which makes us feel good and, at the same time, suppresses melatonin so we feel less tired.
Vitamin D from the sun helps us absorb calcium and prevent osteoporosis (porous bones) - simply eating calcium-rich foods without the vitamin is not enough, as the calcium may end up depositing itself in areas other than the bones, which is not good news.
And there's more. Vitamin D helps to fight infections and stop the spread of cancer cells. Professor William Grant, former NASA scientist, estimates that in the UK, where we get 1,600 deaths a year from melanoma due to excessive sun exposure, we probably get around 25,000 deaths due to insufficient sun exposure.
More evidence from researchers is showing an increased link between vitamin D from sunlight and the reduction in cancer risk. People who live in areas where there is more sun have reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer (IIAA Issue Autumn 2005).
In addition, researchers at Aberdeen University have revealed that lack of vitamin D from sunlight contributes to obesity. Vitamin D controls the hormone leptin which signals to the brain when you are full. They found that those who were obese had lower levels of vitamin D; in fact they produced a tenth less vitamin D than those of average weight.
• Regular sun exposure
Dr Des Fernandes recommends a sun exposure of 20 minutes per day, with shorter bursts in strong sunlight. 20 minutes is considered the time it takes to convert vitamin D from sunlight into active vitamin D in our bodies - any further exposure requires protection or the vitamin will be destroyed.
Of course, during the colder months where there is less sun this is more difficult, so it is important during the warmer seasons to 'top up' our vitamin D stores. It is said that our bodies can store vitamin D for up to 6 months after moderate exposure to sunlight.
• Avoid sunbeds
Topping up on a sunbed is not a good way to supplement your exposure. Sunbeds mostly block out the UVB rays but not the UVA rays, and it is the UVB that makes the vitamin D in your skin. All you'll get from a sunbed is a tan and wrinkles as a result of the accelerated ageing from UVA.
• Suncreams
Suncreams also concentrate on blocking out UVB rays so that you can stay out for longer without burning, but not all creams offer protection from UVA. The jury is still out on how high you should go with the SPF protection on a suncream. with some skin experts saying to go no higher than SPF15. The reason is the amount of chemicals you are piling onto your skin is heavily increased the higher the SPF in the cream. The difference between a cream of SPF15 and one of SPF30 is that you are applying double the amount of chemicals, but only 1% extra protection!
Patrick Holford recommends Environ's RAD16 because it not only protects from UVA and UVB, it also contains beta-carotene (plant source of vitamin A), plus vitamins C and E, which actually double the effectiveness of the SPF to a factor 30.
• Supplements
Protect yourself well on the inside as well as the outside. Lindungi diri dengan baik di dalam maupun di luar. Build up your store of vitamins A and C by eating foods that are rich in these vitamins and other anti-oxidants, and apply skin products that have potent quantities of vitamins A, C and E, as these get destroyed by the sun so need replacing.
If you feel the need to supplement, you can take between 200 and 400 ius of vitamin D per day, but oral supplementation should not be your first port of call. In the presence of sunlight, your body controls the levels of vitamin D it produces but with a supplement it can't do this, so take too much and you may reach toxic levels.
• Enjoy the sun, but in moderation!
So don't be afraid to go out in the sun. You can still don a hat and good sunglasses to protect your eyes and call it fashion, or insurance against premature ageing!

Selasa, 05 Januari 2010

Although it contains no nutrients, water is essential to life and for the growth and maintenance of our bodies. Many people are dehydrated without even knowing it; this is typically caused by a variety of factors:
• not drinking enough pure water
• consuming excessive amounts of caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee and alcohol. Caffeine is a diuretic ie it causes fluid loss from the body
• spending long hours in dry environments such as offices, with exposure to central heating, air conditioning and electrical equipment.
Many natural health practitioners believe that dehydration is the root of some degenerative diseases and health complaints, and studies show that dehydration can contribute to many common ailments such as migraines, allergies, asthma, constipation, kidney stones and even arthritis. This should perhaps be unsurprising, given that our bodies are made up of 70% water, which of course needs to be constantly topped up.
Lack of hydration in the body has also been shown to cause backache: major muscles in the body do not perform properly unless the body has sufficient water intake. One of these, the psoas muscle, which runs from the thigh to the lower back, is the muscle that causes stiff hips and lower back pain.
How much is enough?
The best way to tell if you're drinking enough water is from your urine – it should be a light straw colour. The darker your urine, the more water you need to drink.
The recommended amount of pure water (excluding the water contained in soft drinks, tea and coffee) is 8 glasses or 2.5 litres per day. You should drink more if your caffeine intake is high, when exercising and on hot days, or if you've been sweating excessively.
How and when should you drink
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning and another last thing at night ,as the body loses water during sleeping.
If you're out and about, take a couple of small bottles of water with you to ensure you drink enough.
Avoid drinking water with meals as it interferes with digestion. Instead, drink a glass half an hour prior to each meal.
Try not to drink ice-cold water; room temperature is best, as it is kinder to the body. Ice-cold food and drink can interfere with your metabolism.
There is some controversy regarding which type of water to drink: mineral, bottled or filtered tap water. Some argue that even mineral water contains some undesirable chemicals. To be safe, drink a combination of mineral, bottled and filtered water. Invest in a good filter, such as the Aquathin range.

