Thursday, March 3, 2011

Beauty essentials and useful tips for facial therapy

Know Your Skin Type
First of all its important to know youre skin type so that you can select skin care products to suit you. Do you have normal skin, dry skin, dehydrated skin, oily skin, mature skin, or sensitive skin?

Dry or Very Dry Skin
Products with a high cream and oil content are beneficial. Avoid using soap and detergent based products on the face and neck as these can be drying. Oil-based face masks are soothing and hydrating fro dry skin.

Dehydrated Skin
Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, aim for 2 litres per day.

Oily Skin
Cleansing and moisturising milks or lotions have a higher water content and a lighter consistency and are less likely to cause congestion. Be careful not to over exfoliate the skin as this can stimulate increased production of oil.

Combination Skin
Treat the different areas of the face with products specific to their needs. For example light formulation in the oilier T Zone area and richer creamier products in the dry areas. The skin will benefit from a hydrating mask on the cheeks and a deep cleansing mask on the forehead, nose and chin.

Mature Skin Care
As with dry skin choose richer creamier oil based products. Skin may be thin or have broken capillaries so it should always be treated with great care and very little pressure. Firming and anti ageing products are highly beneficial, as are specific neck and eye care products.

Sensitive Skin Tips
Not only is sensitive skin more likely to react to product ingredients, but also the damaging effects of the sun can be felt more easily. It is advisable to use an SPF of 50. A gentle peeling product that doesnt contain granules is gentler on the skin than an exfoliating scrub.

Now that weve looked at different skin types, what kind of facial therapy products are out there and what can they do for your skin?


Facial Cleanser
These remove make up leaving skin clean and free from impurities. Some cleansers are gentle enough to be used on the eye area but if you wear waterproof mascara you will require a specific eye makeup remover.

Toning Lotion
These remove traces of cleanser, refreshes the skin and has a temporary tightening effect upon the pores. Refreshes the skin and helps to restore the skins PH.

Moisturiser
Often described as day creams or hydrating lotions, they nourish the skin to leave it soft and smooth. Oil and water emulsions attract water to the skin and prevent moisture loss by evaporation. Moisturiser should be applied to the skin after cleansing and toning. Some moisturising creams and lotions contain SPF and help protect the skin against environmental damage. Not only do moisturisers hydrate and condition the skin, they provide an excellent base for makeup application.

Eye creams
Eye Creams are specially designed to moisturise and protect the delicate skin around the eye. They often contain collagen, oils and vitamins and some contain light diffusing particles to help draw attention away from dark circles beneath the eyes.

Neck Creams
Neck moisturising and firming creams are more hydrating than ordinary moisturisers. In our 20s and 30s our usual moisturiser is usually sufficient to nourish the neck and dcolletage, but by our 40s and beyond the neck often requires more intense hydration. The added benefits of collagen and elastin are believed to help prevent sagging and ageing thus maintaining a youthful appearance.

Exfoliation
Exfoliating products are creams or gels that contain small particles which gently scrub the skin to remove dead skin from the surface revealing fresh, new skin beneath. By loosening surface blockages they help improve and prevent breakouts and give a healthy glow to previously tired looking complexions. Exfoliators are a great way to even out a fading tan.

Face Masks
There are a variety of different formulations of face mask available that perform different actions. Facial masks are a relaxing and therapeutic part of a skin care routine. They increase circulation and improve the overall colour of the skin.

A deep cleansing mask removes traces of trapped dirt, debris and oil. Theyre mildly exfoliating. Dry flaky areas of skin are replaced with soft, smooth skin. Toning and refining masks soothe tired skin. Skin is freshened and revitalised and pores appear smaller leaving a more refined complexion. Nourishing and hydrating masks contain soothing moisturising ingredients which hydrate the skin leaving it soft and smooth. They also soothe tired looking skin.

Sun screens and sun blocks
A facial sunscreen is an essential all year round beauty aid. Choose one with an SPF of at least 15. Even on dull days the suns rays penetrate the atmosphere and the damaging effects upon the skin accumulate gradually resulting in pigmentation and premature ageing. In more extreme circumstances, this can lead to sunburn and permanent scarring.

