Baby Steps To Better You!

In the beginning of 2014, we all made several resolutions to make smarter choices this year… It’s always super easy to make those resolutions. However, the bigger the resolution, the sooner it breaks. From weight loss to getting more sleep, every New Year resolution meets the same fate (it goes off as easily as it comes) but I get it, you’ve got a busy life and you will always find an excuse !

 

That's why you need to start with little steps to be able to succeed. Here are some baby steps that can make a huge difference in your life:

•  Don’t drink your calories: After the holidays, there will plenty of catch-up nights with your girlfriends and let’s be honest, that means cocktails. Be smart and stop ruin your diet with empty calories from sugary drinks. You also might say " I don't like fruit much so I'd rather drink it to get the vitamins." Sure, you get a few vitamins, but they're added back in to replace the fruit's original vitamins, which were stripped out during processing and that goes for the "not from concentrate" juices as well. You'll also be missing out on the vast majority of the actual fruit's fiber and phytonutrients. Ultimately, you should view juice as simply being flat soda with a tiny bit of vitamin C thrown in. If you don't think a glass of soda sprinkled with vitamin C sounds like a healthy beverage, juice is little better.

• Drink skimmed milk! Skim milk is tasteless, right? If you are currently drinking whole or 2% milk, you probably think so. It is just too hard for you to drink white water. Understand that by drinking even 1/2% milk over skim milk gives the average person hundreds or thousands of extra grams of fat per year! This can add up to extra pounds of fat each year! It has to go somewhere.

• Take the stairs: The elevator is, "of course" the easier option. But this small choice will make you feel better about yourself, burns calories and is a simple way to start making an active effort to chose what’s best for you. Your jeans will thank you.

• Read nutrition labels: Another way to make changes is to start taking a look at the nutrition labels of the foods you are eating. Pay careful attention to serving size, as many labels can get tricky in that area; you might actually be eating two or more servings instead of one. Read the ingredients list too, and beware of trans-fats (also called hydrogenated oils), artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, saccharin to name a few), artificial colors and flavors, high fructose corn syrup, bleached flours, and anything else that you don’t instantly recognize as food.
• Give multi-tasking a break: Too much juggling can lead to a lot of stress. “For those who have always aimed to be brave, capable and so hesitated at the toughest times to get help or to connect, stop doing that! Don't hesitate in delegating. Just sometimes, let it be!"
• Up your spa visits: It's important to reward yourself once in a while for all the hard work you relentlessly do every day. Compensate a busy week at work with a relaxing escape at a spa. Massages help reduce muscle tension and regain your vitality, restoring inner balance.
• Try a new vegetable every week.
• Try to cut back on eating out. Most restaurants put far too much sugar and salt in their foods. Not to mention, GMOs. (Extra bonus: this way you can save some money!)
• Think positively! The Mayo Clinic reports that Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may include: lower rates of depression, lower rates of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and much more...
• Try -as hard as possible- to get your daily recommended 7-9 hours of sleeping...or at least some power naps (The power nap is thought to maximize the benefits of sleep versus time.)

• Use Natural Personal Care Products and Home Cleaners: Your skin is your largest organ and it soaks up everything you put on it and/or it exposed to. Just as there are warnings against second hand smoke, the hazardous labels on these products should say that the fumes are toxic and your skin soaks them up.

When you take a baby step; that first step makes the next one and the later ones much more easier. A few steps in sequence become a path that we walk together.

 

Have a nice weekend!

Home Remedies for Hair Care!

With this humidity, our hair is the first to drop. And our comb keeps ending up in clusters of hair and the entire process becomes heartbreaking. Home remedies are a natural and inexpensive way to treat and cure common disorders. Let's try some simple remedies for attaining beautiful and lustrous hair.

Beautiful and healthy hair boosts up our beauty and confidence. But chaotic and deskbound lifestyles give us an excuse for ignoring hair, which bring about common problems such as dry hair, dandruff, graying, hair loss and split ends.

Here are some simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back life to damaged hair.

• Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 minutes twice a week will strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. Following the massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes.
• Soak multani mitti (Multani Mitti is Fuller's earth. You can find it is small local stores or one of those weekly markets. It look likes clay and is kind of creamish in color except that its hard, sometimes even in a brick form) in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tablespoons of curd and a few drops of lemon. Apply this paste over scalp and hair and leave for an hour. Wash off with water. It is a very effective home remedy for softening hair and imparting a lustrous shine.
• Take 3 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) and heat it. Mix into it a teaspoon of finely powdered almond. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and give them a natural luster.
• Mix equal amounts of almond oil and castor and warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, will beneficial for hair loss.
• Prepare a natural conditioner by mixing a cup of curd and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. This treatment is also effective in curing dandruff.
• Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in 2 tablespoon of mustard oil and apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
• Take 3 tablespoon of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a teaspoon of camphor and massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.
• Eating 3-4 teaspoons of sesame seeds every morning gives nourishment to the hair.
• Add 6-8 drops of lemon juice to an egg. Beat well and apply on your hair followed by washing with a herbal shampoo. 
• Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. Make sure to rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.
• Massaging with aroma oils once a week reduces hairfall and makes them soft and silky. Rosemary oil and titri oil can also be used.
• Add few leaves Hibiscus (China rose) to a glass of water. Heat it. The juice of a lime should be squeezed in the sieved mixture and it should be applied to the hair before shampooing.                           
• Use lavender or lemon shampoo if your hair are oily and if dry, use titri oil or rosemary shampoo too.
• Rinse hair with lemon juice or vinegar
• Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze lightly. Cover your hair with this for 10 minutes and do try this for almost a week.
• Dry peels of lemon and oranges should be used. This will maintain soft and silky hair and also removes dandruff from the scalp.
• Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily and have a high protein diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
• Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves is useful for the healthy growth of hair.

These home remedies are effective in keeping hair problems at bay, but there are other important factors one should take care of. Always eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. Maintain hygiene and brush your hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Don’t comb when hair are wet. Avoid use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Do exercise and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free.

How to Clean Your Skin Properly!

