Combat Harmful Sun Damage With 6 Simple Skin Care Tips

During the warm days of summer, people usually spend their time on the outdoors at the pool or beach, soaked under the heat of the sun. There are others who opt to do yard work, biking, hiking, boating and participating in sports like golf or tennis. This only means frequent exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays and sun spots on skin. How do you minimize sun damage? Are there treatments available these days for sun damaged skin? Here are easy skin care tips to help you get along the warm sunny days of summer.

1. Use sun block cream with SPF 30 or higher for maximum sun protection. Try to look for a sunscreen lotion that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you head out into the warm summer sun and then reapply every 1-2 hours or as directed. Make sure you purchase a brand new sunscreen each year. Spray type sunscreens may be easier to apply but doesn’t offer good coverage. Many people don’t put the right amount of sunscreen on their skin for adequate protection so it is important that you aren’t skimpy when applying. Use more sunscreen than you think you need. And don’t forget your lips. Wear a lip gloss or chap stick that has sun protection qualities.
2. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! You may switch to a lighter water based lotion during the summer. Many people have dry itchy skin during winter and forget to moisturize in the summer.
3. Shave using a good razor and shaving cream. A good razor and cream can reduce stubble and red spots. You can use hair conditioner as your shaving cream. For ladies- shaving your leg can also help exfoliate your skin. And for men- know that exposing your freshly shaved face to the harmful rays of the sun can result to painful heat bumps.
4. Exfoliate your skin. Remove dry dead skin cells so that sunscreen lotions can be readily absorbed by the skin.
5. Wear a hat. For men who sporting a bald look this year, make sure you apply sunscreen daily to your head, ears and neck. For women, colorful wide brimmed hats are not only stylish but can protect your skin too.
6. Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Dehydration hits fast during the hot summer months. Watch out for body malaise and headaches when you are out in the summer heat. These are some of the early signs of dehydration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6346464

The Various Benefits to Waxing

Waxing as a form of hair removal is a good solution for both men and women, and can be used to remove hair in various parts of the body. People often dislike the idea of waxing as they associate it with huge amounts of pain and red bumps on the area that was waxed. However with the correct waxing techniques in place, it is actually possible to reduce both these issues. We will discuss the various benefits with waxing as a hair removing technique.

Firstly the cost, it is quite inexpensive to wax compared to other techniques. Especially if waxing were to be performed at home instead of a professional salon, you can save alot of money. Further more, you can further reduce costs of waxing if you create your own hair removal waxing product which is also quite straight forward to do.

Secondly it is a fast hair removing method as you are able to remove large areas of hair at once. The whole hair removal process can be completed in just a few minutes. Although hair waxing removal may be a little more painful than some other methods, the upside is the time taken to perform the hair removal is greatly reduced.

And also waxing will last longer than other hair removal techniques as it usually lasts for around two to six weeks before you need to rewax. One of the advantages to waxing also is that the hair that grows back, returns as much softer hair. Additionally, as time goes by you find a reduced need to do waxing as you will have less hair growth.

So as you can see, although the idea of waxing to remove hair may not sound very appealing at first, it does have it benefits.

By Janet Drewillon

Secret Tips to Leaving a Hair Salon Happy!

Walking out of a hair salon happier than you can imagine doesn’t have to be a hit-or-miss occurrence. Unfortunately, it is not an uncommon experience to end up with a cut and/or style that falls far below your expectations. This can happen even at reputable and well-known salons. You can invest a great deal of money and time on your hairstyle and still be disappointed. Fortunately, this type of occurrence can be avoided! By following the below tips, it is definitely possible to get your hairstylist to give you a cut just the way you had imagined and be excited about the outcome.

Choosing a Style

Acquiring your desired look begins with choosing an actual hairstyle example from either a fashion magazine or from the internet. Initial selection is one of the most critical elements to getting the haircut you want. Although you can choose any look that appeals to you, not every cut will agree with your features. You are more likely to successfully replicate a look if you match your hair type and facial features to the model. Be reasonable; recognize that the most talented of stylists cannot make you look good in a style that does not fit you.

