Retinol: One of the Best Over-the-counter Anti-wrinkle Ingredients
May 6, 2008
Dermatologists praise Retinol as an excellent over-the counter anti-wrinkle ingredient. Retinol creams work to soften lines and fade age spots.
WHAT IS RETINOL?
Retinol is the technical name for Vitamin A. Research suggests that topical Vitamin A can help build collagen fibers and exfoliate the skin, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines.
There are several forms of Vitamin A found in the body. Retinol is one of them; other forms include retinyl palmitate, retinal and retinoic acid. Renova and Retin-AŽ are retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin.
WHY USE A RETINOL CREAM?
Regular use of a retinol cream increases cell turnover and exfoliation by stimulating cell production and new collagen production. As we age, this process normally slows down and layers of dead, sun damaged skin cells build up on the skin. This causes our skin to look dull and thick; pores look large and we see the visible effects of sun damage such as age spots, uneven skin tone and less elasticity.
Using a retinol cream will encourage the exfoliation of these dead skin cells so healthier cells can surface. Skin will appear softer and smoother and pores will appear smaller. Skin will look younger and healthier. With the stimulation of collagen production, skin cells will be plumper, more like they were in our youth.
Flax Seed Oil and Wrinkles
May 5, 2008
Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Flax seed is packed with oils, fibers and protein that supply your body with essential fatty acids (EFAs), notably omega 6 (linoleic acid) and omega 3 (linolenic acid) fatty acids. Your body uses EFAs through hormone production, the metabolism of vitamins and protection at the cellular level. The lignans from flax seed hulls help control blood sugar and insulin, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Flax seed oil has also been shown to be helpful in reducing “bad” cholesterol. Deficiencies in EFAs have been found to be associated with eczema and dry skin. Some women have also found flax seed be helpful to in relieving hot flashes associated with menopause.
According to the Health Sciences Institute, the most effective and inexpensive way to eat flax seed is to grind it fresh and add it to cereal or juice. This is when the flax seed oil and fiber is the most potent (it starts to lose potency when exposed to air), and so you get the most benefit. Flax seed has a mild, nutty flavor and is much more palatable in the ground form than straight pressed flax seed oil. Further, one quarter cup of ground flax seed is the equivalent of 17 flax seed oil capsules, so there is substantial savings.
Sun Damage: A Major Cause of Wrinkling and Premature Aging
May 4, 2008
Most of us love the warmth of the sun, but over exposure can cause significant damage to our skin. The sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can cause our skin to dry out and lose essential oils and decades of tanning, burning and over exposure to the sun may cause changes in our skin’s structure.
Unprotected skin exposed to the sun can gradually lose essential oils, making it dry, flaky and prematurely wrinkled. Repeated episodes of sunburn, although they appear to heal on the surface, can lead to permanent skin damage over time.
Excessive over exposure to the sun can cause changes in the skin’s collagen called photoaging. These changes can take the form of wrinkles and fine lines, decreased skin elasticity (sagging skin), or a thickened skin textured. UV radiation can damage the collagen that supports the walls of the skin’s blood vessels, causing them to be more fragile. A symptom of this is easy bruising on sun-exposed areas such as the back of hands.
Over the years, repeated sunburns and unprotected exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancers including basal cell and malignant melanoma and other types of skin cancers..
Rabbit Jewelry: A Sign of Refinement
May 4, 2008
There is a certain delight that comes with the sight of rabbit jewelry. The motif is cute and cuddly, and the person wearing it may often be seen as fun to be with, whimsical and affectionate.
In this day and age, a person wearing rabbit jewelry was likely born in the year of the Rabbit, according to Chinese mythology. Actually, on the subject of the Chinese calendar, when we get down to technicalities, there is no Year of the Cat: legend has it that when the Lord Buddha was summoning the animals of the 12 major branches of the zodiac so he could give them unique talents, the Cat was unable to attend. Due to mix-ups over the centuries, some people born in the year of the Rabbit believe they were born on the year of the Cat.
People born in the year of the Rabbit ?- and by extension, those who wear rabbit jewelry — are smart, articulate, talented, virtuous, tactful, and often sophisticated. They may often not settle for second best, but they are resourceful enough to whip up the “best” in case nothing in their environment readily provides it. They are clever in doing business and conscientious at work. However, they are mostly conventional, stay-at-home types, rarely adventurous and somewhat picky. Rabbits go well with other introspective stay-at-home types, like the sheep/goat, the pig, or the dog.
How to Achieve Younger Looking Skin
May 3, 2008
HEALTHY SKIN BEGINS WITH THE BASICS.
Overexposure to the sun causes wrinkles and premature aging.
The most important thing you can do to help minimize wrinkles is to stay out of the sun. If you suntan now, you will pay for it later. Over time, exposure to the sun causes permanent damage to your skin. This causes freckling, dark spots, wrinkles, and thickening or roughening of the skin, and you can end up looking years older than your actual age. More seriously, it can also lead to skin cancer. Wearing a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection daily is a must. Don’t forget your lips-use a lip balm with sunscreen daily. A darker shade of lipstick will offer some additional protection. Some people who are sensitive to the sun also find excessive sun exposure aggravates/promotes cold sores.
Diet and Exercise Make a Difference.
Beauty Doesn?t Have To Be Expensive
May 2, 2008
Where do you buy your beauty supplies? If you buy them from a department store- you are paying way too much! I was a department store buyer for many years. I was hooked on a particular brand, and I thought that the products were only available at the department store. I was wrong. With a little bit of time and research, I was able to shave off 50% of my beauty supply bill. Imagine what you could do with the extra money. The process is actually really simple. All you have to do is find the right websites.
Many of us are hooked on a particular brand of beauty supplies. We have used them for years, and love the way that they make us look and feel. The price tag however isn’t very pretty. Try doing a search online for your favorite beauty products. You may find that auction sites such as EBay.com have really good deals. Make sure to find out about shipping and return policies. I am a sucker for a free shipping deal, so try to find them whenever possible. You may also be able to purchase the product directly from the manufacturer’s website. Look for online promotions that will give you discounts on the items you buy most. Coupon sites can give you even better discounts, so shop around.
What the Peat Bog People Can Tell Us About Beauty
May 1, 2008
Over the past centuries, remains of many hundreds of people– men, women, and children–have come to light in peat bogs in northwestern Europe, especially in Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, northern Germany, and Denmark. Peatlands are most extensive in northern regions. They develop where drainage of water is blocked, precipitation is retained, and decomposition of organic matter is slowed. Because of their highly acidic nature, wetness, low temperature, and absence of oxygen, northern bogs have become a repository of past life.
The bog people are amazingly well-preserved with fingernails, hair, and teeth in excellent condition. How is this possible when the dates range from 8000 B.C. to the early medieval times?
The peat (Moor Peat) contained in the bogs has amazing preserving properties which contribute to its ability to both combat aging and enhance health. Peat has excellent moisture- retaining qualities which improves skin elasticity.
When peat is applied to the skin, penetrates partially between the epidermis cells of the skin. A, producing an exchange reaction of ions is produced when the binding process with albumin in the skin occurs. The harmful positive ions in the skin tissues are exchanged for the rejuvenating negative ions in the moor peat. These particles are captured by the blood vessels in the system, carried throughout the body to help healing.