Leaving on makeup longer than necessary can damage your skin, especially if it is thick makeup or there is a lot on. Removing your makeup as soon as you back home is a key to keep a beautiful-clear skin, especially overnight. However, it can be tricky to make sure all of it is gone. But first you need to know your skin type:

Different skin types need different care. It's very important to know what type of care you need to get the best methods for clearing your skin.

• Dry Skin: Usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive. Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside (with fresh water) and outside with (lotions), as well as moisturized with rich hydrating creams.
• Oily Skin: Usually looks slippery and shiny and has a greasy texture. This type of skin is prone to acne. Oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments and clay masks.
• Normal Skin: This type is a gift. Not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. What a great blessing but it still requires no less attention than other skin types. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
• Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. The combination of skin is frequently characterized by an oily “T-zone” area, which covers the forehead, nose and chin. While the skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry. People with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.

Main steps of removing makeup:

• Do not start by washing your face, this dries out the skin and does not get off most of the makeup.
• Do not over exfoliate the skin or use abrasive products. These can damage the skin and leave it looking dull and wrinkled.
• Remove any eye makeup. Use a gentle makeup remover just for eye makeup. Regular makeup remover can irritate the eyes. Make sure you get most of any eyeliner and mascara you had on, as well as some eyeshadow.

  Note: If you don't have eye makeup remover, baby oil on a cotton ball works really well (just make sure to rinse the oil off afterward to prevent break-outs). Alternatively, you can skip the step to remove eye makeup, especially if you don't have mascara on, because the steam will dislodge most of the makeup.
• You may also use the HydraMitt which is a microfiber mitt that removes makeup in seconds by using warm water only. It's also very gentle on your eyes and will not scratch your skin like your typical microfiber cloth.
• Remove your lip color. Apply a small dab of petrolatum jelly to your lips, and gently rub it in with a tissue. Fold in the tissue, and blot the lips.
• Pat your face dry with a towel and rub in a light moisturizer. The rigor of the applying of makeup and removal of makeup can dry out your skin in irritation. Soothe this with a light moisturizer.
• For a more relaxing treatment, try adding orange or eucalyptus scents.
• Vaseline/ Paraffin Oil is also a good makeup remover, Some Olive Oil on a soft tissue will work, too.
• Always use a non-comedogenic moisturizer.They don't clog pores.(Noncomedogenic is a term applied to oils, lotions, and skin creams that do not block pores. Noncomedogenic products are also sometimes referred to as non-occlusive)

General Skin-care Tips:

• Drink alot of water: Water cleanses your body, helping eliminate toxins. It also hydrates you and rids your skin of dirt and oils. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces (for example, if you weight 100 lbs, drink 50 ounces of water a day).
• Don't get too much sun: Too much sunlight to the skin can cause freckles. So if you do go out in the sun, if needed, wear sunscreen! Remember to use NATURAL sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher.Try not to go in the sun for long periods between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. That time of day is when the sun's rays are their strongest. Sunlight on your skin is a great source of vitamin D but it it can also lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.
• Change your diet. Eat lots of fruits, nuts, seeds, beans etc. Eating healthy along with taking in the right vitamins can do wonders for your skin. Try going vegan for a week to see what it does for you.
• Avoid eating fried foods, white flour and white sugar products, soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, including contraceptive drugs, and any other stimulating over-the-counter medicines.
• Do not use creams containing Vitamin A or Vitamin D as these vitamins are not absorbed by the skin and thus such lotions are unnecessary.
• Do not pick your acne or touch your face and avoid anything that puts pressure on or rubs against the skin (such as headbands or hats) as this increase the irritation of acne. Picking your acne spreads infection and causes permanent scarring by forcing the oil and bacteria into the deeper skin layers, which causes cysts, the inflamed acne that causes scarring.
• If you like to use a facial scrub, only do so once a week, scrubbing gently and lightly.
• Exercise, around 15 minutes a day. Exercising properly can make your skin glow. Be sure to wash your face afterwards, sweat and dirt can clog your pores.
• Do not clean your face with soap, which is harsh and irritates the skin follicles and the oil glands. “Twenty-five percent of acne can be managed successfully by washing the face four or five times a day...But this cleansing should not be done with soap...The sebaceous glands are irritated by soap and the irritation causes the glands to secrete still more sebum than normal." Soap has been documented frequently in medical literature to have irritating qualities.
• Drinking three cups per day of organic red clover tea as a natural blood purifier can help your acne clear up. Besides purifying the blood.
• Avoid using cosmetics as much as possible. If you do wear cosmetics, try to use as many natural cosmetics as possible or choose cosmetic products that state that they are either oil-free (water based) or non-comedogenic, which means that they have a low potential for producing acne. Also, always remember to wash off your make-up at night.

Have a Beautiful Week! ツ

5 Easy Steps to Get that Holidays Glow!

This holiday season, you can look and feel your best with few steps to your lifestyle and just a little bit of willpower. It is all about keeping the body balanced, hydrated and properly rested. With these easy steps, you can maintain a healthy glow, manage your figure, and have more energy and joy.

1. Hydrate

We have all heard the messages. Our bodies need water. During the holidays if you make this a priority it will help your energy levels, your appearance and your waistline. When you feel the urge to snack, ask yourself if maybe your hunger pans are actually due to dehydration.
Drink green tea. Studies suggest that the compounds in green tea called catechines appear to speed up the rate at which calories are burned. It is also loaded with antioxidants and isn’t as dehydrating as other caffeinated beverages.

2. Pick 3 System

The last word anyone wants to hear during the holidays is diet. Remember that any diet that recommends the elimination of one of the macronutrients- proteins, carbs or fats- is not a viable method of eating that can be sustained, nor does it have a foundation in health and wellness. In fact, radical and fad diets actually hinder future weight loss by slowing down the metabolism. So don’t diet, just be mindful.
For each meal, envision your plates divided into three sections: one third whole grains and vegetables; one third protein; and the other third fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, nut butters, butter. Whole fruits are always a top choice as a treat. Cut your alcoholic beverages with seltzer and eat something small before going to a party.