A diet rich in "phyto-compounds" can stimulate DNA repair, increased collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. This not only keeps you healthy but it keeps you looking younger longer.
Creams and lotions can do wonders for your skin, but your diet is by far the most crucial when it comes to having healthy skin.
Beauty is dependent on the overall health of your body. In order for your skin to look attractive and vibrant you need to make healthy lifestyle choices, and a great place to start is with the foods you eat.
So if you want your skin to feel soft and look firm here are a few foods that you can eat starting today.
• Blueberries: These blue little balls are one of natures most potent anti-aging foods.They help keep the skins elasticity, strengthen the gums, and contribute to the health of our eyes.
• Brazil nuts: Help protect our skin from UV rays and they help reduce dryness.
• Honey: A nutrient rich alternative to refined sugar. Refined sugar is believed to contribute to aging.
• Strawberries: Help protect our skins collagen structures. Collagen is what keeps our skin firm. Wrinkles form when our collagen levels start depleting.
• Avocados: These contain folate which helps blood formation. This is essential for cell regeneration.
• Myrtle: Is known to slow down our skin aging process. Has been used in folk remedies for centuries.
• Acai: This is the king of all berries. It has 50% more antioxidants than pomegranates, and twice as much as blueberries. They also contain omega 6,9 fatty acids, fiber, calcium, and vitamins.
• Apricots: Very rich in fiber and phytochemicals like beta-carotene and lycopene. They also have vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, folate, iron and potassium, making them very beneficial to our skin.
• Broccoli: Also very high in fiber, vitamin C, and folate. There's a compound in broccoli called sulforaphane that protects our bodies cells from injury.
• Beans: Jammed packed with phytochemicals, fiber, folic acid, protein, calcium, and magnesium. These guys can stabilize blood sugar as well as lower cholesterol.
• Black currant: Has a high source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Also contains a high amount of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• Carotenoids: This isn't a food, but it's found in fruits and vegetables. It's a fat soluble pigment which helps fight against cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
• Carrots: Have lots of beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant.
• Cruciferous vegetables: AKA- cabbage, broccoli, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. These guys release a compound called glucosinolates and an enzyme called myrosinase when chewed, which are known for their anti-cancer properties.
• Cucumber: A great source of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for increasing collagen production.
• Camu-Camu: Very rich in vitamin C.
• Dark leafy greens: AKA - Spinach, kale, and dark lettuce are loaded with vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, iron, magnesium, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
• Fish: Has lots of vitamin A, B1, B12, and B6. It also has omega 3 fatty acids which are very beneficial to the skin, as well as the heart and brain.
• Salmon: Promotes soft smooth skin, free from dry itchy patches.
• Flax, grapeseed, walnut, seaweed, spirulina, watercress: These are very high in zinc which is vital for the health of our skin. Plus they have been known to help clear up acne, and help keep us regular.
• Grape seed oil: Has trace elements of selenium, zinc, copper, and iron. It's also a unique source for oligomeric procyanidine, which is known to improve our skins elasticity.
• Millet: A nutritious seed, high in silica, which is good for our skin, hair, and nails.
• Cranberries: High in vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and citric acid.
• Oats: Very high in soluble fiber, and complex carbohydrates. High in iron, manganese, phosphorous, calcium, vitamins B and E, and silicon. Silicon is crucial for healthy skin by maintaining collagen levels.
• Papaya: When applied as a paste on the skin, it's enzymes help breakdown dead skin cells.
• Pomegranate: Very good source of polyphenol antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage the skin.
• Water: Hydrated skin naturally looks younger.
If you are one of the millions of people worldwide that spend money on lotions and creams in an attempt to look better, then it only makes sense to incorporate these beauty foods into your diet.
It wont take very long to start seeing the major benefits these beauty foods will have on the health of your skin and the way it looks and feels.

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