Communicate Your Expectations

Now that you have found the look that you want, it is time to get down to the details of achieving it at the salon. Typically, what most clients do is give the beautician the name of a particular cut, add some descriptive details, and leave the rest up to the hairstylist. Unfortunately, that is usually not enough if you want a very specific cut. Although beauticians are expected to know the latest trends, each one will most likely have a different interpretation of that concept. If all you provide is a verbal representation, you will probably end up with a variation of the style you wanted.

To make sure that your end result is a reasonable representation of the look you desired, it is best to bring along a few examples. Not only will a picture show the exact haircut you want, it will also give your beautician a means to ask questions about the design for any additional clarification. You can find pictures in magazines, download them from the internet, or tag the salon’s trend books.

Voice Your Concerns

Hair characteristics vary substantially between individuals. If you have specific concerns about yours, don’t hesitate to mention these matters to your beautician to allow that person to make any necessary adjustments to your desired cut. These adjustments could hopefully make the style you desire work best with your features and lifestyle.

If your stylist does not think that the design you have selected is feasible given your individual characteristics, be open to suggestions. Most hairstylists are trained and experienced in matching each cut to the right person to achieve a particular desired appearance.

Know the Specific Plans

Before the actual cut, be sure to discuss completely the specific plans for your cut and style. Ask to be shown the length to be trimmed as well as the length of any layers if those are being placed. If you are not familiar with the terminology being used, ask to have it explained to you in more understandable terms. This should help prevent any misunderstandings between you and your hairstylist. Finally, do not hesitate to stop the trim if you think too much or too little length is being removed.

Obtaining a fashionable hairstyle is certainly achievable. By utilizing the above tips, you can leave the salon with your head up high, enjoying the great feeling of having an impressive new hairstyle. Feel good and look good with your sharp new image!

C. Michael Hunter is an expert in spa and salon information.

Common Mistakes in Selecting Skin Care Products

Mistakes #1 – Whenever a new skin care product is introduced on the market a number of people are very eager to try it out. We have a tendency to believe that this new product is exactly what we are looking for and don’t bother reading the ingredients or check to see if there is any clinical proof of their claims. We just take for granted that the product will live up to the hype.

Mistake #2 – We purchase a skin care product because it is on sale or at a discounted price. While sales are great, you should base your purchase on the reputation of the company and the ingredients listed. Additionally you need to take into account if this discounted product is really the correct purchase for your skin type.

Mistake 3# – Taking risks with your skin care products. Harsh chemicals can harm the skin and if trying to treat a condition such as acne, rosacea, or whatever they will do nothing to improve your situation and may make things considerably worse. Alcohol can dry out the skin even more and cause redness and irritation to be ten times worse than without the use of the product. Those with sensitive skin are especially prone to damage when using products with ingredients they are not familiar with.

Mistake #4 – Purchasing skin care products not designed for your skin type. Careful consideration needs to be taken especially for sensitive skin. Never go with a cream or lotion because it is cheaper.

Here are some basic rules when selecting skin care products:
First, make sure the ingredients are natural.
Find a product with antioxidant qualities to prevent and heal the damage done by the environment.
Read all your labels carefully so you can spot potential chemicals like petroleum, alcohol, heavy fragrance, and other artificial ingredients.
The best type of products is those with only natural plant extracts, essential oils, and nutrients designed for your skin. Botanical skin care products are closer to the natural ingredients in your skin. They have been used for ages and now are being found in their effectiveness for everyday skin problems. Evening primrose oil, for example, is great for anything dealing with the skin. It has been used by women for centuries and can actually soften and smooth the skin. This means fewer wrinkles and lines showing on older skin.

The bottom line is making sure that you are careful in what you place on your skin, especially around the facial area. Take the time to educate yourself on each of the skin care products you intend to use so you can have beautiful skin and not an irritated mess.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin care Recipes

Finding Your Center – Self Help For Women

I’ve found three great ways to stay in touch with my center, the real me. To embrace who I am, respect who I’m not, and be aware of the difference. You are always on your path and traveling your journey when you do.