3. Daily Detoxification

If we can keep the body eliminating our excesses we’ll feel and look out best. Time now to stock up on Brassica family vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), high fiber cereals and bars, as well as acidophilus-rich yogurt, plus water and herbal teas.

4. Rest and Reflect

It seems there is never enough time in the run up to the holidays. Sometimes we need to know when enough is enough. Adequate rest gives the body a chance to properly digest and heal. Keeping stress in check is one of the best beauty secrets out there.

Take time for you. You know what you like to do in your “down time”. Whether it is reading, doing cross-words or taking a bath, gather any supplies you will need now and schedule in the time for you. Your body will thank you.
Also, make sure you plan time to get fresh air. It is the best pick-me-up. The air might feel chilly at first but within 20 minutes you can return home from a brisk walk revived and ready to tackle the next festive gathering.

5. Supplement where needed

Most of us do not think ‘health, nutrition and exercise’ when we think ‘holiday’. Certainly, there are times when we will veer off the nutritional path to wellness on occasion and that is okay. Just be aware that there are supplements and functional foods for days when we are less than perfect in the nutrition category. For many, they can be an inexpensive nutritional insurance policy.

Create a fabulously festive look
Luckily, it’s never been easier to create a fabulously festive look with a minimum of fuss. To learn how, we checked in with makeup artist at Beauty Mark in Yaletown, who created a sleek but sexy look that works for a variety of skin tones, ages and social events.

Here’s how to get this season’s best makeup look in 9 easy steps:
1. Skin
Start prepping the night before the event by applying a hydrating mask to your face. It will create a nice, natural luminosity, making pores appear smaller, smoothing out skin tone and providing an all-over glow.

2. Nails
A festive manicure will put holiday sparkle at your fingertips without the risk of looking garish. What’s especially fashionable right now are dark and unconventional hues like green, blue or metallic.“The trend is to have one highlight nail.”

3. Hair
When it comes to hair, it’s all about tousled, sexy glamour, think messy updos, lazy curls and easy accessories:

• Try a ballerina bun, Classically prim ones ruled the runways, but Gwen Stefani’s messy bun is rock-star cool—go with what feels right for you! To do it fast, tease hair on top, then smooth it all back into a ponytail; secure with an elastic. Twist and wind hair around, pinning as you go.
• Slip on a Headband.
• Clip It Half Up: Make a side part, then pull the top and front sections of your hair back with a glitzy barrette.
• Tease That Pony: Give your sweet standby style a little edge: After pulling your hair back (no need to be neat about it), run a fine-tooth comb up and down the length of your hair to rough it up and create that fun, fuzzy effect. It’s that easy.
• Curl Just the Front: Make playful waves: Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create a couple of spirals in the front sections of your hair only. Comb through with your fingers. Done!

4. Foundation
Unless you plan to spend time under high-definition cameras, your foundation should just even out your complexion, not cover everything in a layer of beige. Think “smooth glow,” not “matte mask.” “I would choose an illuminating foundation,You want more of a dewy complexion. It’s even more important with older skin. The more matte you go, the more it will settle in the fine lines.”

5. Brows
It’s time to create a frame for all this holiday beauty by grooming the eyebrows. If your  brows are already well shaped, use a little brow gel and a fine brush to tidy them up, then a pencil to fill them in.

6. Eyes
“If you’re doing a strong lip, you want to keep the eyes neutral,”. Since this season is all about the bold lip in deep, intense hues, that means avoiding competing colours on the eyelids. Instead, think definition and shimmer. Try a soft gold shadow all over eyelids, then sweep a subtle highlighter under the browbone and in the corner of the lid to open the eye. “This shiny gold colour is very simple and it works on many, many skin tones,” noting that it is soft enough to work on older skin as well as younger. The key is to go for “glow” rather than “sparkle.” Finish the eye makeup by adding further definition with liquid back eyeliner and a touch of black mascara.

7. Cheeks
Brush a soft, natural-looking pink blush on the apples of cheeks, just enough to create a healthy glow. The key with blush is to avoid bright clown spots and stripey ’80s contouring; rouge should be applied so subtly it is barely noticeable at all.

8. Illumination
Indeed, more important than colour is illumination. This is a subtle way to add brightness and “a nice glow” to skin of all colours, conditions and ages, without looking overdone.

9. Lips
Finally, the finishing touch and the holidays’ big impact look: the beautiful, bold lip. Start by brushing a lip scrub overyour lips to remove any dry flakes. “It’s essential because in winter, our lips are drier,” Then apply a deep purple lipstick to the lips. “A lot of people recommend a lip liner, but I say you can go without, The shade for the season is this nice plummy wine colour. It works on so many skin tones as well as a porcelain complexion.”

Source 1
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Vitamin B Complex Benefits and Sources

The Vitamin B Complex comprises of the essential B Vitamins ,Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 plus the vitamins Biotin, Choline and Inositol. Vitamin B Complex is needed for the proper functioning of almost every process in the body. Here are my 5 top reasons you need to get plenty of B Complex vitamins in your diet.

1. Energy Production

Vitamin B1 is needed to help convert the carbohydrates we eat into glucose. The following B Vitamins are needed at a cellular level to convert glucose into energy - Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Biotin. A Vitamin B deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to decreased energy production.

2. Healthy Nervous system

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B5 is needed for the correct functioning of the adrenal glands and the production of some hormones and nerve regulating substances. Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are essential for the regulation and correct functioning of the entire nervous system including brain function. Vitamin B9 is essential to prevent neural tube defects to the foetus during pregnancy. A deficiency in any of the Vitamin B Complex vitamins can lead to feeling stressed, anxious and depressed.

3. Good Digestion

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct digestion, production of HCl (Hydrochloric acid) and to assist in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Especially vital for good digestion are Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6. A deficiency in any of these B Vitamins can lead to impaired digestion and deficiency of essential nutrients.

4.Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures - Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.

5. Synergy

The B Vitamins work so closely with one other that a deficiency in any one B Vitamin can lead to poor functioning of any or all of the others even if they are in good supply. Always take the B Vitamins in a Complex and then top up with any individual Vitamin B, if needed.
      