Play it Safe at the Nail Salon

Ever left a nail salon with more than you bargained for - an infection? Some nail salons are havens for bacteria and germs, and a small cuticle cut can cause a serious fungal infection if proper hygiene techniques are not followed through.

The health risks associated with salons, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, include bacterial infections; fungal infections like athlete's foot, nail fungus and yeast; and viral infections.

Becoming aware of your salon's surroundings and sanitary procedures is critical to keep your experience pleasant and healthy. Here are a few tips from BTG Cosmetics Inc. on what to look for during your next salon visit:

* How are nail tools, such as clippers, cuticle scissors and files sanitized? Heat sterilization or chemical sterilization with a germicide and fungicide is preferred. Some salons take extra precautions by using freshly unwrapped nail files for every client.

* Are you receiving a thorough scrub? Nails should be soaked and cleaned with soap before the service begins. Also, make sure the soap bin has been cleaned well.

* Outer appearances matter. A neat and organized space can reveal a lot about the salon's practices. Also, find out if your salon is operating under current licenses and that technicians are properly licensed and trained.

* When you pick out the polish color, wouldn't you prefer it to be unopened? Many salon patrons are concerned about unsanitary tools, but what about the hundreds of people who use the same nail polish?

"Sanitizing instruments is only part of the solution," said Ben Friedman, president of BTG Cosmetics. "Using a clean, fresh bottle of nail polish will ensure your nails are kept sanitary. Nail polish should be treated just like a toothbrush and I certainly wouldn't want to share my toothbrush with anyone."

The company has developed a new program called Toma Salon Service, which is available in various nail salons across the country. Rather than choosing a color that has been opened and used, nail services at these salons now include a new, unopened bottle of Toma SlimLine polish that you get to take home after your service is complete. And should you get a chip in the polish afterwards, you can easily repair it at home with the polish that was included with your service.

About comercial tanning beds

What is a Commercial Tanning Bed?
If you are looking to invest in a Tanning salon then you will need to purchase several commercial tanning beds. A commercial tanning bed is not the same as your in-home consumer tanning bed and there are at least two different styles to choose from.

What is a Commercial Tanning Bed?

A commercial tanning bed is a tanning unit that is designed to withstand the constant demands placed on it by repeatable use. Unlike a home unit these commercial tanning beds will be used several times a day. Commercial is generally more powerful for example if a home tanning bed has the same number of lamps, for example 24, then the voltage may be lower. Commercial tanning beds will typically use a 220v unlike the home version which will tend to use 110v.

Are there Different Types?

A commercial tanning bed can be found in two types. You have your typical tanning bed where you lay down during your tanning session. Then you have an upright unit also referred to as a stand-up commercial tanning bed. This type of unit gives you the ability to stand during your tanning session which tends to run around 8 min. This style also gives you the option of adding a dressing room to it so you can undress and tan all in the same unit.

The Benefits of Using a Commercial Tanning Bed
Ask any dermatologist what is the worst thing you can do to your skin and they will tell you exposing your skin to the sun's UV rays. By using a commercial tanning bed you can get skin that looks sun-kissed without the need to expose yourself to the damage that tanning in the sun can do.
By using a commercial tanning bed will also save you time. Unlike laying in the hot sun for hours, each tanning session on a commercial tanning bed will only run from 8 minutes to 15 minutes. The time for each session depends upon how many lamps are on the tanning bed and how many watts are generated during the session. So getting rich looking skin can actually be done during a lunch hour or quickly after work on your way home.
Does a Commercial Tanning Bed Come With a Warranty?
Almost every manufacture offers a warranty. The industry standard seems to be a 90-day on lamps, parts and labor. Then you have an additional 5 year limited warranty for manufacturing defects. Some manufactures cover other charges such as an extended labor-only warranty for the first 6 months.

Is their Financing Available for a Commercial Tanning Bed?

Yes there is financing available. Almost every manufacture offers financing for their tanning beds. Most offer a lease with an optional buy out at the end. This is a great way to go because you need to only come up with a first, last and security payment which is usually a very small payment. Then at the end of the leasing period you typically have a dollar buy out which means your last payment will be for $1 and the commercial tanning bed is now yours.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Laser Hair Removal: Know the Provider Qualifications

Laser hair removal is a fast-growing procedure that's helping thousands of people get rid of unwanted hair. The latest procedure uses intensed pulsed light (IPL) to destroy hair follicles and prevent the growth of follicles and hair for an extended period of time. Laser hair removal has been so popular because of its preciseness and success rates. If you're considering laser hair removal, your first step is to find someone who's qualified to perform the procedure. It's important that they be qualified and experienced to provide a high-quality procedure.