Embrace Who You Are
Meaning, find comfort in the fact that you and your interests will change over the years. Know that it’s o.k. to change and keep changing. It keeps things interesting. I love to shake things up. It keeps the blood circulating! Be comfortable in your own skin, body, mind, heart, and soul. Delight in all the new things that peak your interest, raise your eyebrows, and make you want to know more!

Respect Who You’re Not
Let there be no love lost for the interests you’ve outgrown. Let go of the roles, activities, and ideas that don’t fit. Not anymore. When a shoe doesn’t fit, we usually donate them to Goodwill. Don’t squeeze your toes where they no longer belong. It’s time consuming and painful to watch.

I’ve had friends tell me, “I thought you loved…” Well, I did. Now I don’t. Things have changed. I don’t even go into the details of why I don’t love it anymore. And, most of the time, I don’t remember.

Just respect your “self” as an ever changing glorious being. This may be hard for others to handle, but please don’t worry about that. Those who love you deeply and unconditionally, will love you just the same.

Be Aware of the Difference
Being aware means being in touch with you. I had to learn how to distinguish between who I am today, who I was yesterday, and who I feel myself becoming. You are always in transition, navigating between these parts of yourself. The secret is to go with the flow. Don’t fight it. I’ve tried and lost. Just be who you are and enjoy it. Why not? You are the only you there is.

Wishing you much joy, peace, and blessings!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Asia_Sharif-Clark

Discover the Top 10 Fashion Innovations Ever

Fashion has been through a lot. Since the first cave woman selected the skin of an antelope to wear on her body for the first time, through to the latest big four fashion weeks around the globe with giant icebergs as backdrops and global media coverage, fashion has evolved into a glorious beast with a many faceted character. At a recent fundraising event hosted by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) during New York Fashion Week thousands of fashion types voted to decide what was considered the top fashion innovations in history.

Here is the Top Ten:

10. The 60′s – Hippy Look – With the 70′s Disco look at No.23 it is clear that people hold these particularly iconic fashion decades in high esteem. The 60′s brought us bell-bottom jeans, tie-dyed and batik fabrics and paisley prints.

9. Little Black Dress – This type of dress, first designed by Coco Chanel in the 1920′s has become a staple of any wardrobe for its versatility. The dress should be simple so as to stay in fashion for as long as possible. 8. Push-up Bra – Better known as its popular incarnation: the ‘Wonderbra’. With padding of foam or rubber, or sometimes gel in the cup, the push-up bra did exactly that, pushed everything up or even in or both. This provided a boost to the chest and to the confidence of underwhelmed women everywhere.

7. Casual Fridays – This was invented in the post-war period in Hawaii as people were allowed to wear loud flowery silk shirts for some of the year. The idea expanded around the globe to the delight of stifled fashionistas everywhere.

6. Denim – This American invention has been a part of the fashion world since forever. Where would you be without your jeans?

5. Pants for Women – This will make sense for American readers but for UK readers, it’s the trouser type of pants to which this refers. It was during World War 2 that women really started wearing men’s trousers a lot for work. The 1960′s finally saw trousers made to fit women properly, even up to sizes such as plus size 22 from retail establishments such as plus size clothes shops and in modern times – online clothing stores.

4. Bikini – A symbol of women breaking free from emancipation in the 1960′s and the most popular beach wear for women around the world. It is now almost a billion dollar industry.

3. Luggage on Wheels – This innovation made it easier to take more stuff on holiday. No wonder it’s at number three!

2. Online Shopping – A massively growing industry which will eventually over take high street sales in market value. The opportunities for price comparison and bargain hunting are much greater and easier than running round loads of shops, plus lower overheads will make sure it will be the way of the future.

1. Wash and Wear Fabric – The creation of artificial fibres was a revolution in fabric and clothing as before this invention everything would have to be ironed to be useable or wearable. Basically no wash and wear = no fashion industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Qam

Relaxation Tips and Techniques

Relaxation is a process which allows us to lead a healthy and peaceful life by eliminating all worries and stress from our life. A complete relaxation can free your mind from all negative thoughts and tension.