 

B vitamin sources
B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods. Processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour tend to have lower B vitamin than their unprocessed counterparts. For this reason, it is required by law in the United States (and many other countries) that the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid be added back to white flour after processing. This is sometimes called "Enriched Flour" on food labels.
B vitamins are particularly concentrated in meat such as turkey and tuna, in liver and meat products.Good sources for B vitamins include kombucha, whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, tempeh, beans, nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, and molasses. Although the yeast used to make beer results in beers being a source of B vitamins, their bioavailability ranges from poor to negative as drinking ethanol inhibits absorption of (B₁), (B₂), (B₃),(B₇) and(B₉). In addition, each of the preceding studies further emphasizes that elevated consumption of beer and other ethanol-based drinks results in a net deficit of those B vitamins and the health risks associated with such deficiencies.

The B₁₂ vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B₁₂ deficiency a legitimate concern for vegans. Manufacturers of plant-based foods will sometimes report B₁₂ content, leading to confusion about what sources yield B₁₂.




Another popular means of increasing one's vitamin B intake is through the use of dietary supplements. B vitamins are also commonly added to energy drinks, many of which have been marketed with large amounts of B vitamins with claims that this will cause the consumer to "sail through your day without feeling jittery or tense." Some nutritionists have been critical of these claims, pointing out for instance that while B vitamins do "help unlock the energy in foods," most Americans acquire the necessary amounts easily in their diets.

Extra Tip
B Vitamins are water-soluble which means any excess will be excreted through the urine. This also means that B Vitamins need to be taken on a daily basis, as the only one we can store is Vitamin B12. Taking a high dose Vitamin B Complex (50mg - 100mg) daily can turn urine a bright fluorescent, this is perfectly safe and normal so don't be alarmed!

References:
                  Health and Goodness
                  Wikipedia
 

How to Use Baking Soda as Acne Treatment?

Acne leaves scars on your face that will just make you feel very inconvenient to participate in social gatherings. You might have tried many creams and herbs which are not very promising. Baking soda will not only work but is also a very inexpensive way to cure acne compared to those expensive creams.

You should know first how to use baking soda as an effective measure to treat acne:

• Before the application of baking soda, it is essential to wash your face thoroughly to get rid of all the dirt and any make up.
• Now, do not dry the face with a towel. Let it remain damp.
• Take about three to four teaspoons of baking soda in your palm. Just add few drops of water. Make sure not to make it too watery. If the solution is very watery it will run down the face and will not work.
• Now, apply the paste to the face. Let it dry for about a minute and wash the face.

Be cautious not to use baking soda for quite a long time. It will cause dryness of the skin. In some people with dry skin, the skin may appear dry even after applying baking soda for about a minute. This can be overcome by applying moisturizer to the face immediately after washing off the baking soda.

What is principle behind the working of baking soda?

Washing the face after application of baking soda causes the skin pores to open up. They open up the clogged skin pores by eliminating the top most skin layer that is filled with oily secretions, dead skin cells and dust. As a result it restricts bacterial growth and hence, helps to gain control over acne.

The benefit of using baking soda is that it is free of chemicals. Hence, it will not leave any unwanted side effects such as additional scars or dullness of skin texture and color which is commonly seen in case of commercial acne creams. It will not cause any irritation even upon regular use. An added benefit is that it gets rid of dead skin cells and thereby improves your skin tone.

It is suitable even for daily use. However, people with very sensitive skin should not use it on regular basis. It can cause skin irritation.

Lastly, some people say that long term use of baking soda causes pH imbalance of the skin. This in turn promotes bacterial growth, a major factor responsible for acne. No treatment works for each and every patient. The effectiveness of any treatment depends on the body condition and the extent of the disease. The same applies to acne and the use of baking soda to gain control over the acne. Test your skin initially, if you see an increase in acne or if you do not experience any positive results even after long term use of baking soda, discontinue using it and take the advice of a dermatologist to cope up with acne.

The faster you take action to control acne; the better would be the results of any acne treatment
The Source

Fashion Tips for 2012 Winter!

With fall and winter coming, perhaps your wardrobe needs a bit of updating? Well, here are a few fall and winter fashion trends that you may want to consider purchasing.

• The Hat Has Made A Huge Comeback For The Winter of 2012: I think it's so nice to see the hat make such a comeback this year!   

 

• The colors on the runway for the fall/winter season of 2012/2013 :

All the classic fall/winter colors such as brown, black, taupe, winter white,and many shades of gray, as well as dark rich blues seem to be prevalent in an abundance at New York's Fashion Week runways. Not to say that some designers didn't use brighter colors, because they did. However, it did appear the brighter colors were played down for the up coming fall season.. Evening wear was where the designers appeared to use some bolder, and very soft pastel colors. Such as, hues of gold, red, vivid blues, and deep jewel tones. In regards to evening wear, many designers used soft pastels in shades of soft blush pink, and silvery soft blues tones to create gowns that were fabulously feminine, and old Hollywood sexy... For all you gals that love the color black, don't worry the designers have taken care of you... The designers have used the color black in many fashion looks. However, for the Fall/Winter of 2012/2013 you will see your favorite color black mixed up with dark gray, stark white, as well as lots of shades of dark mid-night blue.

The Burberry Dreamy Rose Gold Winter Fall Collection 2012

Fashion Mistakes - biggest fashion oops... Plus some good solutions:
Let's face it , even the most stylish of us make some oh so big fashion mistakes. It's never to late to turn your fashion flops into fashion forward outfits. Listed just below are some good solutions to the year's wardrobe catastrophes ...         

• Oversized tunic top

To the smallest figure to plus-sized ladies, the oversized tunic top trend left a lot to the imagination... "Is she pregnant or just smuggling who knows what underneath all of that extra fabric?"

Need a Fix? Try an empire waist top, this style goes to accentuate your assets,plus are so comfortable. Another great solution - cinch in your tunics with a great belt . You will be pleasantly surprised, you will look shapely and still cover parts that you prefer to keep covered.