Finding Laser Hair Removal Specialists

Locating your laser hair removal specialist is not difficult. Make sure he or she is Board Certified in Dermatology. If more than one specialist is working at the office, find out if each is certified. If another member of the doctor's staff will be performing the procedure, that person should be a registered nurse or licensed physician to ensure proper care and use of the laser equipment. The facility where your procedure will be performed should be clean and professional. Ask for a tour of the facility and where your procedure will take place if possible. Take special care in choosing your specialist because laser hair removal is a medical procedure, and should be treated as such.

State Requirements for Laser Hair Removal

Each state varies in how laser hair removal can be performed. You'll need to know what your state requires and make sure your specialist understands this as well. The state requirements are broken down into four categories. Each category specifies how and by whom the procedure can be performed within that particular state. A brief explanation of each category is below.

1) Physician Only: A medical doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) must actually fire the laser. Then, the doctor may ask a PA, RN or other licensed professional to use laser during the hair removal procedure.

2) Direct: The laser can be fired by a medical or non-medical professional (according to the state's requirements), but the professional must remain under the direct supervision of the MD or DO, and also use the license and practice of the doctor.

3) Supervision: A medical or non-medical professional can fire the laser and perform the procedure under the supervision of a MD or DO. Depending on the state, the physician might or might not be present when the laser hair removal procedure is performed.

4) N/A: The state has no official requirements for laser hair removal procedures.

*Below is a list of states and their general requirements for based on the four above definitions. Check within your own state, however, to obtain more detailed requirements.

Alabama: Direct
Alaska: Supervision
Arizona: Supervision
Arkansas: Supervision
California: Direct
Colorado: Supervision
Connecticut: Direct
Delaware: Physician Only
Florida: Supervision
Georgia: Supervision
Hawaii: Physician Only
Idaho: Supervision
Illinois: Supervision
Indiana: Physician Only
Iowa: Supervision
Kansas: Supervision
Kentucky: Supervision
Louisiana: Supervision
Maine: Physician Only
Maryland: Physician Only
Massachusetts: Direct
Michigan: Supervision
Minnesota: Supervision
Mississippi: Supervision
Missouri: Supervision
Montana: Physician Only
Nebraska: Direct
Nevada: Supervision
New Hampshire: Physician Only
New Jersey: Physician Only
New Mexico: Physician Only
New York: N/A
North Carolina: Supervision
North Dakota: Direct
Ohio: Supervision
Oklahoma: Direct
Oregon: Supervision
Pennsylvania: Direct
Rhode Island: Supervision
South Carolina: Direct
South Dakota: Supervision
Tennessee: N/A
Texas: Supervision
Utah: Direct
Vermont: Supervision
Virginia: Direct
Washington: Supervision
West Virginia: Supervision
Wisconsin: Supervision
Wyoming: Supervision

*State requirements as shown at the Web site of Rocky Mountain Laser College of Denver, Colorado.

Laser hair removal can be a simple, pleasant process if you find the right doctor. You can usually locate professionals in your local telephone directory, online or by consulting with your own family doctor. If you take the time to locate a doctor that's right for you, you'll be more satisfied with your results. You can see that unwanted hair disappear in no time!

Makeup Tips for Busy Professional Women

In todays busy world many women are finding it hard, to have the time to look their best, but they must still look professional and make-up does make a big difference. But, how you can find the time to apply your makeup, cook breakfast, send your husband off to work, get the kids off to school and drop some off at daycare. This is not an easy feat for most women. But, I believe this makeup application tip will aid you in getting yourself ready and still be able to handle what ever is on your plate for the day.

First, a beauty makeup tip would be to purchase these items, a good moisturizer, and an easy to apply foundation, eye shadow, eye concealer, blush, and mascara. Thats it. Do not go over board on your beauty routine during the times you have to rush off to work.