We all face many problems in our day to day life. Instead of finding solution, we follow the easiest step of taking “stress”. Increase in stress level releases adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters in our brain. Release of such neurotransmitters has negative impact both on body and mind. When we take stress, blood pressure of our body gets elevated. High blood pressure has direct negative impact on heart causing coronary heart disease, stroke, failure of kidneys and other vital organs. Increase in blood pressure also increases the breathing rate which results in many respiratory disorders. Apart from physiological problems, psychological disorders like dementia (memory loss), depression, inability to concentrate, mental exhaustion and insomnia can also occur due to stress. These disorders can also result in death of an individual. So the natural remedy to all these problems is relaxation.

Now the question arises that how can we follow the process of relaxation to make our mind free from all tensions and worries? You can relax your mind and body by following few simple steps:

1) Give proper time to yourself. If you are over stressed than lie on bed in a relaxing position. Close your eyes and try to sleep. Proper 8 hours sleep will also help you in maintaining a pleasant personality. If you are unable to sleep than just recollect all your good memories. By doing so you will enter into a euphoria condition. Try this out, it really works.

2) Daily go for a morning walk. Morning walk will increase the level of oxygen in brain and body. Oxygen uptake will decrease the amount of stress and will maintain the normal functioning of our body. If you really want to relax than morning walk will be best option for you.

3) Meditation, yoga and massage also prove to be good relaxation techniques. Meditation is helpful in enhancing immunity. Yoga practice removes all harmful toxins from body and increases energy level. Massage improves the blood circulation resulting in a good relaxation.

4) Try to do something good for others. This technique is really worth of following. When you do something for others you feel as if you have something. This gives you a good relaxation.

5) Warm bath or warm shower is also helpful technique of relaxation. Warm bath does not eliminate stress but it removes your tiredness. After coming from office or after a hectic journey, warm shower will give good relaxation to your body.

You can change your personality by following these simple steps in your daily life. Relaxation helps us in getting rid of headache and pain. It also controls your anger and frustration. After relaxation the energy level of body increases automatically and we are able to do task multiple tasks simultaneously. So enjoy your life by draining away all unnecessary tension and worries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Efti_Babu

Top Hairstyles For 2010

With every New Year comes an array of new fads and styles. The fashion industry goes full circle every year introducing the new colours, lengths and styles. Not entirely different is the popular hair styles for the year. Just like in fashion, people look to the top celebrities for the hair styles and colours that are really going to kick of this year. With celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna making the biggest headlines at the end of 09 this could be an unusual and interesting year for hair styles.

Many of the top fashion designers and hairstylists think that this year’s top styles will come down to three elements; versatility, diversity and colour.

Versatility

It seems that with every year come more and more changes to celebrity hairstyles over a shorter period of time. Celebs going from brunette to blonde in different styles in one week are no longer a big surprise. So, with quick changes in mind versatility is key. Popular cuts will be easily maintainable medium length hair that can be done in a wide variety of styles. Therefore, it won’t be difficult to get a variety of edgy looks quickly and effectively with the minimum of hassle. Classic looks will be popular but with fanciful touches to add a twist. Fringes look set to remain popular but in a wider variety of styles.

Diversity

However, despite the obvious top styles there looks set to be a greater degree of diversity in hairstyles than there have been for a long time. Of course there will always be those who like long hair and those who like short, but this year’s key to diversity seems to be shot up by celebrity culture. At the tail end of last year and the start of this year there where a wide variety of popular styles being sported by celebs that really stood out. As a result it looks like the array of long and short styles will be more emphasised than ever before.

Colour

Colours look set to be in the extremes this year. Much of last year was about understated subtle tones, but this year looks set to really go all out on colour. Silver highlights and vibrant reds look set to be popular and good products like aussie conditioner and Nicky Clarke hair products can really help to maintain the look.

Overall it looks set to be a very outgoing and vibrant year for hair with a range of celebrity styles leading the way.

By Sam Qam

Women Should Be Proud of Their Age

What is is about aging and growing older?

I know lots of women and some men who are so scared of getting older. It’s almost like they are ashamed to admit their real age.

We as women should celebrate aging and growing older. We should be proud of our age.