• Huge Leg Pants

There are a few blessed women who can pull this trend off with successes. The rest of us just tend to look shorter, heavier, and shapeless, in huge legged pants.

Want a fast fix: Love wide leg pants? You can still pull off the look of a wide-leg pant, try a better-fitting pair of pants that has a boot cut. Boot cut are a bit wider at the bottom, but tend to give a slimming look to most figures.

• Leggings

Leggings are fun to wear, and are shown with lots of different types of tops, but their tight design leaves little to the imagination... Leggings can actually exaggerate cellulite ripples, and other flaws. They frequently make ones behind appear wider than wide.

Want a fast fix? Leggings are lovely with shirts that are long enough to hide potential problem areas, tunics or long cardigans are a good choice to sport with a legging, both of which cover the backside.

• Big Scarves

Seriously, scarves that are twice the size of your body just won't do, NOT cute - not cute at all.

Try this instead: Want your neckline noticed? Add a wonderful piece of jewelry instead of a scruffy wrinkled scarf. The big scarf fad is so on its way out....

 

Have a Beautiful Day?! :)

Best Summer Skin Care Tips!

Here comes the sun! Keep these warm-weather skin tips in mind and you'll protect your face and body while looking your skin-kissed best.

Sunshine, heat, humidity, and chlorine can do a number on summer skin. For one thing, the sun’s rays are particularly strong, so the chances of developing wrinkles, age spots or even worse, skin cancer increase. Plus, higher heat and humidity mean more rashes, breakouts, and clogged pores, while chlorine dries out your skin (and your hair!)
Hey, don’t let these potential downers rain on your summer parade. Follow these 10 summer skin tactics and you’ll be good to glow.

Don’t skip the moisturizer:
Your skin may be less dry these days, but don’t banish that moisturizer. Instead, switch to lighter, water-based formulas for both face and body, and swap your heavy eye cream for a lighter serum.

Slather on the sunscreen:
Choose products that provide broad-spectrum protection (they block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays) with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Apply sunscreen liberally (at least a one-ounce shot-glass-size amount) before you go outside; reapply every two hours and always after swimming. And don’t let those clouds fool you, apply sunscreen every single day!

Bring on the balm:
Lips are susceptible to skin cancer too, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sun-protective lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to keep lips sun-safe and supple.

Switch to summer makeup:
Trade liquid foundation for a lighter, mineral-based powder with a minimum SPF of 15. Skip the creamy blush and instead go for a natural-looking glow with a touch of bronzing powder. Use waterproof mascara for streak-free swimming, and ditch that lipstick for a dab of tinted gloss.

Wear sun-protective clothing:
No need to cover up head to toe, but do consider a long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses at the beach, at least for part of the day. Remember, tightly woven, darker fabrics are better sun blockers than lightweight, light-hued fabrics, or try clothing especially made for sun protection.

Go for the faux:
 Minimize your chances of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer by skipping the suntan altogether and opting for a sunless self-tanner, spray tan, or airbrushing.

Exfoliate regularly:
Sun, sand, sweat, and sunscreen only increase the amount of dead skin cells that build up on your face and body. Slough them off with an exfoliating scrub or loofah a few times each week. (A beautiful bonus: Exfoliating will also help your self-tanner go on more evenly and prevent streaking.)

Practice smart shaving:
Short shorts and sundresses mean more frequent shaving sessions, and that can irritate and/or dry out skin. This season, be sure to replace your razor often, shave only after you’ve been in the shower for a few minutes (when your hairs will be softer), use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel, rinse thoroughly, and moisturize immediately afterward.

Head off heat rash:
High temps and humidity may mean heat rash, especially if you’re overdressed or prone to sweating a lot. Do your best to keep cool and stay dry, and avoid wearing clothes that rub or irritate your skin. A mild heat rash should go away on its own, but if it’s accompanied by swelling, oozing, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention ASAP, since those symptoms may be signs of an infection or a more serious heat-related illness.

Prevent rosacea:
This common skin condition can be exacerbated by heat, causing your face to swell, get red, and break out in little pimples. If you’re prone to rosacea, seek refuge in air-conditioning, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and keep cool by taking cold showers, misting yourself with a spray bottle, and drinking plenty of cold water.

Use these 10 simple strategies for skin care in summer and you’ll have the best-looking and the healthiest  skin on the beach!
Have a nice weekend! :)

Paraffin Oil Skin Care and Other Uses!

It is impossible to sustain a good health in this time of contaminated environment. Particularly the metro life has been vulnerable in all respect. Almost all the news papers in the morning are flooded with the news and information of skin care and medicines, but how many people are aware of the fact that almost all the medicines and oils for curative purposes are the base of paraffin oil? This is a liquid that helps to retain and revive our skin till our last breath. If we had known as to the usefulness of this healthful oil, we could have had some home remedies. Paraffin oil has definitely a pivotal role in realm of medicinal world.

 Everybody knows medicine that makes our life lively. But nobody knows the grandma's home remedy of paraffin oil. It significantly helps to heal many sorts of diseases. The medicines for eyes like eye ointment and moisturizers as well as emollients are made using the purified paraffin oil. The use of white oil in the skin not only makes the skin beautiful but also make you younger looking. The leading brands of Garnier, Ponds and Ayur in India are being made with the use of liquid paraffin.

The paraffin oil is distilled from crude oil. It has at least three processes to come out with a purified form. The pharmaceutical companies are especially extreme careful to collect this liquid for the preparation of medicines. The people of laboratory are more careful as to cleanness of the surroundings and a dustless environment.

Liquid paraffin is a boon for those people who have been experiencing dry skin. It helps to exfoliate the human skin and make it younger looking. It has a great moisturizing property. The composition of this medicine contains paraffin oil, myristate, isopropyl and benzalkonium chloride which have a great capacity of antiseptic properties. These emollients make the skin supple because the antiseptic properties of benzalkonium chloride help to destroy the bacteria of the surface of the skin.

 Moisturizing bathing oil is also made of paraffin oil and extremely useful for the revival of the smooth skin. This sort of bathing oil keeps dermatitis and eczemas at bay. The moisturizing cream and bath oil are used in case of dry skin.