Now, for the quick makeup application tip. First, if you can do without foundation, skip it. Do not forget the moisturizer; your skin needs the extra moisture. If you cannot do without the foundation, the quickest way to apply the foundation is to dot your forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Now, with a sponge or a tad damp cloth smooth the foundation until it is blended completely on your face. Pay close to attention to your hairline, chin and jaw line. Applying the foundation will take the longest. Always remember to smooth upward, when you rub downward, you are only helping those wrinkles find their way.

The next beauty makeup tip is to use only one color eye shadow. You are not trying to win a beauty contest or become the next diva. Remember you desire to look your best in the shortest amount of time. The best eye makeup tip is to check and see if you have dark circles, they do appear from time to time and then you must apply an eye concealer, if not skip this step. Only use it when you have to, this will save you plenty of time and could be the best beauty makeup tip of all for those of us in a hurry.

Next, for your eye makeup tip, apply a small amount of eye shadow on the eyelid only, use the eye shadow as an eyeliner, and run the applicator under your bottom eyelashes. Add just a bit of mascara to your eyelashes. There the eyes are finished.

The next beauty makeup tip is to apply just a bit of blush on your cheekbones and brush toward your ears. Apply a tad of lipstick and you are out the door and ready for anything.

If you use these makeup application tips every day when you are in a hurry you should be able to completely apply all the makeup in about 5 minutes. Now that is one great beauty makeup tip that every women on the go will be happy to know about.

Natural Aging Skin Care Products

It is said that beauty is skin deep and as such the skin care assumes much significance in todays beauty conscious world. One may wonder whether any special care is needed for skin alone for a normal person. The answers may vary but the truth remains that, all are not normal skinned, and people with not so normal skin need give the desired care for their skin to look natural and feel good.

The natural ageing process, exposure to sun light, regular smoking etc. may contribute for the lesser production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that hold the skin together and make the skin look young and smooth.

Skin care products that contain Argireline derived from Amino acids helps relax facial tension. Extract obtained from edelweiss is another substance that acts as an anti oxidant and prevents the ultra violet light penetrating into the skin besides cleaning up of the free radicals getting damaged by metabolism and pollutants. Yet another natural product is shea butter a natural moisturizer that prevents dryness of the skin.

The face is the first and the best part of the body that gets attention from others. Naturally one would like to present a good facial appearance for that first impression. There is no dearth for skin care or rather facial care products in today s market, with each product claiming to be better than that of the other. However the fact remains that, the best skin care product varies from individual to individual depending upon the type of skin one possess, the region where one lives, the food habits one follow among many other relevant factors.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding skin care treatments. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Real Beauty Fitness

Fitness and beauty can be one and the same. Being fit and healthy will automatically make you look better. A healthy inside creates a healthy outside. Fitness through exercise can help you to maintain a healthy body weight and improve muscle tone.

Our looks reflect the sum total of who we are and how we live, and the best we can do in life is to make the best of what nature has given is, without excuse, apology, or pretense.

If we try to live otherwise, we find ourselves acting on a stage with other actors and actresses--great pretenders without real friends, without real lovers, without real relationships. While we realize that there is such a thing as "natural beauty," which is beyond all standards of culture and history in some sense, there are also "relative" standards of beauty.

We all know about fads, styles, and adornments that are "in" one season and "out" the next. This includes cosmetics, hair styles, clothing, and even body weight and size.

These standards may vary from country to country, year to year, or even
among different age groups in the same country and year. For example,
full figures are considered the ideal in some historical periods, but slender figures are valued now--at least in Western countries.

The point is that cultural standards change--and we may choose to follow or ignore them--because the cultivation of natural beauty is not dependent upon fads.

In order to get along harmoniously, whether at the level of dating,
courtship, or marriage, men and women have to get past physical looks
and into the more important qualities that make up human relationships,
such as kindness, friendship, and areas of mutual interest.

There is such a thing as a beautiful personality. There can be beauty
in the way a person thinks. An attitude or smile can be beautiful. Love is certainly beautiful, and all of life is beautiful when we are in love.

A person is truly beautiful when he or she is healthy. Any disease or illness affects all parts of the body, sometimes for many years before the symptoms are manifested. If the body and mind are not healthy, then a person cannot feel or be truly attractive.

Good health brings a glow to the skin, a ring to the voice, a twinkle
to the eye, and a spring to the step that no beauty school can teach.