So embrace getting older. Walk talk and proud. Don’t hide your real age.

We are not growing older, but we are getting smarter, we are getting more successful, we are getting stronger, we are getting more experienced, we are getting more loving and we are learning to live our life to the fullest. Being 30, being 40 or being 50 is just a number. Aging is just a natural process that has nothing to do with who we are and how we feel.

Few years ago I read an article.

Did you know that aging is actually a process of continual mental development?

In 20′s we are considered Master Planners

These are the years where we make plans for our future. We think about our education and careers. Our drive is in full gear as we organize our life and put our plans into actions.We are young women and last thing on our mind is aging and growing older.

In 30′s we are considered Natural Nurturers

Our focus is turning away from the selfish “all about me” stage. We are thinking about starting family, putting our careers on hold to raise children. We are becoming more aware of others and their feelings. We are changing into helpful, giving and generous women who are ready to become mothers and protectors.

In 40′s we are considered Unstoppable Strivers

This is the time when we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. This is our time to get what we want from life and nothing will stop us. The increased production of testosterone during the 40′s makes us Superwomen. This little hormone gives us high levels of energy and perseverance.
We are getting older and more successful.

In 50′s we are considered Self-Assured Risk Takers

Now we hit the half-century mark and we achieved many accomplishments. The biggest accomplishment for most of us was raising a family. Our children are growing up, we started the second half of our life. We are getting back the sense of freedom we had in our 20′s. This is the time when we follow our hearts and we don’t care what others think. Growing older just became interesting.

In 60′s and 70′s we are considered Unflagging Optimists

At this point in our life we are truly happy. The years of experience taught us a lot about the world and ourselves. We know what makes us happy and what brings us down. We surround ourselves with calmness and happiness as much as we can. We are determined to enjoy every day. We are not afraid of growing older and we proudly admit our age.

So think about this next time you are trying to hide your age or you get upset with getting older.

Make aging and getting older something you are proud of. After all Women are like a good wine….we get better with age.

By Bibiana Bailey

Build Up Your Self Confidence by Using Simple Fashion & Beauty Tips

You are feeling good about yourself and you want to show the world that you have something to offer. You feel that way inside but you look says something totally different. How to get the outside to match how you feel on the inside? Well you have got to ‘Dress for Success’.

But how do you accomplish this? Number one you have got the dress the part and by dressing for the part I mean that you have got to dress for the job, career, or business that you want, not for the one that you currently have. Example if you wanted to be a successful Hair Stylish, you have got to look like you have your hair in order. Would want to go to a Hair Stylist whose hair was always a mess? I don’t think so. This analogy could be used in just about every profession.

Now this does not mean that you have got to go out and spend an exceptional amount of money to get a whole new look. This new look can be accomplished by adding a few pieces of accessories to your existing wardrobe.

Some of the simple tips that I find useful are:

1) Add a piece of jewelry to an outfit. It can be a nice bracelet, a simple necklace, a pair of earrings or even a nice watch. Don’t over do it with the jewelry. Just add something simple to your already existing outfit.

2) Dress up a pair of jeans. I know we dress up for work five days a week and we want a day where we can just tone things down and relax. Dressing up a pair of jeans can be as simple as changing from an old t-shirt to a nicer shirt or maybe a blouse. You can even add a simple jacket depending on the outing.

3) Update you current handbag. By adding a simple handbag you can create a totally different style in the way that an outfit looks and the way that you feel. Handbags are an accessory to any outfit and you should think of it as such.

4) Incorporate some simple beauty tips such as drinking plenty of water. Water promotes rejuvenation of the skin to gives the skin a natural healthy glow.

5) Take some time out for yourself. Every one needs time to unwind and relax. In a previous article that I wrote “Finding Time to Pamper Yourself,” I outlined some tips to follow to assist in taking and making the time for yourself.

Remember that the key to looking and feeling your best is to take care of yourself. If you incorporate some of these tips that I mentioned you can be on your way to build up your self confidence while creating or updating your style.

Be sure to listen in to our weekly radio show, entitled Success Talk Radio. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_McAlister