Care to be taken while using the medicines:

The liquid medications should not be taken internally. One should be very careful while taking bath since it makes the foot and floor very slippery. The people those who are allergic to these medicines made of paraffin oil should not use this. The expectant women should use this medicine with the prescription of a gynecologist. The medicines made of paraffin oil that is having side effects in the case of different people in a different ways. So far very rare numbers of complaints of the medicine of liquid paraffin have been reported. But eventually the role of

Other Uses:

 It is used in the food industry, the cosmetic industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the chemical industry. It comes in a variety of grades of purity, with "pharmaceutical grade" indicating the most pure form. Its purity and chemical stability are what make it useful for many applications. Liquid paraffin is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It cannot be dissolved in water or alcohol, but it can be dissolved in organic solvents. It is also known as mineral oil.

• Cosmetic Uses

Liquid paraffin is used to make cleansing creams, cold creams, hair oils and beauty lotions. It is used in hydrating products and hygienic oils for children. It is also used in the preparation of many common forms of makeup. It is used to extract natural essences that are used to make perfumes.

• Medical Uses

Liquid paraffin's most well-known medicinal use is as a laxative. It also reduces the pain of hemorrhoids. (It should not be taken by children under 3, and those suffering from nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.) Liquid paraffin is also used in the manufacture of penicillin and as a means for storing and transporting medical sprays. As with its uses in the cosmetic industry, it is an ingredient of many medical creams and oils.

• Fuel

Liquid paraffin is used as a fuel. It can be burned in lamps like kerosene can. However, unlike kerosene, it produces neither soot nor odor.

• Industrial Uses

1. It is also used as an industrial lubricant. It lubricates the moving parts of sewing machines in the textile industry. It lubricates blades for cutting paper in the paper industry. It lubricates textiles during weaving and canned food cans. It is a component of some air filters, especially those meant for underwater work. It is used in the manufacture and containment of certain highly reactive chemicals like chlorine, sulfur dioxide, metallic hydrides and catalysts. It is an ingredient of some agricultural insecticides. It is also used to make dust-repelling products. It is widely used in plastic manufacturing.
2. Liquid paraffin is used to coat eggs and fruit to make them shinier. It is used in the food industry to lubricate baking equipment so that food doesn't stick to it. Artists use it as a cleaning agent. It is also used in nylon printing processes.

How to Shop Smart?

Shopping can be a favorite way to pass your time. There's always something to buy. Here's how to be a smart shopper:

• Decide upon your needs. Learn to live with less. Layer your summer clothes during the winter for a different look. Learn to use a small purse. Limit makeup and accessories. Going without can be a real adventure.
• Make your own style. Start an inexpensive, unconventional trend. Ignore advertising. Why follow the crowd?
• Have style. Choose your outfits carefully. Look for the most accentuating outfits worn by others with the same figure, skin tone or hair color. Wearing different shades of the same color is slimming and easy to put together.
• Extend your wardrobe. Take the time to coordinate your clothes into a month's worth of outfits. Make a list of all possible combinations and refer to it frequently.
• Make a plan. Determine what you need to complete an outfit. Something that doesn't match or fit well may never be worn.
• Be sure it's exceptional. Be patient. Check for quality, color, fit and a long-lasting style. You'll want to wear a garment for a few seasons, and then recycle the fabric into another garment or accessory.
• Compare clearance prices online. Have a rough idea of what you're willing to pay. Review the current styles. Keep a list of reasonable prices in your purse.
• Try the flea market. You'll find a variety of unique imported and second-hand items. You can bargain for a better price.
• Try the dollar store. Their selection may be limited, but they have cute clothes and accessories. This is a great place to buy pajamas and slippers.
• Try thrift stores. Vintage is always in fashion. Brand names can be found. Worn clothing is very comfortable. Look for fabrics to make something new.
• Try Wal-Mart. Search both the men's and women's departments. If you're petite, search the children's department as well. This is a great place for the basics.
• Try Target. They have a stylish clothing line of good quality and reasonable prices.
• Watch for sales. Use coupons during the holiday sales either online or in stores. Try things on prior to a sale. Take time to think things over to avoid impulse shopping.
• Bring a limited amount of cash. Stay within your budget. Leave credit cards at home.
• Do not remove the tags. Wait a week to think it over. Remove the tags once you're sure you'll enjoy your new item.
• Check a lot of shops before buying anything. Usually a lot of shops have same things so you should check before buying. You'll probably find clothes that look alike cheaper than in other stores.

More Tips:

• Allow yourself to splurge on one small item.
• Clothes should glide over your body whether sitting or standing. A larger size may be more appropriate.
• Make a list before you shop. Write down what you need, and how much it cost for each part. Then you wont use too many money

Top 5 Things That Damage Your Hair!

You cannot really restore you damaged hair. Despite what products say, you can only help its appearance but this should just be done while you are in the process of growing the damaged hair out.

Before you can grow your hair out into a healthy state, you need to understand what causes damage in the first place. If you do not, you will just damage the new hair before you can get rid of the already damaged hair.

• The number one ways that hair is seriously damaged is through chemical processing. I am not saying that you cannot have highlights, colors, straighteners, or perms applied to your hair. If you do choose to alter you hair chemically, it is best to stick with only one process. Of these processes, the best to choose are the ones that can have future chemicals applied to new hair growth only. Colors and highlights are best for this. If you are currently perming your hair to help with control, you will probably find that highlights give you quite a bit of control over your hair. With color and highlights, you will be able to have your stylist apply future chemical treatments to the new growth only. This is also true of straightening processes, but the chemicals involved in straightening are generally harsher overall. This determination is argued by some because highlighting is essentially a bleaching process, which can be very damaging. However, highlights do not affect every hair on your head, leaving a vast amount of healthy, unprocessed hair. Straightening affects every hair with the chemicals used. What you must understand about chemical processes and damage is that repeatedly putting chemicals on the same part of your hair creates a vicious cycle of chronic damage. This is compounded by the various heated tools that you use to style your hair, harsh shampoos and styling products, and a multitude of environmental factors.

Damage can also come from many different things, including:

• Excessive brushing and tearing of the hair (this can also come from constantly pulling it back in rubber bands).
• Too much heat. You've heard the drill before. Keep your use of the blow dryer and the curling iron to a minimum.
• Sun damage. Skin isn't the only part of your body that needs protection from UV rays. Summer sun worshipers are especially at risk for hair damage, but UV rays damage your hair every time you step outside into daylight-even in the winter. No, you don't need to wear a hat everywhere you go, but definitely be conscious of the sun's rays and cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for a while.
• Over-washing. Yes, washing your hair too much can dry out your scalp, cause flakes, and lessen the natural oils on your head that protect your hair's roots.

Now that you understand the importance very discriminating about chemical processes, you need to know some of the ways you can protect your hair on a regular basis. Following is a variety of ways that you can help prevent further damage to your hair, not all of them will apply to you, so use as many as you can.

• Do not blow dry your hairth any more an absolutely necessary. If you can let it air dry completely, do it. If you do have to blow dry, use a thermal protector prior to blow drying. Use the coolest setting possible to achieve your style.
• Use pH balanced shampoos and conditioners that are very moisturizing; for conditioners, also look for one with UV protection.
• Eat foods that are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids (the good fat), choose organically grown and raised products, and eat less processed food.
• Using a natural boar hair brush, brush your hair thoroughly every evening, brushing the scalp well while you do this. Brushing like this distributes the natural oils along the hair and massages the scalp.
• If your hair is wet (or damp), only use a wide toothed comb on it. Brushes and combs with thin, narrow teeth cause serious breakage, especially in damaged hair.

Tips:
Now that you know the things you have to do in order to truly have healthier hair once you have the damaged hair grown out, you can use the following tips to attempt to camouflage the current damaged hair. I sat attempt because extremely damaged hair cannot be camouflaged; it will look damaged no matter what you try.

1. Take a tiny amount of your pH balanced moisturizing conditioner in the palm of your hand, run water into your cupped hand and vigorously rub the conditioner, mixing it with the water. Keeping this thoroughly wet, scrunch it onto the ends of very wet hair. Then scrunch a spray styling product designed to smooth curls into the hair. Allow to air dry.
2. Less effective, but still useful are the glossers which are actually a very light oil sprayed through an extremely fine mist. These should be applied to dry hair as a general rule.
3. Do not believe marketing ploys that claim that these products restore or repair your hair. All they do is camouflage the damage.

 Enjoy Your Day! ^_^

How to Use Almond Oil for Aging and Dry Skin?

As your age increases, your blood fails to manage the circulation speed it had shown before. This results in dehydration of your skin. In the body, the creation of collagen decelerates and this looses the elasticity of the skin. The years of continuous exposure to sunrays, harsh elements make wrinkles, lines and dark spots on your skin prominent. Aging also breaks blood vessels and decreases the production of hormones. Your skin grows to be thin and dull, with enlarged pores.

The anti-aging dry-oily skin care products moisturize, vitaminize the skin and act as anti-oxidants. They help the skin in restoring its natural moisture. It works to smooth the fine lines and wrinkles. If you regularly apply the antiaging dry-oily skin care products, it will make your skin soft and elastic and will also further prevent the new wrinkles. There will be no need for surgical or chemical procedures and your skin will be young and bright.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Aging Skin

1. Helps in healing and moisturizing dry chapped skin. Good For premature aging, dry or sensitive skin. Nutrient-rich with Vitamins A&E, Suitable for all skill types.
2. For best results in aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin.
3. It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth.
4. Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.
5. Almond oil is one of the least greasy oils. It will soak into your skin quickly and leave only a slight residue.
6. Wash hands in warm, soapy water to remove oily residue from fingers.
7. Purchase oil in a dark colored, glass jar if possible. This ensures that the oil has had less chance of being damaged by light.
8. Keep the oil in a cool, dark place and use it quickly once opened to prevent loss of its quality.
9. Discard unused contents after one year.

Care tips for using Alond Oil for Aging Skin

• Eliminates impurities and removes dead cells
• Refines the structure of the skin and stimulates cell renewal
• Purifies, soothes and decongests the skin
• Leaves the skin soft, renewed and radiant
• Gives a healthy boost to the complexion
• Helps fight against the effects of aging
• Increases the efficiency of treatments applied afterward
• Help eliminate blackheads
• Always test sensitivity to an oil before use. Test a small dab on your wrist, or lower arm and watch for any reactions over a 24 hour period.
• Do not use nut oils if you have a nut allergy. There is no point giving yourself unnecessary complications.

Warning towards aging

Almond oil is one of the good health oils which can be consumed as well. According to the experts, the oil can reduce the chance of a heart attack and bad cholesterol. However, if you have a peanut allergy you should not consume almond oil or use it on their skin.

Have a beautiful Saturday!

Do Tanning Beds Cause Skin Cancer and Other Harmful Effects?

Before one can discuss harmful effects of tanning equipment and increased sun exposure, one must be familiar with the components of ultraviolet light and how affects the skin.

What is UV radiation?
Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA and UVB. UVA rays consist of longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermal layer of skin. Limited exposure to UVA rays causes skin to tan; however, most experts agree that overexposure to UVA can lead to other long-term skin damage. UVB rays wavelengths are much shorter, affecting the outermost layers of skin. UVB rays are known as the "burning rays" and are considered more dangerous. Tanning beds and sun lamps generally emit 93% to 99% UVA radiation increasing the benefits of a tan This is three times the UVA radiation given off by the sun

What is the difference between a tan and sunburn?

It is also important to know what happens to the skin as it is tanned or burned and what the long-term, harmful effects may be. UVB rays are most responsible for a skin's burning. The rays actually pop the capillaries just beneath the surface of the skin .Long-wavelength; UVA rays have totally different results on the skin. As UVA rays penetrate into the skin, melanin granules are oxidized and tan, or, turn golden brown. However, UVB rays are required to stimulate these melanin granules to rise to the skin's surface, especially in skin that possesses small amounts of the pigment, melanin.

What makes tanning beds safer?

Most tanning bed industries agree that indoor tanning is much safer than receiving outdoor exposure to the sun. Light emitted from tanning equipment contains approximately 40% less UVB rays, the most harmful type of radiation, than does light from the sun. Tanning beds, therefore, have the power to control exposure time and the ratio of UVA to UVB rays for a "perfect balance" .Since tanning beds filter out most of the burning UVB rays, chances of getting burned decrease dramatically. Therefore, the companies can claim that the tanning beds cannot be any more harmful than the sun.

Tanning salons also state that some UV radiation is needed for the manufacturing of vitamin D. Vitamin D certifies that a constant level of calcium remains in the blood and controls its absorption. In an advertisement for tanning equipment, one tanning bed company, The Beach House Tanning, claims that the sun is the only source of Vitamin D. However, vitamin D is also found in foods such as dairy products, cereal

In addition, tanning industries claim that UVA radiation has no harmful effects on the skin. They say that only UVB radiation can harm the outermost layer of the skin. Since UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, then they say that tanning beds cannot cause any type of premature aging, burn the skin, or thicken the skin, revealing a leathery type appearance.

In fact, The Beach House Tanning states that it isn't safe not to tan. They report that avoiding the sun highly increases the risks for many cancers including skin cancer and that most studies prove that people who are not exposed to the sun on a regular basis have a greater chance of acquiring some forms of cancer. One study that was conducted showed that malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is actually more common in people who do not receive regular sun exposure and develops on areas that are not usually exposed to the sun.

Also, some sun exposure abates or retards the development of breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Actually, many studies have shown that heredity and repeated sunburn, which are not caused by tanning beds, are the most prominent factors for skin cancer. Since tanning is, "your body's natural defense against sunburn," as stated by Beach House, and since, "tanning beds are a responsible way to get a base tan," as claimed by them, then it is safe to say that tanning beds are a reliable source of UV exposure.

Nearly every single article that was researched concluded that indoor tanning is directly linked to skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma, and other numerous health problems. Although tanning industries claim that UVA radiation is safe, medical research disproves this theory.

Researchers say that because UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, they destroy skin fibers and damage elasticity. Long-term effects of UVA rays include premature aging and wrinkles. Scientists agree that UVA rays are less likely to cause burns, but that they are still linked to malignant melanoma, damage to the immune system, weakening of the skin's inner tissue, and other types of skin cancers. In fact, studies show that large doses of UVA lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

From his research, Dr. David Sidransky concluded that UVA radiation causes the same damage as UVB radiation to skin cells which leading to cancer. In cases where exposure to light was increased, it was more likely that the damage would exceed the constructive, cellular-repair mechanisms, and a tumor would be more likely to develop.

A study conducted in Sweden helps to prove that tanning beds are a major factor in the development of malignant melanoma. Different people, all under the age of 30, were included in the study. The data concluded that the people who used tanning beds more than 10 times a year were seven times more likely to develop malignant melanoma than those who did not use tanning beds as often. Researchers estimated that by the year 2000, the risk of developing skin cancer for those who did not use tanning beds would be one out of every 97 persons, and that the chances for those who did use tanning beds would be one out of every 13 persons. The study also concluded that melanoma risks are increased by 300% for those using tanning beds occasionally, and that the risks increase by 800% for those who use tanning beds more than 10 times a year.

Dr. Douglas Reintgen believed that as long as tanning devices were not used in excess and the customer avoided burns, then the equipment could be considered safe.

However, it has been proven that tanning beds do cause sunburns, and are, therefore, dangerous. Actually,one sunburn doubles the risk of developing skin cancer.

Tanning is also skin damage. Although skin cancer has been associated with UVB radiation and sunburns, scientists say that even tanning in moderation produces the same harmful effects, as would a burn. Tanning causes premature aging, causing the skin to appear leathery and wrinkled, and also damages the immune system. Other sources reveal that tanning always damages the skin. Plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Johnson who treats skin cancer patients in 25% of his surgeries, declares, "There is no safe tan"

A number of various authorities warn the public of the dangers of tanning devices:

Dermatologists believe that tanning beds are a leading factor in skin cancer cases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists tanning beds as possible health hazards and the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourage people to avoid using tanning and sun lamps Even the American Medical Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) are fighting to ban the use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes.

Both types of UV radiation can cause damage to blood vessels, photosensitivity (allergic) reactions, or even eye damage). According to the CDC, tanning beds create problems in the eyes such as conjunctivitis and corneal infections. Ultraviolet rays can cause serious damage to the cornea and retina.

What are people's motives for tanning?

Why do people desire a tan? In general, most people are concerned about their appearance. It can be assumed that people desire to be considered beautiful by others and to have more pleasant features. The stereotypical good-looking person is usually a thin female or muscularly built male with nice, clean hair and bronze or tan skin.

In recent years there has been a tremendous amount of pressure placed upon females, especially teenagers, to become what the media considers to be a beautiful person. All this explains why more white female teens are using tanning equipment with disregard to medical warnings.

Why won't people listen?

Because of exposure to sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps, the number of skin cancer cases has increased dramatically. It has been predicted that this year, more than one million new skin cancer cases will be diagnosed. Also, malignant melanoma can be fatal if it is not detected early. This year in the United States, 38,000 cases and 7,300 deaths are being anticipated So, why are people not complying with the warnings? Why are people not changing poor skin care treatment?
Perhaps the public is not fully aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation. Most of skin cancer patients are over 50, but lately more teenagers have become victims, and this was probably due to the fact that now more than 2.5 million people are using tanning bed equipment daily (mostly teens).

Which group is right?

Although benefits do exist from choosing to use tanning beds over bathing outdoors in the sun, tanning bed industries have failed to mention many important and harmful risk factors of tanning equipment. The long-term effects of UVA radiation far exceed the short-term, ephemeral benefits, and trust should be placed into the hands of scientists, researchers, and doctors.

Have a beautiful Friday! ^_^